How can athletes and coaches navigate the challenges of pride, greed, envy, and other vices within the context of sports?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Joe Patterson, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Ave Maria University. They discuss how the seven deadly sins manifest in the world of athletics, as well as explore how virtues like charity and patience can counteract these vices to help athletes and coaches alike to grow both on and off the field.

Additional Resources:

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Ave Maria University Athletics Page which provides information about Joe Patterson's role as Head Football Coach at Ave Maria University.

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can modern Catholics utilize meditation to deepen their faith and improve mental wellness and clarity?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Matthew McWhorter, Professor of Theology at Divine Mercy University, for a discussion on the integration of meditation within Catholic practice. An alumnus of Ave Maria University’s Ph.D. program in theology, Dr. McWhorter has taught and written extensively on the relationship between theology and psychology. In this episode, he shares insights from his latest book Meditation as Spiritual Therapy: Bernard of Clairvaux's De consideration.

Additional Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Check out Matthew McWhorter at Divine Mercy University to learn more about his academic work and research interests. 
• Explore Dr. Matthew McWhorter on Amazon, where you can find his books, including Meditation as Spiritual Therapy: Bernard of Clairvaux’s De consideratione.

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How does reading the Bible through the lens of Catholic theology enrich our faith and comprehension of scripture? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes back Dr. John Bergsma, a professor of Catholic theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, to explore the profound connections between the Davidic Kingdom of the Old Testament and the Catholic Church. Dr. Bergsma explains how Christ’s mission and the foundation of the Church mirror elements in the story of King David, providing insights into the roles of the Church's hierarchy, sacraments, and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. 

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Dr. John Bergsma and his work here

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can contemporary Christians trust the authenticity and historical accuracy of the Gospels? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Matthew Ramage, professor of theology at Benedictine College, to explore the reliability of the Gospel narratives. Dr. Ramage discusses the interplay between historical facts and theological interpretation, addressing common skepticisms and criticisms encountered in biblical scholarship.

Resources:

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Matthew Ramage's personal website, which includes details about his monographs and other publications.
• Dr. Matthew Ramage on Amazon, which lists all his books, including Dark Passages of the Bible: Engaging Scripture with Benedict XVI and Thomas Aquinas, Jesus, Interpreted: Benedict XVI, Bart Ehrman and the Historical Truth of the Gospels, and others.

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can Catholics embrace environmental stewardship within the framework of their faith? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Samuel Shephard, a noted Catholic ecologist and professor of biology at Ave Maria University, to discuss the principles of stewardship. Throughout their conversation, they explore the Catholic Church's perspectives on the environment, reflecting on the integral role humans play in nurturing and protecting creation. They also touch on practical steps for engaging more actively in environmental care, emphasizing the Church's unique contributions to contemporary ecological discussions. 

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Dr. Shephard and his work here
• Read Dr. Shephard’s latest, peer-reviewed article on how the “recreational killing of wild animals can foster environmental stewardship” 
• Check out AMU’s new Agriculture and Catholic Environmental Stewardship (ACES) minor, overseen by Dr. Shephard 

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How does artificial intelligence (AI) relate to Catholic teachings and human understanding?

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Saverio Perugini, professor of computer science at Ave Maria University, to discuss the relationship between AI, computing, and the Catholic faith. They explore the ethical, philosophical, and technological implications of AI and its impact on society and spirituality.

Resources:

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Dr. Saverio Perugini and his contributions to the field of computer science through his website

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can faithful Catholics understand and contribute to the widespread conversation about sexuality and gender? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, Catholic author, speaker, and licensed psychologist, to talk about issues relating to sexuality and gender. During their conversation, they also discuss related themes such as how to balance sensitivity and honesty in this area and how to talk about sex and sexuality with your children. 

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 Counselling.  
• 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. 

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How are Catholic teachings on reconciliation upheld by Holy Scripture? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. James Prothro, professor of theology and director of the Masters in Biblical Studies at the Augustine Institute, to discuss Dr. Prothro’s latest work, The Bible and Reconciliation: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration.

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) 
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Dr. James Prothro and his work here
• Check out The Bible and Reconciliation: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration
• The Augustine Institute website

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How was Immaculée Ilibagiza able to choose faith during the genocide that wracked her country? 

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of the Rwandan genocide and internationally acclaimed Catholic speaker and author, to discuss her life-altering experience and the intense faith and love that she found through her suffering. In their conversation, they address themes such as loving and forgiving one’s enemies and the power of the Rosary. 

Resources: 

• Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
• Ave Maria University website
• Learn more about Immaculée Ilibagiza and her ministry here
• Check out Immaculée Ilibagiza’s moving and enlightening books

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can faith and science help us to properly interact with creation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Michael Taylor, accomplished Catholic scientist and teaching fellow at Thomas More College, to discuss how Catholics can better understand and interact with Creation. They also explore themes such as the positive and negative aspects of the current environmental movement, and how respect for creation must begin at the personal level. 
 

Resources: 
• Learn more about Dr. Michael Taylor
• Thomas More College of Liberal Arts website

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

Get more information about Ave Maria University!