Catholic Spirit Radio

Good News #204 02072026: Brisket, Bulb, and Blessings: Deacon Al’s Parish Stories

Deacon Al recounts a humorous parish chili contest where his brisket chili won the trophy, shares parish news and invites community events to be submitted to Catholic Spirit Radio.

He then reflects on the fifth Sunday readings (Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, Matthew), explaining how Christians are called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world," and encourages teens to live their faith every day.

Being Catholic #395: Why Modern Societies Drift Left: The Rise of the Managerial Class

Bob Johnston examines why Western societies tend to lean left, tracing the shift to a managerial class that runs large corporations and government agencies. He explains how ESG, DEI, and similar projects bind managers together, create endless reforms, and shape culture and policy.

The episode explores implications for families, faith, and politics, and asks what must change for citizens and leaders to restore stability and prioritize the common good.

Catholic Conversations #192: Surviving Abortion: Melissa Ohden’s Story of Healing and Hope

Host Theresa Chambers interviews Melissa Ohden, an abortion survivor and founder of the Abortion Survivors Network, about her saline-abortion survival, healing journey, conversion to the Catholic faith, and the Network’s support, advocacy, and educational work.

They discuss abortion failures, abortion-pill reversal, resources for survivors and families, and how listeners can help through prayer, education, and sharing stories. Visit abortionsurvivors.org for support and information.

https://melissaohden.com/

Good News #203-1 01312026: Pope Rumors Debunked: Don't Believe Viral Church Hoaxes

Deacon Al warns against viral videos and internet hoaxes claiming radical changes by the Pope, urging listeners to check official sources and remain grounded in Church teaching. He explains how misleading content can be persuasive and dangerous.

Then he walks through the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time—Zephaniah, 1 Corinthians, and the Beatitudes from Matthew—showing how Jesus’ teachings offer a lasting roadmap to true, lasting happiness through humility, mercy, and peacemaking.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Catholic Conversations #191: When Courts Rewrite History: The Road to Roe and Its Reversal

Retired Circuit Court Judge Don Bernardi joins David Liptak on Catholic Conversations to explain how judicial philosophy, historical context, and legal procedure shaped Roe v. Wade and its eventual overturning in Dobbs. The episode examines why Roe relied on inferred rights, the absence of trial evidence on when life begins, the role of amicus briefs, and how Dobbs returned the issue to state legislatures and the people.

 

Catholic Conversations #190: Fulton Sheen’s Legacy: New Sheen Center & Sainthood Update

Host Stan Ketick talks with Monsignor Jason Gray about the campaign to honor Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, recent progress toward beatification and possible miracles under investigation.

The episode covers Sheen’s life and media ministry, plans for the Fulton Sheen Experience in Peoria, how to visit or support the cause, and the devotional legacy he leaves for today’s Catholics.

https://www.celebratesheen.com/museum

Good News #203 01242026: Apology, Prayer, and Removing Last Week's Episode

Deacon Al opens with a heartfelt apology for a previous on-air personal opinion and announces the removal of last week’s episode, then leads a prayer for the potential beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

He reflects on this Sunday’s readings from Isaiah, Psalm 27, Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, and Matthew, emphasizing the theme of spiritual journey, Christ as our light, unity in the Church, and the call to follow Jesus.

The episode closes with practical invitations to prayer, resources about the Sheen cause, and encouragement to use the sacraments and Mass to stay on the path of faith.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Catholic Conversations #189: Harp at the Bedside: A Hospice Nurse’s Song of Comfort

On Catholic Conversations, host Stan Ketick speaks with Patty Kaczor, a retired hospice nurse and Secular Franciscan who taught herself to play a ten‑string harp and now volunteers to play for hospice patients. They discuss how music, prayer, and compassionate presence bring comfort during the end of life.

The episode covers the hospice experience versus palliative care, practical advice for families and volunteers, stories of bedside ministry, and the spiritual lessons learned from caring for the dying.

Being Catholic #394: When the American Dream Breaks: Affordability and the Church

Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss Ryan Newhouse’s "America’s Affordability Crisis," exploring how decades of policy choices—immigration, corporate managerial culture, and misplaced metrics like GDP—have left many young Americans unable to afford homes, marriage, or stable family life.

They connect this governing crisis to the health of churches and communities, arguing leaders must prioritize family formation, wages, and rooted neighborhoods to restore trust and prevent political extremes.

Being Catholic #393: Slouching Toward Bethlehem: Yeats, Christmas and a Post‑Christian America

Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn reflect on William Butler Yeats’ poem "The Second Coming" and what a waning Christian influence means for Western civilization. They connect Yeats’ warning to recent social unrest, cultural polarization, and the erosion of civility seen during the Christmas season.

The episode explores the need for a countercultural return to Christian values, practical ways to restore goodwill and community, and a reminder to keep hope alive as the new year begins.