This week on Talking Catholic, we explore a deeply personal and universal topic: addiction.

Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, food, media, pornography, or other compulsions, addiction touches countless lives — often disrupting health, relationships, and spiritual well-being.

Joining co-hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro are two guests with firsthand experience in the healing journey: Jen Drees, a Calix Society facilitator at Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, and Jo Anne Farrell, Addictions Healing Services coordinator for Catholic Charities of South Jersey. Together, they discuss the upcoming faith-based Zoom retreat on August 2 — open to anyone impacted by addiction. Register here »

The episode also introduces listeners to the Calix Society (www.calixsociety.org), a Catholic recovery organization that helps individuals maintain sobriety through faith and a 12-step program.

Listen in for a compassionate, hope-filled conversation about recovery, spiritual support, and the path toward healing.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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This week on Talking Catholic, we welcome two vibrant voices in Catholic communications: cousins Mary Kate Haliskoe and Jerry Wutkowski. With deep roots in both faith and family, Mary Kate and Jerry share what it’s like to work together in the world of Church media, reflect on the joys and quirks of collaborating as relatives, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at their roles supporting the mission of the Church through storytelling in their new roles with the Archdiocese of New York.

Plus, there’s a recap of the recent Catholic Media Conference and a promise to bring this lively crew back together again soon.

Whether you're in Catholic communications or just love a good family story, this episode is a joyful celebration of faith, media, and the bonds that tie us together.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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“My dear Jesus, I ask You in grace that, through the merit of Your Most Holy Name, You make me a lover of the Cross."  On this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie, unpack the extraordinary life of St. Veronica Giuliani-mystic, stigmatist, and victim soul.  Discover how her profound love for Christ, detailed in her 22,000 page spiritual diary, offers a model for each of us in embracing our daily struggles in union with Christ. 

Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/. 

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In this episode of Talking Catholic, Mike Walsh chats with Kerry Weber, executive editor of America Media and newly elected president of the Catholic Media Association. Their conversation centers on Kerry’s life within Catholic journalism, her commitment to ethical storytelling, and the importance of building a stronger, more connected Catholic media community. She also discusses the changing media landscape and the vital role Catholic journalists play in helping people make sense of complex moral and cultural issues through a faith-based lens.

Her thoughtful reflections remind listeners that Catholic media work is more than a profession—it’s a vocation rooted in service, trust, and a desire to communicate the Gospel effectively in today’s world. 

Also, if you ever wondered what it would sound like for Mike to do a normal, professional interview, this is the episode for you! 

For further insight into Kerry and her vision, check out her recent America Media interview: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/06/30/kerry-weber-president-catholic-media-association-251037 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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With Mike Walsh out of town for the Catholic Media Conference, co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro take the Talking Catholic show on the road to visit with some of the Diocese of Camden’s seminarians!

Father Joshua Nevitt, assistant director of vocations for the Diocese, and seminarians Michael Leason, Theodore Deluhery and Domenic DeStefano welcomed Jen and Mike to the former Saint Mary’s Convent in Cherry Hill. This is where the majority of the seminarians are living this summer, along with Father Nevitt.

Learn why Bishop Joseph Williams wanted the men to spend the summer together growing in formation, missionary discipleship and evangelization – and the true brotherhood they’ve grown into along the way.  

Plus, get a lot of laughs from hearing how the seminarians are adjusting to their surroundings, enjoying having the Diocese’s priests as “guest chefs” and pulling a prank or two!

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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“Our Lord is calling us to sanctify the ordinary tasks of every day, for the perfection of the Christian is to be found precisely there.”  In today's episode of Talking Catholic, Laurie and Pete explore the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei and “the saint of ordinary life.”   From humble beginnings in Spain to the worldwide spread of Opus Dei, learn how he spent his life witnessing to the idea that every person, in every walk of life, is called to be a saint.

Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/. 

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In this week’s Talking Catholic episode, cohosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress sit down with two beloved Catholic school principals retiring after decades of faithful service: Patti Paulsen of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Deacon Joseph Rafferty of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights.

With warmth, humor, and deep sincerity, Patti and Deacon Joe reflect on the joys and challenges of Catholic school leadership, including navigating the pandemic, nurturing school communities rooted in faith, and the privilege of shaping young hearts and minds. Their stories highlight the enduring mission of Catholic education — forming disciples through love, service, and academic excellence.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply someone who cherishes the value of faith-based learning, this moving conversation will leave you inspired by the legacy of two extraordinary educators.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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We’ve had hostful episodes. We’ve even had guestful ones. But this week? It’s a priestful one!

In this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro — joined by their occasional frienemy, Donna Ottaviano-Britt — sit down with five priests of the Diocese of Camden to talk about a unique leadership development program designed specifically for clergy.

Priests both seasoned and new-ish share how a recently developed program for clergy is helping them grow as leaders, deepen their vocational awareness, and develop concrete goals for their ministries. It’s an insightful look at what it means to lead with faith, purpose, and authenticity.

Joining us for this episode are

• Fr. Robert Hughes, V.G. – Pastor, Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City
• Fr. John March – Pastor, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Mays Landing
• Fr. Michael Goyette – Pastor, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Clayton/Franklinville
• Fr. Kevin Mohan – Co-Pastor, Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Mullica Hill/Woodstown
• Fr. Logan Nilsen – Parochial Vicar, Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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After several weeks on the road, our Talking Catholic hosts finally found themselves in the same place at the same time — and then hit record. In this fast-paced (and blessedly brief) episode, Mike (Greg) Bress, Jen Mauro, Pete Sanchez, and Mike Walsh catch up on a few diocesan moments: a recent retirement, upcoming events we’re looking forward to, and highlights from this year’s Catholic high school graduations. Join us for some laughs, reflections, and the usual mix of wit and wisdom(?).

Learn more about South Jersey Catholic Schools at: www.southjerseycatholicschools.org

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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The ability to choose where your child is educated — commonly known as school choice — has long been a hot-button issue at the state level. But with a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a virtual Catholic school in Oklahoma and the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act in the U.S. Senate, the debate has a revived national focus.

In this week’s episode, cohosts Mike Walsh and Mike Bress (yes, we know — double the Mikes, double the confusion) sit down with the Diocese of Camden’s Dr. Bill Watson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Sarah Kerins, Assistant Superintendent, to unpack the complex and evolving world of school choice. Together, they explore how these national developments could impact Catholic schools in New Jersey, what the ECCA could mean for families, and what advocates can do to support educational freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how Catholic school funding works, what the legal landscape looks like, or how you can make a difference — this is the episode for you.

Learn more about South Jersey Catholic Schools at: www.southjerseycatholicschools.org

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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