As these United States commemorate 250 years this Fourth of July, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry explores the rich Catholic roots of our country and highlights the inspiring legacy of America’s many great American saints, including the North American Martyrs. Msgr. Landry retraces the often-overlooked contributions Catholics made to the nation's founding, and reflects on the Church's lasting impact through Catholic education, hospitals, immigration, and charitable institutions.

We enjoy a sneak peek of Meghan Cox Gurdon's new book, Free Range Girl, coming to bookstores this Fall. Set in the spirit of 1976, the memoir is a "powerful and luminous look back at a childhood that could likely never happen again, providing a striking counterpoint to the screen-saturated and tightly managed childhoods of today." Recounting her unconventional upbringing in an off-the-grid homestead in rural Maine, she reflects on a childhood marked by independence, adventure, and resilience.

We also revisit a timely and memorable conversation with Andrew Laubacher, founder of Humanality, on reclaiming intentionality in a technology-driven world. Drawing from his popular digital detox presentation, Laubacher explains how smartphones and social media exploit human psychology, and contribute to rising rates of anxiety and addiction. He outlines Humanality's holistic approach to technology by helping individuals focus on habits that restore attention, relationships, and spiritual well-being.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

Meghan Cox Gurdon is an author and longtime book reviewer and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, covering children’s literature and adult titles. She is author of the best seller, The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction. She writes and speaks widely about literature, family life, and the formative power of stories in a culture saturated with screens. Meghan’s work has appeared in numerous national publications and she is a leading voice on education, culture, and children’s reading. Her forthcoming memoir, Free Range Girl, reflects on her adventurous upbringing in rural Maine, and offers a compelling reflection on the value of an unscripted childhood in contrast to today’s tech-filled youth. A former foreign correspondent and magna cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, she has five children with her husband, English journalist Hugo Gurdon. The family divides their time between Maryland and Maine.

Andrew Laubacher is Executive Director of Humanality, a non-profit organization helping people overcome addictions to digital technology. His comprehensive Digital Detox Program was developed after extensive research into the neurological, psychological, and spiritual effects of modern technology. The program helps individuals, families, and organizations reduce screen-related anxiety, loneliness, and depression through healthier human relationships and purposeful living, with deeper forms of human connection. A speaker and worship leader who spent a decade as a Catholic touring musician, he is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and personal trainer. He is Founder and CEO of Illumined Wellness, centered on holistic health through integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. He holds degrees in Theology and Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

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After Pope Leo's historic trip to Spain, renowned art historian Elizabeth Lev joins to discuss the towering La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and Antoni Gaudi, the venerable architect who worked tirelessly on the project. She traces the parallels between La Sagrada Familia and St. Peter's Basilica, two monumental churches built over generations by people who knew they would never see their work completed. Lev discusses the impact St. Peter's Basilica had on her own faith life, and why cathedrals are built to turn our gaze toward Heaven.

Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman joins to share the story behind Joseph: Keeper of the King, her newest children's book co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, which presents the life of St. Joseph. She explains how Joseph's role as a true father, son of David, and guardian of Christ reveals the continuity of God's plan of salvation. She also discusses The Story of All Stories, Word on Fire's acclaimed Catholic children's Bible, that introduces children to typography and highlights the importance of creating theologically rich books to help children encounter Christ and the salvation story.

Msgr. Roger Landry helps listeners prepare for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the Church's most significant celebrations honoring the two great pillars of Christianity. He explains the importance for the universal Church, the symbolism of the pallium that Pope Leo will bestow upon newly appointed archbishops, and the significance of the Holy Father's upcoming consistory with cardinals from around the world.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Elizabeth Lev is a transplanted US art historian with degrees from University of Chicago and University of Bologna. She has been working as a guide in Rome for over 25 years and teaches at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. She has served as a commissioner of the Tourism Board of Rome and a didactic consultant for the Vatican Museums. Liz is the author of 4 books, and has commented on art and the papacy for several television networks. As a public speaker, she has taught and lectured in numerous venues in Europe, the US, Singapore, and Australia. She has addressed the United Nations in New York and given a TED talk in Geneva. Her recent projects include a series of columns for the Epoch Times on the light of art through dark times in history. She is also a certified sommelier.

Emily Stimpson Chapman is an award-winning Catholic writer, podcaster, and author of nine books, including Letters to Myself from the End of the World; Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of the Resurrection of the Body; and The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food & Faith Meet. She is the co-author of children’s books, Mary: Mother of All; The Supper of the Lamb; and Lord, Have Mercy. Her latest projects include an illustrated youth Story Bible, The Story of All Stories, a fourth children’s book, and an essay-rich cookbook. A prolific writer for women’s ministry, Emily publishes a weekly newsletter on Substack, Through a Glass Darkly, and co-hosts the popular podcast, Visitation Sessions. She is the editor of the high school faith formation series Formed in Christ and the author of numerous studies for the women's ministry, Endow. She lives in Steubenville, Ohio with her husband and three children.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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Becket Fund President Mark Rienzi joins to discuss a deeply moving letter sent by Pope Leo ahead of the firm's 2026 Canterbury Medal Gala. Written as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Holy Father's message praised religious liberty as "the cornerstone of any just society" and highlighted the connection between human dignity, conscience rights, and the American founding.

Catholic psychologist Dr. Gregory Popcak breaks down a viral moment from the Holy Father’s trip to Spain, as a female survivor of childhood trauma raised two powerful questions: how to forgive and how to reconcile suffering with God. Dr. Popcak also shares lessons from his book, BeDADitudes, filled with practical insights on how to be an awesome dad this Father's Day and practice authentic leadership in our families.

Msgr. Roger Landry explains the history and symbolism of the World Mission Rosary – highlighting how women’s religious communities across the country have already pledged more than 50,000 handmade rosaries – and describes how Catholics from every continent will unite in prayer during the beatification celebrations. The effort serves as a tribute to Sheen's missionary legacy, and a powerful witness to the enduring devotion of the faithful around the world.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Mark Rienzi is president and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and professor of law at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. He teaches on the topics of constitutional law, religious liberty, torts, and evidence. A constitutional law expert and accomplished Supreme Court advocate, Rienzi has successfully represented clients in many of the most consequential religious freedom cases of the last decade, including landmark litigation involving conscience rights, religious schools, parental authority, and the free exercise of religion. He is a widely sought after speaker on constitutional issues, abortion, and the First Amendment.  Rienzi has represented high profile clients such as Hobby Lobby, Little Sisters of the Poor, Wheaton College, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.  He has secured numerous victories before the US Supreme Court and continues to defend the right to live out faith freely in the public square.

Dr. Gregory Popcak is founder and Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute and author of numerous books integrating Catholic theology, counseling and psychology, including BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to be an Awesome Dad. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work, and Chair of the Marriage and Family Studies program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He serves as adjunct professor in psychology and graduate theology at Franciscan University. His work has been featured on Fox News, in the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. He is co-host of the EWTN radio program More to Life, founder of CatholicCounselors.com, and co-creator of the CatholicHOM App, helping couples and families build stronger relationships rooted in Catholic teaching. He serves as consultant to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on marriage and family life.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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Fran Maier joins to share his favorite parts of Pope Leo's new AI encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas.’ He explores the Pope's warning against passivity toward AI's growing influence, the dangers of a culture increasingly disconnected from reality, and how authentic human flourishing can only be found through love and community. We also mark the 100th birthday of the venerable Jerome Lejeune, as the First Things editor offers moving reflections on what he has learned raising a child with Down syndrome, and what these children can teach the world.

Rebecca Dougherty also joins today’s show to discuss Pope Leo's favorite book, The Practice of the Presence of God, and why every Catholic should join her and Father Gregory Pine by delving into this edifying read this summer. Dougherty shares how the simple wisdom of a 17th-century Carmelite lay brother remains so relevant in today's distracted and digitally saturated culture.

Msgr. Roger Landry marks the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart this June, and reflects on its historic significance during the nation's 250th anniversary year. He discusses its connection to Pope Leo XIII's 1899 consecration of the entire world to the Sacred Heart, and why devotion to the Sacred Heart remains central to Catholic life.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Francis X. Maier is a senior fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington, D.C. and a longtime Catholic journalist, author, and public intellectual. He served for 23 years as senior aide and special assistant to Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., in Denver and Philadelphia. He previously served 15 years as editor-in-chief of the National Catholic Register newsweekly, and as a screenwriter and story analyst based in L.A. He earned a master of fine arts in film and television production from New York University, and won a fellowship in screenwriting with the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Maier is the author of several books, including True Confessions: Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church. His writing regularly appears in First Things, The Catholic Thing, and numerous other publications. He and his wife, Suann, were honored by Pope Francis in the Order of St. Gregory for extraordinary service to the church. They are parents to four children.

Rebecca Dougherty is a Catholic educator, speaker, and presenter with Ascension Press. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State University. With more than a decade of experience teaching theology at the high school and seminary levels, she is passionate about helping people understand and live the Catholic faith. She has served as host of the Catholic Light podcast and currently co-hosts Ascension’s podcast series on The Practice of the Presence of God alongside her brother, Dominican Father Gregory Pine. She lives in the greater Philadelphia area with her husband, Dan, where she homeschools their five children.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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We continue to delve into Pope Leo's 'Magnifica Humanitas' with Professor Paolo Carozza of Notre Dame's Law School. Also serving as chair of the Meta Oversight Board, Carozza explained why he thinks the encyclical is "a profound and prophetic document" that could prove to be one of the defining texts of our technological age, and why there is a need now  to "develop a new politics" for the "whole persons and for all persons," as the Holy Father wrote.

As we look ahead to the beatification of soon-to-be-Blessed Fulton Sheen – one of the most beloved causes for sainthood in American Catholic history–Msgr. Jason A. Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, shares insights about Sheen’s life of virtue, and the step-by-step documentation collected and vetted when preparing a cause for sainthood, including details about the many possible miracles being explored.

With big news from the Vatican this week. Msgr. Roger Landry shares his moments with Pope Leo, and reacts to the big news of Montse Alvarado being appointed to the position of Prefect of Dicastery for Communication, the first laywoman to ever hold that position. As the Church celebrates Corpus Christi, he also reflects on the centrality of the Eucharist and why Christ's Real Presence remains the greatest news the world can ever receive.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Paolo G. Carozza is Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of Notre Dame Law School. A leading expert in comparative constitutional law and international human rights, he previously served as Director of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, Director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Associate Dean for International and Graduate Programs. He is the founder and director of the Notre Dame Constitutionalism and Rule of Law Lab (CAROLL). With extensive public service experience, he was a member and president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Venice Commission, and currently Co-Chair of Meta’s Oversight Board. He holds an A.B. and J.D. from Harvard University and has been a visiting professor at several institutions worldwide. His work focuses on the promotion of human rights, democracy, and rule of law, particularly in Latin America and Europe.

Monsignor Jason A. Gray, J.C.D., is a priest of the Diocese of Peoria and serves as Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation. Ordained in 1997, he holds a doctorate in canon law and has been deeply involved in the cause for the canonization of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen since it opened in 2002. In 2011, he led the diocesan investigation into the miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession that advanced the cause toward beatification. Msgr. Gray previously worked at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome and currently also serves as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Peoria Heights, and Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Peoria. In his role with the Sheen Foundation, he works to promote the life, legacy, and teachings of Archbishop Sheen while advancing the cause for his sainthood.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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With the release of Pope Leo XIV’s highly anticipated first encyclical on artificial intelligence, Magnificat Humanitas, Dr. Fernanda Psihas – physicist, AI expert, and professor at Franciscan University – joins to discuss how Catholics can faithfully navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology and remain “profoundly human” in a digital era. Reflecting on the document through the lens of the feminine genius, she discusses how women, inspired by the Blessed Mother, are uniquely positioned to become “weavers of hope” in a culture increasingly marked by isolation, automation, and disconnected communication.

We welcome educator and author Rob Greving to discuss his new book, The Apostolate of Courtesy: How to Save Souls and Change the World Through the Power of Manners. As the Holy Father also emphasized the importance of speech and how it shapes the culture, we talk with Rob Greving about the 'Apostolate of Courtesy,' and why we must work to bring back manners in this digital age where saying hello has become a novelty. Greving argues that courtesy is far more than simple politeness – it’s a form of charity that reflects the love of Christ. Drawing from the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, he explains how small acts of kindness and good manners can help restore peace in families, schools, workplaces, and online communication.

TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry prepares our hearts for Holy Trinity Sunday, reflecting on the mystery of the Blessed Trinity as the central teaching of the Catholic faith, "because it's who God is." This knowledge shapes not only our theology, but our understanding of family, human relationships, and the call to holiness itself.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Dr. Fernanda Psihas is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Physics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she teaches courses in artificial intelligence, data science, and experimental physics. She earned her B.S. in Engineering Physics from Universidad Iberoamericana, an M.S. in Physics from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a Ph.D. in Physics from Indiana University Bloomington. As a Catholic scientist and educator, she is passionate about exploring the harmony between faith and reason, speaking on topics like AI ethics, science education, and the integration of theology with technology. Dr. Psihas is an active voice for approaching artificial intelligence with both intellectual rigor and spiritual discernment, and how it must always be rooted in an authentic understanding of the human person. Her work reflects a uniquely Catholic vision that seeks harmony between scientific discovery and theological truth.

Rob Greving is a dedicated Catholic educator, speaker, writer, and author of the timely new book, The Apostolate of Courtesy: How to Save Souls and Change the World Through the Power of Manners. A teacher of Latin and English grammar at a classical Catholic boys’ high school in Maryland, he has been on the faculty since 1999. Originally from North Dakota, he earned a B.A. in History from Louisiana State University and a J.D. from Dickinson School of Law, after which he served five years as a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. Greving is a frequent contributor to Catholic publications such as Crisis Magazine and Catholic Stand. His work emphasizes the evangelizing power of everyday courtesy, drawing inspiration from St. Francis de Sales, and explores how Christian manners can transform hearts and culture in an often discourteous world.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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Former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, joins to discuss his powerful new book, China’s War on Faith, and the escalating persecution of religious believers under the Chinese Communist Party. He discusses the fate of imprisoned Catholic publisher Jimmy Lai, and other faithful being held on trumped up charges. He sounds the alarm on the Chinese government’s growing influence inside American universities, and why the US must disentangle itself economically from the CCP.

As Catholics around the world await Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on AI coming out early next week, renowned theologian and EWTN host, Father Robert Spitzer, joins to discuss what we might expect from the document, especially as it pertains to the dangers of AI and the impact this new digital arena is having on the economy. As a creator of his own AI tools pioneering the Catholic system known as Magis, Father Spitzer discusses why theologically sound AI concepts must be developed to combat the secular nature of mainstream options that have led to depression and death among teens.

TCA chaplain Monsignor Roger Landry helps prepare hearts for Pentecost Sunday with a rich reflection on the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, and the call for every Christian to become a “spiritual arsonist” setting the world ablaze with the fire of God’s love.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Catholic Association’s free media updates for continued conversations on faith, culture, and public life.

Sam Brownback is an American attorney, politician, diplomat, and prominent voice for the global advancement of religious freedom. The only living American to have served as a congressman, US senator, governor, and ambassador, he earned a B.S. in agricultural economics from Kansas State University and a J.D. from the University of Kansas. He became one of the youngest to serve as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. He later served as a US Representative and then a US Senator, where he was a key architect in the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. He served as 46th Governor of Kansas and was nominated by President Trump to become US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, the first Catholic to hold that role. His new book, China’s War on Faith, documents the CCP’s escalating crackdown on religious believers and the growing global threat posed by authoritarian communism.

Father Robert Spitzer, SJ is president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, founder of the Napa Institute, bestselling author, and longtime host of Father Spitzer’s Universe on EWTN. Widely recognized for his work at the intersection of science, philosophy, theology, and ethics, Father Spitzer recently helped develop Magis AI, a Catholic artificial intelligence platform designed to provide faithful answers to questions about morality, faith, science, and culture. He is a leading voice for the Church on the ethics of AI and emerging technologies. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1974, was ordained in 1983, and earned advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America. He taught philosophy and business ethics at Georgetown University and Seattle University before serving as President of Gonzaga University. He has written twenty books, including the award-winning New Proofs for the Existence of God.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River. He is the author of the book, Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and leads pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, and other sacred destinations. He was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s coverage of the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Father Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, which coincided with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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Bestselling author, SiriusXM host, and Catholic media personality Katie Prejean McGrady joins to reflect on the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate and what makes this papacy feel uniquely personal and accessible. Katie shares what it was like to moderate a groundbreaking live conversation between Pope Leo and a group of teens discussing mental health, prayer, social media, and AI. We also look ahead to the pope’s upcoming encyclical and the lens of joy he might bring to the topic of humanity, while delving into the dangers of artificial intelligence.

Author and columnist Leah Libresco Sargeant discusses Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha expecting their fourth child, and why family life so often unfolds differently than people originally plan. Leah explores shifting attitudes toward fertility, openness to life, natural family planning, and the growing national conversation around declining birth rates. She breaks down the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act and explains why practical support for families can make a meaningful difference for parents navigating the early years of raising children.

The team reflects on the remarkable conversion story of Tammy Peterson, whose encounter with the Rosary during cancer treatment eventually led her into the Catholic Church. Drawing from author Margarita Mooney Clayton’s recent interview, Ashley and Betsy discuss Mary’s maternal role in leading souls closer to Christ.

TCA chaplain Monsignor Roger Landry helps prepare hearts for Pentecost with a reflection on the Ascension, the Church’s first novena, and the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in Christian mission and daily life.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Katie Prejean McGrady is a wife, mom, award-winning author, speaker, and one of the leading voices in Catholic media today. A former youth minister and high school educator, she transitioned to full-time speaking in 2017 and travels extensively sharing her faith at parishes, retreats, and events. She is the author of six books with Ave Maria Press, co-hosts the popular Ave Explores podcast, and hosts The Katie McGrady Show — the morning drive-time program on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel. In addition, Katie serves as a Vatican analyst for CNN and regularly contributes to outlets such as Our Sunday Visitor, Blessed is She, and Aleteia. Known for her engaging, humorous, and practical approach to living the Catholic faith, she helps people encounter Christ in everyday life with joy and authenticity. She lives in Louisiana with her husband, Tom, and their two daughters.

Leah Libresco Sargeant is a Catholic writer, speaker, and policy analyst known for her insightful work at the intersection of faith, feminism, family policy, and human dependence. A Yale graduate and former atheist blogger, she made headlines with her conversion to Catholicism in 2012. She is the author of several books, including Arriving at Amen, Building the Benedict Option (a practical guide to building Christian community), and her most recent work, The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto. Her writings have appeared in The Dispatch, First Things, and numerous national publications. She currently works as a Senior Policy Analyst focused on family economic security in Washington, D.C., runs the Other Feminisms Substack, and writes on religion and culture. Leah lives in Maryland with her husband and children.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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With a new book released just this week, Dr. Margarita Mooney Clayton discusses When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God, a theological exploration weaving in seven encounters with Mary who "acts as a bridge...a living spiritual mother who guides individuals through danger, loss, and spiritual renewal, ultimately leading them closer to God." She explains why Mary remains such a powerful spiritual mother in today’s fractured world and reflects on the ways beauty, suffering, and grace often become pathways to encountering God.

As Pope Leo XIV marks one year as the Vicar of Christ, Vatican insider Edward Pentin joins the show to discuss defining moments of the new papacy. From calls for unity and peace to ethical challenges posed by AI, Pentin examines how Pope Leo is shaping the Church during a pivotal time in history.

Monsignor Roger Landry also weighs in to reflect on the Pope’s momentous first year. He discusses emerging themes of Leo XIV’s pontificate, including the renewal of Catholic identity, evangelization, and the importance of rooting modern challenges firmly in the Gospel and Church tradition.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Margarita Mooney Clayton is an author, public speaker, and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is founder of the Scala Foundation, dedicated to transforming culture by promoting beauty and joy through the arts, liturgy and higher education. She is a research fellow in theology and the arts at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University, and a widely respected author who writes frequently on faith, culture, beauty and education. Her writing has appeared in numerous academic publications and journals and has been cited in the New York Times. Her new book, When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God, explores how Mary continues to guide souls through suffering, beauty, healing, and spiritual renewal.  She earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Yale University and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology from Princeton University. She has taught in sociology programs at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Yale, and Princeton.

Edward Pentin is a senior correspondent for the National Catholic Register and a regular contributor to EWTN programs, with over 20 years’ experience as a Rome correspondent covering issues on the Vatican, the papacy, and the Catholic Church. Formerly a producer and presenter on Vatican Radio, he has reported for publications such as Newsweek, Newsmax, and National Catholic Register among others. He has appeared on a variety of Catholic and secular broadcasts including CNN, Fox News, and BBC World Service. He is the author of The Rigging of a Vatican Synod? An Investigation into Alleged Manipulation at the Extraordinary Synod on the Family and The Next Pope – The Leading Cardinal Candidates. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Masters in Applied Theology.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

The following transcript is machine generated.

As we enter into the Marian month of May, papal biographer George Weigel reflects on Pope Saint John Paul II’s deep Marian devotion and touches on some of the current ills of society, including the disturbing rise of antisemitism among young Catholics. Weigel also discusses current challenges in the Church, including efforts in Germany and Luxembourg to push for women’s ordination and the importance of recovering a sound Christian anthropology.

Nicholas Reaves, senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, breaks down a major case the Supreme Court is about to hear, involving Colorado’s excluding Catholic families and preschools from the state’s “universal” preschool programs because of their faith. Reaves explains how the case could affect religious liberty, Catholic education, and the rights of parents seeking faith-based schooling for their children.

Msgr. Roger Landry marks the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, reflecting on the spiritual meaning of work and how St. Joseph teaches us to sanctify our daily labor. He also gives us a glimpse into the upcoming beatification of soon-to-be-saint Fulton Sheen and the preparations taking place in Peoria, Illinois.

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George Weigel is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Catholic theologian, and author. A former president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, he is widely known for his acclaimed biography of Pope St. John Paul II: the New York Times bestseller, Witness to Hope (1999), and its sequel, The End and the Beginning (2010). His op-eds appear in major newspapers across the US, and he is a frequent guest on TV and radio. He is Senior Vatican Analyst for NBC News and pens the weekly column, The Catholic Difference, syndicated in five countries. Mr. Weigel received a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, an M.A. in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto. He is the recipient of nineteen honorary doctorates. In 2024 he was decorated with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, and was awarded the Papal Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the Lithuanian Diplomacy Star, and the Gloria Artis Gold Medal of Poland’s Ministry of Culture.

Nicholas Reaves is Senior Counsel at Becket, a nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty. He has played a key role in major US Supreme Court cases, including Fulton v. City of Philadelphia and Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin and successfully argued numerous religious freedom cases in federal courts. Reaves was appointed as a Visiting Clinical Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School, where he co-directs the Free Exercise Clinic. His articles have appeared in the Yale Law Journal Forum, Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, and Notre Dame Law Review, with his work cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. He has testified before federal commissions including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the EEOC. Prior to Becket, Reaves practiced trial and appellate litigation at Jones Day and clerked for Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served on the Managing Board of the Virginia Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River. He is the author of the book, Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and leads pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, and other sacred destinations. He was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s coverage of the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Father Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, which coincided with his 25th year in the priesthood.

The following transcript is machine generated.