What does Pope Leo XIV actually say about artificial intelligence and why has his first encyclical generated so much discussion?

How can understanding what it means to be human help us navigate an increasingly technological world?

Join us for this month's episode of Catholicism 101 as we unpack Magnifica Humanitas alongside Quo Vadis, Humanitas – a recent document from the International Theological Commission. 

Whether you're looking for a clear summary of these landmark documents or wondering what the Church teaches about AI, this episode offers an accessible introduction to one of the most important conversations of our time.

Resources:

Magnifica Humanitas (Pope Leo XIV)

Quo Vadis, Humanitas? (International Theological Comission)

Pre-Order The Truth & The Lie: What it Means to be Human in the Age of AI | Dr. Christopher West, ThD (Sept. 2026)

Pope Leo XIV’s AI Encyclical Explained (w/ Fr. Gregory Pine)

Presentation on Magnifica Humanitas by Fr. Clinton Sensat

An Examination of Conscience for Using Artificial Intelligence

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What does the Church really teach about Natural Family Planning and why does it matter not only spiritually, but scientifically? 

This month on Catholicism 101 Emily sits down with Dr. Danielle Koestner, DO of FEMM for a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation on women’s health, fertility awareness, and the harmony between faith and science.

Whether you’re preparing for marriage, struggling with infertility or hormone issues, discerning NFP, or simply wanting to better understand the beauty of how God designed the body, this episode is a hopeful reminder that truth cannot contradict truth.

Schedule an Appointment | Take a Class | Become a FEMM Medical Provider

Ovulation: A Sign of Health

Read Emily's story on FEMM's Blog: The Hidden Key to Treating Health Problems (1/19/2004)

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What are vocations, and what different kinds of vocations are there?

How do we hear God’s call when our own hearts feel uncertain, restless, or afraid of choosing wrongly?

How do vocations and discernment reveal that holiness is not found in controlling every detail, but in surrendering our lives to the One who knows us best?

Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as I sit down with the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Owensboro, Fr. Corey Bruns, to reflect on vocations, discernment, and the ways that God leads each of us toward the life He has prepared.

Owensboro Vocations

Passionist Nuns of St. Joseph Monastery

St. Meinrad Archabbey & Seminary

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia - Nashville

The Fathers of Mercy - Auburn, KY

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco - Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

The Abbey of Gethsemani

Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Owensboro

Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph - Maple Mount

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How does a mother learn to trust God when she cannot protect her children from every struggle, mistake, or suffering?

How does thirty years of family life slowly reveal God’s presence in both the joys and the hidden sacrifices?

Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as I sit down with my own mom, Sara Gipson, to reflect on motherhood, faith, and the quiet ways God forms us through the ordinary and the unexpected; drawing us little by little toward holiness.

Connect with Sara: Sara Gipson Group Brokered by eXp Realty, LLC

“Motherhood is the means towards sainthood—not only our own personal sanctity, but also that of our husband and children… The vocation of a mother is a slow process toward developing a virtuous life. The vices that encompass self-satisfaction are gradually stripped away through motherhood. This is not a quick process, and often women go through this spiritual growth kicking and screaming. Not in the sense of rejecting responsibilities, but in giving up our selfish nature and putting our faith in God first as Our Lady gave her fiat.” From Catholic Mom (Holy Cross Family Ministries)

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In this month's episode of Catholicism 101, Ben Warrell joins us to share his testimony of walking with Christ in the Paschal Mysteries of everyday life, as well as over his own lifetime thus far.

Ben serves as the Camp Director at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center right outside of Bowling Green, KY in the Diocese of Owensboro.

If you are interested in learning more about camp, whether it be sending your own child, serving as a volunteer, or serving on summer staff, you can find more information on Gasper's website HERE, by calling 270-781-2466, or by emailing [email protected]

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What is the Paschal Mystery?

Why does the Church love Lent so much when it seems like the hardest season of the year?

How can prayer, fasting, and almsgiving become a more impactful experience for me rather than simply fulfilling my obligation as a Catholic?

Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as we get to the heart of Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, and what these events mean for each of us during the Lenten season.

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Why does the Church call marriage a Sacrament and not just a commitment?

What does it mean to rely on the grace of the Sacrament when the burdens of life feel impossible to bear?

How can married love become a path to holiness and a gift not only to one another, but to children, grandchildren, and the wider community?

Tune into this episode of Catholicism 101 as we sit down with Al and DeeAnna Wathen to reflect on marriage as a Sacrament of grace, service, and life-giving love, as well as wisdom for those discerning or preparing for marriage.

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Why do the winter months feel heavier for so many?

How can faith support us during seasons of depression, grief, or transition?

What difference does it make when mental-health care and faith work together?

In this month’s episode of Catholicism 101, we’re joined by Ethan Bennett of Abba Healing Services for an honest and hope-filled conversation about mental health during the winter season.

Together, we explore:

• Why the “winter blues” are real—and what’s happening beneath the surface
• How to lean on faith without spiritualizing away depression or grief
• Why integrating therapy and counseling with our faith can be deeply healing
• How to support loved ones walking through seasons of depression, loss, or transition

Whether you’re struggling yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this month's episode of Catholicism 101 aims to offer wisdom, compassion, and practical encouragement through the lens of faith for taking care of your mental health.

Counseling Services & the CAP Program | Diocese of Owensboro

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What role does a parish community actually play in forming our children’s faith?

Why can’t Catholic identity be handed on by families alone or by schools alone?

In this month’s episode of Catholicism 101, we look at the irreplaceable gift of parish life and how every family is strengthened through a living, breathing Catholic community.

Resources:

Study: 9 in 10 cradle Catholics leaving the Church; experts urge stronger faith community | Catholic News Agency

Religious Transmission: A Solution to the Church's Biggest Problem | Church Life Journal 

Addressing the Phenomenon of Parish Hopping | OSV

How to Pick a Parish (and Why It Matters!) | FOCUS

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Have a question about the Faith you’d like to have answered on the Podcast? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/zorQwuUGtSdukzjc6 

What does it mean to be human? If we’re made in His image and likeness, what does God look like? What does God sound like?

Join us for this BONUS episode of Catholicism 101 as we discover how our human wants and needs reflect certain truths about God and his love for us!

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”  (Luke 12:49)

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” –St. Catherine of Siena

Resources:

·       TOB for Free | Theology of the Body Institute

·       Why Are We So Terrified of Death? | Theology of the Body Institute

·       Why God Gave Us Bodies | The Thesis of Theology of the Body

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Have a question about the Faith you’d like to have answered on the Podcast? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/zorQwuUGtSdukzjc6