Join Fr Joseph Ockerse and me as we take a virtual journey in far away Spain along the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Fr Ockerse walks us through the history, scenery and culture of the Camino pilgrimage and why everyone should put the Camino at the top of their bucket list. 

This week we pondered China's ever expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific and the ominous future consequentially facing Australia - whether there is reason to fear a growing communist superpower and how, if at all, we can make sense of the current socio-political situation. Join us in the Lounge Room for another riveting chat, one that we hope you enjoy. 

Armed with a glass of Grenache I ventured to the Lounge Room to be joined by the ever reliable Michael Massey and my dear dad, Brendan - where we discussed the conspiracy about conspiracies - a discussion stemming from what I found to be a provocative article in the Australian news paper. We embarked on a riveting discussion about the nature of conspiracy theories, and whether entertaining unpopular and unapproved ideas can be reasonable and useful. Join us for another discussion tied off with a weekly wine review. 

In this episode my uncle and godfather, Tom Spencer, takes me on a journey through his experience growing up as a Catholic. We explore fraternities and sororities, college campuses and college life and ultimately what is was that made uncle Tom the strong Catholic that he is today. 

This episode featured the ever reliable Michael Massey and the inaugural appearance of my dear dad, Brendan. We discussed what it means to be a Catholic in public life and further, the fact that so many prominent Catholics appear to be living contradictions. The conversation concluded with a comment on the Vatican's recent survey to gauge the relevance of the traditional mass under Summorum Pontificum - and a sneak peak into the beautiful bottle of Sangiovese that gradually disappeared over the course of the episode. 

Growing up, the lounge room in my family home was a forum where my family would engage in all sorts of discussion - from debating current affairs, philosophy, and religion - to arguing over different sporting feats and accomplishments. For me, still to this day, the lounge room symbolizes warmth, enjoyment and the exchange of and testing of ideas. I invite you to come join me in the lounge room to discuss a diversity of issues, through a traditionally Catholic lens. Tune in to the Lounge Room to hear the chats, ideas, opinions, and problems discussed and problems solved. Lots of laughter, good red wine - at least I, myself, think it so - benedicamus domino!

I was joined by Gerard Alphy Massey to run through the week of sport, with a little bit of fun along the way:

1. Mike Tyson;
2. Cricket Australia Contracts;
3. NFL draft - who's looking good;
4. NFL Schedule - who's looking better;
5. Michael Jordan - the Last Dance.

Gather around, the gang was all there, engines roaring to debate Sports Bible's nominations for the top ten (10) greatest sportsmen of all time:

10. Roger Federer (tennis)

9. Pele (football)

8. Bo Jackson (baseball/American football)

7. Jim Thorpe (pentathlon, decathlon, American football, baseball and basketball)

6. Usain Bolt (sprinting)

5. Michael Phelps (swimming)

4. Babe Ruth (baseball)

3. Wayne Gretzky (ice hockey)

2. Muhammad Ali (boxing)

1. Michael Jordan (basketball)

I was recently lucky enough to join Emeritus Professor Paul Bailes for a bottle of Italian wine and an afternoon of conversation.  The Professor took me on a tour of his personal narrative with Catholicism, explaining why he believes traditional Catholicism to be the perfect manifestation of truth. That and so much more was discussed during what was a truly delightful afternoon, one that I will cherish for a long time to come. 

This week in the Lounge we talk about our recent feat of "completing" Exodus 90, the importance of good habits, Catholicism in the world of COVID-19, the High Court acquittal of Cardinal George Pell, and we review a recent Amazon series close to home and heart.