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