Épisodes

  • Episode 358: More Than a Travel Show: David Henrie on New EWTN+ Show Seeking Beauty

    Episode 358: More Than a Travel Show: David Henrie on New EWTN+ Show Seeking Beauty
    Jan 19 2026
    In this conversation, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with actor and filmmaker David Henrie about his new EWTN+ series, Seeking Beauty, a show that invites viewers to rediscover the meaning of beauty through art, history, and faith. David shares his understanding of beauty as something deeply misunderstood in today’s culture, and explains the purpose behind Seeking Beauty, which he describes as something like a “Catholic Rick Steves”—but with a spiritual depth rooted in the saints and the Church’s artistic heritage. Together, they reflect on Italian history and how what was built centuries ago continues to endure, especially in Rome. Fr. Edward shares his own experience of traveling to Rome for the first time and how encountering sacred art in person changed the way he sees and prays. The conversation touches on the saints featured in the series, including a powerful moment involving an unfinished Pietà by Michelangelo, and the moving experience of hearing a poem read that brought the sculpture—and its meaning—to life. Fr. Edward offers insight into the importance of appreciating beauty rather than merely taking pictures of it. David also shares why the show exists, recounting how Edmundo Reyes was inspired. He reveals which place in Italy truly blew him away, explains St. Mark’s connection to Venice, and how viewers can watch Seeking Beauty streaming now on EWTN+. Fr. Edward closes by inviting viewers to go on a pilgrimage from their recliner, allowing sacred art, history, and faith to form their hearts through this new series. 📺 Seeking Beauty is streaming now on EWTN+
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    13 min
  • Episode 357: Meet Fr. Rich Kunst: Priest and Curator of the Vatican Unveiled Exhibit at the Mall of America

    Episode 357: Meet Fr. Rich Kunst: Priest and Curator of the Vatican Unveiled Exhibit at the Mall of America
    Jan 15 2026
    Fr. Edward Looney interviews Fr. Rich Kunst, the priest and curator of the Vatican Unveiled exhibit currently on display at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Part of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Vatican Unveiled features rare Catholic artifacts, Vatican documents, relics of saints, papal items, and historical manuscripts — all drawn from Fr. Rich’s personal collection. In this conversation, Fr. Rich explains how he began collecting Catholic and Vatican artifacts, how rare Church items are discovered and preserved for decades — even centuries — and what it means to serve as a curator of sacred history. He also discusses why signatures and autographs of saints and popes matter, how visitors experience an aura of holiness while walking through the exhibit, and what people are saying as they make their way through the display. Fr. Rich shares how the Archdiocese invited him to curate the exhibit, how he selected the items on display, his favorite artifact, one piece he wished he could have included, and an item he hopes to acquire in the future. This episode offers a unique look at how Catholic history, beauty, and evangelization meet in an unexpected place — the Mall of America. Learn more and buy your tickets at: https://www.archspm.org/vaticanunveiled/
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    29 min
  • Episode 356: What Does Jesus Have to Say to Us Today? Apparitions of Jesus — with Michael Lichens

    Episode 356: What Does Jesus Have to Say to Us Today? Apparitions of Jesus — with Michael Lichens
    Jan 13 2026
    Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Michael Lichens, spokesperson for a new book by Wincenty Laszewski, published by Sophia Institute Press, which examines the apparitions of Jesus to mystics and visionaries throughout history. The conversation explores how apparitions of Jesus brought hope to people imprisoned or sent to work camps, especially through the witness of Maria Teresa Carloni. Together, they discuss the recurring themes found in Jesus’ messages — with particular attention to suffering, redemptive suffering, and trust in Divine Mercy. They also reflect on the types of prayers Jesus has requested, how the book helps jog our Catholic memory by rediscovering devotions and holy figures such as the Broken Arrow Prayer and St. Leopold Mandić, and whether Divine Mercy stands as one of the most significant modern devotions to Jesus. The episode briefly touches on Venezuela, including Our Lady of Coromoto (17th century) and Betania (20th century), before addressing important questions: How should the devotional lives of mystics shape our own spiritual lives? Are we meant to imitate their practices, or should we approach them with discernment? And why does Russia appear so frequently in discussions of private revelation? A thoughtful conversation on what Jesus has already revealed — and what He may still be saying to us today. Buy the book, The World of Jesus's Apparitions: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=world-of-jesus-apparitions&oid=801&affid=203 Buy the book, The World of Mary's Apparitions: https://www.sojolk8trk.com/B72FJ8/FKPCX7/ --
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    36 min
  • Episode 355: What’s Behind America’s Catholic Comeback Among Gen Z? — with John Krueger

    Episode 355: What’s Behind America’s Catholic Comeback Among Gen Z? — with John Krueger
    Jan 5 2026
    Fr. Edward Looney speaks with John Krueger about Gen Z and the surprising resurgence of Catholic faith and devotion among young people today — what John calls America’s Catholic Comeback. John shares his own testimony of returning to the practice of the faith and how a Newman Center community helped draw him back. The conversation explores how the digital landscape and social media are aiding evangelization (despite their pitfalls), the role of the saints in inspiring young Catholics, and why so many young people are increasingly drawn to tradition, reverence, and beauty. We also discuss: * why John wanted to write this book as a twenty-something year old * whether revival is happening more in urban vs. rural areas * where the “pockets of revival” are * the key ingredients of renewal among Gen Z * the perceived tension between tradition and social justice * what John hopes readers will take away from the book Learn more about his book Dwelt Among Us: America’s Catholic Comeback here: https://www.dweltamongus.com
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    36 min
  • Episode 354: The St. Cuthbert Pilgrimage: Holy Island, the Cave, and a New Documentary

    Episode 354: The St. Cuthbert Pilgrimage: Holy Island, the Cave, and a New Documentary
    Dec 29 2025
    Join Fr. Edward Looney in a conversation with executive producer Daniel Catone, whose forthcoming documentary follows the ancient St. Cuthbert Pilgrimage Route — a spiritual journey beginning in Scotland and ending on Holy Island (Lindisfarne). St. Cuthbert, one of the most beloved saints of Northern England, inspired centuries of devotion — but a recent attempt by American Catholic pilgrims and filmmakers to visit St. Cuthbert’s Cave unexpectedly sparked controversy in the UK. In this episode, we discuss: • Who St. Cuthbert was and why pilgrims still walk in his footsteps • The origins and history of the St. Cuthbert Pilgrimage Route • How long the trail is and what pilgrims encounter along the way • The spiritual symbolism of St. Cuthbert’s cave • Why access to the site became contested — and what happened • What the filmmakers hope to accomplish through this project • Encounters with locals along the pilgrimage walk • What makes Holy Island so spiritually significant
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    27 min
  • Episode 353: The Journey from Christmas to Epiphany: Christmas Continues with One Star, Three Kings | Rebecca Grabill

    Episode 353: The Journey from Christmas to Epiphany: Christmas Continues with One Star, Three Kings | Rebecca Grabill
    Dec 22 2025
    Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Rebecca Grabill to discuss her new children’s book, One Star, Three Kings: The Journey to Epiphany. Together, they explore Advent and Christmas traditions and remind us that Christmas does not end on December 25, but continues through the days that lead to (at least) the Feast of the Epiphany. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why the Church celebrates a full Christmas season How Rebecca finds inspiration for her children’s writing What families and children can expect from One Star, Three Kings Simple and meaningful ways to celebrate the Epiphany as a Catholic family How storytelling helps children enter more deeply into the mysteries of the faith This episode is perfect for parents, catechists, educators, and anyone who wants to keep the joy and meaning of Christmas alive beyond December 25. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Star-Three-Kings-Epiphany/dp/B0DXC6H61J Learn more about Rebecca: https://www.rebeccagrabill.com
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    28 min
  • Episode 352: From Hallmark to Great American Family: A Catholic Couple Goes Viral Reviewing Christmas Movies with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg

    Episode 352: From Hallmark to Great American Family: A Catholic Couple Goes Viral Reviewing Christmas Movies with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg
    Dec 17 2025
    Father Edward sits down with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg, the Catholic couple behind some of the most popular Christmas movie reviews on social media this year. Since 2018, the Lenaburgs have been watching, reacting to, and reviewing Christmas movies from Hallmark, Great American, and Netflix — always with an eye toward family-friendly storytelling and Catholic values. In this conversation, Mary and Jerry share how their annual tradition unexpectedly gained major traction this year, including a surge of over 10,000 new Instagram followers, increased sharing and reposting, and engagement from actors, producers, and well-known figures like Candace Cameron Bure. They explain their simple but effective “Christmas tree” rating system, how they decide which movies to review, and why they avoid films that don’t align with their values. The discussion also explores favorite classic Christmas films, the familiar formula of modern holiday movies, and what makes a story truly feel like Christmas. Father Edward offers a theological perspective on how Christmas movies often echo deeper themes of salvation history, even when unintentionally. Whether you love Hallmark movies, are looking for wholesome holiday viewing, or are curious how Catholic content can thrive on social media, this episode offers insight, humor, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Follow them on Instagram: Mary Lenaburg- https://www.instagram.com/marylenaburg?igsh=MXJweHNxcXllbDdvbw== Jerry Lenaburg- https://www.instagram.com/grouchy_historian?igsh=MWl0bGxoaDV4bmhzYg==
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    57 min
  • Episode 351: Real Priests React to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with Fr. Scott Bailey

    Episode 351: Real Priests React to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with Fr. Scott Bailey
    Dec 15 2025
    What happens when Hollywood calls a real priest for advice? In this episode, Fr. Edward is joined by Fr. Scott Bailey, who—quite unexpectedly—became a consultant for Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film. Through parish connections, Fr. Scott met Johnson during a visit, which led to extended conversations about priesthood, Catholic customs, and even a production-time phone call clarifying details like how and when genuflection in a church should occur. Together, two real priests react to the film and discuss: -How Catholic faith, customs, and priestly life are accurately portrayed in the movie -The reaction of Fr. Scott’s priest friends after previewing the film -Why some Catholics may feel uncomfortable with the opening scenes—and why it’s worth watching to the end, where redemption emerges -Whether Catholic priests tend to assign common penances in Confession -If the film’s comedic elements mock Christianity—or respectfully engage it -How one scene naturally leads Fr. Judd to share his vocation story -What the movie reveals about priesthood and what priests especially appreciated -The surprising resonance of the parish name Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude This is a thoughtful, honest, and engaging conversation about faith, film, and the priesthood—offering insight for Catholics and movie lovers alike.
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    26 min