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What are Putin's real intentions?  Last Fall I had the opportunity to interview Rebekah Koffler author of Putin's Playbook; Russia's Secret Plan to Defeat America  by Regnery Publishing.  Much of what Rebekah Koffler predicted we are watching play out on the world stage.  There are other events of which she writes that have yet to happen but could still happen...these are particularly frightening events connected with our satellites and nuclear capabilities.  Her book is written in a way which allows for all to understand the true intentions of  Putin's actions.

Many people have contacted me asking what they can do to help the people of Ukraine..
I highly recommend considering a donation to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund organized by the Knights of Columbus.   
The relief funding will be used to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing and religious goods, as well as other humanitarian needs as identified, both directly in Ukraine and through refugee sites in Poland. The Knights will work with both the Latin and Greek Catholic Churches in Ukraine, with dioceses and K of C councils in Poland, and with international humanitarian aid agencies to address needs quickly and effectively.

For additional information about the Knights of Columbus Ukraine Solidarity Fund and how to donate, please click here: kofc.org/secure/en/donate/ukraine.html    

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What do you get when you mix a fictional history, and a mystery thriller with a touch of humor?  The Father Gabriel series written by Fiorella De Maria and published by Ignatius Press.  In this charming mystery series set in the immediate aftermath of World War II Father Gabriel. an amateur detective, bumbles around the English country side solving murders while dealing with some of the very serious issues of post war Europe. The Catholic theme of the book enriches the story in ways that are subtle yet profound. Listen to this discussion as we talk about history, PTSD, Catholicism in  the UK, long term effects of Covid and MURDER! 

The Father Gabriel series can be found at Ignatius Press https://ignatius.com/see-no-evil-snep/
Fiorella di Maria can be found on https://www.fiorellademaria.com/ 

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In this achingly beautiful book about parenthood, Maya Sinha in her debut novel The City Mother narrates a tale of  humanity and salvation.  Her literary down to earth description of the Holy Mother reverberates truth and meaning that echo's though the lived reality of every parent facing the challenge of   raising children and supporting a family.  If you read one novel this year this is the one you want to read. 

Watch for Chrism Press.  They are a brand new publisher on the scene releasing very solid literature with beautiful themes of faith and hope. 

Find Chrism Press at  https://chrismpress.com/

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In this interview with Father Joseph Fessio, president of Ignatius Press, we talk about the publishing industry, books, beer and being a Jesuit.  In 1978, Father Fessio began Ignatius Press with the publication of two books. Today, almost two million copies a year are published by Ignatius Press, who has became a standard bearer for quality publishing in both the secular and Catholic world.       

You can find Ignatius Press https://www.ignatius.com/
Many of the books we discuss in this interview can be purchased on the website
Check out my podcasts of Ignatius Authors... 
follow me on Twitter @michelemcaloon1  

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From 1536-1540 king Henry VIII closed 850 monasteries in England and Wales. The consequences of this decision have reverberated from his day until now. Join me in a fascinating  conversation  with James Clark, author of The Dissolution of the Monasteries published by Yale University press. 

You can find Professor Clark's book https://yalebooks.yale.edu/author/clark-james
You find Michele on Twitter @MichelemcAloon1 

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 John Fisher and Thomas More lived in a time as difficult as ours, but chose to live with truth and fidelity, even at the expense of their earthly lives . Join me in conversation with the Honorable Judge Robert Conrad, author of John Fisher and Thomas More; Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads published by Tan Books.  Judge Conrad writes an extraordinary account of how two courageous and holy men stood up for the truth and for what they believed by denying King Henry VIII a divorce from his first wife of 18 years, Catherine of Aragon.  Their  courage and exemplary lives serve as timeless models for courage truth in the face of power.         

You can find Tan Books https://tanbooks.com/
Yon can find Michele on Twitter @MicheleMcAloon1

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Join me in a great conversation with Dr Jay Cost, author of James Madison, America's First Politician published by Basic Books.   This book should be mandatory reading in for every American citizen.  Dr Cost not only tells the story of James Madison's life but the story of how the US government was formed. 

James Madison was probably the most qualified man ever to hold the office of the presidency.  He was the author of the US Constitution, the Federalist Papers and one of the principal framers for the American Bill of Rights.  In addition to serving as the fourth president of the United States, Madison also served as secretary of state for eight years.   He was Thomas Jefferson's best friend and the husband of America's true first lady, Dolly Madison.  An intellectual giant in the founding of America.

You can Find Dr. Jay Cost's work at The American Enterprise   https://www.aei.org/profile/jay-cost/
You can find Basic Books at https://www.basicbooks.com/
You can find  Michele  on Twitter @ MicheleMcAloon1

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Happy New year.  we start this year off bigger and bolder than ever! I speak with Robert R Reilly author of America on Trial: A Defense of the Founding published by Ignatius Press.  
Mr. Reilly traces the intellectual history of the founding of the United States Constitution. The ideas of consent by the governed, no taxation without representation, voting rights and even  revolution against tyranny are a natural application of rational and organized thought.  When society deviates from rationality the will of the ego and power dominate and personal liberty is destroyed.  Now, more than ever, it is important to understand what the Founding Fathers were  trying to achieve in order to preserve the Union and our freedom.
 
Robert  Reilly is unafraid to tackle the big issues facing  American society today.  In this in-depth conversation about the historic  roots of the US constitution an appreciation for the true depth and  magnificence of this document is rediscovered.               

Find Robert R Reilly at https://westminster-institute.org/

Find Michele McAloon at Twitter @MicheleMcAloon1

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Fact or Fiction?  we talk about the  Three Magi with Father Dwight Longenecker. Author of  Mystery of the Magi: The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men,  published by the fabulous Regnery History.   The story of the  Magi is biblical archeology at it best as Father Longenecker tries to unravel the age old story of who were the three wise men.     

You can connect with Father Longenecker at https://dwightlongenecker.com/ 

You can connect with Regnery History at https://www.regnery.com/books/regnery-history/

Find me at Twitter  @MichelemcAloon1  

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Pope John Paul II is undisputedly one of the towering men of both the Twentieth and Twenty-first Century.  As a  Charismatic, Energetic, and Intelligent man, he left a stamp not only on the Church, but  the world.   His greatness is measured by his love of the Church and the breadth of his extraordinary accomplishments throughout his life.  Join me in conversation with Patrick Nevocoskey, author of  100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, published by Our Sunday Visitor as we talk about his personal encounter with the saintly pope.           

To order Patrick's book or to engage him as a speaker contact him at his website
https://patricknovecosky.com/

Charles Coulombe's excellent book Blessed Charles of Austria: A Holy Emperor and His Legacy  published by Tan Books provides a glimpse of the crumbling world of Europe in which Pope John  Paul II was raised. https://tanbooks.com/

George Weigel's book Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II  is the definitive biography of Pope John Paul II