Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

What does a secular Polish filmmaker have to teach us about the soul? More than you might expect. In this episode, Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin sit down to explore the life and work of Krzysztof Kieślowski — one of the most quietly profound filmmakers of the twentieth century — and ask why his films continue to haunt viewers long after the credits roll. From the moral intensity of The Dekalog, a ten-part meditation on the Ten Commandments set in a Warsaw apartment block, to the mystery of The Double Life of Véronique, and the soaring ambition of the Three Colors Trilogy (Blue, White, and Red), Kieślowski created a body of work worth contemplating. Robert and Andrew explore what it means that a filmmaker who identified as an "agnostic mystic" kept returning — compulsively, almost helplessly — to questions of providence, the hidden connections between human souls, the weight of moral choice, and the strange luminosity of ordinary life. Is there a theological grammar underneath Kieślowski's images? Why do his films feel like prayers? And what can Catholics and serious Christians learn from an artist who approached transcendence from the outside, and got closer to it than most? Listen in and learn why Kieślowski is worthy of high admiration.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Bishop Erik Varden, O.C.S.O. — Trappist monk, Bishop of Trondheim, and one of the most compelling Catholic voices in the world today. Born into a non-practising Lutheran family in Norway, Bishop Varden traces his remarkable spiritual awakening and journey to the Church, the monastery, and the episcopate, sharing his formation as a scholar of Syriac language and Christian anthropology, his conviction that even countries marked for centuries by the Christian faith stand in constant need of conversion, his appreciation for film directors like Krzysztof Kieślowski, his experience leading this year's Lenten retreat for Pope Leo XIV, and his deeply considered thoughts on the nature of Christian hope. Be sure to check out Bishop Varden's website, Coram Fratribus, at https://coramfratribus.com/

In commemoration of Pope Benedict XVI’s birthday on April 16, Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin sit down with Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute and author of The Mind of Pope Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion, to explore Pope Benedict XVI’s profound understanding of divine revelation as God’s personal self-communication in history rather than a mere collection of doctrines. Drawing from Ratzinger’s groundbreaking study of St. Bonaventure, his pivotal role in shaping Vatican II’s Dei Verbum, and his vision of Christ as the living “Thou” of revelation, Dr. DeClue unpacks how Scripture and Tradition flow from the incarnate Word, inviting us into Trinitarian communion.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, founders Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin discuss Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter "Life in Abundance: On the Value of Sport", released ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Drawing on John 10:10 (“I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly”), the Pope presents sport as a “school of life” that forms body, relationships, and spirit—teaching resilience, generosity, respect, and joy—while urging the Church to guide athletes amid commercialization and the idol of victory. Robert and Andrew explore how the letter echoes St. Paul’s call to be athletes in the spiritual life: “Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor 9:24-27) and “I have finished the race” (2 Tim 4:7). They show how physical sport trains the very habits of spiritual athleticism—discipline, endurance, humility, and hope—while also diving into the experience of “flow” as a foretaste of spiritual joy and sport’s civic value in building community and renewing culture.

In this episode, Robert Mixa welcomes Marc Barnes, editor of New Polity, for a conversation about the sudden rush to insert AI chatbots into our lives without much consideration of what we are really doing. Even Catholics have come to love AI. From Catholic Answers’ “Fr. Justin” AI app to Magisterium AI, Catholics have embraced this technology. It’s time to hear from a Catholic who is calling us to hit the brakes and think. Maybe large language models are not just neutral tools that can “save time” and “meet people where they are.” Barnes dismantles these claims and revels in his rage against the machine.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa chat with renowned Hungarian philosopher Ferenc Hörcher, author of "The Political Philosophy of the European City: From Polis, through City-State, to Megalopolis?" to discuss his work on the European city, intellectual conservatism, and the enduring legacy of Sir Roger Scruton in Central and Eastern Europe. Professor Hörcher explores how European cities have shaped civilization—from ancient Athens to modern urban centers—emphasizing prudence, community, and cultural heritage. We discuss the essence of intellectual conservatism and how it offers a balanced approach in today's world. Plus, hear about Scruton's heroic support for dissidents during the Cold War and his influence on the region.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Bobby Mixa welcome Dr. Michael Joseph Higgins, Professor of Humanities at St. Jerome Institute and author of the groundbreaking new book Giving One’s Word: Psychological Analogy as Social Analogy in Aquinas's Trinitarian Theology (Catholic University of America Press, 2025). Contemporary Trinitarian theology often emphasizes that to believe in the Trinity is to believe God is Love: three divine Persons who eternally know, love, and give themselves to one another in perfect communion. Yet St. Thomas Aquinas—whose theology centers on the immanent processions of Word and Love within the divine essence—is rarely seen as a champion of this "social" vision. Many assume his famous "psychological analogy" (drawn from human acts of knowing and loving) prioritizes divine unity over personal distinction, self-knowledge over interpersonal knowledge, and self-love over mutual self-giving—making it seemingly incompatible with, or at least in need of supplementation by, a more relational or social framework. Dr. Higgins challenges these assumptions head-on. Drawing from a close, creative reading of Aquinas's texts, he demonstrates that the psychological analogy is inherently interpersonal and social at its core. Far from shutting out the reality of mutual love and self-donation among the Persons, Aquinas's framework ensures that perfect self-knowledge and self-love in God are inseparable from interpersonal knowledge, interpersonal love, and radical self-giving. The distinction of Persons is as fundamental as unity, and the "Word" generation and spiration of Love reveal a Trinity of interpersonal communion—no external social analogy required. Enjoy the conversation!

Despite headlines filled with transatlantic friction—President Trump's comments on Greenland, questions about allies' commitments in Afghanistan, Ursula von der Leyen's calls for greater EU "independence" at Davos 2026, and J.D. Vance's 2025 Munich critique of deviations from NATO's founding principles—the alliance endures. Why? Petiprin argues that NATO is far more than a Cold War relic or a mere political-military pact. Rooted in a shared heritage and civilization (as stated in the NATO charter), it embodies a deeper spiritual and cultural unity between the United States and Europe. The U.S. serves as the senior economic and military partner, while Europe—especially now with power shifting eastward to Poland—remains the ancient spiritual capital. We explore NATO's remarkable resilience through decades of crises: -Early tensions: U.S. halting nuclear sharing with the UK, the 1956 Suez Crisis betrayal, France's 1966 withdrawal and expulsion of NATO HQ from Paris. -Later strains: 1970s/80s détente disputes, the 1999 Kosovo near-miss with Russia (British General Mike Jackson refusing orders), the 2003 Iraq split and "Freedom Fries." Recent examples: Trump's "bellicose" Greenland remarks, inaccurate claims about allies in Afghanistan (countered by Denmark's 12,000 troops and Poland's 44 fallen soldiers), yet no collapse—no invasion of Greenland, no punishment of Denmark.

Why does a 40-year-old + film about two men talking feel like the cinematic antidote we need most in 2025? In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, hosts Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Louis Malle's 1981 masterpiece My Dinner with Andre—a film consisting almost entirely of one extended conversation between two friends over dinner—and argue why it stands as the greatest film of our meaning-starved age. In an era dominated by distraction, superficial spectacle, and a widespread crisis of purpose, this quiet, dialogue-driven film prophetically diagnoses the spiritual emptiness of modern life. Wallace Shawn and André Gregory's raw, meandering exchange touches on existential alienation, the numbing comforts of technology, the loss of authentic human connection, and the desperate search for transcendence—issues that resonate even more deeply in our digital, post-Christian world today. From a perspective of Christian hope, Andrew and Robert explore how the film's unflinching confrontation with despair points toward the need for a greater hope: one rooted not in fleeting experiences or material progress, but in the encounter with the living God who redeems our restlessness.

This is an in-depth conversation with philosopher D.C. Schindler, author of the forthcoming article "The Crisis of Authority" in Communio. In this episode, Robert Mixa and D.C. Schindler discuss the profound erosion of authority in Western society, its ties to liberalism's promises and pitfalls, and the rising tide of postliberal reactions. Schindler delves into the essential distinction between authority and mere power, arguing that true authority translates transcendent truth into the immanent realm with the memory of ultimate things. Drawing on thinkers like Augusto del Noce, Hannah Arendt, and Byung-Chul Han, we discuss how modern politics, by reducing governance to practical matters and bracketing out metaphysical truths, has left us vulnerable to counterfeits and a deeper human crisis. From the Roman roots of "auctoritas" to the Christian synthesis of Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome, Schindler offers a timely reflection on the nature of authority, asking what it is in reality.

The numbers are brutal and undeniable: 60 percent of Gen Z men are single, and suicide rates among young males have quadrupled since 1980. Scott Galloway’s new book, Notes on Being a Man, sounds the alarm on purpose and fatherlessness, while desperate young men drift toward Nick Fuentes’ rage and Andrew Tate’s hustle, chasing shadows after the Liver King scandal exposed the hollowness of steroid-fueled alpha myths. Helen Andrews’ essay, “The Great Feminization,” diagnoses a culture that neuters boys, and Walter Ong’s Fighting for Life reveals how competition and ritual once forged men into protectors and providers. In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa cut through the noise to ask where Christian Humanism offers a truer path: raising sons who reject screens, sin, and self-destruction for virtue, brotherhood, and mission.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Richard DeClue about his article “Eucharistic Ecclesiology” in the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology. We discuss how the Eucharist defines the Church’s identity, unity, and mission, and explore key points from his work. Topics Covered: 1. What is Eucharistic Ecclesiology? 2. The Eucharist’s role in the Church 3. The hierarchical structure of the Church 4. The mission of the Church

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, we welcome Dr. Larry Chapp—theologian, author, and founder of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm—to discuss his recent Catholic World Report article on Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”). Dr. Chapp unpacks the theological and cultural significance of this document, exploring how Dilexi Te calls the Church to rediscover the heart of evangelization through love for the poor.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, we confront a troubling reality: the resurgence of antisemitism in our world today. From violent attacks to subtle cultural prejudices, antisemitism is on the rise across Europe, the United States, and beyond. Why is this ancient hatred resurfacing in our time, and how should Christians respond? We explore the historical roots of antisemitism, its modern expressions, and the urgent moral and spiritual call to stand in solidarity with our elder brothers and sisters in faith. Drawing from Scripture, Catholic teaching, and contemporary events, we consider how Christian humanism and authentic witness can push back against scapegoating and violence. Join us for a thoughtful and challenging conversation on what it means to defend human dignity and foster true solidarity with our elders in the faith in an age of rising hostility to, prejudice towards, or discrimination against the Jews.

What happens to a culture that forgets its roots? In his Advent homily Memory Awakens Hope, Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) warned that when a people lose the memory of God’s saving acts, they also lose hope for the future. Memory and hope belong together; without memory, we drift into despair or construct false hopes that cannot endure. In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew and Bobby explore how Ratzinger’s insight sheds light on the contrast between the historic Great Awakenings—moments of spiritual renewal that re-centered communities on God—and today’s so-called Great Awokening. Our contemporary West has wandered into a “land of forgetfulness,” where moral fervor often masks amnesia of the transcendent. What do we risk when memory of the Christian story is erased? And what does authentic awakening look like in an age hungry for meaning but suspicious of tradition? Join us as we consider how recovering living memory—of Scripture, of the Church, of the saints—can reawaken true hope and chart a path beyond the illusions of our age.

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute podcast, we reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about our society and culture. Beyond the headlines, we explore the deeper questions: What does this moment say about the state of public life, political polarization, and the fragility of civil discourse? How should Christians think about violence in the public square, and what are the cultural forces driving us toward such extremes? Join us as we examine the spiritual, cultural, and philosophical implications of this event, and consider how the Christian humanist tradition might help illuminate a path toward renewal and hope in a time of division

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Stephen G. Adubato—host of Cracks in Postmodernity, editorial assistant at Compact Magazine, and contributor to National Catholic Reporter—to explore the Cracks in Postmodernity Manifesto 2.0. What does it mean to seek transcendence in an age marked by irony, fragmentation, and digital overstimulation? How can beauty, tradition, and vulnerability challenge the flattening forces of postmodern life? Stephen shares the vision behind Manifesto 2.0: a bold call to live meaningfully in the midst of cultural exhaustion and spiritual longing. We discuss the origins and evolution of the Cracks in Postmodernity project, the themes that shape the manifesto, and how younger generations are both critiquing and reclaiming tradition in surprising ways. This episode offers a fresh take on the Church’s role in a secular age—one that embraces paradox, embodiment, and beauty rather than retreating into ideology or nostalgia. Subscribe to the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast for more conversations at the crossroads of Christian humanism, culture, and renewal. Learn more about the Spe Salvi Institute: https://www.spesalviinstitute.com/ Read the Manifesto 2.0: https://cracksinpomo.substack.com/p/c... Follow Stephen’s work: Cracks in Postmodernity – https://cracksinpostmodernity.substac... Compact Magazine – https://compactmag.com National Catholic Reporter – https://ncronline.org

In this episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Dr. Joseph C. Atkinson, renowned theologian and author of Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family: The Domestic Church. Drawing from years of biblical scholarship, Dr. Atkinson shares profound insights into the theology of marriage and family, offering a vision of the family not merely as a private institution, but as a domestic church—a vital locus of grace, mission, and covenantal identity. The conversation explores the biblical foundations of the family, including the concept of corporate personality in the Old Testament and the unique role of the family as the carrier of the covenant across generations within Judaism. Dr. Atkinson also unpacks how a renewed theology of the domestic church can help restore the dignity and mission of the family in contemporary culture.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Dr. Michael Hanby, philosopher and theologian at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, to discuss his recent address: "Artificial Ignorance" — a powerful critique of the metaphysical and anthropological assumptions underlying artificial intelligence.

Why do baseball fans love “retro” parks—and what went wrong with the concrete donuts of the 1960s and '70s? In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa are joined by Professor of Architecture Philip Bess to explore the deeper connections between urban design, civic life, and the magic of baseball. They discuss his provocative and insightful book, City Baseball Magic: Plain Talk and Uncommon Sense About Cities and Baseball Parks, where Bess offers a powerful critique of modern stadium planning and makes the case for beauty, tradition, and neighborhood-centered design. Professor Bess also shares the story behind his visionary Armour Field plan, a proposal he presented in the late 1980s as an alternative to the new stadium the Chicago White Sox eventually built to replace historic Comiskey Park. More than just a ballpark, Armour Field was a proposal for a better kind of urbanism—one rooted in human scale, local character, and architectural meaning. Whether you're a baseball fan, an urbanist, or simply interested in the soul of American cities, this conversation offers a rich blend of sports, culture, architecture, and civic imagination. New copies of City Baseball Magic (1999 edition, at original price) are available from publisher Knothole Press on eBay through "TG Sports Enterprises" https://www.ebay.com/itm/256950044085 for $8.95 plus $4.65 shipping.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa are joined by ethicist and theologian Charlie Camosy to delve into his recent article, "A New Pope Leo Appears to Answer Tech’s New Anti-Human ‘Disruption’". We explore how Pope Leo XIV draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIII's response to the Industrial Revolution, addressing the challenges posed by today's AI-driven technological upheaval. Camosy discusses the Pope's concerns about the dehumanizing effects of artificial intelligence, the commodification of human life, and the erosion of authentic relationships. He emphasizes the Church's role in guiding society through these disruptions by reaffirming human dignity and promoting ethical considerations in technological advancements.

What unites a saint-pope from Poland and a French statesman now on the path to sainthood? In this thoughtful episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa speak with Georgia Giholy about her Catholic Herald article on the new exhibition in Warsaw that brings together the legacies of St. John Paul II and Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into the remarkable election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope — a native of the South Side of Chicago and a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. But this papacy is more than historic; it’s deeply symbolic and theologically rich. They explore: Why the name “Leo” matters: a conscious link to Pope Leo XIII, architect of modern Catholic Social Teaching through Rerum Novarum. What Leo XIV’s roots in Chicago and his Augustinian spirituality reveal about his vision for the Church. How his first address to the cardinals cites Benedict XVI’s Spe Salvi. The urgent new challenges posed by artificial intelligence to human dignity, labor, and community — and what Leo XIV might teach the world about navigating them faithfully.   This is a wide-ranging conversation about Leo XIV, the South Side of Chicago, Catholic social teaching, and what it means for the Church to lead with both pastoral realism and eschatological hope in the 21st century.

In this insightful episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa welcome Nathan Pinkoski, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and columnist for Compact Magazine. In this discussion, Pinkoski delves into his recent article, "Pope Francis’s Managerial Revolution", offering a nuanced critique of Pope Francis's papacy.​ Pinkoski explores how Pope Francis embraced a managerial approach to Church governance, characterized by an emphasis on process over doctrine, strategic ambiguity, and a focus on optics and media messaging. He argues that this shift has led to a form of leadership that prioritizes administrative processes and symbolic gestures, potentially at the expense of doctrinal clarity and personal responsibility.​ The conversation examines key themes such as the implementation of synodality, the restructuring of Vatican communications, and the broader implications of managerialism within the Church. Pinkoski provides a critical appreciation of Pope Francis's leadership style, assessing both its intentions and its impact on the Catholic Church's direction in the 21st century.​ Read the full article: Pope Francis’s Managerial Revolution: https://www.compactmag.com/article/pope-franciss-managerial-revolution/ Subscribe to the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast for more in-depth discussions on theology, philosophy, art, film, culture, and contemporary issues facing the Church.

On this week’s episode of the "Spe Salvi Institute Podcast," Andrew and Bobby chat with Trevor Cribben Merrill (producer) and Sam Sorich (producer and director) to discuss their compelling new documentary, "Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard." We encourage listeners to view the documentary for content before listening to the podcast episode: https://youtu.be/L-vB1HaBsog?feature=shared  René Girard stands as one of the most insightful thinkers of the late 20th century, and Trevor and Sam illuminate precisely why Girard's ideas remain profoundly relevant today.

April 2, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II. In commemoration of this great saint, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa reflect on his life and enduring legacy—particularly his engagement with Europe. They also explore the Christian Humanism expressed in his writings and its relevance for our time.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Louis Bouyer’s insights on the mystical, and so much more. Join us for a rich conversation on theology, tradition, and the enduring impact of Vatican II.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” Plus, they explore how his Catholic faith and the concept of Ordo Amoris (the “order of love”) might shape his worldview, influencing his call for a reset in transatlantic relations.

Roy Peachey joins Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book Travels in Radical Christianity which explores various communities, movements, and religious orders that seek to live out the radicality of the Gospel. Additionally, they discuss Roy’s work on Catholic education and practical ways to transform it step by step.

In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience. As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker. Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.

In this episode, D.C. Schindler elaborates on why he sees a theology of work as the second part of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Perceptions of work are not theologically neutral. The Greeks and Jews had different perceptions of work. Schindler claims Christianity is a synthesis of both but sees modernity as a distortion of the Christian synthesis. Learn more how to retrieve a healthy understanding of work and its role in the brave new world of A.I..

Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.

The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society”  https://aroucapress.com/wyszynski . Later in the discussion, we talk about the state of the Church in Europe and some recent attacks on the legacy of JP2 by the Polish Left.

In this episode, we are joined by novelist and critic, Joshua Hren, to discuss his new novel Blue Walls Falling Down. The novel has already received much praise. Publisher Angelico Press describes the novel as follows: “Written with a style and sensibility that have been compared to David Foster Wallace and Dostoevsky, James Joyce and Saul Bellow, Blue Walls Falling Down chronicles the eternal questions that agitate our subterranean frequencies and demand more than the human spirit can give or answer alone." In addition to discussing the novel, Andrew and Joshua explore the place of the novel in art and the role the novelist plays in capturing in words the depths of reality. Learn more about Joshua Hren and his writings at his website.

"The last things all hinge on death. Death is the passage that leads to judgment, purgatory, resurrection, and so forth,” writes theologian Andrew T.J. Kaethler, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Catholic Pacific College, in his recent article “Eschatology: Dying to Live.” In this episode, we discuss with Prof. Kaethler this article and his book The Eschatological Person: Alexander Schmemann and Joseph Ratzinger in Dialogue.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Rodney Howsare, a professor of theology, to discuss his recent thought-provoking article in Catholic World Report titled "Secularism and Catholic Higher Education in America.” Dr. Howsare explores the challenges facing Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S., as they navigate an increasingly secular culture and how secularism has, in many respects, become the “social imaginary” of Catholic schools, distorting religion into a voluntary, private affair. Dr. Howsare points us beyond this social imaginary and to a better idea of religion.

Nathan Pinkoski delves into his thought-provoking perspectives on the intersections of religion, culture, and politics. Pinkoski discusses his recent talk, “Catholicism and the Necessity of Nationalism,” where he explores the crucial role of Catholicism in shaping national identity and its potential to revitalize a sense of community and purpose in the modern world. The conversation also touches on his provocative articles, “The Spiritual Death of the West” and “Fukuyama vs. Fukuyama.” Pinkoski analyzes the profound spiritual and cultural crises facing Western civilization, examining how secularism and the abandonment of tradition have led to a deeper existential void. Furthermore, he offers a critical take on Francis Fukuyama’s evolving views on liberalism and the end of history, providing insightful commentary on the ideological shifts that have shaped the contemporary political landscape. Nathan is an assistant professor at Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.

In this interview, we sit down with renowned theologian and philosopher, John Milbank, to discuss his recent article in the Catholic Herald, "Taking Stock of the UK Riots: Catholicism and the Crisis of Anglo-Celtic Identity." Milbank delves into the underlying cultural and spiritual crises that he believes have contributed to the social unrest and identity struggles in the UK.  

Check out our in-depth exploration of Theology of the Body! In this video, we take a deep dive into the profound teachings of Pope John Paul II on the Theology of the Body. This series of lectures, delivered between 1979 and 1984, offers a revolutionary understanding of human sexuality, love, and the human body through a theological lens. Whether you’re new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this discussion will provide you with valuable insights into how these teachings apply to modern life. What You’ll Learn: -The Origins of Theology of the Body: Discover how John Paul II developed these teachings and the biblical foundations that underpin them. -Key Themes and Concepts: Explore the central themes, including the meaning of the body, the significance of human sexuality, and the call to love as God loves. -Practical Applications: Learn how these teachings can transform your approach to relationships, marriage, and personal identity. -Theological Impact: Understand why Theology of the Body is considered one of the most important contributions to Catholic theology in the 20th century

In this episode, Tracey Rowland, a prominent theologian and winner of the prestigious Ratzinger Prize (2020), discusses her book Beyond Kant and Nietszche: A Munich Defence of Christian Humanism, where she explores the limitations of modern philosophy and the contributions of six Christian humanists. She also reflects on her extensive work on Pope Benedict XVI, highlighting his theological insights and contributions to the Church, especially in understanding the modern challenges to faith and reason. Additionally, Rowland discusses her commencement speech to Christendom College and the courageous witness to the faith required in our times.

Theologian and expert on the Camino de Santiago Fr. Piotr Roszak explores with us the nature of pilgrimage and its significance in religious history. In recent years, making pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago has become very popular. Fr. Roszak explains why pilgrimage unveils our humanity and is an expression of hope. Pilgrimage just might be the practice needed in our despairing times.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of European politics! In this episode, François Valentin delves into various political landscapes, starting with an in-depth analysis of France. He explores the nuances of French politics and extend their conversation to broader European political themes. Key Topics Discussed: - Overview of the French political scene - The impact of recent 2024 elections and political movements - Comparative analysis of European political strategies - Predictions and future trends in European governance François shares his expert insights and offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play within European politics. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a student of international relations, or simply curious about the current political climate in Europe, this video is packed with valuable information and perspectives.

In this podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and why they believe these works are essential reading for our times. Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom found in these literary masterpieces.

Dr. Jared Zimmerer, the Content Marketing Director and Great Books adjunct professor for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, joins us to discuss the value of studying the Humanities, especially the Great Books, and the formation of the moral imagination. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Russell Kirk and Christian humanists who were trying to remind the West of what T.S. Eliot called “the Permanent Things”.

In this episode, Kathleen Carr, founder of the Catholic Art Institute, joins us to discuss a pressing issue in the world of art education – the decline of teaching great art in contemporary art schools. Join us as we explore the rich legacy of classical art education, the skills and techniques that defined masterpieces, and why these traditional methods are fading away in modern curricula.

Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute, joins Bobby Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book The Mind of Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion. Richard’s systematic presentation of Benedict’s thought demonstrates why Benedict should be considered one of the great theological minds of the last century.

In this conversation, Bobby and Andrew talk to Philip Bess, Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, about his recent article "Buildings, Polis, Landscape, Cosmos: Two Counter-Cultural Christian Humanist Academic Case Studies” and the basics of classical humanist urban design. Professor Bess introduces Our Lady’s Plan of Chicago 2109, explaining why we will have to move from suburb sprawl to a design that is more sustainable and durable. It so happens that classical humanist design principles best meet those criteria, much better than modernism and hypermodernism do.

Bobby and Andrew talk to Dr. Kenneth Craycraft about his new book Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America. Dr. Craycraft explains why Catholics in the United States today are liberal Protestants before they are anything else and why Catholic Social Doctrine matters for healing the divisions in contemporary America.

Robert and Andrew discuss the fight over the restoration of Cathédral Notre-Dame de Paris and why traditional architecture matters with Michael Diamant, the founder of New Traditional Architecture (https://newtrad.org/). In this interview, Michael helpfully explains the recent revival of interest in the robust classical tradition of architecture that not only is beautiful but environmentally friendly and the schools and firms where this revival is flourishing.