Busted Halo Show w/Fr. Dave Dwyer

We often feel God's presence in a breathtaking sunset or magnificent cathedral, and Father Dave welcomes actor, director, and producer David Henrie to discuss how beauty can be a path to the divine. David leads viewers across Italy to find the intersection of faith and culture in the new series, "Seeking Beauty," streaming now on EWTN+.

We all experience times of uncertainty in our lives, and Father Dave welcomes Matt Kresich to discuss his new book "The Path of Discernment: Hearing God's Call."

As many struggle to stick to their New Year's resolutions, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Kathryn Whitaker to help him overcome roadblocks to cleaning out his office. Kathryn is the co-host of the weekly show "Strong Voices" on the Catholic Channel, host of the "NICU Babies Parent Support" podcast, and author of "Live Big, Love Bigger: Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea and a Whole Lotta Jesus." She is also in the midst of her annual "Purge and Reset," where she cleans out her entire home with her husband and six children.

In an exciting Team Busted Halo announcement, Brett Siddell surprises Father Dave and Krista with news that his wife Brittany is expecting their first child. For more than 19 years, Brett has served the show in a variety of roles, including phone screener, producer, and now co-host. Father Dave, Brett, and Krista reflect on his growth over the years and excitement about becoming a father.

A listener named Randy asks Father Dave a question about the history of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "Could you explain the Baltimore Catechism?" Randy asks. "My dad would always talk about it, but never gave an explanation of what it was. Is it still in effect, or is there a new Catechism?"

As we share meals with those we love this holiday season, Father Dave welcomes Emily Stimpson Chapman to discuss her new book "Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends."

The holiday season can be a lonely time for singles seeking marriage, and Father Dave welcomes back speaker and author Emily Wilson Hussem to discuss her new Catholic dating app SacredSpark.

A listener named Kay asks a question about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. "When going to confession, do you have to detail every instance [of sin]?" She asks. "For example, if you tend to embellish the truth, do you describe every time you lie? Or if you have been promiscuous, do you have to detail every instance?"

Father Dave welcomes friend of the show Greg Willits to discuss how the writings of Saint Louis de Montfort have impacted Greg's mental health journey. He is the founder and executive director of RosaryArmy.com, as well as the host of the Rosary Army podcast with his wife, Jennifer. Greg is the author of "God Doesn't Hate Me, After All: Discovering Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom."

As Advent begins, Father Dave welcomes back co-founder and CEO of the Hallow App, Alex Jones, to discuss their offerings for the season. Hallow's Advent prayer challenge this year is called "Pray25: Be Still," and features Chris Pratt, Jonathan Roumie, Gwen Stefani, and many more.

Advent starts this weekend, and Father Dave welcomes Father Mike Schmitz to discuss preparing our hearts this season. Father Mike is the host of Ascension's "The Bible in a Year" and "The Catechism in a Year" podcasts, as well as the new series "Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz."

Krista asks Father Dave for advice on wanting to serve the poor while also tending to her young children.

We're all called to spread the Gospel, and Father Dave welcomes back Franciscan friar Father Casey Cole to discuss his new evangelization mission and book. Father Casey and two fellow young friars moved to Charlotte, NC to found SEARCH, which stands for Seek, Encounter, Accompany, Renew, Convert and Heal. He is also the author of the new book, "Sent: How to Evangelize Wherever You Are, Whoever You Are."

We all can experience a rut in our prayer lives, and Father Dave welcomes Lisa Hendey to discuss how we can invite Christ into our everyday moments. Lisa is the founder of CatholicMom.com and her new book is called "Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional."

Through the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican recently published a document called "Mater Populi Fidelis," or "Mother of the Faithful People of God," which clarifies different titles for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave explains the purpose of this document, specifically in reference to the Vatican's rejection of labeling Mary "co-redemptrix" or "co-mediatrix."

Father Dave welcomes back veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss the benefits of going on a pilgrimage. Joan is the pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and the author of the new book "Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics."

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about finding time to go to Confession. "My parish only offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays 30 minutes before Mass. This one time makes it very difficult [for me] to go to Confession. In fact, I've been avoiding it due to the schedule," Michael begins. "Is it rare or commonplace to ask a priest for a private confession? We have two priests for 3,500 families so they are super busy; I feel guilty adding to their work load. All the parishes in my diocese have similar schedules."

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and Father Dave welcomes Dominican friar Father Gregory Pine to discuss how it is also the key to our very identities. Father Gregory is professor of dogmatic and moral theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the author of "Your Eucharistic Identity: A Sacramental Guide to the Fullness of Life."

As we continue move through the month of the Rosary, Father Dave welcomes Shannon Wendt to discuss finding time in our hearts and schedules for prayer. Shannon is the Founder and CEO of ChewsLife.com and the author of the new book, "The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life."

A listener named Linda wonders about our relationship with the Lord and asks, "Can you explain fear of God?"

Visiting the imprisoned is a Corporal Work of Mercy, and Father Dave welcomes Father Dustin Feddon to discuss accompanying those who are imprisoned, both during their sentences and after their releases. Father Dustin is a priest inof the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the author of "More Than Half Way Home: A Story of Accompaniment in the Shadows of Incarceration."

Recently, the Saint Paul the Apostle Church choir in New York City had the exciting opportunity to perform an original song called "Love More" at Pope Leo XIV's general audience. Father Dave lives and serves at Saint Paul the Apostle, and he discusses the profound moment with the song's composer, J. Oconer Navarro.

A listener named Amy asks Father Dave about praying the Rosary. She explains that she started praying a Rosary at Church before Mass began, but did not have time to finish. "[Later] I went to Communion, and I said my prayer back at the pew, then I decided to finish the two decades of the Rosary and the closing prayers while everyone was finishing going to Communion," she says. "I started to wonder if this is what I should be doing, or am I not participating and being present for the other people still receiving Communion and for the Eucharist that was still present on the altar?"

Father Dave welcomes Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent for Crux, who recently conducted the first extensive papal interview of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The wide-ranging two-part interview was in research for her papal biography, "Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century." The book is now available in Spanish by Penguin Peru and will be published in English in 2026.

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about a prayer during Mass. "During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, there are certain things that the rubrics tell the priest to say quietly or inaudibly," Michael says. "I'm wondering why that would be, particularly because one of them says, 'By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.' That, to me, is like wow. That's where the lightning strikes, like the meeting of heaven and earth; that is the Mass. So why would that be said inaudibly?"

Heading to confession can feel daunting as an adult, let alone preparing your child for their First Reconciliation! For help introducing this sacrament to kids, Father Dave welcomes fellow SiriusXM Catholic Channel host Katie McGrady and her husband Tommy to discuss their new book, "First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family's Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness."

College football season is underway, and Father Dave welcomes chaplain for the University of Notre Dame football team Father Nate Wills to discuss his new book, "Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football."

Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and ethicist Dr. Charles Camosy to discuss the fight against a culture of death. Dr. Camosy teaches moral theology and bioethics at The Catholic University of America, and his latest book is called, "Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing."

Father Dave answers a listener's question about forgiveness. Lynn asks, "Do you forgive the sinner and not the sin? People must be accountable for their actions, even if there is forgiveness — yes?"

Father Dave welcomes Bobby Angel to discuss how one of the Church's newest saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati, can be a role model for all of us. Bobby is a Catholic speaker, author, and certified mentor for the CatholicPsych Institute. His new book is called "The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue."

Father Dave welcomes author Michael Carlon to discuss his new novel "The Waiting Room" which reframes how we journey with those close to death.

As many students are off to college, Father Dave welcomes back Meg Hunter-Kilmer for a discussion about life on campus and her new book on understanding the Gospels. Meg works in campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame and her new book is called, "Eyes Fixed on Jesus, Volume 1: A Journey Into the Gospels."

As many head back to school and religious education, we welcome back friend of the show Joe Paprocki to help catechists teach God's word in the modern world. Joe serves as National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press and is the author of the newly updated book, "The Catechist's Toolbox 2.0: Building Today's Missionary Disciples."

A listener named Jesús wonders about a Mass ritual and asks, "Why do priests and deacons kiss the altar before Mass?"

Scammers can often target those in the Church, and Father Dave welcomes Theresa Payton to help others protect themselves from fraud. Theresa is the former White House Chief Information Office for President George W. Bush, as well as the CEO of the cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions. Her a new initiative, "Protecting the Faithful," helps Christians spot scams before they are victims.

Father Dave answers a listener's question about Church donations. Shonda asks, "I always go to Mass on vacation. If I'm a visitor at a parish, should I give in the collection, even if I'm still giving at home?"

A listener named John asks Father Dave about correct postures when receiving the Eucharist. "I've seen an increase of people kneeling to receive communion. I've heard Father Dave comment on this before, but I'm wondering if he can address this." John begins. "Every week, our priest calls out people for leaving after communion [before Mass ends]. Why not correct those who kneel to receive when that's not an option given to us by the Church, when not in a traditional Latin Mass setting?"

As Father Dave begins his 30-Day Challenge to instill healthier habits, we welcome Chase Crouse to discuss how faith and fitness are connected. Chase is the founder and CEO of Hypuro Fit, a Catholic-based personal training and nutrition coaching company, and the co-author of "The God of Endurance: A Practical Guide for Incorporating Exercise and Nutrition into your Spiritual Journey."

A listener named Brittany asks Father Dave about the Eucharistic Prayer. She wonders, "Is there an easy way to know what Eucharist Prayer is going to be used at Saturday night or Sunday Mass? I like to follow along in a prayer book throughout Mass, and I have a hard time at this point figuring out which prayer is being read."

Following the devastating floods in Texas, Father Dave welcomes friend of the show Kathryn Whitaker to discuss helping others after a tragedy.

A listener named Kathleen asks Father Dave about the saint-making process in the Catholic Church. "If someone asks for the intercession of a person that the Church recognizes as venerable, and the request is granted, how does one prove that the [venerable] person actually granted it?"

We may know how to pray with our hearts and minds, but Father Dave welcomes Dr. Ansel Augustine to discuss what it means to put that prayer into action. Dr. Augustine currently serves as the Assistant Director of African American Affairs for the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, and his new book is called, "Praying With Our Feet: Encountering God in the Margins."

A listener named Cecilia asks Father Dave about one aspect of the Nicene creed: "What Scriptures are being referred to when we say, 'He rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures?'"

Rome is the center of the Catholic Church, and Father Dave welcomes Judith Valente to discuss what faith lessons we can learn from Italian culture. Judith is a veteran journalist, retreat and pilgrimage leader, and the author of the new book, "The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life."

The amount of suffering in the world can feel overwhelming, and Father Dave welcomes Bill O'Keefe from Catholic Relief Services to explain the important work they do helping those in need around the globe. Bill is Executive Vice President for Mission, Mobilization, & Advocacy for Catholic Relief Services.

The National Eucharistic Revival concluded this past Sunday with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker and ministry consultant Mari Pablo to discuss what happens next. Mari also discusses her new ministry "In His Heart" which launches on Friday, June 27th, this year's Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In this second dispatch from the Jubilee Pilgrimage, led by Father Dave, Brett, Lino Rulli, and Tyler Veghte of "The Catholic Guy Show," we hear more about their experiences in Rome. They traveled through the holy doors of all four papal basilicas in Rome and Vatican City: Saint Peter, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Mary Major.

Father Dave and Brett joined Lino Rulli and Tyler Veghte of "The Catholic Guy Show" on SiriusXM's Catholic Channel for a pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee Year. They led 90 pilgrims through holy sites in Siena, Florence, and Rome.

Father Dave welcomes Tom Corcoran to discuss how small group interactions can help revitalize parishes. Tom is the president of Rebuilt Parish, as well as lay associate to the pastor at Church of the Nativity in Maryland. He is co-author of the new book, "The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities."

Father Dave welcomes back Timothy O'Malley to discuss how we can better relate to Mary as our Blessed Mother. O'Malley is associate director at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, and the author of the new book "A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God."