Conversations with Consequences

This week we are joined by Claire Lai, daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, whose courage and steadfast faith continues to inspire the world. Claire gives a deeply personal update on her father’s condition after years of harsh imprisonment and solitary confinement, including growing concerns about his deteriorating health. She also shares the extraordinary ways he continues to live out his Catholic faith behind bars, despite the darkness of his prison cell and scarce access to the sacraments – relying on prayer, Scripture, spiritual reading, and a powerful inner resilience the Chinese Communist Party cannot break.

The TCA team also discusses several important news stories, including oral arguments being heard at the Supreme Court on protecting the future of girls' sports, as well as the passing of Scott Adams, the famed Dilbert cartoonist who accepted Pascal's wager while he battled cancer. The team takes a look at the broader cultural questions surrounding deathbed conversion, assisted suicide, and the radical reach of God’s mercy.

Monsignor Roger Landry discusses the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity that begins this weekend – a time when Christians are invited to pray intentionally for the unity that Christ Himself asked for at the Last Supper, “Father, may they be one, as we are one.”

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

Claire Lai is a lawyer and daughter of famed Hong Kong publisher and pro-democracy advocate, Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned in solitary confinement for five years by the Chinese Community Party under Beijing’s crackdown on free speech. Born and raised in a devout Catholic family in Hong Kong, Claire attended boarding school before pursuing her law degree. Claire has become a prominent voice advocating for her father’s freedom, raising international awareness about his unjust conviction and his deteriorating health at age 78, while being kept in an isolated prison cell with no natural light and summer heat that exceeds 111 degrees. She continues to lobby world leaders and media outlets for diplomatic intervention to secure his humane release, while witnessing to her father’s unfailing faith under persecution and his unyielding commitment to freedom.

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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After thousands of young adults attended SEEK, we speak with John Bishop of Forge, whose talk went viral as crowds gathered to hear his take on the virtue of masculinity. Bishop explains why men are increasingly searching for meaning, direction, and authentic models of manhood—and why the Church must be a place where men are formed without being asked to suppress their masculinity. He shares insights on fatherhood, virtue, and the importance of men’s small groups in rebuilding families and renewing the Church.

We also hear about intentional dating from Emily Wilson, Catholic author, speaker, and founder of Sacred Spark, who developed the dating app after her Instagram matchmaking post took over the internet. Emily discusses the broken state of modern dating and why intentionality, community support, and faithful teaching are essential for helping young Catholics discern marriage. She shares practical principles for dating with clarity, courage, and trust in God.

Monsignor Roger Landry wraps up our show with reflections on the recently concluded Jubilee of Hope. He explains the deep symbolism of pilgrimage, the meaning of Christian hope, and how Catholics are called to live each day as a journey toward God – strengthened along the way by prayer, the sacraments, and charity.

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

John Bishop is the founder and executive director of Forge. Convicted that the fight of our times is the fight for the family, he founded the Catholic men’s ministry in October of 2023, dedicated to forming strong Christian fathers and rebuilding families through virtuous masculinity. He began his professional career at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) where he taught and served as campus missionary. During his tenure, he co-founded FOCUS Summer Projects, an intensive collegiate summer formation program. Dr. Bishop holds a doctorate in theology from The Catholic University of America, where he wrote his dissertation on masculine virtue. He is the author of the forthcoming book, New Adam, which examines how God-given strength and virtues of masculinity can be harnessed for the kingdom of God. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife and children.

Emily Wilson is a Catholic author, speaker, and YouTube presenter who speaks nationally on dating, discernment, and Catholic living. She is the founder of the Catholic dating and matchmaking platform, Sacred Spark, designed to help singles form meaningful connections rooted in faith. She has authored numerous books, including I Choose the Sky and the award-winning Go Bravely: Becoming the Woman You Were Created to Be, as well as children’s books, devotionals, and other titles. She and her husband are creators of the children’s TV show, Marcam, a faith-based educational and entertainment show for children ages 2-6. She holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Arizona State University, but felt called to use her education in speaking and presenting to spread the gospel. Emily lives in southern California with her husband and their 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 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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As we usher in the New Year, Dani Pinter, Director of the Law Center for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, joins to share this year's 'Dirty Dozen List' and why they are sounding the alarm on updating the outdated Communications Decency Act in order to protect vulnerable minds and hearts on the internet. Dani shares how the legislation’s broad immunity shields Big Tech companies even when platforms knowingly enable the sexual exploitation of children, and reveals what parents can do right now to safeguard their children online.

We also revisit a segment with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge discussing the importance of protecting life from the womb to the tomb, and why we should rely on our Blessed Mother as we mark the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God this weekend. Bishop Burbidge reflects on devotion to the Rosary, the Church’s unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human person, and the serious threat posed by proposed constitutional amendments that would enshrine abortion without limits.

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

Dani Pinter is the Chief Legal Officer and Director of the Law Center at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), the leading national organization exposing the links between child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, prostitution, and pornography. She leads NCOSE’s litigation, legislative advocacy, and corporate accountability efforts, working to protect children and hold powerful institutions responsible for facilitating sexual exploitation. She is a sought-after legal expert on sex trafficking issues and has been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today,  ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and many other media outlets. She is co-host of NCOSE’s Ending Sexploitation podcast with Haley McNamara. She earned her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, where she received the Wilberforce Award, a full academic scholarship for those with interests in human rights, and contributed to the Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy. She is based in Washington, DC.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge is the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington. Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, he has served the Church as a pastor, seminary rector, and bishop. A native of Philadelphia, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Master’s Degree in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and a Master’s in Education Administration from Villanova University. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Immaculata College. Bishop Burbridge serves on the Board of Trustees for the Catholic University of America, St. Mary’s Seminary, and numerous others, and has held a number of leadership positions with the USCCB. Currently he is Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities. A nationally recognized voice on pro-life issues, Bishop Burbidge is a strong advocate for the unborn, for persons with disabilities, and for Catholic education rooted in the dignity of the human person at every stage of life.

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With Christmas quickly approaching and Advent drawing to a close, we welcomeTim Reckart, Oscar-nominated animator, director, and Catholic father of three, who talks about his classic Christmas film,The Star. Tim shares what we can learn from the animals surrounding Jesus that night in the stable, as the beloved animated Christmas film retells the story of the Nativity through their eyes. He shares how the film came to life and how the humility of the Incarnation shaped every creative decision. Drawing on theology, Laudato si’, and his own faith journey, Tim reflects on what the Nativity teaches us about stewardship, and the dignity of storytelling designed to restore virtue, heroism and joy to the big screen.

Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead and Betsy Fentress reflect on Advent rhythms, Christmas traditions, and the importance of celebrating the full season of Christmas. They discuss feast-day customs, generosity toward those in need, as well as Leigh’s forthcoming book Infertile but Fruitful, which speaks compassionately to families who are navigating infertility during the holidays.

We close with Monsignor Roger Landry, who joins Betsy to reflect on the evangelizing power of Christmas hymns. From O Come All Ye Faithful to Joy to the World, Msgr. Landry explains how sacred music leads hearts to truth through beauty, reminding us that Christmas is not only something we celebrate, but something we sing into our souls.

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

Tim Reckart is an Oscar-nominated writer, director, animator, and founder of Sycamore Studios where he serves as Chief Creative Officer. He is best known for directing the animated feature, The Star (2017), a beloved retelling of the Nativity story, and for the Oscar-nominated short film, Head Over Heels (2012). Before directing, he served as lead animator for the Oscar-nominated film Anomalisa, and animator for Amazon’s multiple Emmy-winning preschool series, Tumble Leaf. In 2015, he was named one of the “10 Animators To Watch” by Variety. He earned a Master’s Degree in Directing Animation from the National Film & Television School of the UK, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Literature from Harvard University.  A Catholic father of three, Tim lives with his wife and children in Los Angeles, where he is dedicated to creating beautiful, trustworthy entertainment that uplifts families and restores virtue to storytelling.

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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This week Betsy Fentress sits down with Catholic writer Leah Libresco Sargeant to discuss her widely talked-about new book, The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto. Leah argues that women’s equality is not grounded in sameness with men and that dependence, not radical autonomy, is the true pattern of human life. She examines how modern culture treats women’s bodies as defects to be managed, how laws often criminalize care for the vulnerable, and why embracing dependence offers a more humane and hopeful vision for families, workplaces, and communities.

Monsignor Roger Landry reflects on the retirement of Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the appointment of Archbishop designate Ronald Hicks as New York’s next shepherd. Msgr. Landry shares personal insights into Cardinal Dolan’s extraordinary legacy as a preacher, pastor, and joyful witness to the Gospel – one who made St. Patrick’s Cathedral feel like America’s parish church.

We wrap up the show with a festive roundtable conversation as our hosts share their favorite Christmas movies. From White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life to A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Star, the group reflects on why older films resonate so deeply with children today – and how stories of honor, sacrifice, and heroism help families reclaim the true spirit of Christmas.

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

Leah Libresco Sargeant is an author, freelance writer, speaker, and Catholic voice whose work explores feminism and the moral foundations of human dignity. A convert to Catholicism, she is author of Arriving at Amen, Building the Benedict Option, and her latest work, The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto. She is a contributing author to the Catholic Ideas for a Secular World series. She publishes the Substack Other Feminisms, and her freelance writing has appeared in The New York Times, First Things, The Dispatch, and The New Atlantis among others. She has spoken on CNN, Theology on Taps in multiple countries, and World Youth Day, and serves as Senior Policy Analyst for Family Economic Security in Washington, DC. She is a former news writer for FiveThirtyEight and served in campus ministry at Princeton. She holds a B.A. from Yale in Political Science and Government. 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 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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This week Ashley speaks with filmmaker Daniel Bielinski, writer and director of the new feature film, Hazel’s Heart, coming to streaming platforms December 23. The film is based on the harrowing true story of Hazel Miner, a shy North Dakota farm girl who kept her younger siblings alive for 25 hours during a deadly 1920 blizzard. The film captures the harsh beauty of prairie life and the courage of a child whose Christ-like sacrifice touched an entire community. Daniel shares why North Dakota storytelling has become his vocation, and why he is committed to making films that present real moral heroism – not the anti-heroes that dominate modern entertainment. Watch the trailer.

Leigh welcomes Bo Bonner, headmaster, radio host, and author of A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Children. Bo shares the story of how a single poem written fifteen years ago became a beautifully illustrated children’s book that introduces young hearts to the quiet rhythm of the Church’s nighttime prayer. Drawing from his experience as an educator and father of five, Bo reflects on teaching children to pray through rhyme and gentle repetition, and why the prayer is the perfect “little liturgy” for families to share at the end of each day. 

We close with our conversation with author, scripture scholar, and speaker, Melissa Overmyer, who joins to help us enter Advent with renewed hope. Melissa discusses her upcoming book Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy, a follow-up to her popular work, From Worry to Wonder. She offers practical ways to pray scripture, cultivate silence, and embrace beauty during the busy weeks before Christmas. Melissa also shares powerful testimonies of answered prayer, and a reminder that Advent invites us to trust that nothing is impossible for God.

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

Daniel Bielinski is an actor, professor, and award winning producer who serves as chair of dramatic arts at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, where he lives with his wife and five children. In 2018, he founded Canticle Productions to create film and theater that celebrates the history, land, and culture of North Dakota. His North Dakotan feature films include A Heart like Water (Winter 2021), Sanctified (Spring 2022), and End of the Rope (Fall 2022). Original theater productions include Voices of Dakota Prairie (2021) and Voices of the Badlands (2022). He is the writer and director of Hazel’s Heart, his most recent work produced with Samuel Goldwyn Films, that follows the true story of a teenage girl who fights to keep her two younger siblings alive in a white-out blizzard while her father leads a frantic rescue mission through 24 hours of subzero cold. The film will be released to streaming platforms later this month. Bielinski earned his MFA in acting from Columbia University.

Bo Bonner is an American educator, author, and speaker known for his work in the field of education and leadership. He has authored several articles and books on education, leadership, and personal development. He serves as Headmaster of Mother of Good Counsel school in Iowa, and hosts The Catholic Morning Show on Iowa Catholic radio. Bonner frequently speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing insights on effective educational strategies. He was born and raised in Oklahoma and has lived in Iowa for nearly a decade. He taught Humanities (Philosophy, Theology, and Literature) for 19 years, after converting to Catholicism in Protestant Seminary at Duke Divinity School. He is married to Robyn, and has five children. Bonner is researching for his dissertation in Catholic Theology at St. Mary’s University in London.

Melissa Overmyer is a Catholic author, speaker, and founder of Something Greater Ministries, which fosters prayer, scripture study, and community while presenting the teachings of the Catholic Church. She has authored numerous books, including From Worry to Wonder, Born to Soar, Metamorphosis of a Soul, and her soon to be released, Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy. Melissa is a convert to Catholicism and is pursuing a master’s degree in Catholic theology with a concentration on sacred scripture through the Augustine Institute. She lives with her husband and four daughters in Washington, DC.

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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This week Ashley McGuire welcomes back film critic and writer, Joe Wilson, co-creator of the 100 Catholic Movies Substack, as they dive into Pope Leo’s newly released list of favorite movies. From It’s A Wonderful Life and The Sound of Music to Life Is Beautiful and Ordinary People, Joe unpacks the common threads running through these very different pictures – themes like the beauty of a life well lived and the saving role of family. Joe reveals how film can play an important role in forming young minds and hearts, especially during the holiday season.

We also talk with Zena Hitz about the mission of the Catherine Project – an open education endeavor – and what she reveals as the many ‘hidden pleasures of an intellectual life.’ A tutor at St. John’s College in Annapolis and founder of the Catherine Project, Zena shares how during COVID lockdowns she combined her love of great books and digital tools to create a free global community where people of all walks of life could discuss the classic texts, and why cultivating a rich inner life is available to everyone.

Our TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry joins the show from Rome, where on pilgrimage he's just viewed the Room of the Immaculate Conception in the Vatican Museums, and explains what it means for our own Advent journey as we strive to become holy and immaculate in God’s sight.

Joe Wilson is a Catholic writer, film critic, and co-creator of 100 Catholic Movies – a weekly Substack newsletter highlighting films that illuminate themes of truth, beauty, and goodness. He is a graduate of Christendom College, a former teacher, and a prominent writer and public voice on movies that matter to Catholic families, often working through Reconquista Media.

Zena Hitz is an author and tutor for St. John ‘s College in Annapolis, Maryland where she teaches the Great Books program. She is the founder of the Catherine Project, a non-profit initiative that offers free reading and discussion of classic texts to students around the world. She is the author of the books Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life and A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life. She is a graduate of St. John’s College, Cambridge University, and Princeton University. Zena writes and speaks widely on the value of “ordinary people” cultivating an intellectual 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 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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This week Ashley McGuire and Mary Fiorito welcome writer and mother Emily Zanotti, whose recent viral article in the National Catholic Register humorously captures the joys and trials of bringing small children to Mass. Emily shares the real story behind the now-famous photo of her young son kneeling piously at an All Souls Mass — a brief moment of serenity amid the chaos every parent knows well. She offers wisdom on handling judgment, seating strategies, cry-room etiquette, and creative ways to help little ones fall in love with the liturgy.

Our TCA chaplain Monsignor Roger Landry joins Betsy Fentress to help us prepare spiritually for Advent. He explains the three comings of Christ and shows how the season is less about penance and more about purifying our longing for God. Msgr. Landry offers practical advice for making Advent fruitful, from praying “Thy Kingdom Come” to letting the Advent wreath symbolize our growing desire for Christ’s reign in our hearts.

Ashley welcomes Meghan Cox Gurdon, children’s book critic and author of The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction. Meghan explores how the digital world has only become more distracting and why the simple act of reading aloud is such a powerful antidote. From leveling the playing field in classrooms to synchronizing brain patterns and strengthening family bonds, she shares how reading together builds vocabulary, imagination, and culture in ways screens never can. Meghan cautions against the “dumbing down” of children’s books and encourages families to start a nightly read-aloud tradition this season.

Ashley and Mary share a reflection on manners as we head into Thanksgiving, describing etiquette as a form of charity – not a tool for conceit, but a way to make others feel at ease. In a culture that’s forgotten many basic courtesies, they suggest a renewed commitment to small acts of consideration that reflect the Christian call to love our neighbor.

Alex Jones is an American business executive and entrepreneur, best known as the CEO and co-founder of Catholic prayer app, Hallow. NPR referred to him as "one of the most influential Catholics in the United States." A former skeptic who rediscovered his faith through contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina, Alex left a career in consulting and tech to build a digital space where millions can encounter Christ in silence and Scripture. He now leads Hallow’s mission to help people “hallow” their lives by growing in a real, daily relationship with God. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame School of Engineering in 2015 and Stanford's Graduate School of Business in 2020. Before launching Hallow, he worked professionally in consulting in Chicago at McKinsey & Co as an engagement manager. He lives in Chicago with his wife, daughter, and son.

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 the new 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 he 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 full 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, an event which coincided with his 25th year in the priesthood.

Meghan Cox Gurdon is a longtime book reviewer and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, covering both children’s literature and adult titles. She is the author of The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction. A mother of five, 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 frequent commentator on education, culture, and children’s reading. 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.

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This week Ashley McGuire and Mary Fiorito welcome writer and mother Emily Zanotti, whose recent viral article in the National Catholic Register humorously captures the joys and trials of bringing small children to Mass. Emily shares the real story behind the now-famous photo of her young son kneeling piously at an All Souls Mass — a brief moment of serenity amid the chaos every parent knows well. She offers wisdom on handling judgment, seating strategies, cry-room etiquette, and creative ways to help little ones fall in love with the liturgy. 

Emily also highlights the National Catholic Youth Conference kicking off this weekend in Indianapolis. The three-day pilgrimage from November 20-22 for Catholic high school students will feature speakers, workshops, music, and opportunities for large-scale and small group prayer. Pope Leo will join via live digital encounter on Friday, Nov. 21, marking the first time a pope has engaged directly with the youth at the conference.

Our TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry  joins with reflections from Missouri, where he visited the tomb of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, the French missionary known as “the woman who always prays.” He explains how her hidden life of prayer and perseverance speaks powerfully to today’s missionaries. Msgr. Landry also helps us prepare for the 100th anniversary of the Feast of Christ the King, as we celebrate this Sunday. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to rising secularism, the feast reminds us of Christ’s authority over all aspects of our lives, giving us the opportunity to reignite our commitment to living under His kingship and teachings.

Betsy Fentress shares her compelling interview with renowned Catholic medical missionary Dr. Tom Catena, spotlighting his vital work with the Sudan Relief Fund. A recipient of numerous awards for humanitarianism and outstanding Christian medical missionary service, “Dr. Tom” is revered throughout Sudan’s Nuba Mountains for his commitment to providing medical care at great risk to himself in times of war and peace. He helped found Mother of Mercy Hospital – the only facility for hundreds of miles across the remote region – as well as 19 clinics, bringing health care to people who had none. He continues to serve under the most challenging conditions during Sudan’s current civil war.

Emily Zanotti is a veteran political communications specialist, writer, blogger and columnist, and the digital editor for The American Spectator. As a conservative political columnist, her work has appeared in The Federalist, The Wall Street Journal, and numerous other publications. She is an associate fellow with the R Street Institute, a contributing editor to Acton Institute, and a writer and producer for Madison McQueen Axiom Strategies. She writes a popular humorist Substack blog featuring politics, family, and Catholic themes. Emily resides in Nashville with her husband and three children, where she enjoys tending chickens and sharing recipes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Madonna University and holds a JD in intellectual property law and technology from Ave Maria School of Law.

Dr. Tom Catena is a medical missionary doctor from New York and director of Mother of Mercy Hospital in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, serving as the only fulltime surgeon since 2008. He’s widely known for his humanitarian work and commitment to providing medical care to a vast underserved population. His hospital serves more than a million people across a territory equal in size to Austria. His dedication to providing medical care even in the face of warfare and bombing raids has garnered international acclaim and honors, including the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Dr. Catena graduated with a degree in Engineering from Brown University and earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine, where he attended on a US Navy scholarship. He lives in Sudan with his wife, Nassima, and their two young sons, where their lives revolve around their faith and service to medical patients in need.

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 the 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 he 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 full 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, an event which coincided with his 25th year in the priesthood.

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Economist and university president Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre joins Ashley to share the bold new vision of Catholic International University, the fully online Catholic institution formerly known as Catholic Distance University. She explains how CIU is going global with new programs while remaining person-centered, affordable, and faithful to the heart and mind of the Church. Dr. Aguirre also reflects on the promises and perils of AI, and why the Church must lead in designing technology that serves the human person rather than replaces it.

As we mark Veterans Day, retired Army officer-turned-canon-lawyer Michele McAloon introduces listeners to the Military Council of Catholic Women and its Catholic Women of the Chapel groups that serve military bases around the world. She shares moving stories of military wives, mothers, and women in uniform who hold families together through repeated deployments, wounded-warrior homecomings, and life overseas while seeking Christ in the midst of it. Michele also describes her own journey from the cockpit to canon law, and her literary podcast, Cross Word, born of a burning question: what does it mean to be truly human?

Christopher Byrne, founder and president of DC Social Collective, joins to talk about building Catholic young adult community in the post pandemic, post dating-app age, and the thriving DC social scene he has sparked with his new initiative. From waterfront picnics to ballroom-style dances and sold-out winery nights, his events company has fast become one of the most vibrant hubs for adults aged 18-35, with over 4,000 members in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia tri state area. Christopher says the collective is all about connecting and community building, finding real friendships, and cultivating authentic joy.

Our TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry checks in from the USCCB’s Fall Plenary in Baltimore with first impressions of newly elected conference president and vice president, and how their leadership may shape the Church in the United States. He also prepares us for the World Day of the Poor during this Jubilee of Hope, unpacking Pope Leo XIV’s message that the poor are not only the object of our charity, but teachers who show us where our hope truly lies.

Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre is President of Catholic International University (CIU) and a professor of economics. Before leading CIU, she spent three decades teaching and conducting research at The Catholic University of America, where she founded two master’s programs in integral economic development. A Fulbright scholar and specialist in international finance and integral economic development, Dr. Aguirre has advised the United Nations and government bodies across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East on family policy, demographic change, and human capital. Under her leadership, Catholic International University – formerly Catholic Distance University – is expanding globally with new programs in theology, the liberal arts, education, and integrated technologies including AI. Dr. Aguirre earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame and her undergraduate degrees in accounting and banking finance, as well as her CPA and MBA, in Argentina.

Michele McAloon is a canon lawyer for the Catholic Church and host of the podcast, Cross Word. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army Transportation Corp, where she became an army pilot flying helicopters and fixed-winged aircraft. She married a fellow officer and later transferred to the Army Reserve, subsequently working with the State Department in Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Croatia. In 2010 she moved to Belgium where she studied at the Catholic University of Leuven and later completed a Master’s in Theology at what is now the Catholic Distance University of Charles Town, West Virginia. After transferring to Paris in 2012, she studied in French for a degree in Canon Law at the Catholic University of Paris. She earned her licentiate at age 54 and began hosting her literary podcast in 2020. She lives in Germany with her family.

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 the 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 he 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 full 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, an event which coincided with his 25th year in the priesthood.

Christopher Byrne is the Founder and President of DC Social Collective (DSC), an organization he launched in May of 2021 in response to a need for authentic connection during the COVID pandemic. With a background in marketing, communications, and event production, Christopher has grown DSC into one of the region’s most popular communities for young adults, hosting premier events across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He is a graduate of George Mason University where he earned a B.S. in Communication and Public Relations, with hands-on experience in digital media development, brand positioning, market engagement, and project management. He served as Creative Director for the production of brand campaign videos for Northern Virginia Health Education Center, and formerly interned at the Washington Examiner.

The following transcript is machine generated.