As educators wrestle with the impacts of AI in the classroom, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Brett Salkeld to discuss what Pope Leo says to teachers in his latest encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Brett is the archdiocesan theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada and the author of "Educating for Eternity: A Teacher's Companion for Making Every Class Catholic."

Father Dave welcomes writer and disability advocate Stephanie Boccuzzi to discuss her new article for Busted Halo's "Voices From the Back Pew" called "The Cost of a Wooden Pew: When Mass Isn't Accessible."

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about ways we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Michael says, "I had a friend ask me, 'How many Marys do Catholics believe in?' They were referring to the many titles: Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, etc. The list is long. How can I explain the many manifestations of Mother Mary?"

Father Dave is in the midst of his 30-Day Challenge to instill healthier habits, and he welcomes Michele Sotak and Father Lou Cameli to discuss the intersection of faith and fitness. Michele is a personal trainer in addition to her role as Director of Service Ministries at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. She and Father Lou developed and launched a ministry called "Faith and Fitness" for the Archdiocese of Chicago, which is also found on YouTube.

We strive to share our faith joyfully at Busted Halo ministries, and Father Dave welcomes speaker and author Melissa Overmyer to discuss ways to embrace God's joy. Melissa is the founder of Something Greater Ministries and the author of "Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy."

In light of Pope Leo XIV publishing the first encyclical of his pontificate, "Magnifica Humanitas," Father Dave welcomes church historian Mike Aquilina to unpack the importance of papal encyclicals through the years.

This year commemorates 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, and Father Dave welcomes Jon Sweeney to discuss this saint's lessons for the modern world. Jon is Religion Editor and Associate Publisher at Monkfish Publishing, as well as the author of many books on Franciscan spirituality including his latest, "Experiencing God: 36 Ways According to Saint Francis of Assisi."

On Pope Leo's first international trip last year, he shared that the book "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence helped shape his spirituality. Father Dave welcomes Father Gregory Pine and Rebecca Dougherty as they dive into this work in the latest season of Ascension's "Catholic Classics" podcast.

Can Catholics attend a gay wedding? Father Dave explains that neither the Catechism nor official Church teaching prohibits Catholics from attending, while also discussing how the Church understands marriage, conscience, and family bonds.

Following Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical entitled Magnifica Humanitas, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and ethicist Dr. Charles Camosy to discuss humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. Camosy teaches moral theology and bioethics at The Catholic University of America.