Power & Witness

Deacon Jim Vargas is president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, the largest homeless services provider in San Diego.

Iwo Bender is a journalist, historian, and EWTN's Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Europe. He talks to us about the Ukrainian Crisis from a Polish Perspective.

Sr. Paesie, a French nun, founded the Kizito Family (a community of Catholic nuns) after 30 years as a Missionary of Charity. She lives in Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti running orphanages, schools, and Catechism centers serving about 2,000 children who live in extreme poverty in the largest slum area of the northern hemisphere. If you wish to make a donation for the Kizito Family: Online: https://www.kizitofamily.org/ By mail: Make check payable to: Kizito Family Haiti-USA Inc. Mail to: Kizito Family Haiti-USA Inc. 408 S. Eagle Road #103, Eagle, ID 83616

Have you encountered a particularly difficult situation and struggled to trust Jesus? Sister Faustina Maria Pia of the Sisters of Life talks to us about this very situation, from discerning her religious vocation to growing in her spiritual life. She composed the Litany of Trust, a powerful prayer for clarity and open dialogue with Jesus.

Fr. Sebastian White, O.P., currently serves as editor-in-chief of Magnificat magazine. He talks to us about this monthly publication that is a spiritual companion and guide to so many. He also talks to us about his conversion to Roman Catholicism, his vocation as a Dominican Friar, and much more!

Rachel Ullmann is the executive director of the Given Institute, an organization dedicated to activating the gifts of young adult women for the Catholic Church and the world. She talks to us about her background as well as inspiring and equipping the next generation of female leaders.

Joelle Maryn is an award-winning, actress, speaker, and TV host. She had a major reversion back to the Catholic faith and now engages in faith-based, inspirational, and family-friendly films and TV shows to lead others closer to Christ. Her new short film, “Fully Known,” tackles one of the greatest worldwide crises of our time - spiritual amnesia. Inspired by actual events, a woman challenged by life choices discovers her true calling and identity in a story of faith and redemption.

Patrick Flanagan is a retired military officer and current government contractor with the Department of Defense who has also done charity work in Afghanistan. He gives us an overview and brief modern history of radical Islam in the Middle East and superpower involvement.

For far too long women have been silenced in their struggle to overcome an addiction to pornography or masturbation. While the world might say these are helpful, or even “necessary” activities for women’s empowerment, empirical data and human experience are sharing a much different story.

Sissel Anderson shares the story of how her parents returned to the Catholic Church with all their children converting. Sissel now works for the Guadalupe Radio Network hosting a pair of radio programs. She and Fr. Mark discuss a range of topics including conversion, discipleship, and even film & media.

Mike Aquilina is the award-winning author of more than fifty books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion. He has hosted eleven television series and several documentary films and is a frequent guest on EWTN.

Meg Hunter-Kilmer is a cradle Catholic and a revert, brought back to the fold by a grace-filled confession and the supreme logic of Catholic doctrine. She has a Bachelor’s in Theology from Notre Dame and a Master’s in Systematic Theology, also from ND. After 5 years as a full time religion teacher, she quit her job and packed everything into the trunk of my car to drive around the country and fly around the world as a hobo missionary. (We apologize for a few segments of bad audio)

Fr. Michael Zimmerman was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John’s Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael’s own interests such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston, Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God’s plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.

Barbara Tavares de Melo Freitas tells us about her missionary work with the Shalom Catholic Community. Present in dozens of countries around the world, the Shalom Catholic Community is made up of men and women who, in diverse lifestyles present in the Church, engage in a community and missionary life in order to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men and women, especially to those far from Christ and the Church.

John Edwards is the founder of Pew Ministries and the popular podcast, “Just a Guy in the Pew.” Like so many men, he vowed to be a better person, husband and father time and time again. It wasn’t until he felt the presence of Jesus as he walked out of a jail cell that he realized how much he wanted to change and how he could only do that with His help.

The Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture is an educational program that offers accredited humanities courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Fr. Mark speaks with new director, Patrick Callahan.

Elizabeth Zelasko works with Catholic publishers and institutions, creating commissioned pieces. She gives talks on the theological aspects and material processes of writing a traditional icon. Elizabeth also creates privately commissioned icons, paintings, and drawings.

Fr. Mark talks to Adam Minihan and David Niles of the Catholic Man Show. The Catholic Man Show started in May of 2016 when Adam and David realized, after running a Catholic radio station in Tulsa, the need for Catholic radio programs for men. Real, relatable, and often comical, Adam and David have a conversation promoting the lost art of living virtuously. — thecatholicmanshow.com

Kimberly Cook is a writer, podcaster, mother, & Catholic apologist. She was drawn into radical feminism and even traveled the world with an all-girl punk band. After many years of darkness, anger, and hopelessness, her life took a new course as she was brought back into the fold of the Catholic faith.

Colin Nykaza is the Director of Youth Outreach for the Archdiocese of New York. He talks to us about his spiritual journey through obsessive-compulsive disorder and devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus.

Paul Zucarelli was a successful businessman however on Pentecost Sunday, he died unexpectedly of sudden cardiac death. During the two hours that he was clinically dead, Paul had an out-of-body experience where a glorious white light brought him to Heaven and he experienced an illumination of conscience.

Father Jeffrey Kirby, STD, is a Senior Contributor to the Crux news site. He is an author with Our Sunday Visitor, Ave Maria Press, Catholic Answers Press, and Saint Benedict Press/TAN Books. He is a Papal Missionary of Mercy and is the Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina. Father Kirby holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College. In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state. In 2020, Kirby served as a Guest Chaplain of the US House of Representatives and led the House in their daily invocation.

Fr. Augustine Wetta, OSB speaks to us about saints who were considered failures in life. It is liberating to hear how the saints did not live by the standards of this world. Very moving!

Father William Blazek, a Jesuit Priest, is the Regional Coordinator for Canada and USA as well as National Director/USA of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, which shares the Holy Father’s monthly prayer intentions and shares devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He talks to us about the Daily Examen, a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us, as described by St. Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises.

Fr. John Paul Mary, MFVA interviews Fr. George Elliott, a priest from the Diocese of Tyler in Texas. They discuss Fr. Elliott’s new book — Discernment - Do’s and Don'ts.

Karn May is a Catholic writer, spiritual director, and inspirational speaker. She is the founder of Amayzing Graces, an inspirational online community. Karen talks to us about her book, “Walking through Holy Week,” an in-depth guide to the stories and events that open up a deeply meaningful experience of Easter.

Debbie Capen is the Executive Director of MiraVia, a pregnancy care center on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. MiraVia, which began as Room At The Inn in 1994, helps abortion-vulnerable women choose life and build independent, healthy lives for themselves and their children. MiraVia offers life skills classes, material assistance and moral support to the women who come to them for help – free of charge. Since its founding, MiraVia has helped nearly 7,000 women and their children at its outreach facility in Charlotte.

Fr. Edward Looney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Green Bay June 6, 2015, and currently serves as Pastor of St. Francis and St. Mary Parish, Brussels and St. Peter/St. Hubert Parish, Lincoln/Rosiere. At a young age, Fr. Looney fostered a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Marian pilgrimage has been central to Fr. Looney’s life. During the summer of 2005 Fr. Looney, as a high school sophomore, made a Marian pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (Champion, WI). This pilgrimage opened the door of his heart to discern more seriously a priestly vocation. He has visited Marian shrines all across the world, including Lourdes, Fatima, Knock, Beauraing, Banneux, Pontmain, and Rue du Bac. Fr. Looney’s writings have been featured in numerous Catholic publications. Further, he has traveled across the country delivering various Marian presentations at conferences and parishes. A member of the Mariological Society of America, Fr. Looney has published in theological journals on topics related to Mariology. He talks to us about the only approved Marian apparition in the United States.

Alex Jones, an engineering graduate from the University of Notre Dame, is the CEO and co-founder of Hallow, an audio-guided Catholic meditation and prayer app. Hallow aims to help people to combine the peace and stillness of meditation with the spiritual growth of prayer. The app is comparable to the popular mindfulness meditation apps trending today, but was built with a lens of Christian faith. It offers a variety of prayer techniques, a choice in audio guides, sessions organized by theme, and options for session length.

Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM is originally from the town of Jim Thorpe, a small mining and railroad town in the Pennsylvania Coal Region. Following his time at MIT to purse a degree in Physics, he moved to the Midwest to pursue PhD studies at the University of Wisconsin in the field of Materials Science. It was during this time of graduate studies that he was introduced to St. Louis de Montfort’s book, “The True Devotion to Mary.” This came at a time when he was seeking the ultimate direction of his life. Fr. Gillespie laid aside his doctoral studies after 5 years in the program to test the waters of a missionary vocation at the service of the Church. In 1993 he entered the U.S. Province of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary, a small community founded by Louis de Montfort himself. The years since have included thirteen mission trips to central Nicaragua, service as the parochial vicar at a bilingual parish, campus ministry, and mission and retreat preaching across the United States and in Mexico. Recently he also had the opportunity to offer a course on devotion to Our Lady and the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort to clergy in India and to offer a series of programs on devotion to Our Lady to Catholics at several parishes in the United Arab Emirates. Presently Father is serving as the managing editor for Montfort Publications and as the acting director of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island in addition to his itinerant preaching commitments in the service of promoting the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort.

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, is the vicar provincial and vocation director for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, as well as the author of a number of books. In the midst of crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it's time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. Drawing on the wealth of the Church's living tradition, Fr. Calloway calls on all of us to turn to St. Joseph, entrust ourselves, our Church, and our world to our spiritual father's loving care, and then watch for wonders when the Universal Patron of the Church opens the floodgates of Heaven to pour out graces into our lives today.

Long standing Wall Street executive, frequent guest on CNBC, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg TV, and a chartered financial analyst (CFA), Stephen Auth went from managing money to saving souls on the streets of New York City. For the last 10 years Auth has led missions trips to Wall Street and has written a book about the experience. We spoke about his street evangelization and his full time work of managing a mutual fund. He has a lot of interesting things to say about servant leadership, making big decisions and the importance of the free market system.

Joelle Maryn is a Catholic Speaker and Evangelist who has been featured on various Christian TV and radio shows. Her message of God's healing love has radiated hope and purpose in life to many around the world. In her past, she has modeled for well known brands such as Jergens, was on a billboard in Times Square, appeared on numerous book covers, films and news interviews and is the former Host of Trend TV. She also started her own cosmetics company. In 2012, she hit a spiritual rock bottom and realized she was completely empty despite these worldly accomplishments. She had a major encounter with Jesus and in His mercy, was given another chance to love and lead others to Him. After years in ministry, she now speaks full time and works with youth and adults to cultivate spiritual growth in their lives and to have a personal relationship with Jesus through her talks and the healing power of prayer, music and the sacraments. We spoke about various spiritual topics which are close to her heart.

Kevin Dunn is an award-winning filmmaker, international speaker and entertainer whose productions on the dignity of the human person have touched the hearts and minds of thousands around the world. He’s been called a ‘modern day Cassandra’ by medical professionals for exposing the ethical landslide around assisted dying laws — and how they affect society over time. His films Fatal fLAWs, The Euthanasia Deception and The Vanier Way— along with his work producing the annual National March for Life give Kevin a unique and current perspective on life issues. As a seasoned entertainer, broadcaster and family man he continues to keep audiences engaged and empowered in places like Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada. The key solution he says, is in learning to become a ‘prophet of hope’ in the lives of those around us. A three-time Gemini Award (Canada’s version of the Emmys) nominee, Kevin Dunn has had an exceptional 30 year career as a broadcaster, producer, TV host, guest speaker and musical performer. His credits include more than 1,000 hours of both live and pre-produced television from a variety of genres including variety, pop culture, science, history, social justice, religious and children’s programming. His work has been seen on Networks such as Discovery Channel, History Channel UK, ARTE France & Germany, CBC, CTV, Global TV and EWTN. For the past 15 years, Kevin’s focus has shifted to producing films on some of the most important social justice issues of our time. As a proud Christian and father of six, Kevin’s message one of sacrificial love - becoming “Prophets of Hope” in our time. His content is always life-affirming, hopeful but challenging. Kevin is happily married and has six wonderful children. He resides with his wife Mary and his two youngest children near Toronto, Canada.

Joe Sikorra has a broad and diverse background as a former police officer and stuntman, actor, musician, singer-songwriter, and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to hosting The Joe Sikorra Show, Joe is currently a Marriage and Family Therapist at Stillpoint Family Resources in Southern California. Joe and his wife dealt with the revelation that their two young children were diagnosed with a rare, neurological and fatal disease Initially seeming they had been given a death sentence, they chose joy and found hope, love and laughter in the midst of incredible struggle. He helps all families or individuals facing difficult and unexpected challenges see how they can deepen their faith and connection with what really matters. Joe and I had a wonderful discussion about his spirituality and what strengthened him in carrying his cross.

Fr. Glenn is one of the eight founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, founded in the spring of 1987. The apostolic mission of the Community is to save the materially poor, especially the destitute and homeless. Presently, the Community has over 120 members and 15 friaries around the world. Father Glenn Sudano is from Brooklyn, and briefly pursued a career in television before entering the Capuchins in 1978 with the encouragement of Father Groeschel.

Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C. is President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. He entered Holy Cross Fathers in 1964. He earned a Bachelors in Philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a Masters in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. In addition to English, Father Willy is conversant in French and Spanish. He's a native of Old Town, Maine and one of 12 children. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He talks to us about Venerable Patrick Peyton.

Samatha Kelley, the president of Fierce Athlete (fierceathlete.org), and one of her board members, Angela Schnieders, spoke about the challenges of being a female athlete today, and how to deal with those issues. They are both former athletes and have appeared on EWTN's Women of Grace.

Sam Guzman is the founder and editor of the Catholic Gentleman. He is the husband of a beautiful woman and the father of four precious children. He lives in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. He is an author, blogger, and occasional poet, and my work has appeared in such publications as Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, Truth and Charity Forum, Jesus the Imagination, and The Christian Science Monitor. Sam is a frequent guest on EWTN, Magnificat Radio, Radio Maria and other media outlets. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University. His first book, also titled The Catholic Gentleman, is forthcoming from Ignatius Press. Above all, He is a Catholic, and I strive to be a faithful son of the Church. Sam also happen to: shave with an old fashioned safety razor, smoke a pipe, love a good stout, have been known to write poetisry, an amateur bibliophile, loves leather, owns three antique typewriters, occasionally collect fountain pens, and attend the Latin mass.

Michael Patrick Barber is Associate Professor of Scripture and Theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology (Denver, CO). In addition to teaching, academic research, publishing, and participating in scholarly conferences (Society of Biblical Literature, Catholic Biblical Association), he also gives popular-level presentations at Catholic conferences and parish events around the United States. He lives in Aurora, CO, with his wife Kimberly and their six children.

Campbell Miller, the talented director and film maker behind, “Hope”, the first docudrama about the apparitions of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland. Campbell currently works for EWTN in Ireland.

Fr. Carter Griffin is the Rector of Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington. He is a graduate of Princeton University, a former Naval Officer, and author of the new book Why Celibacy? Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest published by Emmaus Road.

When cultures such as ours toss Jesus out one door, He comes in albeit disguised through another. That's why author Jim Papandrea turned to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, Terminator, Spider-Man, Batman, Dr. Who, and half-a-dozen other modern shows, discovering in each one powerful images of Christ and salvation. Jim Papandrea is a teacher, author, speaker, and musician. He is a Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary (on the campus of Northwestern University) in Evanston. IL.

Avera Maria Santo speaks and writes on homosexuality and Catholicism at the young age of 22. She travels the country sharing her story, giving a tangible and joyful witness to the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Church’s teachings. Avera blogs at Inside My Holy of Holies: http://couragegulfcoast.wixsite.com/blog

Are you happy? Dr. Jennifer Frey discusses the connection between virtue and happiness according to Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Dr. Frey also discusses the importance of literature in teaching the virtues. We also discuss the role of the theological virtues and happiness. Dr. Frey is currently an assistant professor in the philosophy department at the University of South Carolina. Her research lies at the intersection of philosophy of action, ethics, and meta-ethics. Dr. Frey co-edited a book titled, Self-Transcendence and Virtue, which was part of the work she did as co-principal investigator on a major three year research project, titled "Virtue, Happiness, and Meaning of Life."

Dr. Sean Innerst is a professor at St. John Vianney Seminary and the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO. He spoke with us about St. Agustine's method of evangelization and catechesis through the telling of the story of salvation history. In that story, we can see God's love for his lost children. Dr. Innerst also had some great insights on Mary at the foot of the cross.

Sr. Rita Clare Yoches, TOR & Sr. Sarah Rose Dent, TOR talk to us about the work in reaching our to college students in their apostolate as Franciscan TOR Sisters.

Timmerie Millington Geagea is a radio host and Catholic speaker. She speaks on various theological issues and is an expert at responding to current trends of sexuality, feminism, and gender ideology. She co-hosts "Trending with Timmerie". Prior to this, Timmerie worked for five years as the Director of Education & Outreach at Life Choices pregnancy counseling center in San Diego. She holds a Masters Degree in Biblical Theology and Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Media with an emphasis in the New Evangelization from John Paul the Great Catholic University. Her diverse professional background includes public relations consulting for nonprofits at the national level. She spoke with us on the blog about a full range of issues dealing with the sexual revolution.

Chris Padgett has been doing ministry for over 20 years. He is an author, musician, teacher, and motivational speaker. Padgett has been married to his high school sweetheart for over 25 years and has nine children. He has also appeared on television and radio and has been a regular speaker and entertainer at Steubenville youth conferences. For the last several years, Chris was an adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan University and currently teaches at Catholic Distance University.

Fr. Matthew Kauth is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. Having completed his STB at Catholic University, Fr. Kauth was ordained in the Jubilee of our Lord 2000. He served as a parochial vicar, administrator, and pastor for a total of six years before being sent to Rome for a license and doctorate in Moral Theology. He obtained the doctorate in 2012 and was appointed chaplain of a high school while teaching at Belmont Abbey College. In 2014, he spearheaded a commission to study the possibility of starting a college seminary in the Charlotte Diocese in cooperation with the College. In 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary was established and Fr. Kauth became its first Rector, a position in which he continues to serve today.