Christopher Closeup

Clint Hurdle, the former baseball player and manager of the Pirates and Rockies, discusses the reasons that accepting God into his life helped him deal with his alcoholism and relationship problems, the blessing of having a daughter with special needs, and why he prays daily, "Lord, help me become a simple person in a complex world."

Maria Morera Johnson, the author of "A Beautiful Second Act," explores how a stroke at age 49 led her to look to the saints and other notable women for lessons on aging with grace, finding joy even in times of hardship, and discerning God's will in the process.

Gary Jansen, the author of "The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary," discusses how an encounter at the gym led him to new insights about the rosary, how meditative prayer can improve our physical and spiritual well-being, and why a good prayer life can help us make the kingdom of God more present to others.

"American Mother" co-author Diane Foley reveals how her Catholic faith helped her in the aftermath of her son's murder by terrorists – and how she handled it when one of her son's torturers and killers offered to meet with her.

Diane Foley, co-author of the book "American Mother" discusses the life and legacy of her son, journalist James Foley, who was taken hostage by terrorists in Syria and murdered in 2014. She explores the dangers faced by journalists in war zones, the quest for truth which motivated James' work, and the faith in God that guided him through difficult times.

Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck – the author of "Dive Deep: 40 Days with God at Sea" discusses how this book can help young people discern God's presence in their lives, better understand Scripture, and grow spiritually.

Christopher Award-winning author Kathy Izard discusses her new book "Trust the Whisper," which shares stories about individuals who listened for God's still, small voice in their lives and wound up making a positive difference in the lives of the homeless, the mentally ill, and many more.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Hart discusses her new Advent and Christmas album "All the Earth Alive Rejoicing," how performing at a prison enabled her to see Jesus in all the inmates, and what it felt like to be adopted by her stepfather as an adult.

Author and counselor Sister Ave Clark discusses her books "Joy is Blooming" and "Alleluia: A Grace to Hold Life's Interruptions," how beholding God in everything and everyone can lead us towards joy, the power of lightheartedness, and what Jesus on the cross can teach us about grace.

Gary Jansen, the author of "Saints, Angels, and Demons: An A-to-Z Guide to the Holy and the Damned," discusses the seeds of his interest in the saints, why we need to remember the saints were "imperfect individuals," how actor Bill Murray is linked to St. Catherine of Siena, and the enduring legacies of the two Francises: de Sales and of Assisi.