The Gesture of Pilgrimage

4/18/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter explores the meaning of conversion and pilgrimage with Jon Marc Grodi and Brad Bursa.

Pope Benedict’s Underappreciated Contribution to the Church

4/17/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter celebrates the (belated) birthday of Benedict XVI with Louise Merrie and Matthew Ramage.

How Do We Know We Can Trust the Gospels?

4/16/2024

What do American universities teach about American history? Donald Critchlow joins us, and Lydia McGrew explains why we can trust the Gospels.

Israel’s Tabernacle

4/15/2024

Gary Anderson explains the importance of the Tabernacle to our faith today and Daniel Markham takes us on a trip to celebrate Mass in all 50 states.

Around the Table: A Firsthand Account of the Eucharist

4/12/2024

Peggy Stanton joins us for our weekly look at the Gospel and Scott Hurd gives us a vision of Jesus’ life through the eyes of the Apostles.

The Faith of the Next Generation

4/11/2024

Guest Host Pete Burak and Brendan Hodge look at the latest numbers about the loss of religion in our youth, and Tom Nash joins us to discuss the Biblical basis for the Church.

Six Catholic Scientists you Might Not Know

4/10/2024

Guest Host Pat Oedy-Murray and Michael New look at the latest pro-life news. Also, Joseph Pearce introduces us to forgotten Catholic scientists and Auguste Meyrat looks at what is missing in Elon Musk’s life.

What does ‘Dignitas Infinita’ say about Human Dignity?

4/9/2024

Guest Host Matthew Bunson and Fr. Thomas Petri take a deep dive into the Vatican’s new DDF document and what it says about human dignity.

Feast of the Annunciation

4/8/2024

Al celebrates the feast of the Annunciation and David Zahl discusses how secular substitutes for religion leave us unsatisfied.

Divine Mercy or Divine Justice?

4/5/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter and Wes Smith discuss new developments in assisted suicide laws, and Michael Dauphinais examines what Aquinas has to say about Divine Mercy and Divine Justice.

Pope Francis and the 2005 Conclave

4/4/2024

Pope Francis said he was “used” in the 2005 conclave in an effort to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, though he supported the candidacy of the man who soon became Pope Benedict XVI. Matthew Bunson has more.

What is a “Rainbow Synodal” Church?

4/3/2024

Why is a leading Cardinal calling for a “Rainbow Synodal Church?” We talk with Peter Herbeck.

The Everlasting Man: Understanding Chesterton’s Timeless Masterpiece

4/2/2024

Fr. Michael Duffy delivered the homily on Holy Saturday for Police Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty. He joins us. Also, Dale Ahlquist takes us on a journey through Chesterton’s Everlasting Man.

What Form did Christ’s Resurrected Body Take?

4/1/2024

What are some heterodox positions that are challenging the historic teaching on the nature of Christ’s Resurrection body? We explore it with Dr. Jim Ware.

A “Rainbow” Synod?

3/27/2024

Why did a prominent Cardinal say he imagines the Church as a rainbow? We talk with Matthew Bunson, and Lucas Webber explains why he predicted an ISIS attack on Russia nearly a year ago.

Distinctly Catholic

3/26/2024

Sean Forrest updates us on the chaos in Haiti and Ken Craycraft discusses how to be ‘distinctly Catholic’ in a polarized political world.

A Daily Defense: Holy Week Edition

3/25/2024

Sandra Miesel gives us a look at the history of crucifixion art and Jimmy Akin helps us respond to Holy Week doubters.

Kresta in the Afternoon - Friday

3/22/2024

Jesse Romero shares how encounters with the Occult as a cop in LA helped him find his way back to the Church + Al discusses the meaning of holiness in marriage and Kyle Greenwood helps us interpret Genesis

Kresta in the Afternoon - Thursday

3/21/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter and JD Flynn discuss World Down Sydrome Day as JD shares his experience raising two kids with Down syndrome, and Peggy Stanton looks ahead to the Gospel readings for Palm Sunday. + Marcus and Mark Giszczak take a deep dive into the book of the Wisdom of Solomon

Kresta in the Afternoon Wednesday

3/20/2024

Monica Miller walks us through the theology and symbolism of Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ + When Jesus was born, the events of Holy Week were still in His future – he was yet to fully “become” Jesus. We examine what this means with Fr. Thomas Weinandy.

Kresta in the Afternoon - Tuesday

3/19/2024

Guest host Matthew Bunson and Shannon Mullen discuss the latest Church news and Nathan Schlueter invites you to a men’s conference this weekend in Plymouth, MI. + Celebrating the Feast of St Joseph with Mike Aquilina and Andrea Piciotto-Bayer has the details on a new federal regulation’s effects on faith-based organization

Meet St Nicholas Owen & Ed Sri's Tips for Praying the Stations

3/18/2024

Hr 1: Meet St. Nicholas Owen, Builder of Secret Hiding Places for Priests Hr 2: Ed Sri has tips for praying the Stations of the Cross and Gerard Verschuuren helps us answer the moral questions of our time.

Pope Francis calls for “Study Groups”

3/15/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter and Matthew Bunson discuss Pope Francis’ plan to form “Study Groups” to prepare for the next phase of the Synod.

How I Hit a Grand Slam for God

3/14/2024

When Fr. Burke Masters was a kid, he dreamed of playing professional baseball. Now he’s hit a grand slam for God. He shares the story.

The Sacrament of the Possible

3/13/2024

Bishop Andrew Cozzens continues our buildup to the National Eucharistic Congress and Jenny Martin shares how beauty drew her into the Church.

A Church Built on Scripture

3/12/2024

We look at the Biblical foundations of the Church with Tom Nash.

The Birds, the Temple, and the Pilgrims

3/11/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter and Steve Ray discuss the meaning of sparrows in the Jewish temple, and we look at GK Chesterton’s use of literature for apologetics with Ralph Wood.

Transgenderism and the End of the Sacramental Order

3/8/2024

Monica Miller discusses transgenderism and the end of the sacramental order and James Patterson gives us his take on how the American electorate has changed since the election of Donald Trump.

Church News

3/7/2024

An anonymous “Cardinal Demos” has published a critique of Pope Francis. Matthew Bunson tells us the details on this and other church news.

Science in the Catholic Tradition

3/6/2024

Dean John Czarnetzky of Ave Maria School of Law weighs in on the Supreme Court’s ruling that keeps Donald Trump on the primary ballot, and Stephen Barr looks at the history of Science and the Catholic tradition.

Understand and Overcome Satan's Attacks

3/5/2024

Fr. Anthony Pinizzotto discusses pastoral approaches to addiction.

Relearning the Moral Life

3/4/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter discusses self-immolation and martyrdom with Andrew Petitprin and David Deane joins us to discuss the West’s rejection of the Moral life.

The Letter to the Hebrews and Our Faith

3/1/2024

We discuss the Book of Hebrews with Shane Kapler, and Teresa Tomeo invites you to join her for an unforgettable trip to Italy.

Did the Mafia Try to Poison an Italian Priest?

2/29/2024

Did the Mafia just try to poison an Italian priest? Matthew Bunson joins us with more on this and other Church news.

Building Bridges between Christians and Jews

2/28/2024

Stephen Nix has the latest on the murder of Alexi Navalny and Jonathan Feldstein visits from Israel to discuss the Hamas attack and how he is helping to build bridges between Christians and Jews.

Is Catholic Sexual Morality Infallible?

2/27/2024

Why do some theologians say there are no infallible moral teachings? Robert Fastiggi joins us.

Gospel of the Old Testament

2/26/2024

Why do we call Isaiah the Gospel of the Old Testament? Fr. Mitch Pacwa joins us.

Church News

2/23/2024

Why did four Mexican bishops meet with organized crime bosses? Matthew Bunson joins us with this and other Church news.

Karl Marx and the Birth of the Communist Manifesto

2/22/2024

The Communist Manifesto was published on February 21, 1848. We look at its origins and legacy with Paul Kengor.

Sharing the Faith, One Person at a Time

2/21/2024

Karen Edmisten joins us with the evangelization tools that brought her from atheism and how she uses them today. Fr Rob Galea shares his journey from darkness and despair to Hope.

What I Saw as the Ambassador to the Vatican

2/20/2024

Aaron Rothstein explains the academic world’s “covert persecution” of Israel and former Holy See Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon shares stories from her years of work with the Vatican.

A Day in the Life of the Holy Family

2/19/2024

Steve Ray walks us through a day in the life of the Holy Family.

Why You Should Get Married

2/16/2024

Guest Host Pat Oedy-Murray and Phil Campbell discuss the Catholic concept of guilt and Brad Wilcox discusses what the data says about the social benefits of marriage.

Will the Germans Defy Pope Francis?

2/15/2024

The German Bishops are meeting next week. Will they move forward with their Synodal Council, in defiance of the Vatican? Matthew Bunson joins us.

Lent is Upon Us Again

2/14/2024

Al kicks off Lent with a special extended commentary on the Ash Wednesday readings.

Israel’s Tabernacle

2/13/2024

Why do some people claim Michelangelo’s Creation of Man is a sign of White Supremacy? Al discusses, and Gary Anderson explains the importance of the Tabernacle narrative.

The Key to Raising Catholic Kids

2/12/2024

How do we know we can trust the Gospels? Lydia McGrew joins us, and Greg Popcak shares a new study that looks into how families raise Catholic kids into Catholic adults.

Who was Anne Catherine Emmerich?

2/9/2024

A journal has retracted three studies showing risks of chemical abortions. Michael New responds, and Scott Smith looks at the life of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.

The Latest Church News

2/8/2024

Matthew Bunson joins us to review the latest Church news, including what Pope Francis most recently said about Fiducia Supplicans.

What is Papal Infallibility?

2/7/2024

Daniel Markham attended Mass in every state in the country. He shares his journey with us. Also, Al looks at the life of Blessed Pius IX, and we discuss the consequences of nationalized assisted suicide with Wes Smith.

The Church's Teaching on Hell

2/6/2024

Dr. Elizabeth Spalding discusses the legacy of Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag Archipelago and we look at the Church’s teaching on Hell with Dr. Daniel Lendman.

Woodrow Wilson's Moral Force of Ideas

2/5/2024

It’s been 100 years since the death of Woodrow Wilson. We discuss his moral force of ideas with Patricia O’Toole.

The Saints of February

2/1/2024

What does federal fishing legislation have to do with religious liberty? Andrea Picciotti-Bayer joins guest host Matthew Bunson. Kris McGregor introduces us to the saints of February.

The Church Is Not Ruled by a Plebiscite

1/31/2024

Guest host Patricia Oedy-Murray talks with Mike Sullivan about an exciting new approach to Catholic education, and James Day looks at the history of the olive tree as a symbol of peace. Michael New discusses an upcoming abortion battle at the Supreme Court, and Carl Trueman looks at the issue of Christians attending same-sex weddings.

Education and Freedom

1/30/2024

Guest Host Pete Burak discusses awakening the warrior spirit with Sean Breeden and David Deavel looks at the life of St Thomas Aquinas. Brett Powell explores the meaning of Spirit-filled leadership, and Edmund Miller discusses the purpose of education.

Conscience before Conformity

1/29/2024

Paul Shrimpton tells the story of the White Rose resistance to the Nazis. Cynthia Scodova shares how the gift of motherhood led her to the Church.

The Gospel and Justification

1/26/2024

Guest host Gary Michuta and Benjamin Handelman discuss the meaning of Justification. Rob Corzine discusses martyrdom and St Polycarp.

What is Holiness in Marriage?

1/25/2024

Peggy Stanton prepares us for this Sunday’s Gospel – the cleansing of the man with unclean spirits. Matthew Bunson joins us for a roundup of Church News, including comments by Pope Francis on the issues of Artificial Intelligence.

Fishers of Men

1/24/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter discusses the good news and bad news about Catholic Schools with Kevin Murphy, and Greg Lukianoff gives us a solution to the problems of Cancel Culture. We celebrate the Feast of Francis de Sales with David Bonagura, and Jeff Kassab looks at Jesus’ call to be Fishers of Men.

Winston Churchill, death, eternity and the Resurrection

1/23/2024

We discuss the faith of Winston Churchill with Gary Scott Smith. We reflect on death, eternity and the Resurrection with Randall Smith.

The Venerable Father of Modern Genetics

1/22/2024

It’s been 100 years since Vladimir Lenin died. Paul Kengor takes a look at his life, and Chadd Garcia lets us know what financial stories were the most important of 2023. Martin Bennett tells the story of the Pearl Harbor pilot who became a Christian, and Mark Bradford introduces us to venerable Jerome Lejeune.

Surviving an Abortion

1/19/2024

Claire Culwell shares how she learned she was an abortion survivor and Al discusses what Richard John Neuhaus would say about today’s political climate. The Dutch bishops have collectively rejected Fiducia supplicans. Matthew Bunson has the details, and Steve Clarke details how faith-inspired players powered the Michigan football team to a national championship.

The Call of the Fishermen

1/18/2024

Molly Yatso-Butz shares how her organization brings the warming light of the Gospel to Wisconsin’s homeless and Peggy Stanton puts us in the shoes of the fishermen who heard Jesus’ call to Follow Him. Has the feminist movement backfired? Carrie Gress joins us.

The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers

1/17/2024

Dr. Greg Popcak has a list of seven moral rules that are found all over the world, and Fr. Philip Bochanski discusses the wisdom of the Desert fathers. We explore the world of the New Testament with NT Wright.

Kresta in the Afternoon 011624

1/16/2024

Stacy Trasancos reviews the biggest scientific breakthroughs of 2023, Dan Philpott explains the connection between human rights and religion, and Al asks if we should consider a politician’s religion, or their virtue. We recap the top stories of year in pro-life news, saints, and Biblical archaeology.

Speaking in Tongues Throughout Church History

1/15/2024

Jonathan Eig celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Joseph Pearce introduces us to CS Lewis scholar Stan Mattson. Dr. Phil Blosser takes a look at how the Church has understood the Gift of Tongues throughout history.

Crisis of the Human Person: St John Paul II’s Remedy

1/12/2024

Guest Host Matthew Bunson reviews church news with Shannon Mullen and Peggy Stanton gives us a preview of this Sunday’s Gospel. Deacon David Delaney examines John Paul II’s response to the Crisis of the Human Person.

Our Battle Against the Powers

1/11/2024

Stephanie Mann gives us a look at Catholic life in Henry VIII’s England. We explore the virtue of Hope with Fr. Philip Bochanski.

Kresta in the Afternoon 011024

1/10/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter talks with Alex and Benjamin Wolaver about how they’re sharing the good, the true and the beautiful of our faith and the world around us with children. We look to today’s first reading, when the Lord calls on Samuel, with guest host Marcus Peter and Steve Ray.

The Bible, Creation and Atonement

1/9/2024

Guest Host Marcus Peter and Fr John Waiss discuss the Biblical Mary, and Matthew Ramage joins us with a look at how Creation proclaims the Paschal Mystery. Guest Host Marcus Peter and Philip Campbell look at the history of Christian burial, and Gary Anderson discusses the theology of Atonement.

How Does Religion Impact Child Development?

1/8/2024

Michel Therrien has tips for the New Evangelization. We talk with Dr. Greg Popcak about how religion impacts child development and Darren Geist shares how a daring rescue led him to Mary, who led him to Jesus.

Epiphany and the Search for the Magi

1/5/2024

Teresa Tomeo shares “street-smart advice for a world gone mad” from her Italian American mother. We meet the real Magi with Fr. Dwight Longenecker.

Prepare for Epiphany

1/4/2024

Peggy Stanton helps us prepare for Epiphany and Bill Evers asks if California’s math curriculum is “going woke.” Leah Savas traces the history of abortion in America, all the way back to 1665.

2023 in Bioethics

1/3/2024

2023 was a busy year. Wes Smith, Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, and Ed Clancy join us to look back at the biggest stories in the fields of bioethics, religious liberty, and Christian persecution.

The Spiritual Life of J.R.R. Tolkien

1/2/2024

The Spiritual life of J.R.R. Tolkien with Holly Ordway and How Did Reformists and Traditionalists drive Catholic history with John McGreevy.

Building a Eucharistic Culture

1/1/2024

It’s the Penultimate day of the Countdown, and in this hour we explore the art of dying well with Dr. Steve Doran and At #3 in At #3 in our 2023 Countdown, we discuss building a Eucharistic Culture with Tim O’Malley.

The Biblical Meaning of Covenants and Marriage

12/28/2023

Andre Villeneuve looks at the Biblical meaning of covenants and marriage. We examine the origins of gender ideology with Abigail Favale in this hour of the Countdown.

Are You Woke or Awake?

12/27/2023

Are you “Woke?” Or are you Awake? Noelle Mering joins us. Fr. John Riccardo shares the incredible story of how the Commandant of Auschwitz repented of his crimes. Also, Kody Cooper examines what Oppenheimer tells us about vocation and Marcus Peter shares how Benedict XVI helped lead him to the Church.

Biblical Wisdom for Exiles

12/26/2023

Scott Hahn joins us with Biblical wisdom for exiles on the journey home. Joseph Csicsila discusses the religious and social themes of Mark Twain’s writings.

St Paul and the Jewish People

12/22/2023

Dr. Lawrence Feingold, who tells us what St Paul says about the Jewish people, and Al looks at Rachel Denhollander’s Christian witness after the stabbing of Larry Nassar. Why did so many Tik Tok users suddenly start claiming that Osama bin Laden’s “Letter to America” made some good points? Who is Isaac Hecker and why is his cause for beatification advancing?

The Church's War Against Slavery

12/21/2023

Paul Kengor reviews the history of the Church’s war against slavery. Mona Charen explains how Hamas uses Israel’s humanity against it and Helen Alvare discusses religious liberty after the sexual revolution.

Knowing St. Francis

12/20/2023

What impact do the Reformations have on our world today? Carlos Eire joins us. Bill Cook shares how studying St. Francis inspired him to help kids in third-world countries go to school.

Nazis, Nuremberg and Natural Law

12/19/2023

We look back in history at the Nuremberg trials, emperor Constantine and the forgotten details of the medieval witch burnings. Al breaks down yesterday’s Vatican Document on pastoral blessings, and then we continue the countdown with Dan Philpott, looking at the anniversary of Pacem in Terris.

The Sacrament of Anointing: To Die is Gain

12/18/2023

We look back on the public outpouring of faith after NFL safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field, and Stan Butt walks us through a year with Jean Valjean and Cosette. Our society’s fear of death makes it hard to appreciate the anointing of the sick. Roger Nutt from Ave Maria University gives us a re-introduction to the sacrament as we continue the 2023 Countdown.

What is the Fire of the Lord?

12/15/2023

We kick off our 2023 Kresta in the Afternoon Countdown, looking back at the top interviews of the year. John Czarnetzky weighs in on the worst Supreme Court decisions of all time. Peter Herbeck discusses what it means to be set on fire by the Lord.

Direct to My Desk: The Best Books of 2023

12/14/2023

It’s our annual book recommendation show and we’re talking your calls on a book that has impacted your life recently!

The Meaning of the Virtuous Life

12/13/2023

Peggy Stanton prepares us for the Sunday Gospel and also tells the classic story of the Christmas Truce in World War I. We discuss the meaning of the virtuous life with Pat Oedy-Murray and Matthew Bunson tells us about a possible change in rules for cremations, along with other Church news.

St. Edith Stein’s 5 Tips for Religious Education

12/12/2023

Tom Flanagan joins us with a surprising twist on the Indigenous graves story that swept Canada in 2021, and Alicia Wong and Edmund Miller explain why Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Unborn. Wes Smith has the details on a new attempt to sequence the genome of unborn babies, and John Bursch discusses a loving approach to the Church’s teaching on gender ideology.

Catholic Masculinity and Femininity

12/11/2023

What does the Church mean by true Masculinity and Femininity? Monica Miller joins us. Why have the leaders of some of America’s most elite colleges been so hesitant to condemn antisemitism? Jay Greene joins us. Also, Mary Ann Glendon looks at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Marian Imagery in the Old Testament

12/8/2023

Sandra Miesel tells us how Mary has been portrayed in the Old Testament and we discuss the Biblical basis for Marian consecration with Shane Kapler. We meet Mary in the Gospels with William Albrecht and discuss a family consecration to Mary with Colleen Pressprich.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

12/7/2023

Al shares an incredible story of how a Pearl Harbor pilot found faith and forgiveness. Also, Luella D’AMico looks at Huck Finn through Catholic eyes and Peggy Stanton previews this Sunday’s Gospel reading of John the Baptist.

Atheism and the Problem of Suffering

12/7/2023

Al shares some comments on living for God and Brent Robbins shares how he came to understand the Problem of Evil. Deal Hudson joins us with a treasure trove of daily readings for growing in wisdom.

Science and Reason in Support of God

12/6/2023

Why was Mozart Pope Benedict XVI’s favorite composer? Al tells the story. Also, Paul Kengor looks at the life of Henry Kissinger and Robert Whaples explains why inflation got so bad in Argentina, formerly one of the world’s richest countries. Fr. Robert Spitzer takes an extended look at Science and Reason in Support of God, the Soul, and Life after Death.

A Catholic Parents’ Guide to Advent

12/5/2023

Dr. Greg Popcak invites you to a free webinar to help you grow as a family this Advent and Darrick Taylor shares how reading Luther made him a better Catholic. Al looks at the lives of the people in St. Paul’s circle of friends and Lucy Scholand has tips for meeting Jesus every day of the year.

Why Jesus Still Matters

12/1/2023

We begin this Advent season with Msgr. Charles Pope, who has a recipe for Advent readiness, and Brant Pitre, who helps us walk a spiritual path with Jesus. Detective J Warner Wallace examines why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible.

Messianic Prophecies

11/30/2023

Guest Host Tom Nash prepares for Advent with Philip Primeau and Michael New looks at the latest abortion data. In Addition, Guest Host Tom Nash and Lawrence Feingold examine how Christ fulfills Messianic prophecies, and Chris Peden shares how he has been blessed by raising children with Autism.

Authentic Renewal

11/29/2023

Guest Host Pete Burak discusses transformation and authentic renewal with Rachel Herbeck and Tim Glemkowski. St. Mary’s College will admit “anyone who consistently lives as a woman.” Mary Rice Hasson joins. Also, Jay Copp tells the unknown Catholic backstory of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

A Catholic View of Justification

11/28/2023

Guest host Gary Michuta and Hugo Delgado discuss what St. Paul says about Justification. Joe Heschmeyer discusses how the Eucharist is really Jesus.

Theology of Suffering and the New Evangelization

11/27/2023

Guest host Marcus Peter discusses suffering with Cole DeSantis and St. Jerome’s advice to those who mourn with David Bonagura. Guest host Marcus Peter and Michael Dauphinais look at the 10-year anniversary of Evangeli Gaudium, and Al joins the program to discuss the latest Vatican statements against the German bishops.

When the Son of Man Comes in Glory

11/24/2023

Peggy Stanton helps us prepare for the Sunday Gospel and Thomas Kidd tells the story of George Whitefield, America’s Spiritual founding father. John U Bacon tells how he began coaching America’s worst hockey team and turned them into winners.