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.
FR. GREG GERHART PT.2
9/1/2024
Brother John continues the discussion with Fr. Greg Gerhart on vocation discernment, specifically for men, and his book, A Six Month Guide for Men to Discern Consecrated Life.
FR. GREG GERHART PT.1
8/25/2024
Father Mark and Fr. Greg Gerhart, the Austin Diocese vocation director, discuss women’s vocation discernment and his book, A Six Month Guide for Women to Discern Consecrated Life.
COURTNEY MARES, PT. 2
8/18/2024
Courtney Mares is back with Brother John to discuss her new book about Blessed Carlo Acutis and also delve into Carlo’s great devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
COURTNEY MARES, PT. 1
8/11/2024
Courtney Mares, a Rome correspondent with CNA and EWTN News, joins Brother John to discuss her new book about Blessed Carlo Acutis called “Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers”.
DR. PAT CASTLE PT. 2
8/4/2024
Father Mark welcomes back Dr. Pat Castle, the founder and president of Life Runners, to discuss the pro-life movement and a relay across America that supports the unborn.
DR. PAT CASTLE PT. 1
7/28/2024
Father Mark welcomes Dr. Pat Castle, the founder and president of Life Runners. Join them as they discuss the pro-life movement as well as daily devotions from his new book.
ADAM SMYTH PT. 2
7/21/2024
Adam Smyth returns to discuss his role as President of the Houston Arrows Rugby Club and how hard work and discipline can help form men in their Christian values.
ADAM SMYTH PT.1
7/14/2024
Adam Smyth joins Brother John to discuss the sport of Rugby and how to best form men in Christian values through teamwork and virtue.
FR. GLEN SUDANO, CFR PT. 2
7/7/2024
Brother John continues his conversation with Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR about his work on Holy Family Farm and the value of setting aside our electronic devices to allow room for God.
FR. GLEN SUDANO, CFR PT. 1
6/30/2024
Brother John and Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR discuss the Holy Family Farm, the spiritual formation of young men and the importance of silence and prayer for those discerning priesthood.
JOHN D. FINLEY, PH.D. PT. 2
6/23/2024
In his new book, John DeSilva Finley brings together experts from different fields of scientific study to explore the differences between men and women. He sits down with Fr. Mark.
JOHN D. FINLEY, PH.D. PT. 1
6/16/2024
Catholic author John DeSilva Finley asks whether “man” and “woman” have become meaningless categories in society today. He talks to Fr. Mark about his new book, “Sexual Identity.”
KIMBERLY ZEMBER
6/9/2024
Kim Zember, Catholic speaker and author of the book “Restless Heart,” discusses her story of same sex attraction, chastity, and how she found answers by giving herself up to God.
RACHEL KILLACKEY
6/2/2024
At the St. Louis SEEK conference, Fr. Mark sits down with Rachel Killackey to discuss Magdala Ministries, an outreach helping women who are struggling with pornography addtiction.
FR. CHUCK DORNQUAST PT. 2
5/26/2024
FR. CHUCK DORNQUAST PT. 1
5/19/2024
MOTHER CLARE, CFR
5/12/2024
BRENDAN MCCAULEY
5/5/2024
FR. KEVIN PEEK PT. 2
4/28/2024
FR. KEVIN PEEK PT. 1
4/21/2024
NATHAN & MEGHAN LEON PT. 2
4/14/2024
Catholic filmmakers Nathan and Meghan Leon slip back in the interview chair to continue their conversation on faith-based cinema and their upcoming feature film, “Grace by Night.”
NATHAN & MEGHAN LEON PT. 1
4/7/2024
Learn what it takes to create award-winning films for Catholic evangelization, as Fr. Mark welcomes Nathan and Meghan Leon to discuss their upcoming feature film, “Grace by Night.”
ALEX DEE
4/4/2024
At the 2024 SEEK Conference, Fr. Mark sits down with Alex Dee, a self-proclaimed Swiss army knife for storytelling to discuss his faith journey and popular podcast, “Saints Alive.”
JONATHAN REYES
3/24/2024
DAVID BEREIT
3/17/2024
David Bereit, co-founder of the international organization, 40 Days for Life, sits down with Fr. Mark at the SEEK conference 2024 to discuss recent events in the pro-life movement.
WALK FOR LIFE WEST COAST SPECIAL 2024
3/10/2024
Fr. Mark and Brother John travel to San Francisco, where they join marchers on the West Coast Walk For Life and interview pro-life missionaries who reflect on the event’s impact.
BOB NOWAK
3/3/2024
Bob Nowak joins Fr. Mark to discuss his missionary work at Brother House and the Legion of Mary. The charitable organizations focus on offering shelter and Christ to the needy.
JACOB NEIMEIER, PE
2/25/2024
The lack of fresh drinking water afflicts much of the world. Br. John sits down with Jacob Niemeier of Vera Aqua Vera Vita to discuss how his organization is addressing the issue.
RENZO & MONICA ORTEGA PT. 2
2/18/2024
Fr. Mark continues his conversation with Monica and Renzo Ortega, focusing on how Catholic teaching and principles have helped them restore confidence in their marriage and family.
RENZO & MONICA ORTEGA PT. 1
2/11/2024
Fr. Mark sits down with Monica and Renzo Ortega. The couple discusses how they have attained total faith in their marriage and family, and offer some practical advice for others.
JIMMY MITCHELL PT. 2
2/4/2024
Fr. Mark continues his conversation with Jimmy Mitchell, whose book “Let Beauty Speak” explores evangelization through the power of beauty born from a life of devotion to the Lord.
JIMMY MITCHELL PT. 1
1/28/2024
Jimmy Mitchell talks about the principles that empower Christians to evangelize the world by bringing beauty to the forefront of their lives and showing what it means to be human.
THE FRIARS REFLECTIONS ON 2023
12/31/2023
THE FRIARS CHRISTMAS SHOW
12/17/2023
DR. BILL KEIMIG PT. 2
12/10/2023
Br. John and Dr. Bill Keimig are joined by Katrina Herlambang, currently working as the Catechetical Institute’s content editor, motion graphic creator and Asia-Oceania liaison.
DR. BILL KEIMIG PT. 1
12/3/2023
Dr. Bill Keimig, Deputy Director of Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute discusses the craft and skills academics use to study the most effective way to share the faith.
FR. AGUSTINO TORRES, CFR PT. 2
11/26/2023
Brother John continues his conversation with Fr. Agustino Torres on how Catholics should prepare their hearts for Advent and discuss his aptly named new book, Prepare Your Heart.
FR. AGUSTINO TORRES, CFR PT. 1
11/19/2023
CATHERINE CHENEY PT. 2
11/12/2023
CATHERINE CHENEY PT. 1
11/5/2023
FR. GREGORY PINE, OP PT. 2
10/29/2023
FR. GREGORY PINE, OP PT. 1
10/22/2023
DR. JOSHUA MILLER
10/15/2023
ALI GHAFFARI PT. 2
10/8/2023
Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari talks about his role as founder and board president for the Divine Mercy Academy, and why he is so passionate about the need for a faith centered liberal arts education for today’s students.
ALI GHAFFARI PT. 1
10/1/2023
Brother John sits down with Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari, founder of the Divine Mercy Academy, to discuss the role of Catholic liberal arts education in making an impact in the community and changing people’s lives.
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.