The Catholic Morning Show

Today on the Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Ned Willkom of All Saints Catholic Parish in Boyd-Stanley-Cadott, Wisconsin, joins us for this week’s Second Sunday of Advent Gospel chat . He reflects on the themes of repentance, preparation, and hope that shape the Advent season and invites listeners to enter more deeply into Christ’s coming. Next, we welcome Dr. Charles Camosy , professor of moral the...

In this week’s reflection, Deacon Randy Kiel, M.A. , unpacks Isaiah 11 and the prophetic promise that a shoot will rise from the “stump”—or more accurately, the rootstock —of Jesse. Drawing from Hebrew imagery, he explains how the Davidic line, though seemingly destroyed in the Babylonian exile, would still bring forth the Messiah through God’s unstoppable life and fidelity. Deacon Randy also high...

Todd Dailey , CEO and Co-Founder of Eternize , shares the story behind the new wearable smart cross—a device crafted to help believers incorporate faith practices into everyday living through subtle, supportive technology. He explains how Eternize seeks to unite tradition and innovation. Press Kit: https://myeternize.com   #Eternize #FaithAndTechnology #CatholicInnovation #SmartCross #ToddDailey C...

Fr. Bruce Riebe , pastor of St. Andrew of Crete Byzantine Catholic Outreach of Iowa, joins us on the Feast of St. Nicholas to highlight the beauty, history, and theology of the Byzantine Catholic Church. He explains the Eastern Christian approach to worship, its connection to ancient Christianity, and why the Byzantine tradition is a vital part of the Catholic Church.   #ByzantineCatholic #FrBruce...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show, we welcome Deacon Randy Kiel, M.A. , founder of Kardia Counseling, to explore the connection between emotional wellness, spiritual growth, and the healing God desires for every person. Deacon Randy shares pastoral insights from his years of counseling work and the hope available to all who seek Christ’s restoration. Next, Fr. Bruce Riebe , pastor of St. Andrew o...

Steve Ray, Catholic convert, speaker, and best-selling Ignatius Press author, joins the show to help listeners understand the Immaculate Conception. He walks through the biblical foundations, historical development, and spiritual meaning of Mary being preserved from original sin, clarifying one of the most frequently confused Catholic teachings.   #SteveRay #ImmaculateConception #MaryMotherOfGod #...

Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC, a priest with the Legionaries of Christ, discusses the need for authentic leadership rooted in virtue, humility, and service. Drawing from his book Leader Like No Other , he offers insights for becoming a leader who reflects Christ in a world frequently marked by confusion and division. Book link: https://www.regnumchrististore.com/collections/regnum-christi-store/produ...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show, we welcome Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC , a priest of the Legionaries of Christ, to explore what it means to lead like Christ in a world starving for authentic, virtuous leadership. He shares themes from his book Leader Like No Other and offers practical ways to model Christ’s heart in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Purchase the book here: https://www.reg...

In this interview, Peter Carter—director of the Catholic Sacred Music Project and director of sacred music at both the Aquinas Institute of Princeton University and St. John the Baptist Church in Allentown, NJ—explores the renewal of sacred music in today’s Church. Drawing from his collaboration with Robert Cardinal Sarah, he reflects on the Church’s rich musical heritage, current liturgical chall...

Bo and Matt reflect on the essential role that youth retreats and small groups play in passing on the Catholic faith. Drawing on their own experience, they explain how seemingly small or fleeting moments can become powerful turning points for young people as they mature and deepen in their relationship with Christ. #YouthRetreats #TeenFaith #CatholicYouth #SmallGroups #FaithFormation #CatholicMorn...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show, Bo Bonner and Matt Wilkom discuss the unseen but lasting impact that retreats and small groups can have on kids and teenagers. Even when young people seem disengaged, these moments often plant the seeds of faith that grow later in life. In the second half of the show, Bo and Matt welcome Peter Carter , director of the Catholic Sacred Music Project, as well as di...

Drew Croegaert and Peyton Jameson  – Drew and Peyton, Serva Fidem Coordinators at Dowling Catholic High School, explain the mission of Serva Fidem and highlight the exciting events on the horizon. They share what inspires them in their roles and why they are passionate about helping students live out the Serva Fidem mission. Learn more about Serva Fidem:  https://www.servafidem.org/ Become a Serva...

Susan Joy Bellavance – Susan discusses her book This Little Light of Thine , sharing the inspiration behind it and her deep love for the Catholic Church. She reflects on the radiant light of Christ present in the tabernacle and how that truth shapes her storytelling. Find the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/this-little-light-of-thine/ Explore more of her work: https://www.bellacorabooks....

Today’s show features two inspiring conversations rooted in faith and mission. First, author Susan Joy Bellavance joins us to share the heart behind her book This Little Light of Thine . She reflects on the beauty of the Catholic faith, the light of Christ present in the tabernacle, and how that divine inspiration shapes her storytelling. We then welcome Drew Croegaert and Peyton Jameson , Serva F...

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 information on our website. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr....

From all of us here at The Catholic Morning Show—Bo, Elise, Ayden, Alexia, and the whole Iowa Catholic Radio family—we want to wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving! Today we pause to thank God for His abundant graces, the gift of faith, and for you, our listeners, who join us each day in prayer, learning, humor, and authentic Catholic conversation. May this Thanksgivi...

John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, joins the show to discuss entering Thanksgiving with a spirit of encounter. He highlights how family and community involvement are central to Catholic Social Teaching and shares practical ways to approach family dynamics with compassion as we enter Advent. Learn more about Catholic Charities Des Moines: ht...

Executive Director of Iowa Catholic Radio, Deacon Mark Campbell, shares a year-in-review of the station’s mission, growth, and blessings. Looking ahead to 2026, he underscores the importance of remaining spiritually awake during Advent. This season is not a time for relaxation, he says, but a call to prepare actively for the coming of Christ. Learn more: https://iowacatholicradio.com #Advent #Iowa...

Deacon Mark Campbell, Executive Director of Iowa Catholic Radio, looks back on the station’s accomplishments in 2025 and offers a hopeful vision for 2026. As Advent approaches, he encourages listeners to stay spiritually engaged and embrace the season of preparation. Next, we welcome John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities. John discusses how Tha...

Madison Cipoletti, Creative Lead for Our Holy Home and Sock Religious, discusses a brand-new line of Catholic Christmas cards created in collaboration with sacred artists. These designs reclaim Advent and Christmas imagery focused on Christ, rather than consumerism. See the collection and press kit: https://ourholyhome.com/pages/presskit #CatholicArt #Advent #CatholicChristmas #OurHolyHome #Cathol...

Charlie McKinney, Publisher of Sophia Institute Press and President of Sophia Institute for Teachers, CrisisMagazine.com, and CatholicExchange.com, discusses the mission of Sophia Institute and their newest offering, Saintifi , a digital resource dedicated to deepening Catholic learning and spiritual formation. Learn more: https://saintifi.com/ #SophiaInstitute #Saintifi #CatholicFormation #Cathol...

Charlie McKinney – Publisher and President of Sophia Institute Press, Sophia Institute for Teachers, Crisis Magazine, and CatholicExchange.com. Charlie discusses upcoming initiatives and resources supporting Catholics today, including Saintifi , a new digital experience for Catholic formation. Saintifi: https://saintifi.com/ Madison Cipoletti – Product Team Lead for Our Holy Home and creative lead...

Greg Willits, founder of Rosary Army, reflects on the importance of the rosary, daily spiritual surrender, and the inspiration behind his latest book, God Doesn’t Hate Me After All . He also shares how his apostolate helps Catholics rediscover trust in God through formation, prayer resources, and personal testimony. Book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all #GregWilli...

Sheila Thelen shares the story of how the St. Monica Ministry emerged within the Milford and Spirit Lake parishes. The ministry provides spiritual support, prayer, and fellowship for Catholics who are praying for spouses, children, and family members to return to a life of faith. Article: https://lumenmedia.org/news/milford-and-spirit-lake-parishes-offer-st-monica-ministry #StMonicaMinistry #Catho...

Sheila Thelen shares how the St. Monica Ministry began in Milford and Spirit Lake parishes, offering support, prayer, and communal hope for those praying loved ones back to the faith. Later, Greg Willits joins us to discuss his work with a major international rosary apostolate and the message behind his newest book, reminding Catholics that God’s love endures even in seasons of struggle and discou...