Dr. Tom Curran Podcast

Dr. Tom Curran talks about the effects of sin on the intellect, will and desires. Tom explores the concupiscence of sin, particularly the sins of pride and anger. What are the promises of pride? How is stubbornness and boastfulness connected to pride? How can we grow in humility? What's the difference between righteous indignation and anger? Referenced Movie:Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End (Fathom Entertainment) Get Tickets Near You!

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from a recent Curran Family Sunday meeting. Tom addresses four questions: What is the proper effect of Holy Communion? What's at stake in receiving Holy Communion? How do you pray in relation to Holy Communion? How does adoration deepen how one receives Holy Communion? Tom answers the question his kids asked him, “Why don't you have any friends?”

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, discuss the importance of building a small group of people to walk in faith together. Today's hosts talk about education vs. formation, saying prayers vs. praying to God, friendship vs. fraternity, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: How did you celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi? What's the science behind the eucharistic miracles? How long did saints fast, surviving only on the Eucharist alone? What does it mean to become a “living monstrance?"

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran reflect on the transition of a loved one through death into eternal life. The Currans talk about how they honored their dying parents, grieved the death of a parent and celebrated the legacy of a “life well lived.” Kari reads the eulogy she wrote for her mother.

Dr. Tom Curran clarifies common misconceptions about “praise and worship” and explores different forms of praise: in song, in words and in silence. (individually, communally and liturgically) Tom shares insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Prayer of Praise and gives practical tips on how to teach kids to pray and forgive.Prayer Acronym:PTPIA - Praise, Thank, Petition, Intercession & AskForgiveness Sentences:“I did it.”“I'm sorry.”“Forgive me.”“I'll make up for it.”“I'll never do it again.”

Dr. Tom Curran explores insights by his spiritual director, Fr. Mark Noonan, about 4 Levels of Receptivity: receive me, I receive, I'm receptive to receive, and I am receptive to being received. Tom talks about the topics, such as: neediness, gratitude, affirmation, belonging and acceptance.Referenced Book:He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on Pentecost Sunday, Holy Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi Sunday. Today's hosts answer the questions: How do you nurture a personal relationship with Jesus? How has the eucharist impacted your vocation? Have you noticed a trend toward more reverent posture towards the eucharist?

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Jeff Lewis: How have you been transformed by God's Word? What are some scripture passages that have changed your life? Is there a bible verse that speaks to you again and again?Fr. Nagel's List of Life-Changing Scripture PassagesGal 2:19-20Eph 3: 14-19Luke 9: 23Fr. Lewis's List of Life-Changing Scripture PassagesPsalm 46: 11Exodus 14: 13-14Luke 1:38

From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about recent Aha! moments, prompting them to recognize blindness and gain awareness. The Currans discuss adventures in playing Mr. Mom, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD,) green flags for a future spouse, and more!

Dr. Tom Curran explores the first Encyclical Letter of Pope Leo XIV titled Magnifica Humanitas. Tom discusses key highlights on topics, such as: the modern industrial revolution, the Babel-syndrome, the human person “made in the image of God” vs. “a project to be optimized,” and transhumanism.Referenced Document:ENCYCLICAL LETTER, MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS, OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (Vatican.va)

Dr. Tom Curran talks about the impact of Pentecost and explores the important meaning of dates on the calendar, namely: saint feast days, anniversaries, birth / death dates and more! Tom shares insights from St. Philip Neri and St. Augustine of Canterbury.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on recent and upcoming events: Pentecost Sunday, Memorial Day and the prayer vigil for Mary Margaret Delorenzo. Tom talks about the experience of grief, the doorway of death, the power of the Holy Spirit, and seeking the presence of Jesus.

Dr. Tom Curran, Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Jeff Lewis discuss spiritual, academic and human formation. Tom asks the priests: What were the gifts and gaps in your seminary formation? How well did your seminary formation prepare you for celibacy? How do you help parishioners with discernment? What resources do you recommend for those looking to grow in prayer?Referenced Book List:The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à KempisAn Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de SalesIn the School of the Holy Spirit by Jacques PhilippeTime for God by Jacques PhilippeSearching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Jacques PhilippeIn Conversation with God series by Francis Fernandez-CarvajalFire Within: Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and the Gospel on Prayer by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.The Gift of Faith by Tadeusz DajczerHeart of the World by Fr. Hans Urs Von BalthasarThat Man Is You by Louis EvelyWe Dare to Say Our Father by Louis Evely

Dr. Tom Curran gives an extended eulogy for his mother in law, Mary Margaret Delorenzo. Tom shares complementary stories from her life and death related to themes, such as: passing on faith, breaking through limitations and making room.

Dr. Tom Curran and Natalie Lair, host of Desert Wanderer Podcast, discuss the balance between pursuing a money-minded career versus mission-minded career. Tom gives basic tips for making more, spending less, changing focus and trusting God!

Dr. Tom Curran and Natalie Lair, host of Desert Wanderer Podcast, discuss working in the Catholic podcast ministry, balancing work, raising kids, and trusting in God's providential care! What's the Catholic approach to achieving a perfect work life balance? Today's hosts explore principles to help Catholics achieve spiritual, relational and professional growth.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, ponder the questions: What preparation does it take to form a great priest? Fr. Pat and Tom recollect the gifts and gaps in their own seminary formation.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share insights on the right vs. wrong way to wait and the important role of singing at Mass. Tom asks Fr. Nagel: What's the history of The Novena to the Holy Spirit? Who is St. Matthias? What can St. Philip Neri teach us about waiting well?

On the Feast of the Ascension, Dr. Tom Curran anticipates the upcoming Novena to the Holy Spirit by pondering the question: Why have so many faithful Catholics never experienced real transformation? Tom differentiates information vs. insight and lists two important factors to deep, transformative change: coachability and docility. Referenced Book:The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

Dr. Tom Curran explores 4 topics: What's the history of Fatima apparitions? What happened to the three Fatima Visionaries? What's the message of Fatima? How did the Lord continue to use the message of Our Lady of Fatima after the apparitions?

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, discuss different titles of the Holy Spirit. Today's hosts prepare for Ascension Thursday by exploring how to have an intimate, personal, profound and lifegiving relationship with the Holy Spirit!

In honor of Mother's Day, Dr. Tom Curran explores the theology behind the concept: a child first experiences God through the love of their mother. Tom shares insights from popes and saints on the importance of families on civilization, the gift of motherhood, the model of the Blessed Mother, and Our Lady of Grace.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith,Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, discuss readings from the Sixth Sunday of Easter Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17) and The Advocate. (John 14:15-21) Today's hosts testify to God's providential care and talk about three moments of the disciple: called, powerlessness and empowered.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to explain the important impact of community for men, women, married couples and priests. Today's hosts share insights on St. Hilary of Arles and St. Hilary of Poitiers and discuss many topics, such as: living well in dark times, resisting worldly comforts, creating fellowship rooted in faith, and growing in nobility.

In honor of St. Joseph the Worker, Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on how to build character by embracing the arduous good and compares/contrasts generational thinking. Tom talks about issues troubling young adults today: the mental health tsunami, addiction to smartphones/ technology, and the current economic storm.

Dr. Tom Curran explains the 4 Levels of thinking in leadership: vision, strategy, plan, and action. Tom shares insights from decades of experience working with leadership teams to help listeners operate each level at work and in family life.

Dr. Tom Curran honors the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena by sharing insights on the reality of how saints engage with our lives from heaven. Tom testifies to praying the Rosary live on facebook and talks about how to discern the saints that accompany you!Pray the Rosary LIVE with Dr. Tom Curran on Facebook!

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington DC, shares stories of peaceful and happy deaths of faithful Catholics, including Fr. Pat's mom. Today's hosts share insights on how Catholics should prepare for death: ask for prayer, let yourself be taken care of, embrace the ministry of suffering, and more.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington DC, several AI generated questions, such as: What did you miss about MLK Jr. when you wrote your dissertation? What have you changed about your approach to marriage prep with engaged couples? Which spiritual practices have you tried that didn't “work” for you? What does Gospel music provide that Gregorian chant doesn't, and the reverse?

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Mary O'Regan, Author of the book Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood, about what it means to be a spiritual child of Padre Pio, a disciple of Padre Pio, and a victim soul. Mary O'Regan shares her personal testimony about her encounters with St. Padre Pio. Get your copy of the book! (Sophia Institute Press)

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Taylor Black, Director of AI & Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft and Executive Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies at The Catholic University of America. Taylor Black explains: What is AI? What can't AI do? How should Catholics respond to AI? What are the dangers of AI? What does it mean to be human? Subscribe to Taylor Black on Substack!

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Mary O'Regan, Author of the book Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood, about never-before-heard moments in the life of St. Padre Pio. Get your copy of the book! (Sophia Institute Press)

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Peter Carter, Director of the Catholic Sacred Music Project and Co-Author of The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and the Heavenly Liturgy. Peter shares insights from his conversation with Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship, on the criteria for sacred music and clarification for liturgical confusion.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to respond to challenging quotes by St. Anselm of Canterbury on topics, such as: obedience to church teaching, the ontological argument, and Jesus as Mother prayer.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran explain simple applications for AI to enhance productivity in family life. The Currans address the dangers of AI and give tips for creating healthy guardrails: know your voice, use critical thinking, be accountable to prayertime, and more.

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from recent coaching conversations with clients that are applicable to daily life as a Catholic living in the world. Tom gives tips for how to show up peacefully, not frenzied: build in extra time, start the day with prayer, be authentic, spend time in adoration, and more!Referenced Report:Information vs. wisdom: Why meditation is essential for leaders in the age of AI, by Manish Chopra , McKinsey & Company (December 2, 2025)

Dr. Tom Curran continues to pray the Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life in the Easter Season! Tom shares more insights on the specific intentions: reluctance towards God's will, anxiety about the future, resentment about the past, restless self-seeking, disbelief in the presence of God, fear of what love demands, and discouragement. Referenced program:March 10 -Overcome Mistrust and Distrust: Litany of Trust (Part 1)

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on the Easter Season, Divine Mercy Sunday and the upcoming Sunday Gospel, The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35)

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Jeff Lewis discuss: What is the “right way” to pray with others, and even unbelievers? How can Christians more visibly display their faith in daily life? Do people have the right to be wrong? Tom Curran preaches his "One Sermon."

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore nine levels of presence, focusing on: external adornments, bodily fitness/ awareness, personality, person as gift, your “I,” and transcendence.

Dr. Tom Curran explores a concept that is difficult to understand and underappreciated in today's society, human presence. Tom begins to list nine levels of presence, beginning with: God's creation, human works and human community.

From the Archives! Dr. Tom Curran reflects on the seven (or eight) first words of Jesus in the time of resurrection as a guide for living as Easter people, in contrast to the seven last words of Jesus on the cross.1. Death does not have the last word2. Do not be afraid3. Mary 4. What are you discussing? 5. Peace be with you 6. Believe7. Do you love me?

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran explores eight contrasting statements between Lent and Easter. Tom shares his best insights on how to live out the 50 days of the Easter Season, and beyond!

From the Archives! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What do you preach at Easter Sunday Mass? Who is showing up for Mass these days? Fr. Kurt Nagel references insights from the book, The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups by Leonard Sax, MD, PhD.

Dr. Tom Curran prepares listeners for the upcoming Sacred Triduum by reflecting on leadership principles taught by Christ in The Washing of the Disciples' Feet. [John 13] Tom talks about leadership attributes, such as: being attentive, taking initiative, knowing where you came from/ where you're going, acting authentically and more.

Dr. Tom Curran recaps his journey through Lent, asking his guardian angel to humble him every day. Tom prays Psalm 71, shares insights from a recent conversation with a listener, and ponders the question: What is truth?

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the second reading from Palm Sunday. [Philippians 2:6-11] Tom references the movie Mully and Fr. Pat shares insights on self-giving, sacrificial love, and transformed mindset.

From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Jeff Lewis to walk through the events of Holy Week. Fr. Lewis answers the questions: What's the approach (as a priest) to Holy Week? How can Catholic families celebrate Holy Week in their homes? Why is there no Mass on Good Friday? and, What's happening on Holy Saturday?

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the gospel from the 5th Sunday in Lent, The Raising of Lazarus. [John 11:1-45] Today's hosts testify to the game-changing scripture passages that have shaped their faith journey.

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to reflect on themes related to the Feast of the Annunciation: be alert, be a messenger and be docile. Tom asks Fr. Kurt Nagel, What is the incarnation?