Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

In this episode , Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into the remarkable election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope — a native of the South Side of Chicago and a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. But this papacy is more than historic; it’s deeply symbolic and theologically rich. They explore: Why the name “Leo” matters: a conscious link to Pope Leo XIII, architect of modern Catholic Social...

In this insightful episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa welcome Nathan Pinkoski, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and columnist for Compact Magazine. In this discussion, Pinkoski delves into his recent article, "Pope Francis’s Managerial Revolution", offering a nuanced critique of Pope Francis's papacy.​ Pinkoski explores how Pope Francis embr...

On this week’s episode of the "Spe Salvi Institute Podcast," Andrew and Bobby chat with Trevor Cribben Merrill (producer) and Sam Sorich (producer and director) to discuss their compelling new documentary, "Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard." We encourage listeners to view the documentary for content before listening to the podcast episode: https://youtu.be/L-vB1HaBsog?feature=shar...

April 2, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II. In commemoration of this great saint, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa reflect on his life and enduring legacy—particularly his engagement with Europe. They also explore the Christian Humanism expressed in his writings and its relevance for our time.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Lo...

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shar...

Roy Peachey joins Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book Travels in Radical Christianity which explores various communities, movements, and religious orders that seek to live out the radicality of the Gospel. Additionally, they discuss Roy’s work on Catholic education and practical ways to transform it step by step.

In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience. As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the comple...

In this episode, D.C. Schindler elaborates on why he sees a theology of work as the second part of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Perceptions of work are not theologically neutral. The Greeks and Jews had different perceptions of work. Schindler claims Christianity is a synthesis of both but sees modernity as a distortion of the Christian synthesis. Learn more how to retrieve a healthy under...

Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.

The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society”  h...

In this episode, we are joined by novelist and critic, Joshua Hren, to discuss his new novel Blue Walls Falling Down . The novel has already received much praise. Publisher Angelico Press describes the novel as follows: “Written with a style and sensibility that have been compared to David Foster Wallace and Dostoevsky, James Joyce and Saul Bellow, Blue Walls Falling Down chronicles the eternal qu...

"The last things all hinge on death. Death is the passage that leads to judgment, purgatory, resurrection, and so forth,” writes theologian Andrew T.J. Kaethler, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Catholic Pacific College, in his recent article “Eschatology: Dying to Live.” In this episode, we discuss with Prof. Kaethler this article and his book The Eschatological Person: Alexan...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Rodney Howsare, a professor of theology, to discuss his recent thought-provoking article in Catholic World Report titled "Secularism and Catholic Higher Education in America.” Dr. Howsare explores the challenges facing Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S., as they navigate an increasingly secular culture and how secularism has, in many respects, becom...

Nathan Pinkoski delves into his thought-provoking perspectives on the intersections of religion, culture, and politics. Pinkoski discusses his recent talk, “Catholicism and the Necessity of Nationalism,” where he explores the crucial role of Catholicism in shaping national identity and its potential to revitalize a sense of community and purpose in the modern world. The conversation also touches o...

In this interview, we sit down with renowned theologian and philosopher, John Milbank, to discuss his recent article in the Catholic Herald, "Taking Stock of the UK Riots: Catholicism and the Crisis of Anglo-Celtic Identity." Milbank delves into the underlying cultural and spiritual crises that he believes have contributed to the social unrest and identity struggles in the UK.  

Check out our in-depth exploration of Theology of the Body! In this video, we take a deep dive into the profound teachings of Pope John Paul II on the Theology of the Body. This series of lectures, delivered between 1979 and 1984, offers a revolutionary understanding of human sexuality, love, and the human body through a theological lens. Whether you’re new to this topic or looking to deepen your...

In this episode, Tracey Rowland, a prominent theologian and winner of the prestigious Ratzinger Prize (2020), discusses her book Beyond Kant and Nietszche: A Munich Defence of Christian Humanism, where she explores the limitations of modern philosophy and the contributions of six Christian humanists. She also reflects on her extensive work on Pope Benedict XVI, highlighting his theological insight...

Theologian and expert on the Camino de Santiago Fr. Piotr Roszak explores with us the nature of pilgrimage and its significance in religious history. In recent years, making pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago has become very popular. Fr. Roszak explains why pilgrimage unveils our humanity and is an expression of hope. Pilgrimage just might be the practice needed in our despairing times.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of European politics! In this episode, François Valentin delves into various political landscapes, starting with an in-depth analysis of France. He explores the nuances of French politics and extend their conversation to broader European political themes. Key Topics Discussed: - Overview of the French political scene - The impact of recent...

In this podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and why they believe these works are essential reading for our times. Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom found in these literary masterpieces.

Dr. Jared Zimmerer, the Content Marketing Director and Great Books adjunct professor for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, joins us to discuss the value of studying the Humanities, especially the Great Books, and the formation of the moral imagination. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Russell Kirk and Christian humanists who were trying to remind the West of what T.S. Eliot call...

In this episode, Kathleen Carr, founder of the Catholic Art Institute, joins us to discuss a pressing issue in the world of art education – the decline of teaching great art in contemporary art schools. Join us as we explore the rich legacy of classical art education, the skills and techniques that defined masterpieces, and why these traditional methods are fading away in modern curricula.

Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute, joins Bobby Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book The Mind of Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion. Richard’s systematic presentation of Benedict’s thought demonstrates why Benedict should be considered one of the great theological minds of the last century.