Conversations with Consequences

With the release of their latest album, Strange Land, Father Thomas Joseph White, founding member of The Hillbilly Thomists and rector of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, joins us to discuss how a group of Dominican friars turned a shared love of bluegrass into a powerful form of evangelization. From playful songs to moving reflections on mortality and divine providence, Father White shares the inspiration behind the band and the power of evangelizing through bluegrass and sacred music.

Annie Powell, co-founder of Camp Wojtyla, tells us why families should register early for the thriving JPII-inspired mountain adventure camp in Colorado that immerses young people in faith and creation, complete with outdoor Adoration. She discusses the powerful witness of priests and religious sisters who participate alongside campers, the vocations inspired by these experiences, and why families hoping to attend next summer should enter the camp's registration lottery early.

In a culture increasingly saturated with disturbing headlines and graphic content, the TCA team reflects on Ashley McGuire’s latest Substack column, "The News Is Not an Excuse to Stare at Evil". The team reflects on St. Augustine's warnings about the spiritual dangers of dwelling on evil, the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, and how Catholics can thoughtfully engage with difficult subjects without becoming consumed by them, especially during Halloween season.

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

Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P., is a prominent American Catholic priest and theologian. He serves as the Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome. Born in 1971, he is a member of the Dominican Order. He initially studied at Brown University, where he converted to Catholicism. He specializes in Trinitarian theology and Christology, as well as the relationship between grace and nature. He has authored many theological works and is known for his efforts to make Catholic theology accessible through the Thomistic Institute, which he helped found, bringing presentations to numerous college campuses. In addition to his academic pursuits, Father White is also a founding member of the bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists, blending his love for music with his religious vocation. The group released their latest album, The Strange Land, in July, 2026.

Annie Powell is the Founder and Executive Director of Camp Wojtyla, a Catholic wilderness adventure program in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. A former FOCUS missionary, she co-founded the camp with her husband, Scott, fulfilling a vision she felt called to pursue at age 15. Under her leadership, Camp Wojtyla serves middle- and high-school students through single gender sessions, combining high-adventure outdoor experiences with authentic Catholic formation. Campers experience the sacraments and the spirit of St. John Paul II, while guiding young people away from constant immersion with technology and into relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Annie holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Adventure Education and Outdoor Programming from Prescott College, Arizona. She resides near Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and three children.

Ashley McGuire is a Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Conversations with Consequences. She is the author of Sex Scandal: The Drive to Abolish Male and Female. She writes for numerous news outlets and speaks regularly on major television networks, serving as a prominent voice for the pro-life movement and religious liberty. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA TODAY, TIME, Newsweek, First Things, RealClearPolitics, the New York Post, and The Huffington Post, among others, and she has appeared on CNN, Fox News, PBS, and most major television networks. Ashley has covered papal conclaves in Rome and testified in Geneva before the UN. She has spoken about the pro-life movement, religious liberty, and feminism in academic settings such as New York University, Princeton University, and Yale Law School. Ashley lives in the DC area with her husband and five children.

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Following news of Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis after undergoing surgery this week, the TCA team reflects on the Holy Father's public witness to suffering and the powerful example he offers to cancer patients and their families around the world. They emphasize the importance of solidarity through prayer, and why Catholics should turn to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients, to intercede for the Pope's healing and recovery.

With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly common parenting tool, policy analyst and mother Abby McCloskey joins to discuss her recent Bloomberg piece examining how AI may be changing motherhood for the worse. Research suggests roughly 80% of parents use AI for parenting, and a third trust its advice over their own instincts. McCloskey explores the troubling consequences of outsourcing parenting decisions to algorithms, and how the convenience of AI may come at a greater cost than parents realize.

As we celebrate Respect Life Month, Emily Berning joins us to share the inspiring work of Let Them Live, the pro-life organization she founded with her husband. She shares how what began with a $1,200 gift to help a struggling expectant mother has grown into an organization that has helped more than 1,000 women choose life.

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

Abby M. McCloskey is the founder and principal of McCloskey Policy LLC, a research and consulting firm serving business and political leaders, and the host of the Beyond Talking Points podcast. She served as the domestic policy director on multiple presidential campaigns, including Governor Rick Perry’s 2016 presidential campaign, and economic advisor to Governor Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign. She was the program director of economic policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. and the director of research at the Financial Services Roundtable. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, National Affairs, Politico, The Dispatch, The Hill, Forbes, National Review and others, and she writes a weekly opinion column for Bloomberg. She has testified before the US Congress about her research on child care, paid leave, and banking regulation. She holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University. She lives with her husband, three children, and golden retriever in Texas. In her spare time, she edits spy novels.

Emily Berning is a prominent pro-life advocate and the President and Co-Founder of Let Them Live, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in crisis pregnancies to help them choose life. Under her leadership, Let Them Live has grown into a powerful movement that has saved more than 1,000 lives. Her journey into advocacy began with a personal donation to a homeless woman considering abortion, inspiring her to establish a supportive community for pregnant women in financial or personal crises. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Biological Sciences. Emily has appeared on national media platforms including radio, podcasts, and YouTube. Beyond her work in the pro-life movement, she is a passionate voice on faith, culture, and conservative values, inspiring audiences with her personal journey of faith, leadership, and the fight for life. She is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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Ahead of the feast day of St. Carlo Acutis next week, producer David DiCerto joins us to look at his hit documentary, Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality, and why the Church's first millennial saint offers such a powerful example for young people navigating today's digital world. He reflects on Carlo's remarkable ability to use technology without becoming consumed by it, and shares how schools and parishes across the country can host their own feast day screenings of this landmark film.

Plus, we celebrate the Marian month of October with Margarita Mooney Clayton as we explore the enduring power of the Rosary. She discusses her new book, When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God, drawing on personal experiences and extraordinary stories of faith. She reflects on Mary's enduring maternal presence and why her example of compassion, trust, and perseverance speaks so profoundly to our modern world.

The team wraps up by examining how the lives of St. Carlo Acutis and the Blessed Virgin Mary remind us of a timeless truth: that holiness is found not only in extraordinary moments, but also in the everyday choices that bring us closer to God.

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

David DiCerto is Director of Content Strategy at Castletown Media and producer of the acclaimed documentary Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality, which explores the life of the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint and the challenges of faith in the digital age. A New York City native with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of faith, media, and the arts, DiCerto served in leadership roles at the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, co-hosted and produced the award-winning movie-review program REEL FAITH, and worked as a media reviewer for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. His work with major studios and platforms includes SONY, Paramount, Warner Brothers, CBS, National Geographic, Amazon Prime and Netflix among others. An award-winning film critic who hosts The Catholic Lens, he continues to bring faith-informed storytelling to audiences through film, TV, and digital content. He attended Fordham University in New York City where he majored in media studies with a concentration in film. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and son.

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 with an emphasis on sacred art and Christian tradition. Her writing has appeared in academic publications and journals and 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.

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Following Pope Leo's apostolic journey to France, Solène Tadié, European correspondent for the National Catholic Register, joins us to reflect on what she witnessed firsthand and the remarkable Catholic revival taking place across the country – including the many heartfelt encounters the Holy Father had visiting the "eldest daughter of the Church."

Matthew Haas provides an update on the Thank-a-Priest initiative that’s sweeping across the nation and garnering millions of views, highlighting stories of heroic and astonishing work Catholic priests are doing every day, while giving young men practical resources for discernment. He also reminds us how simply expressing gratitude to the priests in our own lives can strengthen these hardworking shepherds, and help the next generation see the beauty of a vocation to the priesthood.

Plus, Father Thomas Petri, O.P. returns with practical advice for making your next confession simpler and more fruitful. A Missionary of Mercy and experienced confessor, Father Petri explains why the sacrament isn't meant to function as a therapy session, but as an encounter with God's mercy and forgiveness.

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

Solène Tadié is the European Correspondent for EWTN News and former European correspondent for the National Catholic Register. A French-Swiss who grew up in Paris, Tadié earned her degree in journalism from Roma III University, and began reporting on Rome and the Vatican for Aleteia, a Catholic news and information website. She went on to write for L’Osservatore Romano in 2015, covering the French and cultural sections of the Italian daily newspaper. She collaborates with French-speaking Catholic media organizations, and recently translated Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy by Acton Institute’s Fr. Robert Sirico, into French for Editions Salvator. Tadié holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Matthew Haas, KM, Project Director, is an accomplished marketing and advertising professional who co-founded the marketing company Syndicate Strategies. Matthew’s work has supported dozens of dioceses, bishops, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and the Order of Malta. He has also promoted Catholic and faith-based films, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and Roma Downey’s Son of God. He plays a key role in leading the new initiative, Shepherding Future Shepherds, including ThankAPriest.com which serves as the media arm to share positive stories of today's inspiring and heroic priests. His expertise in media strategy has been instrumental in developing innovative campaigns that amplify Catholic messages.

Father Thomas Petri, O.P. is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph, a moral theologian, and a Papal Missionary of Mercy. Born in Detroit and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky, he was ordained a priest in 2009 and holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America. He previously served as President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and as an assistant professor of theology at Providence College. The author of Aquinas and the Theology of the Body, he is a frequent commentator on Catholic media, including EWTN, and currently serves at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Catholic writer and father of five Daniel Payne joins us to talk about the sacred chaos of feeding a big family—and why a 36-inch Blackstone griddle has become one of his favorite tools for getting dinner on the table. With his new book coming out this fall on the beauty of big families, Be Fruitful: Why More Catholics Should Get Married and Have Lots of Babies, he explains why the challenges of raising a large family shouldn’t keep couples from embracing the joys and fulfillment of family life.

While the Catholic dating app SacredSpark expands to live events in major cities across the country, co-founders Emily and Daniel Hussem discuss their mission to make Catholic dating more human and intentional. They share why so many young singles are starving for real-life connection in a culture dominated by endless swiping, and seeking communities that help them build relationships centered on Christ.

As we mark the beautification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, we revisit our conversation with Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria. Bishop Tylka reflects on Sheen’s pioneering use of radio and TV to spread the Gospel, and what Catholics can learn today from his willingness to embrace new technology while communicating timeless truths of the faith.

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

Daniel Payne is a Catholic writer and senior editor for EWTN News, where he covers Church news, U.S. Catholic life, and related topics. He previously served as assistant editor of The College Fix (2017–2020) and a reporter at Just the News (2020–2023). A graduate with honors of Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied English literature and Italian, he lives in Virginia with his wife and five children. He is the author of the forthcoming book Be Fruitful: Why More Catholics Should Get Married and Have Lots of Babies, set for release this fall, which explores declining birth rates and the Church’s vision for marriage and family. He enjoys finding discarded Blackstone griddles, restoring them, and giving them to other large Catholic families. Payne sees preparing and sharing meals as an important part of his vocation as a husband and father, and emphasizes the value of bringing families together around the dinner table. His writing can be found through EWTN News and the National Catholic Register.

Emily and Daniel Hussem are prominent figures in the Catholic community known for their work in faith-based media and family life. They are husband and wife co-founders of Sacred Spark, a Catholic dating platform designed to bring faith, community, and intentionality back into modern dating. Emily is a speaker, author, and YouTuber sharing insights on femininity, faith and motherhood. She is author of Go Bravely: Becoming the Woman You Were Created to Be, and co-founded Marcam, a TV show aimed at Catholic children. She speaks in conferences and events globally. Daniel is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Marcam, with a background in marketing and product direction in the tech industry. The couple resides in southern California with their three children.

Bishop Louis Tylka is the ninth Bishop of Peoria, and serves as promoter of the Cause for Canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and head of the Fulton Sheen Foundation. He was ordained a priest in Chicago in 1996 and co-adjutor bishop in Peoria in 2020. He became Bishop of Peoria in 2022. He is the youngest of six children who grew up in the Chicago area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Niles College Seminary of Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity from University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He served as associate pastor at St. Michael Parish in Orland Park and Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Parish in Winnetka before becoming pastor of Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside and St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park. He formerly chaired the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Presbyterian Council. Archbishop Sheen’s cause is at the heart of his ministry, including Sheen’s priorities of evangelization, discipleship, vocations, and devotion to the Eucharist.

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As we anticipate the beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN News joins us to share his remarkable childhood encounter with the legendary Catholic communicator. As a child growing up in Hawaii, Bunson served as an altar boy for Sheen and even welcomed him into his family's home during one of the archbishop's visits. He reflects on Sheen's commanding presence, his personal kindness, and why Sheen's profound truths continue to resonate with young Catholics today.

We talk with British policy analyst Sarah Elliott following the recent defeat of an assisted-suicide measure in the UK Parliament. Elliott discusses the close vote, concerns raised about coercion and safeguards, and the powerful personal stories that helped focus attention on palliative care for the seriously ill. She underscores why human dignity must always remain at the core of all public service.

The TCA team also discusses a recent debate over describing abortion as an act of “mercy,” examining how language can shape our understanding of human dignity, and reflecting on why true mercy can never be used to justify the taking of innocent life.

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

Dr. Matthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, a Catholic historian, theologian, and professor. He is author or co-author of more than fifty books on the papacy, Church history, the saints, and Catholic culture. He holds a B.A. in history, master’s degrees in theology and Church history, a Doctor of Ministry degree, and a Ph.D. in Church History from the Graduate Theological Foundation. He serves as a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and a faculty member at Catholic International University. Among his notable works are the award-winning first English-language biography of Pope Francis, the Encyclopedia of American Catholic History, encyclopedias of the Roman Empire, Catholic history and the saints, and biographies which include his recent Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope. He previously edited Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Almanac and The Catholic Answer magazine. As a child growing up in Hawaii, he met Archbishop Fulton Sheen through his mother’s work organizing the prelate’s visit, served as an altar boy at Sheen’s Masses, and has since written personally about those encounters while providing historical commentary for EWTN’s coverage of Sheen’s beatification.

Sarah Elliott, also known as Lady Elliott of Mickle Fell, is a British-based political and policy analyst who serves as Director of the UK-US Special Relationship Unit at the Prosperity Institute. An American who has lived in the UK since 2014, she co-founded and chairs The Hamilton Society, a London forum for center-right Anglo-American professionals, and previously chaired Republicans Overseas UK, remaining an active board member. Her career began in Washington, D.C. with the Republican National Committee’s major donor programs, followed by roles at Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Prosperity, and Republican campaigns including Bush/Cheney 2004. She later served as Managing Director of the American European Business Association in London. She holds a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Mary Washington. She is a frequent commentator in major UK media defending US conservative perspectives on trade, energy, and politics. A Catholic convert, she speaks about the role of faith and human dignity in public life. She and her husband, British strategist Matthew Elliott, Baron Elliott of Mickle Fell, share two daughters.

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As we await Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s beatification, Father Dave Tomaszycki joins us to discuss On the Demonic, which he compiled from Sheen’s talks and writings. Father Dave shares how he brought together the book Sheen intended to write and why its insights remain timely. Keeping our focus on Christ, he explores the spiritual defenses Sheen emphasized: the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, and the Blessed Mother, along with Eucharistic adoration and the Holy Hour.

Later, Dr. Gregory Popcak discusses postpartum depression and psychosis and introduces his free e-book offering practical, faith-based support for families. He addresses the guilt and unrealistic expectations mothers can face, explains why seeking professional care is compatible with faith, and explores how husbands, families, and parishes can help. We also discuss the difference between healthy sacrifice and neglecting our own needs, reminding mothers that they do not have to struggle alone.

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

Father Dave Tomaszycki is a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and pastor of St. Peter Parish in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Ordained in 2016, he previously served as secretary to the Archbishop of Detroit. His interest in Fulton Sheen began while studying at Ave Maria University and reading Life of Christ. He compiled and edited On the Demonic, published by Emmaus Road Publishing.

Dr. Gregory Popcak is the founder and executive director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, which provides Catholic pastoral counseling through CatholicCounselors.com. The author of more than 20 books, he helps individuals, couples, and families apply their Catholic faith to everyday challenges. Together with his wife, Lisa, he hosts More2Life, a call-in advice program on EWTN Radio.

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This week, we explore sacred beauty, architecture, and the power of encountering God in sacred spaces. Grady Connolly joins us to discuss his new book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim's Guide to America's Most Remarkable Catholic Churches, inspired by his four-year journey to visit all 94 basilicas in the United States. Connolly explains what makes a church a basilica, shares some of the remarkable stories he discovered along the way, and reflects on the difference between experiencing these holy sites as a pilgrim rather than merely a tourist.

Clayton Ferguson drops in to give us an insider preview of Luminiscence coming to NYC's iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral — an immersive 360-degree light, music, and history show narrated by The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie. Ferguson shares how the production uses cutting-edge technology to highlight centuries-old sacred art and architecture. Proceeds from the New York run will support the restoration of St. Patrick's historic pipe organ.

TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry marks an important feast as we remember the beautiful heart and hardworking hands of St. Teresa of Calcutta, and what her radical love for Christ and the poorest of the poor can teach every Christian. We also share some beautiful insights from soon-to-be-Blessed Fulton Sheen ahead of his beatification later this month.

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

Grady Connolly is a Catholic social media strategist, author, and founder of Social Thomist, a social media agency to promote inspirational Catholic content. His new book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim's Guide to America's Most Remarkable Catholic Churches, grew out of a personal pilgrimage to visit every basilica in the United States – a journey he recently completed in just four years. His love for basilicas began while studying at The Catholic University of America, where visits to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception helped deepen his relationship with God. After earning his B.S.B.A. in 2021, he entered the world of fintech, then pivoted to a career in tech startup. Today he manages TikTok pages, builds six-figure audiences, and produces content in over 20 countries. His work has been featured in the National Catholic Register, The Catholic Herald, and ChurchPOP, and he has appeared on SiriusXM, Newt’s World, and Catholic Faith Network.

Clayton Ferguson is general manager and executive producer of Live Experiences with Banijay Americas, and general manager/executive producer for LUMINISCENCE of North America, an internationally acclaimed immersive experience that brings the history, architecture, and sacred beauty of historic churches to life through 360-degree projection, live orchestral and choral music, and storytelling. Ferguson helped bring the production from Europe to churches across the United States and is now leading its highly anticipated installation at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, which will feature actor Jonathon Roumie of The Chosen. His production work spans from Nashville, Tennessee to LA, and he has worked with a roster of clients that include HGTV, Lionsgate, Marvel, MTV, The Chronicles of Narnia, and World Vision, among others. He holds a BS in Finance and Business Management from Cedarville University.

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 long-awaited beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen approaching, Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria joins us to reflect on this historic moment and Sheen's enduring legacy. Bishop Tylka shares how he inherited responsibility for advancing Sheen's cause and discusses Sheen's extraordinary gift for evangelization — from his pioneering use of radio and television to his ability to communicate the truths of the faith in ways that continue to resonate today.

We also hear the remarkable story of James Engstrom, whose miraculous recovery paved the way for Sheen's beatification. Born without a pulse, James remained without a heartbeat for 61 minutes as his family prayed for Sheen's intercession. He miraculously revived without the severe complications doctors expected and is now a healthy teenager who will participate in the beatification. Bishop Tylka also reflects on the striking connection between those 61 minutes and Sheen's lifelong devotion to a daily Holy Hour before the Eucharist.

Then we meet Kathleen Bowen, a homeschooling mother of ten who turned a family passion for great Catholic stories into Industrious Family Films. What began when her 16-year-old daughter wanted to make a movie grew into a family filmmaking business, with each of her children developing their own creative gifts. Bowen also previews their most ambitious project yet, Fabiola, a feature-length adaptation of Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman's classic novel set amid the persecution of Christians in ancient Rome, and explains why the witness of the early martyrs can inspire a new generation through stories of heroism, virtue, and faith.

Finally, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry joins us as we celebrate the feasts of one of the Church's most famous mother-and-son pairs: St. Monica and St. Augustine. Msgr. Landry reflects on Monica's decades of persevering prayer for her family, Augustine's dramatic conversion, and what their story can teach us about faithfully praying for those we love — even when the fruits of those prayers may take years to appear.

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

Bishop Louis Tylka is the Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where he has played a central role in advancing the cause for canonization of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and preparing for Sheen's long-awaited beatification. When Bishop Tylka was appointed to Peoria in 2020, he quickly discovered that he was also inheriting responsibility for helping move Sheen's cause forward. He immersed himself in Sheen's life and legacy and became convinced that the question was not whether the cause would progress, but when. In the years since, Bishop Tylka has served as a bridge of communication with Church leaders in the United States and at the Vatican while maintaining momentum and enthusiasm for Sheen's eventual beatification and, God willing, canonization. As Bishop of Sheen's home diocese, Bishop Tylka has also emphasized the enduring relevance of the famed Catholic communicator's life. He points especially to Sheen's commitment to evangelization, discipleship, vocation, and the Eucharist — values that have become foundational to the Diocese of Peoria's own vision for the future.

Kathleen Bowen is a homeschooling mother of ten and producer behind Industrious Family Films, an independent Catholic film company she operates alongside her family in Idaho. What began as a homeschool project when her 16-year-old daughter wanted to make a movie grew into a family business dedicated to telling compelling stories of Catholic faith, virtue, and heroism. Bowen serves as producer alongside her children, and the family's most ambitious project yet is Fabiola, a feature-length adaptation of Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman's classic novel about the early Christians of ancient Rome.

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 during the last two papal conclaves. He serves as the 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. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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Father Thomas Petri joins us to share the story of his vocation to the Dominican Order of Preachers, and why the Dominican charism of study, contemplation, and preaching is uniquely suited to a culture filled with confusion about God and the human person. Father Petri weighs in on the severe abortion legislation recently signed in Massachusetts, and the need for Catholics to speak truth with conviction to bring the light of Christ into the public square.

We also talk with Mike Romano, the voice behind EWTN's beloved children's program, Tomkin. He shares his journey from stand-up comedy to voice-over production, and reflects on what he’s learning as a widowed father raising his three children following his wife's tragic passing from cancer. He shares the wisdom his children offer him in grief, the joy they continue to find, and the extraordinary gift of a recording he once made with Jen of the Divine Mercy Chaplet – allowing their children to still hear their mother's voice in prayer.

Plus, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry shares fascinating insights into the life of Pope St. Pius X ahead of his feast day this week. Msgr. Landry highlights some of the remarkable reforms of his pontificate – from confronting modernism and reforming Church law and liturgy, to lowering the age for First Holy Communion so children could encounter Christ in the Eucharist earlier in life.

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

Father Thomas Petri, O.P. is a Dominican priest, theologian, preacher, and Missionary of Mercy who currently serves at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville. A familiar voice and face on EWTN, he was ordained a priest in 2009. His love for the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas ultimately led him to the Order of Preachers. He has a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America. Fr. Petri served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Providence College in Rhode Island and as President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies. He is a member of the Society of Christian Ethics and the secretary/treasurer of the Academy of Catholic Theology. He has published articles in Nova et Vetera and The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly and is author of Aquinas and the Theology of the Body. He was named a clergy-Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In 2016, Pope Francis commissioned him a Papal Missionary of Mercy. Today his ministry continues to engage with the Church and culture to bring clarity to the most pressing moral questions of our time.

Mike Romano is a voice actor, radio producer, comedian, and Catholic father best known as the voice behind EWTN's animated children's program, Tomkin. He currently works with Archangel Radio where he serves as a producer for LA Catholic Morning. He is an audiobook narrator whose voiceover work includes projects for Catholic publishers. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Romano studied theater before moving to Chicago and later Los Angeles to pursue acting, animation, and stand-up comedy. His early voice-over work included MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch. He has performed at LA’s legendary Comedy Store, where his talent for celebrity impressions became part of his comedy repertoire. His career later took him to EWTN where he combines his entertainment background with his Catholic faith. Romano is the widowed father of three children. Today he speaks candidly about grief and the lessons his children teach him as they navigate life without their mother. One treasured legacy is a recording Romano and his wife, Jen, made together of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which continues to air on Catholic radio.

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 during the last two papal conclaves. He serves as the 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. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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