Living the CALL with Deacon Charlie

Deacon sits down with Catholic scholar Dr. Michael Pakaluk for a wide-ranging conversation on holiness in everyday life, the contemplative power of cigars and fine spirits, saints and relics, friendship, AI ethics, and raising the next generation through domestic churches. A rich, joyful exploration of living the Catholic faith while shaping culture.https://www.thecatholicthing.org/author/mpakaluk/https://business.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/pakaluk-michael/index.html

Former Google and TikTok product executive Gabe Nicolau joins Deacon to discuss modernizing Church communications and navigating his "crossing the Rubicon" moment leaving big tech for Catholic TV. Nicolau shares how integrating faith into secular spaces frees professionals from toxic compartmentalization, and why transitioning to ministry requires trading corporate self-promotion for a deep commitment to radical humility.

In this episode, film producer Adriana Gonzalez joins the show from Verona, Italy, to discuss her ecumenical documentary, That They May Be One. She shares how a personal, life-changing baptism in the Holy Spirit fueled her passion for Christian unity, explaining why bridging denominational divides can start with something as simple as inviting your neighbor over for dinner.The Official Film Website: thattheymaybeonefilm.com (Where listeners can watch the trailer and find local theater ticket listings for the theatrical release). Released May 19th, 2026.The 10-Day Prayer Plan ("10 Days in the Upper Room"): flourishyourfaith.org (The free Pentecost novena prayer resource companion to the film featuring contributors like Francis Chan and Dr. Mary Healy).

In this episode, Deacon welcomes Daniel Harmon—creator and showrunner of the hit animated series Tuttle Twins, and co-founder of Angel Studios and the Harmon Brothers.Daniel shares his faith journey, from a life-changing mission experience in Peru that taught him the true meaning of Christlike service, to building a career in media guided by conviction rather than profit. Together they discuss turning down lucrative clients that didn’t align with their values, the birth of projects like VidAngel and The Chosen, and how Tuttle Twins uses entertaining storytelling to teach kids (and parents) principles of freedom, economics, and critical thinking.The Tuttle Twins: tuttletwins.comAngel Studios: angel.comHarmon Brothers: harmonbrothers.comVidAngel: vidangel.comThe Chosen: thechosen.tvCabrini: angel.com/movies/cabriniDry Bar Comedy: drybarcomedy.com

In this episode, Deacon speaks with Rachael Isaac, a former competitive figure skater turned sports and performance psychologist at CatholicCounselors.com. Rachael shares how the intense pressures of figure skating led her to specialize in helping athletes, executives, and high-performers overcome perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout by building true confidence rooted in faith, discerning God's call, and re-aligning pursuits with meaningful "why" questions inspired by St. Ignatius. The conversation explores practical ways to pursue excellence with peace, challenge unhealthy expectations, and integrate personal gifts, faith, and mission for lasting fulfillment.catholiccounselors.com@catholiccounselors@rachel_isaac_coaching

In this newest episode of Living the Call, Deacon Charlie interviews Dr. George Delgado, founder of the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol and author of Abortion Pill Reversal: A Second Chance at Choice. Dr. Delgado explains how progesterone can potentially reverse chemical abortions (now ~70% of U.S. cases), shares evidence of its safety and effectiveness with over 7,000 babies born as a result, and addresses legal persecution, medical risks of unregulated abortion pills, and the spiritual stakes in defending life. A hopeful, evidence-based conversation on offering women a true second chance.https://stenoinstitute.org/ Abortion Pill Reversal: A Second Chance at ChoiceIgantiusAmazon

In this episode, Deacon talks with Todd Dailey, founder of Eternize, about his journey from spiritual autopilot back to a deeper faith and how it led him to create the world's first haptic cross—a wearable device that gently vibrates to remind you of God's presence throughout the day. They explore the intersection of faith and technology, contrasting dystopian AI wearables with tools that foster real prayer habits rooted in Catholic traditions like the Angelus. Todd shares powerful testimonials, insights on staying spiritually grounded amid rapid tech advances, and his vision for using innovation to keep eternity in focus.Visit myeternize.com (use code "Living the Call" for a listener discount) to learn more about the Eternize Cross.

Discover the beauty of the Eastern Catholic tradition through a conversation with Fr. Dcn. Kyle Washut, Byzantine deacon and president of Wyoming Catholic College, as he shares insights on the diaconate, the 'two lungs' of the Church, and why the fullness of Catholicism offers the ancient mysticism people seek—without leaving Rome.https://wyomingcatholic.edu/person/kyle-washut/https://www.catholic.com/profile/kyle-washut

Cousins Austin Kelly (founder of ChristianChannel.com) and Yenitza Muñoz (bilingual journalist & podcast host) join Deacon in studio to unpack their cinematic Catholic media empire: crowdfunding saint-epics, viral celebrity faith stories, and a burning mission to re-catechize Latinos after the 2020 San Gabriel Mission fire. From mobsters to Mel Gibson, cancer miracles to Cristero saints, this high-energy duo reveals how film, podcasts, and prayer are sparking a Gen-Z Catholic renaissance.https://www.christianchannel.com/

In this engaging conversation, Deacon Charlie Echeverry and Dr. Peter Kreeft explore a wide range of topics, including the impact of technology on youth, the ethical implications of transhumanism, and the nature of joy and suffering. They delve into the role of philosophy in understanding spirituality and the current state of religion, reflecting on how cultural shifts influence faith. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of insights and the deeper meanings behind joy, happiness, and the human experience.https://www.peterkreeft.com/

Join Deacon for a raw conversation with radio pioneer Kevin Matthews—whose improbable journey from Detroit's airwaves to Marian devotion inspired the new film Broken Mary (in theaters October 7th). Raised in a violent, impoverished home amid alcoholism and racial strife, Kevin clawed his way to syndication stardom, captivating millions as a shock jock with a chaotic, high-rolling lifestyle. But after a devastating firing and rare illness left him broken, a dumpster-found, shattered statue of the Blessed Virgin ignited his radical conversion, turning the former junkyard dog into Christ's devoted "sheepdog."https://www.brokenmaryfilm.com/

Deacon sits down with husband-and-wife team D'Lytha and Nathan Myers to discuss their collaborative path in the arts, from musical theater roots to producing their independent family film Aria Appleton Shines. They share insights on blending faith with creativity, overcoming production challenges through divine provision, and addressing timely themes like tech addiction and bullying in a fun, musical format. The conversation explores the evolution of Christian media, the importance of staying grounded in Christ amid success, and their upcoming projects aimed at inspiring families and young audiences.Links to highlight:https://www.ariaappleton.com/https://www.facebook.com/ariaappletonfilm/https://www.instagram.com/ariaappleton/?hl=enAria Appleton is available on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6YG6TBH Watch the trailer & subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rD7KSGsy3ds?si=-WTKhmxVmRtJLcNB Get a free copy of “Lesson 3: Honor” from our Parents/Leaders Guide. Here is a link to sign up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LIZWwFc Check out the soundtrack: https://ariaappleton.hearnow.com/

Join Deacon as he sits down with John Sablan, a passionate Catholic evangelist, third-order Dominican, and co-founder of the Servium Institute. With a vibrant faith shaped by a powerful conversion from a past he describes as being on "team Satan," John shares his journey of living for Christ with unwavering zeal. From his disciplined prayer life with his wife, Nicole, to his mission of building virtue through the Servium Institute, John offers insights on preaching with authenticity, fostering unity in a divided world, and avoiding the pitfalls of "Catholic influencer" culture. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, humility, and leading others to Jesus.John Sablan - https://johnsablan.com/ Marino Restrepo - https://www.marinorestrepo.com/en)

In this episode, Deacon Charlie sits down with Chase Crouse, founder of Hypuro, a Catholic fitness ministry that integrates physical discipline with spiritual growth. Chase shares his inspiring journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to a profound reversion sparked by Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Catholicism. He discusses how fitness became a cornerstone of his spiritual life, drawing from St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the concept of active and passive purgation to frame exercise as a modern form of asceticism.Hypuro Fithttps://www.hypurofit.org/Speed Round Fitness Ratings (Scale: 1–10, 10 being awesome):Ozempic: 5 (situational; depends on medical need).Weighted Vests: 3 (overhyped, useful for some but not essential).Pilates: 5 (better than nothing, but Chase hasn’t tried it).CrossFit/Functional Fitness: Varies (10 for great coaches, -10 for poor ones; coach quality critical to avoid injury).Infrared Sauna: 6–7 (enjoyable, not essential).Cold Exposure: 7–8 for athletes needing recovery, lower for general muscle-building goals.Hyrox: 8 (fun and challenging, especially as a team event).P90X: 3–4 (dated but better than nothing).

Join us for an insightful conversation recorded live at the Napa Institute’s UW-10 Studios, where we explore the intersection of faith, media, and technology. Our guest, Sean Graber, President of EWTN’s Digital Division, reflects on his transformative journey from Silicon Valley to leading Catholic media into a new era. From the vibrant Catholicity of Napa’s vineyard setting to the groundbreaking impact of AI and digital platforms on content creation, we dive into how EWTN is bridging the qualitative gap with secular media, embracing beauty, and redefining evangelization in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Discover the challenges, opportunities, and vision for a Catholic media renaissance by 2035, where storytelling, innovation, and faith converge to inspire the next generation.Seeking Beauty : https://www.seekingbeauty.show/EWTN Studios : https://www.ewtn.com/tv/

In this conversation, Jesús Canchola Sánchez shares his journey of faith and LGBTQ identity, cultural identity, and artistic expression. He discusses the complexities of growing up in a Mexican Catholic household, navigating political ideologies, and exploring personal relationships. Throughout his journey, he reflects on the importance of family, community, and the role of media in shaping perceptions of faith. Ultimately, he emphasizes the power of storytelling as a means to connect with others and inspire hope, culminating in the release of his debut novel, 'Escape from Natura Meta.'SHOWNOTES:https://www.jesuscancholasanchez.com/https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Natura-Jes%C3%BAs-Canchola-S%C3%A1nchez/dp/B0DZBH6P4M

In this conversation, Dr. Greg Bottaro and Charlie Echeverry explore the intersection of psychology, Catholicism, and modern challenges such as AI and psychedelics. They discuss the evolving landscape of mental health, the impact of generational shifts on faith and community, and the importance of integrating spirituality with psychological practices. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of human experience, the role of media, and the potential dangers and promises of new technologies in shaping our lives and faith.https://catholicpsych.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B079NK5BPZ?ccs_id=c3d41844-33ad-43c6-9105-765ca6c6120d

In this episode, Deacon sits down with Michael Lichens — former editor of Catholic Exchange and St. Austin Review, and a seasoned editor of nonfiction, memoirs, short stories, scripts, and more. Known for his passion for strange history and offbeat travels, Michael shares insights from his newest book and dives into a wide-ranging conversation full of fascinating, intriguing topics.__https://www.mlichens.com/Weird Catholic Handbookhttps://sophiainstitute.com/product/weird-catholic-handbook/?srsltid=AfmBOor3ltm3FPMdnZPXfXRRSl2T2dKsbWOR09mc_6XGUMzbTrAXxjiV

Being a creative, especially a Catholic creative, has never been more accessible. They feel alone. They are wondering where their community is. Emily Mentock is an award-winning digital strategist, creative director, and producer with a passion for evangelizing through Catholic media. She joins Deacon Charlie to discuss if creativity truly is a calling.https://www.digitalcontinent.org/abouthttps://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026

Catholic couples are stressed out. They feel alone. They are wondering where their community is. Soren Johnson, co-founder of Trinity House, joins Deacon Charlie to discuss how the icon of the trinity can be a model for the home.https://trinityhousecommunity.org/

The biggest mistake Catholic schools are making? Not being Catholic enough. Stephanie Saroki de Garcia, co-founder of Seton Education Partners, joins Deacon Charlie to discuss why Catholic schools must provide quality education and be unapologetically Catholic, why technology and lukewarm attitudes are undermining our children’s ability to learn and grow in the faith, and what we can do to reclaim authentic faith-based education.LINKS:Seton Education PartnersRead more from Stephanie: Saving America’s Urban Catholic Schools: A Guide for Donors

Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., joins Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the crossroads of science and sacred history. They dive into the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin, examine how the Church has long nurtured scientific inquiry, and discuss near-death experiences, AI, and miracles—revealing how a scientific approach can actually deepen our Catholic faith.  Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know about Jesus, Mary, and Miracles by Fr. Robert Spitzer. S.J., Ph.DMagisterium AI

Catholics and Latter-day Saints (Mormonism): Deacon discusses theological differences and surprising similarities with philosopher and professor, Dr. Francis Beckwith. He shares personal faith journey away from the Catholic church, and back. They discuss LDS beliefs, practices, and what Catholics can learn from their community. Whether you're curious about interfaith dialogue or comparative religion, this episode offers a unique and thought-provoking discussion.The book: A Catholic Engagement with Latter-day SaintsAlso at: https://amzn.to/4huz0EBFor more on Deacon Charlie: https://www.deaconcharlie.com/podcastFor more on MAX Studios: https://ustmaxstudios.com

John Bishop is the founder and Executive Director at Forge which is teaching men how to be good fathers. He discusses with Deacon Charlie the importance of strong men in our families, in the church, and in the world.The website:https://myforge.org 

After surviving a failed brain surgery, former sports writer Kevin Wells gained a new perspective on life. He shares how his wife's battle with addiction and the encouragement from dedicated priests have helped him overcome hardship and find renewed purpose.https://dontgiveupthefight.org (his website)The book - The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Familyhttps://amzn.to/3ZPzeye  https://ignatius.com/the-hermit-hermp Other books:Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius SchwartzThe Priests We Need to Save the ChurchBurst

Roxanne King is the co-author of “Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights: 1800s to the Present” a book that explores the lives of those that were willing to stand up and do what’s right - even if that put their reputation, or very lives at risk. The book:https://amzn.to/4eQJYlk https://ignatius.com/catholic-heroes-of-civil-and-human-rights-chchrp/

Alex Dee is an actor, writer, editor, and most recently, creator of an immersive audio drama for kids that draws them into the lives of the saints.Saints Alive podcast: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/ 

Former Diocesan Seminarian and Carthusian Monk, our guest today is Austin Habash who resides in Great Bend, Kansas.For more on Austin Habash:  https://austinhabash.square.site https://www.thinkcatholic.org https://www.sentevangelization.org And his “Summa in a Year” podcast can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summa-in-a-year/id1763731852  

Andy Lesnefsky has worked in ministry and now helps business owners minister to their employees. Hear more on this episode. 

Blake Brouillette is Managing Director for Christ in the City, a missionary formation and homeless outreach program in Denver, Colorado.Find out more about Christ in the City: ChristInTheCity.org 

Deacon Dominic is a renowned author, editor, retreat master, speaker, novelist and member of the Pontifical Commission on Women and the Diaconate.For more on Deacon Dominic including books he has written: https://www.diaconalministries.org/ 

Carlos is a hip-hop artist and public speaker. As a youth, he became involved in gangs, drugs, and the street life, writing and recording "Gangsta" rap, and selling over 100,000 albums while sharing the stage with artists such as Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony and Cypress Hill... Until he was led to a radical conversion.Find out more about Carlos and his ministry through these websites: C2Six - Carlos Zamora and FoundNation Catholic Hip-Hop (foundnationfamily.com) 

Father Tom Gibbons is a Paulist priest and documentarian. Hear how he balances both in this episode.Learn more about the Paulist Fathers: https://paulist.org/ Learn more about the “Hollywood Priest” film: https://www.pbs.org/show/hollywood-priest-story-fr-bud-kieser

Marie Miller is a folk/pop singer/songwriter and recording artist living in Nashville, TN.https://www.mariemillermusic.comhttps://www.deaconcharlie.com/podcast

David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place, Mall Cop, Reagan) is director of the upcoming film 'Monster Summer'. John Blanford (Free Guy and Bad Boys) is a producer.MONSTER SUMMERhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUEZK5m4H_E

Andy is President of Vagabond Missions building friendship with and serving teens in urban and inner-city communities. Patrick is Head of Development for Christ in the City which serves the homeless through authentic friendship. https://vagabondmissions.com/https://christinthecity.org/

Bill and Garry are co-founders of Coronation Media, a premium producer of values-aligned entertainment content.https://www.coronationmedia.com/

John Michael is a world renowned musician, composer, monk, author, husband and founder of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a monastic public association of the faithful.Find out more about John Michael Talbot, including his latest books and CDs, here: John Michael Talbot Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery 

Rebekah Weigel is writer and producer of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (set for release on 7/4/2024), which presents the remarkable story of a small church community in Possum Trot, Texas, who banded together to adopt 77 children from their local foster care system. She is a foster/adoptive parent who is passionate about reversing the foster care crisis in America. Sounds of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot 

Gloria Purvis is a speaker, media personality and advocate known for her strong voice on life issues and racial justice. She is the host of The Gloria Purvis Podcast.USCCB's Civilize It  

This week on Living the Call, Deacon Charlie talks with Leah Jacobson: a wife, mother, and author, as well as the founder and CEO of The Guiding Star Project. The Guiding Star Project is a nationwide family of care centers that empower women with a whole-life approach to healthcare that honors their bodies and minds. Leah holds a Master’s degree in Health and Wellness and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She is also an international speaker and author of the books Wholistic Feminism: Healing the Identity Crisis Caused by the Women’s Movement and The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Whole.In this episode, Deacon and Leah discuss Wholistic Feminism and how Leah’s work challenges the norms of women’s heath care and includes a growing movement of diverse women all calling for a culture that sees women’s natural bodies as inherently good.Leah’s website: www.leahajacobson.comThe Guiding Star Project: https://guidingstarproject.com/Leah’s books:Wholistic Feminism: Healing the Identity Crisis Caused by the Women’s Movementhttps://www.lumenpress.org/product/the-happy-girls-guide-to-being-whole/ The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Wholehttps://www.lumenpress.org/product/wholistic-feminism/

Deanne is co-founder of SOULCORE, a fitness practice which fully integrates body & soul in prayer while discovering the beauty of the rosary.SoulCore Website 

Siobhan Fallon Hogan is an actress, writer and producer who has appeared in film, television and theatre productions ranging from seminal films like Forrest Gump to pop culture staples like Saturday Night Live. 

Eric is a serial entrepreneur, technologist and founder of community-based apps Catholify and Vineyard. He lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife and children.Website: https://vineyard.to/; https://catholify.com/ 

Ray Bradley is founder of Meta Narrative a film + media venture aimed at renewing culture through storytelling grounded in the Western canon. He digs on theology, narrative anthropology, and the sociocultural implications of religious practice on human flourishing in the context of postmodernity and the emerging culture of self-invention.https://www.metanarrativemedia.com/ 

John Donahue is founder of Truth Charting a social media brand dedicated to conveying the great adventure and exhilaration of Catholicism.

This week on Living the Call, Deacon Charlie sits down with returning guest Buchi O’Maria Akpati for a conversation about beauty. Founder and CEO of Beauty Unbound, which helps women realize their God-given beauty, Buchi shares about her background going from a professional celebrity make-up artist to a Carmelite religious. She talks about her time in the monastery and how she now shares the fruits of what she learned in the cloister with the world through beauty. In this episode, Deacon Charlie and Buchi break open beauty. She is a Nigerian-American speaker and beauty advocate, giving talks about a woman’s journey of discovering tools that enhance one’s God-given beauty. They discuss the history of makeup, how beauty trends could be an extension of colonization, and the radical effects of a cosmetic procedure. Buchi shares about the Influence of St. Louis de Montfort on her beauty program and what Mary, Mother of God, may have done to accentuate her beauty. Finally Buchi challenges the audience to go mirror-free. Websites: https://www.youtube.com/@BeautyUnboundTVFREE Webinar: 3 Stages of Healing Your Beauty Image: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2F1717116730836%2FWN_xufYLqH2RCyjTOgBCk8xeQ&e=AT0GOhE1wMCrGjP29BKtLSN9aZDCgYgjUYE7HDhbZuiyy3o583LtBUyjfsYIhl0sQMBka5aMMfG2vRaWyvpVf919ZEs3Bb8XyejZ0CXJkK5aEsqY-VOudBQ https://www.beautyunbound.tv

Ryan Bethea is a producer, writer, host and creator of the world-wide #1 hit podcast, The Exorcist Files.Websites: https://ryanbethea.com/ https://www.exorcistfiles.tv/ _CLARIFICATION: In this episode Fr Angelus, (Deacon Charlie’s brother) is described as an exorcist.  While Fr Angelus has been formally trained in, and for, the ministry of deliverance and exorcism, and is very active in this ministry, he is not a “mandated” exorcist. Since the term “exorcist” is generally understood as the title for a priest who has been formally mandated by his Bishop, we just wanted to clear this up, in respect to Fr Angelus’ current status. Finally, we ask that you please keep Fr Angelus in your prayers; that God continue to use him as an instrument of deliverance for God’s most spiritually afflicted children as His holy will ordains. 

Roxie is an International Federation of Bodybuilding pro & fitness coach. She also creates content for three YouTube channels. She currently reside in Los Angeles, CA.Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVzLHjmVvLE&t=1s

Tim is an Academy Award Nominated Director, Animator and speaker. He is co-founder of Sycamore Studios and lives with his wife and children in Los Angeles.