The War on Mediocrity

Fr. Joseph Asante has arrived! He chats with Fr. Zarse and Carson to share his journey across the world, his passion for soccer, what he calls his "international stomach," the joy of being a priest, and his first impressions of life in his new home.

Fr. Zarse and Carson share the dramatic story of St. Moses the Black—a gang leader, robber, and murder suspect whose conversion was driven by fasting and who later became a priest. They discuss how fasting transforms our hearts and how it allows us to share in God's plan of salvation for others.

Emily Dumler joins Fr. Zarse and Carson to talk about marriage enrichment—how it impacts our holiness, why it's worth investing in your marriage, and practical ways to do it.

Fr. Zarse and Carson unpack the mental, spiritual, and even physical health benefits of praying the Rosary. They discuss how to grow in devotion, why we pray it, and how to go deeper with it in prayer.

Deacon Nicholas joins Fr. Zarse and Carson for a powerful conversation on redemptive suffering. Living with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and arthritis, frequent hospital visits are a part of his story—but so is joy. Rather than becoming bitter, Deacon Nicholas has learned to offer his suffering for the sanctity of others and become grateful for his cross.

Fr. Zarse, Carson, and seminarian Dominic Victor tackle the corporal works of mercy in this week's episode. Rooted in Matthew 25, they explore why these acts matter, how they impact those we serve, and how they transform us in the process.

Additionally, Dominic and Fr. Zarse spend a few minutes with a special reflection on Dominic's summer at Sacred Heart.

• Where does it say in the Bible that priests have the ability to turn the host and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ?
• How should parents handle crying children in church?
• Is cereal soup?
• What would Fr. Zarse be the patron saint of?
• What are some of the biggest challenges Fr. Zarse faces as a priest?
• Are priests allowed to go to bars or happy hour?

Fr. Zarse takes a quick victory lap, reflecting on the milestones, celebrations, and moments of grace from the past few months at Sacred Heart of Jesus. From big wins to small joys, he covers it all. Beth Bucklin joins the show with a heartfelt thank you.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann reflects on 50 years of priesthood, sharing stories from his ordination day to his two decades as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. He shares plenty of belly laughs, his love of ice cream, and some from-the-heart moments.

Fr. Zarse and Carson reflect upon humanity's greatest question