The Catholic Frequency

In this intriguing episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, we delve deep into the true events that inspired the terrifying 1973 film, 'The Exorcist'. We explore the less dramatized, but equally compelling, real-life exorcism case of a 14-year-old boy in Maryland, 1949, identified pseudonymously as Ronald Doe. His ordeal began with innocent curiosity and the use of a Ouija board, escalating to manifestations of dark forces that led his Protestant family to seek help from the Catholic Church.

On this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we explore the brutal reality of the crown placed on Jesus after Pontius Pilate dubbed Him "King of the Jews." Woven from the sharp, curved thorns of the Ziziphus spina-christi—a plant common in Judea—this was no mere prop, but a cruel instrument of pain and humiliation, designed to wound with every movement. The, we trace its journey from a tool of torment to a sacred relic, revered by early Christians and guarded through the centuries.

In Episode 39 of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, Sean and Shannon continue their enlightening series on Saint Augustine's "Confessions." This episode delves into Book Four of Augustine’s autobiographical work, focusing on his life from ages 18 to 27—a pivotal period marked by intellectual pursuits and profound personal grief. The hosts explore Augustine's philosophical engagement with the material, his struggles with the concept of friendship and love, and the profound impact of his friend's death on his spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

We know that God created everything—including the angels, who play a vital role in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Throughout salvation history, angels have delivered divine messages, protected humanity, and battled demons. Their mysterious and awe-inspiring nature has captivated believers for centuries, including one of the Church’s greatest minds: Saint Thomas Aquinas and in today’s episode, we dive into 20 key ideas from Aquinas about these celestial beings.

In this episode, we sit down with the man behind the popular X account and Substack, Ways of a Gentleman, to explore the timeless question: What does it mean to be a gentleman in today’s world? With over 10,000 followers since launching his account in August 2024, our guest—a retired army officer—shares his journey from leaving behind the negativity of social media to curating a space dedicated to style, culture, etiquette, and virtue.

In 1917, three humble shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto—encountered the Virgin Mary in the quiet village of Fatima, Portugal. What began as a simple day tending sheep transformed into a series of divine apparitions that revealed visions of hell, prophetic warnings, and a call to prayer and repentance.

In Episode 34 of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, host Shannon welcomes back Sean Barabee for the third installment of their 13-week series exploring Saint Augustine’s Confessions. This episode dives into Book 3, covering Augustine’s tumultuous years from ages 16 to 18 as he moves to Carthage, wrestling with lust, vainglory, and a misguided pursuit of love. The discussion traces his initial enchantment with Cicero’s philosophy, his rejection of Scripture due to pride, and his entanglement with the Manichean heresy

Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you.’ Jesus’ words have divided believers for centuries. On this episode of Catholic Frequency, dive into a wild 13th-century showdown where Saint Anthony of Padua faced a heretic mocking the Eucharist. The challenge? A starving donkey, a pile of hay, and the Blessed Sacrament. What happened next stunned a crowd, shattered skepticism, and affirmed a core Catholic truth. Faith, miracles, and a mule that changed history

In this episode, we delve into one of the profound moments of the Lenten season: the Agony in the Garden. As the first Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, this pivotal event unfolds when Jesus enters Gethsemane to pray, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Facing the weight of His impending sacrifice, He is betrayed by His friend Judas with a kiss—a moment that marks the beginning of the Passion. Join us as we reflect on the emotional and spiritual depth of this sacred scene and its significance in our Lenten journey.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we take a brief look into the heart of Catholic faith: the Eucharist. Far more than just bread, it’s Jesus Christ himself, instituted at the Last Supper with the words, “This is my body.” Not a symbol, but a reality.