Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Kathy Dempsey to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Mattie Stepanek, a young poet, peace ambassador, and inspirational figure whose life touched millions. Though Mattie died at just fourteen years old, his message of hope, peace, and love captured the attention of some of the most influential people in America, including Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and Jimmy Carter.

Fr. Edward recalls being aware of Mattie Stepanek's story as a young person and discusses why Mattie's witness continues to resonate with him today.

In this conversation, Kathy explains:

Join us as we explore the life of a remarkable young man whose words, faith, courage, and vision for peace continue to inspire people around the world more than two decades after his death.

Learn more at http://mattiematters.org

Why would a Catholic priest buy a school bus and drive it himself?

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney introduces listeners to Fr. Charles R. Carroll, a beloved West Virginia priest whose extraordinary ministry left a lasting impression on generations of Catholics.

Fr. Carroll served one parish, six mission churches, a Catholic school, and several mission territories from 1933 until 1980. In places where there were no church buildings, he celebrated Mass in homes, theaters, and even bars. Determined to strengthen Catholic education, he purchased a school bus and personally transported children to school.

Listeners will also hear how a lack of a driver's license altered one of his priestly assignments, how the Fr. Carroll Guild came to be, and why so many people continue to remember him as a holy priest decades after his death.

Among the many stories shared is the testimony that Fr. Carroll would sometimes weep before the tabernacle, overwhelmed by the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. His love for Jesus inspired countless people and continues to bear fruit today.

Could Fr. Charles R. Carroll one day be declared a saint? Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of this rural missionary priest.

Learn more at fathercharlescarroll.org.

Who was Ruth Pakaluk?

A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint.

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with the cause and how learning about Ruth has deeply influenced her own life as a wife and mother.

The conversation explores Ruth's conversion to Catholicism while at Harvard, her leadership in the pro-life movement as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, her devotion to her family, and the faith that sustained her through a battle with breast cancer.

They also discuss:

Discover why an increasing number of people believe the witness of Ruth Pakaluk is exactly what the Church and the world need today.

https://ruthpakaluk.com

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026.

In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of the Canons Regular of Prémontré in the United States.

Abbot Brad reflects on the Chapter of Election and shares what was going through his mind as it became clear he would be chosen as abbot, including the prayers that sustained him in that moment. He also discusses the meaning behind his episcopal motto and newly designed coat of arms.

Along the way, Fr. Edward asks a series of personal and spiritual questions:

This episode offers a rare and personal introduction to the new abbot of one of America’s most historic Norbertine communities.

Fr. Edward sits down with Brian O’Neel, founder of the website dedicated to locating the burial places of saints, blesseds, and holy men and women, to explore a question many Catholics have never thought to ask: Where are the saints buried—and how can I find them?

Drawing from his own travels, Fr. Edward reflects on experiences in Rome, where nearly every church holds the relics or remains of a saint, and shares stories from his visits to graves and tombs throughout the country—and the graces he has encountered along the way.

Why visit a grave if you can pray anywhere? What makes these places spiritually significant? And what should you actually do when you arrive?

Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or simply curious about deepening your devotion to the saints, this conversation offers practical guidance and spiritual insight. The episode even concludes with Brian helping Fr. Edward plan a future pilgrimage to New York.

Fr. Edward sits down with Catholic speaker and author Greg Willits to explore the life and spirituality of one of the Church’s greatest Marian saints, St. Louis de Montfort—a figure Greg warmly calls “our dear friend Montfort.”

While many know St. Louis de Montfort for True Devotion to Mary, this conversation turns to a lesser-known but deeply powerful work: Love of Eternal Wisdom, the saint’s first written book. Greg shares how this often-overlooked text transformed his own spiritual life and inspired his latest project, which pairs personal reflections with selections from the original work (reprinted with permission of the Montfortian Fathers).

Together, they discuss:

This conversation is an invitation to rediscover a spiritual classic—and to encounter Christ, Eternal Wisdom, in a way that brings lasting joy.

Buy the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all&oid=811&affid=203

Years ago, Lisa Hendey created her beloved multi-volume series Chime Travelers. Today, that vision has expanded beyond the page into a new episodic video series.

In this conversation, Lisa joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss both formats—who they’re for, how they differ, and how they complement one another. What age group are the books intended for? Who is the video series best suited for? And what inspired the transition from written stories to the screen?

At the heart of Chime Travelers is a powerful premise: helping young people grow in faith by connecting real-life challenges—like bullying—with the inspiring stories of saints such as St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Fr. Edward also asks Lisa whether this project began as a dream and how it unfolded into something much bigger than she first imagined.

As summer approaches, this is a perfect opportunity for families: start with the books, then continue the journey with the video series available on Formed or Hallow.

Fr. Edward sits down with film producer and entrepreneur Chevonne O'Shaughnessy for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. As the force behind ACI On the Go and producer of the new Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series, Chevonne offers insight into what it takes to bring meaningful, family-friendly stories to the screen.

In this conversation, they explore how Chevonne first entered the film industry, the growing demand for clean and uplifting entertainment, and the trend of adapting popular books into movies and television series. They also discuss why Amish stories continue to resonate so strongly with audiences today.

Chevonne shares what viewers can expect from the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series on UPtv and UP Faith & Family, including how to watch the series both on television and through streaming.

Learn more about ACI on the Go- https://www.youtube.com/c/ACIOnTheGo

Fr. Edward Looney has long admired Vinny Flynn, having first encountered his books many years ago. In this episode, he finally has the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his latest work, A Year with Divine Mercy.

Vinny begins by sharing how he developed a close relationship with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception and his deep connection to the message of Divine Mercy. The conversation then turns to Pope John Paul II and the powerful truth at the heart of the devotion: that God the Father is “rich in mercy.”

Vinny offers insight into the structure of his new book and encourages listeners to remain attentive to the grace offered each day—meeting God not in the abstract, but in the present moment.

The episode concludes with a profound reflection on the Trinitarian nature of Divine Mercy, inviting us to see it not merely as a private revelation to St. Faustina, but as a mystery deeply rooted in the life of the Church.

Let Vinny Flynn expand your understanding of Divine Mercy—moving beyond the Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska and into the rich, living tradition of the Catholic faith.

Buy the book: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/a-year-with-divine-mercy-daily-meditations-on-god-s-eternal-love/?srsltid=AfmBOopAA-EV3tug8gB4Pj7IQg3KHR-yZqd7ZFjQ2-gdGU1QakREbsW6

Why would someone spend their time cleaning graves of complete strangers?

In this episode, Fr. Edward sits down with Allyson—better known as the “Crzy Cemetery Lady”—who has captured attention online for restoring forgotten headstones and uncovering the stories of the people buried beneath them.

She shares how it all began, what draws her to cemeteries, and why these places are far more meaningful than most people realize. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly clean a gravestone (and what NOT to use), Allyson gives practical, respectful advice for beginners.

But this conversation goes deeper…

Fr. Edward also brings up a puzzling gravestone misspelling—leading to a fascinating discussion about memory, history, and how the dead are remembered.