The Catholic Morning Show

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh prepare listeners for Holy Trinity Sunday with a thoughtful reflection from Deacon Randy Kiel on the readings from Exodus and 2 Corinthians. Later, Dr. Dora Jung joins the show to discuss her new role as Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Sioux City, sharing her journey from Mexico to Cath...

John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, discusses the growing number of young people entering the Catholic Church and what is driving this unexpected trend. He reflects on how digital life, social media, and cultural fragmentation have created both connection and deep loneliness among young adults. John explains that beneath the noise of modern...

Jessica Pancho, Director of Youth Evangelization for the Diocese of Des Moines, joins The Catholic Morning Show to explain the deeper spiritual meaning of quinceañeras beyond cultural celebration. She discusses how the Church accompanies young women turning fifteen by helping them understand their identity as beloved daughters of God. The conversation explores the symbols used in the quinceañera t...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, the team welcomes two special guests exploring faith, culture, and formation in the Diocese of Des Moines. First, Jessica Pancho , Director of Youth Evangelization, shares the spiritual meaning behind quinceañeras and the Church’s efforts to form young women in their identity as beloved daughters of God. From symbols like the crown and medal to retreat preparation...

Author Kate Clinch joins Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh to discuss her novel Every Inch a Saint , inspired by the life of Servant of God Eileen O’Connor. Despite severe illness and physical suffering from childhood, Eileen O’Connor founded a religious nursing order dedicated to serving the poor and sick in Australia. Kate shares why she chose to tell Eileen’s story through hist...

Kris Frank joins Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh to discuss the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and the inspiring “One Nation Under God” online lecture series launching this June. Kris shares how the pilgrimage will travel from Florida to Maine before concluding in Philadelphia, bringing Eucharistic witness and renewal to millions along the route. He also explains the vision beh...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh return after Memorial Day weekend with conversations on faith, technology, and the Eucharistic revival happening across the country. The show opens with discussion surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s newly released encyclical on artificial intelligence and the dignity of the human person, exploring how Catholic...

What exactly is a parish? Are parish boundaries still relevant today? Adam Storey, Vice Chancellor for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Des Moines, joins the Catholic Morning Show to unpack the Church’s understanding of parish life through the lens of canon law. The conversation explores territorial parishes, the rise of Catholics attending churches outside their geographic boundaries, and how...

Jim Murray joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss his upcoming role as interim superintendent for the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Sioux City. Drawing from decades of experience in public education, Murray shares his passion for leadership, relationship-building, and supporting students and teachers. He discusses the strengths of Catholic schools, the importance of Catholic identity in e...

Fr. Chris Reising joins the Catholic Morning Show to reflect on Pentecost Sunday and the powerful transformation of the apostles through the Holy Spirit. He explores the meaning of Pentecost as the manifestation of the Church, the connection between the Eucharist and the Church’s foundation, and how Catholics today are called to live their faith boldly and publicly. Fr. Chris encourages listeners...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, the team reflects on Pentecost Sunday and what it means to live boldly as disciples of Christ. Fr. Chris Reising shares a deep reflection on the manifestation of the Church through the Holy Spirit and encourages listeners to publicly witness their faith with courage and joy. Later, Jim Murray discusses his upcoming role as interim superintendent for th...

Ed Van Buskirk, founder of “If You Love Me,” returns to the Catholic Morning Show to discuss the Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and mother. The conversation explores how this commandment extends beyond childhood obedience and calls Christians to honor parents throughout every stage of life, especially as they age and need support. Ed shares insights on forgiveness, healing family wounds, mo...

Patty Origer and Marsha Fisher join the Catholic Morning Show to share details about an upcoming Adel job fair dedicated to connecting people with opportunities to serve individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the dignity of every person and the importance of relationships, caregiving, and community support. Patty and Marsha explain the wide variety of needs within disability ca...

As the Church prepares to celebrate Pentecost, Dcn. Randy Kiel offers a rich reflection on the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2. He explains the meaning behind the rushing wind and tongues of fire, connecting the imagery to Genesis, Moses, and the mission of the Church. Dcn. Kiel highlights how the disciples spoke in the languages of the people gathered from across the world, proclaimin...

The Catholic Morning Show begins with a powerful reflection on Pentecost as Dcn. Randy Kiel unpacks the imagery of wind, fire, and the Holy Spirit from Acts chapter 2. He explains how the first Pentecost still speaks to Christians today, calling believers to proclaim God’s works boldly and lovingly in the world. The show also highlights an upcoming Adel job fair aimed at connecting compassionate i...

Emily Jaminet returns to the Catholic Morning Show to discuss the upcoming consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by the U.S. bishops. Emily explains the spiritual significance of consecration, the importance of reparation and enthronement, and how Catholics can welcome Christ’s kingship into their homes and daily lives. Topics include: What it means to consecrate a nation...

Patrick Novecosky joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss his upcoming book Icons of Mercy and the remarkable relationship between St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa. Patrick reflects on meeting Pope John Paul II five times and shares insights into how these two modern saints worked together to promote Divine Mercy, human dignity, and the Gospel throughout a turbulent twentieth century. The...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh begin the morning reflecting on the Prayer of Abandonment by St. Charles de Foucauld before diving into a powerful discussion on Eric Church’s commencement speech and the six “strings” of life: faith, family, marriage, perseverance, community, and identity. Patrick Novecosky joins the show to share stories from hi...

Pianist and educator Brian Billion joins the Catholic Morning Show to preview his upcoming concert at the Des Moines Meeting on June 6. Brian shares: His journey into classical piano performance Why beauty and music matter in the Christian life The spiritual depth of composers like Chopin and Rachmaninoff How sacred and classical music can elevate the soul toward God Brian also discusses the conne...

Dominican priest Fr. James Dominic Brent, OP joins Deacon Mark Campbell to discuss his book The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity and the upcoming audiobook release. Fr. Brent explains how the Christian life answers the deepest questions of the human heart: What is the purpose of life? Who am I? How do I find love? Drawing from Scripture, theology, the Beatitudes, and the life of...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Mark Campbell, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s first year as pope and his prayer intention that all people may have food and nourishment. Fr. James Dominic Brent, OP of the Dominican Order joins the show to discuss his book The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity . He explores the three fundamental questio...

Mental Health Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to discuss the relationship between faith, emotional health, and healing. Barbara Graham and Abby Fouch from Catholic Charities join the Catholic Morning Show to talk about supporting mental wellness through compassionate counseling and practical spiritual tools. In this conversation: Abby shares her passion for helping young people f...

Dr. Dan Ryan, president of Dowling Catholic High School, joins Deacon Mark Campbell to discuss the future of Catholic education in central Iowa through Dowling Catholic’s major campus expansion initiative. The conversation explores: The origins of the $76 million campaign Plans for enhanced campus security and a centralized entrance New dining and common areas designed to foster student community...

Deacon Mark Campbell joins Alexia Baker and Ayden Pugh for a meaningful Monday edition of the Catholic Morning Show. The team begins with prayer for communities impacted by severe weather across Iowa and Nebraska before diving into a packed morning of conversation and inspiration. Dr. Dan Ryan, president of Dowling Catholic High School, shares a major update on the school’s transformational campus...

Rebekah Hagen joins the Catholic Morning Show ahead of the upcoming InnerVisions Healthcare Gala to share her deeply personal testimony about unplanned pregnancy, chemical abortion, abortion pill reversal, and the healing power of compassionate, faith-filled support. Rebekah discusses: The realities of chemical abortion How pregnancy resource centers transform lives Why churches must actively supp...