Can I Getta Amen

This week on Can I Getta Amen, Faith, music, and truth come together in this special conversation with Ted Broussard.

Ted is a Catholic, a member of the St. Albert the Great Chapter of the Lay Dominican Order, and a lifelong student of theology, history, and the relationship between faith and reason. He's also spent decades immersed in music, studying Theory and Composition at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and performing professionally, including as a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame group The Boogie Kings.

In this episode, Kristi and her special co-host Tonia sit down to talk about Ted's journey of faith, his return to a deeper relationship with the Catholic Church, his experience with Cursillo and the Holy Spirit, Catholic apologetics, faith and science, and his love of music—from rhythm and blues to Gregorian chant.

You won't want to miss this conversation about faith, music, family, reason, and the search for truth—and what it means to keep following where God leads.

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In this episode of Can I Getta Amen, Kristi sits down with Margaret Trahan, Executive Director of the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, to discuss faith-filled estate planning, Catholic investing, stewardship, and how Catholics can support the Church for generations to come.
 
Together they explore:
 
 • What it means to leave a Catholic legacy
 • The difference between endowments and donor-advised funds
 • How Catholic investing aligns financial decisions with Church teaching
 • Supporting parishes, schools, pro-life ministries, and Catholic outreach long after you're gone
 • Practical ways to steward the gifts God has entrusted to you
 
Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about faith, finances, and the impact your life can have on future generations.
 
Learn more about the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana: CatholicLegacyFoundation.org
 
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like and share it with someone who wants to leave a lasting impact for Christ.

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Father Michael Champagne joins us for a powerful conversation about faith, family, vocation, the Eucharist, and the incredible story behind Louisiana's beloved Fête Dieu du Teche.

Raised in a deeply Catholic Cajun family, Father Michael shares how daily prayer, the Rosary, and Eucharistic devotion shaped his life and eventually led him to the priesthood and the Community of Jesus Crucified. He discusses the influence of Father James Fry, the meaning of redemptive suffering, the beauty of Eucharistic adoration, and why the Cross remains at the center of the Christian life.

We also dive into the origins of Fête-Dieu du Teche, the annual Eucharistic procession along Bayou Teche that has become a powerful witness of faith throughout Acadiana. Father Michael shares stories from the early years, the inspiration behind the historic Mississippi River Eucharistic procession, and the countless conversions, healings, and moments of grace that have emerged through these events.

Show Highlights

• Fête Dieu du Teche
• Father Michael Champagne's vocation story
• Community of Jesus Crucified
• Catholic faith in Cajun culture
• Redemptive suffering and the Cross
• Eucharistic adoration and devotion
• Catholic evangelization in Louisiana

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What happens when your identity is stripped away? For speaker and youth minister Tim Jara, that question became the doorway to encountering Jesus in a life-changing way.

After an injury ended his gymnastics career, Tim found himself searching for purpose and belonging. What began as a Confirmation retreat became the moment Christ transformed his life through Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and the simple hospitality of youth ministers who saw him, welcomed him, and reminded him that he was loved.

In this episode:

• Tim's powerful conversion story through a Confirmation retreat
• Finding identity after losing the thing that defined you
• Why every teen needs to know they are seen and loved
• Parenting, ministry, and keeping Christ at the center
• Social media, authentic community, and helping young people flourish

Whether you're a parent, youth minister, or simply someone longing to remember your first love for Christ, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that our true identity is found in being sons and daughters of God. 

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Recorded live at Steubenville SOUTH 2026, Kristi sits down with longtime conference leaders Fr. Dave Pivonka, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and Catholic speaker Paul George.

Together they reflect on more than thirty years of Steubenville conferences, sharing stories of unexpected friendships, unforgettable moments, and the countless lives transformed by a single encounter with Jesus Christ.

From Fr. Dave's unexpected connection to Louisiana to Paul's reflections on raising a family of faith, this conversation is filled with laughter, wisdom, and encouragement for parents, youth leaders, and anyone wondering if their small "yes" to God can really make a difference.

In this episode:

•  Fr. Dave Pivonka's unexpected Louisiana connection 
•  Why these conferences continue changing lives after 30 years 
•  Parenting, discipleship, and playing the long game of faith 
•  The beauty of friendship, vocation, and serving the Church together 
•  Why your "yes" to God may impact generations you'll never meet 

Sometimes the biggest moments of faith begin with one simple decision to trust God—and decades later, the ripple effects are still being felt. 

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As we continue our Steubenville SOUTH Summer Series, Kristi sits down with three different guests whose stories all point to the same truth: God works through willing hearts.

First, Jennifer and Carmen share how a simple invitation from their daughters grew into a thriving youth group in Iota, Louisiana. What started with just four teens became nearly sixty students through unexpected generosity, faithful leadership, and a community that rallied behind the next generation.

Next, Fr. Tom Wilson joins us from Minnesota to share his incredible vocation story—from CPA to Catholic priest—and offers wisdom for anyone discerning God's call on their life. He also reflects on why Steubenville conferences continue to be such a powerful launching point for young Catholics.

Finally, high school student Dale Simon shares what Steubenville has meant to his own faith journey, the impact of Adoration, and why he believes every teen should experience a weekend like this.

In this episode:

•  How one "yes" transformed a parish youth ministry 
•  God's provision through an entire community 
•  A priest's journey from accounting to the altar 
•  Why Steubenville continues to impact generations 
•  A teen's perspective on encountering Christ in Adoration 
•  Encouragement for anyone discerning God's call

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In this special Steubenville SOUTH 2026 episode of Can I Getta Amen, Tiffany and Kristi sit down with speaker, musician, and author Noelle Garcia for an honest conversation about faith, suffering, prayer, and the unique gifts God has given women.

Noelle shares stories from her own life—including caring for her mother-in-law through dementia, raising six children, and the lessons God continues to teach her through everyday challenges. Together, they discuss the beauty of the feminine genius, why authentic friendships matter, how to recognize the voice of God amid life's noise, and why our greatest calling is not to save others—but to faithfully bring them to Jesus.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why suffering can become a place of encountering God's mercy
• The beauty and purpose of the feminine genius
• Caring for loved ones through difficult seasons
• Learning to discern God's voice over the lies of the enemy
• Practical ways parents can help teenagers keep their faith alive after retreats

If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Every share helps us continue spreading the hope of the Gospel.

"Can I Getta Amen?" 

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Recorded live from Steubenville SOUTH 2026, Kristi and Tiffany sit down with Catholic speaker Tanner Kalina and worship leader Josh Blakesley for a conversation about conversion, discipleship, worship, and learning to love God with your whole heart.

Tanner shares his remarkable faith journey—from growing up Catholic in Texas, to pursuing comedy in Los Angeles, to encountering Christ in a life-changing way that ultimately led him into ministry. Josh reflects on leading worship year after year at Steubenville Conferences and how God continually renews even the most familiar songs.

In This Episode

•  Why authentic encounters with Jesus often begin a lifelong journey—not an instant transformation 
•  The role of worship in opening hearts to God 
•  Learning to love God with your whole heart 
•  Why Steubenville Conferences continue changing lives after decades of ministry

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What happens when God leads you down a path you never expected?

This week we're bringing you two conversations from Steubenville SOUTH 2026 with former seminarians Trey Holmes and Will Brittain, along with special co-host Emmy and Ellise, as they reflect on life after seminary, discerning God's will, and discovering that holiness isn't reserved for priests or religious—it's meant for all of us.

Together we talk about the transition back into "ordinary" life, learning to pray without a structured schedule, finding Christ in work, school, friendships, and everyday conversations, and why your vocation isn't just about what you do—it's about becoming the saint God created you to be.

Episode Highlights

• Life after seminary: what comes next?
• Becoming a saint in everyday life
• Faith beyond retreats and conferences
• Finding Christ through work, school, and relationships
• The beauty of authentic friendships

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In this special episode of Can I Getta Amen, we sit down with longtime Steubenville prayer ministers Tony, Angelle, and Beth to hear the stories most conference attendees never get to hear. From decades of serving youth to witnessing lives transformed through the Eucharist and the power of prayer, they share why they continue answering God's call year after year.

Whether you're a youth minister wondering if Steubenville is worth the effort, a parent considering sending your teen, or someone who has experienced the conference firsthand, this conversation offers a beautiful look at the faith, sacrifice, and love that make these weekends unforgettable.

Plus: Stick around for a short bonus conversation with Ronald, one of the conference custodians. His joyful perspective reminds us that every role—seen or unseen—is part of God's work, and that serving Christ often happens in the ordinary moments that keep a conference running.

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