Catholic Theology Show

How can we recover a robust understanding of heaven and maintain confidence in reaching it? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jim Papandrea, author and professor of Church History and Historical Theology, to explore the Christian understanding of the afterlife. Drawing from early Church Fathers and his book What Really Happens After We Die, Dr. Papandrea presents the resurrection of the body in heaven as a joyful reunion, and discusses how modern misconceptions about the afterlife differ from the Christian vision of eternal life. They also consider how to recover a hopeful view of heaven and confidence in attaining it through God’s grace.

How can men today find direction, strength, and purpose in a culture that leaves them uncertain of their role? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Brett Powell discuss Life Compass workshops, which help men identify their God-given purpose, overcome passivity, and nurture meaningful relationships. This conversation provides practical insights and faith-based guidance for men to live with strength and direction. Additional Resources:

How can the different types of love inform us about our humanity and relationships? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with David Bates, host of the Pints with Jack podcast, to discuss C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves, a profound reflection on the nature of affection, friendship, eros, and charity. They delve into the unique qualities and dangers of each form of love, how modern society has misunderstood them, and how Christians can rediscover the proper order of loves to deepen their relationships with God and others.

How do philosophy and theology work together to reveal the truth about reality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. James Brent, O.P. discuss the importance of an integrated approach to philosophy and theology, explaining how sound philosophy prepares us for faith. During their conversation, they explore themes from Aquinas and John Paul II, introduce metaphysics, the limits of reason, and think about how Christ fully reveals human dignity and purpose. Fr. Brent also shares his journey in philosophy and his work with the Thomistic Institute and FOCUS to evangelize through intellectual formation.

How does Catholic theology provide a unique response to the modern tensions between utopianism and dystopianism? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Marc Guerra, Provost at Assumption University, about the Catholic approach to utopian and dystopian thought. Drawing from St. Augustine's City of God and the writings of Pope Benedict XVI, they discuss how Christianity offers hope amid the unrealistic promises of modern utopias and the fears of dystopian futures. They explore themes of human imperfection, gratitude, and a Christian understanding of progress.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Scott Hahn, renowned Catholic theologian and author, to discuss Dr. Hahn's latest book, Catholics in Exile: Biblical Wisdom for the Journey Home. Throughout their conversation, they explore the roles of faith, the Church, and personal sanctity in the modern world.

How can we stay faithful amidst distraction? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Edward Sri, Vice President of Formation at FOCUS, to talk about how Catholics can live out their faith in the technological society of today. They explore five key elements of the Gospel and practical ways to grow spiritually. These include detaching from digital technology, focusing on personal prayer, and investing in authentic relationships rather than superficial digital connections.

How does Christianity stand up to modern philosophical and scientific inquiry? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., rector of the Angelicum, about his new book, "Principles of Catholic Theology, Book 2, On the Rational Credibility of Christianity." They discuss how faith and reason work together, how Christian belief engages with contemporary challenges, and why the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to reaching a deeper understanding of God. They also address topics such as atheism, the rationality of Christian revelation, and the inherent human desire to know God.

What can we learn from the untold stories of the martyrs of Florida? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Andrew Dinan, professor of Classics and Early Christian Literature at Ave Maria University, about the untold stories of the martyrs who brought the Catholic faith to Florida. They discuss the history of Spanish missionaries, Native American converts, and the ongoing cause for their beatification. Discover the profound faith and courage of these early Catholics who shaped the spiritual history of Florida.

How do virtue and honest communication contribute to success in business and personal life? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dave Durand, trustee of Ave Maria University and co-founder and executive chairman of Best Version Media, to discuss how virtue contributes to successful leadership and personal fulfillment. Their conversation also touches on personal challenges and how faith in Jesus Christ aids in navigating life’s hardships, emphasizing how our failures can call for a greater surrender to God and lead us into deeper relationships with others.

What makes Catholic education unique and essential in today's world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Dan Guernsey, associate professor and founding director of the Master of Education in Catholic School Leadership at Ave Maria University. They discuss the critical role of Catholic education to form the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and its mission to direct students toward salvation. Dr. Guernsey explains the Church's vision for Catholic schools, the importance of community, and how these institutions can counter modern educational challenges by offering a more holistic approach grounded in faith.

How can athletes and coaches navigate the challenges of pride, greed, envy, and other vices within the context of sports? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Joe Patterson, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Ave Maria University, to discuss how the seven deadly sins manifest in the world of athletics, as well as explore how virtues like charity and patience can counteract these vices to help athletes and coaches alike to grow both on and off the field.

How can modern Catholics utilize meditation to deepen their faith and improve mental wellness and clarity? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Matthew McWhorter, Professor of Theology at Divine Mercy University, for a discussion on the integration of meditation within Catholic practice. An alumnus of Ave Maria University’s Ph.D. program in theology, Dr. McWhorter has taught and written extensively on the relationship between theology and psychology. In this episode, he shares insights from his latest book Meditation as Spiritual Therapy: Bernard of Clairvaux's De consideration.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes back Dr. John Bergsma, a professor of Catholic theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, to explore the profound connections between the Davidic Kingdom of the Old Testament and the Catholic Church. Dr. Bergsma explains how Christ’s mission and the foundation of the Church mirror elements in the story of King David, providing insights into the roles of the Church's hierarchy, sacraments, and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.

How can contemporary Christians trust the authenticity and historical accuracy of the Gospels? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Matthew Ramage, professor of theology at Benedictine College, to explore the reliability of the Gospel narratives. Dr. Ramage discusses the interplay between historical facts and theological interpretation, addressing common skepticisms and criticisms encountered in biblical scholarship.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Samuel Shephard, a noted Catholic ecologist and professor of biology at Ave Maria University, to discuss the principles of stewardship. Throughout their conversation, they explore the Catholic Church's perspectives on the environment, reflecting on the integral role humans play in nurturing and protecting creation. They also touch on practical steps for engaging more actively in environmental care, emphasizing the Church's unique contributions to contemporary ecological discussions.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) relate to Catholic teachings and human understanding? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Saverio Perugini, professor of computer science at Ave Maria University, to discuss the relationship between AI, computing, and the Catholic faith. They explore the ethical, philosophical, and technological implications of AI and its impact on society and spirituality.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, Catholic author, speaker, and licensed psychologist, to talk about issues relating to sexuality and gender. During their conversation, they also discuss related themes such as how to balance sensitivity and honesty in this area and how to talk about sex and sexuality with your children.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. James Prothro, professor of theology and director of the Masters in Biblical Studies at the Augustine Institute, to discuss Dr. Prothro’s latest work, The Bible and Reconciliation: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration.

Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Immaculeé Ilibagiza, survivor of the Rwandan genocide and internationally acclaimed Catholic speaker and author, to discuss her life-altering experience and the intense faith and love that she found through her suffering. In their conversation, they address themes such as loving and forgiving one’s enemies and the power of the Rosary.

How can faith and science help us to properly interact with creation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Michael Taylor, accomplished Catholic scientist and teaching fellow at Thomas More College, to discuss how Catholics can better understand and interact with Creation. They also explore themes such as the positive and negative aspects of the current environmental movement, and how respect for creation must begin at the personal level.

Is the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist rooted in Scripture? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Michael Barber, author and professor of Sacred Scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute, to discuss how Catholic teaching on the Eucharist is essentially Scriptural. Throughout their conversation, they address themes such as the role of Church Tradition in this question and common misconceptions about the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Why is understanding technology and its influence so important? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais meets with Dr. Thomas Harmon, professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas and the founding director of a new MA in evangelization and culture with the Word on Fire Institute, to discuss Dr. Harmon’s unreleased book, A Demonology of the Internet, which is an exploration of how online figures’ influence of viewers can resemble demonic manipulation.

How can C.S. Lewis’s longest novel help us to embrace the fullness of our humanity? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by internationally acclaimed author and literary scholar, Joseph Pearce, to discuss C.S. Lewis’s “modern fairytale for grown-ups,” That Hideous Strength, a dystopian novel that reveals both the evil and the hope present in our world today.

What is the Trinitarian theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and how can it help us to better understand Christ? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Dominic Legge, Dominican priest, director of the Thomistic Institute, and associate professor at the Dominican House of Studies, to discuss Fr. Legge’s enlightening book, The Trinitarian Christology of St. Thomas Aquinas, which addresses themes such as the Trinitarian dimension of the Last Supper and of the Eucharist.

What is the Camino and how can it help us in our journey to holiness? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Matthew Pinto, best-selling Catholic author, pilgrimage leader, and founder of Ascension Press, the Theology of the Body Institute, and Catholic Exchange, to discuss the pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James. They address the transformative experience of walking the Camino and the solitude, gratitude, and communion with others it facilitates.

How is a good Catholic education foundational in forming the whole human person?Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Patrick Reilly, president, CEO, and founder of The Cardinal Newman Society, which promotes and defends faithful Catholic formation, to talk about Catholic education—what it is, its potential downfalls, and its critical importance in society today.

What does it mean to be good at believing in the Eucharist? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Sr. Albert Marie Surmanski, a Dominican sister of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas, to discuss the profound gift of the Eucharist. In their conversation, they address the beauty of Eucharistic spirituality and the teaching of transubstantiation.

Why are the teachings of the early Church Fathers still critically important today? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Rev. Andrew Hofer, Dominican priest, professor at the Dominican House of Studies, and editor of the peer-reviewed Catholic publication The Thomist. They discuss Rev. Hofer's new book, The Power of Patristic Preaching, exploring how seven Fathers navigated confusion in the early Church and how the fruits of their labor are still being reaped in our times.

What deeply Christian truths are hidden in J.R.R. Tolkien’s most famous work? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Joseph Pearce, internationally acclaimed author and visiting professor at Ave Maria University, to talk about finding the profound Catholic themes in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings while exploring issues such as divine providence, suffering, and original sin.

How does recovering a sense of the demonic help in appreciating the Good News of Christ? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. David Tomaszycki, an Ave Maria University alumnus and priest from the Archdiocese of Detroit, to discuss his soon-to-be-published book which addresses “Fulton Sheen on the Demonic,” exploring themes such as the signs of the demonic and three weapons that can be used against them.

How does the work of evangelization lead to true joy? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, who was ordained in 1965 in Northeast India and is the recipient of a World Peace Award, to discuss his encounters with St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and how the Catholic Church evangelizes in today’s diverse global environment.

How does Exodus 90 help men escape their bonds and embrace true leadership? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jared Staudt, AMU alumnus and Director of Content for Exodus 90, to talk about how Exodus 90 focuses on bringing men to freedom by means of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity, and how this process is sustained and nourished by the Eucharist.

How should human beings love?  Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Catholic literature scholar Joseph Pearce discuss C.S. Lewis’s wonderfully insightful retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche, Till We Have Faces. In this episode, they address how this novel both parallels C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves and reveals the great complexity of loving as a human; how we must give in order to receive.

How did G.K Chesterton help society grow in wonder and gratitude?   Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. Joseph Fessio, Jesuit priest, founder and editor of Ignatius Press, and founding provost of Ave Maria University, discuss G.K. Chesterton’s remarkable book, The Everlasting Man. They explore how this book provides an incredible overview of human history, philosophy, and religion, and how they can be understood within the context of Christ.

Who was Pope St. John Paul II and how did he reshape the world’s approach to the Catholic faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Patrick Novecosky, award-winning author of 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World and founder of NovaMedia, to discuss some key aspects of Pope St. John Paul II’s remarkable biography and influential papacy, explaining the profound mark he left on the world.

What is Matrimony and why should it be protected as the primordial sacrament? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by John Clark, author, political speech writer, and columnist for the National Catholic Register, to discuss the importance of recognizing the sacramentality of marriage. They address themes such as the primary purpose of marriage, its indissolubility, and how it was instituted.

How can St. Thomas Aquinas’ carefully presented theological truths lead us to a place of personal intimacy with God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Gregory Pine of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and host of podcasts and classes on Aquinas 101 with the Thomistic Institute. They discuss why we should seek to learn about prayer and spiritual theology from Aquinas.

What does it mean to have good ethics and how should they guide our approach to business?Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Andrew Abela, professor of marketing and Dean of the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, discuss the necessity of upholding ethics in the business world, explaining how this is only possible through the cultivation and practice of virtue.

How does the book of Wisdom encourage us to unite humanity’s philosophical pursuit of wisdom with God’s revelation in history? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Mark Giszczak, professor of scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute, unpack the Wisdom of Solomon, while addressing related themes such as how Scripture should be approached according to the Second Vatican Council.

Who was Fulton Sheen and how did he advocate for authentic freedom? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. James Patterson, professor of politics at Ave Maria University and scholar of Fulton Sheen, discuss Fulton Sheen’s seminal work, Freedom Under God, while exploring how Bishop Sheen was one of the most effective Catholic apologists in American history.

How does the Book of Romans help us to understand the nature of our salvation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Daniel Lendman, assistant professor of theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss the book of Romans by St. Paul. Their conversation covers some of the deep theological themes of this book and why it has been the cause of ongoing controversy between Christians.

How can we embrace the Christian call to mission in today’s world? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Catholic priest and founder of The Rescue Project, Fr. John Riccardo, to discuss the importance of making time to evangelize. Their conversation provides insight into how the Gospel addresses the crisis of loneliness sweeping the globe and what motivated Fr. Riccardo to begin his own journey of mission.

How has the Catholic “giant” of our time, Bishop Robert Barron, evangelized and catechized this generation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Matthew Levering, Catholic scholar and noted editor and author, sit down to discuss Dr. Levering’s new work on the theology of Bishop Robert Barron. They think about how Bishop Barron successfully reaches fallen away Catholics and students of theology alike and helps them to recover a profound confidence in the truths of their Catholic faith.

How can creation be good when sin and evil exist? Today, Dr. Dauphinais and Catholic scholar Joseph Pearce discuss The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, hearkening to the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s call for a “catechesis on creation.” They unpack how the role of music in Middle Earth’s creation story grants insight into God’s continual work of unfolding the harmony of creation, inviting us to participate in it through our creativity, and providentially operating amid the discordance of evil.

What is Catholic bioethics and how should it guide our approach to fertility and infertility? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a Catholic priest, neuroscientist, and writer, discuss the proper relationship between faith and science. They address themes such as whether the Church should be involved in scientific conversation, while focusing primarily on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its challenging moral consequences.

What does it mean to perfect our love for God? In this episode, Dr. Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Rick Martignetti, Franciscan priest and director of campus ministry at Ave Maria University, to discuss his book Perfect Love, a collection of reflections on prayer inspired by Saint Bonaventure. Fr. Rick speaks about what the Seraphic Doctor can teach Christians today about prayer, contemplation, and love for God.

What truths about the world and human experience can short stories reveal? In today’s episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Catholic scholar Joseph Pearce look at Leaf by Niggle, J.R.R. Tolkien’s short story filled with profound themes of beauty, creativity, the gift of time, and the afterlife.

How does Christ work in the Church through the Sacraments? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais converses with Fr. Romanus Cessario, Adam Cardinal Maida professsor of Theology at Ave Maria University, about his latest book entitled The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Fr. Cessario looks at each of the seven sacraments, their reality and unchanging nature, and how they continue Christ’s saving work in the souls of men.

Are miracles likely and believable? In today’s episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. Joseph Fessio, founder and editor of Ignatius Press and founding provost of Ave Maria University, unpack Miracles by C.S. Lewis. Their conversation provides insight into this challenging apologetic work which makes an argument for God's existence by discussing the wonders that God works and their place in the laws of nature.

Can myths and fairy stories help us to better understand reality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Catholic academic Joseph Pearce discuss J.R.R. Tolkien’s essay On Fairy Stories. Guided by Tolkien’s work, their conversation explores the rationality of story, the actual definition of myth, and the transformative effect that fairy worlds have on our hearts and minds.

God and His holy angels exist but so does Satan – how can this be? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Mark Miravalle, Chair of Mariology at Ave Maria University and Franciscan University of Steubenville, for a brief exploration of angelology. Their conversation clarifies what we can believe about angels and demons amid today’s confusing extremes of empiricism and the occult, and what authentic doctrine on the angels can teach us about the created order.

Is there a connection between perseverance on the playing field and in the spiritual life? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais shares a conversation with Alan Webb, Ave Maria University’s track & field coach and former American record holder for fastest mile. Drawing on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and of creation, Coach Webb shares how “the logic of sports is the logic of life” as we rely on Christ’s grace to strive towards discipline and excellence.

Have we irrecoverably lost the true meanings of words and symbols? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Justin Bonanno, assistant professor of Communications at Ave Maria University, for a conversation about his new book, Walker Percy and the Crisis of Meaning. Dr. Bonanno shares how Percy’s creative and philosophical inquiry into the dilemmas of human existence intends to reestablish wonder by revivifying language and symbols.

Is it possible to view suffering as a meaningful gift? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Joseph Lugalambi, adjunct professor of theology at Ave Maria University. Fr. Joseph explains how our bodies—which are made for a communion of persons—have the capacity to suffer in a way that elevates us to a mystical union with God.

Why are the sacraments so prominent in Catholicism? Today, Dr. Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University, returns to the show to converse with Dr. Dauphinais. Dr. Nutt elaborates on how the visible rites of the seven sacraments continually mediate Christ’s closeness and communion with us. In his book, General Principles of Sacramental Theology, Dr. Nutt delves into the seven sacraments as the divinely willed path to communion and friendship with God and humanity.

Can natural reason show us the existence of God? Today, Dr. Dauphinais converses with Dr. Joseph Trabbic, professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, to discuss Aquinas’s 5 ways and proofs for God’s existence. Together they show how faith, revelation, and natural reason strengthen our faith in God as Creator.

How does Theology clarify God’s voice in revelation? Today, Dr. Dauphinais converses with Fr. Guy Mansini, Benedictine priest and Max Seckler Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University. Fr. Mansini discusses how the complicated relationship between faith and philosophy maintains the clarity and simplicity of theology. In his book, Fundamental Theology, Fr. Mansini expounds upon the voice of God, how man hears it, and how it influences his beliefs.

If both men and women struggle with sexual sin, is healing possible? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Rachael Killackey, alumna of Ave Maria University, as well as founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries. Rachael speaks about a woman's ability to recover love and worth amid the shame and isolation of pornography addictions.

Can a Catholic education shape the secular political world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Archdiocese of San Francisco about the central pillars of a Catholic education, principles that lead to deeper communion among the faithful, and effect change in contemporary society.

How can we live in a way that prepares us for death? In this seventh and final episode of the “Into Narnia with C. S. Lewis” miniseries, Dr. Dauphinais speaks about the theme of recovering moral wisdom in the modern age by looking at The Last Battle—the closing Narnia novel—and The Abolition of Man.

Why does God allow us to suffer? In the sixth installment of “Into Narnia with C. S. Lewis,” Dr. Michael Dauphinais discusses The Magician’s Nephew and The Problem of Pain to explore the profound and perennial questions about finding God in our suffering.

Can our pride prevent us from speaking the truth? In the fifth part of “Into Narnia with C. S. Lewis”, Dr. Dauphinais turns to The Horse and His Boy and the second half of Mere Christianity to discuss how the Christian faith provides a roadmap leading us out of prideful competition and into true communion with God.

Do miracles conflict with human reason? In this fourth installment of “Into Narnia with C.S. Lewis,” Dr. Michael Dauphinais discusses The Silver Chair and Miracles, showing how human reason points to the marvels of God’s Divine Reason that disclose His goodness as Creator.

Can we truly desire God, or does our worldliness limit us? In the third episode of the “Into Narnia with C.S. Lewis” miniseries, Dr. Dauphinais speaks about The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and the sermon “The Weight of Glory” to explore the true nature of the glory that we are meant to desire.

Why is courage necessary for all other virtues? In this second episode of the “Into Narnia with C.S. Lewis” miniseries, Dr. Michael Dauphinais discusses the virtue of courage by looking in particular at Lewis’s Prince Caspian and The Funeral of a Great Myth.

What can C.S. Lewis show us about Christianity? In this first episode of “Into Narnia with C.S. Lewis”—a Catholic Theology Show miniseries—Dr. Dauphinais dives into The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and Mere Christianity, exploring how Lewis uses both reason and imagination to impart Christian truth through two of his best-known works.

Can we believe in the Big Bang Theory and God's Creation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Sister Mary Elizabeth Merriam, O.P., discuss how the union of faith and science reveals the intelligibility of creation, particularly in the Big Bang and its Catholic origins.

Is St. Thomas Aquinas only for scholars? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Romanus Cessario, Adam Cardinal Maida Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss insights on Saint Thomas Aquinas and how his thought pertains to all the faithful for salvation.

Just because we can, should we? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Diann Ecret, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Ave Maria University, to discuss Catholic Bioethics: what it is, how it came to be, why we need it, and how we can navigate 21st-century healthcare.

What's so special about classical education? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Robert Sirico, President Emeritus and Co-Founder of the Acton Institute, to discuss his work in Catholic classical education and the value it brings to our culture today.

Remembering Joseph Ratzinger. In a special memorial episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to talk about the legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and their memories of him as a priest, archbishop, cardinal, and pope. Offering a map of his theological writings, Dr. Dauphinais and Dr. Nutt offer five key principles to understanding Pope Benedict's teaching that theology is primarily an encounter with the living God in the person of Jesus Christ: (1) by the Reason/Logos, (2) from the Bible, (3) through the Creed, (4) in the Liturgy, and (5) unto Heaven (as taught and lived by Ratzinger/Benedict XVI).Please join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Is there still more to learn from St. Augustine? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. John Cavadini, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, to talk about the life of St. Augustine and the contributions of his Confessions to the Catholic Church.

Why should we care about the history of the Church? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Guy Mansini, Max Seckler Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss why we need the Church and the importance of ecclesiology.

Is Advent a time to rejoice or a time to fast? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Robert Garrity, Associate Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to talk about how we can prepare our hearts for the coming of Our Lord during Advent, and answer some listener questions about Christmas traditions.

How does Aquinas help us understand the Faith? In this special episode, Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, interviews our host Dr. Michael Dauphinais about the 20th Anniversary of his book, Knowing the Love of Christ: An Introduction to the Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas.

What does it mean to die well? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, about his new book on Anointing of the Sick, and how we can see death as a gain instead of a loss.

Is there a need to study motherhood as a science? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ave Maria University, talks about her Philosophy of Motherhood course at AMU, and what she's discovered through the study and practice of motherhood.

Was Fulton Sheen vital to the growth of American Catholicism? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. James Patterson, Chair and Associate Professor of Politics at Ave Maria University, to talk about his new book, which details the life of Bishop Fulton Sheen and the birth of Catholic media.

Why is the Church so strict about sex and marriage? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Michael Waldstein, Professor of Theology at Franciscan University, to talk about his new book, answer questions about love and marriage, and explain why Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body is so important.

Does fantasy separate us from reality? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. John Jasso, Chair and Associate Professor of Communications and Literature at Ave Maria University, to discuss the importance of storytelling, using the examples of Catholic fantasy authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton.

Why do we need religious liberty? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Louis Brown, Jr., Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, to talk about the importance of religious liberty and the freedom to love.

Do we need to evangelize baptized Catholics? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Josh Canning, co-founder of U Evangelize, about what the new evangelization is, and how we can share the love of Christ in a practical way.

Can we share in the glory of God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Dominic Verner, OP, to talk about how we can deepen our communion with God through the "Glory Be" prayer.

Can a university be authentically Catholic? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, about the importance of Catholic higher education.

Does Thomas Aquinas simplify scripture? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. John Boyle, Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, to talk about how St. Thomas Aquinas helps us understand scripture in a fuller way.

How can we connect with Christ personally? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Mike Timmis, author and former chairman of Prison Fellowship International, to discuss how our calling to friendship—first with God and then with others—is the heart of Catholic evangelization.

Why must higher education be dedicated to the truth of faith and revelation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais converses with Father Juan Vélez, a priest of the Opus Dei prelature and St. John Henry Newman scholar, to look at how Newman’s witness to reason and faith is instrumental for Catholic universities in society today.

How can we define femininity and masculinity in an age opposed to objectivity? In this episode, Dr. Dauphinais talks with Dr. Maria Fedoryka, associate professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, to discuss the fundamental differences between man and woman from a philosophical perspective.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ in today’s world? In this episode, Dr. Dauphinais sits down with Fr. John Riccardo, priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit and founder of the Rescue Project, to discuss the necessity of embracing the Christian mission with intentionality and confidence.

What can the writings of St. Augustine teach us about original sin and salvation? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Gerald Boersma, associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss the critical importance of grace in the Christian life, according to St. Augustine’s most notable works.

What does Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven show us today? Dr. Dauphinais converses with Dr. Deana Basile Kelly, professor of literature and Italian at Ave Maria University, to explore how the Divine Comedy invites us to turn toward God so we might one day see His light.

How do we know Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Jeffrey Walkey, assistant professor of theology at Ave Maria University, to consider the nature of Christ’s Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament through the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Why did Jesus institute the Eucharist? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais converses with Dr. Lawrence Feingold, professor of theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, exploring how the Eucharistic sacrifice is a profound gift of love from Christ the Bridegroom, inviting us to share His life of glory.

Is the most popular book of the 20th century a “fundamentally Catholic work”? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by acclaimed Catholic writer and scholar Joseph Pearce to discuss The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. During their conversation, Professor Pearce unlocks some of the profound meanings surrounding the characters, events, and themes in this monumental work.

Is devotion to Our Lady central to our relationship with Christ? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Mark Miravalle, Constance Schifflin Blum Chair of Mariology at Ave Maria University, to discuss how Mary's maternal intercession is essential for our redemption.

Who is Jesus and what does He do for us? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Bruce Marshall, professor of Theology at Southern Methodist University, to discuss what it means to understand Jesus Christ as Lord and how His transformative work of redemption is central to this identity.

What do we receive from the Eucharist? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with author and theologian Father Thomas Weinandy, O.F.M. Cap., to look at how the Eucharistic gift of the Word Incarnate invites us to abide in Him fully and eternally.

Is the Eucharist Biblical? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. John Bergsma, professor of theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, to discuss the biblical basis of Eucharistic worship, particularly through an understanding of covenant and sacrifice.