The Good Catholic Podcast

Our Sacred Heart series is now available! We got to talk with your host, Fr. John Eckert, to hear about the program, and get some tips on how to better love Christ's Sacred Heart. ✅ Sign up at Good Catholic: https://bit.ly/3HuXhZU 

What was it like to craft our Overcoming Deadly Sin Series? Take a peak behind the scenes: Fr. Eckert and Peter Gohn sit down to talk about the process of making Overcoming Deadly Sin, go through some things that didn't make it into the series, and share the highs and lows of learning about sin. You can sign up for Overcoming Deadly Sin here: https://bit.ly/3yzqdK7

Today we're joined by friend-of-the-show Fr. John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury, NC. We had a lot of fun today hearing the story of Father John's vocation, and talking about the beauty of parish life. Fr. John has joined us for two of our devotional series: Full of Grace, and Overcoming Deadly Sin. It was great getting to know him a bit better in this interview, and we hope you enjoy.

Today we're joined by Noelle Mering, co-author of the incredible book, Theology of Home II. We talk with Noelle about creating the book, and the joy that can be found in having a truly faith-filled house for you and your family.  Noelle's book was also a great help in creating our series, Catholic at Home, which covered many of the same topics with dynamic videos and practical tips. 

In this episode of Good Catholic Great Stories, we speak with Thomas Savoy, a composer and the Director of the Carolina Catholic Chorale. Join us for a conversation on bringing beautiful music and liturgy back to our churches.

Today we're joined by Andrew Wilson Smith, renowned sculptor and artist. He tells us the fascinating story of how he became a sculptor and his many artistic influences. We learn all about the process of creating sacred art, whether it be standalone works or within the architecture of a church. See more of Andrew's work here: https://andrewwilsonsmith.com/

We're joined again by our friend Fr. Joseph Matlak. Today we learn a lot more about the Eastern Catholic tradition, including the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western Catholicism, what it means to be a "Byzantine" Catholic instead of a "Roman" Catholic, and how we got to having 23 different "Churches" within the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Today we're joined by our friend Fr. Joseph Matlak; he tells us about one of his favorite hymns: the Akathist of the Inexhaustible Cup. We also learn a bit more about Byzantine Catholic spirituality and how the pain of repentence brings true joy. Many of you know Fr. Matlak from his work on School of Prayer, Finding Simplicity, and Catholic at Home. Hear more about those series here: https://www.goodcatholic.com/series/

Today we speak to Keaton Douglas, head of the iThirst Initiative, which works to help those struggling with substance abuse disorders, especially the ever-growing opioid addiction. The initiative seeks to give people in recovery the spiritual tools they need to stay sober and close to Christ. Addiction can be a terrible cross. “Much of the addict's suffering is spiritual,” Keaton tells us. Despite all the suffering, Keaton lovingly and wholeheartedly believes in the innate dignity of the human person. Listen to our conversation with her and hear first-hand the passion they she and her coworkers have to those suffering. Learn more here: https://ithirstinitiative.org/about-us/

We're joined again by our friend Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski, and he shares with us the incredible story of Father Emil Kapaun, Servant of God and winner of the Medal of Honor.  Join us and hear about Fr. Kapaun's heroism and holiness!

Today we're joined by Father Matthew Pawlikowski, the retired senior chaplain at West Point Military Academy. Discover his fascinating journey into the military, Army Ranger school, and eventually the priesthood. Learn about the crucial role chaplains play in the military and beyond.  In this episode, we journey with Fr. Pawlikowski to West Point, Mount Sinai, Egypt, and beyond as he tells the stories of bringing the Eucharist and the Good News of the Gospel to those who protect our country. 

Today we're joined by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, renowned author of Under the Mantle, Champions of the Rosary, and Consecration to St. Joseph. We speak with Father Calloway about his conversion from drug addict, to Catholic priest, the ways that Mary helps both men and women, and a whole lot more.  Learn more about Fr. Calloway here. And you can browse his books here.

This week we get to hear form Travis Moran, founder of Crossroads 4 Christ, a ministry bringing young adults into greater relationship with Christ and His Church. Travis and the Crossroads team are doing excellent work in Connecticut, and they have a lot to teach those around the country who want to better reach young adults with the Gospel. You can learn more about C4C here: https://crossroadsforchrist.org/ Consider donating here: https://crossroadsforchrist.org/donate/

Today we're joined by Dr. Bob Schuchts, counselor, bestselling author, and the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center. Peter talks with Dr. Bob about his own journey to Christ, his experience with God's healing power, as well as his two most recent books: Real Suffering, and Be Devoted. We talk about coping with suffering, finding healing in Christ, as well as hearing Dr. Bob's advice for a happy and holy marriage.  You can find Bob's books here.  You can learn more about Dr. Bob's work with the John Paul II Healing Center here

Today we're joined by Danielle Bean, co-author of Manual for Marriage, a book where she and her husband, Dan, reflect on the ideas of vocation, sacrament, sacrifice, mutual love, and home and family life. In today's interview, Christian talks with Danielle about what it was like to write the manual, the vocation of marriage, and family life in the age of COVID.  You can find the Manual for Marriage here.  Learn more about Danielle and see all her work at her website.

Today we're joined by Dr. Scott Hahn as we discuss his new book, Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body. We also talk about Dr. Hahn's conversion to Catholicism, his work over the years, and how death is not something which we should fear.  Dr. Hahn's book is available here, at The Catholic Company  

Today, we're joined by friend-of-the-podcast, Fr. Benjamin Roberts, as he shares with us his beautiful devotion to St. Dymphna, the patron saint of anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's, and every other mental illness. Fr. Roberts tells us how St. Dymphna (and prayer in general) can help us with our mental health, as well as how we can help those suffering around us. Check out out full series with Fr. Roberts, and learn about how to bring God into our suffering, in The Meaning of Suffering.