The Catholic Frequency

If the Eucharist is just a symbol, Flannery O'Connor said, "to hell with it" — and she was right. This episode walks through why the Real Presence is the entire Catholic faith in miniature, traced from Ignatius of Antioch in 107 AD through the saints to the sobering Pew finding that two-thirds of American Catholics believe the Eucharist is only symbolic.

In this reflection, we explore the astonishing intellectual and spiritual life of St. Thomas Aquinas — the thirteenth-century Dominican friar who wrote over eight and a half million words, synthesized Christian thought with Aristotle, and gave the Church the Summa Theologica. All without a smartphone, search engine, or notifications.

In this episode we talk about a phrase from the Letter of James that we hear and nod at and then completely ignore: "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). Quick to hear. Slow to anger. We've built an entire culture on the exact opposite.

Marc Andreessen went viral claiming introspection causes emotional disorders and that he aims for “zero” of it. This episode examines how this Silicon Valley gospel of constant building and motion revives the ancient demon of acedia, and why the Catholic tradition calls us instead to the stillness of examination of conscience and contemplation where we encounter God.

Big news out of the Vatican today—Bishop James Golka just got tapped by Pope Leo XIV to be the new Archbishop of Denver! He's been Bishop of Colorado Springs since 2021, a Nebraska native who's known for being very pastoral.

This episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast offers a profound meditation on the Blessed Virgin Mary's example of steadfast faithfulness amid piercing sorrow at the foot of the cross, inviting you to embrace your own sufferings with quiet surrender rather than resistance or despair.

A quick reflection on the Mass Readings for February 4, 2026. Blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven. And blessed is the one who still leaves room for God to surprise them.

By choosing Bad Bunny to perform the Superbowl Halftime Show, the NFL is essentially endorsing and amplifying that anti-Christian worldview on one of the biggest platforms in America, right in the middle of an event that's supposed to be family-friendly entertainment.

What do Catholics and Protestants agree on? By focusing on the deep, essential beliefs we share rather than the familiar points of disagreement, we can open up dialogue and discovery. What do we have in common? Core doctrines like the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of Jesus, salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, the reality of sin and baptism, and the hope of bodily resurrection and eternal life—all affirmed by both sides.

Hey, so let's talk about Aristotle and friendship—straight from his Nicomachean Ethics, books eight and nine. He basically says true friendship isn't just one thing; there are three main kinds, or models, and most of what we call "friends" fall into the first two, but only the third one is the real deal, the kind worth building your life around.

This episode explores the life of Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, who lived an ordinary teenage existence filled with video games, soccer, and coding while maintaining an extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist and building a website on Eucharistic miracles.

So I was thinking about this whole Catholic take on suffering the other day, it’s kind of a heavy topic, but it’s interesting when you dig into it. From the Catholic perspective, we don't just see suffering as this random, awful thing that happens. There’s a purpose to it.

The Father Wound is a longing for affirmation, protection, guidance, unconditional love that wasn’t given

In this episode, the dangers of relativism are explored in depth, drawing parallels to the deceptive beauty of the oleander flower and biblical warnings against temptation. The discussion highlights how relativism, which denies absolute truth and morality, seduces individuals by appearing humble and tolerant but ultimately leads to spiritual and moral decay. The episode delves into the consequences of relativism, such as its impact on justice, the family, and the sanctity of life, and contrasts these with the Catholic Church's teachings on absolute truth, natural law, and the reality of sin and grace.

In this episode, we delve into the significance of the nativity scene, tracing its origins to Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century and we examine the nativity's role as a silent witness to the incarnation, poverty, and adoration, contrasting it with the noisy consumerism of modern Christmas celebrations. The nativity scene is described as a tool for evangelization and a reminder of the four advents of Christ: his historical birth, his coming into the hearts of believers, his daily presence in the Eucharist, and his future return in glory.

For Christians praying for their loved ones to turn to God, there is a wonderful role model and intercessor—Saint Monica. Despite Augustine's hedonistic lifestyle and rejection of Christianity for over seventeen years, Monica never ceased praying for his conversion. Her persistence, coupled with her emotional and spiritual support, eventually led to Augustine's transformation, which had a profound impact on Western civilization. Saint Monica's story teaches the value of persistent prayer and hope, trusting in God's timing for the transformation of loved ones who have strayed from the faith.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we explore the profound significance of the twenty-third Psalm, penned by King David, a shepherd turned king. This chapter, known for its vivid portrayal of God as a loving and guiding shepherd, has resonated with Christians throughout the ages. In ancient Israel's pastoral culture, the psalm offered comfort and hope, assuring believers of divine care and eternal peace amidst life's challenges.

This episode explores the human longing for love and connection and highlights the dangers of placing human relationships above one's relationship with God.

In this episode, we explore the shocking statue of Saint Bartholomew in Milan's Cathedral, a powerful depiction of the apostle's martyrdom that serves as a testament to the strength of faith. Carved in 1562 by an Italian artist, the statue initially deemed too disturbing for the church, was placed in the courtyard before being moved inside years later. It portrays Bartholomew standing, draped in his own skin, a haunting reminder of his flaying in Armenia for converting the king's brother.

In this episode, the Catholic Frequency Book Club embarks on its first discussion of "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist" by Brant Pitre. The session begins by delving into the Eucharist as a central and often divisive aspect of Catholic faith. The panel explores the Jewish contemporaries' reactions to Jesus' teachings about the Eucharist, noting the historical and cultural context that made such teachings challenging for them.

In this episode, we explore the significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly during the month of May, which is dedicated to her in the Catholic Church. Positioned between the feasts of Easter and Pentecost, the episode highlights the upcoming feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost. This feast commemorates Mary's role as the mother of the church, a title she received at the foot of the cross when she accepted her son's testament of love and embraced all humanity as her children.

In this episode, the concept of hell is explored in depth, beginning with the 1917 Fatima apparition where three children witnessed a vision of hell described as a sea of fire with demons and souls in eternal agony. The episode delves into the theological understanding of hell as complete separation from God, a consequence of rejecting His love and choosing one's own will over His commandments. Biblical references, such as the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 and Jesus's use of the term Gehenna, are discussed to illustrate the reality and nature of hell as a place of fiery torment and eternal suffering. The episode also examines the warnings about hell found in other New Testament writings, emphasizing the importance of repentance and accepting God's grace to avoid such a fate.

This episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast explores the revered Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, situated in the hills of Lebanon just outside of Beirut..

In this episode, we explore the profound symbolism of water in the Bible, contrasting its common association with relaxation and fun in modern times. From the chaotic primordial waters in Genesis to the transformative power of baptism in the New Testament, water is depicted as a force of chaos that God masterfully turns into order and life.

This episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast delves into the life and legacy of Pope Pius V, born Antonio Ghizlieri in 1504. Elected pope in 1566, Pius V focused on reforming the church by enforcing the Council of Trent's decrees and standardizing Catholic liturgy with the Roman Missal.

This episode delves into the storied past and profound significance of the Maria Salus Popoli Romani, an ancient Byzantine icon revered as Mary, the salvation of the Roman people. Housed in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, this icon is believed by some to have been painted by Saint Luke on a table crafted by Jesus, though scholars suggest it dates to the fifth or sixth century. The episode explores the icon's legendary journey to Rome and its role in numerous miracles.

On this Good Friday episode, the podcast delves into the harrowing details of Roman crucifixion, a brutal form of punishment reserved for the lowest criminals and enemies of the state. The Romans used crucifixion to punish slaves, rebels, and noncitizens convicted of severe crimes, while sparing Roman citizens from this degrading execution method. The episode describes the intense physical and psychological torment endured by victims, from the initial flogging with bone or metal-tipped whips to the agonizing process of being nailed or tied to the cross.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, the focus is on Holy Week, beginning with a discussion on Palm Sunday and moving into a detailed preview of the Paschal Triduum.

After a $12 million restoration, Savannah’s newly restored Cathedral stood pristine—until a gunman stormed in & lit the Bishop’s chair ablaze. What happened next wasn’t in the Missal—a shocking display of courage, profanity & grit by an Irish priest that saved the church.

In this inaugural episode of a series dedicated to exploring the Doctors of the Church, the podcast delves into the concept and significance of these revered figures within the Catholic tradition. The episode begins by introducing the term "Doctors of the Church," explaining that these are saints whose theological writings, teachings, and spiritual insights have profoundly influenced Christian doctrine and practice. There are currently 37 Doctors of the Church, spanning 1800 years of history and representing diverse cultures and spiritual traditions.

In episode 50 of the Catholic Frequency podcast, the discussion focuses on the biblical logic of pattern recognition and its significance in understanding the role of the papacy within the Catholic Church. The episode delves into how Catholics and Protestants differ in their interpretation of these patterns, particularly in relation to the necessity of a visible church leadership. The conversation explores the concept of pattern recognition, illustrating how it involves seeing a holistic picture rather than focusing on isolated details. This approach is applied to the biblical narrative, highlighting patterns of visible signs and leadership throughout salvation history, from the Old Testament covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, to the New Testament's incarnation of Jesus Christ.

This episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast delves into the transformative journey of Saint Augustine, a figure whose early life was marked by rebellion, womanizing, and theft, yet who evolved into one of history's greatest intellectual and spiritual leaders. This episode underscores the message that no one is beyond redemption, and that our darkest moments can serve as the fertile ground for wisdom and growth.

In episode 48 of the Catholic Frequency podcast, the focus is on the unique and often overlooked history of Catholicism in East Asia. The episode features a conversation with the individual behind the social media account "Catholicism in East Asia," which has garnered nearly 30,000 followers by sharing content about the Catholic faith in this region. The account was inspired by the lack of similar content and a desire to fill this niche.

Discover the extraordinary life and legacy of Saint Maria Goretti. At just 11 years old, Maria's unwavering faith and purity led her to resist the attempted rape by 20-year-old farmhand Alessandro Serenelli. Despite being stabbed 14 times, Maria's final act was one of forgiveness, as she expressed her desire for Alessandro to join her in heaven.

A look at the extraordinary life of Padre Pio, a twentieth-century warrior priest known for his stigmata and relentless zeal for the repentance of sinners. Born Francesco Forgione in late nineteenth-century Italy, his childhood was marked by profound faith and visions, setting the stage for his spiritual journey.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, we delve into the powerful story of Saint Monica, a fourth-century North African woman whose unwavering faith and persistent prayers transformed her prodigal son, Augustine, into a saint. Born in 331 AD, Monica faced numerous challenges, including a difficult marriage and the heartache of watching her brilliant but wayward son chase a life of excess and heresy.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, the detrimental impact of pornography on individuals, families, and Western civilization as a whole is explored. The discussion highlights how the widespread presence of porn has led to the disintegration of families and the erosion of the moral and ethical foundations that were built upon Christian values and principles.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, the focus is on the spiritual battle between good and evil, highlighting the role of Satan and the power of Jesus Christ to overcome his influence. The episode begins by recounting Lucifer's fall from grace and his ongoing mission to corrupt humanity as an act of vengeance against God. It emphasizes the constant threat posed by Satan and his demons, who exploit human weaknesses to lead souls astray.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Saint Joseph, a humble carpenter whose destiny was shaped by divine purpose. From crafting tables and chairs with calloused hands to becoming the guardian of the Redeemer, Joseph’s journey reveals a profound truth: fathers aren’t born—they’re forged. Discover how this quiet soul obeyed God’s call without hesitation, leading his family through perilous journeys—from the flight to Egypt to the return to Nazareth—shielding Jesus with unwavering faith and sacrificial love.

In this intriguing episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, we delve deep into the true events that inspired the terrifying 1973 film, 'The Exorcist'. We explore the less dramatized, but equally compelling, real-life exorcism case of a 14-year-old boy in Maryland, 1949, identified pseudonymously as Ronald Doe. His ordeal began with innocent curiosity and the use of a Ouija board, escalating to manifestations of dark forces that led his Protestant family to seek help from the Catholic Church.

On this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we explore the brutal reality of the crown placed on Jesus after Pontius Pilate dubbed Him "King of the Jews." Woven from the sharp, curved thorns of the Ziziphus spina-christi—a plant common in Judea—this was no mere prop, but a cruel instrument of pain and humiliation, designed to wound with every movement. The, we trace its journey from a tool of torment to a sacred relic, revered by early Christians and guarded through the centuries.

In Episode 39 of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, Sean and Shannon continue their enlightening series on Saint Augustine's "Confessions." This episode delves into Book Four of Augustine’s autobiographical work, focusing on his life from ages 18 to 27—a pivotal period marked by intellectual pursuits and profound personal grief. The hosts explore Augustine's philosophical engagement with the material, his struggles with the concept of friendship and love, and the profound impact of his friend's death on his spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

We know that God created everything—including the angels, who play a vital role in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Throughout salvation history, angels have delivered divine messages, protected humanity, and battled demons. Their mysterious and awe-inspiring nature has captivated believers for centuries, including one of the Church’s greatest minds: Saint Thomas Aquinas and in today’s episode, we dive into 20 key ideas from Aquinas about these celestial beings.

In 1917, three humble shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto—encountered the Virgin Mary in the quiet village of Fatima, Portugal. What began as a simple day tending sheep transformed into a series of divine apparitions that revealed visions of hell, prophetic warnings, and a call to prayer and repentance.

In this episode, we sit down with the man behind the popular X account and Substack, Ways of a Gentleman, to explore the timeless question: What does it mean to be a gentleman in today’s world? With over 10,000 followers since launching his account in August 2024, our guest—a retired army officer—shares his journey from leaving behind the negativity of social media to curating a space dedicated to style, culture, etiquette, and virtue.

In Episode 34 of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, host Shannon welcomes back Sean Barabee for the third installment of their 13-week series exploring Saint Augustine’s Confessions. This episode dives into Book 3, covering Augustine’s tumultuous years from ages 16 to 18 as he moves to Carthage, wrestling with lust, vainglory, and a misguided pursuit of love. The discussion traces his initial enchantment with Cicero’s philosophy, his rejection of Scripture due to pride, and his entanglement with the Manichean heresy

Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you.’ Jesus’ words have divided believers for centuries. On this episode of Catholic Frequency, dive into a wild 13th-century showdown where Saint Anthony of Padua faced a heretic mocking the Eucharist. The challenge? A starving donkey, a pile of hay, and the Blessed Sacrament. What happened next stunned a crowd, shattered skepticism, and affirmed a core Catholic truth. Faith, miracles, and a mule that changed history

In this episode, we delve into one of the profound moments of the Lenten season: the Agony in the Garden. As the first Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, this pivotal event unfolds when Jesus enters Gethsemane to pray, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Facing the weight of His impending sacrifice, He is betrayed by His friend Judas with a kiss—a moment that marks the beginning of the Passion. Join us as we reflect on the emotional and spiritual depth of this sacred scene and its significance in our Lenten journey.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we take a brief look into the heart of Catholic faith: the Eucharist. Far more than just bread, it’s Jesus Christ himself, instituted at the Last Supper with the words, “This is my body.” Not a symbol, but a reality.

In this episode of the Catholic Frequency Podcast, we explore the remarkable story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In December 1531, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City, indigenous peasant Juan Diego encountered the Virgin Mary, sparking a miracle that would convert millions. From the unseasonal roses in his tilma to the mysterious, enduring image that blended Aztec and Christian symbols, we delve into how this apparition reinforced Catholic devotion amid the Protestant Reformation’s upheaval. Learn about the tilma’s preservation, the Vatican’s growing reverence, and how Guadalupe became a unifying force for Mexico and the Americas. Join us as we uncover the legacy of faith, culture, and resilience that continues to draw millions to her basilica every December 12.