Catholics on Campus

Catholics on Campus

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Catholics on Campus episodes

  • You Can't Spell Catholic Without AI

    Artificial intelligence is changing everything, but how should Catholics respond?

    In this episode, Rob Kubasko returns to explore how emerging technologies like AI are shaping our lives, our thinking, and even our faith.

    Rob offers a balanced and insightful perspective, reminding us that while technology can be a powerful tool, it should never replace the deeper truths of human dignity, free will, and our relationship with God.

    Tune in to this episode, as we unpack the opportunities and challenges AI presents for Catholics, especially college students navigating an increasingly digital world.

    AI resources mentioned by Rob:

    • notebooklm.google
    • claude.ai
    • manus.im/app

    Previous Catholics on Campus episodes on AI:

    • Ep #23: Catholic Perspectives on AI
    • Ep #50: Virtuous Living and AI: A Path Forward

    Contact Virginia

    • Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    • On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    • Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    • Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    • Visit my Website

    41 min
  • Inside UIC's St. John Paul II Newman Center

    College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, lonely, and uncertain. That’s why vibrant campus ministries are so important.

    In this episode, Virginia interviews Rebecca Siar, who serves students at the University of Illinois Chicago, about how the Newman Center creates a welcoming home for students seeking faith, community, and purpose.

    Rebecca shares what it looks like to accompany students through the challenges of college life while helping them deepen their relationship with Christ.

    Rebecca’s insights reveal how powerful Catholic community can be during the college years—and how Newman Centers are helping students encounter Christ in life-changing ways.

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    36 min
  • Catholic Community Defeats Loneliness

    Loneliness is one of the greatest struggles facing college students today—but authentic Catholic community offers a powerful antidote.

    In this episode, Nathan Carr, Director of Campus Ministry at North Dakota State University, shares how meaningful relationships, intentional conversations, and faith-centered community can transform life on campus.

    Drawing from his years of campus ministry and his own journey through science, healthcare, and theology, Nathan shares practical wisdom about building authentic friendships and leading meaningful conversations.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:

    1. Why loneliness is so common among college students today
    2. The surprising power of asking good questions in building relationships
    3. How intentional Catholic community changes lives on campus
    4. The role of vulnerability, leadership, and faith in forming deep friendships
    5. Practical ways students can create connection instead of waiting for it

    Nathan reminds us that real community doesn’t happen by accident—it grows when people take the courage to reach out, listen well, and walk together in faith.

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    52 min
  • It's Okay to be Catholic

    Why are so many college students—and even Protestant pastors—becoming Catholic today?

    In this compelling conversation, Dr. Sam Nunnally shares his remarkable story of conversion from Protestant pastor to Catholic professor, author, and evangelist, and what he’s witnessing on campus today.

    From launching the “It’s Okay to Be Catholic” movement to mentoring students exploring the faith, Dr. Nunnally offers hope, clarity, and encouragement for anyone curious about Catholicism—or seeking the courage to fully live it.

    Dr. Nunnally’s story is a powerful reminder that truth is worth seeking and that God is not afraid of your questions. When you seek truth with sincerity, He will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    44 min
  • Get to Know Your Professors

    Have you ever wondered how professors live out their faith on campus?

    In this conversation, political science professor Dr. Paul Vasquez shares his journey as a lifelong Catholic in higher education—from the military to Notre Dame to public universities.

    He reflects on teaching as a vocation, integrating Catholic thought without preaching, and offering students wisdom on focus, integrity, and discernment.

    This episode offers thoughtful insight for students navigating faith in college and anyone discerning how to live their beliefs with integrity in the workplace.

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    36 min
  • Meet a Saint Inspired Student Entrepreneur

    What if your creativity and business ideas are part of God’s plan for your vocation?

    The Catholic Church teaches that entrepreneurship can be a response to God’s call to co-create with Him, serving the common good and promoting human dignity.

    In this episode, college student and entrepreneur Clare, founder of St. Clare and Francis, shares how she turned a high-school sticker project into a thriving Catholic apparel brand rooted in faith, prayer, and the inspiration of the saints.

    Clare shares her journey of trusting God, staying rooted in Catholic identity, and balancing college life with entrepreneurship.

    Her story will encourage you to integrate faith, creativity, and purpose—right where you are.

    Clare's Links:

    1. Website: saintclareandfrancis.com
    2. Instagram: @saintclareandfrancis

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    17 min
  • One Writer's Journey to 52 Masses

    Have you ever wondered what the Catholic Church looks like beyond your own parish or campus?

    In our latest Catholics on Campus episode, author Daniel Markham shares how attending Mass in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico transformed his faith and revealed the beauty, diversity, and unity of the Church across America.

    His journey will inspire you to see the Eucharist, your parish, and your own calling with fresh eyes.

    Daniel also offers encouragement for students and aspiring writers who feel called to share their faith—but struggle with feeling “unworthy”.

    Daniel's Links

    1. Email Daniel: [email protected]
    2. Learn more about his book: 52masses.com

    Contact Virginia

    1. Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    2. On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    3. Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    4. Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    5. Visit my Website

    33 min
  • Aggie Advice for Staying Faithful in College

    How can young Catholics stay strong in faith on a large, secular campus?

    In this uplifting episode, Texas A&M freshman Bryce LaRue shares his journey of finding community, purpose, and peace through the Eucharist—and how college life can become a powerful mission field for Christ.

    Bryce Larue, a communications major and student leader, joins us to share:

    • How a life-changing encounter at a Steubenville Conference deepened his love for the Eucharist.
    • The power of adoration and daily prayer to anchor college life.
    • Why community, service, and rest are essential for balance and holiness.
    • His advice for students discerning between Catholic and public universities—and how God can work powerfully in both.
    • How the witness of St. Carlo Acutis inspires him to live for heaven, even in the digital age.

    Bryce’s story reminds us that faith doesn’t fade in college—it can flourish when rooted in prayer, purpose, and authentic community.

    Contact Virginia

    • Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    • On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    • Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    • Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    • Visit my Website

    23 min
  • Hope Remains: The Jubilee Year's Lasting Legacy

    The Jubilee Year of Hope has come to a close—but the call to live with hope is just beginning.  

    In this episode, you’ll hear:

    • A recap of the most inspiring moments from the Jubilee Year of Hope
    • Why St. John Henry Newman was named the newest Doctor of the Church and what it means for Catholic education today.
    • How the four temperaments experience hope differently.
    • Three ways to keep hope alive as the new year begins

    Even though the Jubilee has ended, its message endures: hope isn’t a feeling—it’s a choice, a discipline, and a way of life rooted in Christ.  

    Contact Virginia

    • Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    • On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    • Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    • Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    • Visit my Website

    14 min
  • Shifting a Side Hustle to Permanent Deacon

    To celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen, the Church’s first deacon and martyr, Virginia interviews creative professional and lifelong Catholic Rob Kubasko, who recently entered formation for the permanent diaconate.

    With humor, honesty, and heart, Rob shares his unconventional path to diaconate formation —and what it really means to serve the Church in today’s world.

    You’ll hear Rob share:

    • How God’s quiet “taps on the shoulder” led him to discern the diaconate
    • Why formation is both humbling and holy
    • The power of prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours in grounding his vocation.
    • How coaching, humility, and surrender helped him overcome fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
    • Insights on balancing career, marriage, and ministry while learning to trust God’s timing.

    Through laughter and honesty, Rob reminds us that vocation isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, humility, and faith in God’s plan.

    Contact Virginia

    • Contact Virginia at [email protected]
    • On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
    • Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
    • Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
    • Visit my Website

    39 min

About Catholics on Campus

From the publisher's feed

Are you an ambitious Catholic who is anxious about attending college or starting your college journey? Catholic mindset coach and founder of Knots Untied Coaching, Dr. Virginia Koch will help you…