On this episode of Arroyo Grande, Raymond Arroyo sits down with blues rock legend Kenny Wayne Shepherd to discuss his brand-new collaboration with 91-year-old Bobby Rush, the making of Young Fashioned Ways, and how faith and tradition fuel his music.

Kenny opens up about growing up in Louisiana, being inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Muddy Waters, re-recording Trouble Is… and Ledbetter Heights, and what it was like to tour with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Van Halen. He also shares how his Catholic faith, family life, and six children shape his artistry and legacy.

Plus—Raymond takes us through the Culture Counter, including:
• The push to normalize psychedelic drugs like LSD and ecstasy
• Outrageous fan behavior at sporting events (hello, “Phillies Karen”)
• The airline debate over plus-sized seating policies

Don’t miss this rich conversation about the roots of American music, the spiritual power of the blues, and the lessons Kenny Wayne Shepherd carries forward.

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In this special live edition of Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo, Father Gerald Murray, and Robert Royal gather with the posse in Scottsdale to unpack a dramatic week at the Vatican. From the canonization of two millennial saints to an unprecedented LGBT Jubilee in Rome, the team explores the Church at a spiritual crossroads.

The discussion dives into Pope Francis’ meeting with Father James Martin, the growing controversy over LGBT outreach, and what it means for Catholic teaching worldwide. They also examine the surge in church attacks across the U.S., the revival of the traditional Latin Mass among young Catholics, and the lasting inspiration of new saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Plus: why seminarians dancing to a synodal theme song might miss the mark.

It’s a live, spirited debate filled with faith, clarity, and insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

📌 Available now on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

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What does it take to move from Navy SEAL commander to bestselling thriller author? Jack Carr—creator of The Terminal List, Savage Son, and the upcoming prequel Cry Havoc—joins Raymond Arroyo to talk about his extraordinary journey from the battlefield to the bookshelf.

Carr reveals how childhood influences and military service shaped his storytelling, the emotional depth behind James Reece, and what it means to define your mission when life demands a new chapter. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories about Chris Pratt’s hit Prime Video adaptation, the new Dark Wolf series, and why reading aloud at home shaped his future.

Packed with lessons on discipline, resilience, faith, and purpose, this conversation is as much about living intentionally as it is about military thrillers.

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In this week’s Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo, Father Gerald Murray, and Robert Royal tackle Pope Leo’s firm rejection of the Pachamama idol controversy, exploring what it means for the Church to reaffirm Christ at the center of creation. The Posse also dives into the rise in adult conversions to Catholicism, generational challenges in catechesis, and why young people are increasingly drawn to orthodoxy and tradition.

The discussion spans global shifts in faith—from the UK’s Catholic resurgence to debates within Sweden’s SSPX community—while also addressing Vatican confusion over dissident groups, the dangers of artificial womb technology, and the latest cultural controversies, from NFL male cheerleaders to questions of Catholic leadership.

Join the Posse as they examine the cultural, spiritual, and moral crossroads facing the Church today—and why casting out idols, both literal and metaphorical, may be the key to renewal.

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What does it really mean to live the hero’s journey? Director Jon Erwin—the filmmaker behind Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine, and Amazon’s new epic series House of David—joins Arroyo Grande to share how his own life mirrors the timeless story of David and Goliath. From his early days as a teenage cameraman to building one of today’s most influential faith-driven film studios, Jon opens up about purpose, creativity, and the cost of destiny.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Erwin explains how the story of King David inspired his latest project House of Davidon Amazon Prime, why the hero’s journey resonates so deeply in modern culture—from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings—and what it means to pursue a calling beyond your comfort zone. He reflects on lessons of faith, failure, and resilience, and shares how authentic storytelling can thrive in Hollywood when it connects directly with audiences.

Whether you’re chasing a dream, searching for meaning, or simply love epic storytelling, this episode will encourage you to step into your own hero’s journey.

Watch now on YouTube, listen on the iHeartRadio app, or find Arroyo Grande wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this week’s Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo, Father Gerald Murray, and Robert Royal break down the first 100 days of Pope Leo’s pontificate — and the investigation he’s launched into Peruvian Cardinal Carlos Castillo over allegations of misconduct and financial irregularities. The Posse examines what this says about Leo’s leadership style, contrasts it with Pope Francis, and looks ahead to potential changes on the Latin Mass.

The conversation also dives into Spain’s ban on Islamic public celebrations, the Spanish bishops’ controversial response, and the political and cultural tensions fueling the debate. Plus — Madonna calls on Pope Leo to visit Gaza, Marco Rubio outlines the realities of the conflict, and the Posse reacts.

Other topics include Pope Benedict’s letter settling the resignation debate, a woman “engaged” to her AI boyfriend, the United Church of Canada’s steep membership decline amid LGBTQ advocacy, and one New York bishop’s hands-on approach to tackling the priest shortage.

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Renowned brain specialist Dr. Daniel Amen returns to Arroyo Grande with hard truths and hope for anyone who wants to protect their mind. He reveals what decades of brain scans show about marijuana, alcohol, and obesity—and why these habits quietly shrink your brain, speed up aging, and increase your risk of dementia.

Dr. Amen explains how to spot the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s, the simple daily habits that can reverse damage, and his “Bright Minds” plan for staying sharp for life. From the effects of trauma and depression to the surprising ways your thoughts shape your brain health, this conversation will change how you think about your most important organ.

You’re not stuck with the brain you have—you can make it better, starting today.

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Why are young Catholics flocking to the Traditional Latin Mass? In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo welcomes Cardinal Raymond Burke—on the 50th anniversary of his priesthood—for a candid and illuminating conversation about the beauty, reverence, and spiritual depth of the ancient Roman Rite.

Cardinal Burke explains how the Latin Mass offers a transcendent encounter with Christ, why facing East matters, and how sacred music like Gregorian chant roots us in centuries of worship. He shares personal stories, insights into Church tradition, and the growing hunger among the faithful—especially the youth—for something more meaningful than modern liturgical trends.

They also unpack the link between sacred worship and moral clarity, why reverence matters, and how parishes that embrace tradition are seeing more vocations and conversions. If you've ever wondered what draws so many back to the Latin Mass, or why its defenders are so passionate, this is the episode for you.

Subscribe today on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube — and never miss an episode of The Prayerful Posse.

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Reading scores in America are plummeting, and the crisis is deeper than just academics—it’s a cultural and spiritual emergency. Could reading aloud be the antidote? Wall Street Journal children’s book critic Meghan Cox Gurdon joins Raymond Arroyo to reveal how this simple, ancient practice can rewire attention spans, restore family connection, and ignite a lifelong love of learning.

Plus, Raymond sounds off on the controversial production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, where Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo starred as Jesus. Is this boundary-pushing theater—or a double standard when it comes to religious offense? From the decline in literacy to the rise of performative blasphemy, this episode connects the dots between cultural collapse and spiritual hunger.

You’ll also hear about the push to cancel classic children’s authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dr. Seuss, why smartphones are sabotaging young minds, and how one classroom mystery story sparked Raymond’s own love of reading. If you care about kids, culture, or the written word, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe to Arroyo Grande now and join the movement to revive faith, imagination, and human connection—one story at a time.

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In this episode of The Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo and Father Gerald Murray dive into some of the most pressing challenges facing the Catholic Church today. From the shocking dismissal of faithful professors at St. Mary Seminary to explosive allegations of new financial scandals inside the Vatican, the Posse tackles the stories making headlines and shaking the faithful.

Father Murray offers sharp insights into why respected Catholic scholars like Ralph Martin and Ed Peters may have been purged, raising urgent questions about transparency, freedom of thought, and fidelity to the Magisterium. The discussion also unpacks a leaked memo tied to Cardinal George Pell’s financial oversight efforts and the troubling history of Vatican banking irregularities.

The episode then turns to the Vatican’s attempt to engage young people through “digital missionaries” and influencer culture, with Father Murray questioning whether self‑styled online personalities are truly advancing the faith. Plus, the Posse addresses the Trump administration’s push to expand religious freedom in the workplace, and the tragic Islamic attack on a Catholic church in Congo, leaving dozens dead.

Stay informed and prayerful as the Posse exposes the truth behind these critical stories. Subscribe now on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube — and never miss an episode of The Prayerful Posse.

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