Gunnar Gundersen On The Dead End of Counter-Cultural Catholicism
In today’s episode we’re talking about advocating in the public square and whether we are called to be “counter-cultural”. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about legislative efforts to decriminalize poverty. And of course, we want to leave …
7 April 2021
Tom Holland On the Role of Christianity in the Western Mind
In today’s episode we’re talking about the transformative role of Christianity in the development of the Western mind and its enduring impact on science, secularism, and even atheism. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about building up the …
Erika Bachiochi on the Equality Act and True Equality
In today’s episode we’re talking about the demand for equality from a Catholic perspective and how legislation such as the Equality Act play into the conversation about true equality. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about a bill …
22 March 2021
Catholics At The Capitol: Mayor Mike Franklin On Government Affairs
In this episode, we have another one of our great Catholics at the Capitol features in which we talk with a Catholic who is living out their call to faithful citizenship right here in Minnesota. We’ll be speaking with Mike …
19 March 2021
Sr. Mary Bede On Cloistered Religious Sisters And The Common Good
In this episode, we discus the role of cloistered religious sisters in promoting the common good in the public arena. We are joined by Sr. Mary Bede of the Cistercian Order. The sisters live a cloistered life following the Rule …
7 March 2021
Joe Towalski On Media, Journalism, And Seeking The Truth
In this episode we’re talking about the media, journalism, seeking to know and share the truth. We’ll be talking with one of our great Catholic communicators from the Diocese of St. Cloud about the role of Catholic media in forming …
28 February 2021
Dr. Stacy Trasancos On The Intersection Of Faith And Science
In this episode we’re discussing the intersection of faith and science. In our world that seems to be increasingly consumed with a need for data and science is there still room for faith? How can the Church respond to this …
31 January 2021
Catholics At The Capitol: Rep. Jon Koznick On Being Catholic In The Public Sphere
In this episode we continue our “Catholics at the Capitol” feature where we speak with Catholics who are working at the state capitol in a variety of ways. We are speaking with Representative Jon Koznick of District 58-A which covers …
24 January 2021
Hadley Arkes On Faith, Judges, And The Supreme Court
In this episode we have a great discussion about the role of faith in how judges make decisions. Should their faith influence outcomes? Plus, we delve into the potential impacts the Supreme Court’s decision on an employment discrimination case could …
17 January 2021
Dale Ahlquist On G.K. Chesterton And His Connection To Politics
In this episode we have a great discussion about G.K. Chesterton – who was Chesterton and why is he still relevant today especially when it comes to bridging the gap between faith and politics. We are now joined by Dale …
10 January 2021
Dr. Bill McCormick On Engaging In Politics In A Post-Christian Era
In this episode we have a great discussion on engaging in politics in a post-Christian era. Plus, we discuss Pope Francis’ recent encyclical “Fratelli Tutti’ – on fraternity and social friendship covers a lot of ground. We’re going to examine …
13 December 2020
Anthony Granado On Congress’s Impact On The Poor And The Vulnerable
In this episode we have a great discussion on what impacts the newly elected Congress and the next presidential administration could have on the poor and vulnerable. We are joined by Anthony Granado the Vice President of Government Relations for …
6 December 2020
Catholics at the Capitol: Sen. Michelle Benson On Being A Catholic Legislator
We have on the show Michelle Benson. Senator Benson is a republican senator from Ham Lake, Minnesota. She served as deputy majority leader in the Minnesota State Senate and chair of the Health and Human Services finance and policy committee. …
4 December 2020
Christopher Caldwell On The Civil Rights Act
In this episode we’re talking about the Civil Rights Act and the impacts it continues to have on society today. We’ll be speaking with Christopher Caldwell, the author of “The Age of Entitlement: America since the sixties.” He is journalist …
9 November 2020
Brad Wilcox On The Role Of Catholic Schools In Forming Children
In this episode we’re talking about the role of Catholic and other private schools in forming students who go on to form more stable families. We are joined by Brad Wilcox. He is an associate professor in the department of …
6 November 2020
Dr. John Di Camillo On The Ethics of A Covid-19 Vaccine
In this episode we’re talking about the ethics of a COVID-19 vaccine with Dr. John Di Camillo a staff ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics Center. Dr. Di Camillo has been a full-time staff ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics …
26 October 2020
Rod Dreher On Totalitarianism And “Live Not By Lies”
In this episode we’re talking about totalitarianism and the newly released book, “Live not by Lies: A manual for Christian dissidents.” We are joined by Rod Dreher, author of the Amazon #1 best seller, “Live not by Lies: A Manual for Christian …
19 October 2020
Dr. Jacqueline Rivers On The Church’s Response to Racism
In this episode we’re talking with about racism, the Church’s response and what can be done from a policy perspective to promote racial equity. We are joined by Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, the director of the Seymour Institute for Black Church …
13 October 2020
Sr. Norma Pimentel On The Realities Of Life At The U.S. Southern Border
In this episode we’re talking with Sr. Norma Pimentel who is executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley to learn more about the realities of life at the United States southern border. It’s a timely topic as …
5 October 2020
Archbishop Robert Carlson On Gender Identity Ideology
In this episode we’re talking with newly retired Archbishop Robert Carlson of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Some of our listeners will recall him from his time here in Minnesota. Formerly he served as Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and …
28 September 2020
James Howard Kunstler On The Economic And Societal Influences On Where People Live
In this episode we’re talking about questions surrounding where people live, the economic and societal influences and even how COVID-19 may continue to influence these aspects of life. We’re joined by James Howard Kunstler. He is an author, social critic, …
25 September 2020
Dr. Steven Millies On Faithful Citizenship In Politics And Public Life
In this episode, election day is drawing nearer so we’re talking about living out our call to be faithful citizens and what that means in the realm of politics and public life. We’re joined by Dr. Steven Millies, associate professor …
14 September 2020
Oren Cass On Family, Community, And Industry
In this episode we’re talking about the importance of family, community, and industry to the nation’s liberty and prosperity. We’re joined by Oren Cass. Oren is a graduate of Harvard Law School and the executive director of American Compass, whose …
7 September 2020
Robert Royal On Christopher Columbus And The Expansion Of Christendom
In today’s episode we’re talking about Christopher Columbus, the expansion of Christendom to the New World, and how history is memorialized. We are joined by Dr. Robert Royal, the founder and President of the Faith & Reason Institute in Washington, …
1 September 2020
Dr. Robert Louis Wilken On The Roots Of Religious Liberty
In today’s episode we’re talking about religious liberty – its roots, and the relationship it has with the state. We are joined by Dr. Robert Louis Wilken. Robert Louis Wilken is a Distinguished Fellow of the St. Paul Center for …
26 August 2020
Bill Jacobs On Saint Kateri, Integral Ecology, And Our Common Home
In today’s episode we’re talking about stewarding God’s creation and diving into the concept of integral ecology ahead of the upcoming World Day of Care for Creation on September 1st. We are joined by Bill Jacobs, Founder and Executive Director …
24 August 2020
Dr. Michael Hanby on The Intersection of Philosophy, Science, And Technology
In today’s episode we are joined by by Dr. Michael Hanby Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy of Science at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America. We talk …
17 August 2020
Gladden Pappin on Catholic Political Thought, Boundaries Between Church & State and Corporatism
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Gladden Pappin, assistant professor of politics at the University of Dallas. Dr. Pappin frequently writes on the contemporary political situation, especially as it relates to Church. He earned his bachelor’s in history …
10 August 2020
Ray Domanico on Education Policy, School Choice, and Blaine Amendments
In today’s episode we’re talking about school choice, anti-Catholic Blaine Amendments, and the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows for religious schools to participate in government programs that are open to everyone. We are joined by Ray Domanico, a senior …
3 August 2020
Christine Emba on the Catholic Faith, Racism, Monuments, and How the Church Can Respond
In this episode we are joined by Christine Emba a columnist for the Washington Post’s Opinions section where she focuses her writing on ideas and society. Before writing for The Post, Christine was the Hilton Kramer Fellow in Criticism at …
27 July 2020
Dr. Ryan Anderson on SCOTUS’ Bostock ruling and defining sex discrimination
In today’s episode we’re talking about the Supreme Court decision in the case Bostock v. Clayton County in which the court decided that sex discrimination in the workplace extends to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity. …
21 July 2020
Dr. David Cloutier on the Need for Prudence in the Face of COVID-19 Uncertainties
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. David Cloutier, associate professor of theology in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America. We discuss his recent article in which he talks about the need …
13 July 2020
Ashley Feasley on DACA and Migration Law
In this episode we’re talking about the United States’ Supreme Court case examining the legality of ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We are joined by Ashley Feasley, the Director of Policy for Migration and Refugee Services …
6 July 2020
Fr. Tom Knoblach on Health Care Ethics Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
In this episode, we are joined by Fr. Tom Knoblach, a health care ethicist from the Diocese of St. Cloud. We discuss COVID-19 and the impacts of a pandemic on health care ethics. Fr. Tom Knoblach has served many parishes …
23 June 2020
Dr. Kevin Sabet on Smart Approaches to Marijuana and Preventing Another Big Tobacco
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the legalization of recreational marijuana both nationally and the efforts being made right here in Minnesota and the many concerns surrounding its legalization. We speak with Dr. Kevin Sabet is a veteran drug policy …
17 June 2020
Terry Forliti of Breaking Free on Pornography, Helping Women Escape Prostitution, and Cycles of Sexual Exploitation
In today’s episode, we speak today with Terry Forliti, CEO of Breaking Free an organization that helps hundreds of women escape systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation. Breaking Free directly serves people impacted by trafficking and prostitution through advocacy, housing, …
30 May 2020
Sr. Helen Prejean on the Death Penalty, Prison Ministry, and the Impacts of COVID-19
In today’s episode, we speak with Sr. Helen Prejean, known around the world for her tireless work against the death penalty. Sr. Helen Prejean has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment. She is a Sister of St. …
20 May 2020
Matt Valliere on Assisted Suicide & The Impacts of COVID-19 on Patients’ Rights
In today’s episode, we discuss assisted suicide and how the COVID-19 pandemic is shedding new light on the way patients are treated. We speak with Matt Vallière the Executive Director of the Patients’ Rights Action Fund. The organization’s mission is …
18 May 2020
Catholics at the Capitol: Santo Cruz on Advocacy, Catholic Health Care, and COVID-19
In today’s episode, we continue our Catholics at the Capitol segment. Today we are featuring Santo Cruz Vice President of Government and Community Relations & Associate General Counsel at CentraCare Health. We discuss the role of the Catholic faith in …
11 May 2020
Jennifer Daniels of the USCCB on Catholic Education Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
In today’s episode, we’re discussing how COVID-19 is impacting Catholic schools and what is being done to help at the national and state levels. In our mailbag segment, we’re covering a question about COVID relief efforts that may be well-intentioned …
Catholics at the Capitol: Emily Piper on advocacy for those affected by substance abuse
In today’s episode, we continue our Catholics at the Capitol segment. Today, we are featuring Emily Piper who has worked both within the Capitol and is now an advocate for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance abuse. Emily is …
1 May 2020
Thomas Storck on Economics of Justice and Charity, and Catholic Social Teaching
In today’s episode, we’re discussing the economics of justice and charity through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and what that looks like for bringing our faith into the public arena. We are joined by Thomas Storck a prolific writer …
23 April 2020
Dr. Eitan Hersh on Moving Beyond Political Hobbyism, Taking Action, and Making Real Change
In today’s episode, we’re discussing the concept of political hobbyism – what that means, why it is fueling division in our society, and how we can begin to truly engage in politics instead of just talking about politics. Our guest, …
16 April 2020
Dr. James Chappel on The Challenge of Totalitarianism and the Remaking of the Church
In today’s episode, we are speaking with James Chappel, an assistant professor of history at Duke University and author of Catholic Modern The Challenge of Totalitarianism and the Remaking of the Church (Harvard University Press, 2018). We’re discussing the Church’s political …
7 April 2020
Stacy Manning of Them Before Us on Why Polygamy & Same-Sex Marriage Advocates Use the Same Language
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Stacy Manning, general editor at Them Before Us. The organization advocates for policies that put children’s rights before adults’ desires. We discuss the political movement to try to normalize polygamy, and how advocates are …
31 March 2020
Steve Hunegs on Jewish Catholic Relations and Interfaith Advocacy
In today’s episode, we’re discussing interfaith advocacy and specifically, the collaborative efforts between Catholics and Jews. Steve Hunegs, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) joins us in the studio. The JCRC …
24 March 2020
Dr. William Jeynes on The Role of Faith and Family in Addressing the Achievement Gap
In today’s episode, we’re discussing the achievement gap and the role of faith and family in addressing it. We speak with Dr. William Jeynes a Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach who has graduate degrees from Harvard …
18 March 2020
Dr. John Cuddeback on The Decline of the Household and The Impact on Society
In this episode, we discuss the decline of the family, the household, and the impacts these declines have on the greater society. Our guest, Dr. John Cuddeback – a philosophy professor at Christendom College, husband, and father – studies and …
6 March 2020
Jennifer Lahl on the Ethics of Surrogacy, Egg Donation, and Beyond
In today’s episode, we’re discussing ethics of surrogacy, egg donation, and beyond with Jennifer Lahl the President and Founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture. She is also a producer of the documentary films Eggsploitation, Breeders, #BigFertility, and Anonymous …
28 February 2020
Dr. Steven Smith on Pagans and Christians in the City
Christianity and paganism are the focus of this episode’s discussion. We examine the conflicts between them both in ancient times and in today’s society. We have a great interview with Dr. Steven Smith the author of “Pagans and Christians in …
18 February 2020
Dr.Carlo Lancellotti on the Philosophy and Works of Augusto Del Noce
Today we have a great interview with Dr. Carlo Lancellotti a professor at the College of Staten Island where he is the chair of the Mathematics department. Not only is he a brilliant mathematician but he is also the translator …
11 February 2020
Reid Lebeau on Lobbying, Representing Native American Tribes, and the Catholic Faith
Our Catholics at the Capitol series continue with an interview with an attorney and lobbyist Reid Lebeau who represents Native American tribes in Minnesota and South Dakota. He is a Minnesota Catholic and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. …
4 February 2020
Laura Elm on In Vitro Fertilization and Protecting Life at Even the Earliest Stages
In vitro fertilization and the ethical dilemma created when life is created and then discarded or kept in a frozen state not allowing the child to continue growing past an embryonic state. We discuss these issues with Laura Elm, founder …
28 January 2020
Virginia Walden Ford on Her Fight for True School Choice and Educational Opportunities for All Kids
This week’s episode starts with a very special interview with a woman who, spurred by her passion for educational opportunity, inspired families, filmmakers, and lawmakers to make positive changes to the education system. Virginia Walden Ford is one of America’s …
21 January 2020
Sarah Hoff on Immigration, Refugee Resettlement, and the CARE Program
In today’s episode, we discuss immigration, pornography, and human trafficking. We’ve got practical tips on how you can make a difference on these issues. National Migration Week, wrapped up January 11th. It is an opportunity for the Church to reflect …
15 January 2020
Emily Schumacher-Novak on the USCCB’s “Civilize It” Campaign & Catholics’ Role in Civil Discourse
Religion and politics – the two topics you’re not supposed to bring up at the dinner table, right? As Catholics, we know that in reality, it is our faith that is supposed to form our consciences and thereby inform our …
3 January 2020
Catholics at the Capitol: Kevin Matzek on the Important Role of Legislative Staff
We get a great perspective from a Catholic who has worked for years inside the Capitol. Kevin Matzek now works in government relations but was most recently the Executive Director of the Senate Republican Caucus. We delve into what it …
19 December 2019
Dr. Daniel DiLeo on Care for the Environment & The Catholic Response
In this week’s episode, we delve into the ethics of care for the environment, and the Catholic response to climate concerns and calls for population control. Then in the mailbag segment, we discuss questions regarding the removal of historical monuments. …
12 December 2019
Dr. Mark Hall on his book, “Did America Have a Christian Founding?”
As Americans, we’re all familiar with the phrases, “One nation under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance, or the phrase “In God We Trust” on the back of our money. But these phrases are often under attack and many people …
5 December 2019
Dr. Thomas Hibbs on the Role of Catholic Education in Shaping Civil Discourse
In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Thomas Hibbs, president of the University of Dallas, the role of Catholic education in shaping civil discourse. In our mailbag segment, we discuss the Church’s response as it relates to the student debt …
3 December 2019
Dr. David Cloutier on Structures of Sin and Systems that Lead to On-Going Social Problems
We live in a fallen world that must deal with the effect that sin has on creating social problems. Because of the interconnectedness of humanity, one person’s decision or sin can have ripple effects on the rest of society. These …
9 November 2019
Dr. Andrew Bacevich on Foreign Policy, Military Strategy, and Just War Theory
We start off this episode speaking with Dr. Andrew Bacevich, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at Boston University, about foreign policy, and the United States conflict with Iran and other Middle Eastern conflicts. He also shares how his own perspective …
23 July 2019
Chris Arnade on His Book, “Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America”
In this week’s episode, we speak with Chris Arnade, author of “Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America,” ” the powerful photojournalistic stories of individuals who are far too often ignored and forgotten. Plus, from our mailbag… Why is the …
18 July 2019
Archbishop Kurtz on Religious Freedom, The Equality Act, and Interfaith Dialogue
We’re talking about religious freedom with Archbishop Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville and chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty. We delve into the so-called Equality Act, interfaith dialogue and how these things impact religious freedom. Plus, what …
17 July 2019
Lauren McCormack on USCCB Legislative Priorities
In this episode of the Bridge Builder Podcast, we learn about some of the US Bishops’ legislative priorities. We speak with Lauren McCormack of the USCCB’s office of government relations. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we examine Pope …
3 April 2019
Lisa Kremer on Immigration and Advocating as a Lay Catholic
In this episode, we’re talking about immigration and keeping families together. We speak with a Minnesota woman, Lisa Kremer, who as a lay-Catholic created the organization “Familias Juntas” or “Families Together.” We learn how she answers the call to advocate …
1 March 2019
Gloria Purvis on racism, abortion, and dignity of the human person
Gloria Purvis, the host of EWTN’s Morning Glory radio program and a leading Catholic voice in the pro-life movement, discusses racism and the abortion industry. You may also recognize her as the Emcee from our own Catholics at the Capitol …
24 January 2019
Ricardo Simmonds of Creatio on integrating service, mission, adventure, and creation
We discuss environmental policy, integral ecology, and how the environment and evangelization work together. Our guest is Ricardo Simmonds. He is the founder of “Creatio”. This Catholic non-profit is based out of the Archdiocese of Denver. Creatio integrates the environment …
10 January 2019
George Weigel on “The Fragility of Order”, JPII & The Church in America
George Weigel a Catholic theologian and one of America’s leading public intellectuals discusses his recent book, “The Fragility of Order” (published by Ignatius Press). He also looks at some of the disorder we see in today’s world especially amid much …
10 December 2018
Leah Libresco on The Benedict Option and How It Applies to Public Life
We speak with author Leah Libresco about her new book, Building The Benedict Option, and the practical ways that you can begin living out a life of intentional discipleship. Then, in our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we continue the …
13 November 2018
Obianuju Ekeocha on Abortion in Africa & Ideological Colonization
In today’s podcast, we’re talking about how abortion advocates in western cultures impose their beliefs on Africa’s pro-life culture. We’ll speak with the author of “Target Africa”, Obianuju Ekeocha, about this concept of ideological colonization. Then in our Classic Catholic …
30 October 2018
Mary Eberstadt on declining family stability and secularism
In today’s podcast, we’re talking about the connection between declining family stability and the increasing stronghold of secularism in society. Mary Eberstadt of the Faith and Reason Institute joins us for that conversation. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, …
10 October 2018
Dr. Samuel Gregg on JPII’s Veritatis Splendor
In this episode of the Bridge Builder podcast it’s the 25th anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Veritatis Splendor – The Splendor of Truth. We speak with Dr. Samuel Gregg, director of research at the Acton Institute about …
30 September 2018
Fr. Peter Ryan on Catholic Social Doctrine – What is binding vs. matters of prudence?
What is Catholic Social Doctrine? What is conscience binding? What are matters of prudence? And, what are the relevant principles in discerning these matters? We speak with Fr. Peter Ryan a Jesuit priest and professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. …
9 September 2018
Clarke Forsythe on the Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade is now at the forefront of discussion as the current Supreme Court vacancy and the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh are fueling the conversation about the future of abortion in the United States. We speak with Clarke …
1 August 2018
Dr. Christopher Thompson on Integral Ecology
Integral ecology – everything is connected! We delve into the connections between Humanae Vitae (on the 50th anniversary of the encyclical’s publication) and the more recent papal encyclical, Laudato si’. Dr. Christopher Thompson, professor of moral theology and director of …
1 July 2018