Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

Theologian and expert on the Camino de Santiago Fr. Piotr Roszak explores with us the nature of pilgrimage and its significance in religious history. In recent years, making pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago has become very popular. Fr. Roszak explains why pilgrimage unveils our humanity and is an expression of hope. Pilgrimage just might be the practice needed in our despairing times.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of European politics! In this episode, François Valentin delves into various political landscapes, starting with an in-depth analysis of France. He explores the nuances of French politics and extend their conversation to broader European political themes.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Overview of the French political scene

- The impact of recent 2024 elections and political movements

- Comparative analysis of European political strategies

- Predictions and future trends in European governance

François shares his expert insights and offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play within European politics. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a student of international relations, or simply curious about the current political climate in Europe, this video is packed with valuable information and perspectives.

In this podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and why they believe these works are essential reading for our times. Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom found in these literary masterpieces.

Dr. Jared Zimmerer, the Content Marketing Director and Great Books adjunct professor for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, joins us to discuss the value of studying the Humanities, especially the Great Books, and the formation of the moral imagination. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Russell Kirk and Christian humanists who were trying to remind the West of what T.S. Eliot called “the Permanent Things”.

In this episode, Kathleen Carr, founder of the Catholic Art Institute, joins us to discuss a pressing issue in the world of art education – the decline of teaching great art in contemporary art schools. Join us as we explore the rich legacy of classical art education, the skills and techniques that defined masterpieces, and why these traditional methods are fading away in modern curricula.

Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute, joins Bobby Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book The Mind of Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion. Richard’s systematic presentation of Benedict’s thought demonstrates why Benedict should be considered one of the great theological minds of the last century.

In this conversation, Bobby and Andrew talk to Philip Bess, Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, about his recent article "Buildings, Polis, Landscape, Cosmos: Two Counter-Cultural Christian Humanist Academic Case Studies” and the basics of classical humanist urban design. Professor Bess introduces Our Lady’s Plan of Chicago 2109, explaining why we will have to move from suburb sprawl to a design that is more sustainable and durable. It so happens that classical humanist design principles best meet those criteria, much better than modernism and hypermodernism do.

Bobby and Andrew talk to Dr. Kenneth Craycraft about his new book Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America. Dr. Craycraft explains why Catholics in the United States today are liberal Protestants before they are anything else and why Catholic Social Doctrine matters for healing the divisions in contemporary America.

Robert and Andrew discuss the fight over the restoration of Cathédral Notre-Dame de Paris and why traditional architecture matters with Michael Diamant, the founder of New Traditional Architecture (https://newtrad.org/). In this interview, Michael helpfully explains the recent revival of interest in the robust classical tradition of architecture that not only is beautiful but environmentally friendly and the schools and firms where this revival is flourishing.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa recall their travels in Europe. Unlike Europeans who might take the beauty of embodied Catholicism for granted, Andrew and Robert are convinced that Americans might be in a special position to recognize the Catholic culture still present in many parts of Europe.