Talking Catholic

For generations, the Di Paolo family has believed that good food does more than satisfy an appetite... it brings people together.

This week, Talking Catholic hosts Kari Janisse and Jen Mauro visit Di Paolo’s Restaurant in Penns Grove to share a meal with family owners Michael Di Paolo and his sons, Michael and Anthony. They trace the restaurant’s journey from the small pizzeria and grocery store opened by Albert and Maria Di Paolo to a beloved South Jersey destination known for traditional Abruzzese Italian cuisine, generous portions and treating every guest like family.

The Di Paolos reflect on recipes learned by watching their parents and grandparents, the faith and hard work that sustained the family business, and the Sunday dinners that taught them the importance of slowing down and gathering around the table. They also share the unforgettable story of two complete strangers who once appeared at the family’s door — and, without anyone knowing who they were, were welcomed inside and served dinner.

Along the way, Kari and Jen sample Di Paolo’s famous complimentary antipasto, chicken parmesan, homemade pasta, jumbo-lump crab cakes, mushroom risotto, and limoncello while discovering that the restaurant’s most important ingredient has always been hospitality.

It’s a delicious conversation about food, faith, family and the sacred connections formed when there is always room for one more at the table.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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This week, Talking Catholic hits the road as hosts Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh travel to Emmitsburg, Maryland, to catch up with Father Michael Romano, a priest of the Diocese of Camden and rector of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary.

Father Romano shares how a “kid from South Jersey” became responsible for guiding one of the nation’s largest seminaries, and why a place he first visited as a high school student ultimately became part of God’s plan for his priesthood.

The conversation offers a fascinating look inside modern seminary life, including the spiritual, human, academic and pastoral formation of future priests. Father Romano discusses the importance of self-knowledge and mental health, building relationships rooted in trust, and using social media without becoming a “celebrity priest.”

Along the way, he introduces Jen and Mike to the Mount’s remarkable Catholic history, its breathtaking National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the many holy men and women connected to Emmitsburg, including Blessed Stanley Rother and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

It’s a warm, funny and insightful conversation about vocation, formation, servant leadership - and learning to say yes when God’s plans turn out differently from your own.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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Gloucester Catholic High School teacher Andrew Stetser recently took on an unforgettable challenge: completing the Camino de Santiago in Spain. 

What began as a 500-mile pilgrimage on foot became an experience filled with physical challenges, spiritual growth, breathtaking scenery — and plenty of time for reflection. 

On this week’s Talking Catholic, Andrew talks about his monthlong journey with co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro. 

Hear Andrew share what inspired him to make the pilgrimage and what it was like to walk the Camino in 100-degree-plus heat day after day.

It’s a story that goes beyond the miles and destinations — and becomes a lesson in perseverance, faith, community, and slowing down to appreciate life's  journey. 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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This week, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro take the conversation to Egg Harbor Township to check out the “Dream Big” Saint Katharine Drexel Youth Festival. 

Rising high school sophomores Assiry Genelus and Raleigh Solomon join their youth and young adult minister, Millet LoCasale, in talking about leadership, gifts and talents, and the powerful role young people play in the Church. 

Of course, there’s tons of laughs - especially as you can hear the music in the background, including a little Backstreet Boys for Jen to enjoy. 

Plus, there’s a great debate about who the public would like to see get pied: Mike or Jen?! (Producer’s note: we know it’s Mike🤣)

So, tune in - and let’s celebrate our youth and lift up their voices! 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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This week we pull a few hosts together - Mike Walsh, Kari Janisse, Jen Mauro, Pete Sanchez, and Mike “Greg” Bress - to chat about some new endeavors, summer highlights, and give a few sneak peaks about what’s to come in the next several months. 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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The gift of growing older.

On this episode of the Talking Catholic podcast, Bobbie Bradley, director of Sacred Heart Residence for retired priests, reflects on the gift of growing older through the lens of faith. 

Drawing from her decades of experience as a nurse and ministry of caring for seniors, Bobbie shares how aging can be a time of renewed purpose, deeper trust in God and continued service to others. 

Her conversation with hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro explores the importance of caring for the whole person - body, mind and spirit - while embracing each season of life with gratitude, hope and the confidence that we are all called to be our best selves at every age.

And don't miss her orignal episode all the way back from 2019, easily one of the funniest episodes in our history! https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tLW0OHXtj8LbP9ykHdDR8?si=d1cd0557e21b4f78

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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Faith through the  photographer’s lens

This week, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro welcome Tim Hawk to the podcast, where he shares his decades of photojournalist experience and a deeply personal story.

Long regarded as an icon in the South Jersey photography community, Tim built a legacy of capturing meaningful moments through his lens before transitioning to his current role as a freelance photographer with the Catholic Star Herald.

While continuing to take photos and be an adjunct professor at Rowan University, he is also facing one of life's greatest challenges – a recent stomach cancer diagnosis. And he’s doing so with the same honesty and resilience that have defined his career.

On the show, Tim offers an unfiltered look at his career, faith, perseverance, fear, hope and gratitude, and explains how he is writing about his journey on his website, greathawkphoto.com.

His conversation is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, both behind the camera and in the written word.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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This week, hosts Mike Walsh and Kari Janisse welcome Allison Gingras of Holy Cross Family Ministries for a joyful conversation about Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., known around the world as “The Rosary Priest,” and his enduring message that “the family that prays together stays together.”

Allison shares Father Peyton’s remarkable story, from his Irish roots and call to the priesthood to his healing through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and his bold use of radio, film and media to invite families into prayer. She also discusses the ongoing work of Holy Cross Family Ministries, its mission to support families in faith, and the importance of making the Rosary approachable, especially for those who may feel intimidated by family prayer.

The conversation also turns personal, as Allison reflects on her own advocacy for the family Rosary and offers gentle encouragement for families to begin where they are. Whether that means a full Rosary, a single decade, grace before meals or simply one small movement toward God, she reminds listeners that prayer does not have to be perfect to be powerful.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Young adults across the Diocese of Camden are seeking faith, community, truth and a place to ask real questions. In this episode, Mike Walsh and co-host Kari Janisse welcome Father Allain Caparas, Father Peter Gallagher, and seminarian Theo Deluhery for a conversation about a new diocesan young adult initiative designed to meet that moment.

The initiative, called Vigilare, will launch with a special event on Saturday, July 18, from 7-9 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish’s Our Lady of Lourdes Church Campus in Glassboro. The evening will include a Holy Hour, music, Night Prayer, opportunities for confession, food and social time for young adults ages 18-35.

The group discusses why so many young adults are showing renewed interest in the Catholic faith, the importance of in-person community in a digital world, and the need for spaces where young people can encounter Christ, build real friendships and ask honest questions without fear. 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM

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This week, we welcome Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP, Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, a ministry of the Daughters of St. Paul that promotes media mindfulness catechesis for lived discipleship.

Sister Nancy shares her vocation story, including how her lifelong love of movies, music and media helped draw her to the Daughters of St. Paul. The conversation explores faith and storytelling, the Church’s presence in popular culture, and why Catholics should engage media with discernment rather than dismissal.

From her work reviewing films and interviewing creators in Hollywood, to her reflections on AI, media literacy and Catholic social teaching, Sister Nancy offers a hopeful vision for evangelization in a digital world. She also previews her role as co-emcee of the first-ever combined Catholic Media Awards and Gabriel Awards gala at the Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City this week.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X