The Gaudium et Spes Podcast

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Julie Baltz about her faith journey, her involvement in natural family planning (NFP) and her work with Fertility Education and Medical Management (FEMM). Julie emphasizes the importance of understanding the body's natural cycles and the holistic benefits of NFP.Learn more about Natural Family Planning: https://ptdiocese.org/nfpLearn more about FEMM: https://femmhealth.org

Host Chez Filippini and special guest host Dr. Tom Neal chat with Bishop Wack about his second pastoral letter, Reborn, Anointed, Nourished: Faith and Formation for Life.Bishop Wack talks about his inspiration for writing the letter, why the diocese is moving to the Restored Order of the Sacraments of the Initiation and his vision for a renewal of sacramental life.A digital version of the pastoral letter is available at https://ptdiocese.org/restoredorder. A physical version will be available in the July-August issue of The Catholic Compass.

Host Chez Filippini welcomes Dr. Luke Arredondo as they begin a ten episode series on Catholic social teachings.They discuss their initial reactions to the introduction of Pope Leo XIV, the development of Catholic social teachings, their relevance to contemporary issues, the importance of the book of Genesis and the teachings of Jesus as told in Matthew 25.

It's our 100th episode! Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini welcome Bishop Wack and Sharmane Adams to reminisce about Sharmane's vision for the podcast, some of their favorite moments, memorable road trips and future plans for the podcast.Kayley Robinson, the show's original producer, also joins the show to share her experiences setting up the studio and humorous moments during filming with Bishop Wack.Derek Diamond, the current producer, breaks the fourth wall to discuss his favorite episodes, funny behind the scenes moments and his appreciation for everyone involved with making the podcast a reality.

Host Chez Filippini talks with Deacon Andy and Kate Grosmaire about how they met, Dcn. Andy's conversion to the Catholic faith, the heartbreaking story of their daughter Ann's death and how their faith led them to forgive her killer. 

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues the discussion of the Spiritual Works of Mercy by explaining why it's important to pray for the living and the dead. 

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Anthony Pinto about his faith journey, how his wife's passing led to his involvement with the GriefShare program, and ways to comfort the sorrowful.Learn more about GriefShare:https://www.griefshare.org

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack is joined by Fr. Kevin McQuone to discuss "counseling the doubtful." They dispel some of the myths of counseling the doubtful, discuss a few names from scripture who inspire them, list some telltale signs of doubt, and how dealing with moments of doubt are both an intellectual and a spiritual journey.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dr. Alice Hughes about her upbringing in Pensacola, why she loves working in a parish, and multiple ways to "instruct the ignorant." 

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack begins a multi-episode series on the Spiritual Works of Mercy by discussing their origins and the importance of "Admonishing the Sinner".

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Ken and Maria Schaefer about their respective faith journeys, what led them to get more involved in marriage ministry, the impact that its had on other couples and plans to expand their work in 2025.Learn more about Ken and Maria's marriage ministry:https://www.livethelife.org/

In this special episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history of the jubilee and how the 2025 Jubilee will be celebrated in both the universal and local church.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Sr. Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ about her faith journey, how studying abroad led her to her vocation, her missionary work in west Africa and working with the students of the University of West Florida.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack concludes his three part series on the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.The Apostles featured in this episode are:James the Less, Simon the Zealot, Bartholomew, Jude/Thaddeus, Matthias and Paul 

Host Chez Filippini talks with Fr. Doug and Amanda Martin about their respective faith journeys, converting to Catholicism and their early struggles following their conversion. They also talk about their passion for youth ministry and the process of how Fr. Doug became a priest.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues his three part series on the Twelve Apostles, the primary disciples of Jesus Christ.The four Apostles discussed in this episode are:Judas Iscariot, Philip, Matthew, and Thomas

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with David and Erin Kimbell about their respective faith journeys, their time together in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, why they chose to live in Pensacola, Erin's transition from teacher to a full-time mother, David's time as the Parish Manager of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and his current role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack begins a three part series on the Twelve Apostles, the primary disciples of Jesus Christ.The four Apostles discussed in this episode are:Andrew, Peter, James and John

Host Chez Filippini talks with Dr. Terry Coonan about his how his Catholic education is an important part of his faith life, how his time in the seminary led to his role as a human rights lawyer, being tortured by the secret police in Chile, and becoming the Executive Director of Florida State University's Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack reviews "The Living Bread", a book written by Thomas Merton about the theology and mysticism of the eucharist.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Jennifer Haines and Chad Cage about their faith journeys, their roles as teachers at Sacred Heart Cathedral School and their experiences on The Pilgrimage of Renewal in the Sacred Heart.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history and importance of the Holy Days of Obligation. 

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history and importance of the Holy Days of Obligation.

In this special episode, Chez Filippini talks with several diocesan pilgrims at the National Eucharistic Congress about some of their favorite moments and how they experienced the Eucharist.Diocesan Pilgrims: - Karen Booth - Christine Mayeaux - Fr. Thomas Kennell - Joan Walker - St. Sylvester Youth Group

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the purpose of the National Eucharistic Revival and previews the National Eucharistic Congress.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Fr. Sean Knox about his time in the Air Force, becoming a priest, rejoining the Air Force as a military chaplain, and the similarities between chaplain life and parish life.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack concludes the series on the Corporal Works of Mercy by talking about visiting the sick and burying the dead.

Hosts Kanobia Russell-Blackmon and Chez Filippini talk with Vivian Krumel about her faith journey, how she got involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the history of the organization and how they help to "clothe the naked."

Bishop Wack talks with Aida Bone about how they got involved in prison ministry, why it's important, and the steps to get involved in the ministry.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Deacon Ray Aguado about how a cross-country trip led he and his wife to live on the Gulf Coast, his passion for helping the homeless and what led to the creation of Trinity House, which offers transitional housing and services for homeless senior men.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack begins a multi-episode series on the Corporal Works of Mercy by talking about feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. 

Hosts Kanobia Russell-Blackmon and Susanne McNinch talk with Fr. Patrick LaPointe about his faith journey, the discernment process of becoming a deacon, feeling a call to the priesthood after the death of his wife, and his first year as Administrator of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack discusses the specifics of the Easter Triduum - the Three Days from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Tyler Acosta about his faith journey, what led him into young adult ministry, and some of the challenges (and rewards) of the numerous young adult ministry groups.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the evolution of penance in the church, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and how to go to confession.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Mary Holley and Louis Glass about their faith journeys, the history of the Knights of Peter Claver and their mission.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the liturgical season of Lent and what it means to the Catholic faith.

Host Chez Filippini talks with Sheila Hopkins about her faith journey, the history of the National Council of Catholic Women, and her time as its president.Learn more about the DCCW:https://ptdccw.org/Learn more about the NCCW:https://www.nccw.org/

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about a few of the titles given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, their origins and also recites the Litany of Loreto.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Fr. Doug Halsema about his faith journey, his role as vicar general of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and his style of leadership. At the end of the episode, Fr. Doug offers some words of wisdom to begin the new liturgical year.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Magnificat prayer, and her feast days that occur during the season of Advent.NOTE: Part two of this series will air on January 4, 2024.

Host Chez Filippini talks with Stephen Whitney, Tim Shank and Chris Stavres about their respective faith journeys, how the "That Man is You" program became a reality, how the program has affected them, and what it means to be a Christian man.To learn more about "That Man is You" visit:https://goodshepherdparish.org/tmiy

In this special episode, Bishop Wack talks with Bishop Gregory Parkes about getting the call to become bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, his time as bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, and the common bond that the two have. 

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Shawn and Kathy Salamida about their faith journeys, what led them to adopt, some of the challenges they went through during the adoption process, and advice for parents that are looking to adopt.

In this special episode, Bishop Wack talks with Dr. Mary Soha about the meaning of martyrdom, the Cause of the Beatification of the Martyrs of La Florida and the research that has been done during the process.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dr. Tom Neal about his faith journey, his job as Chief of Evangelization and Mission Engagement, and his upcoming podcast called "Sharing the Faith."

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history of the Catholic saints and lists a few of his personal favorites.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Peter Rodgers about his faith journey, getting into education after serving in the Air Force, and his role as principal of St. Mary Catholic School in Ft. Walton Beach.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history of Catholic schools and his own personal experience as a former Catholic school student.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dcn. Lou and Rita Fete about their respective faith journeys and their lives as a deacon and deacon's wife.

Bishop Wack talks with Fr. Joseph Callipare about the history of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program and his role as Vicar for Deacons and Director of Deacon Formation.