Life On The Rock
Fr. Mark and the Franciscan Friars of the Eternal Word are back. Interviews, spiritual insights from the friars, music videos and much more.
DR.CHRISTINE SCHINTGEN AND JOSEPH MENDONCA PT. 2
9/24/2023
The conversation continues between Fr. Mark and the president of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, Dr. Christine Schintgen. They explore the benefits and challenges of a Catholic education and talk to one of the students.
DR.CHRISTINE SCHINTGEN AND JOSEPH MENDONCA PT. 1
9/17/2023
Fr. Mark interviews Dr. Christine Schintgen, president of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Together they discuss Catholic education, the critical role it plays in youth development, and its lasting impact on our faith.
WORLD YOUTH DAY HIGHLIGHTS PT. 2
9/10/2023
More highlights of Fr. Mark and Br. John’s visit to Lisbon for World Youth Day. See the excitement and energy of this special event - an antidote against indifference, isolation and lethargy according to Pope Francis.
WORLD YOUTH DAY HIGHLIGHTS PT. 1
9/3/2023
World Youth Day was conceived by Pope John Paul II as a way to capture the spirit of youth and inspire them to live the teachings of Christ. Fr. Mark and Br. John reflect on their visit to Lisbon for this year’s event.
FR. EMMANUEL, CFR AND BR. JOHN BOSCO, CFR
8/27/2023
Fr. Mark sits down with Fr. Emmanuel and Br. John Bosco for an awe-inspiring interview. They reflect on their mission serving the poorest of the poor in Africa as being on mission for Christ every day in every place.
FR. AUGUSTINE WETTA, OSB PT. 2
8/20/2023
Fr. Mark confronts a problem many of us struggle with – how to find a peaceful, focused path amidst life’s distractions, disruptions, and dilemmas. He welcomes Fr. Jonathan Wetta who provides some perceptive insights.
JONATHAN BLEVINS PT. 2
8/10/2023
Gaming and faith are on the agenda as Brother John continues his discussion with Jonathan Blevins. This entrepreneur has surveyed the digital climate to help Catholics learn how to safely navigate internet culture.
JONATHAN BLEVINS PT. 1
7/30/2023
Brother John talks with Jonathan Blevins about internet culture and being Catholic in the present digital climate. His new podcast reviews content and technology, and advises parents on their suitability for children.
FR. AUGUSTINE WETTA, OSB PT. 1
7/23/2023
Fr. Augustine Wetta is a Benedictine monk, author, essayist and public speaker, who also teaches ethics and coaches rugby. He talks about finding a peaceful, focused path amidst distractions, disruptions, and dilemmas.
CORRINNE MAY
7/16/2023
SR. LUCIA TREANOR, FSE PT. 2
7/9/2023
Br. John welcomes back Sr. Lucia Treanor, to continue their discussion about her new book, Elwood. This inspiring story about a World War II hero who gave up his life trying to save others is a must-read for Catholics.
SR. LUCIA TREANOR, FSE PT. 1
7/2/2023
The new book, Elwood, tells the courageous story of a WWII hero who gave his life trying to save others after their boat collided with a mine in the South Pacific. Brother John talks to the author, Sr. Lucia Treanor.
CFR GROUP - FR. EMMANUEL, AND BR. JOHN BOSCO
6/25/2023
Father Mark sits down with Father Emmanuel and Brother John Bosco to learn more about their mission in Africa. They explain how their work is like being on mission for Christ, every day in every place.
CFR GROUP - MOTHER CLARE
6/18/2023
PAUL GEORGE PT. 2
6/11/2023
PAUL GEORGE PT. 1
6/4/2023
FR. GOYO HIDALGO PT. 2
5/28/2023
Fr. Goyo Hidalgo’s journey of reconciliation is a model for prodigal sons and daughters. He battled excess, pain and fear for 10 years, until the funeral of Pope John Paul II became the catalyst that changed his life.
FR. GOYO HIDALGO PT. 1
5/21/2023
Brother John sits down with Fr. Goyo Hidalgo from the Diocese of Los Angeles. This singer-songwriter and social media evangelist discusses his journey from Spain to California and his prodigal return to the faith.
JASON SIMON PT. 2
5/14/2023
Learn about the importance of building relationships in evangelization, and the critical mission of his organization fulfills, as Fr. Mark wraps up his conversation with Jason Simon, president of Evangelical Catholic.
JASON SIMON PT. 1
5/7/2023
Jason Simon, president of Evangelical Catholic, sits down with Fr. Mark to discuss how his organization partners with parish and campus communities to form transformative relationships that come from knowing Jesus.
MARY EBERSTADT PT. 2
4/30/2023
Fractured homes and social isolation were the unitended consequences of the sexual revolution as outlined in Mary Eberstadt’s new book. Fr. Mark talks to the Catholic author and essayist about the lessons she learned.
MARY EBERSTADT PT. 1
4/23/2023
Fr. Mark welcomes Catholic author and essayist Mary Eberstadt to discuss her new book, Adam and Eve After the Pill Revisited. This important and relevant story focuses on the devastating impact of the sexual revolution.
KEVIN ROERTY PT. 2
4/16/2023
Kevin Roerty from the Souls of the Christian Apostolate explains his organization’s approach to developing mental prayer among the youth they serve, and why he believes it’s a key metric of success for the Church.
KEVIN ROERTY PT. 1
4/13/2023
Br. John welcomes Kevin Roerty, director of Souls of the Christian Apostolate, to discuss his organization’s efforts to form lay apostles, promote mental prayer and foster renewal in the next generation of the Church.
TONY MANFREDONIA PT. 2
4/6/2023
Catholic singer/songwriter Tony Manfredonia talks about the role of faith in the music profession, and the joy he receives through singing about his relationship with Christ.
TONY MANFREDONIA PT. 1
3/26/2023
Brother John sits down with composer, singer and songwriter Tony Manfredonia, to discuss his journey of faith and how he brings his love of God into his music.
FR. CARTER GRIFFIN PT. 2
3/19/2023
Fr. Mark continues his conversation with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary. The two talk about the discernment necessary for the priesthood, Fr. Griffin’s career and his new book, Forming Fathers.
FR. CARTER GRIFFIN PT. 1
3/12/2023
Fr. Mark sits down with former Navy officer, Fr. Carter Griffin. The rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington discusses discernment for the priesthood, as well as formation of young men called to the ministry.
ELVIS GRBAC PT. 2
3/5/2023
Brother John continues his conversation with former NFL quarterback, Elvis Grbac. They talk about how the lessons learned through his Catholic faith helped him navigate through parenthood, marriage and leadership.
ELVIS GRBAC PT. 1
2/26/2023
Former NFL quarterback, Elvis Grbac, discusses his journey of faith with Brother John. Hear about the challenges he faced both on and off the field, and learn about the important role his faith played in his success.
CODY ROTH PT. 2
2/19/2023
Worship leader and singer/songwriter Cody Roth aims to inspire a conversion of heart through his music. Hear about his Southern Mississippi roots, and the role his Catholic faith has played in his life and his music.
CODY ROTH PT. 1
2/12/2023
Catholic singer/songwriter Cody Roth discusses the power of music with Brother John. Hear what sparks his creativity, and discover the personal satisfaction he receieves from reaching the youth with the truths of faith.
FR. ANTHONY OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, CB AND MISSIONARIES PT. 2
2/5/2023
Fr. Anthony of the Transfiguration joins Fr. Mark for a revealing look at missionary life, and the Community of the Beatitudes. This international mission has 50 locations in 27 countries, spread over five continents.
FR. ANTHONY OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, CB AND MISSIONARIES PT. 1
1/29/2023
FR. GALE HAMMERSCHMIDT PT. 2
1/22/2023
FR. GALE HAMMERSCHMIDT PT. 1
1/15/2023
KATHLEEN ALMON PT. 2
1/8/2023
Kathleen Almon discusses the impact of international mission outreach. Learn about the work of Mission Youth & Family, an Apostolate of Regnum Christi that offers mission experiences worldwide to students and families.
CHRISTMAS SHOW
12/25/2022
In this engaging Christmas special, Father Mark and Brother John discuss their favorite Franciscan Christmas memories, such as celebrating their first Christmas Mass, as well as cherished memories with Mother Angelica.
KATHLEEN ALMON PT. 1
12/18/2022
Kathleen Almon from Mission Youth & Family explains how their apostate leads and encourages faith in students and families by providing mission experiences worldwide, igniting a spark in the hearts of Catholic disciples.
FR. DONALD HAGGERTY PT. 2
10/16/2022
We welcome back Fr. Donald Haggerty, former spiritual director for Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. He reflects on contemplative prayer, St. John of the Cross and gives insights into our encounter with God.
FR. DONALD HAGGERTY PT. 1
10/9/2022
An interview with Fr. Donald Haggerty, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, who’s written extensively in contemplative prayer, with books on contemplative provocations, comtemplative enigmas and contemplative hunger.
EMILY ALBRECHT PT. 2
10/2/2022
Father Mark continues his interview with Emily Albrecht, speaker, writer and coach with the Equal Rights Institute. She discusses how her team helps create a clear and compelling message to build a pro-life culture.
EMILY ALBRECHT PT. 1
9/25/2022
An interview with Emily Albrecht, Director of Education and Outreach at Equal Rights Institute. Her organization trains anti-abortion advocates to think clearly, reason honestly, and argue persuasively for the cause.
JONATHAN BLEVINS
9/18/2022
Brother John interviews video game enthusiast, Jonathan Blevins, who talks about evangelizing in the gaming community, and how he uses his social media influence to spread the faith and interact with gaming fans.
TONY FRASCO, CHRIS MARTIN, JOE MATTHIESEN - "THE ROME BOYS" PT. 2
9/11/2022
The conversation continues with The Rome Boys – Tony Frasco, Chris Martin and Joe Matthiesen. The three YouTubers explain how they use their varied backgrounds to discuss Catholic topics from different perspectives.
TONY FRASCO, CHRIS MARTIN, JOE MATTHIESEN - "THE ROME BOYS" PT. 1
9/4/2022
The Rome Boys discuss how they use social media to help souls come to know Christ and His Church. Tony Frasco, Chris Martin, and Joe Matthiesen take you behind-the-scenes of their highly popular Catholic YouTube show.
RHONDA GRUENEWALD
8/28/2022
Author Rhonda Gruenewald discusses a new approach to vocation promotion in education. See how Vocation Ministry has helped thousands of priests and laity to create a culture of vocations to more easily answer God’s call.
JOHN PAUL GUTSCHKE
8/21/2022
An in depth conversation with Catholic filmmaker, John Paul Gutschke. Fr. Mark asks about his latest work, his philosophy of communication through film, and what’s happened since his Cool2bCatholic appearance in 2018.
PROFESSOR JOHN D. LOVE PT. 2
8/14/2022
Professor John D. Love returns for more of his conversation with Fr. Mark. Friendship is the key to evangelizing, because it deepens our faith. The shared experience creates the perfect opportunity to bring God in.
PROFESSOR JOHN D. LOVE PT. 1
8/7/2022
Fr. Mark interviews John D. Love, a professor at Mount Saint Mary’s about the importance of evangelizing through friendship. They discuss how first making friends with someone opens up opportunities to evangelize.
ANTHONY ESOLEN PT. 2
7/31/2022
Part two of Father Mark’s interview with Anthony Esolen delves deeper into the subject of masculity in today’s world. Why is it so important? And what does the author’s new book No Apologies, say needs to be done.
ANTHONY ESOLEN PT. 1
7/24/2022
Anthony Esolen, writer, social commentator and translator of classical poetry at Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts joins Fr. Mark to discuss his new book No Apologies and the importance of masculinity in today’s world.
FR. ALAN BENANDER, O. PRAEM.
7/17/2022
JOHN CUDDEBACK
7/10/2022
Father Mark Interviews John Cuddeback, author of True Friendship: Where Virtue Becomes Happiness. They discuss how the timeless wisdom of Scripture and the saints marks the path to man's greatest joy—true friendship.
JOEL STEPANEK
7/3/2022
An interview with Joel Stepanek, Vice President of Parish Services at Life Teen International. He talks to Father Mark about his new book, and his 15 years of work in pastoral ministry and organizational development.
FR. WILL CONQUER
6/26/2022
After being ordained at priest, Fr. Will Conquer was sent by the Parish Foreign Missions Society to Cambodia. He joins us today to talk about his missionary work and his new book, Carlo Acutis: A Millennial in Paradise.
ASHLEY PICHE
6/19/2022
A fascinating interview with Ashley Piche of Creatio. Her organization helps people encounter the beauty of creation and the Creator through service to the poor, mission trips, outdoor adventure and care for creation.
BILL DONAGHY PT. 2
6/12/2022
Bill Donaghy from the Newman Center returns to tell us more about his fascinating new book, God is Beauty. This is a translation of a retreat Pope Saint John Paul II gave when he was a bishop in Poland in the 1960s.
BILL DONAGHY PT. 1
6/5/2022
Father Mark discusses what exactly beauty is with today’s guest, author Bill Donaghy. His new book “God is Beauty” translates the homilies Pope Saint John Paul II gave when he was a bishop in Poland in the 1960s.
FOCUS - MARK BARTEK
5/29/2022
FOCUS prepares college students for a lifetime of evangelization, discipleship and Christ-centered friendships. Director Mark Bartek explains how they invite them into a growing relationship with Jesus and His Church.
FOCUS - ANNIE POWELL
5/22/2022
The founder and Executive Director of Camp Wojtyla talks about their Catholic Adventure program. Set in Colorado, this camp teaches perseverance and teamwork amidst the breathtaking views of God's glorious creation.
RYAN & ELIZABETH YOUNG
5/15/2022
Meet Ryan and Elizabeth Young, founders of Camp Veritas. This fun-filled camp for teens focuses on Eucharistic-centered worship, teaching consistent with the Catholic Church and interaction with clergy and religious.
SISTER PAESIE
5/8/2022
An interview with Sister Paesie, founder of Famille Kizito. She lives with the poorest of the poor in Haiti, bringing the love to Christ to unsafe places. Her foundation helps educate children in how to love God and neighbor.
CLARK MASSEY
5/1/2022
A Simple House is an inner-city ministry that strives to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor in their neighborhoods and homes. Fr. Mark interviews founder and director Clark Massey about his fulfilling work.
FATHER STU MOVIE SPECIAL
4/24/2022
In this hour-long special, actor and director Mark Wahlberg talks to Fr. Mark about his new movie, “Father Stu,” and the incredible life and legacy of Fr. Stuart Long, the boxer turned Catholic priest who inspired it.
CATHERINE CONTRERAS
4/21/2022
Vox Vitae is a missionary group founded to educate, empower, and spiritually nurture people to actively be a voice for life. It’s Executive Director, Catherine Contreras drops in to explain more about her organization.
FR. SEBASTIAN WHITE, OP
4/10/2022
Father Sebastian White, Editor in Chief of Magnificat, stops by to explore the history of the magazine with Brother John. They reflect on some of their favorite saints and discuss the importance of daily prayer.
FR. BRICE HIGGINBOTHAM PT. 2
4/3/2022
Fr. Brice Higginbotham joins Fr. John Paul from Rome where he’s stationed. Together, they discuss the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and Fr. Higgenbotham offers some tips for getting the most out of Adoration.
FR. BRICE HIGGINBOTHAM PT. 1
3/27/2022
While working on his Licentiate in Sacred Theology in Rome, Fr. Brice Higginbotham sits down for an interview with Fr. John Paul. The priests discuss evangelization, vocation, and beauty in the simplicity of the Gospel.
FR. MARK-MARY AMES PT. 2
3/20/2022
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames discusses topics from his new book, including corporal works of mercy applied to everyday life, the importance of community, and the graces that come from spending quiet time with God in nature.
FR. MARK-MARY AMES PT. 1
3/13/2022
Fr. Mark interviews Fr Mark-Mary Ames, CFR about his new book, Habits for Holiness. In this first part, they discuss prayer and how hard it can be to pray in today’s world. They also talk about simplifying one’s life.
JIM ANDERSON AND RACHEL VANDERMEER
3/6/2022
Jim Anderson and Rachel Vandermeer from Saint Therese Institute stop by. This post-secondary Catholic school provides a common life of study, prayer, and fellowship inspired by the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux.
1-HOUR SPECIAL - WALK FOR LIFE
2/27/2022
Fr. Mark and Brother John travel to San Francisco for the 2022 West Coast Walk for Life. In the City by the Bay, they give reflections at popular sites, and interview people who are there in support of human life.
RACHEL HARKINS ULLMANN
2/20/2022
Fr. Mark interviews Rachel Harkins Ullmann, Executive Director of the GIVEN Institute. Her organization mentors young adult women, activating their gifts for the Catholic Church and creating leaders in the workforce.
KELSEY SKOCH
2/13/2022
Fr. John Paul interviews speaker and author Kelsey Skoch about her new book, Uncompromising Purity. Their discussion dives into the topic of purity, looking at the struggles with temptation from a woman’s perspective.
GREGORY ROSS SANDERS
2/6/2022
A riveting conversation with Major Ross Sanders, who describes the role of St. Joseph in his first-hand account of a helicopter crash off the horn of African, in which all twenty-five passengers miraculously survived.
SISSEL ANDERSON
1/30/2022
HUDSON BYBLOW
1/16/2022
Fr. Mark interviews Hudson Byblow about dealing with same-sex attraction and finding his true identity through the Church. He credits building a strong, faith-based circle of friends and living close to the sacraments.
FOCUS - PETER MYERS
1/9/2022
Fr. Mark talks to Peter Myers about his missionary experience of spreading the gospel through the FOCUS outreach for college and university students. Today, he’s studying at St. Mary’s Seminary to become a priest.
2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
1/2/2022
Fr. Mark and Brother John reflect on the year 2021, and look back on some of the highlights from interviews with Meg Hunter, Sherry Weddell, Bishop Byrne, Danylo Fedoryka and Fr. Richard Hermes with Jummy Mitchell.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2021
12/19/2021
Join the Friars are they celebrate the joy of Christmas season and Christ’s birth.
FR. JOSH MCCARTY
12/12/2021
A conversation with Father Josh McCarty, who developed software that allows priests to track parish activities and simplify sacramental administration. He explains how parish missions can lead to spiritual growth.
MEG HUNTER KILMER PT. 2
12/5/2021
What lessons can we learn from the saints? As Meg Hunter-Kilmer explains, their example can prepare each of us for our task of holiness and evangelization. She returns to share some fascinating insights with Fr. Mark.
MEG HUNTER KILMER PT. 1
11/28/2021
Meg Hunter-Kilmer joins Fr. Mark for a look at the Saints. Many of them were former sinners, but that didn’t stop them from striving to be holy. Their pious example is one that all of us as sinners can benefit from.
LEONARD DELORENZO
11/21/2021
Leonard DeLorenzo demonstrates how St. Joseph can serve as a role model for Catholic families today. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
DR. SHANNON VALENZUELA
11/14/2021
Dr. Shannon Valenzuela discusses her new EWTN mini-series, “Quest.” Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
FR. BONIFACE HICKS, OSB
11/7/2021
Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB explains how deepening a relationship with St. Joseph helps Catholics grow closer to Christ. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
JOHN EDWARDS PT. 2
10/31/2021
John Edwards helps Catholic men develop faith and life skills through his podcasts. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 2 of 2.
JOHN EDWARDS PT. 1
10/24/2021
John Edwards helps Catholic men develop faith and life skills through his podcasts. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 1 of 2.
FR. RICHARD HERMES, SJ AND JIMMY MITCHELL PT. 2
10/17/2021
Fr. Richard Hermes, SJ and Jimmy Mitchell share how their Jesuit High school is developing a culture deeply rooted in Catholic orthodoxy. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 2 of 2.
FR. RICHARD HERMES, SJ AND JIMMY MITCHELL PT. 1
10/10/2021
Fr. Richard Hermes, SJ and Jimmy Mitchell share how their Jesuit High school is developing a culture deeply rooted in Catholic orthodoxy. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 1 of 2.
FR. MICHAEL ZIMMERMAN
10/3/2021
Fr. Michael Zimmerman creates short videos to help guide men in discerning God's Will. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
BARBARA TAVARES DE MELO FREITAS
9/26/2021
Barbara Tavares de Melo Freitas shares how the Shalom Catholic Community is evangelizing youth through their "Alive in Christ" online program. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
BISHOP BILL BRYNE PT. 2
9/19/2021
The Most Rev. Bill Bryne shows how Catholics can evangelize the Gospels with both hope and humor. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 2 of 2.
BISHOP BILL BRYNE PT. 1
9/12/2021
The Most Rev. Bill Bryne shows how Catholics can evangelize the Gospels with both hope and humor. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 1 of 2.
FOCUS - REBECCA GONSALVES
9/5/2021
Rebeca Gonsalves shares her faith journey and experiences as a FOCUS missionary. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
FOCUS - THOMAS WURTZ
8/29/2021
Thomas Wurtz shares how he founded the Varsity Catholic division of FOCUS to assist in the evangelization and spiritual direction of athletes. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.
KEVIN WELLS PT. 2
8/22/2021
Kevin Wells reveals how Catholics can grow in holiness through the example of the heroic life of Venerable Fr. Al Schwartz. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 2 of 2.
KEVIN WELLS PT. 1
8/15/2021
Kevin Wells reveals how Catholics can grow in holiness through the example of the heroic life of Venerable Fr. Al Schwartz. Hosted by the MFVA Friars, part 1 of 2.
FR. BRIAN MULLADY
8/8/2021
Fr. Brian Mullady, OP, shares how Catholics can receive and retain grace as God’s most potent gift. Hosted by the MFVA Friars.