BOILER UP. HAMMER DOWN. HAIL PURDUE! What a joy it was to be reunited with the previous pastor of St. Tom's at Purdue University, Father Patrick Baikauskas. Do not worry IU fans...you will enjoy this episode, too!

Father Patrick is now the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and serves as the Director of the Center for Community Engagement at the Aquinas Institute of Theology. He shares about his journey to becoming a priest. In fact, he found his vocation much later in life after a career in politics. Then, Father Patrick answered questions that I had been wrestling with such as "why does God allow suffering," or "how can I live a more grateful life." He shares practical tips that I already carry with me ever since the conversation! It is a must listen.

If you want to hear more from Father Patrick beyond the episode, check out his podcast, Frank Friar Fridays.

This week, I interview Brian Miller. Brian is the Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He has a master’s degrees in Theology from the Augustine Institute in Colorado. More recently, you can find Brian behind the mic for, "GO & MAKE." The archdiocese of St. Louis’s podcast that brings weekly content on evangelization and mission for everyday life. So of course, we chat evangelization, but also, how the journey with Christ is not always easy, actually, it is usually confusing! He shares advice for surrendering to God’s will and trusting in his plan. Brian also has some incredibly helpful, practical tips. Whether you want to learn how to evangelize or perhaps just looking to grow more confident in what you believe, this is the episode for you.

Listen to "GO & MAKE" wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more by visiting here.

Today, we welcome Kelsey Gillespy to Let There Be Light! When Kelsey first became a mom, she was an ESPN Academic All-American and an award-winning writer. After having her first child, however, Kelsey discovered that motherhood was by far the most difficult thing she had ever done. Now five (soon to be six) babies later, she has found that being a mother can be beautiful and fulfilling, and a lil messy and chaotic. She is the author of In The Trenches, a book that shares how the daily grind of raising kids could actually help you grow closer to God and discover your truest self. And, most recently, Real life with Mary. Her new book uses the stories of Mary to propose practical and powerful ways to magnify the Lord.

We chat about how she re-discovered what it means to be a mother, how to find prayer and maintain a relationship with God even through the chaos of life, and of course, all about what she learned when writing her new book about Mary.

You can learn more about Kelsey and shop her books by visiting her website here. Be sure to follow along her journey on Instagram, @kelseygillespy.

Class is in session! On episode 5, I talk with the Sacred Scripture expert, Father Charlie Samson. Fr. Samson was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 2013. He then was sent to Rome to do advanced studies in theology, Sacred Scripture, and Biblical and modern languages. He now teaches Scripture at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.

So, yes. We chat about the Bible! Best practices to study the Bible, the history and authorship, and even how to better understand God's love through the Bible. Fr. Samson also shares about his book on the Holy Land, and his perspective on evangelization. I promise you will learn something new. It is a good one. Enjoy!

Be sure to follow @lettherebelightwithmary on Instagram for the latest podcast updates.

For episode 4, I had the honor of interviewing Colleen Carroll Campbell. Colleen is an award-winning author, print and broadcast journalist and former presidential speech writer for President George W. Bush. Her books include her critically acclaimed journalistic study, "The New Faithful," her spiritual memoir, "My Sisters the Saints," and finally her award-winning release, "The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God's."

We chat about what it actually means to be a 'perfectionist,' and a look at the Saints' own struggle with spiritual perfectionism. Colleen also shares how the Saints helped her in her own trials of life such as her dad's battle with Alzheimer's and her and her husbands 4 year long battle with infertility. It was an incredibly fruitful conversation. Enjoy! Learn more about Colleen at her website here.

Be sure to follow Let There Be Light with Mary Caltrider on Instagram, @lettherebelightwithmary

On episode 2, I welcome my very dear friend, Sister Margaret Michael from the Daughters of St. Paul (AKA the #media nuns!). We chat about how to live hopeful lives, detaching from worrying, and discerning the desires of our heart. Sister Margaret Michael also shares her own experience with grief and suffering. This episode truly does find...beauty in the broken! Enjoy!

It is safe to say that I could not have asked for a better first guest! Father Conor Sullivan is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as well as a licensed psychologist providing services both to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. We chat techniques when battling both depression and anxiety as well as tools for mindfulness. Fr. Conor also shares how spirituality plays a role in our mental health, and how it can be a real 'super power.' He gives a look into his own experience finding security in God.

Hi, my name is Mary! I am a TV News Anchor with a passion for 'good news.' Still, in the fast paced world of live television, I find myself wanting to go beyond the usual 3 minute interviews. Enter Let There Be Light. I hope you join me on this new adventure. Happy listening!