Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen

Lisa M. Hendey is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of CatholicMom.com. A lifelong advocate for faith-filled living, she encourages readers to deepen their relationship with Jesus through storytelling, Scripture reflection, and practical application. Lisa's Chime Travelers children's book project is now streaming as an animated series. She speaks internationally on the intersection of faith and daily life.    SHOW NOTES:  Lisa's new devotional, Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way - A Weekly Devotional, a 52-week prayer devotional tool that can be started at any time of the year, and combines lectio divina with personal storytelling and daily quotes from saints, scripture, literature, movies and more: https://amzn.to/3O1v2to Lisa's Chime Travelers animated series for children, now streaming on Hallow and FORMED apps: https://www.chimetravelers.org/ Roxane's interview on Father Patrick Peyton, whom Lisa mentioned as pivotal: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/salonen-who-was-father-patrick-peyton The website Lisa founded: https://www.catholicmom.com/ Connect with Lisa at www.lisahendey.com or @lisahendey on Substack and social media  

Shawn Hagstrom, wife of Mike and mother of two adoptive children, Therese and Joseph, is also the grandmother of 11-year-old identical twin boys, James and Oliver. Shawn recently retired from her 40-year teaching career, through which she nurtured pre-school children in both secular and Catholic school settings. The Hagstroms, longtime residents of Fargo, also have a longtime marriage of 42 years. In her new life of retirement, Shawn has been enjoying spending time with her mother, going on nature walks, and riding bike. SHOW NOTES:  "Dear Birthmother" book by Kathleen Silber and Phyllis Speedlin: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Birthmother-Kathleen-Silber/dp/0931722209? National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is observed from April 19 to April 25, 2026.

Kimberly Souba is a writer, communications specialist, and former educator who taught for 15 years. Originally from Illinois, she now lives in Fargo, North Dakota, where she continues her work in communications, storytelling, and advocacy. Kimberly speaks openly about her journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse, parental abandonment, and seasons of deep struggle. Through those experiences, she eventually rediscovered and embraced her faith in Jesus and his Church, which became a central part of her healing.   SHOW NOTES:  Kimberly's website: www.ksouba.com Kimberly's Podcast (Butterfly Girl): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butterfly-girl/id1859235644 Kimberly's poetry book: From Death to New Life: The Transformation of a Soul Kimberly's children's book: A Caterpillar's Journey Kimberly's children's book: Flight of the Butterfly Kimbery's faith-based coloring and activity storybook: Miriam's Heavenly Tea Party Kimberly's book: Ellie's Brave Voice (coming out in late April)  Roxane's "Faith Conversations" article on Kimberly's journey: Local author seeks to help kids who've been abused (Oct. 12, 2025) Sarah Kroger's song, "Belovedness": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwSyLLHdvlo   Other resources suggested by Kimberly:  Healing of Memories: Prayer and Confession Steps to Inner Healing by Dennis and Matthew Linn Jesus I Trust in You by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V. Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard No More Faking Fine by Esther Fleece Your New New by Esther Fleece Allen Forgiving Mother: A Maria Novena of Healing and Peace by Marge Steinhage  Living for today: A Memoir by Erin Merryn Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse by Erin Merryn An Unimaginable Act: Overcoming & Preventing Child Abuse Through Erin's Law by Erin Merryn  

Our guest today, Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, was born in Cuba and grew up in Puerto Rico. She is a freelance writer and the author of several books, most notably, the award-winning, "The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma," and was recently named "Promoter of the Cause for Blessed Stanley Rother." Maria and her husband, Michael, live in Oklahoma City and have four adult children and 15 grandchildren.    SHOW NOTES:  Maria's latest book, "The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma": https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Who-Didnt-Run-Oklahoma/dp/1681924560/ref Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine website: https://rothershrine.org/ An Ordinary Martyr: The Life and Death of Blessed Stanley Rother video: https://youtu.be/hsOvNtoZVzc?si=GE8pTGqHgLxc3A4b Maria's first book, "Their Faith Has Touched Us: The Legacies of Three Young Oklahoma City Bombing Victims": https://www.amazon.com/Their-Faith-Has-Touched-Us/dp/158051023X Article for CatholicMom.com by Roxane after her summer 2025 visit to Oklahoma City and the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine: https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/blessed-stanley-rother-a-shepherd-worth-knowing

Our guest today, Peter Andrastek, is married with 8 children, 5 to 20 years old, and holds a master's degree in pastoral theology from Ave Maria University. Peter has worked with seminarians and clergy on formation, taught graduate-level theology, and brought his teaching gifts into numerous parishes, dioceses, movements, and institutions in the Church. He currently advises a team that serves over 200 parishes. SHOW NOTES:  Peter's apostolate's website: evangelicalcatholic.org.  Toward an Apostolic Church: https://evangelicalcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Paper_Andrastek_Feb2025.pdf.  10:10 Challenge: https://store.evangelicalcatholic.org/products/the-10-10-challenge-10-weeks-10-ways-to-a-jesus-led-life? Mission Ready Friendship: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/mission-ready-friendship? Notre Dame's Church Life Journal: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/authors/peter-andrastek/

Our guest today, Laurie Lind, grew up in Lairmore and Fargo, North Dakota, in a Christian family with a father, Bob Lind, who was a true newsman. As a child, they lived in an upstairs apartment of the "ancient, tottering building" where the Larimore Pioneer, a weekly newspaper, was produced. Laurie majored in journalism at the University of North Dakota and has worked in various forms of print and broadcast communications over the years. Today, we'll dive into how her father, a longtime columnist for The Forum, shaped both her soul and career, leading her to her heavenly Father.   SHOW NOTES:  Article on the launch of Bob Lind's "Neighbors" book, produced by the Forum Communications Company, a compilation of Laurie's father's columns through the years, writing for The Forum newspaper: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/arts-and-entertainment/new-book-of-bob-linds-best-stories-released To order a copy of "Neighbors": https://deals.wday.com/products/bob-linds-neighbors-your-stories-and-the-man-who-wrote-them Bob Lind's obituary: https://www.korsmofuneralservice.com/obituaries/Robert-Bob-Lind Laurie's current endeavor, One Challenge: https://onechallenge.org/  

Our guest today, Samantha Stephenson, is a Catholic convert, bioethicist, and author of several books helping Christians grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world—whether in the hidden rhythms of home or at the frontiers of science. She hosts the podcast Brave New Us and writes the "Choosing Human Newsletter" on Substack. You can also find her at www.snstephenson.com.   SHOW NOTES:  Samantha's forthcoming book: The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil's Plan for Your Motherhood: https://www.amazon.com/Bellbind-Letters-Inside-Devils-Motherhood/dp/1639663290? (Feb. 16, 2026) Samantha's second forthcoming book: Grow Where You're Planted: Reclaiming Eden in Your Own Backyard: https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Where-Youre-Planted-Reclaiming/dp/B0FWXYMXKH? (March 17, 2026) Samantha's website: https://www.snstephenson.com/ Samantha's Substack: "Choosing Human" https://www.choosinghuman.org/ Samantha's podcast, "Brave New Us": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brave-new-us/id1522088100

Our guest today, Noelle Mering, is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and the author of "Awake, Not Woke," as well as co-author of the Theology of Home book series, and an upcoming book, "No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships and How We Can Repair Them." Noelle has been published in Newsweek, Daily Wire, National Review, The Federalist, and National Catholic Register, among others. She has been featured on Fox News, EWTN, Relevant Radio, and in the film "Jesus Thirsts." She is a wife and mother of six living in California.   SHOW NOTES:  Noelle's book, "Awake Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive ideology": https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Not-Woke-Christian-Progressive/dp/1505118425 "The 'No Contact' Epidemic That is Tearing Families Apart" w/Noelle Mering (The Lila Rose Show podcast episode 228): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aUNY2Ej6hg Read more of Noelle's work on her Substack, "Family Revival," https://noellemering.substack.com/, or through The Ethics and Public Policy Center, https://eppc.org/  

Rabbi Eitan Webb co-founded the Chabad House of Princeton in 2002 with his wife Gitty, and has served as a Jewish Chaplain at Princeton University since 2007. In addition to his service to university students, Rabbi Webb serves on the board of directors of the Chabad on Campus International Foundation and of the Sinai Scholars Society. Today, we're going to talk about young people today, and if it's true that they've "checked out of" religion, as some news reports have indicated. Being so close to the source, Rabbi Webb will no doubt have some great insight to share.   SHOW NOTES:  Chabat House at Princeton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WliRx-uxZio. "Gen Z and Fidelity: An Interfaith Dialogue" with Rabbi Webb and friends, June 5, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTTlikiDHx8  

Nichole Haugen is a wife, mom to six daughters, nurse, and grief coach. She spent over 10 years as a hospice nurse helping families through hard times, so she has dealt with grief both personally and professionally. Through losing her parents close together in 2019, and marriage struggles, Nichole eventually found a path to healing, forgiveness, and learning to live with grief. Today, she will help us understand what it takes to move through grief, which we all experience in some form, in a healthy way. SHOW NOTES:  Nichole's website to connect about grief coaching: https://catholicgriefcoach.com/ The Retrouvaille Marriage Program Nichole mentioned for struggling marriages: https://helpourmarriage.org/  

Rob Port is a reporter and a columnist for the Forum Communications Company, as well as host of the Plain Talk podcast. But beyond that, he's a husband and father who tilts conservative politically, and yet not so much that he'd always identify as a Republican. While he grew up in a Christian home, Rob doesn't practice any faith, nor does he believe in God. Today, Rob and I will share the mic to toss each other a host of questions relating to faith, or lack thereof, to probe each other's minds a bit, and, hopefully, along with our different perspectives, reveal a few places of convergence.   SHOW NOTES: Rob Port's "Plain Talk" podcast: https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk Plain Talk, Episode #273 with Rob, Roxane and Devlyn Brooks (Dec. 2021): "Is America's Religious Decline Good or Bad?" https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KO0mX0VTHxU1J1VaCuo3j Roxane's "Living Faith" Forum column that followed: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/salonen-does-faith-mean-loss-of-freedom "Who is Jesus? An atheist, a Lutheran and a Catholic answer," Dec. 20, 2024, "Matters of Soul Importance" podcast with Rob and Devlyn Brooks: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/who-is-jesus-an-atheist-a-lutheran-and-a-catholic-answer  

Born first in a family of six children, Cariysa Powell was given a strong Catholic base on which to launch her life. But in 2020, as our world experienced a global pandemic crisis, her parents went through a personal faith crisis and departed from Christianity. This defining moment in Cariysa's life challenged her to decide what she believed. Today, she'll share what helped her find firm grounding in an uncertain time, and set the record straight on the faith she is seeing unfold in the hearts of her peers.   SHOW NOTES:  Converge young adult ministry: https://www.converge-roc.com/about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: https://www.cgsusa.org/  

Father Joel Sember, a priest from Wisconsin, is the author of a series of books about the Christian season of Advent that he's written annually since 2020. Each year's book bears the same title, "Oriens," a Latin word meaning "rising" and "dawn," and is meant to take the reader on a journey through the Advent season, with Fr. Joel as a guide. What is the origin of Oriens, and why should we even care about it or Advent? Isn't it enough to celebrate Christmas one day a year? Today, Fr. Joel will share his thoughts on why we would benefit from taking time with Advent and consider this season, and all of our Christian lives, to be an adventure on which we embark with Jesus and one another.  SHOW NOTES:  Sign up for the Oriens mailing list and join the 7 p.m. Sunday night Zoom here: https://pilgrimpriest.us/book Email Fr. Joel: [email protected] Oriens 2025: A Pilgrimage through Advent and Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Oriens-2025-Pilgrimage-Through-Christmas/dp/1639663495/ Father Joel's weekly homily podcast, "Pilgrim Priest:" https://pilgrimpriest.us/podcast   

Mary Flannery O'Connor was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist whose work is often described as "Southern Gothic," a style which has left many readers scratching their heads, as they come across her grotesque characters who are often in violent situations — none of which match the life of their author, a devout Catholic. "Flannery," as she was known, had begun making a major impact on the American literary landscape when she died in 1964 at 39 of the same disease that had taken her father just shy of her 16th birthday.   Our guests today, Karen Mahoney and Christina Brajkovich, co-authors with yours truly of a brand-new book, "Finding Flannery," will offer insight on this formidable wordsmith and why her impact is still felt today.   SHOW NOTES:  Finding Flannery testimonials and pre-order link: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/findingflannery/ Flannery O'Connor Institute for Humanities at Flannery's alma mater: https://www.gcsu.edu/oconnorinstitute Georgia State College and University information about Andalusia: https://www.gcsu.edu/andalusia/about The monastery where Thomas Merton lived and wrote (our first main stop): https://monks.org/ The life you save may be your own: An American Pilgrimage, by Paul Elie: https://a.co/d/fvLx9wg Roxane's Forum article comparing Charlie Kirk to Flannery: https://roxanesalonen.com/2025/10/19/living-faith-charlie-flannery-drew-large-startling-figures/ Karen's Substack: https://substack.com/@karenannemahoney Christina's Substack: https://substack.com/@christinabrajkovich Roxane's Substack: https://roxanesalonen.substack.com/  

Leah Libresco Sargeant describes herself as an author, speaker and, interestingly, instigator. She's written for such publications as "First Things," "The American Conservative," and "Commonweal," and has been a guest on CNN as well as at "Theology on Tap" events in multiple countries. Her interests include religion, statistics, and the theater. She grew up Jewish and atheist, and in 2012, converted to Christianity after many vigorous discussions and a thorough exploration of its claims. Currently, Leah works on family policy at a think tank in Washington, D.C., where she and her husband, Alexi, and their three young children reside.   SHOW NOTES: Leah's newest book: The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto: https://www.amazon.com/Dignity-Dependence-Feminist-Manifesto-Catholic/dp/0268210330 Leah's second book: Building The Benedict Option: A Guide to Gathering Two or Three Together in His Name: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Benedict-Option-Gathering-Together/dp/1621642178/ Leah's conversion story: Arriving at Amen: https://www.amazon.com/Arriving-Amen-Seven-Catholic-Prayers/ Leah's Substack, "Other Feminisms": https://www.otherfeminisms.com/ Leah's website: https://leahlibresco.com/  Leah's conversion story on video (2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kThUVIe704I Roxane's tribute to sidewalk advocate Lila Harmsen: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/salonen-well-done-good-and-faithful-servant-lila  

In this episode, we'll be introduced to the man who became known as "the Rosary priest," Father Patrick Peyton, by the priest helping advance his cause for canonization, Father David Marcham of Holy Cross Family Ministries. How did Father Peyton, a poor farmer's son from Ireland, end up in America? What was his impact here and elsewhere? And did he really coin the phrase, "The Family that prays together stays together?"    SHOW NOTES:  Website for Father Patrick Peyton: https://www.fatherpeyton.org/ Holy Cross Family Ministries page on Father Peyton Center in Easton, Mass: https://www.hcfm.org/peyton-center-project  "The Family that Prays Together Stay Together" book by Fr. Willy Raymond: https://www.amazon.com/Family-That-Prays-Together-Stays/dp/1646802551 "All for Her: The Autobiography of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.": https://a.co/d/cboYO8w "Pray" movie trailer (The story of Patrick Peyton): https://www.praythefilm.com/shop  

In this episode, Dr. Stacy Trasancos will discuss the premise for her latest book, "IVF is Not the Way," which tackles the topic of in vitro fertilization, or fertilization that takes place in a scientific laboratory, using the Church's age-old wisdom as a grounding place, and a logical, moral, philosophical approach to move through it thoughtfully.   SHOW NOTES:  IVF is Not the Way book: https://www.amazon.com/Ivf-Not-Way-Artificial-Procreation/dp/1644137984 Particles of Faith book: https://a.co/d/8G3lts5 Dr. Trasancos' website:  https://stacytrasancos.com/ "God & Elements" (Dr. Trasancos' Substack): https://stacytrasancos.substack.com/  "Donum Vitae" ("Instruction on Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation" issued on February 22, 1987): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19870222_respect-for-human-life_en.html "Dignitas Personae" ("The Dignity of the Human Person"): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20081208_dignitas-personae_en.html Roxane's email for book drawing (respond by Oct. 24, 2025 to enter):  [email protected]

 Ken Koehler has been speaking out on abortion locally for many years now, and prays regularly at our area's only abortion facility, where, on average, a classroom of babies die every week. A faithful Lutheran and longtime member of Lutherans for Life, Ken has been a powerful force in keeping this important topic before us, including as a frequent contributor to The Forum's "Letters to the Editor" section, where he broaches issues of life and morality in our day. In recent years, even while many claim that men shouldn't have an opinion when it comes to abortion, Ken has been steadfastly bringing a voice of gentleness and truth to the topic. Today, he will share his thoughts on the role men play in the ongoing abortion conversation, challenging the idea that men shouldn't speak up when it comes to the intentional ending of innocent human life.    SHOW NOTES: A few of the many Letters to the Editor to The Forum newspaper written by Ken Koehler: "Yes, let's talk about abortion": www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/letter-yes-lets-talk-about-abortion "Minnesota votes for death": www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/letter-minnesota-votes-for-death "Abortion is not healthcare": www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/letter-136  40 Days for Life: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/ Life Runners: https://www.liferunners.org/ Pro-life Action Ministries (offers training and support for our local sidewalk advocates): https://plam.org/ Additional area pro-life resources: Women's Care Centers: www.womenscarecenter.org    

In this episode, Emmy-award-winning journalist Monica Hannan, who is readying soon to complete a 45-year career as a television news anchor—37 of which happened at KFYR-TV in Bismarck, North Dakota—explores the topic of "surrender" in anticipation of her forthcoming book, "Surrender to Lead," which follows the journeys of 11 individuals who learned what surrendering their lives to God truly means and requires.   SHOW NOTES: The Dream Maker by Monica Hannan: https://www.atkinsoncenter.org/the-dream-maker-by-monica-hannan/ Gift of Death: A Message of Comfort and Hope by Monica Hannan: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Death-Message-Comfort-Hope/dp/0692745610 "When life doesn't go as planned" article about the retreat Monica will help lead Oct. 3 to 5, 2025, at the Maryvale Retreat Center in Valley City, North Dakota: https://fargodiocese.net/news/when-life-doesnt-go-as-planned To register for the "iSurrender: When Life Doesn't Go As Planned" retreat mentioned above: https://maryvalend.org/10-5-25-i-surrender Roxane's article on the Surrender Novena, "The beautiful truth of how I became a prayer snob": https://roxanesalonen.com/2019/06/20/the-beautiful-truth-of-how-i-became-a-prayer-snob-with-the-surrender-novena/  

Rose Sweet has been studying and teaching the temperament for decades now, and has finally brought her collected knowledge into a book delving into how our ascent to holiness can be affected by our temperament—for good or ill. Even if you've already assessed your personality type, you might not have given much thought to what this has to do with your personal sanctity, but for the serious seeker of the Kingdom, your very life—and death—could depend on how well you capitalize on your innate strengths for God's glory. Rose, a self-proclaimed Choleric-Sanguine, will lead us through this discussion in a fun, direct yet gentle way with plenty of hope for all personality types. SHOW NOTES: Rose Sweet's recently released, My Type of Holiness: Striving for Sainthood with the Temperament God Gave Me: https://www.amazon.com/My-Type-Holiness-Sainthood-Temperament/dp/1639662332 Website for Rose Sweet, Catholic author and coach: https://rosesweet.com/ Temperament quiz: https://www.temperamentquiz.com  

Today's guest, Todd Mickelson, is in his 13th year working with the Friends of Chimbote ministry, a faith-based organization dedicated to the men, women, and children living in the barrios of Chimbote, Peru, in extreme poverty. Currently the development director for the ministry, Todd will share about his brief encounter with Bishop Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo, while in Chimbote in December 2015, but even more, he'll lead us into the hearts of the Peruvian people he's met and come to appreciate, connecting us with our new pontiff's second homeland in South America and our local tie.   SHOW NOTES: Friends of Chimbote website: https://www.friendsofchimbote.org/ Roxane's article on Fargo connections to Pope Leo: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/locals-share-their-encounters-with-pope-leo-xiv Roxane's article on our interconnectedness to Pope Leo: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/pope-leo-kevin-bacon-and-you Todd's article on Bishop Folda's trip to Chimbote in February 2025: https://fargodiocese.net/news/mission-of-mercy Article on the three European priest martyrs who were beatified in December 2015 in Chimbote: https://www.ncregister.com/news/beatified-chimbote-martyrs  

Camille Harvey, my only sibling and near-Irish twin, has been my shadow buddy most of my life, either guiding me or supporting me in various ways. A trained musician and teacher, she gave up the classroom some years ago to start Bluebird Companion Care, a small business and ministry through which she connects with those in the west-central part of North Dakota who need a little assistance in their daily lives. When I think of Camille, the word "compassion" comes to mind. What is the source of the compassion she has displayed so well throughout her life, and what has been the main well-spring that keeps it fed?  SHOW NOTES: Camille Harvey's website: https://www.bluebirdcompanioncare.com/ Roxane Salonen's email for feedback: [email protected] Roxane's article on Monsignor Richter's keynote from 2014 event: https://roxanesalonen.com/2014/05/02/faith-family-fridays-cum-pati-and-st-giannas/

Melissa Perez and her husband, Mark, are presenters for marriage retreats under the auspices of a ministry, Adventures in Marriage, which pairs with Live the Life, an educational outreach that focuses on helping cultivate healthy relationships. Societies rise and fall with the family. When marriages are not strong, neither is society. But life is messy, and our stories complicate things. We bring baggage into marriage as fallen human beings. Today, Melissa will be with us to share her story and offer hope on how to turn a good marriage into an excellent one or help a failing marriage find new life.   SHOW NOTES: Live the Life organization for healthy relationships: https://www.livethelife.org/ Adventures in Marriage retreats: https://www.livethelife.org/adventuresinmarriage John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ Four animals personality test: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/4-animals-personality-test/ Undone Women's Retreat in Fargo, North Dakota (Nov. 20-22, 2025): https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/undone-womens-retreat-2025-fargo-nd/  

Cecile Smith was looking for signs of God's presence in so many places before she realized, to her great surprise, that he was exceedingly near—in her very garden! This season, in which we in the northern hemisphere, especially, are spending more time in our gardens or just enjoying the nature around us, can help put us in touch with the divine in a very palpable way. Today, Cecile Smith will help us discover, or rediscover, God's love through his creation, including in our own backyards or wherever we find natural beauty. SHOW NOTES: Cecile Smith's website: https://www.cecilesmith.com/ Cecile's email address to sign up for weekly inspirations: [email protected] Cecile on Facebook (search "Cecile Smith"): https://www.facebook.com/cecile.smith.77736 Etty Hillesum's book, "Interrupted Life," detailing her thoughts before and during her days at Auschwitz: https://www.amazon.com/Etty-Hillesum-Interrupted-1941-1943-Westerbork/dp/0805050876  

In 2018, Dottie Borowski traveled a road that most married people—nearly half—will face eventually when she became a widow. But rather than being met with only silence in the months and years following, Dottie experienced a series of spiritual events that convinced her of the reality of life after death. In today's episode, this faithful woman, whose vocation is prayer and service work, will step out into the deep, sharing of the experiences that convinced her that the idea of life beyond this one is not just myth, but reality. SHOW NOTES: Fr. Joel Sember's website with a link for Oriens Advent adventure, through which Dottie and I met: https://pilgrimpriest.us/ Information on the Rosary here: https://www.rosary.com/blogs/blog/mysteries-of-the-rosary Catholic Answers article on the Church's teaching about private revelation: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/twelve-things-to-know-about-private-revelations  

Rev. Dr. Patrick Lovejoy, a Lutheran pastor, husband and father, tends his flock through preaching, spiritual direction and counseling. In recent years, he's also been called to address whether our genders are fixed or malleable, and has come away with a determined answer on the topic based in both science and theology. With a doctorate in marriage and family counseling, Lovejoy will lead us through the facts and fiction of this modern dilemma in a way that should inspire people of faith and goodwill to meet the critical needs of those who struggle with gender identity with compassion and truth.   SHOW NOTES:  Rev. Dr. Patrick Lovejoy's full presentation, "Unapologetically Female: Reclaiming what it means to be a woman" Debra Soh's book, The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity in Our Society  John Colapinto's book detailing the tragic story of David Reimer: As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl Roxane's "Living Faith" article, "Has trans ideology silenced our intuitions?  New York Post article on detransitioner Prish Mosley, who was mentioned but not by name within the episode: "Detransitioner describes agony of pregnancy after changing gender as a teen: 'Makes me feel like a monster'" Video (11 mins.): "Prisha Mosley: A Detransitioner's Pregnancy" Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY6s_wIDUaU Post on X mentioned within podcast: https://x.com/ppc4liberty/status/1929720809402388938?s=46  

What is fidelity? Going with the simplest dictionary definition, it is "faithfulness to obligations, duties, or observances." Dr. Robert P. George, a professor at Princeton University, will add depth to that definition while sharing why he initiated a movement a couple years ago designating the month of June as Fidelity Month. Among his qualifications, Dr. George holds Princeton's celebrated McCormick Professorship of Jurisprudence, is the founder and director of the university's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, and serves on several boards related to civil rights and religious freedom.  SHOW NOTES:  Fidelity Month website: https://fidelitymonth.com/ Dr. Robert P. George's website: https://robertpgeorge.com/ Dr. George's latest co-authored book, "Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division," with Cornel West: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Matters-Dialogue-Fruitful-Disagreement/dp/B0DBR1PYWL More of Dr. George's work: https://contemporarythinkers.org/robert-george/  

Patrick Lehe, a cradle Catholic and screenwriter from rural Indiana, currently living in Los Angeles, will share his struggles with same-sex attraction as a man of faith, focusing on living counter-culturally with a zeal for reviving God's truth in American society.   SHOW NOTES:  Patrick's article in Busted Halo, "How I found my vocation to the single life as a gay man": https://bustedhalo.com/life-culture/how-i-found-my-vocation-to-the-single-life-as-a-gay-man "Desire of the Everlasting Hills" documentary: https://everlastinghills.org/ "The Third Way" documentary: https://everlastinghills.org/  "Catechism of the Catholic Church" on homosexuality and chastity: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=6181 Michael Gasparro, a marriage and family therapist and friend of Patrick's, discusses, "The Cause Of Same-Sex Attraction" with Live Action's Lila Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C103HB8jfdY Journalists Patrick mentioned who helped normalize the words "homosexual" and "heterosexual": Karl Ulrichs and Karl-Marie Kertbeny  Patrick's "Witness" blog post: https://www.patrickjlehe.com/witness  

Description (written): Bishop John Folda of the Fargo Diocese was the first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Francis. With the pope's recent death, it seemed fitting to hear from his first appointee from our country about that honor, as well as their crossings since. Along with that, Bishop Folda will offer some insight on the papacy itself and his hopes for the future of the Christian church.    SHOW NOTES:  News story from May 1, 2025, on Bishop Folda as first U.S.-appointed bishop by Pope Francis: https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/05/01/fargo-bishop-was-first-appointed-us-bishop-under-pope-francis-back-2013/ Bishop John Folda marks 10 years as Bishop of Fargo (Article in New Earth, publication of the Diocese of Fargo): https://fargodiocese.net/news/bishop-john-folda-marks-10-years-as-bishop-of-fargo Roxane's column for The Forum newspaper: "Pope Francis' life and death impact us all": https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/salonen-pope-francis-life-and-death-impact-us-all Comments to: [email protected]  

Allison Gingras' book, "Encountering Signs of Faith," shares the remarkable adoption of her profoundly deaf daughter and how she taught her the faith through the Church's sacramentals and devotions. Along with being a mother, Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary and Catholic Mom; she co-hosts the Family Rosary presents Through the Mysteries podcast.   SHOW NOTES: Allison's book about mothering her adopted daughter, "Encountering Signs of Faith": https://a.co/d/55USpMQ Allison's newest book, "Jesus Heals": https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Heals-Wholeness-Connected-Journals/dp/1639662030 Allison's website: https://reconciledtoyou.com/.  Information on a saint Allison mentions, St. Gemma Galgani: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=225  

Monsignor Thomas Richter was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis in 2015. During that year, he traveled to various places throughout the United States to share the Good News of God's mercy for his people. Now, in 2025, a Jubilee Year dedicated to hope, it seems all the more necessary for people of faith to grasp mercy. In this episode, Monsignor Richter, currently serving the Bismarck Diocese as a pastor in Dickinson, North Dakota, will share what he's learned of mercy during his life, and how it connects with the Easter season in which we find ourselves.    SHOW NOTES:   Missionaries of Mercy website: https://missionariesofmercyusa.org/ "It is mercy I desire" talk from 2016: https://archive.org/details/It_Is_Mercy_That_I_Desire_-_Monsignor_Thomas_Richter_at_OLP_in_Marshfield_WI Presentation on how to receive the mercy of God in five steps, for 2016 Thirst conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luo5qeJkKfI Prime Matters publication featuring some of Monsignor Richter's speaking: https://primematters.com/contributors/msgr-thomas-j-richter Explanation of the Year of Mercy: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/33084/the-year-of-mercy-whats-it-all-about Sherry A. Weddell's, "Forming Intentional Disciples," as mentioned by Monsignor Richter: https://a.co/d/7l6AlA9 "Do you pray like a pagan?" (Roxane's "Living Faith" column based on a talk by Monsignor Richter): https://roxanesalonen.com/2021/11/12/do-you-pray-like-a-pagan/  

Brayden Drevlow has been all over the world to bring music to faraway places. A concert pianist and adventure traveler from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, he's known for "putting the X in extreme," through "chasing adventure, pushing the comfort zone, and never allowing dreams to go unpursued," as conveyed on his website. What drives his adventurous spirit? What has he learned along the way? And as one who has played before audiences all over the world in all kinds of conditions, what can he reveal about our question of the day: "Is music necessary for survival?"    SHOW NOTES: SPECIAL EVENT: Brayden will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the AAHS Performing Arts Center in Alexandria, Minnesota. Tickets available through Cherry Street Books, CentralLakesSymphony.org (adults, $20; students, $5). Brayden's website: https://www.braydendrevlow.com/ Brayden's welcome: https://youtu.be/SDxoytJaNFg Update from Turkey: https://youtu.be/UuZZ1bwJBiY Update from Ukraine: https://youtu.be/n16D42ZW7tM  

Tim Mosser works for the Diocese of Fargo in education and formation, serving also as the Respect Life Officer director. He's a husband and father, composer and musician, speaker and radio host, and currently in formation to become a deacon. Above all, this multi-faceted man is a child of God.   Today, Tim will expound on a discussion we started a couple of weeks ago, using Pope John Paul II's teaching on human life, Theology of the Body, as a building block to discuss whether reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are moral.   SHOW NOTES:    First episode with Tim Mosser: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/does-the-church-hate-sex St. John Paul VI Institute for NaPro Technology, founded by Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers: https://saintpaulvi.com/ "Our babies have barcodes" (see video within the article): https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/our-babies-have-barcodes-the-moral-problems-with-ivf-and-surrogacy/ Another "Our babies have barcodes" video reference (begins at 7:38): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfoHOhlV70M https://timmosser.com/  

Ramona Trevino, campaign outreach director for 40 Days for Life national, resides in the Dallas, Texas, area with her family. The border crisis, currently at the forefront of our nation's collective consciousness, cannot help but touch her, a Mexican American, personally. Through her strongly pro-life lens and heritage, Ramona is well-poised to offer a valuable and fairly unique perspective on this topic. Is supporting illegal immigration pro-life? Ramona will help us ponder that question today.   Show notes:    Earlier episode introducing Ramona: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/is-the-churchs-stance-on-birth-control-out-of-touch  

Tim Mosser works for the Diocese of Fargo in education and formation, serving also as the Respect Life Officer director. He's a husband and father, composer and musician, speaker and radio host, and currently in formation to become a deacon. Above all, this multi-faceted man is a child of God. In this episode, Tim will share the blueprint God has given us for human flourishing, including in the realm of sexuality, leading us to the answer of whether the Church actually hates sex as much as the world sometimes believes it does.   SHOW NOTES:  https://timmosser.com/ Pope Paul VI's teaching on human life, Humane Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html  

Mike Little, executive director for Jail Chaplains ministry in Fargo, North Dakota, since March 2023, has said his heart has been transformed by working with the incarcerated, noting that we're all bound by strongholds that need the healing touch of Jesus. He further affirms that we can learn much about God's love through being close to those who've experienced brokenness in key relationships at some point in their lives, as many incarcerated have. In this episode, Mike will share more about this ministry and how it has made him more tender toward those who have wandered from God, and why they are just as dear to our Lord as anyone.   SHOW NOTES: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/trading-in-the-box-of-addiction-for-christs-love https://www.jailchaplains.com/

Colleen Scariano believes in the body-soul connection and that our lives work better when the two are in alignment. This belief formed the base of the ministry she co-founded, SoulCore, a global, integrated health ministry that integrates prayer with core strengthening, stretching, and functional movements to nourish body and soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues. Grounded in monotheism, SoulCore employs Christian meditation and encourages "filling" the mind and soul with the life, virtues, and Word of Christ. In today's episode, we'll talk to Colleen about how SoulCore started and learn about her faith journey, including how some of the wounds in her life have been some of the greatest catalysts for God's healing work.    SHOW NOTES:  https://soulcore.com

This week's guest, Todd Charette, came to me through Facebook. First, I noticed his funny, and often endearing, posts, which brought daily refreshment rather than conflict. As the algorithms had their way, I saw more of these posts, and eventually, we got into an actual conversation. I learned that Todd Charette had a neurodivergent brain around the time our family had discovered neurodiversity within our gene pool. Because I was doing a deep dive on the topic, I viewed Todd's real-life experiences regarding this challenge—or "superpower"—with a heightened sense of curiosity.I wanted to learn more so I could better understand those I love who had been confronting an ADD or ADHD diagnosis in particular. Because neurodiversity can be a challenging diagnosis with many misunderstandings in the general culture, I knew Todd's vantage point would be helpful to others. Most of all, I'm interested in hearing how he uses this gift to advance the kingdom of God in his own life, and how he imagines the Father gazing upon him as his beloved child.   SHOW NOTES:  "Flame of Faith church bestowed Streams of Justice Award for work with neurodiverse" article by Roxane Salonen (The Forum newspaper) "Driven by Love: Mothers on a Mission Ensure the Neurodiverse Are Counted Among Christ's Flock" article by Roxane Salonen (National Catholic Register) "It's time for the church to make room for neurodivergent people" article featuring Fr. Matthew Schneider Autistic Catholics online support group Todd Charette's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070431997264 and Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/tcc1212/ Raymond Arroyo's interview on Thomas Edison's life of brilliant neurodivergence  

Shortly after the election in November, a meme began floating around social media: "To think that God ordained a filthy-minded, adulterous, wealthy man with evil in his heart to preside over a nation challenges my self-righteous understanding. But He did, and that sinful man by grace gave us the Psalms. #KingDavid." Not surprisingly, the reaction was divided. But truth resides at the heart of these words. To misunderstand that politicians are human and flawed is to misunderstand human nature itself. John Trandem, a lifelong Fargoan who has been involved in North Dakota politics as a Republican, along with being a business owner, husband, father, and committed Lutheran, understands the limits of our humanity, including when it crosses over into such spheres as politics. John will offer his thoughts today on the flawed state of humanity, and whether Donald Trump, whom he's met on several occasions, is too flawed to lead our country through its current troubles. 

In December 2021, Rob Port of the "Plain Talk" podcast invited Devlyn Brooks, a Lutheran pastor and fellow journalist, and I on his show to talk about religion. An avowed non-believer, Rob wanted to hear our thoughts about the reported declines in religious adherents, and Pastor Brooks and I gave it our best shot. That show ended up being the most popular of the year among "Plain Talk" listeners. It also renewed my thoughts about possibly starting a podcast myself. When I launched "Matters of Soul Importance" in January 2024, Pastor Brooks was my first guest, sharing whether Jesus and journalism can co-exist. That episode prompted a desire to get our original trio back together, around Christmas time again, to dive into who Jesus is to each of us. I'm pleased it worked to have this discourse regarding this important, albeit controversial, figure from three different perspectives. SHOW NOTES: Plain Talk, Episode #273 (Dec. 2021): Is America's Religious Decline Good or Bad? https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KO0mX0VTHxU1J1VaCuo3j Roxane's "Living Faith" Forum column that followed: https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/salonen-does-faith-mean-loss-of-freedom Pastor Brooks' website: Findingfaithin.com Churches United for the Homeless website: https://www.churches-united.org/  

Kerri Bishop was pregnant with her fifth child when she found herself in an unimagined, unwanted situation: tasting the bitterness of divorce. For a moment or two, Kerri turned her feelings of abandonment against her faith, until she realized that God and the Church weren't to blame. God was her savior and her faith, the anchor she would need to move through the next year's whole. Kerri's journey through divorce and to the other side has given her a heart for others who have been abandoned and are tempted to give up on, or never even seek, God, accompanying them through the challenges of finding their purpose in this world, and often, their place in the pews, despite the challenges that will inevitably come. SHOW NOTES:  Kerri's website: https://www.singlemomsmiling.com/ Kerri's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/single-mom-smiling-mindset-strategies-for-single-moms/id1745819514 Life coaching through Kerri: https://www.singlemomsmiling.com/contact/coaching/  

Angela Copenhaver, founder of We Teach Think and Human from Day One, once considered herself staunchly pro-choice. After reversing her position, she founded a non-profit organization in Lincoln, Nebraska, Human from Day One. She now speaks regularly on the dignity of human life. Science is on our side, she asserts, offering facts and truths in a manner that invites engagement.  Today, we'll ask Angela to help us sort through what lives in the womb of a pregnant woman. Is it a parasite, an alien, or a human? How we answer that question makes all the difference in the conversation regarding abortion and whether it's a just response in a civilized society.  SHOW NOTES: Human from Day One website: https://www.humanfromdayone.com/ Angela's email for speaking invitations: [email protected] "We Teach Think" app on Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/we-teach-think/id6450483394 "We Teach Think" app on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.pushpay.weteachthink New animated message on We Teach Think app: https://player.vimeo.com/video/983583348   

Dr. John Sottosanti was successful in the world's eyes. He had a lovely wife, two children, a beautiful home in California with an ocean view, and a career that had catapulted him to the top of his industry, and into spheres that only a top percentage of people penetrate. But was he happy? In his memoir, "Mortal Adhesions: A Surgeon Battles the Deadly Sins to Find Faith, Happiness and Inner Peace," Sottosanti recounts his motivations and missteps through a life of focusing on self, and how it nearly led him down a path of eternal destruction. Can religion make us happier? For years, he didn't believe it could, but in this conversation, he'll share what happened to cause a change in his heart and life.  SHOW NOTES: "Mortal Adhesions" book: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Adhesions-Surgeon-Battles-Happiness/dp/1666774464 Interview with the Eternal World Television Network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTf_SaZr4UM Interview with "At Home with Jim and Joy" TV Show: Part 1: https://bit.ly/3VAOBdB; Part 2: https://bit.ly/3vCPRlC Dr. Sottosanti's website: https://mortaladhesions.com/ Worldwide Marriage Encounter: https://wwme.org/ National Cursillo website: https://www.natl-cursillo.org/  

Michelle Duppong, a woman from western North Dakota, died on Christmas 2015 at age 31 after a harrowing journey with cancer. As Michelle suffered, her devoted family began to notice the extraordinary ways she carried that cross, evidenced in part by the medical personnel who were drawn to her while in the hospital. The Duppong family soon came to know that the wider Church had been noticing her extraordinary qualities, too, and in June of 2022, they received word that Michelle, a woman of humble countenance and beginnings, was being investigated for one of the Church's greatest anointings: canonization. On November 2022, at a special Mass, Bishop Kagan of the Bismarck Diocese declared Michelle a Servant of God, prompting the first step in the canonization process, involving extensive investigation surrounding the person's life to prove the depth of their demonstration of heroic virtue. There's a lot to unpack here about the Church's understanding of what makes a saint, praying to the dead, and other matters of life and death. Lisa Gray, one of Michelle's sisters, has been pulled into this conversation in a personal way, but is her sister Michelle a saint? Lisa will weigh in on her sister's virtues as we celebrate All Saints Day. SHOW NOTES: Roxane's article for The Forum on Michelle from her siblings' perspectives: https://roxanesalonen.com/2022/09/04/faith-conversations-north-dakota-siblings-reflect-on-saintly-sister-michelle/ Roxane's article for The Forum on the Mass initiating canonization process: https://roxanesalonen.com/2022/11/27/faith-conversations-servant-of-god-title-bestowed-on-michelle-duppong-at-cathedral-mass-initiating-the-canonization-process/ In Michelle's own words: "Abide in Christ": https://www.mixcloud.com/BismarckDiocese/talk-1-abide-in-christ/ Opening cause for canonization Mass for Michelle, Nov. 1, 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyajoROYd2o Article on the process of becoming a saint: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/how-does-a-person-become-a-canonized-saint Article on praying to the "dead": https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252694/why-do-catholics-pray-for-the-dead-and-other-questions-about-purgatory-answered What is FOCUS? (Fellowship of Catholic University Students): https://focus.org/

Fr. Vincent Druding, a priest in the Archdiocese of New York, is well-versed in the realities of the spiritual world. As a trained exorcist who leads a deliverance and liberation ministry, Fr. Druding is especially equipped to answer the questions we pose today, just ahead of Halloween. With the growing prevalence of the minimization of sin and its effects, disregard of the devil's existence, and skepticism over whether hell is real or just a scare tactic of Christians, our need to understand the spiritual world in reality is great. Along with sharing a few stories of his participation in freeing souls weighed down by demonic possession and oppression, Father also reveals an action we can all take that is more powerful than exorcism, bringing balance and hope to an otherwise frightening subject. His story of conversion and finding his life's purpose will undoubtedly inspire even the doubters.   SHOW NOTES: Article on Fr. Druding's draw to the priesthood: https://www.cny.org/stories/911-experiences-pointed-three-men-to-priestly-vocation-,6040 Baccalaureate speech on Fr. Druding's conversion: https://blog.wabash.edu/magazine/2016/09/28/a-light-that-cannot-be-hidden-by-fr-vince-druding/ Demonic Abortion: A Sobering Commentary on the Satanic Nature of the Modern Abortion Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Demonic-Abortion-Sobering-Commentary-Industry/dp/1559220627 Sisters of Life order and ministry: https://sistersoflife.org/ Article, "A Witness to Love," by Fr. Druding's sister Colleen: https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2012/01/19/a-witness-to-love Fr. Druding on Integrity Restored podcast: https://integrityrestored.com/ep165/ Articles on Fr. Druding's newly developing Franciscan order, Sisters of the Pure Heart: https://thetablet.org/new-religious-community-aims-to-be-spiritual-mothers-to-spiritual-orphans/ and https://holycrossbronx.com/franciscan-sisters-of-the-pure-heart

When Ramona Trevino accepted a job to manage a Planned Parenthood clinic, she thought she would be helping girls and women live lives of abundant freedom through the promise of choice. But in time, the truth became evident, and she experienced a dramatic conversion of both faith and life, leading her out of the abortion industry and eventually to speaking out on life issues nationally. Ramona's message challenges us to consider how contraception has become a gateway to abortion, insisting that we can't have an honest discussion about abortion without recognizing contraception's contributing role; a role that has often been unacknowledged or ignored, to the great detriment of society. Ramona brings the experience of her own unplanned pregnancy and surviving abuse, as well as the joys of following God's plan for an openness to life, into her work spreading a message of hope. ● The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/seasons-and-feast-days/our-lady-of- guadalupe-21357 ● Pope Paul VI's encyclical on human life, Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p- vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html ● Ramona's memoir, "Redeemed by Grace: A Catholic Woman's Journey to Planned Parenthood and Back": https://a.co/d/e1hZz9q ● 40 Days for Life website: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/ ● "What is Natural Family Planning?" article (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops): https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family- planning/what-natural-family-planning

Bree Solstad, or, as she refers to herself on X, "Miss B Converted," describes herself as a former porn actress and producer whose life was transformed dramatically after a trip to Europe. While overseas, Bree was unexpectantly wooed away from the porn industry by a woman of whom Bree had little knowledge before the encounter. How did Bree, who grew up in a Christian home, find herself on a wayward path in the first place, and who was the mysterious woman who convinced her of a better life; one not devoid of a moral compass and haunted by past sins, but into a future that has been redeemed by grace? She'll discuss this and more in today's interview. More: Bree's custom Rosaries on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/bree_solstad_rosary Catholic News Agency piece on Bree's conversion at the Easter Vigil 2024: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257362/former-porn-actress-bree-solstad-embraces-catholic-faith-after-trip-to-italy-that-changed-her-life EDIFY's interview with Bree: https://youtu.be/wZWWeVHCu7w?si=JQOq7cjUpClkKKGa Jason Evert's interview with Bree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKxjxHFYgG0 Interview with Dr. Brant Pitre on his book, "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary": https://youtu.be/jmii0zRKP5A?si=ShXs1Hda8fAIPb5M  

In this episode, Dr. Stacy Trasancos will discuss the difference between science and what some have dubbed "scientism," and why it even matters. Dr. Trasancos brings with her discussions advanced degrees in chemistry, dogmatic theology, and systematic philosophy, as well as her work as an educator, speaker, author and mother committed to the intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church. Dr. Trasancos hasn't always been Catholic. She grew up evangelical, and eventually left her faith for a time, fully dedicating her energies to the pursuit of science. But when that pursuit left her empty, Dr. Trasancos eventually found her way back into a life of grace. Now, she's able to bring both her intellectual curiosity and training and her experiences with a vibrant faith life into discussions, merging these disciplines in a way that is rarely found in one place in our times. SHOW NOTES:  Particles of Faith book: https://a.co/d/8G3lts5 Dr. Trasancos' website:  https://stacytrasancos.com/ God & Elements (Dr. Trasancos' Substack): https://stacytrasancos.substack.com/ Roxane's "Faith Conversations" article on Dr. Transancos' Fargo visit: https://roxanesalonen.com/2022/03/27/faith-conversations-chemist-calls-science-the-study-of-gods-handiwork/

Max and Micah Fischer, a Christian couple in their mid-20s, are a contrasting witness to these times in which studies show young people falling away from the Christian faith at lightning speed. Even as pews that previously were occupied by younger families are emptying, more young couples are also forgoing having children, not to mention marriage. Despite this marked shift in society, however, not all young people have determined God to be dead. Some, like the Fischers, have discovered a life-giving raft in the midst of a tumultuous cultural storm. But it hasn't always been easy. In this episode, Max and Micah converse about everything from abortion to the culture's current obsession with the devil. As they discuss some of the pitfalls of their generation, and the freedoms they've discovered through cultivating a life steeped in Christian truths, they offer hopeful insight on whether this ship can be turned around before hitting the iceberg ahead.  SHOW NOTES:  Northview website: https://www.northview.life/ Cameron Bolton news stories:  https://www.inforum.com/changing-lives-one-rock-at-a-time-family-honors-cameron-boltons-life-with-rock-campaign https://www.inforum.com/newsmd/video-family-friends-remember-cameron-bolton-during-flag-raising-ceremony-at-fargos-sanford-hospital https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/crash-that-killed-22-year-old-fargo-man-prompts-criminal-charge  

Katie Bruckbauer grew up in a large, faith-filled family on a farm outside of Casselton, North Dakota. As a child, she loved to dance, and later, sought ways to bring her athletic and musical abilities together. She studied modern dance and creative movement, eventually working for a studio, and then owning it with two others in the Fargo-Moorhead area under the name 8th Street Studio of Dance. In all, she contributed her talents to that work for three decades. Katie has recently rediscovered how vital dancing is to her physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, along with realizing how writing poetry can be a healing avenue to many of life's challenges. Show notes:  Katie's stage performance of her "Two Birds" poem, November 2023 in Fargo, North Dakota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6r4lYGjs9Q&t=240s Katie's Word Dances website: https://www.worddances.com/ Katie's book, "Time to Soar: Word Dances and Bird Songs for Every Season"