Starting Advent well, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

12/3/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss how to make the most of these first few days of Advent to set a tone for the season. Guests include Fr. John Gavin with more thoughts from the Church Fathers in the Catechism, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Edmund Campion, previewing the Mass readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent, and more

11/30/2023

Happy feast of St. Edmund Campion! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of one of the most famous English Catholic martyrs. Guests include Ken Craycraft on religious liberty in relation to Oklahoma schools, and Fr Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Mass readings for the First Sunday of Advent. Plus news, weather, sports and more

Celebrating the feast of St. Andrew, additional thoughts on grief, and more

11/29/2023

Happy feast of St. Andrew the Apostle! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk more about his life, witness, and patronage. Guests include Kevin Prendergast on ways to remember our beloved dead, Dr. John Bergsma on what Jesus had to say about marriage and divorce, and Rita Heikenfeld with tips for handmade kitchen gifts this Advent season. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more

How are we judged, learning from disagreements, and more

11/28/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Rob Jack to discuss the difference between the particular judgment and the general judgment. Other guests include Fr. Augustine Wetta on how contrary opinions can help us in our decision making, and Gary Zimak on what Mark’s Gospel tell us about the importance of watching and waiting for the Lord. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more

Celebrating the feast of St. Catherine Laboure

11/27/2023

Happy feast of St. Catherine Laboure! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Laura Streitmann from outrageous mom.com to talk about spreading devotion to the Miraculous Medal. Other guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks on acknowledging our sins before God in prayer, and Kris McGregor with more thoughts from the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more.

Vocation stats by diocese, This Week in Catholic History, and more

11/26/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Brendan Hodge from The Pillar to share more stats on vocations by diocese size. Other guests include Dr. Matthew Bunson with more on what’s been happening with the German bishops, and Kevin Schmesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more.

Celebrating the feast of the Presentation of Mary, growing in personal prayer, and more…

11/20/2023

Happy feast of the Presentation of Mary! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Steve Ray to talk more about the history behind this tradition regarding the Blessed Mother. Other guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks with more thoughts on personal prayer, and Kris McGregor with a look at the Office of Readings. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

A Catholic response to antisemitism, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

11/19/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, to discuss how Catholics can respond to antisemitism. Other guests include Fr. John Gavin, SJ, with more thoughts from the Church Fathers in the Catechism, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

11/16/2023

Happy feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk more about this great saint who serves as a model for caring for the most vulnerable among us. Guests include Ken Craycraft on how various songwriters have handle the subject of death during this month of the Holy Souls, as well as Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more..

Adjusting to grief, easy make-ahead Thanksgiving tips, and more…

11/15/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to look at more ways to process grief and loss during this month dedicated to the Holy Souls. Other guests include Gary Michuta on the reliability of the generation that came after the Apostles, and Rita Heikenfeld with more make-ahead Thanskgiving recipes. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Albert the Great, hope as the antidote to despair and presumption, and more…

11/14/2023

Happy feast of St. Albert the Great! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and legacy of this extraordinary Doctor of the Church. Guests include Fr. Augustine Wetta with more wisdom from the Desert Fathers, and Fr. Rob Jack on how hope can serve as an antidote to despair and presumption. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Alexandria as an early Christian center, the art of Christian hospitality, and more…

11/13/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mike Aquilina to discuss Alexandria as an early center of Christianity. Other guests include Giovanna Trimpe and Jayne Murphy to discuss the art of Christian hospitality, and Kris McGregor to unpack a 2nd century sermon on the virtue of hope. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Celebrating the feast of Pope St. Nicholas I, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

11/12/2023

Happy feast of Pope St. Nicholas I! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss the life and legacy of this 9th century successor of St. Peter. Other guests include Fr. Patrick Briscoe with a preview of this week’s USCCB meeting, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Unpacking the book of Esther, tips for processing grief, and more…

11/8/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Jeffrey Morrow, contributor to A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, to unpack the book of Esther. Other guests include Kevin Prendergast with more thoughts on processing grief, and Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more...

Better decisions with the Desert Fathers, a Psalm for difficult times, and more

11/7/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Augustine Wetta to share more thoughts on better decision making with the help of the Desert Fathers. Other guests include Gary Zimak to discuss a Psalm for difficult times, and Ken Craycraft with a review of the results of this week’s elections. Plus news, weather, sports and more

St. Albert on poverty of spirit, questions Jesus asks in Scripture, and more

11/6/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo to look at more questions that Jesus asks in the pages of Scripture. Other guests include Christy Ballor with some thoughts on Ohio’s Issue 1, and Fr. Robert Nixon on what St. Albert the Great has to say about poverty of spirit. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and more

The witness of St. Charles Borromeo, This Week in Catholic History, and more

11/5/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell reflect on this past weekend’s feast of St. Charles Borromeo by talking to Fr. Patrick Briscoe about St. Charles and fatherhood. Other guests include Fr. John Gavin with more thoughts from the Church Fathers in the Catechism, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more

Happy feast of St. Martin de Porres!

11/2/2023

Happy feast of St. Martin de Porres! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mary Bajda to discuss St. Martin as one of “God’s superheroes.” Other guests include Ken Craycraft on why supporting a culture of life is a Catholic moral obligation, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo and Fr. Jonathan Duncan to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more

Celebrating the Solemnity of All Souls, a Catholic perspective on grief, and more…

11/1/2023

Happy All Souls Day! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the importance of praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Guests include pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast with a Catholic perspective on grief, Gary Michuta with more aspects of how we can trust the reliability of the Gospels, and Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of All Saints, helping the hungry souls in Purgatory, and more…

10/31/2023

Happy All Saints Day! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Liz Lev to discuss veneration of the saints in art, and Dr. Benjamin Lewis from ICEL to look at a new translation of an All Saints Day hymn. We’re also joined by Gary Zimak to look at a Psalm appropriate for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

The Catholic origins of Halloween, St. Bernard’s thoughts on All Saints Day, and more…

10/30/2023

Happy All Hallow’s Eve! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell get into the Catholic origins of this holiday leading up to the feast of All Saints. Guests include Kris McGregor to discuss what St. Bernard had to say about All Saints Day, and Steve Ray on the Luminous mysteries of the Rosary. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Notes from the Synod, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

10/26/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to share updates from the Synod on Synodality in Rome. Other guests include Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and a whole lot more...

Foods for All Saints and All Souls, why oral tradition wasn’t a “telephone game,” and more…

10/25/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Rita Heikenfeld to discuss food ideas for the upcoming feasts of All Saints and All Souls. Other guests include Gary Michuta on why oral tradition in Bible times wasn’t just a “telephone game,” and Kevin Prendergast with ideas for those who struggle with chronic mental health issues. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating St. Crispin’s Day, learning to pick your battles, and more…

10/24/2023

Happy St. Crispin’s Day! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk about Sts. Crispin and Crispinian in the life of the Church. Guests include canon lawyer Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra, Gary Zimak with more wisdom from the Psalms, and Fr. Augustine Wetta on wisdom from the Desert Fathers regarding how to pick your battles. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating St. Anthony Mary Claret, transparency in prayer, and more…

10/23/2023

Happy feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss his life and witness. Guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks on personal prayer, Marlon de la Torre from the Diocese of Columbus, and Kris McGregor with more thoughts from the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Pope John Paul II and the Eucharist, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

10/22/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P., to look at Pope John Paul iI’s devotion to the Eucharist. Other guests include Stephanie Mann with more stories of heroic figures from English Catholicism, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Respect Life Month, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

10/19/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Ken Craycraft to look at the importance of cultivating and defending a Culture of Life during Respect Life Month. Other guests include Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the North American Martyrs, better ways to handle stress, and more!

10/19/2023

Happy feast of the North American Martyrs! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Brian O’Neel, author of 150 North American Martyrs You Should Know, to discuss the life of St. Isaac Jogues and companions. Other guests include Fr. Robert Nixon with more wisdom from St. Albert the Great, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast on healthier ways to manage stress. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, better decision making with the Desert Fathers, and more…

10/17/2023

Happy feast of St. Luke the Evangelist! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the characteristics unique to his Gospel account. Guests include Fr. Augustine Wetta on better decision making with the Desert Fathers, Gary Zimak with more wisdom from the Psalms, and Joseph Pearce to discuss a new online class on Tolkien he’s offering through Ave Maria University. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the power of fasting, and more!

10/16/2023

Happy feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Kenneth Howell to discuss the life and legacy of St. Ignatius, and what he tells us about the nature of the early Church. Other guests include Maureen Flynn to discuss the upcoming International Week of Prayer and Fasting, and Dr. Matthew Bunson with the latest on the Synod. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacocque, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

10/15/2023

Happy feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacocque! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss her and her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Guests include Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History, Fr. John Gavin on St. Ignatitus of Antioch and the Catechism, and Stephanie Mann with more heroic figures from English Catholic history. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

10/12/2023

Happy feast of Our Lady of Fatima! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the real events behind this powerful Marian devotion. Guests include Dr. Jeffrey Morrow to unpack the Old Testament book of Ezra, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of Bl. Carlo Acutis, coriander in the Bible, and more…

10/11/2023

Happy feast of Bl. Carlo Acutis! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and legacy of this Italian teenager who was deeply devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist. Guests include pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast on addressing depression from a Catholic perspective, and Rita Heikenfeld to discuss coriander on Bible Foods. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of Pope St. John XXIII, reflecting on sin with the Psalms, and more…

10/10/2023

Happy feast of Pope St. John XXIII! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss the life and legacy of this successor of St. Peter from the middle of the 20th century. Other guests include Gary Zimak on what the Psalms show us about confessing our sins, and Fr. Rob Jack with more thoughts on how to speak Catholic. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Daniel Comboni, cultivating interiority, and more…

10/9/2023

Happy feast of St. Daniel Comboni! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of St. Daniel and his mission work in Africa. Guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks with thoughts on cultivating interiority in prayer, and Steve Ray on Abraham and Sarah in the Bible. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. John Henry Newman, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

10/8/2023

Happy feast of St. John Henry Newman! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Joseph Pearce and Stephanie Mann to reflect on the life and conversion of one of the greatest Catholic minds of the 19th Century. Other guests include Fr. John Gavin with more thoughts from the Church Fathers in the Catechism, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Unpacking Laudate Deum, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

10/5/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome legal and political analyst Ken Craycraft to take a look at this week’s release of Laudate Deum. Other guests include Michelle Sagarino from Cross Catholic Outreach on this year’s Box of Joy program,, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Celebrating the feast of St. Faustina, Theology of the Body for grade school, and more…

10/4/2023

Happy feast of St. Faustina! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk more about this Polish saint known for the Divine Mercy devotion. Guests include Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods on Theology of the Body resources for grade schoolers, Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast with more thoughts on mental health from a Catholic perspective. Plus news, weather, sports and more…

Celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the pope’s new letter on care for creation, and more…

10/3/2023

Happy feast of St. Francis of Assisi! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr Rob Jack to discuss St. Francis’ encounter with the leper. Other guests include Dr. Matthew Bunson on the pope’s new follow up to Laudato Si, which releases today, and Gary Zimak to unpack Psalm 1. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and more...

Celebrating a saint from Indiana, October as the month of the rosary, and more…

10/2/2023

Happy feast of St. Theodore Guerin! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of this French nun who did ministry in Indiana. Guests include Dr. Matthew Bunson on the dubia presented by a group of cardinals regarding the synod, Kris McGregor on Our Lady of the Rosary, and Fr. Boniface Hicks with more thoughts on personal prayer. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Celebrating the feast of the Guardian Angels, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

10/1/2023

Happy feast of the Guardian Angels! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Msgr. Brian Bransfield to discuss his recent book on our heavenly helpers. Other guests include Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P., to recap this weekend’s national rosary pilgrimage, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of the Archangels, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

9/28/2023

Happy feast of the Archangels! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Sebastian Walshe from St. Michael’s Abbey to discuss their devotion to the archangels, and Fr. Patrick Briscoe to discuss the St. Michael prayer. Other guests include Fr Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

A Catholic approach to mental illness, beef in the Bible, and more!

9/27/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to discuss mental illness from a Catholic perspective. Other guests include Gary Michuta with more evidence as to why we can trust the Gospel accounts, and Rita Heikenfeld to discuss beef on Bible Foods. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and everything else you need to start your day.

Celebrating the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, the connection between liturgy and charity, and more…

9/26/2023

Happy feast of St. Vincent de Paul! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Amy Welborn to discuss the life and legacy of this great saint who has inspired so many in the works of mercy. Other guests include Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra on how the Mass should equip us for charitable action, and Fr. Rob Jack on what the Catholic Church means by spiritual warfare. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Celebrating Sts. Cosmas and Damian, the Holy Spirit in prayer, and more!

9/25/2023

Happy feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mike Aquilina to talk about these twin saints who served as medical doctors in the early Church. Other guests include Kris McGregor on what St. Gregory the Great had to say about the angels, and Dr. Jim Schroeder on helping our kids when they struggle with difficult issues at school. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Is Mass too long? This Week in Catholic History, and more….

9/24/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P., to discuss Cardinal Dolan’s recent comments about the length of Sunday Masses. Other guests include Brendan Hodge with more thoughts on Classical Education, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports, and a whole lot more...

Antioch as a historic Christian city, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

9/21/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mike Aquilina to discuss Antioch as a major early center of Christianity. Other guests include Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings, and Ingrid Skop from the Charlotte Lozier Institute on some of the confusing things being said about miscarriage law in light of issues on the ballot in November. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Matthew, unpacking memory methods in the teaching style of Jesus, and more…

9/20/2023

Happy feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of this hand-picked apostle of Jesus who also wrote a Gospel. Guests include pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast with more thoughts on suicide prevention, and Gary Michuta on how Jesus used Jewish history as a way to make his teachings more memorable. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the Korean Martyrs, finding forgiveness, and more…

9/19/2023

Happy feast of the Korean Martyrs! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the heroic witness of these men and women from different eras of persecution who gave witness to the faith in Korea. Guests include Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra on forgiveness in light of this weekend’s Gospel readings, and Fr. Rob Jack on what the Church means by sin. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Januarlus, updates from the Mother Seton shrine, and more!

9/18/2023

Happy feast of St. Januarius! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the extraordinary story connected with his relics. Other guests include Rob Judge from the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Steve Ray on more of the hidden sorrows of Mary. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

The Church as the Bride of Christ, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

9/17/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. John Gavin, SJ., to talk about the Church as the Bride of Christ. Other guests include Stephanie Mann with more stories of the English Martyrs, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Honoring Our Lady of Sorrows, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

9/14/2023

Good morning! On this memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk to art historian Liz Lev about why the Pieta is one of the most powerful images in history. Other guests include Pat Flynn to discuss his new book about atheism and the existence of God, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo and Fr. Jonathan Duncan to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, preventing suicides in our families, and more…

9/13/2023

Happy feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss why this is one of Anna’s favorite days on the liturgical calendar. Guests include pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast with thoughts for Suicide Prevention Month, Gary Michuta on more memory techniques built into the teachings of Jesus, and Rita Heikenfeld with tips for late Summer gardening. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. John Chrysostom, unpacking Psalm 22, and more…

9/12/2023

Happy feast of St. John Chyrsostom! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mike Aquilina and Dr. Matthew Bunson to talk more about the incredible witness of this Doctor of the Church. Other guests include Gary Zimak with thoughts on Psalm 22, and Fr. Mike Schmitz from the Catechism in a Year podcast. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the name of Mary, Tolkien’s spiritual journey, and more…

9/11/2023

Happy feast of the Holy Name of Mary! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the significance of this feast and its connection to Mary’s birthday, which we celebrated last week. Guests include Dr. Holly Ordway to discuss her new spiritual biography of Tolkien, Kris McGregor with more thoughts from the Office of Readings, and all the news, weather, sports and everything else you need to start your day a better way.

Remembering the 9/11 attacks, This Week in Catholic History, and a whole lot more…

9/10/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell reflect on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Guests include Brendan Hodge from The Pillar with more thoughts on Classical Education, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating Mary’s birthday, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more

9/7/2023

Happy feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Mike Aquilina to talk about why the Church celebrates Mary’s birthday. Other guests include Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more

Preserving Bible herbs for the season, the reliability of the Gospels, and more

9/6/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Rita Heikenfeld to discuss how to preserve Bible herbs from your garden as the colder months approach. Other guests include Gary Michuta with more thoughts on the reliability of the Gospels, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast with criteria for picking a good mental health professional. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more

Do all things really work together for good? Unpacking the pope’s trip to Mongolia, and more…

9/5/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Gary Zimak to discuss Paul’s teaching in Roman’s 8:28 that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Other guests include Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra to unpack the pope’s trip to Mongolia, and Fr. Rob Jack with thoughts on how to “speak Catholic.” Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of Mother Teresa, ending Summer well, and more…

9/4/2023

Happy feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Danielle Bean to look at Mother Teresa’s life and impact. Other guest include Dr. John Cuddeback on ending Summer well, and Kris McGregor from Discerning Hearts to unpack a selection from the Imitation of Christ. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Labor Day (Best of Son Rise Morning Show!)

9/3/2023

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Best of Son Rise Friday!

8/31/2023

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Learning from the experience of Job, an Armenian Catholic bishop speaks, and more…

8/29/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Bishop Mikael Mouradian from the Armenian Catholic Church to talk about the struggles facing Christians in Armenia. Other guests include Gary Zimak on what we can lean from the struggles of Job, and Fr. Rob Jack on how Psalm 139 can speak to us today. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Remembering the martyrdom of John the Baptist, the purpose of the Jesus prayer, and more…

8/28/2023

Good morning! On today’s memorial of the passion of St. John the Baptist, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell look at the life and witness of the forerunner of Jesus. Guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks on the Jesus Prayer, Steve Ray on hearts in the Bible, and Kris McGregor to unpack a selection from St. John Chrysostom in the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Augustine, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

8/27/2023

Happy feast of St. Augustine! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk to Dr.Matthew Bunson and Mike Aquilina about this great Doctor of the Church. Other guests include Brendan Hodge from the Pillar with more on Dorothy L. Sayers and classical education, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Louis IX, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

8/24/2023

Happy feast of St. Louis IX! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Amy Guiliano and Thomas Madden to talk more about this French king and saint. Other guests include Bobby Schindler from the Life and Hope Network, and Fr Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, salt in the Bible, and more…

8/23/2023

Happy feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and patronage of one of the original 12 men hand-picked by Jesus. Other guests include Rita Heikenfeld on salt in the Bible, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast on how to build better marriages. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Rose of Lima, how Jesus shares our grief, and more…

8/22/2023

Happy feast of St. Rose of Lima! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of this South American saint. Other guests include Gary Zimak on how Jesus comforts those who are grieving, and canon lawyer Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra regarding the situation of a Carmelite convent in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of the Queenship of Mary, the US bishops’ statement on brain death, and more…

8/21/2023

Happy feast of the Queenship of Mary! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Kris McGregor from Discerning Hearts to share a reflection from St. Bernard of Clairvaux on Mary as Queen. Other guests include Fr. Tad Pacholczyk from the National Catholic Bioethics Center on the latest from the bishops regarding the medical diagnosis of brain death, and Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, on the purpose of Lectio Divina. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and more…

Celebrating the feast of Pope Pius X, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

8/20/2023

Happy feast of Pope St. Pus X! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to talk more about his life and legacy. Other guests include Bill Schmitt from OnWord on being catechized by the culture, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Previewing the Sunday readings… Maria Goretti as an icon of forgiveness… and more!

8/17/2023

Happy Friday! Today Matt and Anna talk to Fr Hezekias Carnazzo of the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan of the Diocese of Charleston about the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time this weekend. Fr Thomas Berg will reflect on St Maria Goretti as an icon of forgiveness, and Joseph Pearce shares the poem, A Lament for Walsingham.

What is intersectionality… the X-Files from a Catholic perspective… and more!

8/17/2023

Good Morning! On today’s show, Matt and Anna welcome Dr. Abigail Favale to discuss what is meant by “Intersectionalism,” and what affect that has had on the culture wars today. Andrew Petiprin will reflect on the X-Files from a Catholic perspective. Plus Bishop Robert Barron talks about his book with John Allen, To Light a Fire.

Celebrating St Stephen of Hungary… How to read the Bible, and more!

8/15/2023

Happy Feast of St Stephen of Hungary! On today’s show, Dr. Matthew Bunson joins Matt and Anna to discuss the life of this incredibly faithful king. Jeff Cavins will offer tips on how to read the Bible. And Rita Heikenfeld shares beauty secrets using ingredients mentioned in the Bible.

Celebrating the Assumption of the Mother of God… Mary’s role in Christian contemplation and more!

8/14/2023

Happy Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary! On today’s show, Matt and Anna talk to Dr Anthony Lilles about Consecration to Jesus through Mary and the Blessed Mother’s role in contemplative prayer. Joe Heschmeyer will offer a defense of the Dogma of the Assumption, and Fr Hezekias will unpack the debate over whether the Blessed Mother died before being assumed into Heaven.

Celebrating St Maximilian Kolbe and the Martyrs of Otranto… insights from Jesus’ encounter at the well, and more!

8/13/2023

Happy Feast of the martyr, St Maximilian Kolbe and the Martyrs of Otranto! On today’s show, Matt and Anna welcome Dr Marcellino D’Ambrosio to talk about St Max, and Dr Matthew Bunson to discuss Otranto. Fr Sebastian Walshe will offer insights from Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well, and Msgr Charles Pope talks about how the ‘saints of old’ became holy.

Happy feast of St. Clare of Assisi! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of this great friend of St. Francis and foundress of the Poor Clares. Other guests include Fr. Peregrine Fletcher to discuss his new book on St. Philomena, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

8/10/2023

Happy feast of St. Clare of Assisi! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the life and witness of this great friend of St. Francis and foundress of the Poor Clares. Other guests include Fr. Peregrine Fletcher to discuss his new book on St. Philomena, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…

Celebrating the feast of St. Lawrence, a Catholic perspective on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and more…

8/9/2023

Happy feast of St. Lawrence! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Msgr. Charles Pope to talk about what Lawrence shows us about our responsibility to the poor. Other guests include pastoral Kevin Prendergast with a Catholic perspective on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Gary Michuta on the original language of the Gospels. Plus news, weather, sports and a. Whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Edith Stein, Elijah and the widow, and more!

8/8/2023

Happy feast of St. Edith Stein! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to share the extraordinary story of this convert, philosopher, and martyr of World War II. Other guests include Gary Zimak on what we can learn from the story of Elijah and the widow, and canon lawyer Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Dominic, being good without God, and more

8/7/2023

Happy feast of St. Dominic! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P., to talk about the founder of his order and an upcoming rosary pilgrimage he’s part of. Other guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks on Eucharistic Adoration, and Marlon De La Torre on whether it’s possible to be good without God. Plus news, weather, sports and everything else you need to start your day a better way.

St. Augustine on the Church as a pilgrim, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

8/6/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. John Gavin, SJ, to discuss St. Augustine’s thoughts on the Church as a pilgrim. Other guests include Dr. Paul Thigpen on the Catholic perspective regarding extraterrestrial life, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more….

Celebrating the feast of St. John Vianney, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

8/3/2023

Happy feast of St. John Vianney! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Thomas Berg to talk about the life and legacy of the Cure of Ars. Other guests include Ken Craycraft on Issue 1 coming up for Ohio voters next week and how it could affect the political process in the state, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo and Fr. Jonathan Duncan to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports and everything you need to start your day.

St. Michael through the centuries, the church St. Francis built, and more…

8/2/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Liz Lev to discuss the events on the liturgical calendar this week related to the “Little Portion” church built by St. Francis of Assisi. Other guests include Mike Aquilina on devotion to St. Michael through the centuries, and Fr. Rob Jack with more Old Testament stories every Catholic should know. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

St. Michael through the centuries, the church St. Francis built, and more…

8/1/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Liz Lev to discuss the events on the liturgical calendar this week related to the “Little Portion” church built by St. Francis of Assisi. Other guests include Mike Aquilina on devotion to St. Michael through the centuries, and Fr. Rob Jack to look ahead to the feast of the dedication of St. Mary Major this weekend. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori, updating child protection info, and more…

7/31/2023

Happy feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to talk about this Doctor of the Church known for being a moral theologian. Other guests include Steve Ray to discuss his new book on Genesis, and Fr. Thomas Berg to analyze the most recent data on child protection in the Church and how to improve it. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola

7/30/2023

Happy feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk more about this great saint who founded the Company of Jesus. Guests include Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History, Fr. John Gavin on the relationship between creation and the Church, and Stephanie Mann with more stories from the English Martyrs. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more.

The moon as a symbol of Mary, unpacking the Song of Songs, and more!

7/27/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, to discuss the moon as a symbol of Mary. Other guests include Dr. John Bergsma on how the Song of Songs plays into the concept of salvation, and how to adapt parenting styles as our kids grow up with pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

The moon as a symbol of Mary, unpacking the Song of Songs, and more!

7/26/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, to discuss the moon as a symbol of Mary. Other guests include Dr. John Bergsma on how the Song of Songs plays into the concept of salvation, and how to adapt parenting styles as our kids grow up with pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, lessons from the life of Jonah, and more…

7/25/2023

Happy feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the story of the grandparents of Jesus and how we can honor our own elders today. Guests include Rachel Bulman to discuss her new book “Becoming Wife,” Gary Zimak on lessons from the story of Jonah, and Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra on being lights in the darkness. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. James, spiritual gifts in the Bible, and more…

7/24/2023

Happy feast of St. James the Greater! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk more about his role among the apostles and his patronage of pilgrims. Guests include Steve Ray on spiritual gifts in the Bible, and Marlon De La Torre and Andrew Petiprin to share perspectives on Natural Family Planning week. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Can AI ever be truly creative, This Week in Catholic History, and more…

7/23/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Philip Larrey to discuss whether artificial intelligence can ever be creative in the way that humans can be creative. Other guest include Fr. John Gavin on what St. Cyril of Alexandria has to say about the Holy Spirit and Church unity, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Helping kids and teens in a post-COVID world, beef in the Bible, and more…

7/19/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to discuss the struggles that many children and teens are having in a post-COVID world. Other guests include Rita Heikenfeld to discuss beef on Bible Foods, and Gary Michuta from Hands On Apologetics to talk about his new book, “The Gospel Truth.” Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Old Testament stories everyone should know, “transferring” control to God, and more…

7/18/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Rob Jack, Andrew Swafford, and Gary Zimak to share Old Testament stories that can help inform our relationship with God today. They also talk to Dr. Jim Schroeder about the idea of “transferring” control to God, even though He’s already in control of everything. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more

Celebrating the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis, accompanying caregivers, and more…

7/17/2023

Happy feast of St. Camillus de Lellis! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the incredible conversion story of this scoundrel turned saint. Guests include Fr. Frank Donio on supporting caregivers, and Steve Ray on enemies of God in the Bible. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole life more...

Avoiding being fooled by AI, This Week in Catholic History, and more!

7/16/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Phillip Larrey from Humanity 2.0 to discuss a recent case involving a Twitter user who caused a massive political firestorm, but turned out to be a fake. Other guests include Stephanie Mann with more stories from the English Martyrs, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, previewing the Sunday Mass readings, and more…

7/13/2023

Happy feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the heroic witness of the Lily of the Mohawks. Other guests include Dr. Matthew Bunson and Dr. Chad Pecknold with a Catholic perspective on Bastille Day, and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

St. Benedict and emotional health, cucumbers in the Bible, and more!

7/12/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to reflect on monastic spirituality and emotional well being in light of this week’s feast of St. Benedict. Other guests include Elisabeth Sullivan to discuss next week’s conference of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, and Rita Heikenfeld to discuss cucumbers on Bible Foods. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Louis and Zelie Martin, Old Testament stories everyone should know, and more...

7/11/2023

Happy feast of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the parents of St. Therese, and their path to sainthood. Other guests include Fr. Rob Jack on Old Testament stories everyone should know, and Fr. Philip-MIchael Tangorra with more on the latest crop of cardinals named by Pope Francis. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Celebrating the feast of St. Benedict, accompanying widows and widowers, and more...

7/10/2023

Happy feast of St. Benedict of Nursia! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, to talk more about the founder of his order. Other guests include artist Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs to discuss how she depicts Benedict and his twin sister Scholastica, and Kris McGregor from Discerning Hearts on a selection from the Office of Readings this week that features St. Benedict. Plus news, weather, sports and more...

The Trinity and Creation, This Week in Catholic History, and more!

7/9/2023

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. John Gavin, SJ, to discuss creation as a reflection of the life of the Trinity. Other guests include Brendan Hodge with stats on the newest batch of cardinals, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more...

Son Rise Morning Show - Friday!

7/6/2023

A blessed Feast of Bl. Peter To Rot! Stephanie Mann is online at Supremacy and Survival Jeff Cavins is co-author of A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament Ken Craycraft writes for the UK Catholic Herald Fr Hezekias Carnazzo is online at the Institute of Catholic Culture Dr Leonard DeLorenzo is with the McGrath Institute for Church Life Fr Philip Larrey is online at Humanity 2.0 Bobby Schindler is with the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network Fr Jonathan Duncan is on Twitter @FrJDuncan Joseph Pearce’s Brideshead book club is at the Institute of Catholic Culture Fr Rob Jack is host of Driving Home the Faith Get in touch with Catherine Fishlock through our contact page Related Articles