Cousins Austin Kelly (founder of ChristianChannel.com) and Yenitza Muñoz (bilingual journalist & podcast host) join Deacon in studio to unpack their cinematic Catholic media empire: crowdfunding saint-epics, viral celebrity faith stories, and a burning mission to re-catechize Latinos after the 2020 San Gabriel Mission fire. From mobsters to Mel Gibson, cancer miracles to Cristero saints, this high-energy duo reveals how film, podcasts, and prayer are sparking a Gen-Z Catholic renaissance.

https://www.christianchannel.com/

In this engaging conversation, Deacon Charlie Echeverry and Dr. Peter Kreeft explore a wide range of topics, including the impact of technology on youth, the ethical implications of transhumanism, and the nature of joy and suffering. They delve into the role of philosophy in understanding spirituality and the current state of religion, reflecting on how cultural shifts influence faith. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of insights and the deeper meanings behind joy, happiness, and the human experience.

https://www.peterkreeft.com/

Join Deacon for a raw conversation with radio pioneer Kevin Matthews—whose improbable journey from Detroit's airwaves to Marian devotion inspired the new film Broken Mary (in theaters October 7th). Raised in a violent, impoverished home amid alcoholism and racial strife, Kevin clawed his way to syndication stardom, captivating millions as a shock jock with a chaotic, high-rolling lifestyle. But after a devastating firing and rare illness left him broken, a dumpster-found, shattered statue of the Blessed Virgin ignited his radical conversion, turning the former junkyard dog into Christ's devoted "sheepdog."

https://www.brokenmaryfilm.com/

Deacon sits down with husband-and-wife team D'Lytha and Nathan Myers to discuss their collaborative path in the arts, from musical theater roots to producing their independent family film Aria Appleton Shines. They share insights on blending faith with creativity, overcoming production challenges through divine provision, and addressing timely themes like tech addiction and bullying in a fun, musical format. The conversation explores the evolution of Christian media, the importance of staying grounded in Christ amid success, and their upcoming projects aimed at inspiring families and young audiences.

Links to highlight:

https://www.ariaappleton.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ariaappletonfilm/

https://www.instagram.com/ariaappleton/?hl=en

Aria Appleton is available on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6YG6TBH

Watch the trailer & subscribe to the YouTube channel:

 https://youtu.be/rD7KSGsy3ds?si=-WTKhmxVmRtJLcNB

Get a free copy of “Lesson 3: Honor” from our Parents/Leaders Guide. Here is a link to sign up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LIZWwFc

Check out the soundtrack: https://ariaappleton.hearnow.com/

Join Deacon as he sits down with John Sablan, a passionate Catholic evangelist, third-order Dominican, and co-founder of the Servium Institute. With a vibrant faith shaped by a powerful conversion from a past he describes as being on "team Satan," John shares his journey of living for Christ with unwavering zeal. From his disciplined prayer life with his wife, Nicole, to his mission of building virtue through the Servium Institute, John offers insights on preaching with authenticity, fostering unity in a divided world, and avoiding the pitfalls of "Catholic influencer" culture. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, humility, and leading others to Jesus.

John Sablan - https://johnsablan.com/ 

Marino Restrepo - https://www.marinorestrepo.com/en)

In this episode, Deacon Charlie sits down with Chase Crouse, founder of Hypuro, a Catholic fitness ministry that integrates physical discipline with spiritual growth. Chase shares his inspiring journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to a profound reversion sparked by Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Catholicism. He discusses how fitness became a cornerstone of his spiritual life, drawing from St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the concept of active and passive purgation to frame exercise as a modern form of asceticism.

Hypuro Fit

https://www.hypurofit.org/

Speed Round Fitness Ratings (Scale: 1–10, 10 being awesome):

• Ozempic: 5 (situational; depends on medical need).
• Weighted Vests: 3 (overhyped, useful for some but not essential).
• Pilates: 5 (better than nothing, but Chase hasn’t tried it).
• CrossFit/Functional Fitness: Varies (10 for great coaches, -10 for poor ones; coach quality critical to avoid injury).
• Infrared Sauna: 6–7 (enjoyable, not essential).
• Cold Exposure: 7–8 for athletes needing recovery, lower for general muscle-building goals.
• Hyrox: 8 (fun and challenging, especially as a team event).
• P90X: 3–4 (dated but better than nothing).

Join us for an insightful conversation recorded live at the Napa Institute’s UW-10 Studios, where we explore the intersection of faith, media, and technology. Our guest, Sean Graber, President of EWTN’s Digital Division, reflects on his transformative journey from Silicon Valley to leading Catholic media into a new era. From the vibrant Catholicity of Napa’s vineyard setting to the groundbreaking impact of AI and digital platforms on content creation, we dive into how EWTN is bridging the qualitative gap with secular media, embracing beauty, and redefining evangelization in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Discover the challenges, opportunities, and vision for a Catholic media renaissance by 2035, where storytelling, innovation, and faith converge to inspire the next generation.

Seeking Beauty : https://www.seekingbeauty.show/

EWTN Studios : https://www.ewtn.com/tv/

In this conversation, Jesús Canchola Sánchez shares his journey of faith and LGBTQ identity, cultural identity, and artistic expression. He discusses the complexities of growing up in a Mexican Catholic household, navigating political ideologies, and exploring personal relationships. Throughout his journey, he reflects on the importance of family, community, and the role of media in shaping perceptions of faith. Ultimately, he emphasizes the power of storytelling as a means to connect with others and inspire hope, culminating in the release of his debut novel, 'Escape from Natura Meta.'

SHOWNOTES:

https://www.jesuscancholasanchez.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Natura-Jes%C3%BAs-Canchola-S%C3%A1nchez/dp/B0DZBH6P4M

In this conversation, Dr. Greg Bottaro and Charlie Echeverry explore the intersection of psychology, Catholicism, and modern challenges such as AI and psychedelics. They discuss the evolving landscape of mental health, the impact of generational shifts on faith and community, and the importance of integrating spirituality with psychological practices. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of human experience, the role of media, and the potential dangers and promises of new technologies in shaping our lives and faith.

https://catholicpsych.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B079NK5BPZ?ccs_id=c3d41844-33ad-43c6-9105-765ca6c6120d

In this episode, Deacon sits down with Michael Lichens — former editor of Catholic Exchange and St. Austin Review, and a seasoned editor of nonfiction, memoirs, short stories, scripts, and more. Known for his passion for strange history and offbeat travels, Michael shares insights from his newest book and dives into a wide-ranging conversation full of fascinating, intriguing topics.

__

https://www.mlichens.com/

Weird Catholic Handbook

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/weird-catholic-handbook/?srsltid=AfmBOor3ltm3FPMdnZPXfXRRSl2T2dKsbWOR09mc_6XGUMzbTrAXxjiV