What is Truth?

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews The Metaphysics of Martyrdom (January 29, 2026)In this interview, we explore The Metaphysics of Martyrdom by J. Marianne Siegmund, a profound philosophical and theological reflection on martyrdom as more than heroic death—it is an act of metaphysical witness. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. John Paul II, Siegmund presents martyrdom as a convergence of free will, grace, truth, and love, where the human person bears witness to reality itself.Rather than viewing martyrdom merely as suffering or political resistance, this conversation uncovers its deeper meaning: a participation in being, where fidelity to truth, goodness, and beauty is sealed through self-gift. We examine how martyrdom reveals the dignity of the human person, the nature of moral freedom, and the ultimate victory of divine love over violence and death.This discussion is for anyone interested in Catholic philosophy, metaphysics, moral theology, and the mystery of sanctity, especially in a world increasingly hostile to truth.The Metaphysics of Martyrdom by J. Marianne Siegmund | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth? Jonathon Fessenden interviews Matthew Mark McWhorter on the Truth behind the So-Called Apocrypha (October 8, 2025)Why did Protestants remove parts of Scripture from the original Bible? In this powerful conversation, Jonathon Fessenden sits down with Matthew Mark McWhorter to uncover the truth behind the so-called Apocrypha—the ancient books and passages that were part of the early Church’s Bible but later rejected during the Reformation.TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW Free preview: https://canoncrossfire.com/#:~:text=Free%20Look%20Inside%20The%20Book Free to seminarians: https://canoncrossfire.com/free-to-seminarians General purchases: https://canoncrossfire.com/purchase-canon-crossfire

In this episode of What is Truth? Jonathon Fessenden interviews Thom Brucie on his book Obsidian Mirth (October 20, 2025)The characters in Thom Brucie’s Obsidian Mirth fall into a dilemma where loss and betrayal entangle the need for forgiveness and love. Their choices reveal what distinctions lie between knowing one’s self and knowing another, choices that expose that small moment tottering between life-affirming hope and the despair of meaninglessness. This is a heart-rending and beautiful story, and these characters will hover at the outskirts of your thoughts like whispering ghosts of past kinships.Obsidian Mirth by Thom Brucie | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth? Jonathon Fessenden interviews Drago Dimitrov, CEO & Co-Founder of Holy Habits, on How to Ignite Real Spiritual Transformation (September 23, 2025). In this conversation, which occurred in August, 2025, we explore:Why Catholics often struggle to live out their desire for holinessThe power of daily habits in shaping your soulHow the Holy Habits App is helping thousands grow closer to ChristDiscover the Holy Habits App: https://holyhabits.co/app?source=missiodei Follow Drago Dimitrov on Substack: https://substack.com/@dragodimitrovWhether you’re a devout Catholic or just beginning to seek God, this episode will challenge and inspire you to live your faith with purpose and passion.

In this episode of What is Truth? Jonathon Fessenden interviews Ray Williams on Autogynephilia & God's Grace (September 13, 2025)In this powerful and unfiltered, iinterview, Ray Williams confronts the controversial topic of autogynephilia—a subject often ignored in mainstream discussions of gender identity. Once living as transgender, Ray shares the hidden struggles behind his experience, the psychological reality of autogynephilia, and the emptiness of gender ideology. Ray courageously explains how these issues led him down a destructive path, and how God’s grace ultimately called him back. His journey of de-transitioning and returning to the Catholic faith reveals the truth that absolute freedom comes not from self-invention, but from living in harmony with God’s design. This interview explores: What autogynephilia is and why it’s such a controversial but critical part of the gender debate The psychological, emotional, and spiritual wounds behind transgender ideology Ray’s de-transition testimony and return to the Catholic Church How the sacraments and the love of Christ restored his true identity Ray’s story is a bold reminder that Christ alone gives lasting healing and peace.  Read more of Ray’s work: Ray Williams Substack Twitter www.twitter.com/RayAlexWilliams

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Fr. Thomas Morrow on God's Design for Marriage: Theology, Love, and Sacrifice (June 8, 2025)

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Dr. Chris Reilly on his book AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil (May 22, 2025)Artificial intelligence technology (AI) motivates persons’ engagement in sin. With this startling argument drawn from Catholic theology and technological insight, Christopher M. Reilly, Th.D. takes on both critics and proponents of AI who see it as essentially a neutral tool that can be used with good or bad intentions. More specifically, Reilly demonstrates that AI strongly encourages the vice of instrumental rationality, which in turn leads the developers, producers, and users of AI and its machines toward acedia, one of the “seven deadly sins.” The third section of the book offers a comprehensive survey and analysis of the many moral problems caused by AI. It concludes with recommendations for overcoming the 21st century scourge of AI-induced acedia.AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil by Dr. Christopher Reilly | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Dr. George Mychaskiw on his book Follow the Science: A Catholic Physician’s Contemplations on Faith, Medicine, and the Catholic Church with forewords by Bishop Joseph E. Strickland and Charles C. Camosy, PhDDo you ever wonder if the scientific world has lost its compass?Does it seem like the Catholic Church is increasingly irrelevant in a culture of death and secular self-interest?Is there no behavior too outrageous, offensive or preposterous enough for a civilized society to protest?In this book, Dr. George Mychaskiw, a faithful Catholic, pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist takes an unvarnished, direct and unapologetically Catholic look at some of today’s most important bioethical and episcopal issues, including:The common arguments supporting abortion on demand and why they are simply invalid.The irrational and non-scientific basis for gender ideology.The modern slavery of in vitro fertilization and surrogacy.The contemporary genocide against the disabled, elderly and other “inconvenient” people.Perversion of politics and the criminal justice system.The silent and cowardly Catholic Church.And many more.  This is a call to arms.  A plea and guidebook for taking back the culture of death, restoring respect for life and motherhood, and setting the Church in its place as the standard-bearer for ethical behavior.  Society is in decline and, unless prompt action is taken, it will collapse to a Hobbesian dystopia that is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.Follow the Science: A Catholic Physician’s Contemplations on Faith, Medicine, and the Catholic Church | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Matthew Tsakanikas on his book A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries (April 21, 2025)This book is a catechetical exploration of Christian deification, deeply rooted in the theological insights of Saint Athanasius and other Church Fathers. The work connects the mysteries of the Rosary with the transformative grace offered through Christ, focusing particularly on the Luminous Mysteries as a lens for understanding humanity’s participation in the divine life.Central to the book is the concept of deification, described as the process by which humans become “partakers in the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Dr. Matthew A. Tsakanikas emphasizes that deification does not imply losing one’s humanity but rather elevating it through grace, living in God’s will, and growing in love and virtue. Drawing on biblical passages, he demonstrates how the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ make this elevation possible.The book revisits key moments in salvation history, such as the Transfiguration, where Jesus revealed the glory of divine light to his disciples, and the Eucharist’s institution, portraying these events as glimpses of the divine kingdom. Tsakanikas also explores discipleship in Mary, the Rosary’s role in cultivating divine intimacy, and the unity of Scripture’s Old and New Testaments.Through theological reflection and practical devotion, Tsakanikas invites readers to embrace their divine calling, entering into Christ’s transformative love.A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries by Matthew A. Tsakanikas, STD | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden sits down with Caitie Crowley, author of Stepping Up!: How Christ Turned My Pain & Suffering into Hope & Joy. Caitie shares her powerful testimony of redemptive suffering, healing, and forgiveness, revealing how Christ transformed her deepest struggles into a source of grace. We discuss the meaning of suffering in the Christian life, the power of faith in hardship, and how true healing begins with surrender to God’s will. Whether you're facing your own trials or seeking a deeper understanding of redemptive suffering, this conversation will inspire and uplift you.  WHERE IS GOD IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING?Caitie Crowley was in a traumatic car accident on her way home from work and almost lost her life. She couldn’t walk for 10 months. She took that time to write about her experiences and how her faith in God carried her through her pain. This book takes the reader through Caitie’s physical struggle of learning to walk again and her interior struggle of learning to walk with God through the cross. Through Him, you can find hope when it appears hopeless.Stepping Up! | En Route Books and Media

In this powerful episode, Missio Dei welcomes Fr. Edward Looney to discuss The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the profound visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. Join Jonathon Fessenden as they explore the gripping details of Christ’s Passion as revealed to the mystic nun, whose visions inspired The Passion of the Christ. Discover the spiritual depth of these revelations, their significance for our faith, and how they continue to impact devotion to Our Lord’s suffering and sacrifice.

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Jose Pulido on his book How to Evangelize Anyone: Proven Skills and Techniques That Make Bringing the Faith to Others Easy and Enjoyable. (February 16, 2025)Skills that Work in the Real WorldYou, like every Catholic, have loved ones, friends, and coworkers who suffer from broken and even antagonistic relationships with Christ and his Church. It's heartbreaking. Beyond prayer, we can feel powerless.Great news! With this new book you can now learn how to effectively bring the faith to others without fear—while growing in your own faith.Even better, it only takes a few hours to learn how to help God change the eternal destinies of the people you love.We know this sounds too good to be true, so please read on...Anyone Can Do This—QuicklyFirst of all, you don't need to have an "outgoing personality" or any particular academic training. You just need to care about the people you love. Anyone can quickly learn the techniques this book teaches.In fact, the author, Jose Pulido, a pioneer in the field of professional evangelization coaching, has taught these skills to thousands of people all over North America in single-day workshops.Plus you can immediately apply his practical approaches and spiritual skills after he takes you through his series of brilliantly conceived exercises.And by immediately, this means on the very first day you read the book!Let God Work Through YouInstead of being confusing and frustrating to the point of inaction, evangelizing will actually become enjoyable for you.You will go forth confidently, without fear of rejection, and with great success—just like thousands of others who Jose Pulido has taught during his seminars at corporations, universities, and Catholic organizations all over North America.Giving yourself and everyone in your circle of influence this "workshop in written form" is your act of faith that God is the One who changes lives through His believers.You believe. This book was written for you.Jose's Personal Gift to YouBecause of our mission to sanctify everyone in the world, the Mary Foundation is excited that Jose Pulido has become our official spokesman.In fact, he receives no compensation for this book. It's his personal gift to you on behalf of the souls you will reach.We encourage you to contact Jose directly at Holy Family Evangelization about working with your local group, parish, or organization for live workshops, webinars, speaking engagements, or being a podcast guest. He is even available for one-on-one personal coaching.An Author Sent by the Holy FamilyJose Pulido is the founder of Holy Family Evangelization. A father of two children and now in his mid-thirties, he was born in Columbia and came to America as a poor, deeply troubled little boy who spoke only Spanish.In his teens, he became a staunch, articulate atheist. Intellectually gifted, through hard work and academic excellence he earned Ivy League degrees and worldly success.During a secular tour of a Catholic church, he experienced a dramatic mystical enounter with the Holy Family—Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. They gave him a mission to teach others how to evangelize in ultra-difficult situations by combining Sacred Tradition and modern behavior science.Prepare for Your Spiritual AwakeningLike Saint Paul, Jose quickly converted, and is now fulfilling the Holy Family's plan to teach you how to bring your loved ones—even those with the hardest of hearts—back into their home.Commissioned by heaven, Jose pioneered harmonizing traditional theology and modern behavioral neurobiology into skill-based and spiritually potent practices for super-effective evangelization. Your spiritual life will be especially transformed through his workshop exercises—which you can do on your own or with your local group using How to Evangelize Anyone!How to Evangelize Anyone: Proven Skills and Techniques That Make Bringing the Faith to Others Easy and Enjoyable - Kindle edition by Pulido, Jose, Macfarlane, Xavier, Macfarlane, Cletus. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Dan Schneider on his Liber Christo Method: Marian Devotion, Generational Sin, and Working with Fr. Ripperger (February 2, 2025)00:00 Intro 01:45 Cannon Law Devotion to Mary 06:30 Spiritual Combat 10:55 Mary is called woman, and why 22:30 Catholic walkaways-Understanding the Eucharist 28:00 ad orientum 34:51 Eucharistic Ministers and the Novus Ordo 40:43 The Millenial Uprising Toward Traditional Values 42:22 Breathing Modernist Air 42:37 The Laying of Hands on Another 50:23 Generational Sin 58:37 Occult Backgrounds In the Family 1:08:56 Ending Talk

In this episode of What is Truth? Jonathon Fessenden interviews Joseph Freymann on his book Summa Apologetica: Catholic Apologetics and Moral Questions (January 31, 2025)Summa Apologetica is for adults and mature teens. It is specifically designed for a year-long course in Catholic Apologetics at the late high-school or early-college level. The book contains 160 questions and answers on Catholicism, Christianity, and faith in general. There are six categories: Natural Apologetics, Christian Apologetics, Catholic Apologetics, Historical Apologetics, Moral Apologetics and General Questions. The book is based on the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as magisterial documents and the writings of authors whose views are consistent with sound Catholic theology. In each answer, scriptural verses appear in bold print for quick reference. The study questions at the end of each chapter are helpful for classroom discussions, quizzes and tests. This textbook has a digital companion, available in the App Store and the Google Play Store. It is a mobile app called Appologetics, written by the same author and containing the same content, a helpful pocket resource for convenience and quick reference.Summa Apologetica: Catholic Apologetics and Moral Questions by Joseph Freymann | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth?, Jonathon Fessenden interviews Edward Byrne on his book  In Whom I Am Well Pleased. (January 11, 2025)Your child’s suicide feels like the biggest parental failure of all.  Any parent wants to be prepared for the worst, but no one ever anticipates the horror actually happening until it is too late.  In alternating chapters, this memoir chronicles Matt Byrne’s youth and growth into an All-American boy, and subsequent fall from grace as PTSD from his dream job as FDNY firefighter spiraled him toward substance abuse and depression.  A cautionary tale, In Whom I Am Well Pleased seeks to give families the heads up needed to avoid similar loss, or additional strength to survive it, if inevitable.In Whom I Am Well Pleased by Edward T. Byrne | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of What is Truth?, John Fessenden interviews Dan Burke on his Conversion from Judaism to Catholicism and his Evangelization of the Jews. (December 28, 2024)

Join Jonathon Fessenden for a profound discussion with Exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti as we delve into the spiritual realms of generational spirits and curses. In this enlightening session, Msgr. Rossetti sheds light on the concept of "Soul Ties" and the power of renunciation prayers. Learn how these spiritual elements can affect our lives and discover the steps to break free from these ties and curses. Whether you're seeking spiritual healing or simply curious about these topics, this video offers valuable insights and guidance. Topics Covered: Understanding generational spirits and curses The nature and impact of soul ties Effective renunciation prayers Personal stories and experiences from Msgr. Rossetti's work Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the notification bell to stay updated on our latest content. Share this video with those who might benefit from this powerful message. 

In this episode of "What is Truth?" entitled "Uncovering the Secrets of Stigmata," Jonathon Fessenden discusses The Stigmatists with renowned author Paul Kengor to delve into his latest book, The Stigmatists. Together, they explore the mysterious phenomenon of stigmata—marks resembling the wounds of Christ—that has appeared on some of the most devoted and enigmatic figures in Catholic history. Kengor shares his research on the lives of stigmatists, the profound spiritual experiences they endured, and the significance of these miracles in the Catholic faith. This discussion reveals both the historical and theological depth behind stigmata, inviting viewers to reflect on the mystery and grace within these miraculous signs.