The Catholic Morning Show

Renee Roden delivers her final religion-and-technology report examining: • The controversy surrounding Catholic AI tools • Concerns about responsibility and truth in chatbot-generated theology • The importance of real human encounter in evangelization • How AI might assist — but never replace — the Church’s mission • Why human presence remains essential in a digital world A thoughtful send-off exp...

Catholic author and speaker Melissa Overmyer discusses her book Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy , published by Ascension Press. In this conversation: • Why love is the foundation of happiness • How tragedy shaped her spiritual journey • The “BLESSED” framework for daily joyful living • Practical habits for building faith-centered joy • How Scripture supports l...

Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, reflects on: • The connection between Adam and Eve, King David’s repentance, and Christ in the desert • The three classic temptations: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life • Why temptation itself is not sin • How prayer, fasting, and confession help us remain spiritually free • How Lent strengthens our relationship wit...

• Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, walks through the Sunday readings — from the Fall in Genesis to Psalm 51 and Christ’s temptation in the desert — showing how Lent calls us to repentance, responsibility for sin, prayer, fasting, and confession. • Catholic speaker and author Melissa Overmyer shares insights from her new book Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trust...

Catholic author Sylvia Dorham introduces her new children’s book The Monks Stand Guard , published by TAN Books. In this conversation: • How monastic life inspired the story • Teaching children to “take thoughts captive” • Helping kids understand temptation and virtue • The hidden messages parents can share through children’s stories • Why Catholic children’s books are vital for early faith format...

Adam Storey, canon lawyer for the Diocese of Des Moines, discusses: • Why the liturgical year is part of Church law • How law organizes worship for the good of the faithful • The difference between liturgical law and sacramental law • Why Lent’s disciplines help orient our hearts toward grace • How Church structure supports spiritual growth A fascinating look at the spiritual purpose behind the Ch...

Christ the King Parish Deacon Randy Kiel prepares us for the upcoming Sunday readings by exploring: • Why Genesis includes two creation accounts • God breathing life into humanity • The meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge • How free will and temptation shaped salvation history • How Christ, the “New Adam,” restores humanity A powerful start to the Lenten season and our walk towar...

• Deacon Randy Kiel helps listeners unpack the Genesis creation account, original sin, and the promise of salvation as we begin our Lenten journey toward the Cross and Resurrection. • Adam Storey, canon lawyer for the Diocese of Des Moines, explains how the Church’s liturgical year is actually part of canon law — and how its rhythms orient our lives toward Christ and the mysteries of salvation. •...

Author and speaker Emily Jaminet helps listeners begin Lent with clarity and purpose. In this conversation she discusses: • The meaning of “rend your hearts, not your garments” • Why Lent is a season of “yes,” not just sacrifice • How prayer, fasting, and almsgiving transform the heart • Teaching children to live Lent with intentional faith • The importance of the Sacred Heart devotion in Catholic...

Catholic author, speaker, and broadcaster Katie Prejean McGrady shares the inspiration behind her newest family faith resource. She explains: • Why parents must lead their children’s sacramental formation • How families can make Sunday Mass the “anchor” of the week • Practical conversations parents should have with children about Communion • Encouraging long-term Catholic practice beyond sacrament...

Today’s Catholic Morning Show helps listeners enter Lent with purpose and hope. Emily Jaminet reflects on Ash Wednesday and the Lenten call to conversion, explaining how devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps shape daily prayer, sacrifice, and acts of charity. She shares practical ways families can live Lent intentionally and open their hearts more fully to Christ. Learn more about her work a...

Bo, Matt, Alexia, and Ayden discuss the origins of Mardi Gras and its Catholic background. “Mardi Gras,” meaning Fat Tuesday , developed as the final day before Ash Wednesday — historically a time when Catholics used up rich foods and prepared spiritually for Lent through fasting, prayer, and repentance. The crew talks about: • The historical Catholic roots of the celebration • Why feasting came b...

Stephanie Parks discusses her new book on Michelle Duppong , a FOCUS missionary and Catholic leader remembered for her radiant faith, joyful evangelization, and profound witness during terminal illness. Michelle’s life continues to inspire young Catholics, missionaries, and families through her example of trusting God completely, embracing suffering with peace, and living mission first. Find the b...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show: Stephanie Parks — High School Campus Minister, Writer, Editor, and Speaker Stephanie joins us to discuss her new book on Michelle Duppong , a beloved Catholic missionary, FOCUS leader, and young woman whose profound faith during her battle with cancer touched thousands and sparked a growing devotion across the Church. Her story is one of heroic trust, missionary...

Danielle Fennessy from the Diocese of Sioux City joins us to preview the upcoming TURN Conference in Jefferson on February 28th, featuring keynote speaker Bishop Keehner. She discusses how youth conferences provide formation, fellowship, and real encounters with Christ that help young people live their Catholic faith with confidence. #CatholicYouth #TURNConference #CatholicFormation #DioceseOfSiou...

Max McLean, founder of the Fellowship for Performing Arts, discusses the nationally touring production of The Screwtape Letters , the theatrical adaptation of the beloved C.S. Lewis classic exploring the struggle for the human soul through the perspective of a senior demon. Learn more or find tour information: https://screwtapeonstage.com/   #CSLewis #ScrewtapeLetters #ChristianTheater #CatholicAr...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show: 🎭 Max McLean — Founder and Artistic Director of the Fellowship for Performing Arts — joins us to discuss the acclaimed stage production of The Screwtape Letters , the powerful theatrical adaptation of the classic C.S. Lewis work exploring spiritual warfare and the battle for the human soul. McLean’s company produces theater from a Christian worldview and has to...

The inspiration behind the 7 Deadly Dragons Teaching virtue through storytelling Helping children understand spiritual warfare The mission of Extraordinary Mission Learn more: https://extraordinarymission.com/ https://extraordinarymission.com/pages/7-deadly-dragons #7DeadlyDragons #CatholicBooks #CatholicParents #VirtueFormation #SpiritualWarfare #CatholicAuthor #ExtraordinaryMission #FaithFilledF...

The mission of Mercy College of Health Sciences Role of Mission & Campus Culture in Catholic higher education Student stories of faith growth Creating a culture of encounter and discipleship Learn more: https://www.mchs.edu/ #MercyCollege #CatholicEducation #CampusMinistry #FaithOnCampus #CatholicLeadership #DeaconLife #CatholicCollege Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Bak...

Reflection on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Trusting in God versus relying on worldly security Living the Beatitudes in daily life Practical application for families and individuals #SundayGospel #OrdinaryTime #CatholicReflection #TrustInGod #Beatitudes #CatholicPriest #LiveTheGospel Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS...

Fr. Ben Valentine reflects on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time What it means to trust in God amid life’s challenges The mission and Catholic identity of Mercy College of Health Sciences Real stories of college students growing in their faith The inspiration behind the 7 Deadly Dragons How Catholic storytelling can help children understand virtue and spiritual warfare Learn more abo...

Steve Havemann and Holly Dommer discuss how the Freeze Out Hunger Campaign supports local families facing food insecurity and how listeners can get involved through St. Vincent de Paul – Des Moines. #FaithInAction #EndHunger Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram , and Youtube ! You can also find more...

Robert Peek, editor at Cor Jesu Press, joins the show to talk about The Love of Jesus Crucified by St. Alphonsus Liguori — a direct, uncompromising call to deeper love for Christ. Learn more: https://corjesupress.com/products/the-love-of-jesus-crucified #TheCross #CatholicSpirituality Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us...

In this week’s reflection on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time , Deacon Randy Kiel focuses on the first reading from Sirach 15:15–20 — a direct and challenging reminder that God sets before us life and death, fire and water, good and evil. Sirach makes it clear: God does not force our hand. He gives us freedom, but we are accountable for how we use it. This reading confronts modern excuses and calls...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show: Dcn. Randy Kiel — 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection What does Jesus really mean when He says, “Blessed are you who are poor”? Deacon Randy Kiel dives into the first and second readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time and unpacks the spiritual stakes behind the Beatitudes. Read the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfm Robert P...