Ave Maria in the Afternoon Segments

Reports have surfaced of people, including teens, using the “Grok” AI chatbot to create pornographic images of classmates, neighbors, and others. This presents a challenge parents of previous generations never could have imagined. Marcus discusses what we can do. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Bill Watterson’s Calvin of comic strip fame once declared that he refused to make New Year’s resolutions, because improving oneself implied that certain values were better than others, but because values are relative they are all equl – virtue is no better than vice. Marcus looks at how this strip serves as a commentary on our culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Baptism imprints a spiritual mark upon the soul, and that mark remains even when the baptized person drifts from God. God addresses post-baptismal sin through repentance, reconciliation, transformation, and sacramental reconciliation. Marcus has more on conversion and baptism. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

President Donald Trump is asking congressional Republicans to be more flexible on taxpayer funding for abortions as lawmakers continue to negotiate an extension to health care subsidies related to the Affordable Care Act. Peter Laffin joins us with more.Further ReadingTrump urges Republican ‘flexibility’ on taxpayer-funded abortionsPro-life sold out for a seat at Trump’s table. Now it’s out in the coldFollow Peter on Twitter Guest InfoPeter Laffin is a senior editor at the Washington Examiner, overseeing In Focus and Restoring America. He was formerly a staff writer for the National Catholic Register. His commentaries, news features, and book reviews have appeared in Catholic Herald UK, the Catholic Thing, RealClearPolitics, and RealClearReligion, and he has offered analysis on Fox News, EWTN, and Sirius XM’s POTUS. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Our friends at WidowsMight.net are excited to host another conference, open to all widows who are navigating the next phase in their lives. Join them for a day of healing, hope, fellowship, and even some humor. Jen Thomm has the details.Further ReadingWidowsMight.net websiteLearn more about the Conference Book: Life can be Good Again Guest InfoJen Thomm became a widow in November 2020, after her husband, Nick Thomm (Ave Maria Radio), passed after a nearly 15 year battle with a brain tumor. They enjoyed over 19 years of marriage, meeting orientation weekend at Franciscan University and marrying after graduation. Jen is a transplant from Pennsylvania, Nick a native of Illinois. They made their home in Michigan, surrounded by a dynamic and faith filled community. Jen is busy raising their three children - Sarah (18), David (14), Andrew (7), while kicking off her 24th year in the classroom. She is an experienced catechist, teacher and speaker. Jen is passionate about walking with other young widows in their grief, particularly in parenting young kids, living through transitions, and helping others to embrace their suffering and use it to inspire others. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Stigmata is one of the strangest and most mystical phenomena in the Church. They’ve been the center of devotion and controversy for centuries – are they real? What’s the evidence? Why would God cause them? We explore the mystery with John Clark.Further ReadingBook: God’s Wounds Guest InfoJohn Clark is a regular columnist for the National Catholic Register and has served as a speechwriter for candidates for the U.S. House, Senate, and president. He has written two books and more than 500 articles about Catholic family life and apologetics. John and his wife, Lisa, have nine children and live in central Florida. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

At his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela and emphasized that the good of the Venezuelan people must prevail over all other issues. Alejandro Bermudez has more on the latest developments.Guest InfoAlejandro Bermúdez is a well-known Catholic journalist who served as director of ACI Prensa from 1987 until December 2022. He also hosted the program "Cara a Cara" on EWTN Español. He founded several Catholic news agencies, including Catholic News Agency, ACI Digital, ACI Stampa, CNA Deutsch, ACI Africa, and ACI MENA. All of these agencies are now services of EWTN News. Currently, Alejandro Bermúdez is the director of Tilma Strategies LLC. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

It happens every year – you wake up on New Year’s Day, determined that this will be the year you get into shape, grow spiritually, settle your finances, and achieve your dreams. A month later, you’re back to old habits. Sound familiar? Dr. Greg Popcak has some tips.Further ReadingCatholic Households on MissionGuest InfoDr Greg Popcak is the founder and director of CatholicCounselors.com, a group pastoral telecounseling practice providing faithful help to Catholics dealing with personal, emotional and relationship problems. He is also the former chair of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary and an adjunct professor of psychology and graduate theology at Franciscan. Together with his wife, Lisa, he is the author of over 20 books integrating insights from counseling psychology and the timeless wisdom of our Catholic faith. They are also the developers of the CatholicHOM app, a resource helping Catholic families thrive. Dr. Greg and Lisa are the hosts of More2Life, a call in advice program airing weekdays at 10am E and produced by Ave Maria Radio and carried across the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In a world devastated by the cataclysm of war, two extraordinary authors and friends, J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, delivered a bracing vision of the human story: a path back to goodness, beauty, and faith. How did they do it? Joseph Loconte joins us.Further ReadingBook: The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933–1945Book: A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18Joseph’s website Follow Joseph on Twitter Guest InfoJoseph Loconte, PhD, Director of the Rivendell Center in New York City, is a Presidential Scholar at New College of Florida and the C.S. Lewis Scholar for Public Life at Grove City College. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at Sagamore Institute, and as a Senior Fellow at Founding Forward and at the Trinity Forum. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

At his inauguration, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared he wants to “replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.” But a look at history shows the problems with this dream. Catherine Pakaluk has more.Further ReadingFollow Catherine on X Catherine’s website Book: Can a Catholic Be a Socialist?Guest InfoCatherine Pakaluk is the Director of Political Economy and Associate Professor at the Busch School of Business at Catholic University of America. She’s the co-author of Can a Catholic be a Socialist? and Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

On this day in 1941, President Roosevelt delivered a speech in which he outlined four fundamental freedoms to which all people of the world were entitled. He was speaking at a time of existential crisis, when the future of ordered liberty was very much in doubt. Marcus takes a look at his speech.Further ReadingFDR’s speech This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

A year after the publication of his encyclical Dives in Misericordia on the Divine Mercy of God and after his long recuperation from an assassin’s bullet, Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine of Merciful Love in Collevalenza, Italy. It was there, on November 22, 1981, that he delivered this most urgent message: “Merciful love is more powerful than any evil that gathers upon man and upon the world.” Vinny Flynn joins us with daily reflections on the Divine Mercy.Further ReadingBook: A Year with Divine Mercy: Daily Meditations on God’s Eternal LoveVinny’s website Guest InfoVinny Flynn, “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN,” is a father of seven and co-author, with daughter Erin, of the new release, A Year with Divine Mercy, from TAN Books. One of the original editors of the English edition of St. Faustina’s Diary, Vinny is the best-selling author of several books, including, 7 Secrets of the Eucharist and 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Venezuelans at home and abroad are celebrating the removal of the dictator Nicolas Maduro. But what does international law say about the United States’ actions? Scholars are divided – Dan Philpott weighs in.Guest InfoDaniel Philpott is Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. He earned his Ph.D. in 1996 from Harvard University and specializes in religion and global politics, focusing on religious freedom, reconciliation, the political behavior of religious actors, and Christian political theology. His books include Revolutions in Sovereignty (Princeton, 2001), God’s Century: Resurgent Religion in Global Politics (Norton, 2011, coauthored with Monica Duffy Toft and Timothy Samuel Shah), Just and Unjust Peace: An Ethic of Political Reconciliation (Oxford, 2012) and Religious Freedom in Islam: The Fate of a Universal Human Right in the Muslim World (Oxford, 2019). Currently he is writing a book that sets forth a political theology based on a Christian concept of justice. He has promoted reconciliation as an activist in Kashmir, the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and the Catholic Church with respect to clerical sex abuse. He is married to Diana Philpott and has three children, Angela, James, and Peter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Frank Capra’s classic It’s a Wonderful Life is a beloved Christmas tradition for countless families. But an abridged version available on Amazon Prime has left many shaking their heads. This version eliminates the scenes where George learns what the world would be like if he was never born – leaving the viewer to miss the entire point of the film. Marcus has more.Further ReadingThe strange history of the abridged version of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ that cuts out the movie’s pivotal sceneIt happened again: Why edit “It’s a Wonderful Life”? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The downfall of Nicolas Maduro reminds us of the consequences of abuse of power. Ultimately, world leader are not just accountable to themselves or their citizens – they are accountable to God. Doug Keck joins Marcus.Guest InfoDoug Keck is the retired President and COO of EWTN and the host of EWTN Bookmark. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Public life in the U.S. is a series of chaotic, irrational, violent events, increasingly inhospitable to any attempt at rational discourse. And no clear solution is in sight. Indeed, on its current trajectory, civic life in the U.S. is a dead society walking. Ken Craycraft joins us.Further ReadingCivil society in the U.S. is a dead man walkingBook: Citizens, yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided AmericaFollow Ken on Twitter Guest InfoKenneth Craycraft is author of Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The shocking news of the weekend was the United States’ arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. EWTN correspondent Andrés Henríquez joins us from Venezuela with a report.Further ReadingTrump Announces Capture of Maduro Following U.S. Strikes On VenezuelaAhead of UN Venezuela meeting, world powers respond to Maduro extractionFollow Andres on Twitter Guest InfoAndrés Henríquez is an EWTN Correspondent based in Venezuela. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The year now behind us carried the weight of an entire era rather than the simple turning of a calendar page. Anyone paying attention felt the sensation of standing beneath converging fault lines where politics, culture, technology, and faith pressed upon one another with accelerating force. Marcus has more as we kick off a new year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Shannon Salter’s father recently died following a battle with cancer. Though he was relatively young, his life was an example of joyous service to Christ – so when the family was planning his wake, Shannon felt the call from Jesus to make the Sacrament of Confession available. She shares the story.Learn more about the Salter family This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review From the minute Pope Leo was introduced, some people tried to frame him in the context of former popes. But we can only judge him based on what he actually says and does – and there was a lot to like about his first homily as pope. We look back on Marcus’ first commentary after his election as our year in review continues. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This Sunday’s Gospel tells the account of the Magi, who came to worship the newborn king of the Jews. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.Guest InfoRob Corzine is the Vice-President of Programs for the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review In July, the Ann Arbor community suffered the loss of Xavier Randolph, a remarkably faithful young man who lost his life in a drowning accident. Despite their unimaginable grief, Xavier’s parents have been incredible witnesses of a family who places their hope in Christ’s Resurrection. Marcus shares some impressions from Xavier’s funeral. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review The biggest Church news story of the year was, by far, the death of Pope Francis and election of Pope Leo. We look back on our conversation with Matthew Bunson, who was reporting from Rome as thousands of pilgrims prepared for Pope Francis’ funeral.Further ReadingPope Leo XIV - The Election of a Pope in PicturesGuest InfoMatthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in ReviewChristian sanctity is far nearer and far more beautiful than we think. From mothers taking their children to Mass to a simple bottle of Holy Water, the most precious things in life often have no price and incredible power. We talk with Michael Pakaluk about the simple, electrifying truths of the Catholic faith.Further ReadingFollow Michael on Substack Book: The Shock of Holiness: Finding the Romance of Everyday LifeGuest InfoDr. Michael Pakaluk is the author most recently of The Shock of Holiness: The Romance of Everyday Life. He is a professor at the Catholic University of America and an authority on Aristotelian ethics. His other books include Mary’s Voice in the Gospel According to John, Be Good Bankers: The Economic Interpretation of Matthew’s Gospel, and The Memoirs of Saint Peter. The father of fifteen children, he is married to the economist and social philosopher Catherine Pakaluk, PhD. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Fr Jim Rolph is a dynamic young priest in the Diocese of Lansing who has embraced the Cross of Jesus, yet radiates the joy of the Lord. He shares his story of discipleship and suffering.Guest InfoFr Jim Rolph is the Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lansing, MI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in ReviewOur understanding of God can sometimes make prayer seem like a fruitless task. If God is all-good and all-powerful, He will already grant us whatever is best. And if God is all-powerful, then how could our petitions cause him to change? We tackle these challenges with Pat Flynn. Further ReadingIs Prayer Pointless (Philosophically Speaking)?Book: The Best Argument for God Pat’s website Guest InfoPat Flynn is the author of The Best Argument for God and How to Be Better at (Almost) Everything. He is a re-converted Catholic, philosopher, writer, musician, fitness and martial arts enthusiast, and husband and father of five living in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He blogs at The Journal of Absolute Truth and hosts the Philosophy for the People podcast with Dr. Jim Madden. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review Although we have seen some signs of resurgence in Church attendance, overall numbers are still on the decline. The Church needs to shift its mindset from one of maintenance to one of mission, taking cues from St. Paul and the early disciples. Bishop Robert Gruss of Saginaw has more.Further ReadingBishop Gruss: From maintenance to missionGuest InfoBishop Robert Gruss serves at the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Sagniaw. Before entering the priesthood, he was a corporate pilot and flight instructor from 1980-1989 before entering seminary. Bishop Gruss was ordained to the priesthood on July 2, 1994 and in 2007, Pope Benedict named him a Chaplain of his Holiness, giving him the title of monsignor. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rapid City in 2011 and consecrated as a bishop on July 28, 2011. His previous assignments have included chancellor and diocesan vocations director for the Diocese of Davenport, as well as pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He also served as vice-rector at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Gospel of Matthew is more than the first book of the New Testament – it is the key that unlocks everything that Jesus would fulfill. We take a deep dive into the Gospel with Dr. Scott Hahn.Further ReadingScott’s Gospel of Matthew seriesGuest InfoDr. Scott Hahn is a renowned speaker, professor, and author, as well as the Founder and President of the St. Paul Center, an apostolate dedicated to teaching Catholics to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. He is the Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University where he has taught since 1990. Dr. Hahn has been married to Kimberly for forty years, and together they have six children and eighteen grandchildren. Two of their sons are currently in priestly formation with the Diocese of Steubenville. Dr. Hahn's works include best-selling titles Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb's Supper, and Hail Holy Queen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review Recently unsealed court documents show employees at Facebook’s parent company Meta were aware of the adverse effects social media has on kids’ mental health, calling Instagram a “drug” and referring to themselves as “pushers.” Marcus has some thoughts.Further ReadingMeta employees compared themselves to drug ‘pushers’ as company buried mental health harms to kidsScrolling ourselves to deathBook: Amusing Ourselves to Death (Read online) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In the grand scheme of Scripture, the Book of Sirach is often overlooked. But it is a treasure trove of enduring wisdom that continues to speak to every age. Andre Villeneuve helps us unpack it.Further ReadingBook: Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture: SirachCatholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture seriesGuest InfoAndré Villeneuve (PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) is associate professor of Old Testament and biblical languages at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He received his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Commission in Rome. He is the author of Divine Marriage from Eden to the End of Days and the director of Catholics for Israel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon year in review Charlie Kirk’s assassination will go down as one of the biggest stories of 2025. It did not happen in a vacuum - he died because he stood for truths that our culture increasingly rejects. Marcus has more.Further ReadingWhy Charlie Kirk’s Death Feels PersonalWhat Charlie Kirk ACTUALLY saidThe Assassination of the Truthful This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Addiction is a sickness that touches us all. Whether it be alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, or sometime else, we all know someone who is bearing this cross. What can parents do to help their children in this situation? Dr. Ray Guarendi joins us.Guest InfoDr Ray Guarendi is the father of 10, clinical psychologist, public speaker and nationally syndicated TV and radio host. He’s the host of The Dr is In and “Living Right with Dr Ray.” He’s also the author of many books, including “Thinking Like Jesus: The Psychology of a Faithful Disciple” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Bishop Daniel Thomas of Toledo has released a document that will help teachers and parents understand and respond to the issue of gender ideology. He joins us to discuss it.Further ReadingBishop Thomas’ letter Guest InfoBishop Daniel Thomas has served as Bishop of Toledo, Ohio since 2014. He is also the chairman of the USCCB’s Pro-Life Activities Committee. His Bishop’s Corner program can be heard Thursdays at 4:30 pm, Fridays at 11 am, and Saturdays at noon on Annunciation Radio. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a landmark event in Midwestern heritage that Gordon Lightfoot famously memorialized in his classic ballad. John U Bacon takes us deep inside the story of that fateful night and the Storm of the Century that sank America’s most famous freighter.Further ReadingBook: The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund FitzgeraldBook: The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary HeroismFollow John on XGuest InfoJohn U Bacon is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, most recently The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Jews are history’s most unlikely survivors. For centuries, different empires have tried to eradicate the Jewish people – but to no avail. Marcus looks at the story through the lens of accusations of Genocide in Gaza. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon year in review In February 2024, Megan Garcia’s son Sewell took his own life after he fell “in love” with an AI Chatbot, which encouraged him to join “her” in an artificial world. It’s a harrowing example of the dangers of this technology. She shares her story.Further ReadingA Grieving Mother’s Call to ActionPope Leo XIV Meets Catholic Mother Who Lost Son to AI Chatbot SuicideGuest InfoMegan Garcia is an attorney and mother from Orlando, Fla. Her Blessed Mother Family Foundation raises awareness around the dangers of AI chatbots. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon Year in Review The Taliban have set up a ministry for the “propagation of virtue and prevention of vice” in Afghanistan. The rules include dozens of standards for dress code and how women may conduct themselves in public, with severe punishments for violating the rules. Luma Simms joins us to discuss the Catholic and Islamic views of the nature of the human person and the role religion can play in supporting democracy.Further ReadingOn the Taliban and the dehumanizing “regulations” of radical IslamDemocracy without Religion Is DeadDemocracy without Religion Is Dead: Part IIGuest InfoLuma Simms, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, studies the life and thought of immigrants. Her essays, articles, and book reviews have appeared in a variety of publications including National Affairs, Law and Liberty, The Wall Street Journal, National Review, the Institute for Family Studies, and others. She was born in Baghdad, Iraq; her parents and ancestors are from Mosul, and she speaks Arabic with a Moslawi dialect. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon year in review For nearly a decade, Democratic Party elites, Never Trump Republicans, and legacy media personalities have warned that the “walls are closing in” on President Donald Trump. Yet seven months into Trump’s second term, the establishment teeters on the brink of collapse. Peter Laffin looks at the steps that led to this situation.Further ReadingFour lies that toppled the establishmentFollow Peter on XGuest InfoPeter Laffin is the senior editor of commentary at the Washington Examiner. He was formerly a staff writer for the National Catholic Register. His commentaries, news features, and book reviews have appeared in Catholic Herald UK, the Catholic Thing, RealClearPolitics, and RealClearReligion, and he has offered analysis on Fox News, EWTN, and numerous radio shows. A former English teacher, he loves the sound of a tightly coiled sentence and helping young writers execute their intentions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

2025 Ave Maria in the Afternoon year in review A recent Newsweek cover story entitled “shopping for sperm” explores an online “baby boom” being created by an unregulated sperm market. Single women and same-sex couples are pursuing pregnancy through people they find online. We take a look at this strange story with Andrew Kubick.Further ReadingHow the Unregulated Sperm Market Is Creating an Online Baby BoomGuest InfoAndrew Kubick is Senior Research Fellow for Public Policy at the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance and Ethics Consultant at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

As Christ hung on the cross, he famously cried out to God to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” As followers of Christ, we are also called to forgive those who wrong us. We discuss the science of forgiveness with Dr. Robert Enright.Further ReadingBook: Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and RelationshipsInternational Forgiveness InstituteGuest InfoDr Robert Enright is the author of Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and Relationships. He’s a licensed psychologist and the founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. Visit internationalforgiveness.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. All of the readings this Sunday highlight the importance of families in building a Christian society. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.Guest InfoRob Corzine is Vice President of Programs for the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Earlier this year, Facebook announced it would suspend its third-party fact-checking system. The news was met with both applause and uproar, with many fearing it would open a platform for Fake News and lies. But can we even have fact-checking in a world that rejects the very notion of Truth? We look back on our discussion on truth and relativism with Janice Breidenbach as we review the top interviews of 2025.Guest InfoDr. Janice Chik Breidenbach is an associate professor in the Philosophy Department at Ave Maria University. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

There are plenty of countries, especially in the West, that would be considered “culturally Catholic.” Their citizens know the basic tenants of the faith and observe the major feasts. But their practice of the faith does not have a transforming effect on their lives. Such cultural Catholicism is, simply put, inadequate to the transmission of faith and the evangelizing mission of the Church. Stephen White joins us with more as we review the top interviews of 2025.Further ReadingCultural Catholicism and the limits of ‘intentionality’Follow Stephen on XGuest InfoStephen White is a Catholic writer and a fellow of Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The doctrine of the Eucharist is one of the biggest divisions between Catholics and Protestants. But we can begin a dialogue using a belief that is common to all Christians – the Word became Flesh. The shocking logic of the Incarnation is precisely what has compelled apostolic Christians to affirm the Real Presence for two thousand years. We talk more about it with Matthew Becklo.Further ReadingThe heaven-earth dilemma and the scandal of God-become-dirtBook: The Way of Heaven and Earth: From Either/Or to the Catholic Both/AndGuest InfoMatthew Becklo is a husband and father, writer and editor, and the Publishing Director for Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. His first book, The Way of Heaven and Earth: From Either/Or to the Catholic Both/And, is available now from Word on Fire. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The hope of Messiah was never a vague aspiration for the Jewish people. It emerged from exile and matured within their theology. Every facet of Jewish prayer kept Messianic hope alive. Marcus reflects on how that Hope was born tonight in a stable. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

From the first chapters of Genesis to the final prophets of Israel, salvation unfolds through sworn commitment. Tonight, the Lord fulfills his promise to dwell with his people. Marcus traces the history of God’s covenants with His people and how it all leads up to tonight. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In order to grasp fully the significance of Christ’s birth, we must go all the way back to the very beginning and the events of Genesis 1-3. Monica Miller joins us.Further ReadingBook: In the Beginning: Crucial Lessons for Our World from the First Three Chapters of GenesisGuest InfoDr Monica Miller is the Director of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and the author of many books including “In the Beginning: Crucial Lessons for Our World from the First Three Chapters of Genesis,” “The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church,” “Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Abortion Wars” and “Theology of the Passion of the Christ” Check out prolifesociety.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

CS Lewis scholar and cultural commentator James Como died last month at the age of 79. As an indomitable culture warrior and soldier of Christ, he died with his boots on, working in the Lewisian vineyard in which he had labored for almost six decades. Joseph Pearce honors his memory.Further ReadingJoseph’s website A Culture Warrior Goes Home for ChristmasGuest InfoJoseph Pearce is Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative. A native of England, Mr. Pearce is Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Fellow of Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is the editor of the St. Austin Review, and series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions. He is the author of numerous books, which include The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile, Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc, and Further Up & Further In: Understanding Narnia. Visit his personal website at jpearce.co. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

On a freezing Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington led a bedraggled group of soldiers across the Delaware River before a surprise attack on a garrison of Hessians at Trenton. This pivotal victory saved the fledgling Revolution and changed the course of American Independence. Marcus has more.Further ReadingBook - Washington’s Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History)George Washington’s Surprise Attack: A New Look at the Battle That Decided the Fate of America This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

There is a video going viral on YouTube that claims to feature Cardinal Robert Sarah sharing a message he received in a vision of the Blessed Mother. There’s just one problem – it’s another AI fake. Matthew Bunson joins us. toFurther ReadingCompare the AI video:To a real video of Cardinal SarahGuest InfoMatthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com