Bridge Builder Podcast

In this episode we’re discussing the intersection of faith and science. In our world that seems to be increasingly consumed with a need for data and science is there still room for faith? How can the Church respond to this increasing scientism? Will address some of these questions and more with nationally recognized author, speaker, and educator Dr. Stacy Trasancos. Professor Trasancos teaches in the Department of Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

In our mailbag segment we’re talking about why the Church advocates for specific laws or policies on issues where Catholics may have legitimate disagreements.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we have a tool that will not only show you what bills are being worked on at the Capitol but help you know what the Church has to say about them as well.

In this episode we continue our “Catholics at the Capitol” feature where we speak with Catholics who are working at the state capitol in a variety of ways. We are speaking with Representative Jon Koznick of District 58-A which covers Lakeville, one of 36 Catholics currently serving in the state legislature. He has his bachelors in marketing from St. Cloud State. He and his wife have two children. Representative Koznick is in his 4th term. Outside of his service as a legislator he is a business owner and works in real estate.

In our mailbag segment we’re addressing a topic on many listeners minds… responding to violence as a form of political protest.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment one step you can take to start healing divisions in our state.

In this episode we have a great discussion about the role of faith in how judges make decisions. Should their faith influence outcomes? Plus, we delve into the potential impacts the Supreme Court’s decision on an employment discrimination case could have down the line especially for religious employers. We are joined by Professor Hadley Arkes the Founder and Director of the James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding.

In our mailbag segment we’re talking about lobbyists. What do lobbyists do and why would the Church have lobbyists?

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we have details on how you can become a citizen lobbyist.

In this episode we have a great discussion about G.K. Chesterton – who was Chesterton and why is he still relevant today especially when it comes to bridging the gap between faith and politics. We are now joined by Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society and The Chesterton Schools Network and co-founder of Chesterton Academy in Minneapolis.

In our mailbag segment we’re talking about budgets – whether its your family budget or the federal budget priorities must get set so you don’t overspend. But, who gets to set those priorities?

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we’re talking about democracy at a distance. We have tips on how you can participate in the lawmaking process even though the Capitol is closed to visitors.

In this episode we have a great discussion on a Supreme Court Case that was heard this fall. A decision in the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case is expected this spring and it could have vast implications for religious liberty in the United States. We are joined by Nick Reaves. He serves as legal counsel at Becket where his practice is focused on First Amendment and appellate litigation.

In our mailbag segment we’re covering a question about the role of government involvement in supporting people in need – how much is too much?

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment what you can do to support those who are struggling to make ends meet ahead of Christmas.

In this episode we have a great discussion on engaging in politics in a post-Christian era. Plus, we discuss Pope Francis’ recent encyclical “Fratelli Tutti’ – on fraternity and social friendship covers a lot of ground. We’re going to examine what the Holy Father has to say in his letter about engaging in politics. We are joined by Dr. Bill McCormick, SJ who is a research fellow at St. Louis University where he just finished teaching courses in politics.

In our mailbag segment we’re covering a question about how your ideas could become law.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we have a great way for you to keep Christ at the center of Christmas while also building bridges with your legislators.

In this episode we have a great discussion on what impacts the newly elected Congress and the next presidential administration could have on the poor and vulnerable. We are joined by Anthony Granado the Vice President of Government Relations for Catholic Charities USA whose mission it is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.

In our mailbag segment, we're covering a question about the big issues at the state capital and what's going to come up at the beginning of the year.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. You’ll want to have your calendar ready for the bricklayer segment. We’ve got an important save-the-date for you to help make your voice heard by lawmakers.

Resources mentioned: www.CatholicsAtTheCapitol.org

We have on the show Michelle Benson. Senator Benson is a republican senator from Ham Lake, Minnesota. She served as Deputy Majority Leader in the Minnesota State Senate and Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. She was originally elected in 2010 and began her service in 2011.

In our mailbag segment we’re covering a question about presidential powers – why does the president get to make so many executive orders when he takes office?

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we have a mission for each listener to take part in during Advent.

In this episode we have a great discussion on Christ the King and not only the celebration of this feast but delving into what Christ’s kingship means for issues of religious liberty. We are joined by Dan Balserak. Dan is the Director of Religious Liberty and Assistant General Counsel at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In our mailbag segment we’re covering a question about helping friends, family, and maybe even yourself to deal with any post-election disappointment or anger.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we look into what you can do to build bridges with your newly elected officials even if you didn’t vote for them.

Resources mentioned: https://www.mncatholic.org/actioncenter/

In this episode we're going to talk about the Church's participation in public life and how Catholics can engage effectively after the election results have come in. We are joined by Russell Shaw is the author of more than twenty books, including three novels and volumes on ethics and moral theology, the Catholic laity, clericalism, the abuse of secrecy in the Church, and other topics.

In our mailbag segment we’re covering a question about the U.S. Supreme Court case involving the Affordable Care Act.

And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer segment we’re focusing on the importance of prayer following the election.