The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick explains the difference between subjective and objective truth, using relatable examples like personal food preferences and mathematical facts. He also shares a compelling personal story about a heated encounter in a checkout line, where a stranger vehemently challenged his views on family size and moral relativism.

• Kevin (email) – Are there any benefits of having a home statue blessed? (00:45)
• Audio: Alan Keyes explain marriage when he debated Obama for the U.S. Senate seat in 2004 (05:42)
• Mary – I put a 5-dollar bill in hotel bibles (14:31)
• Charlie – When Pope John Paul went to see Our Lady of Guadalupe personally, he saw her back and not her front. Have you heard of this? Is it true? (23:01)
• Vinnie – Is having a Geocentric World View okay for a priest? (27:03)
• Heidi - I was a server for 9 years before I became a mom. I think that if we are imitating Jesus He gives when it doesn't make sense. I think that it could be more effective to tip even if they didn't earn it. (30:08)
• Ted and Laura (email) - "My own truth" = The facts basically interpreted by one’s own belief system. (37:03)
• Cindy - Abortion being legal is just like slavery before it was abolished. I think abortion will change in people's minds. (49:16)

Today's discussion is about the power of public campaigns in changing societal attitudes. Patrick shares insights from the anti-littering movement of the 60s and draws comparisons to shifting opinions on abortion. Listeners provided impactful stories on how education reshaped behaviors on littering and tipping, emphasizing personal responsibility in keeping communities clean and supportive.

• Patrick comments on the anti-littering campaign in the late 60’s (00:58)
• Linda - Littering: I was behind a car, and they threw out their whole bag of McDonald’s food. (06:59)
• Pat - I was at a restaurant in the 70’s and the service was terrible. I was going to leave a bad tip but then changed my mind. She was so happy to get the tip and I think we helped turn her day around. (10:18)
• Tom - I agree with what you are saying about littering. They actually had ads about littering. The American Indian having trash thrown at his feet was really effective (12:47)
• Ossie (email) - Richard Nixon started the EPA in 1970. I’m 74 and grew up in Los Angeles, I remember when we used incinerators to burn trash. (24:33)
• Teresa (email) - People just walk around and throw whatever they want anywhere here in Minneapolis. (25:15)
• Michael - When I was young, I was told abortion is okay because we were told that babies in the womb are just chemicals floating in the woman. But that, of course, was a lie.(29:02)
• Mayra - I really like your idea of using the example of the repetition of littering can be used now with abortion. People need to hear what abortion truly is. As someone who has had an abortion, I think that people need to speak out about their abortions. (32:56)
• Teresa - I agree with what you are saying. I was raped in College and abortion wasn't legal, so I put the child up for adoption. I thought it was a clump of cells. If abortion had been available for me than I may have gone down that road. (41:11)
• Bill - The littering law in PA says $300 dollar fine for littering. (48:46)

Patrick explores the world of hypnotherapy with Sean, a caller who shares a unique childhood experience. Sean recounts an enigmatic encounter with a figure he believes was a Bigfoot and seeks Patrick's advice on using hypnotherapy to recover and understand his fragmented memories. Patrick provides thoughtful insights on the moral considerations and potential benefits of hypnotherapy when applied in a responsible and therapeutic manner. Listen in as Patrick discusses the possibilities and dangers of this therapeutic tool and its role in finding clarity from past experiences.

• Sean - What do you think of hypnotherapy? (00:38)
• Kathrine - I was a victim of rape, and my mom helped me give my child up for adoption (07:49)
• Mary Pat - Most abortions are done with a pill which doesn't need any medical guidance. It is very unhealthy. (14:46)
• Ivan - I think that the real issue of abortion is the debate of when life starts. (17:56)
• Yollie - I think that people can change their mind about abortion through testimonies (30:56)
• Al - What do you think about the death penalty? (34:49)
• Tom - I don't think we have educated people on the need to be good stewards of the planet. I think many people take our resources for granted. (41:19)
• Anna - Is it necessary to go to a priest to receive absolution or is going to Church and asking for forgiveness in your own head is okay?  (43:34)

Patrick Madrid looks into this classic Catholic-Protestant debate over whether Mary is really the Mother of God. And spoiler alert: she totally is. Let’s get into it:

The Twitter Wars: Catholic vs. Protestant

Patrick caught wind of a Catholic account on X/Twitter duking it out with Protestants about Mary. The claim? Mary isn’t the Mother of God because God existed before her. But that argument? It misses the point by a mile.

Theotokos: Fancy Greek Word, Big Meaning

Here’s the deal: the term Theotokos (from way back in the Council of Ephesus, 431 A.D.) literally means "God-bearer." It’s not just some poetic title. It means Mary bore Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, in her womb. Not "God’s incubator," not "divine rental space": she’s his MOM. That’s the whole point.

But How Can Mary Be God’s Mom?

Here’s where some people get stuck:

Protestant argument: “Mary’s a creature! She can’t be the Mother of God because God existed before her.”

Catholic truth: Mary didn’t give Jesus his divine nature (obviously: she’s not divine herself). But she did give birth to a person, and that person is Jesus Christ, who is fully God. So, she’s the Mother of God, not because she created God, but because God entered the world through her. 

Nestorius and His Bad Ideas

Back in the day, this guy Nestorius stirred up confusion by claiming Jesus was basically two separate persons: one human, one divine. Wrong. Jesus is one divine person with both a human nature and a divine nature. The Church, through St. Cyril and others, shut down Nestorius’s ideas at the Council of Ephesus, making it super clear: the baby Mary gave birth to was God himself.

"You Don’t Give Birth to a Nature."

Patrick made it clear. You give birth to a person, not a nature. Like, when your mom had you, she didn’t birth your "human nature": she gave birth to you. Same with Mary. She didn’t just give birth to Jesus’ human side; she gave birth to Jesus, the person, who happens to be God.

Why Does It Matter?

This isn’t just theological nitpicking. If you get Mary wrong, you probably get Jesus wrong. Getting Jesus wrong messes with the whole incarnation, salvation, and everything else. That’s why the Church keeps hammering this home: every generation needs to hear it.

Council of Ephesus: Let’s Get Serious

The council declared: If you don’t confess that Mary is the Mother of God (because she bore God-made-flesh), you’re in heresy. Why? Because denying Mary’s role messes with the whole reality of Jesus being God and man in one person.

So yeah, Mary is the Mother of God. Not because she’s part of the Trinity or existed before God, but because the child she bore is God in the flesh. Case closed.

On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick reads an email from a listener who's freaking out about her first confession. She’s new to the Catholic Church, nervous about the whole process, and weighed down by a big sin from her past (she had an abortion). She’s scared of what the priest will think and honestly just has no idea what to expect. Patrick has practical advice and some solid reassurance.

Confession Isn’t as Scary as You Think

Patrick explains:

Confession is straight-up biblical. Jesus set it up in John 20 when He gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This isn’t some Church-made checklist; it’s how Jesus wanted us to experience His mercy.

It’s healing. Saying your sins out loud can feel super awkward, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Patrick compares it to going to the doctor. It’s not fun to put on that paper-thin gown, but the healing is 100% worth it.

Practical Tips for Your First Time Step 1: Prepare

Examine Your Conscience. Basically, take stock of your life and be honest about where you’ve fallen short. Don’t overthink it! Apps like Relevant Radio and its Confession Helper can walk you through this step-by-step.

Stick to “Number and Kind.” All you need to do is say the sin (e.g., lying, gossiping, etc.) and how often it happened (or your best guess). No need to spill every gory detail.

Step 2: Keep It Simple in the Confessional

Start with: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. I’m [age] and joining the Church.”

Be honest and to the point. The priest doesn’t need a dramatic backstory: just tell him what happened.

Step 3: Choose Your Priest Wisely

It's OK to go to a priest you don’t know. You can go to a different parish if that helps you feel more anonymous.

What About “Big” Sins?

Patrick gets real about sins like abortion. He’s crystal clear: God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. The priest isn’t there to judge you: He’s there to help you leave that sin at the foot of the cross and move forward in freedom.

What Happens in the Confessional?

Act of Contrition: You’ll say a short prayer of sorrow. Don’t panic if you don’t know it: the priest can help.

Penance: The priest will give you something to do to show your sorrow, like a prayer or an act of devotion.

Absolution: This is the big moment. Your sins are forgiven, gone forever.

Why You’ll Feel AMAZING Afterward

Patrick guarantees you’ll walk out feeling lighter than air. The weight of your sins? Gone. The shame? Gone. It’s all about freedom and peace, and you’ll feel that wave of relief the second the priest says the words of absolution.

Patrick’s Final Word: Don’t Overthink It

Confession might feel intimidating, but it’s worth it. God isn’t there to condemn you: He’s ready to forgive and welcome you back with open arms. Take a deep breath, trust in His mercy, and go for it. 

Who knew that the Eagles could lead someone to Catholicism?

Brad, a 19-year-old college sophomore from Bowling Green, Ohio, shared how he went from atheism to preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church. 

Challenged by His Atheist Brother

Brad’s faith journey took a sharp turn when his atheist brother asked a seemingly simple question about Christianity: one Brad couldn’t answer. That nudge, coupled with his brother’s advice to “learn more about religion,” planted a seed that grew into a quest for the truth. Sometimes, grace works in surprising ways, like through a skeptical sibling. 

From Rock Radio to the Rosary

The Holy Spirit can be sneaky. Brad’s favorite classic hits station got replaced by Relevant Radio, and instead of jamming to The Eagles, he found himself listening to the Rosary for the first time. Confusion turned into curiosity, which led him to explore the Catholic faith. Talk about God working through unexpected channels. 

Searching for the Original Church

When Brad decided to look for the "original" Christians, his research led him to two options: Catholicism and Orthodoxy. After exploring Orthodoxy for a while, something still didn’t feel right. Over the summer, Relevant Radio (especially Patrick Madrid’s show) became a spiritual lifeline during a faith crisis. Little by little, Catholicism became the clear answer. 

A Eucharistic Wake-Up Call

The game-changer was hearing a talk during the National Eucharistic Congress about the profound beauty of the Eucharist. A speaker shared a story about a prisoner who, upon receiving the Eucharist, exclaimed, “I have Him, I finally have Him!” That story hit Brad like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, it became crystal clear: the Eucharist wasn’t just a concept: it was a real, tangible encounter with Christ. Cue the tears in the driveway as this realization set in. 

The Road to Easter

Now officially a catechumen, Brad is on the path to receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. His life has completely transformed since discovering Catholicism. Let’s not forget his shoutout to the power of Relevant Radio’s ministry: it’s proof that evangelization works in ways no one could predict. 

This story is a powerful reminder that God’s grace can reach anyone, anywhere: even through unexpected twists like a converted radio station. Brad’s joy and gratitude are infectious, and his story inspires hope for anyone praying for loved ones to find their way home.  Also, sidenote: see if you can count how many Eagles song references are made by Patrick and Cyrus! 

Patrick offers a charitable critique of the New American Bible, focusing on its approach to biblical interpretation, particularly the "hermeneutic of suspicion." Patrick explains this methodology's tendency to question miracles, like the feeding of the 5,000, and traditional views on the authorship of the Gospel of St. Matthew. He contrasts this with insights from the new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, which supports traditional apostolic authorship and provides enriching commentary.

• Robert – Could Jesus do miracles because he was God or because he was perfect? (01:48)
• Josh - I am a new Catholic and I am wondering how do I know how to choose a parish? (07:48)
• Susan (email) – I loved the NEC! (22:58)
• Joe - We hear that the recommendation for confession is once per year, but a lot of priests say once per month. Why do I need to go to confession if I’m not in mortal sin? (26:37)
• Patrick recommends the new Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (31:29)
• Patrick explains the expression “hermeneutic of suspicion” (26:23)

Patrick and Cyrus focus on the challenges surrounding minimum wage and the struggles faced by restaurant workers. Patrick gets Cyrus to share his personal experiences from over a decade in the industry, highlighting the difficulties of surviving on tips and low hourly wages. Patrick also discusses California's recent rejection of Proposition 32, which proposed an increase to the state's minimum wage, and examines its potential impact on small businesses and working families. Linking the conversation to biblical teachings, Patrick reflects on the moral implications of labor practices. This engaging discussion covers fairness, economic realities, and the importance of treating workers with respect.

• Julieann – Who brought the wicker basket? (00:38)
• Prop 32 fails: Californians reject raising minimum wage to nation-high $18 per hour (07:48)
• Janet (email) – 3 restaurants closed because they couldn’t afford the minimum wage increase (25:40)
• John - Another factor in minimum wage is that large business can handle a wage increase but the small places can't and go out of business (27:00)
• Terri – I waited tables in the 80’s and had a wonderful time (32:27)
• Richard – The problem with raising minimum wage is that kids think they are entitled to more money than they are worth (46:36)

Patrick covers the importance of tipping and its role in generosity and almsgiving. He discusses how tipping can have a real impact on the lives of service workers and also talked about the effects of minimum wage laws. Personal stories about working in the restaurant industry and today's work challenges are shared.

• Mike - I worked as a bartender and waiter and got a lot of value out of it. (02:41)
• Michelle - Cost of living has doubled in IN and now I don't make enough money to pay my bills. I feel bad for young families. (07:15)
• Alan - TIP was originally an acronym, 'To Insure Promptness'.  If you gave tips in advance, you would get quick service. (10:06)
• Richard - When I worked in the late 50s, I got $1.25 an hour, and then $1.47 in manufacturing.  (15:03)
• Barb - I made more money babysitting than I did at the pharmacy. (16:27)
• Matt - I think pushing up minimum wage will drive small farms out of business. (23:33)
• Carl - It made me feel good leaving a tip and a nice note saying, 'have a blessed day' (29:18)
• Cliff - I think that people who are working at minimum wage are working many different jobs at once. (32:44)
• Terry - A waitress took a bad tip (for poor service) and threw it across the room.  Friends have told me I need to give good tips, but if they're not doing well, they don't deserve it. (40:41)
• Sandra - When you leave a tip at a hotel room, you don't know if it's the same maid.  I leave tip after each day on the bed.  I give gift cards to the poor instead. (42:28)
• Diego - I work in a fast-food restaurant and that's definitely heightened my appreciation for other workers, and I tip 20% (44:33)
• Fran - Almsgiving; I ended up giving $10 to a single mom as a favor who was a hotel clerk.  Two days later I won a school $100 raffle. (46:40)

Patrick addresses a thought-provoking question raised by a listener regarding Mark 13:32, where Jesus states that only the Father knows the day and hour of the Second Coming. Patrick explores the mystery of Jesus' dual nature—being fully divine and fully human—and how it relates to His knowledge and understanding. Drawing from theological insights and referencing the early Church's teachings, Patrick provides a clear and accessible explanation of these complex doctrines.

• The Associated Press is now maligning the Jerusalem Cross, which has been worn and carried by Christians for 1,000 years, as a “white supremacist” symbol (00:41)
• Robert - You suggested a book which I am really enjoying called “The Hidden Mana”. Thank you! What is the inner and outer form in regard to church authority? (10:06)
• Joe - What do you think about 7th day Adventist? I am talking with someone who is pretty against the Catholic Church. (22:31)
• Joshua - Is Sampson from the Old Testament a saint and worthy to be prayed to? (31:11)
• Barbara - Mark 13:32. What does it mean that the Son doesn't know the time of the coming? Since he is God, I thought he would know. (36:53)
• Mike - What I like about your show is how you listen to people!  (47:35)