Let There Be Light with Mary Caltrider

Paul Cook is a TV news anchor. Prior to his time on screens, he spent over 20 years in the radio industry. While he’s been a public, media personality for decades, Paul still had his struggles! In his book, “Cooked in LA,” Paul shares an in-depth look at his journey into addiction and recovery. In this week’s episode, we breakdown his story like when he first began his struggle with alcoholism, hi...

What are virtues? How can we grow in virtue? What virtues were we gifted at our baptism? How can we better receive these gifts? Your questions…answered! This week, we welcome Sister John Dominic to the show. We chat all about virtues and how true freedom comes from living a virtuous life. It’s a must listen! For further resources/the virtues quiz, visit here.

Our last episode from Destination Jesus 2025! This week, I welcome Catholic Speaker, Brian Greenfield. Brian shares how his own Faith life formed throughout college. He touches on today’s culture and what it takes to follow Christ. He also opens up about vulnerability, specifically for me. Brian also shares some tips to better open up to the love of God and others. It was lovely! Please enjoy!

During our live recordings at Destination Jesus 2025, we thought it might be fun to have the high schoolers take the mic! On this bonus episode, I ask attendees for some insight on their DJ experience. Plus, I ask what living out their Faith looks like in high school. All I have to say is…the future is bright! Special thanks to these students for sharing a bit of their story.

Live from Destination Jesus 2025…PART TWO! On this week’s episode, we chat with Father Richard Doerr. Father Richard is the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel, Indiana. Father Richard opens up about being the ‘crisis priest.’ He talks about his work with those who struggle with addiction and mental health illnesses. Father Richard touches on the love of God, the Father. Specifically, he...

‘Let There Be Light’ hits the road! This interview was done live at Destination Jesus 2025. Our first live guest is Kim Zember! Kim is a speaker, author, missionary and of course, was the emcee for DJ 2025. Kim travels across the globe sharing how we are all called to step into the truth of our identity: children who are boldly beloved by the heart of God the Father! No matter what sins we struggl...

This week, I am joined by the most wonderful and kindest soul, Mary Serafino! Mary is the Communications Manager at the Catholic Leadership Institute where she helps with the formation of priests, bishops, religious, deacons and lay persons. Prior to this, she worked for Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. An active member at the historic Basilica of St. Louis the King, “The Old Cathedral,” Mary is also a c...

It is a story of resilience, family and faith. Sam Goodwin was attempting to become one of the few people in history to travel to every single country on the planet. During his travels, Goodwin vanished in a supposed safe-zone run by the Kurds on the Turkish border. What followed was an extraordinary fight to bring him home. In this episode, Sam shares how he was able to find his way home. He also...

New episode, new SEASON! It is good to be back. To kick off season 2, we welcome Sr. Orianne Dyck, FSP. Sr. Orianne grew up in Canada where she was a teacher prior to joining the Daughters of St. Paul. Some might recognize Sr. Orianne from her engaging and inspiring Instagram reels. So, of course, we chat about social media! What it means to be a Christian online? How to have a healthy relationshi...

Deacon Rick has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal throughout Catholic schools for over 30 years! And now, he serves as President of St. Theodore Guerin High School in Indianapolis. We chat about why God needs storytellers, how to be a better storyteller, and also the importance of vulnerability. We discuss how we can find power in our own stories. Deacon Rick shares about his...

Do exorcisms still happen today? How do you differentiate possession from mental health disorders? How can you protect yourself from evil? Class is in session! This week's episode, Mary chats with Jane Guenther. Jane is the Director at the Catholic Renewal Center for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Her role includes promoting the Holy Spirit. However, it also includes handling all incoming requests...

I am so pleased to welcome...Sister M. Karolyn Nunes! Sister first entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in 2005. A native of Rhode Island, she is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville having received a Bachelor’s degree in Theology with a concentration in Religious Education and a Masters in Evangelization. Over the past 17 years, she has worked in the field of...

Let's talk about THE EUCHARIST! Dr. Feingold is a Professor of Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He is the author of  The Eucharist: Mystery of Presence, Sacrifice, and Communion (2018) ;  Faith Comes from What Is Heard: An Introduction to Fundamental Theology (2016) ; a three-volume series entitled  The Mystery of Israel and the Church (2010); and  The Natural Desire to See God A...

Have you ever thought...if only I was a monk hidden in a cave, THEN I could be holy? Or, have you wondered how could you possibly praise God when you spend your days at a 9-5 job? Are you feeling exhausted and stuck in the monotony of life? Well, that’s what you can learn from…the Bread Monk!  Father Dominic Garramone is a monk of  Saint Bede Abbey  in Peru IL where he is the chaplain. He certainl...

Today's guest is an absolute dream come true! Stasi Eldredge. Stasi is a New York Times Best-Selling author who is most known for her book, "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul." "Captivating" has sold over 3 millions copies across the globe. In the episode, Stasi shares her incredible testimony about finding God after a life of drugs and partying. She...

BOILER UP. HAMMER DOWN. HAIL PURDUE! What a joy it was to be reunited with the previous pastor of St. Tom's at Purdue University, Father Patrick Baikauskas. Do not worry IU fans...you will enjoy this episode, too! Father Patrick is now the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and serves as the Director of the Center for Community Engagement at the Aquinas Institute of Theology. He share...

This week, I interview Brian Miller. Brian is the Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He has a master’s degrees in Theology from the Augustine Institute in Colorado. More recently, you can find Brian behind the mic for, "GO & MAKE." The archdiocese of St. Louis’s podcast that brings weekly content on evangelization and mission for everyday li...

Today, we welcome Kelsey Gillespy to Let There Be Light! When Kelsey first became a mom, she was an ESPN Academic All-American and an award-winning writer. After having her first child, however, Kelsey discovered that motherhood was by far the most difficult thing she had ever done. Now five (soon to be six) babies later, she has found that being a mother can be beautiful and fulfilling, and a lil...

Class is in session! On episode 5, I talk with the Sacred Scripture expert, Father Charlie Samson. Fr. Samson was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 2013. He then was sent to Rome to do advanced studies in theology, Sacred Scripture, and Biblical and modern languages. He now teaches Scripture at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. So, yes. We chat about the Bible! Best practices to study...

For episode 4, I had the honor of interviewing Colleen Carroll Campbell. Colleen is an award-winning author, print and broadcast journalist and former presidential speech writer for President George W. Bush. Her books include her critically acclaimed journalistic study, "The New Faithful," her spiritual memoir, "My Sisters the Saints," and finally her award-winning release, &qu...

Would you stop for the stranger pulled on the side of the road? Are you being called to change? Or perhaps needing to give something up? On episode 3, I interview Father Chris Martin. Father Martin is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis where he serves as the vicar for Parish Mission and Vitality. He shares his experience with change, and how to navigate change in our lives. We also chat abou...

On episode 2, I welcome my very dear friend, Sister Margaret Michael from the Daughters of St. Paul (AKA the #media nuns!). We chat about how to live hopeful lives, detaching from worrying, and discerning the desires of our heart. Sister Margaret Michael also shares her own experience with grief and suffering. This episode truly does find...beauty in the broken! Enjoy!

It is safe to say that I could not have asked for a better first guest! Father Conor Sullivan is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as well as a licensed psychologist providing services both to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. We chat techniques when battling both depression and anxiety as well as tools for mindfulness. Fr. Conor also shares how spirituality plays a...

Hi, my name is Mary! I am a TV News Anchor with a passion for 'good news.' Still, in the fast paced world of live television, I find myself wanting to go beyond the usual 3 minute interviews. Enter Let There Be Light. I hope you join me on this new adventure. Happy listening!