Dr. Tom Curran Podcast

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Why doesn’t the church expect Catholics to attend Mass when a Holy Day falls on a Saturday? What’s special about the role of Queen Mother? What are admirable pursuits? Today’s hosts reflect on the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran share more insights for creating a family reunion, including giving tips for activities and games for all generations. The Currans celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary and reflect on having their young adult children home for summer break.

Dr. Tom Curran explores 4 aspects of married life: the biblical vision of marriage, principles from growing in vocation, parenting/ raising disciples, and “weathering the storms” in marriage. In celebration of his 32nd wedding anniversary, Tom references verse 32 in many scripture passages.

Dr. Tom Curran shares reflections on 32 Years of married life and contrasts the vocation of marriage with the vocation of the consecrated religious life.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to answer questions about his life, as examples of meaningful conversation-starter questions for kids to ask their parents. Tom asks himself: What did the winter season require of a kid in your town? Who taught you how to drive, what car and how did that go? Which adult (not related to you) had the most influence on you growing up? What was the worst trouble you got into before the age of 12? And more!

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share tips on how to find spiritual companionship, in contrast with spiritual direction. Fr. Nagel responds to quotes by St. Jane Frances de Chantal on themes, such as: speaking to The Lord, relying on talents vs. energy, carrying the cross of self-scrutiny, and being cordial.

Dr. Tom Curran asks himself questions to start meaningful conversations with his kids, such as: What did your childhood summers look like? What were symbols of prestige in childhood that today seems ridiculous? When did you first meet your spouse and what was your first inaccurate impression of them? What did you think was one of your charming personality traits until marriage reclassified it as a “maintenance issue?” What surprised you most when you became a father for the first time? And more!

(Original Run Date: 7/15/2026) Dr. Tom Curran interviews Msgr. Marc Montminy, Pastor of Saints Mary and Joseph in Salem, NH. In anticipation of his upcoming 50th year Anniversary to the priesthood, Fr. Montminy shares insights on his experiences in several spiritual renewal movements and shares stories of miraculous healings, mystical gifts and stigmatists.Referenced Spiritual Renewal MovementsCatholic Charismatic RenewalCursillo MovementKairos Prison Ministry InternationalMarriage Encounter

Dr. Tom Curran, Systematic Theologian, shares insights from a recent Catholic vs. Protestant debate. Tom explores common misconceptions about the Catholic faith and explains the foundational structure of how the Catholic Church believes: scripture, tradition and magisterium.

Dr. Tom Curran explores the history and purpose of the phrase, “stuck in a rut,” and addresses unhealthy ruts in marriage: stubbornness, relentlessness and avoidance. Tom shares insights from St. Thomas Aquinas on the daughters of sloth.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Are you attracted to or repulsed by the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori? What stands out about the life of St. Alphonsus? What were the moral challenges of his time vs. the moral challenges today? Today's hosts share quotes by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran share tips, insights and strategies for creating a family reunion. Kari lists entertaining activities for every generation and Tom explores the spiritual impact of going on a retreat. The Currans give a step by step reunion planning guide with themes for food, faith formation and fun!

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on the Scripture passages: Martha and Mary (Luke 10: 38-42) and The Raising of Lazarus. (John 11: 1-44) Tom explores themes, such as: the practicality of hospitality, prioritizing a relationship with Jesus, doing what is “necessary,” radiating Christ in the world, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Debora Johnston, Director of the Seattle Satellite Campus of Encounter School of Ministry. Here testimonies about God’s healing power in the world today and learn more about the upcoming Summer Intensive hosted by the Seattle Campus.Find an Upcoming Encounter Event Near You!

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on God’s Indomitable Love in Christ (Romans 8:35-39) on the seven threats that separate people from feeling the love of Christ: anguish, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share insights on the lives of St. Titus Brandsma, Bl. Solanus Casey, and Bl. Stanley Rother on themes, such as: the call of “ordinary” Catholics, preaching nonviolence to violence, speaking against propaganda, and more!

(Original Run Date 7/03/2026) Dr. Tom Curran gives examples of big and small gracious disruptions from his Camino pilgrimage, starting with the first day of his trip. Tom shares insights from several scripture accounts of gracious disruptions, through charity or calamity.

(Original Run Date: 7/02/2026) Dr. Tom Curran discusses the journey that led him to moments of conviction and commitment to walk the Camino de Santiago. Tom addresses the pressures of raising a family and testifies to discerning God’s 10X vision for his life, pursuing a gracious disruption and overcoming obstacles.Referenced Book/ Podcast10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy

(Original Run Date: 7/01/2026) Dr. Tom Curran talks about important truths to teach the next generation: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and stand up for Christ’s teaching in the world. Tom explores the principle, “many live by the favor of the few” and the gift of the communion of saints.

(Original Run Date: 6/30/2026) Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from Reign of Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8-17) about surrendering to the consequences of disobedience to God, even the loss of wealth, fame and power. Tom discusses themes written about in his upcoming book on his Camino pilgrimage, No Half Measures.Referenced Texts: Ascent of Mount Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to respond to quotes by St. Lawrence of Brindisi on themes, such as: the importance of language/ words, the power of God’s Word, the struggle between interior vs. exterior, the duty of preaching, and more.

From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran reflect on parenting teens and college-aged kids during Summer Break. The Currans reflect back on their successes and failures in teaching lessons and habits to their children.

Dr. Tom Curran explores the founding of the carmelite order, quotes from carmelite saints, the connection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to Our Lady of Fatima, and the role of the Blessed Mother in the lives of Catholics today!

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Msgr. Marc Montminy, Pastor of Saints Mary and Joseph in Salem, NH. In anticipation of his upcoming 50th year Anniversary to the priesthood, Fr. Montminy shares insights on his experiences in several spiritual renewal movements and shares stories of miraculous healings, mystical gifts and stigmatists. Referenced Spiritual Renewal MovementsCatholic Charismatic RenewalCursillo MovementKairos Prison Ministry InternationalMarriage Encounter

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights and stories about discerning the seminary, celibacy and priesthood. Fr. Pat talks about witnessing his friend and colleague's consecration to bishop.

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What does it mean to go “all in” for Christ? What drains you of energy? What attracted you to a monastic vocation? Fr. Nagel gives tips for fruitful contemplative prayer and responds to quotes from St. Benedict.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran explore important qualities to look for when discerning a future spouse, looking ahead at the many stages in marriage. The Currans consider the questions: Do they have compatible ambitions? Do they have long-lasting friendships/ loyalty? How do they handle being wrong? How do they treat their parents/siblings? Tom and Kari ask each other surprise questions about their own marriage.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to share insights from his upcoming book, No Half Measures, about his Camino pilgrimage. Tom explains why he started his journey with a visit to Tours, France, and teaches about the history of the Devotion to the Holy Face of Christ, revealed to Sr. Marie of St. Peter.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights from Isaiah 55 and Matthew 13 on the theme, God’s Word bears fruit. Tom and Fr. Pat discuss practical examples of the different types of soil from The Parable of the Sower.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What’s the 250 year history of America? What was the faith of the Founding Fathers? How revolutionary was the American Revolution? What’s your take on conspiracy theories? and more!

Dr. Tom Curran gives examples of big and small gracious disruptions from his Camino pilgrimage, starting with the first day of his trip. Tom shares insights from several scripture accounts of gracious disruptions, through charity or calamity.

Dr. Tom Curran discusses the journey that led him to moments of conviction and commitment to walk the Camino de Santiago. Tom addresses the pressures of raising a family and testifies to discerning God’s 10X vision for his life, pursuing a gracious disruption and overcoming obstacles.Referenced Book/ Podcast10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy

Dr. Tom Curran talks about important truths to teach the next generation: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and stand up for Christ’s teaching in the world. Tom explores the principle, “many live by the favor of the few” and the gift of the communion of saints.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from Reign of Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8-17) about surrendering to the consequences of disobedience to God, even the loss of wealth, fame and power. Tom discusses themes written about in his upcoming book on his Camino pilgrimage, No Half Measures. Referenced Texts: Ascent of Mount Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross.

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Father Kurt Nagel: What is the purpose of Quo Vadis Days? I can’t hear God’s voice, is that normal? How does one discern a call from God when faith becomes dry?

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran discuss the encouraging and triggering moments of watching FIFA World Cup. The Currans give tips for keeping marriage fresh and ponder the questions: What are signs that a married couple is drifting? Do you know what brings life to your spouse? How do you grow beyond the boredom of predictability in marriage?

Dr. Tom Curran explores the questions: What shapes your philosophy on life? What’s your vision for life? How does your life project what’s most important to you? Tom shares insights from Ascent of Mount Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. Referenced Philosophy Books:On Caring by Milton MayeroffWho Is Man? by Abraham J. HeschelMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from his Father’s Day celebration with his family. Tom talks about the generational impacts of affirming others, handing-on the faith, fasting from comforts/ embracing a difficult path, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, celebrate Fr. Pat’s 36th Anniversary of ordination. Fr. Pat shares insights on being a son/brother in his family, a spiritual father, a brother in a fraternity of priests, and a child of God.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share highlights on 4 saints honored this week: St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. John Fisher, St. Thomas More and St. John the Baptist. Which saint is attractive for GenZers searching for purpose and identity? Which saint was a laymen, with a wife and family? Which bishop was martyred for choosing the pope over a king?

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore the gift of The Rosary, as an antidote to sources of modern decay. Tom talks about how to pray The Rosary well, by meditating on the events of the mysteries.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights by Pope Leo XIII and Pope Leo XIV on 3 sources of modern decay: the crisis of labor/ vocation, the vice of spiritual softness and the forgetfulness of eternal life. Tom addresses his own 4th reason for contemporary decay, addiction to the digital world.

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Esther Ripplinger, CEO of Human Life of Washington’s Love and Life Network. Esther gives an update on changes in the prolife movement and talks about the upcoming conference, Culture of Life & Love Summit and Arts Festival, Pasco, WA.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights from Psalm 95. Fr. Pat addresses the common questions: What is the Liturgy of the Hours? Why do priests pray the Liturgy of the Hours? What motivates you to pray the Liturgy of the Hours well every day?

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Father Kurt Nagel: What is home? What’s a priest's experience of home? What is true freedom? What are the dangers of modern technology? Fr. Kurt Nagel addresses the “anti-Trinity”: the internet, smartphones and AI.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran discuss growing in self awareness through making a good confession. Tom tells the "missing chapter" from his transformative Camino pilgrimage and he explores 3 levels of conversion: repentance, renunciation and God’s grace.

Dr. Tom Curran talks about the effects of sin on the intellect, will and desires. Tom explores the concupiscence of sin, particularly the sins of pride and anger. What are the promises of pride? How is stubbornness and boastfulness connected to pride? How can we grow in humility? What’s the difference between righteous indignation and anger? Referenced Movie:Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End (Fathom Entertainment) Get Tickets Near You!

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from a recent Curran Family Sunday meeting. Tom addresses four questions: What is the proper effect of Holy Communion? What's at stake in receiving Holy Communion? How do you pray in relation to Holy Communion? How does adoration deepen how one receives Holy Communion? Tom answers the question his kids asked him, “Why don’t you have any friends?”

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, discuss the importance of building a small group of people to walk in faith together. Today’s hosts talk about education vs. formation, saying prayers vs. praying to God, friendship vs. fraternity, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: How did you celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi? What’s the science behind the eucharistic miracles? How long did saints fast, surviving only on the Eucharist alone? What does it mean to become a “living monstrance?"