Catholic Spirit Radio

Catholic Conversations #195: Purgatory, Prayer & Divine Mercy: Lessons from Susan Tassone

Host David Liptak interviews Susan Tassone, EWTN’s all-time best-selling author, about her decades of research on purgatory and Saint Faustina. They discuss practical ways to help the Holy Souls—Masses, Rosary, adoration, fasting—and the spiritual power of confession and the Eucharist.

Tassone explains Faustina’s teachings on suffering, mercy, and the passion of Christ, and offers guidance for observing Lent and offering daily sacrifices. She also highlights her award-winning children’s book that introduces purgatory and heaven to young readers in a gentle, hopeful way.

This episode blends theology with pastoral advice: how prayer benefits souls in purgatory and in heaven, how to cope with trials, and concrete steps listeners can take during Lent to grow in mercy and charity.

https://susantassone.com/

Good News #207 02282026: Be Not Afraid: Deacon Al’s Heart News and Lenten Hope

Deacon Al shares personal stories—from backyard wildlife and a fussy nightstand build to a new bicuspid aortic valve diagnosis and possible TAVR procedure—while reflecting on trust in God during illness.

He also highlights the surge of RCIA converts, explains the Second Sunday of Lent readings (Abraham, Paul to Timothy, the Transfiguration), and invites listeners to encounter Christ through the sacraments, prayer, and Lenten practices.

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

 

Being Catholic #396: Christian Nationalism: A Catholic Case for National Renewal

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss R.R. Reno’s First Things article arguing that renewed Christian influence—rooted in church, family, and moral teaching—can help restore national solidarity, civic virtue, and a culture of freedom.

The episode explores themes like original sin, divine providence, the limits of political power, parental authority in education, and the distinction between Christian influence and theocracy.

Good News #206 02212026: Temptation, Free Will & the Road to Easter

Deacon Al walks through the First Sunday of Lent readings—Genesis, Romans, and Matthew—explaining original sin, concupiscence, and how Jesus resists temptation by holding to Scripture.

He offers practical Lenten advice on confession, perseverance, and attending Holy Week services, and points listeners to Catholic Spirit Radio resources and parish Vigil Masses to deepen faith during Lent.

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

Catholic Conversations #194: Leaving a Legacy: Wills, Trusts, and Peace of Mind

Host Stan Ketcik speaks with attorney Robert Porter about wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and estate taxes, explaining practical steps to protect your family and assets.

The episode highlights planning for children, blended families, special needs trusts, ways to avoid probate, and a free MyCatholicWill resource offered through Catholic Spirit Radio.

https://mycatholicwill.com/catholicspiritradio

Catholic Conversations #193: Making a Saint: The Remarkable Life of Mother Theresa Dudzik

On this episode of Catholic Conversations, Stan Ketcik talks with Sister Jean and Father Don about the life and cause for sainthood of Venerable Teresa (Mother) Dudzik— her immigration from Poland to Chicago, founding the Franciscan Sisters, her work serving the elderly and poor, and the hardships she endured.

They also discuss a reported healing attributed to her intercession, how the Vatican investigates miracles, ways listeners can learn more or support the cause (websites, Heritage Hall, newsletter), and a closing prayer inviting listeners to live out Mother Teresa Dudzik’s compassionate example.

https://www.chicagofranciscans.org/

Good News #205 02142026: Fulton Sheen Beatified? Deacon Al on Miracles, Lent & Free Will

Deacon Al celebrates the Vatican approval of Fulton J. Sheen's beatification, shares a local miracle story, and guides listeners into the start of Lent with practical reflections on fasting, abstinence, and choosing a Christ-centered life.

He reviews the weekend readings (Sirach, 1 Corinthians, Matthew), offers reflections on free will and repentance, and invites teens and listeners to engage with the station and submit questions for future shows.

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

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/