In this powerful season finale of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Fr. John Gribowich reflect on their journey through over two dozen interviews, distilling the most transformative lessons about living an integrated spiritual life. They explore why listening, not activism, may be the most prophetic witness the Church can offer today, challenge traditional clericalism from surprising angles, and discover that belonging must come before belief. Through conversations with Stephen White, Fr. Thomas Gaunt, and Paul Fahey, this episode reveals how authentic relationships, radical listening, and the sacramental worldview can transform both individual lives and Church communities.

The Art of Radical Listening (4:00)

Discipleship vs. Activism (6:30)

Clericalism from the Bottom Up (8:00)

The Fluidity of Roles (12:00)

Research as Sacred Listening (20:00)

The Indelible Mark of Baptism (25:00)

Belonging Before Belief (33:00)

Seven Themes That Emerged This Season (38:00)

Stephen White - Executive Director of the Catholic Project at Catholic University of America. Steven brings critical insights on clericalism, the professionalization of discipleship, and lay responsibility in Church renewal.

Fr. Thomas Gaunt, SJ - Executive Director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. With over 40 years as a Jesuit priest, Fr. Tom shares how agenda-free research reveals unexpected truths about Catholic belonging.

Paul Fahey - Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, retreat leader, and catechist. Paul introduces the revolutionary idea that belonging must precede belief and explains how person-centered counseling aligns perfectly with Catholic anthropology.

"If I make right belief or right behavior the litmus test for belonging, I've undermined the gospel." - Paul Fahey

"It's very hard these days to tell the difference between discipleship and activism." - Stephen White

"Listening is everything. I think it may sound frustrating for some people because it's like, well if you just listen, then no one ever does anything. But listening is part of paying attention—waiting for God to reveal something greater than if you were just jumping in trying to fix something." - Father John Gribowich

"These are not people disengaged from their faith. These may be people disengaged from Sunday mass, but that's not disengaged from their faith." - Fr. Thomas Gaunt

"There are some effective people who are preaching, who are not ordained, not necessarily because they have robust theological education, but because they've had a really profound encounter with Christ." - Fr. John Gribowich

Religion to Reality explores how Catholics can live integrated lives where faith isn't compartmentalized but permeates every aspect of existence. Based on extensive research, including over two dozen interviews with Church leaders, scholars, and practitioners, this podcast seeks to bridge the gap between religious practice and lived reality. This concludes Season 1 of Religion to Reality.

Hosts:

Special thanks to all our season guests: Kathy Lorentz, Dr. Bill Keimig, Cindy Black, Fr. Joe Gibino, Christina Semmens, Fr. James O'Shea, Monica Martinez, Fr. David Roman, Andrea Sarubbi, Renée Roden, Emily Ricci, Mary Glowaski, Josh Packard, Luisamaria Hernandez, Mike St. Pierre, and Peter Andrastek.

Learn More About the Discipleship Study: Religion to Reality is built on comprehensive research into how Catholics are living their faith today. Visit our website for more details and resources from the study.