Dr. Tom Curran Podcast

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Fr. Pat explores the second reading at Ash Wednesday Mass about what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2)

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Sr. Mary Eucharista, SMMC, about how to celebrate Shrove Tuesday and how to launch into Lent. Sr. Eucharista explores themes related to the Lenten Season, such as: feasting, fasting, prayer and almsgiving.Join Sr. Mary Eucharista for Ash Wednesday Silent Day of Prayer at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What spiritual practices do you recommend for those preparing for Lent? How is Lent like training for a marathon? What if I fail at my Lenten disciplines? Fr. Nagel responds to quotes by St. Benedict of Nursia on themes related to Lent.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore practical examples of proleptic transformation in his own life. Tom explores three moments in the dynamic of being a disciple: call, poverty and empowerment.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore the concept of prolepsis by sharing two practical examples from his own life. Tom also talks about waking up at 3am (the hour of visitation) and shares insights from his upcoming book titled, No Half Measures.

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Fr. Nathan Dail, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Paul’s Student Center at Boise University and Vocation Director for the Diocese of Boise. Fr. Dail shares insights from Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales and explains the need for transformation from self-obsession to ascension.

Dr. Tom Curran introduces the theological concept of prolepsis and ponders the questions: How is God present in this situation right now and how can I contribute? Tom explores how to live a proleptic life and shares a proleptic prayer.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Similes of Salt and Light. [Matthew 5: 13-16] Fr. Pat shares insights on themes, such as: obedience, identity, salt, witness, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Morning Light Co-host Hope Ryan on the gifts of wonder, docility and Catholic radio. Hope talks about how she got involved in Catholic radio, the impact of reading aloud with kids, parenting teens without smartphones or social media, and the influence of the saints.

How much time and effort do you spend focusing on that which passes away versus that which endures? Dr. Tom Curran explores the four steps for spiritual transformation: disruption, desire, desperation and dynamism. Tom references insights written in his upcoming book, titled: No Half Measures.

Dr. Tom Curran helps listeners prepare for Lent by suggesting two practices to consider: “Lord, reveal to me my predominant fault” and “Guardian Angel, you have my permission to humble me each day.” Tom prays The Litany of Trust and explores concepts, such as: the 7 deadly sins, daughters of sin, the four temperaments, and more resources to grow in self knowledge.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Beatitudes. [Matthew 5: 3-12] Tom asks Fr. Pat questions, such as: How do you discern what to pray for? What’s the difference between studying scripture and praying with scripture? What does it mean to be blessed?

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Kurt Nagel explore questions about the Feast of the Presentation, such as: Is it STILL Christmas? What’s Candlemas? What’s happening to Jesus at The Presentation at the Temple? Who are Simeon and Anna?

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about the many practical ways they utilize AI tools and explore the three goals of a Classical Education: learning how to think, learning how to learn and learning to love learning.

Dr. Tom Curran confesses to his predominant sin and explores the theological formation of the heart, spiritual formation. Tom talks about the practices of silence, solitude and simplicity.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore the impact of forming the mind by sharing a conversation about some fundamental questions: What’s the most important thing right now? Was it worth what it cost? How much is enough? And, what will I do with the time that remains?

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore theological formation, formation of the mind, by sharing insights from the book The Gift of Faith by Fr. Tadeusz Dajczer. Tom reflects on principles, such as: faith brings a light, understanding through experience, paradoxical truths, mystery increased through knowledge, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Paul Heric, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Student Center at Washington State University, many questions about ministering to college-aged kids: How do you minister healing to college kids? What’s bringing so many young people to OCIA? What were stand-out insights from your time in the seminary?

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about the National March for Life and share stories about their own participation in local March for Life activities. Tom explores the culture of life vs. the culture of death, as it relates to social issues.

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Lorissa Horn, Director of Campus Ministry at Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, ID, about faith formation activities for teens. Lorissa testifies to praying the Rosary and talks about the challenges facing young people today.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights by Hans Urs von Balthasar on the call to be a theologian, in a childlike way, through worship, humility and obedience. Tom addresses the temptation toward cleverness, pride and condescension.

Dr. Tom Curran asks the questions: To whom do you open your mind? What do you notice? What’s your capacity to reflect? Tom explores different entry points to theological discussions, such as: salvation, hell and purgatory.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What is ordinary time all about? Who is St. Anthony of Egypt and how does his message speak to our time today? Is negligence or laziness a bigger sickness today? Today’s hosts respond to several quotes from St. Anthony of Egypt.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran discuss a list of questions to ask oneself when transitioning into a new year: What were your highlights from 2025? What have you changed your mind about over the past year? What created energy and drained energy in 2025? What were your anchors last year? What did you NOT do because of fear? and more!

Dr. Tom Curran continues his interview with Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC. Later in the program, Tom shares quotes from seminarians that have changed his life.

Dr. Tom Curran ponders fundamental questions about life with Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC. Fr. Patrick shares insights from his vocation journey, seminary experience and over three decades of the priesthood.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on the scripture passage, “Rise and Come Forward,” (Mark 3: 1-5) and talks about how even active Catholics today settle with a “withered-hand” existence. Tom continues to discuss the themes of encounter, breakthrough and transformation.

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Jeff Lewis common questions about the transition into ordinary time after celebrating Christmas, in anticipation of Lent. Fr. Jeff Lewis talks about attending the recent SEEK Focus Conference and reflects on the Baptism of Jesus.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to celebrate the Christmas Season by exploring historical facts and theological insights on the innkeeper, the wise men, the shepherds and the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Tom talks about the traditions of the Epiphany House Blessing and the blessing of Epiphany water.

Dr. Tom Curran shares stories about an epiphany revealed about him, and his wife Kari’s, parenting at a family trip to Disney Land. Tom reflects on insights from Pope Leo’s Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals on the need for clarity on the Second Vatican Council documents.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss scripture passages that will transform your life. Tom shares insights on how to overcome comfortable dissipation through disruption, breakthrough and transformation.Referenced Scriptures:(Rev 1: 10-18)(Isa 62: 1-5)(Jer 33: 6-9)

Dr. Tom Curran reflects on scripture passages that will transform your life. Tom shares several insights from Song of Songs chapters 4-6 about how much Jesus loves YOU!You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride; you have ravished my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one bead of your necklace. (Song of Songs 4: 9)Turn your eyes away from me, for they stir me up. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead. (Song of Songs 6: 5)

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to reflect on quotes from Pope Benedict XVI, as referenced in his Homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.Referenced Texts: OPENING OF THE YEAR FOR PRIESTS ON THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY, Friday, 19 June 2009

Dr. Tom Curran testifies to the fruits of his word from last year, “farewell.” Tom shares quotes inspiring his launch into the New Year on topics, such as: acknowledging the must-do, finding direction and being transformed.

Dr. Tom Curran reflects on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and shares insights from St. Thomas Aquinas on how to set a New Year’s Resolution. Tom references the Word of the Year Generator by Jen Fulwiler, Catholic standup comic and author.

In the spirit of the Christmas Season, Dr. Tom Curran identifies 13 attributes of God: God is unavoidable, God sees, God takes the initiative, God is not caught off guard, God waits, God is not fooled, God fills to overflowing, God accompanies, God encompasses, God redeems, God is trustworthy, God perseveres, and God makes all things new.

Dr. Tom Curran interviews his oldest daughter, Mary Grace, about her upcoming book on the topic: Escape to Reality: In the Age of Technology, Summer Camp Shows Us How To Live Again. Discover how screens, social media and a sedentary lifestyle has shaped the reality of different generations.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Jeff Lewis: What do priests want for Christmas? What’s an octave? What other feast days are honored during the Christmas Octave, and why?

From the Archive! Dr. Tom Curran reflects on the Feast of the Holy Innocents and the role of St. Joseph to protect Jesus and Mary. Tom talks about the challenges facing parents today and gives insights for families striving for holiness.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from a conversation with his young adult and college aged kids home for Christmas break about being a good steward. Tom explains the benefits of quiet time, adoration, meditation on holy art and scripture reflections.

From the Archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel about many different important figures in the Advent story leading up to Christ's birth: What does St. John the Baptist teach us about Advent? Was Joseph young or old? How are we like the Innkeeper? Why did God use Caesar Augustus to bring about the prophecy?

From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran explore family customs and traditions for the Advent Season. The Currans list their favorite Advent activities with kids: seasonal prayers, puzzles, light shows, movies, books, and more!

From the Archive! Dr. Tom Curran interviews Fr. Joseph D. Fessio, S.J., founder of Ignatius Press, about the book The Divine Project: Reflections on Creation and the Church by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Fr. Fessio shares personal stories of Pope Benedict XVI and Henri de Lubac.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What’s Gaudete Sunday all about? Why do we “Rejoice!” in the middle of Advent? Today’s hosts explore several quotes by St. John of the Cross on topics, such as: detachment, judgment, love, suffering, and more.

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran talks about the enemies of comparison, perfection and busyness, and he references God’s Word bringing peace and healing. (Matthew 6:33, Luke 12:32, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9)

Dr. Tom Curran shares his best insights, strategies and tips for praying The Rosary as a family with many little kids. Tom testifies to the impact of praying a daily family rosary and explores the many different Marian Devotions.

Dr. Tom Curran testifies to the gift of a good book and shares insights on the Blessed Mother Mary, as referenced in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, on topics such as: predestination, Mary’s yes, the gift of grace, conceived without sin, Mary’s role, her consent to the sacrifice of Jesus, and more! Discover what the Church’s teaching on Mary means for YOUR life and all of humanity.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from scripture about fear, anxiety and worry. Do you parent out of fear? Do you wake up concerned about your day? Do you have a loved one you are worried about? Has your child/grandchild left the Church? Tom prays with listeners the Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life.References:Surrender Novena, Fr. Don Dolindo Ruotolo (Catholic Exchange)Litany of Trust, Sisters of Life

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What’s the Advent season like for Priests? What’s your advice for those who have children and grandchildren who have left the faith? What’s your advice for parents with teenagers who reject the faith? Get tips and insights to help bring loved ones back to faith!

Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss how to make a good confession and why it’s important! Tom continues to explore the important statements detailed in his book Confession - 5 Sentences that will Heal Your Life: I did it, I am sorry, forgive me, I'll make up for it, and I'll never do it again. Tom references teachings from scripture, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas.