Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life. Discover practical tools for: - Cultivating healthy det...

| S03 E01| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle some of the most common questions young people face about prayer and faith: How do I handle distractions when I pray? How do I know if I’m really following God’s will? Drawing on personal stories and practical wisdom, they share simple strategies for staying focused in prayer, including repetitive prayers...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kuebler for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA e...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld are joined by Dr. Daniel Kuebler, a biologist from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Together, they explore the complex but fruitful dialogue between faith and science, focusing on Dr. Kuebler’s work on evolutionary theory and its place within Catholic thought. The conversation also considers the limits and possibilities of...

This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett return to the mailbag with St. Jerome’s Parish in Hyattsville, Maryland for part two of their Q&A with their youth group. They dive into big questions like: Who goes to hell? Will we see loved ones in heaven? What happens at the end of time? With help from C.S. Lewis, St. Thomas Aquinas, and their own experience, they explore God’s justice...

In this lively episode of the Thinking Faith podcast, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett dive into some deep theological waters—guided by curious young minds from St. Jerome’s in Hyattsville, Maryland. What is purgatory really about? Can non-Christians be saved? Why do Catholics pray for the dead? With wisdom, wit, and a good dose of heart, our hosts explore these tough topics through the lens of Scripture...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld reflect on the surprise election of Pope Leo XIV and what his papacy could mean for the Church and the world. They explore his unique background, his thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation, and the qualities that make him a compelling spiritual leader. From social justice and church unity to the challenges of AI and...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, recorded just before the election of Pope Leo XIV, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld put on their Vatican-prognosticating hats to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and wonder what might be on the minds of the Cardinals heading into the conclave. From thoughts on papal names (yes, they took a few stabs!) to the kind of leader the Church might need next...

In this part two of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the vital role of mentorship and accompaniment in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina. The conversation sheds light on a variety of programs, including diocesan events like the MyGen Youth Rally, Variety Night, and Youth Lea...

In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers li...

In this episode of 'Thinking Faith,' hosts Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld converse with Amanda Achtman about her project 'Dying to Meet You,' centered around death, suffering, and cultural renewal. Amanda shares her journey from politics to her year-long blog on dying, exploring how suffering provides meaning in life. They discuss euthanasia's impact, the importance of facing death, and how per...

In this first episode of 'Re-Thinking Faith,' Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett revisit a classic episode series on the cross and suffering from 2020. In this part one of two episodes, they'll examine the unique claims of Christianity, surrounding the Cross and salvation discussing a variety of theological perspectives and metaphors used in Christian thought throughout history. They also provide insights...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Amanda Achtman to share her mission of preventing euthanasia and spreading hope. Amanda reflects on how her journey from Calgary to Ottawa, her personal experiences, and her grandfather’s influence shaped her vocation. She discusses the role of intergenerational bonds, her work educating dioceses on euthanasia, and her ef...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric is joined by Dr. David Kopriva, a vascular surgeon and advocate against medical assistance in dying (MAiD). They discuss the critical topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), its impact on healthcare professionals and individuals, and the broader ethical and religious implications. Dr. Kopriva shares personal stories and professional insights, ill...

Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle the very last of their Conquest Boys Club questions, discussing the challenges of evangelizing in a world shaped by modernism and postmodernism. They share practical insights on prayer, authentic Christian living, and cultural engagement. Plus, a lighthearted debate: is it ever okay to "punch a modernist"? (Spoiler: Love wins.) Tune in for wisdom, humour, a...

Thinking Faith on video! Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld celebrate their first video podcast with a lively discussion. They tackle last few Conquest Boys Club questions including how to become Pope, and why the Latin Mass seems to appeal to young Catholics reflecting on balancing tradition with a vibrant faith community. Tune in for insight, humor, and heartfelt conversation! 00:21 Welcome to Th...

In this conclusion to our three-part series with Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon, we examine the complexities of immigration policy, the virtue of prudence in Catholic social teaching, and the deacon’s role in personally serving those in need. The discussion explores how immigration policies impact family unity, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the tension between internatio...

Join Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon as they continue their deep dive into Ordo Amoris—the "order of love." In this second installment of a three-part series, they explore how properly ordering our loves shapes our moral and spiritual lives, drawing on philosophy, theology, and real-world examples. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how love, rightly ordered, leads us closer to truth and au...

In this multi-part series, Dr. Brett Salkeld sits down with Thomas P. Harmon, Scanlan Foundation Chair and Professor of Theology, to explore how Thomas Aquinas’ Ordo Amoris—the order of love—can help us understand the moral dimensions of immigration policy. As the new U.S. administration introduces sweeping changes in outreach and border policies, this conversation examines how properly ordered lo...

In this final episode of our four-part series on Living in the Psalms with Deacon Eric Gurash, we examine the place of the Psalms in our Church and our spiritual lives and discuss various tools for making their rich poetry and timeless wisdom our own and truly living in the Psalms.

Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part three of Living in the Psalms. This week, discover the over-arching theme of the Psalms and examine how to approach the Psalms from a personal, lived perspective. Deepen your understanding of how to see and hear the Psalms through the lens of metaphor, parallels and repetition and how these tools of Hebrew poetry can help connect the Psalms to our daily lives.

Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part two of the four-part series Living in the Psalms. This week, discover how the five books of the Psalms weave together the story of salvation history, reflecting the experiences of Israel through times of exile, kingship, and restoration. Explore how these ancient prayers continue to shape our spiritual journey, offering hope, healing, and the assurance of God’s ste...

Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part one of the four-part series Living in the Psalms. The Psalms are unlike any other book of Scripture—neither history nor prophecy, gospel nor epistle—they are prayers, a unique school of prayer gifted to us by God. This week, discover how the Psalms teach us the language of prayer, revealing the heart of David, Israel, and, ultimately, our own hearts. Discover how t...

Deacon Eric Gurash discusses the challenges of the "January Blues," exploring the struggles many face during these cold, dark winter days. With a blend of compassion and practical wisdom, he shares faith-filled insights and simple self-care practices to help bring light and hope into the first month of the new year. Whether you're feeling weighed down by the season or looking for ways to start the...