Podcasts about glad you asked

Catholic just war theory is a moral framework for evaluating warfare that dates back to St. Augustine but has its roots in older, pre-Christian ethical systems. Though the theory has been widely embraced not just by Catholic theorists but also by policymakers, it's also been widely criticized. Some Christian pacifists, pointing to Jesus' teachings on nonviolence and the early church's radical rejection of war, argue that the very idea that a war could be just constitutes a betrayal of gospel values. Yet others argue that absolute nonviolence is an impossible ideal, and means putting the vulnerable at the mercy of unjust aggressors. Critics of radical pacifism point to multiple instances of wars waged to stop unjust aggressors, invaders, and assaults against human life and dignity.  It's a topic with multiple intersecting moral questions. Is just war theory a sophistical attempt to defend the indefensible, or a viable framework? Should victims of oppression and violence be held to absolute standards of nonviolence, or are they justified in defending themselves? Is pacifism an impossible ideal, or something we can really work for?  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to author and activist David Swanson about just war theory, where it comes from, how it is applied, and whether it is ever possible for a war to be just.  Swanson is executive director of World BEYOND War, and campaign coordinator of RootsAction.org. His books include War Is A Lie and When the World Outlawed War. He has been awarded the Real Nobel Peace Prize, an alternative award, supported by the Lay Down Your Arms Association, and inspired by the belief that the Nobel Committee has strayed from Alfred Nobel's original vision. He's the recipient of the 2018 Peace Prize from the U.S. Peace Memorial Foundation, and has been involved in multiple peace organizations. You can read some of Swanson's work, and learn more about this topic, in these links.  "Just War Theory," by Alexander Moseley War Is A Lie, by David Swanson When the World Outlawed War, by David Swanson "We need to reclaim the legacy of Christian nonviolence,"  by Nicholas Hayes-Mota "What does the church teach about self-defense?" by Jacob Kohlhaas "Record arms spending defies Pope Francis' final warnings," by Kevin Clarke "The Mennonite Catholic who puts pacifism in action," a U.S. Catholic interview Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

Here in the United States, the principle that church and state should be separate is so woven into the fabric of our culture, many take it for granted as a fact of American life. We understand that everyone in the nation is entitled to practice the religion of their choice and worship freely, but also that the nation does not have an official religion, and that civic spaces should be religiously neutral.  Yet not everyone in the United States is committed to this long-standing idea. Both Christian nationalists and Catholic integralists dislike the idea that religion and statecraft should be kept separate. Some want to make Christianity the state religion. Others would like to use the force of government to enforce certain practices and ban others, based not on natural law or the constitution, but on their interpretation of their denominational creeds. So it's not surprising that some political thinkers have been raising the alarm, warning that the boundary between church and state is in jeopardy. What Catholics ought to think about this, however, is a different question. After all, our allegiance is to God first, before the state. And as people involved in public life, why wouldn't we want to use whatever tools are in our grasp—including the tools of governance—to create a society more aligned with Catholic principles? On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to political philosopher and activist Stephen Schneck about where the idea of separation of church and state came from, and what Catholics should think about it. Schneck is retired faculty at the Catholic University of America, where he served as Director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies. Under President Obama he served on the White House Advisory Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He is on the board for Catholic Climate Covenant, Sojourners, and Democrats for Life of America. He has published extensively on political philosophy and public policy. Learn more about this topic and read some of Schneck's work in these links. "The danger of blurring the line between church and state," a U.S. Catholic interview. Any religion allied with nationalism is dangerous, by Stephen Schneck "We don't understand religious freedom. COVID-19 proved it." by Don Clemmer "Does religious freedom favor some religions over others?" by Elizabeth Shakman Hurd "How the Supreme Court Is Dismantling the Separation of Church and State," by Hayley Durudogan and Sydney Bryant "'The great dechurching': Why so many Americans are leaving their churches," by Jonathan Chang and Meghna Chakrabarti "In a First Among Christians, Young Men Are More Religious Than Young Women," by Ruth Graham Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

In the Christian tradition, "apocalypse" simply means revelation, or unveiling. Yet somewhere along the line, the word came to be associated not just with prophecies about the end of the world, but with the end of the world itself—or at least with vast catastrophes and the fall of civilizations. And for some reason, people love stories about such catastrophes. This fascination with the apocalypse is not confined to fringe religious groups waiting for Jesus to return, or preppers hiding out in bunkers. It's not even confined to people of faith. Apocalyptic themes can be found across the gamut of our entertainment, from pop culture to more highbrow offerings. Whether nuclear war, climate catastrophe, alien invasions, lethal pandemics, or hostile artificial intelligence, envisioning the world we know it being snuffed out appears to be prime entertainment. On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to author, scholar, and educator Ed Simon about the concept of apocalypse, whether humans have always obsessed over the world ending, and why we're so interested in the end times anyway. Simon is the author of over a dozen books, including The Dove and the Dragon: A Cultural History of the Apocalypse (Fortress Press), and Writing During the Apocalypse (Bloomsbury Publishing). He is the Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University and the Editor-in-Chief for Belt Magazine and the forthcoming Pittsburgh Review of Books.  Learn more about this topic, and read some of Simon's work, in these links.  Writing During the Apocalypse, by Ed Simon  The Dove and the Dragon: A Cultural History of the Apocalypse, by Ed Simon  "Apocalypse is the Mother of Beauty," by Ed Simon "On the Limits of Language at the End of the World," by Ed Simon  "Why Are We So Obsessed With the End of the World?" by Christian Lorentzen "In today's political rhetoric, apocalypse always looms," by Heidi Schlumpf "The Book of Joel offers hope in the face of apocalypses," by Alice Camille Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

For many, the term “anarchy” connotes chaos, disorder, even violence. Yet some anarchists are pacifists. And some are even Christian. The earliest Christian communities, some scholars believe, had certain anarchist tendencies, such as making decisions through group consensus, versus top-down hierarchy. Later on, of course, the church became more structured and hierarchical. But those anti-institutional threads of tradition never quite went away. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the concept of anarchy became formalized, various groups explicitly identifying as Christian anarchists emerged, in Russia, Europe, and the United States. While anarchism might work for less structured Christian groups, like Anabaptists or Quakers, it seems an uncomfortable fit for Catholics, given the church's emphasis on rules and hierarchy. So does this mean that Catholics can't be anarchists? What would Catholic anarchism even look like? On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to journalist and Catholic worker Renée Roden about whether Catholics can be anarchists. Roden has written extensively on the Catholic Worker movement, and on economic and labor movements, She is a frequent contributor to U.S. Catholic, as well as to The Nation, Religion News Service, The Associated Press, Washington Post, Commonweal, Sojourners, America, and Notre Dame Magazine. She also writes frequently for catholicworker.org and its newsletter, Roundtable. You can learn more about this topic, and read some of Roden's work, in these links: “Christian anarchism is as old as Christianity itself,” by Renée Roden “The Anarchism of the Catholic Worker,” by Renée Roden “A Short History of Religious Anarchism,” by Kevin Daugherty “Divine revelation leads to revolution,” by Alice Camille  

Terry Prone is no stranger to the world of politics and media, in fact her first tv debut was just at the age of 13 years old. She has become a household name across media and politics in Ireland. In her latest memoir, Terry recounts her career working with different political parties and figures such as Charles Haughey and Garrett Fitzgerald.

The belief that the movement of heavenly bodies shapes or predicts events has been around for thousands of years and can be found in many ancient cultures. Even today, some people look to their horoscopes when seeking insight on life decisions. Others read their horoscopes just for fun, without really believing in astrology, or using it to make serious choices. Still others would never dream of reading their horoscopes, viewing this as a form of divination or witchcraft which could open the door to demonic forces. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists astrology among other divination practices (including conjuring the dead, palm reading, and recourse to mediums) that Catholics should avoid. Pope Francis reminded the faithful to cling to Jesus, not horoscopes or fortunetellers, for security in life. But do these warnings refer to all uses of astrology? What about people who read their horoscopes for fun, or look to the positions of the celestial bodies when planning agricultural practices like planting crops or pruning fruit trees?  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to historian Luis Campos Ribeiro about the origins of astrology, how Christianity has regarded it over the centuries, and what the Catholic Church teaches today about looking to the stars for guidance. Ribeiro is a historian of art and of science, with a focus on astrology, astronomy and their connections to art in the Medieval and Early Modern eras. He has a doctorate degree in History and Philosophy of Sciences from the University of Lisbon, and has written multiple articles, and two books, including Jesuit Astrology: Prognostication and Science in Early Modern Culture (Brill). Learn more about this topic and read some of Campos Ribeiro's work in these links. “Should Catholics consult their horoscopes?” by Kathleen Manning “Cling to the Lord, not horoscopes, fortunetellers, pope says,” by Junno Arocho “Nautical astrology: a forgotten early modern tradition,” by Luis Campos Ribeiro Jesuit Astrology: Prognostication and Science in Early Modern Culture, by Luis Campos Ribeiro “What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign?” by Catherine Caruso “The Meaning of Coincidence,” by Edward Tverdek Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

his Week in Episode #186 Cj and Big Chris Get Into Stealing Utilities (00:05), Black History In The Making (07:50), Inmate Caught From New Orleans Jail Escape (10:40), Turning Point USA's Super Bowl Halftime Show (16:30), The No Limit/Cash Money Verzuz (18:28), Michael Irvin Crashing Out On Old School vs New School WRs (23:30), Allen Iverson's All Time Top 5 NBA Players (30:48), Air Force One's Being Old Man Shoes (35:50), “Big Nigga Burger” Coming To Atlanta (50:27), They Ask “Can You Be Bought?” (55:08), And Cheating in College (56:43).

The tradition of churches as places of refuge for those in fear of the law goes back centuries. It figures in several popular stories set in the Middle Ages, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame (both the novel and the Disney film), and the legend of the outlaw Robin Hood. In the nineteenth century, in the United States, enslaved people sometimes took refuge in churches. Later, in the twentieth century, people escaping the draft occasionally did so as well. The tradition has endured into the twentieth century, with immigrants and refugees in the United States turning to churches for sanctuary.  In fact, in 2011, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent their officers a memo, telling them to avoid arresting people in "sensitive locations" such as churches, schools, and hospitals. Now, however, the role of churches as sanctuaries has become uncertain, as the current administration has stripped churches and schools of those immigration enforcement protections.  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk with theologian Leo Guardado about the origin and significance of the sanctuary church tradition, the legal status of sanctuary churches, and whether the magisterium of the Catholic Church officially supports this longstanding tradition. Guardado has a personal connection to this topic, as he escaped the civil war in El Salvador as a child. He has worked ecumenically in the borderlands in defense of migrant communities, and is the author of numerous articles and two books, including Church as Sanctuary: Reconstructing Refuge in an Age of Forced Displacement (Orbis Books) You can learn more about this topic, and read some of Guarddado's work, in these links. The Sanctuary Movement Church as Sanctuary: Reconstructing Refuge in an Age of Forced Displacement, by Leo Guardado (Orbis Books) “Churches have a long history of being safe havens — for immigrants and others,” by BIll Chappell “4 steps to becoming a Catholic sanctuary church,” by Melissa Walker “What the Birth of the Sanctuary Movement Teaches Us Today,” by Kyle Paoletta “Social Justice — Catholic Churches and Hospitals as Sanctuaries and Places of Refuge,” by Brian Kane, PhD Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

Catholics have frequently taken a stand against civil authorities, even breaking the law, to remain true to their faith.  The early martyrs refused to worship the Roman gods and were murdered for it. Saints have stood up against oppressive authorities, helped the innocent escape unjust laws, and held onto their faith even when it was illegal. Catholics were murdered for opposing the Nazi regime, and persecuted for their work in civil rights. Many Catholics who grew up with stories of these heroes of faith and justice took away the implicit lesson: Sometimes being a follower of Jesus means breaking the law.  If these stories count as instances of civil disobedience, does that mean civil disobedience has a place in the Catholic tradition? Does the official magisterium of the church have any teachings supporting–or critiquing–civil disobedience? What is civil disobedience, anyway?  To answer these questions, the Glad You Asked hosts talked to Jack Downey, a scholar of civil disobedience who is also the John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies and a professor of religion and classics at the University of Rochester.  Downey's scholarship focuses on contemporary justice movements, liberation theology, religious history, and contemplative traditions. He is the author of The Bread of the Strong, a study of contemplative influences on Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker movement. You can learn more about this topic, and read some of Downey's work, in these links. “We are all called to protest, says this civil rights lawyer,” A U.S. Catholic interview “Holy disobedience,” by Jim Forest “Traditional Disobedience: Renewing the Legacy of Catholic Activism,” by John Gehring “The Unlikely Catholic Activist Who Believed in Civil Disobedience ‘Animated by Love',” by John Loughery “A Metaphor for the Planet,” by Jack Downey The Bread of the Strong: Lacouturisme and the Folly of the Cross, 1910-1985, by Jack Downey (Fordham University Press, 2015) Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, a congregation of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

Over the past 75 episodes, the Glad You Asked podcast has addressed dozens of your top questions about Catholic history, scripture, and theology. The hosts have posed questions like: Do dogs go to heaven? Was Jesus a refugee? And should Catholics use AI? And dozens of teachers, theologians, activists, and scholars have joined the show to share their expertise on these and other most-searched queries about Catholicism.  On October 3, 2025, Glad You Asked is coming back with even more answers to all your burning questions. Questions to look forward to in the upcoming season include: Should Catholics read their horoscopes? Can Catholics be anarchists? And what does the church teach about civil disobedience? And the season will close with a special three-part season finale about Mary, the Mother of God. Sign up for updates at USCatholic.org/gyapodcast. Or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Glad You Asked is sponsored by the USA-Canada province of the Claretian Missionaries, a congregation that tends to the religious and pastoral needs of vulnerable communities. To find out more and get involved please visit www.claretians.org.   

Thursday, August 14th, 2025Today, it appears that Russia is responsible for the hack of the federal court system; the US deficit has increased to $291B despite Trump's tariff promises; immigration agents on Monday detained a disabled 15-year-old student at gunpoint outside a Los Angeles high school; the bench trial in the case brought by Gavin Newsom alleging the Trump administration has violated the Posse Comitatus Act has ended and Judge Breyer should issue a ruling soon; the president says he will ask Congress for a long term extension of the federal occupation of the District of Columbia; Gavin Newsom will give a press conference today at 1130 AM Pacific Time regarding redistricting; the Congressional Budget Office is out with a score on the Billionaire Bailout Bill and it's just as we suspected; Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer called my reporting a rumor on twitter, and i have a response; and Allison and Dana read your Good News.Thank You, Daily LookFor 50% off your first order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DAILYBEANS.  Thank You, Fast Growing TreesGet 15% off your first purchase. FastGrowingTrees.com/dailybeans. Community Support Sign-up - UTLAStoriesLive updates: Trump says he will request a 'long-term extension' of D.C. police takeover | NBC NewsTrump's tax law will mostly benefit the rich, while leaving poorer Americans with less, CBO says | NBC NewsUS deficit grows to $291 billion in July despite tariff revenue surge | ReutersAgents detain student at gunpoint near school; safe zones to be expanded around LAUSD campuses | Los Angeles TimesCommunity Support Sign-up - UTLATrump Administration Can Withhold Billions in Foreign Aid, Appeals Court Rules | The New York TimesGood Trouble Today's good trouble comes from Isaiah Martin, candidate for congress in Texas' 18th district. “Texas Republicans have now set up a TIP LINE to rat out the Texas Democrats. So PLEASE, for the sake of the public, DO NOT FLOOD THIS NUMBER with tips on Bigfoot sightings, UFO sightings, or asking why Trump is on "the list" 1-866-786-5972Texas House speaker creates 'tip line' to narc on missing Democrats - Raw StoryFrom The Good NewsIn this episode of Glad You Asked, Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul R. Lawrence is joined by DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar to discuss career... - VA FacebookWeatherly Heights Baptist ChurchReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - DonateMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beans Federal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out more from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackShare your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good TroubleHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?The Daily Beans | SupercastThe Daily Beans & Mueller, She Wrote | PatreonThe Daily Beans | Apple Podcasts

In February of 1300, Pope Boniface VIII, in the papal bull Antiquorum Habet Fida Relatio, declared the first-ever Catholic Jubilee Year. Anyone who made a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome, and who repented and confessed, would receive “the fullest and broadest pardon for all sins committed,” Boniface proclaimed. One of the thousands of pilgrims who journeyed to Rome that year was the painter Giotto, who created a fresco commemorating the event. Another was the poet Dante Alighieri, who references the Jubilee in his Divine Comedy—ironically, this appears in Canto 18 of Inferno, where he compares the movement of the damned along the eighth circle of hell to the Roman method of traffic control during the Jubilee.  The jubilee tradition goes back far further, however, originating in Judaism, before Christianity had even begun. In the Israelite tradition, the jubilee was associated with things like forgiving debts, freeing enslaved people, and other concrete gestures of material justice. In the Catholic tradition, however, the Jubilee focuses not on debt forgiveness but on forgiveness of sins.  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk with scholar Dean Dettloff about the origins of the Jubilee Year, its significance in the Catholic tradition, and whether there is any likelihood that the Catholic Jubilee will recover its ancient tradition of concrete liberation. Dettloff is the Research and Advocacy Officer for Development and Peace–Caritas Canada. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he also teaches as sessional faculty. You can learn more about this topic, and read some of Dettloff's work, in these links.  What Is a Holy Year? HISTORY “This Jubilee year, be open to the gift of hope,” by Alice Camille This Jubilee year, be open to the gift of hope - U.S. Catholic “Take action against mass incarceration this Jubilee year,” by Alessandra Harris Take action against mass incarceration this Jubilee year - U.S. Catholic “Canada must lead global debt cancellation, like it did 25 years ago,” by Dean Detloff Canada must lead global debt cancellation, like it did 25 years ago - The Hill Times “Mourning a Pope We Often Ignored,” by Dean Detloff Mourning a Pope We Often Ignored | Sojourners “A May Day Saint,” by Dean Detloff A May Day Saint | Commonweal Magazine Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.  

The earliest documented use of the term pro-life was in a book on parenting and child education. The book, Summerhill: A Radical Approach to Child Rearing, by A.S. Neil, was published in 1960 and contained the statement that “no pro-life parent or teacher would ever strike a child. No pro-life citizen would tolerate our penal code, our hangings, our punishment of homosexuals.”  However, that's not how the term is typically used today. In the early 1970s, following Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists began using the term pro-life in reference to their opposition to legalized abortion. Even then, many activists thought being pro-life ought to entail a holistic approach to life issues: that people should oppose not only abortion, but also war, the death penalty, income inequality, and racism.  This idea that pro-life ought to refer to all life really began to pick up steam in 2016, partially as a response to the mainstream pro-life movement's alliance with far right political leaders. Today, many people who used to identify as pro-life no longer do so. They feel the term has been tarnished.  Should “pro-life” mean opposition to abortion, or should it be more inclusive? Has the term been compromised by its association with various political agendas? And how should Catholics respond to this debate?  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to Bishop John Stowe about what it means to be a pro-life Catholic. Stowe is bishop of the diocese of Lexington, Kentucky and a priest in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. In keeping with the Franciscan tradition, Stowe has long been a pastoral voice for justice for the poor and for environmental justice. He's also spoken repeatedly for immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion.  Learn more about this topic in these links. “U.S. Catholic readers critique the pro-life movement,” by Kathleen Bonnette U.S. Catholic readers critique the pro-life movement - U.S. Catholic “As election nears, Catholics reflect on abortion politics,” by Cassidy Klein As election nears, Catholics reflect on abortion politics - U.S. Catholic “4 ways progressive pro-lifers can reengage with Democratic leaders,” by Rebecca Bratten Weiss 4 ways progressive pro-lifers can reengage with Democratic leaders | National Catholic Reporter “Will the synod listen to women on reproductive issues?” by Ashley Wilson Will the synod listen to women on reproductive issues? - U.S. Catholic  “In debates about reproductive health, listen to Black women,” a U.S. Catholic interview In debates about reproductive health, listen to Black women - U.S. Catholic “A new way to think about the ‘consistent ethic of life',” by Steven P. Millies A new way to think about the ‘consistent ethic of life' “It's Time to Move Past the Pro-Life / Pro-Choice Dividing Line,” by Rebecca Bratten Weiss It's Time To Move Past The Pro-Life / Pro-Choice Dividing Line | Rebecca Bratten Weiss “Do restrictive abortion laws actually reduce abortion? A global map offers insights,” by Michaeleen Doucleff MAP: Click to see abortion laws — and rates of abortion — around the world : Goats and Soda : NPR “The movement against abortion rights is nearing its apex. But it began way before Roe,” by Deepa Shivaram The history of the anti-abortion movement in the U.S. : NPR Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

St. Augustine of Hippo, the fourth century theologian, philosopher, and doctor of the church, shaped Christian theology in myriad ways. Multiple Christian denominations draw heavily on Augustine's ideas about grace, original sin, free will, and the trinity. And now, with the election of Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian priest is steering the entire global Catholic Church.  But one area of Augustine's thought doesn't get addressed as often: his beliefs about slavery. Did Augustine support the institution of slavery? How did he reconcile his beliefs with the gospel's commitment to radical equality? And why, if we want to understand racism in the United States, do we need to go all the way back to a fourth century theologian's theses about politics, society, and the relation of humanity to God?  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to Toni Alimi about Augustine's ideas about slavery. Alimi is assistant professor in the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell University. His research and teaching span ancient Roman philosophy, intellectual history, contemporary ethics and politics, and philosophy of religion. His book, Slaves of God, explores Augustine's arguments slavery and argues that slavery is a central theme in his broader ethics and politics. Learn more about this topic and Alimi's scholarship in these links.  Slaves of God: Augustine and Other Romans on Religion and Politics, by Toni Alimi Slaves of God | Princeton University Press “Augustine was ‘wrong about slavery': Book reexamines key figure,” by Kate Blackwood Augustine was ‘wrong about slavery': Book reexamines key figure | Sage School of Philosophy “When did the church condemn slavery?” by Jacob Kohlhaas When did the church condemn slavery? - U.S. Catholic “How the U.S. Catholic Church profited from slavery,” A U.S. Catholic interview How the U.S. Catholic Church profited from slavery - U.S. Catholic  “What did St. Augustine say about original sin?” by Kathleen Bonnette What did St. Augustine say about original sin? - U.S. Catholic Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.  

Conversations among Catholics about trans people and the church often center on questions of inclusion and belonging in relation to church life and teachings. Can trans people be baptized into the church or partake in other sacraments? Should trans Catholics be allowed to join religious orders? The conversations often proceed as though trans Catholics are fundamentally a problem to be solved.  Even when the intention is to be welcoming, making this the primary discussion among Catholics fails to recognize that trans Catholics are already part of our families, communities, workplaces, and parishes. Trans Catholics are already a part of the church.  Some theologians and pastoral leaders suggest that shifting the focus of these discussions could lead to a broader understanding of church life. As well as considering what we owe to trans people, we should also consider how trans people enrich the church—how their active participation in church communities might help us deepen our theology and pastoral witness.  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to guest Kori Pacyniak about what the church can learn from trans Catholics. Pacyniak is a queer, nonbinary, and trans Catholic who is a doctoral candidate at the University of California Riverside. They studied religion and Portuguese at Smith College and have a master of divinity from Harvard and a master's degree in theology and trauma from Boston University. Ordained as a priest through Roman Catholic Womenpriests, Pacyniak focuses on creating sacred space and liturgy by and for queer and trans Catholics. Learn more about this topic and read some of Pacyniak's writing in these links. “Gender diversity has always been part of the church,” by Emma Cieslik Gender diversity has always been part of the church - U.S. Catholic “As a transgender Catholic, I don't see gender diversity as a threat to our faith,” by Maxwell Kuzma As a transgender Catholic, I don't see gender diversity as a threat to our faith - Outreach “Trans and Catholic: A parent's perspective,” by Deacon Ray Dever Trans and Catholic: A parent's perspective - U.S. Catholic “We cannot abandon trans Catholics,” by Father Bryan Massingale We cannot abandon trans Catholics - U.S. Catholic “Pope Francis Calls for the Inclusion of Trans People in Catholic Church Practices,” by Dallas Knox Pope Francis Calls for the Inclusion of Trans People in Catholic Church Practices | GLAAD “God Doesn't Want You to Be Miserable,” by Kori Pacyniak "God Doesn't Want You to Be Miserable.” - New Ways Ministry “The Women Who Want to Be Priests,” by Margaret Talbot The Women Who Want to Be Priests | The New Yorker Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

We just celebrated Mother's Day, which may not have been what you expected. It can be a complicated day when people don't show up or recognize you as you deserve. I want to acknowledge the complex feelings that come with Mother's Day and say that you aren't alone in experiencing those emotions. Whatever your Mother's Day brought you, I hope you feel recognized and supported. Today, we are bringing you another great episode during Maternal Mental Health Month as we uncover the purpose of a new podcast filling a gap for many people. Join us to learn more about this vital resource! Allie Hales, a mom of four, is passionate about making reliable, relevant information available for moms like herself. She graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar. She serves on Brigham and Women's Hospital's Newborn Medicine and Reproductive Health Advisory Board, Newton-Wellesley Hospital's Maternal Services Council, and is actively involved with the Boston Center for Endometriosis. Allie grew up in the suburbs of Boston and currently lives in Baltimore with her four children and her husband, Riley, a resident in anesthesia at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Dr. Ruta Nonacs completed a perinatal and reproductive psychiatry fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, a senior psychiatrist with the Center for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the creator and editor-in-chief of their website,⁠ ⁠⁠womensmentalhealth.org⁠. She, with Allie Hales, co-hosts the new podcast,⁠ So Glad You Asked⁠. Dr. Ruta's work has been published in numerous scientific journals and books, and she is the author of⁠ A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years. ⁠ Show Highlights: Highlights of Dr. Ruta's path to her current work Allie's lived experience in her mental health journey and her connection to Dr. Ruta Barriers to getting information and accessing treatment The importance of lived experience in developing solutions and strategies Moms, questions, and a new podcast Giving a voice to “regular moms” and providing evidence-based solutions Major topics planned for upcoming podcast episodes (Dr. Ruta and Allie have a huge list!) The connection between the podcast and a resource hub at ⁠womensmentalhealth.org⁠ Accessible information IS preventative. The podcast schedule and plans for the first season Dr. Ruta and Allie's hopes and dreams for their podcast to empower and support women Resources: Connect with Dr. Ruta Nonacs and Allie Hales:⁠ Women's Mental Health website⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ So Glad You Asked⁠ podcast, and⁠ A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years⁠. Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit⁠ cdph.ca.gov⁠ Please find resources in English and Spanish at⁠ Postpartum Support International⁠, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media:⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠, and most other platforms Visit⁠ www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/⁠ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website,⁠ www.wellmindperinatal.com⁠, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, ⁠email me⁠ about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Catholic Church, albeit not a democratic nation-state, has one of the most long-standing voting traditions in the world. When a pope dies, their successor is chosen by election. However, only a few Catholics—the cardinals of the church—participate. And the Catholic magisterium teaches that even though humans vote, it's the Holy Spirit guiding the process. Even though the pope is the head of state for Vatican City, the election of a new pontiff is supposed to be about God's will for the church, not about the triumph of this or that political faction.   The Catholic Church has held many conclaves over the centuries, some contentious. The recent death of Pope Francis provoked widespread media speculation not only about who would succeed him but how the process of choosing a pope works at all. Especially in an era where everything is visible and conducted for an audience, the very secrecy of the conclave—as the voting process is called—adds to the intrigue.  On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to guest Don Clemmer about who chooses a pope, how the process works, and some of the traditions associated with the conclave. Clemmer is editor of Connection magazine for the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and coproducer of the Just Politics podcast. He has written extensively for U.S. Catholic, as well as for many other publications, and previously worked in the media relations office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Find out more about this subject, and read some of Clemmer's work, in these links.  “How is a pope chosen?” by Jacob Kohlhaas How is a pope chosen? - U.S. Catholic “What happens when a pope dies?” by Amanda Osheim What happens when a pope dies?  “What is the College of Cardinals?” by Jacob Kohlhaas What is the College of Cardinals? - U.S. Catholic “What is the origin of the papal smoke?” by David Pitt What is the origin of the papal smoke? - U.S. Catholic “The 12 cardinals who might succeed Pope Francis,” by Don Clemmer The 12 cardinals who might succeed Pope Francis - U.S. Catholic Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

Nearly a century ago, a Spanish priest named Josemaría Escrivá founded a religious movement intended to summon Christians of all races, ages, and social classes to renew the world, not by separating themselves from it, but by making their everyday lives holy.  Today, the group Escriva founded, known as Opus Dei (“Work of God”) is a highly respected group with approximately 90,000 members, active in 70 countries. St. Pope John Paul II was an admirer of Escrivá and officially canonized him in 2002. Opus Dei members include priests and religious but also laypeople who work ordinary jobs, have families, and are involved in the life of their parishes.  Many of these Opus Dei members are unaware that the organization has been accused of human trafficking and labor exploitation and is the subject of a criminal investigation in Argentina. According to the report that concluded the investigation, people holding different positions within Opus Dei recruited women and girls from low-income families in several South American countries, promised them job training, and placed them in grueling work situations without pay. Opus Dei has also been accused of financial crimes such as fraud and money laundering.  Opus Dei leadership denies these allegations, claiming their critics have concocted false charges by taking details out of context. So how do we balance these allegations with the experience of thousands of ordinary Catholics and with Escrivá's vision of an inclusive church? What exactly is Opus Dei and how does it relate to the rest of the church?  On this episode of Glad You Asked, hosts Emily Sanna and Rebecca Bratten Weiss talk to journalist Gareth Gore about what Opus Dei is, how it functions, and the details of the allegations against the group. Gore is the author of Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church (Simon & Schuster). Based in London, Gore has reported from over 25 countries and covered some of the biggest financial stories in recent years.  For more information about this topic, and to read about Gore's book, check out these links.  Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church, by Gareth Gore Opus | Book by Gareth Gore | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster “Argentine prosecutors accuse Opus Dei leaders in South America of trafficking and labor exploitation,” by Debora Rey Argentine prosecutors accuse Opus Dei leaders in South America of trafficking and labor exploitation | AP News “Women in Argentina claim labor exploitation by Opus Dei,” by Debora Rey Women in Argentina claim labor exploitation by Opus Dei | AP News “How Opus Dei manipulated its way into power,” by John Farrell How Opus Dei manipulated its way into power - U.S. Catholic “In Argentina, Opus Dei 'categorically' denies allegations it's involved in human trafficking,” by Junno Arocho Esteves In Argentina, Opus Dei 'categorically' denies allegations it's involved in human trafficking | National Catholic Reporter “Peruvian Opus Dei cardinal denies allegations of sexual abuse of minor,” by Elise Ann Allen Peruvian Opus Dei cardinal denies allegations of sexual abuse of minor - Catholic Herald “Opus Dei Contests Charges of Malfeasance in Author's New Book,” by Ken Oliver-Méndez Opus Dei Contests Charges of Malfeasance in Author's New Book| National Catholic Register “Miracle attributed to Blessed Josemaria is approved”  Miracle attributed to Blessed Josemaria is approved - Opus Dei “Split in Vatican on Opus Dei's miracle,” by Giles Tremlett Split in Vatican on Opus Dei's miracle | World news | The Guardian Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

Kids today are wrestling with deep, challenging, real-world issues:  

Christian history has multiple stories of people who felt called by God to separate themselves from the bustle of society and live alone, often in remote places. In the first centuries of Christianity, the desert fathers and mothers went into the wilderness seeking a simple life of spirituality and prayer. In the Byzantine Empire there were the stylites, or pillar-saints, who lived atop columns and practiced extreme asceticism.  Other hermits lived in seclusion within society, sometimes in little cells attached to churches. In the Middle Ages, this practice became more popular, especially among women, some of whom were physically walled up in their cells, with no door or means of exit, representing their death to the world. Known as anchorites or anchoresses (from the ancient Greek ἀναχωρεῖν, meaning “to withdraw”), the most famous of these was the mystic and theologian Julian of Norwich.  The tradition of the hermit vocation has deep roots in pre-Christian practices, too. Hebrew scriptures are filled with stories of people fleeing into the desert to escape society and draw closer to God. In the New Testament, both John the Baptist and Jesus follow their example. And other religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sufism, also have traditions associated with the eremitic life.  But what about today? What does the life of a Christian hermit look like, in the modern era? On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to Brother Christian Matson, a professed hermit in the Diocese of Lexington. Brother Christian professes a rule of life that allows him to support himself financially through his work in the arts while he lives a life of contemplation in a private hermitage. You can learn more about the hermit vocation, and about Brother Christian's work, in these links.  “What is a hermit?” by John Christman What is a hermit? - U.S. Catholic “How To Be Alone,” by Alexander Jusdanis How To Be Alone | Sojourners “Medieval anchoresses found spiritual freedom in tiny cells,” by Ellyn Sanna Medieval anchoresses found spiritual freedom in tiny cells - U.S. Catholic “Sixty Feet Above: The Difficult Sanctity of Simeon Stylites,” by Eric Shuler Sixty Feet Above: The Difficult Sanctity of Simeon Stylites “The Desert Fathers and Mothers” The Desert Fathers and Mothers — Center for Action and Contemplation “Catholic diocesan hermit approved by Kentucky bishop comes out as transgender,” by Jack Jenkins Catholic diocesan hermit approved by Kentucky bishop comes out as transgender | National Catholic Reporter “Theater partnership puts depression, suicide prevention under spotlight,” by Buddy Forbes Theater partnership puts depression, suicide prevention under spotlight Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

The Bible is full of vivid, fascinating characters: heroes and antiheroes, tricksters and villains. One of the most memorable biblical villains is Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab in Kings 1 and 2. Jezebel shows up in multiple stories: persecuting the prophet Elijah, trying to institute the worship of the god Ba'al, conniving to steal a vineyard, and finally dying a gruesome death. She is mentioned in the book of Revelation, too, when the author refers to a woman in the church at Thyatira who “calls herself a prophet and is teaching and beguiling my servants to engage in sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20).   Because she lured her husband to worship a false god, and because she is remembered as wearing makeup and finery, she has come to be associated with ideas about women as dangerous, immoral temptresses. The name “Jezebel” has become a slur for a promiscuous woman who leads men astray, and this slur has been used especially to demean and demonize Black women.   But who was Jezebel really? Was she the sexually promiscuous character these slurs imply, and why does scripture depict her as a super-villain?    On this episode of Glad You Asked, theologian and biblical scholar Stacy Davis talks to the host about the character Jezebel and the history of using her as a weapon against Black women. Davis is a professor of religious studies and Theology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and the author of Haggai and Malachi in the Wisdom Commentary Series (Liturgical Press). She is an associate editor of The Africana Bible: Reading Israel's Scriptures from Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as for the forthcoming Westminster John Knox Bible.   You can learn more about this topic in these links: “Jezebel from an African-American Perspective,” by Stacy Davis  whc.bibleodyssey.com “The Jezebel Stereotype,” by David Pilgrim The Jezebel Stereotype - Anti-black Imagery - Jim Crow Museum “Who Exactly Was the Original Jezebel?” by Wednesday Martin Who Exactly Was the Original Jezebel? ‹ Literary Hub “Jezebel Isn't Who You Think She Is,” by Nyasha Junior Jezebel Isn't Who You Think She Is - Dame Magazine “Naming the 333 women in the Bible,” by Alice Camille Naming the 333 women in the Bible - U.S. Catholic   Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

Carl Kerby is president & founder of Reasons for Hope. Prior to forming Reasons for Hope, he was a founding board member of Answers in Genesis and served there for 15 years.Skeptics and scoffers are flooding society these days in the media, politics, academia and even churches. 2 Peter chapter 3 recognizes this problem. So while there are those who will be sarcastic in their questioning, others genuinely want to know the truth so they know whether or not they should pursue the Christ of Christianity. Carl noted that he's encouraged by the current state of our youth because of the questions he hears from them. On the other hand, what he's concerned about is the level of despair and hurt that kids communicate that is causing them to ask the questions that represent their desire to seek hope.Jim then pointed to an alarming statistic from Carl's website. It indicates that 75% of kids leave the church from age 18 to 25. Carl explained how the majority of these are not college age students, they're elementary, middle and high school students. In other words, these youngsters may be sitting in our youth groups but mentally they've already checked out! Review this broadcast to find out how you can bring hope to inquiring young minds as you learn more about the DeBunked video series and hear answers to some of the questions from the book, Glad You Asked! Listeners also posed questions of their own for Carl.

Carl Kerby is president & founder of Reasons for Hope. Prior to forming Reasons for Hope, he was a founding board member of Answers in Genesis and served there for 15 years.Skeptics and scoffers are flooding society these days in the media, politics, academia and even churches. 2 Peter chapter 3 recognizes this problem. So while there are those who will be sarcastic in their questioning, others genuinely want to know the truth so they know whether or not they should pursue the Christ of Christianity. Carl noted that he's encouraged by the current state of our youth because of the questions he hears from them. On the other hand, what he's concerned about is the level of despair and hurt that kids communicate that is causing them to ask the questions that represent their desire to seek hope.Jim then pointed to an alarming statistic from Carl's website. It indicates that 75% of kids leave the church from age 18 to 25. Carl explained how the majority of these are not college age students, they're elementary, middle and high school students. In other words, these youngsters may be sitting in our youth groups but mentally they've already checked out! Review this broadcast to find out how you can bring hope to inquiring young minds as you learn more about the DeBunked video series and hear answers to some of the questions from the book, Glad You Asked! Listeners also posed questions of their own for Carl.

As of March 2025, Elon Musk, the richest person in the world according to Bloomberg, was valued to be worth 311 billion dollars. To help put this quantity in perspective: In order for the average middle-class person earning around $45,000 a year to earn even $1 billion, they would have to devote all their time to work, while spending nothing, for over 21,000 years—that is, longer than human history.  Given the extent of dire need across the world, it seems grossly unethical for anyone to have that kind of money. From a Catholic perspective, we need to take seriously not only concerns rooted in natural law ethics, regarding the flourishing of the person and the common good, but also traditional teachings about the moral obligations around money. Scripture is filled with warnings about the serious, possibly eternal punishments in store for those who hoard wealth at the expense of the poor. Does that mean billionaires are going to hell? On this episode of Glad You Asked, hosts Emily Sanna and Rebecca Bratten Weiss talk to moral theologian Nicholas Hayes-Mota about the Catholic Church's teaching on wealth and whether amassing vast amounts of money is a sin.  Hayes-Mota is a social ethicist and public theologian whose research interests include the theology of community organizing, Catholic social thought, contemporary virtue ethics, democratic theory, and AI ethics.    Read more about the ethics of wealth inequality: “Pope Francis: Powerful and Rich Risk Going to Hell If They Ignore the Poor,” by David Gibson “Why the wealth gap is bad for everyone.” A U.S. Catholic interview “Why wealth inequality matters,” by Kevin Clarke “The Universal Destination of Goods in St. John Chrysostom,” by Antônio Lemos Rerum Novarum (Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor), encyclical of Pope Leo XIII Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples), encyclical of Paul VI Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship), encyclical of Pope Francis   Read more by Nicholas Hayes-Mota: “We need to reclaim the legacy of Christian nonviolence,” U.S. Catholic “Principle in Practice: A MacIntyrean Analysis of Community Organizing and the Catholic Social Tradition.” Journal of Catholic Social Thought “Partners in Forming the People: Jacques Maritain, Saul Alinsky, and the Project of Personalist Democracy.” Journal of Moral Theology “An Accountable Church? Broad-Based Community Organizing and Ecclesial Ethics,” Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics  

Welcome to another episode of Glad You Asked! Listeners, you sent in some fantastic questions and we're excited to answer them! Navigating a woke workplace Kristi McLelland Biblical definition of a false teacher “Stories of the Bible” When your pastor recommends a heretical book Lesbian couple at church Advice for single women Michael Heiser

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets span his humble beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, secrets, or lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing audiences to their feet after every show.A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his stand-up comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. As a high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television content, he has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry; he's a multi-layered, talented threat and one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets span his humble beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, secrets, or lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing audiences to their feet after every show.A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his stand-up comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. As a high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television content, he has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry; he's a multi-layered, talented threat and one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets span his humble beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, secrets, or lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing audiences to their feet after every show.A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his stand-up comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. As a high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television content, he has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry; he's a multi-layered, talented threat and one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets span his humble beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, secrets, or lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing audiences to their feet after every show.A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his stand-up comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. As a high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television content, he has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry; he's a multi-layered, talented threat and one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life doesn't have to leave you spinning. In our “Overwhelmed” series, Pastor Scotty reminds us of the profound simplicity of prayer: just asking God. This week, explore how God has tied His faithfulness and reputation to answering the prayers of His people. Prayer isn't about perfect words or rituals—it's about trusting that He hears, He cares, and He responds. Come discover the joy of bringing your needs to the One who never fails and find peace in His unwavering faithfulness.

Life doesn't have to leave you spinning. In our “Overwhelmed” series, Pastor Scotty reminds us of the profound simplicity of prayer: just asking God. This week, explore how God has tied His faithfulness and reputation to answering the prayers of His people. Prayer isn't about perfect words or rituals—it's about trusting that He hears, He cares, and He responds. Come discover the joy of bringing your needs to the One who never fails and find peace in His unwavering faithfulness.

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets span his humble beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, secrets, or lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing audiences to their feet after every show.A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his stand-up comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. As a high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television content, he has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry; he's a multi-layered, talented threat and one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D'Lai is one of the nation's most sought-after comedians. D'Lai has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime, BET's ComicView, and Kevin Hart's Laughing Out Loud Network. On top of touring colleges and universities, he has also embarked on military tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. Consistently headlining sold-out shows around the country, D'Lai's material and sets extend from his destitute beginnings to the experiences that have made him the man he is today. Transparent, raw, and uncut, D'Lai leaves it all on the stage. No questions, no secrets, no lies; this man is a master of his craft, bringing his audiences to their feet after every show. A comedian and entrepreneur, D'Lai has amassed millions of followers on social media with his standup comedy, storytelling, and reaction videos. He has created hashtags that have turned his brand—“Take It In” and “I'm Glad You Asked,” to name a few—into a merchandise bonanza. D'Lai is more than just funny. A high-energy comedian, prominent entrepreneur, motivational speaker, spokesperson, author, and developer of film and television projects, he's a multi-layered, talented threat and definitely one to watch. Unlocking Humanity with Host John Edmonds Kozma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the United States, nativity scenes are part of the ordinary landscape of Christmas—even in secular spaces. You might see a blow-up nativity scene, all in garish colors, in front of a neighborhood store. Or in church, traditional statuary depicting European-looking characters. Some homes and religious organizations feature nativity scenes from around the world, with the holy family in diverse cultural garb. But no matter the aesthetic there are common elements in most nativity scenes: Baby Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph close by, a few placid animals, some devout shepherds and magi, with an angel hovering on high.  But how accurate are these scenes? Would the Holy Family really have been surrounded by animals? Did shepherds actually show up immediately after Jesus was born? And did Mary worry at all about the safety of putting a newborn infant in an animal's feeding trough?  On this episode of the podcast, scholar Jaime Waters talks to the hosts about what the nativity was really like and who was there. Waters is an associate professor of Old Testament at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. She is presently working on a commentary on the book of Jeremiah for the Wisdom Commentary Series from Liturgical Press, and a book on methods of biblical interpretation. She has written multiple articles for America magazine about the intersection of scripture and justice issues. You can learn more about this topic and read some of Waters' writing in these links: “Who was really at the Nativity?” By Emily Sanna https://uscatholic.org/articles/201912/who-was-really-at-the-nativity/  “What are we missing in our depictions of the nativity?” By Kelly Nikondeha https://uscatholic.org/articles/202212/what-are-we-missing-in-our-depictions-of-the-nativity/  “A nativity collection shows different imaginings of Christmas”  By Jerry Bleem, O.F.M. https://uscatholic.org/articles/201712/a-nativity-collection-shows-how-different-cultures-imagine-christmas/  “The journey of the magi is long and risky, but it ends with joy”  By Jaime Waters https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/12/16/epiphany-scripture-reading-242059  “The loving dynamics in the Holy Family”  By Jaime Waters https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/11/18/word-scripture-lectionary-liturgy-readings-mass-241843  Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, an order of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.  

Often, Catholics refer to Mary with the various honorifics we have attached to her over the centuries: Mother of God, Blessed Virgin, or Queen of Heaven. When we imagine her, we may think of famous paintings representing her as a queen, crowned and throned, holding baby Jesus. While these titles all highlight important theological truths about Mary, and our religious art helps us venerate her as the most important saint of the church, we may sometimes lose sight of who Mary was historically. Long before the church developed our various doctrinal understandings about her, Mary was a Jewish woman born into a particular family, culture, and political situation. But compared with the vast amount of theological writing on Mary, the historical material we have about her is pretty scant.  Who was Mary of Nazareth, really? What was her life like? How did she dress, what did she eat, and what level of education did she have? On this episode of the Glad You Asked podcast, guest AJ Levine helps us get a clearer picture of the historical Mary, beneath the halo and beyond the holy cards.  Levine is the Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She was the first Jew to teach the New Testament at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute. She has held office in the Society of Biblical Literature, the Catholic Biblical Association, and the Association for Jewish Studies. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus (HarperOne) and Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi (HarperOne). Her most recent book is Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians (HarperOne). Learn more about this topic, and read some of Levine's writing, in these links. “Mary, Mary, quite contrary,” By Elizabeth Johnson https://uscatholic.org/articles/201101/mary-mary-quite-contrary/  “It is time to free Mary and let God have her own maternal face,” By Christine Schenk https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/simply-spirit/it-time-free-mary-and-let-god-have-her-own-maternal-face  “All mothers stand at the cross with Mary,” By Sister Laurie Brink, O.P. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202005/all-mothers-stand-at-the-cross-with-mary/  “Why did God choose Mary?” By LaRyssa Herrington https://uscatholic.org/articles/202305/why-did-god-choose-mary/  “Witnesses, patrons, faithful disciples: The women at the cross and the tomb,” By Amy-Jill Levine https://www.abc.net.au/religion/amy-jill-levine-women-at-the-cross-and-the-tomb/13843886  “A Jewish take on Jesus: Amy-Jill Levine talks the gospels.” A U.S. Catholic interview https://uscatholic.org/articles/201209/a-jewish-take-on-jesus-amy-jill-levine-talks-the-gospels/  Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, an order of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.  

It's difficult to avoid artificial intelligence these days. When searching on Google or reading product reviews, there's a good chance that you'll be offered the option to read an AI-generated summary. Or maybe an AI tool will offer to write your work email for you. Savvy users are typically able to detect the errors in AI summaries, but even the most cautious and informed person might find it difficult to sort through what's accurate and what isn't. And while an ethical student wouldn't want to entrust their carefully thought out ideas to an AI writing program, it might be a temptation for those less skilled at writing, or less concerned about morals.  These are just a few ways AI disrupts our already hectic human lives. There are also questions about AI taking human jobs, AI being used to spread disinformation, AI romantic partners, even AI contract killers. The ethical issues around AI are real. But does this mean AI itself is bad? Are there ethical ways of using it? On this episode of Glad You Asked, guest Brian Green talks to the hosts about what AI is, what the real ethical concerns are, and whether Catholics should use it at all.  Green is the director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. His work focuses on the impact of technology on human life, society, and religion. He has contributed to a number of books on AI and ethics and is the author of Space Ethics (Rowman & Littlefield). He's been a lead contributor on three World Economic Forum case studies on ethical practices at Microsoft, Salesforce, and IBM and has worked with the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education. Learn more about this topic in these links.  “How should Christians respond to the challenges of AI?” By Kate Ott https://uscatholic.org/articles/202307/how-should-christians-respond-to-the-challenges-of-ai/  “AI isn't all doom and gloom, says this theologian” A U.S. Catholic interview https://uscatholic.org/articles/202307/ai-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-says-this-theologian/  “‘Oppenheimer' offers a sober lesson in the era of AI” By Danny Duncan Collum https://uscatholic.org/articles/202311/oppenheimer-offers-a-sober-lesson-in-the-era-of-ai/  “Futuristic fiction asks important ethical questions about AI” By Jeannine Pitas https://uscatholic.org/articles/202308/futuristic-fiction-asks-important-ethical-questions-about-ai/  Journal of Moral Theology, Special Issue on AI https://www.academyforlife.va/content/dam/pav/documenti%20pdf/2022/AI/Spring%202022%20Special%20Issue%20AI.pdf  Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries USA, an order of Catholic priests and brothers who live and work with the most vulnerable among us. To learn more, visit claretians.org.

Welcome to another episode of Glad You Asked! In this episode, we’re answering questions about… ∙Spiritual gifts ∙Women’s ministry, book clubs, and Bible study ∙Pentatonix ∙Hymnology resources ∙Modesty ∙Virtual vs. in person Bible study ∙What to do in church when a song from a heretical source is sung ∙Navigating technology Christianly ∙Having a relationship with […]

The topic of today's Glad You Asked episode is The Chosen. In 2021, we ran a three episode series reviewing seasons 1 and 2 of The Chosen, and we thought it was time for a little update. We've answered lots of questions about The Chosen on our show in the last few years, and so […]

The topic of today's Glad You Asked episode is The Chosen. In 2021, we ran a three episode series reviewing seasons 1 and 2 of The Chosen, and we thought it was time for a little update. We've answered lots of questions about The Chosen on our show in the last few years, and so […]