There are conversion stories and then there are conversion stories. This is one you really want to hear.

It's the story of how a guy named John Edwards, co-founder of Virtual Catholic Conference, hit absolute rock-bottom...and I mean falling into the cracks at the rock bottom... even while everyone else thought he was living the dream.

In reality it was a nightmare...until Jesus entered the building.

That's about all that can be said, except that you need to hear it for yourself.

Don't leave it on the table. Don't walk away from the transforming power of two of the most important things in the spiritual life…deep prayer and the almost "too good to be true" opportunity of redemptive suffering.

They will change your life.

So if you're anxious or uneasy, wondering what in the world has happened and what exactly is to come, take a listen. This is a conversation that will bring you some peace and help you re-focus on the essentials that can change both your life, and the lives of others.

The Catholic Church is facing a lot of serious difficulties. But should the current problems discourage conversion? Join Matthew Leonard and EWTN morning host Matt Swaim in a conversation about Matt's winding road to Catholicism and an honest discussion of where the Church stands today.

Matt's in the thick of all the news on a daily basis because of his radio show. He's also constantly dealing with potential converts through his work at the Coming Home Network, so his is a very interesting take.

For cradle Catholics, it's a unique look into the Evangelical world. For converts (or potential converts), it's a stroll down memory lane. But at the end of the day, it's a clarion call for each of us to take a hard look in the mirror.

🔵 Sign up for "Introduction to the Psalms" at https://www.nextlevelcatholicacademy.com/

Men have become caricatures in modern culture. And it's had a big impact even inside the Catholic Church. This has to change...immediately. But for that to happen, we have to recognize the deeper issues. There are issues of language, liturgy, and a true understanding of human nature. But there is a solution.

Join Matthew Leonard in an honest, engaging, hopeful discussion with a dynamic young priest named Fr. Patrick Schultz. This is NOT an episode for men only. It's a topic that deeply affects every single Catholic.

Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most beloved of all Catholic devotions. It's a powerful story of prayer, penance, and transformation that has inspired the world for more than a century. On this Art of Catholic episode, Matthew Leonard is joined by producer Dick Lyles, to talk about some of the little-known backstories of how the movie was made and the impact it's having even on the Protestant world.

Dick is a former EWTN and Relevant Radio host, now serving as producer for Origin Entertainment, the maker of the Fatima movie.

Far too many Catholics are unaware of the transformative power of the Catholic mystical tradition, especially deep meditative and contemplative prayer. There is an urgent need to understand the absolute necessity of diving into authentic Catholic spirituality given to us by spiritual giants like Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, and many others.

If you want your life to be transformed, check out this dynamic conversation between Matthew Leonard, Josh Mazrin, and Kyle VanDuser on the Art of Catholic podcast.

Is there ever a time when obedience is no longer a virtue? Is there a point when a Catholic can abandon ship? What about when there are doubts concerning particular matters or teaching?

These are real issues and can confusing to a lot of Catholics.

On this Art of Catholic, Matthew Leonard lays out some basic principles for Catholics to keep in mind. After laying out some preliminary remarks and advice, he then shares a video lesson on the virtue of obedience from the Science of Sainthood in Next Level Catholic Academy.

Given all the confusion in the Church right now, we need to know our responsibility as faithful Catholics.

Humanity is having an identity crisis of major proportions. People don't know who they are. And it's literally wreaking havoc across the world at this very instant. And St. John Paul II saw it coming. In fact, he provided the answers before many of the questions were even posed.

Expanding upon the work of St. Thomas Aquinas and others, he developed a philosophy of the person called, appropriately, "personalism." It's a way to make sense of who we are and the dignity each of us possesses.

Matthew Leonard and Dr. John Crosby, an eminent philosopher at Franciscan University of Steubenville, discuss the Holy Father's famous way of looking at the human person so that we can understand more deeply who we are…and help the world figure it out, too.

Even in the face of terrible tragedy like suicide, Catholic doctrine is clear that there is always hope. This is particularly the message of Divine Mercy taught by St. Faustina Kowalska (originator of the Divine Mercy Chaplet).

Unfortunately, too many Catholics don't truly understand what the Catholic Church has to say in these matters. It's important not only for those who may have died, but for the sake of those left behind.

Join Matthew Leonard and Fr. Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, for an honest and powerful look at hope and Divine Mercy in action.