On this week's episode, we welcome Kevin Matthews, the subject of the amazing new documentary Broken Mary. Synopsis: It's Chicago in the 1980s and '90s, and Kevin Matthews has it all as one of the nation's most recognized radio personalities. He's partying with celebrities, rubbing shoulders with famous athletes and the world is at his fingertips. Then everything changes: he's diagnosed with a debilitating illness, and the spotlight gradually slips away. At the height of his anguish, he stumbles upon a broken statue of the Virgin Mary, and his life takes an unexpected turn. In this moment of spiritual awakening, Kevin finds his true purpose and calling, discovering what matters most. Calling himself "Mary's Roadie," he offers his fans something deeper: inspiration and hope. About Kevin Matthews: Kevin Matthews, Subject of the Film Kevin Matthews is a legendary American radio personality, comedian and writer best known for his influential work in Chicago and Detroit radio throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. With a sharp wit and a gift for blending satire, character comedy, and music, Matthews became a household name, particularly through his popular shows on WLAV-FM in Grand Rapids, WRIF in Detroit, and Chicago stations AM 1000 (WLUP) and WXCD. Matthews was part of Chicago's vibrant radio scene during its peak, often blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. His show was known for its unpredictability, emotional depth, and the loyal community it fostered – garnering 10 million listeners a week at its height. In addition to his radio work, Kevin has written and spoken publicly about his personal journey. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and facing a crisis of both identity and purpose, Matthews experienced a life-changing encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. His memoir, Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope, chronicles his transformation and has inspired audiences across the country. Fathom Events will release "Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story" exclusively in theaters nationwide for one night only, Tuesday, October 7, 2025. For more information and to find tickets, visit BrokenMaryFilm.com. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and connect with Lisa on Substack. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video on Substack! This was a fun experiment since Amy and I are speaking together this week at the annual C3 Con in LA. We got together after a day of discussing technology to share about the upcoming retreat we are hosting together at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, October 2-5. I hope our sharing here answered any questions you may have, but feel free to leave a comment below if you'd like to know more. In addition to the retreat conversation, we discussed Amy's fantastic new book Hope Without Borders: 30 Days with Frances Xavier Cabrini. In my review of Amy's book, I shared: I'm grateful to Dr. Amy J. Cattapan for writing a resource on the life of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini that goes far beyond a simple retelling of her biography. In Hope Without Borders: 30 Days with Frances Xavier Cabrini, Amy offers us a solid timeline of Mother Cabrini's life, but then takes us into the heart of this book, a thirty-day retreat with the saint's own writings at its core. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, when much of our country and the world feel mired in problems, the spiritual wisdom of Frances Xavier Cabrini remains relevant and introspective. I'm grateful to Amy for providing us with a resource that helps us better know and love this important spiritual leader. Find Amy's book at Ave Maria Press or Amazon and connect with Amy at her website or on Instagram. I hope you're doing well today and that your heart is filled with peace and joy.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to my live video on Substack. This week on the podcast, I'm reflecting on three beautiful gifts I have received as a result of my volunteer role at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Sense of Purpose Sense of Community Sense of Gratitude To close out the podcast, I am happy to share newly released books by good friends: Jesus Heals: Finding Hope, Wholeness, and Peace by Allison Gingras (Our Sunday Visitor) Father Drew, What Do You Do? by Rebecca Martin with illustrations by Steliyana Doneva (Our Sunday Visitor) A question for you: Do you do any volunteer work or service work in your community? How has being a volunteer blessed you? Connect with Lisa: Subscribe to Lisa M. Hendey on Substack Let's be friends: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube Books by Lisa M. Hendey Invite Lisa to your in-person or virtual event, parish, group, or school as a speaker

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to my live video! Today, I decided to spontaneously do my first Substack Live to "document" my feelings following yesterday's conclave election of Pope Leo XIV. I'm taking this opportunity to "reboot" my podcast, which has been on hiatus for quite some time. Today's episode is simply a quick, no-frills audio and video reaction. In the days and weeks ahead, I'll be back with friends and guests—and better audio and video, too! A question for you: How did you feel after yesterday's election of Pope Leo XIV? What kinds of conversations are you having? What are your hopes for this moment in history?

On this week's show, Array of Hope creator Mario Costabile joins us to discuss how dynamic virtual retreats and events like "Rise Up" can draw the Church closer to God and one another. About Mario Costabile: Mario Costabile is the Executive Director of Array of Hope. A devout Catholic and family man, Mario has been a successful producer for music, film, and television for over 35 years, having worked for such organizations as MTV, VH1, Discovery Channel, Sony Music, and Def Jam Records. Mario is committed to utilizing his talents to do God's will in the development of Array of Hope and its vision to unite families and help them grow closer to God. About Array of Hope: Array of Hope has created "Rise Up", a one-of-a-kind digital event personalized for parishes, schools, and other Catholic organizations seeking to catechize and evangelize in a COVID-19 reality. Rise Up provides a remote experience that is dynamic, inspirational, and interactive, making the attendee truly part of the event. It enables parishes or dioceses to plan with more stability in the midst of the uncertainties of what reopening will look like. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

On this week's show, Becky Eldridge is here to discuss her new Loyola Press book The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God as she offers insights and prayer practices to help us grow ever closer to God. About Becky Eldridge: Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer, with nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (2017) and The Inner Chapel (2020). Her greatest joy is sharing life with her husband, Chris, and her children, Brady, Abby, and Mary. Visit her at beckyeldredge.com. About The Inner Chapel: In her recent book, The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God, Becky Eldredge offers down-to-earth stories, prayer reflections, and encouragement for spiritual growth and a deeper walk with Christ. While offering practices on how to enter the inner chapel, the place within where God meets us, each chapter provides an opportunity to reflect on a certain promise of God. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

On this week's show, Jessica Ptomey, author of the book Home in the Church: Living an Embodied Catholic Faith, invites listeners to consider their own faith perspectives by sharing her personal journey into the Catholic Church. About Jessica Ptomey: Jessica Ptomey is a Catholic convert, wife, mom, writer, Communications scholar and professor, and homeschooler. She blogs at jessicaptomey.com. She is the author of Home in the Church: Living an Embodied Catholic Faith, and her research in inter-faith dialogue has been published in the Journal of Communication and Religion (JCR). She is also the co-host with her husband Mike of The Catholic Reading Challenge podcast. About Home in the Church: Home in the Church calls Catholics living in the modern world back to a distinctly Catholic way of living and vision of Mother Church as the home on earth that is leading them to their heavenly home. Catholic Convert, Jessica Ptomey, describes her journey to a more embodied Christian faith in the Catholic Church, and she invites readers to the same experience. She discusses the embodied nature of faith in the home, in the celebrations of the liturgical calendar, in the liturgy of the Mass, in personal prayer, in the intercession of the saints, in the sacraments, and in a redemptive view of suffering. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

On this week's show, Fr. Sebastian Walshe, author of the new book Understanding Marriage & Family: A Catholic Perspective, offers pastoral thoughts on contemporary marriage and family life. About Fr. Sebastian Walshe: Originally from Pasadena, Fr. Sebastian Walshe is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is the dean of studies for the seminary program. After completing his studies at Thomas Aquinas College in California, he continued studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., receiving a license in Philosophy. Later, he attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the Angelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy. About Understanding Marriage & Family: A Catholic Perspective: In this book Fr. Sebastian explains and defends the traditional understandings of marriage and family so that the goodness and beauty of marriage and family can once again shine forth. In the first part of the book, he clarifies and defends the definitions of marriage and family and contrasts them with the alternative proposals of modern society. Marriage and family are natural and necessary consequences of human nature: thus marriage is not merely a social construct, but something which fulfills the deepest inclinations of human nature. In the second part of the book, he shows how marriage and the relationships within the family are intrinsically and sacramentally related to the principal mysteries of the Catholic faith. In the third part of the book, he shows how family life at both the natural and supernatural levels can be fostered, preserved, and healed. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

On this week's show, Cathy Gilmore, creator of Tiny Virtue Heroes, helps us understand how even small creatures can teach us to be virtuous superheroes! About Cathy Gilmore: "Mrs. Virtue Lady" Cathy Gilmore is an award-winning children's author, educator, and virtue advocate. Her passion is to help families grow virtue-strong in simple, creative, and JOYFUL ways. About Tiny Virtue Heroes: Tiny Virtue Heroes are pretend friends who turn children's IMAGINATION into a sacred training space, in which everyday habits are powered by God's grace to become real-life super-powers! These animal and insect characters are friendly "sidekick" storytellers, who introduce kids to Virtue Heroes from the Bible and from the Virtue Mission Regions of the world. Pretending with the Virtue Heroes can make children virtue-STRONG! One by one, a series of storybooks are emerging to bring these characters to life in an especially vivid way. The first story, A Mouse and a Miracle, is available now! Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

On this week's show, Dr. Joseph White offers encouragement and support for our spiritual journey as we discuss his new Our Sunday Visitor book Listening for God in Everyday Life. About Dr. Joseph White: Dr. Joseph White is a child and family psychologist and Director of Catechetical Resources for OSV Publishing. He is the author of 11 books, including the newly-released Listening for God in Everyday Life. About Listening for God in Everyday Life: God is speaking to us all the time, but we have to learn to hear his voice. Drawing on his personal experience, Joseph reveals the means God uses to speak directly to our hearts. Some of these may even surprise you! They include Silence, Gifts and Talents, Scripture, Creation, Humor, Tradition, Art, Liturgy, Saints, Struggle, Children, Relationship, and People in Need. When we learn to hear it, God's voice opens our hearts to his love, deepening our relationship with the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. How is God speaking to you? Learn more at Our Sunday Visitor. Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to [email protected] or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.