The Unlikely Catholic Podcast

This week, Steve Mancini and Chris Gonzalez interview filmmakers, Jeff Balmert and John Rokosz.  Jeff and John, founders of White Ball Productions, show us that faith and a good story are still in demand.  Their latest film, "Grandpa and Shorty" is a powerful film wherein we see the challenges of veterans returning from war and those who try to understand them.  You can learn more about Jeff and J...

This week Chris and Steve interview Dr. Frank Hartle.  Frank has a very wonderful story of going from baptized Catholic, to non-practicing Catholic to full blown, both feet in the water Catholic!  This is a very entertaining episode which truly gives you a lot to think about.  Frank also recently began a very enjoyable podcast wherein he provides a different perspective on the weekly readings.  Ab...

This week, Steve and Chris interview Stephen Pishner.   A lifelong catholic but with a very interesting story.  Stephen holds a Bachelors in Music Education with an emphasis in Pipe Organ.  He is the Director of Music and Liturgy at All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport WV and is a published composer with G.I.A. Publications Inc., Chicago Ill.  He has composed numerous liturgical songs.  His pi...

This week, Chris and Steve talk confession.  There are an incredible amount of benefits that come with regular confession attendance and we think Catholics are missing them.  Tune in and we think you'll be very motivated after hearing this one!  ...and remember, sharing is caring so if you enjoy the episodes, please consider sharing with friends and family.

In this episode, Chris and Steve interview author, Lou Bruno.   Lou's book, "The Love of San Demetrio", is an authentic read into family struggles and travels but contains some beautiful and touching moments, including Lou's travels to Rome.  In it, he discovers how connecting to the physical world also helps with faith.  To learn more about Lou, check out his site here:  www.byloubruno.com

This week's guest, Mike Lynch, talks about the importance of fraternity.  There is still clearly a need for fellowship among Catholic men and the Knights of Columbus offers exactly that.  For more information, feel free to call Mike at (412) 795 7679 or visit https://kofcpennsylvania.org/

This is an important episode with the holiday season upon us.  We need to understand what does it me when we say we are thankful and to whom are we being thankful.  A great episode to get you ready for the holidays and something to talk about with the family! 

In this week's episode, Chris and Steve talk about the challenges of 'letting go'.  But what does that even mean?   Tune in to understand what it means to 'let go' and why it is important.

This week we interview Doug Derda.  Doug is Knight of Columbus and a 'digital Jedi' who understands the pros and cons of the digital media age and its role in evangelizing.  It can either bring people to God or totally corrupt them!  Doug helps us learn how to navigate the dangers of today's saturated digital era.  You can also learn about Doug's efforts with the Knights here:  https://southhillsk...

This week, Chris, Chris, and Steve are joined by seminarian, Chris Baker.  This is a truly powerful conversation on what we need to do to continue growing the church.  The discussion isn't limited to clergy being the shepherds either, you will soon realize we all have a leadership calling with something to offer.

Have you ever heard of the term, "Servant Leader"?  It is has become important in many organizations but did you know it is essentially biblically derived?  Learn more as we discuss the Servant Leader in this week's podcast with Chris, Chris, and Steve .

In this week's episode, Chris and Steve discuss the importance of patriotism.  A lot of people do not understand the biblical principle of being loyal to one's leadership/country.  However, there is a difference to blind loyalty to immoral leaders and that which is required of good citizens.  This is a very interesting episode sure to make you think about why it is important to be patriotic.  

This is an exciting episode where we dive into Marian devotion, the rosary, and the importance of intercession and why it is still misunderstood.

This week we have a very special guest, Dave VanVickle. Dave has been assisting priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance for many years. He is widely considered an expert on the topic of spiritual warfare from a Catholic perspective and he travels all over the country teaching Catholics about the victory of Jesus Christ and his Church over the kingdom of darkness.  Make no mistake...

This week we interview Mike Aquilina.  Mike is the award-winning author of more than seventy books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion. His works have been translated into many languages. He has hosted eleven television series and several documentary films and is a frequent guest on Catholic radio.  This is an absolutely eye-opening episode that I think exposes what many Catholics, unfortu...

In this episode we show how St. Joseph, even though hardly mentioned in the Bible, demonstrated some key traits that anyone, not just men, should posses.  As usual, this is a lively conversation and we welcome the feedback...in fact, feel free to reach out to us at 412 605 9074 and tell us what you think!

This week we have two special guests, Dave Barone and Chris Reibold.  Chris is becoming a regular because of his wealth of knowledge on theology and biblical understanding, thus making him indispensable for the tough questions.  Dave is a leader and spiritual guide with the Emmaus Retreat effort which is slowly gaining traction and he's going ot explain why.  In this episode, we will talk intimacy...

This week we have a very spirited round table discussion with Dave and Chris on topics ranging from the importance of marriage prep to why people are often feeling pushed away by the church.  Join us this week and buckle up because this is a very good episode with a lot of curve balls!

This week we talk faith and fitness with Rich "Richie" Earls.  A spirited conversation on the importance of staying strong both spiritually and physically...there's a lot here to take in with really good conversation.  Enjoy and God bless!

This week we interview Chris Reibold, host of the podcast, "A Very Different Catholic Podcast".  Chris , aka “The Saint Story Guy,” is a Catholic writer and Knights of Columbus Lecturer .  In this episode we touch on a variety of subjects from forgiveness to the saints and their struggles.  Chris is a wonderful speaker and this is a very entertaining and enlightening show.

In this episode, we are joined live in the studio by Michael Lamarca.  Listen as we dive into the watering down, or misuse, of language especially when it comes to defining the meaning of suffering.  What are the intentions of such actions, and what are the repercussions of these actions?  There is a lot going on in this episode so tune in and enjoy!

In today’s episode Chris and Steve talk about the tools men are born with to be shepherds, and with their wonderful guest, Seminarian Erik Pintar, Erik offers his incredible insights on the beauty and the distinctions between masculinity and femininity.  Chris’ son Dimitri also provided an additional perspective on how the church can relate to today’s youth and much more.  To read more of Erik's r...

Following up from our last episode, we now talk solutions!  This week we interview Michael Lamarca who provides us real solutions to the struggles we go through both as individuals and as a community.  Michael is the perfect example of how we can easily walk away BUT with a true desire to know the truth, God is always faithful and now Michael is showing how, through his sincere searching, we can f...

This is going to be a 2 part show.  In this part 1 episode we lay out all of the challenges faced in today's society of overdone technology which is constantly in your face with the wrong message.  In the part 2 of this, we will have a special guest on who will tell us how we can address these challenges.  But first, the problem is...part 1.

In this episode we are honored to be joined by Fr. Joe Freedy.  Father Joe Freedy is the youngest of five children. He grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Bethel Park High School. Earning a scholarship to the University at Buffalo to play football, Father Freedy started at quarterback for three years. After college, he entered the seminary in Pittsburgh and was assigned to study in Rome first at th...