Weekday Podcast from Dr. Tom Curran to awaken, unearth, and explore the riches of our Catholic Faith! Dr. Curran received his PhD in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a graduate degree in theology from the Gr
Donate to Dr. Tom Curran Podcast

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?

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from recent Catholic coaching sessions and explores the flow of coaching moments: dialogue, action, transformation. Tom explains what it means to be a trusted advisor and reveals the secret solution to facing common challenges in leadership situations.

Dr. Tom Curran honors St. Joseph by sharing seven principles for living; taught by his own father, Master Carpenter George Curran. Tom applies this list of principles to everyday leadership circumstances, such as: leading in the workplace, building a strong marriage, raising kids, setting personal goals, and more! A Master Carpenter's 7 Principles for Living:Don't Force ItMeasure Once, Cut TwiceYou Gotta Do, What You Gotta DoIf You're Going to do a Job, Do It RightIt's Easier to Tear Down Than to Build UpDon't Stop Until the Work is DoneFind the Right Tool for the Right Job

Dr. Tom Curran teaches how to give a personal testimony in 3 simple steps and explains two major flaws in secular self-help literature. Tom explores fundamental questions for real breakthrough and transformation.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the gospel from the 4th Sunday in Lent, The Man Born Blind. [John 9: 1-41] Today's hosts discuss failed back-up plans, interceding for loved ones, uncovering blind spots, and delegation vs. abnegation. References:Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'ReganListen to Fr. Pat Smith's Homilies!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel about the history and traditions associated with St. Patrick's Day. Today's hosts give updates on their Lenten disciplines and reflect on the contrast between chosen versus forced Lenten penance.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran discuss statistics on Millennials and Gen Z joining or returning to the Catholic church. The Currans explore the 5 prominent reasons for the phenomenon of Catholic revival: beauty, truth, goodness, reaction to cultural chaos, and social media influence.References: GEN Z REVIVAL: NYC church sees lines out the door every Sunday (Fox News Clips)

Dr. Tom Curran shares coaching insights by Thomas Leonard, founder of Coach U, and gives practical tips for how to have a crucial conversation. Tom discusses good-to-great coaching vs. turn around coaching and explores the impact of intercessory prayer.References:Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the CrossEzekiel 22: 30Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC:2741)

Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore aspirations of the Litany of Trust, such as: childlike dependency, acceptance of God's will, anxiety about the future, resentment about the past, restless self-seeking, disbelief in the presence of God, and fear of being asked to give more/ love more.

Dr. Tom Curran prays the Litany of Trust written by the Sisters of Life and explores his predominant sin of mistrust. Tom begins to explore different aspects of the Litany of Trust, such as: earning the love of another, indifference toward wealth or poverty, and past wounds leading to suspicion.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, report on how their Lenten season is going and discuss topics, such as: fatherhood, priesthood, spiritual battle, and powerlessness.References:Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Regan The Samaritan Woman. [John 4:5-42] Listen to Fr. Pat Smith's Homilies!

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about fasting from smartphones and technology during Lent. The Currans recommend swapping out secular media for the following list of movies to watch in Lent:1.) Bakhita, From Slave to Saint (Watch the Trailer) 2.) Free Burma Rangers (Watch the Trailer) 3.) Mully (Watch the Trailer)4.) All or Nothing, Sister Clare Crockett (Watch the Trailer)

Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from his 30+ years of experience as an executive coach and strategy consultant to help listeners answer the common questions for transformation: How do I get started? How do I move forward? What is at stake? Tom talks about principles, such as: ownership vs. being owned, “what is radiant is magnetic,” every conversation is an interview, and YOU are the message.

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Brian Howell, Co-host of Morning Light and Production Manager of Salt and Light Radio, about his conversion story, the responsibility of a microphone, the virtue of humility, the impact of mentorship, and the gift of Catholic radio.

Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Transfiguration of Jesus. [Matthew 17:1-9] Today's hosts discuss themes, such as: perseverance in the difficult climb, intercession of the saints, capsulize the moment, and experience breakthrough.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran give a check-in on their Lenten disciplines, such as: listening to The Bible in a Year podcast, participating in the Well-Read Mom Book Club, praying for humility, calling on the intercession of the saints, and more!References:The Bible in a Year Podcast by Ascension Presshttps://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/bibleWell-Read Mom Book Clubhttps://wellreadmom.com/Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Reganhttps://sophiainstitute.com/?product=padre-pio-and-you