How can ancient wisdom help us find consolation and freedom in our distracted modern world? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Thomas Ward, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, to discuss his book, After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. The work examines St. Severinus Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy, which offers a Christian alternative to Stoicism that acknowledges suffering while maintaining hope in Divine Providence. The conversation also explores the role of Boethius’s Christian faith as well as Ward’s intellectual journey and the enduring relevance of Boethius’ wisdom for contemporary readers facing life’s challenges.

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Thomas Ward’s personal website, which includes details about his publications and essays. 
• Thomas Ward on Amazon, where you can find his book, After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher.
• Word on Fire Academic, publisher of After Stoicism where you can read the first chapter for free.

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How did Thomas Aquinas read and interpret the Bible?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jason Paone, editor of Word on Fire Academic, to discuss two new books exploring Aquinas’ commentaries on the New and Old Testaments. They examine Aquinas’ deeply Christocentric approach to Scripture, his understanding of the Bible through God’s plan of creation and restoration, and the theological richness of his biblical works.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Word on Fire Academic, where Dr. Jason Paone serves as editor
• Thomas Aquinas: Selected Commentaries on the New Testament, edited by Dr. Jason Paone
• Thomas Aquinas: Selected Commentaries on the Old Testament, edited by Dr. Jason Paone

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How can Christians come to recognize the mystery of the Trinity as intelligible?

In this conversation, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Gerald Boersma, Professor of Theology and Director of the Theology M.A. Program at Ave Maria University, to explore Augustine’s De Trinitate. They discuss how it defends orthodox Trinitarian doctrine, presents the Trinity as a journey toward the vision of God, and shows how the Incarnation of Christ enables humans to ascend to divine knowledge. Throughout their discussion, they emphasize that Augustine’s work isn’t merely theoretical speculation but rather a spiritual journey, inviting readers to understand how the Trinity reveals God’s plan for human salvation and the renewal of humanity in Christ’s image.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Dr. Gerald Boersma's Ave Maria University Faculty Page
• St. Augustine's complete work on the Trinity: De Trinitate (On the Trinity)
• Previous episode with Dr. Boersma: Catholic Theology Show on Augustine's Teaching on Grace

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Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can we heal the split between who we present ourselves to be and who we really are? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Daniel Davy, Professor of History and Dean of Faculty at Ave Maria University, about Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and its relevance to modern life. They explore how this Victorian tale illuminates our modern-day struggles with addiction, social media, and loneliness while proposing Catholic education as a healing path through faith integration, authentic relationships, and mercy rather than shame—ultimately helping us overcome our divided identities. 

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Dr. Daniel Davy's Ave Maria University Faculty Page
• You can find Dr. Davy's published article on Jekyll and Hyde at The Saint Austin Review
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson 

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How can Catholics better understand the historical and biblical foundations of their faith?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Catholic convert Steve Ray about his journey to Catholicism. They discuss his book Crossing the Tiber and explore his insights from leading pilgrimages, illuminating connections between biblical sites, and Catholic tradition.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Steve Ray's personal website, which includes details about his pilgrimages, books, and other resources: Catholic Convert
• Stephen Ray on Amazon
• Steve Ray's book about his conversion from evangelical Protestantism to Catholicism: Crossing the Tiber

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Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can Catholics integrate their faith with modern business practices, particularly in marketing?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Neil Watson, adjunct professor of business and Director of Marketing at Ave Maria University, about the intersection of Catholic social teaching and business ethics. Watson explores how the Church's teachings on human dignity, work, and the common good can inform ethical marketing practices. Throughout their discussion, they emphasize that economic activity—when properly ordered—can contribute to human flourishing and even become a means of sanctification.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Ave Maria University Faculty Page for Neil Watson

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How can C.S. Lewis’Perelandrahelp us rethink the Genesis story and its relevance to the modern world?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Joseph Pearce, frequent guest and Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University, explore the next book in C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy,Perelandra - a retelling of Genesis that illuminates free will, sin, and grace. They discuss Lewis’ use of myth to reawaken humanity’s understanding of creation, temptation, and divine providence, highlighting the themes of human freedom, the acceptance of suffering, and the call to join God’s "great dance."

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more from Joseph Pearce on his website
• Discover Joseph Pearce’s works on Amazon
• Listen to our previous episode featuring Joseph Pearce here

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Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How do welive chastely in a world consumed by distractions, desires, and secular notions of fulfillment?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim explore chastity as a path to personal integration and spiritual renewal. Drawing from Bishop Varden’s bookChastity: Reconciliation of the Senses, they discuss cultural misconceptions, the healing power of mercy, and how vulnerability and grace transform the human heart. A thoughtful conversation on living Christian virtue in a secular world.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more from Bishop Erik Varden on his website
• Discover Bishop Erik Varden’s works on Amazon

Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How do humility and obedience shape our relationship with authority, community, and God?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Pater Edmund Waldstein, a Cistercian monk and theologian, explore the role of humility and obedience in our relationship with authority, the church, and the common good. They discuss the balance between individual dignity and community, the necessity of authority, and how Catholic tradition offers a framework for navigating a flawed world while pursuing holiness.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Discover Pater Edmund Waldstein’s blog Sancrucensis here
• Explore Pater Edmund Waldstein’s contributions to The Josias here

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How can Catholics navigate grief and trauma while holding onto hope and faith?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist and Ave Maria University alumna,explore the complexities of grief, ambiguous losses, and trauma. They discuss the healing power of connection, routine, and faith, offering practical advice and reflecting on how Christian hope and the promise of eternal life provide strength in suffering.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Dr. Julia Sadusky and her work in her consulting practice, Lux Counseling.
• Check out Dr. Sadusky’s latest books, including Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex and Talking with Your Teen about Sex, both published through Ave Maria Press, and her book with Mark Yarhouse, Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today's Youth.
• Listen to our previous episode featuring Dr. Julia Sadusky here

Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!

Get more information about Ave Maria University!