SHOW TITLE: A Journey Home: Dori and Dale Ludwig's Conversion    

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Faith is a journey, and for Dori and Dale Ludwig, that journey to Catholicism lasted over 30 years! Listen as they share their experiences with Catholic education, the Catholic faith, and the home they found at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:17-20

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Augustine of Hippo

You probably picture Mother Teresa in the streets of India, but her story begins far from there. Born in 1910 in Skopje (then part of the Ottoman Empire, now the capital of North Macedonia), the youngest of five siblings felt an early call to religious life. She left home at 18 and followed a winding path of discernment that took her across continents and communities—proof that God often invites us beyond our comfort zones.

Father Pray and Julie unpack what that looks like in real life: how free will, “God’s laughter” at our neat plans, and the truth that He wastes nothing shape every detour. They connect Mother Teresa’s chosen name (after St. Thérèse of Lisieux) to the Little Way and her radical service among the poorest of the poor—while reminding us that not every saint’s charism is meant to be copied exactly.

Later, the conversation turns to one of the most striking facts: Mother Teresa endured roughly 30 years of profound spiritual darkness. Far from a sign of failure, Father Pray offers a compelling take on why God may have “pulled the shade down,” the power of persevering in dry prayer, and how ordinary Catholics can recognize invitations to something new or deeper in their own lives—whether in parenting, career shifts, or everyday faithfulness.

With practical wisdom, honest storytelling (including Julie’s own major career pivot), and an encouraging close on prayer and forgiveness that doesn’t always come with warm feelings, this episode meets listeners wherever they are on the journey. It’s a conversation that both honors a modern saint and speaks directly to anyone who’s ever wondered if God is still near when the consolations fade.

Tune in for prayer, insight, and a fresh look at a familiar saint.

SHOW TITLE: The Unexpected Ways Fashion Can Enhance Your Spiritual Journey

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, Mary Harper shares how faith and fashion intertwine through the lens of liturgical style, the significance of textiles and colors in scripture, and how saints' clothing reveals their virtues. Discover practical tips for intentional dressing and how to see everyday fashion as a form of prayer and encounter with God.

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Carlo Acutis

RESOURCES:

Website - https://www.liturgicalstyle.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liturgicalstyle

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: Creating a Culture of Vocations: Bishop Senior’s Pastoral Vision

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this week’s episode, our producer/director of communications, Rachel Bryson, joins Bishop Timothy Senior to continue our deep dive into his Pastoral Vision for the Diocese, this time focusing on vocations.

RESOURCES: Pastoral-Letter-Digital-Booklet.pdf

They explore the illusion of control, the difference between clock time and lived time, the temptation to pave perfectly smooth paths for those we love, and the hard but freeing truth that God often lets us take the controls—only to teach us through the zigzags. From prayer habits that steady us in the storm, to the power of active listening in mentoring, to the Gospel call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (even when it’s hard), this conversation is both practical and deeply pastoral.

Whether you’re a parent, mentor, student, or simply someone feeling the altitude shift, Julie and Father Michael offer grounded wisdom for staying on the ride, trusting the destination, and finding God in the turbulence.

Tune in for an honest, hope-filled conversation about faith, free will, and learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

SHOW TITLE: Catholicism & Vampires

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this week's episode, we're joined by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot, a daughter of St. Paul and author of the In Aeternum trilogy that has taken the literary world by storm. She has a unique connection to the Diocese of Harrisburg and an even more unique way to evangelize: with Vampire novels.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinithians 12:4-5

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. John of the Cross

RESOURCES: 

Website:https://gliot.pauline.org/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadXuteLMs8AQ42l94FujBFLqOxqxiQcnYqJ1NDTDrwsWHjcmlcDFg-0zP7lTg_aem_Yy8ConQUr9VBqOFP9yn8Zg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sister_allison/?hl=en

SHOW TITLE: Padre Pio is Coming to Harrisburg?

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this week's episode, Father John Bateman, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg, dives deep into the ordinary life of the extraordinary Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (a.k.a Padre Pio) and why his first-class relic's arrival as a permanent installation in St. Joseph Parish matters for Catholics today.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Galatians 2:20

RESOURCES: The presentation of the Chapel of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and a Mass in honor of Saint Pio will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM. All are welcome! Details on the chapel and the Mass are available at stjosephmech.org/chapel-of-saint-pio.

In this episode of Rooted and Rising, Julie Shore and Father Michael Pray dive into a recent EWTN News story about a Virginia camp for Catholic dads and sons inspired by Top Gun: Maverick. They explore why treating fatherhood (and spiritual fatherhood) as a mission—not just a role or list of tasks—changes everything.

From the difference between “mission” and “job title,” to the mentoring gap left by COVID, the power of tough love, and the quiet joy of missing out (JOMO), Julie and Father Michael unpack how ordinary relationships can form the next generation in faith, purpose, and resilience.

Whether you’re a parent, a mentor, a young adult searching for guidance, or simply someone trying to stay rooted while the world keeps rising around you, this conversation will leave you encouraged and challenged.

Tune in, and let’s keep the mission going.

SHOW TITLE: The One Prayer Practice Busy People Can Actually Keep

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, Anne Kertz Kernion (speaker at this year’s Diocesan Women’s Conference) explains why small daily habits matter more than chasing extraordinary spiritual experiences, and she offers simple ways busy parents, teachers, and working adults can stay aware of God throughout the day.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Matthew 6:6

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint Brother Lawrence

RESOURCES:

Registration is NOW OPEN! Save the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17. This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers (including Teri!), Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/

SHOW TITLE: Healing Family Wounds with Faith and Therapy

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

 In this episode, Teri Love shares her journey from Nevada to Pennsylvania, her conversion to Catholicism, and how her faith influences her approach to therapy. We explore the integration of faith and mental health, the importance of prayer alongside professional counseling, and practical steps for healing family wounds.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:7

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Zelie Martin

Resources:

Registration is NOW OPEN! Save the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17. This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers (including Teri!), Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/

They unpack why Mary isn’t just a statue that always looks young and perfect. She’s a model of lasting beauty rooted in faithfulness, kindness, sacrifice, and real relationship with Christ. From helping a stressed roommate move in, to choosing presence over perfection, to noticing the people around you instead of scrolling past them—this conversation gets practical about what beauty in action actually looks like on a college campus.

If you’re tired of the highlight reel and hungry for something more grounded, this one’s for you.

Listen now.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

SHOW TITLE:

Is AI Making Us Less Human? Catholicism, Pope Leo XIV & the Fight for Human Dignity with Eliza Monts

SHOW DESCRIPTION:  

Eliza Monts discusses the intersection of Catholic faith and technology, focusing on AI, digital discipleship, and how to navigate online life responsibly. She shares insights from her upcoming book and Pope Leo's recent encyclical, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and virtue in the digital age.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:33-34

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Isidore

RESOURCES: 

Eliza Monts - Substack - https://elizamonts.substack.com

Eliza Monts - Upcoming Book - https://penguinrandomhouse.com

Instagram - https://instagram.com/elizamonts

SHOW TITLE:

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Back to School

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Bishop Senior joins our Director of Communications, Rachel Bryson, to discuss the education section of his Pastoral Letter, Stir Into Flame, and has a message for all our students, parents and educators heading back to school.

SCRIPTURE: James 1:5

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. John Baptist de La Salle

SHOW TITLE:  Living Holiness Daily: Insights from Lisa Lickona

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Join us as Lisa Lickona shares her journey through faith, her favorite saints, and practical insights on living a holy life in everyday moments. Discover how to embrace your unique call to holiness and deepen your spiritual life.

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12-14

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo

RESOURCES: 

Save the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17. This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers, Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

A young participant’s simple answer at a Celtic fiddle workshop—“to become a better musician”—became the weekend’s central question. Master fiddler Alistair Fraser’s response: play every tune as if it is the only song your audience will ever hear. The Lees then ask what that looks like for the rest of us.

At Mass, the priest opens with Jeremiah 29:11 and tells the story of Alex Alvarez, a joyful 20-year-old who declared it would be the best day of his life, lived it with faith and kindness, and died hours later from a sudden aneurysm.

Faced with that loss, the conversation turns from “Why did he die?” to the deeper question: “Why did he live?” Drawing on Scripture, the saints, and the quiet call to know, love, and serve God, Brenda and Randy explore stewardship, daily “yes,” and the power of a life that leaves others knowing a prophet has been among them.

Warm, honest, and rooted in hope—this episode lingers.

Father Pray opens by praying the Holy Father’s own words—a moving plea to recognize and protect the “unique and unrepeatable value of every human being,” to tenderly care for fragility, and to make the Church an open home where no one feels unwanted. From there the two dig into what “image and likeness of God” really means, why grace is simply divine help we receive through the sacraments, and how a culture that cheapens life needs constant reminders that all lives matter—from the womb to the tomb, in war zones, immigration crises, mental illness, and everyday loneliness.

They tackle the trap of reducing people to numbers (whether casualty counts or Instagram likes), the FOMO and objectification young adults face online, and the quiet power of “ordinary time.” Practical takeaways abound: how parents can help children see themselves as infinitely loved, why a simple smile or patient word can be a sacred act, and a clear challenge for listeners—give thanks for life and help those in need, one small daily encounter at a time.

Thoughtful, grounded, and free of political slogans, this episode invites you to move beyond headlines and live the Gospel of life in the places that actually matter: your family, your workplace, and the person right in front of you.

Listen now and rediscover why every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.

SHOW TITLE: Faith and Filmmaking: A Journey of Evangelization

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Rob Kaczmark, founder and CEO of Spirit Juice Studios, shares his journey from faith to filmmaking, exploring how film can be a powerful tool for evangelization and cultural influence. We discuss the impact of movies, maintaining faith in the industry, and advice for aspiring Catholic filmmakers.

SCRIPTURE: Wisdom 13:1-5

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Fra Angelico

RESOURCES:

Catholic Video Production | Spirit Juice Studios

Spirit Juice Studios - YouTube

Heart of a Servant

Instagram

SHOW TITLE: How Social Media Is Transforming Catholic Evangelization

SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Desiree Sifuentes, aka @UncatechizedCatholic, shares her journey from being poorly catechized to becoming a passionate advocate for authentic faith formation online. We explore the importance of genuine catechesis, how social media can serve as a mission field, and practical tips for deepening your faith.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:14-16

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Philip Neri

RESOURCES:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncatechizedcatholic/

Formed Streaming Platform - https://formed.org/

Word on Fire Gospels - https://wordonfire.org/products/gospel-reflections

Ignatius Catholic Study Bible - https://ignatius.com/products/ignatius-catholic-study-bible

Catholic Answers - https://www.catholic.com/

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

What could be more boring than going to someone else’s family reunion: you don’t know the people, you don’t know the stories, and you don’t even know why you’re there.  Any chance that you’re experiencing mass as someone else’s family reunion?  If your desire is to encounter mass as your own family reunion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the Eucharist as the meal that brings you home, then travel today with Eleanor, Brenda, and Randy as they pursue a journey to the Father who longs to have you back.

In this timely episode, Julie Shore and Father Michael Prey dive into Pope Leo XIV’s powerful new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which calls on Catholics to confront the growing “anti-human vision” emerging in artificial intelligence.

Through thoughtful conversation and prayer, they explore how AI is reshaping education, work, productivity culture, and human relationships, while reminding us that our true dignity and worth come from being sons and daughters of God, not from what we produce or achieve.

You’ll hear practical wisdom on: - Using AI as a tool without letting it become a trap - Protecting human dignity in a tech-driven world - Staying rooted in faith amid rapid technological change - Real-life examples from education, careers, and parish life

Whether you’re optimistic, cautious, or simply curious about AI, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a deeply Catholic perspective on one of the most important issues of our time.

Tune in now for insightful discussion that will refresh your mind and strengthen your faith.

In the News - faith, culture, and current events with heart and honesty.

SHOW TITLE: How Daily Mass Can Transform Your Faith Life

SHOW DESCRIPTION: I

n this episode, Eve Rosemary shares her journey with prayer, the importance of vulnerability in building a relationship with Christ, and practical tips for deepening your prayer life through daily Mass, silence, and reading scripture.

SCRIPTURE: PS 27:8

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

RESOURCES: 

The Everyday Saint Podcast - https://www.theeverydaysaint.com/theeverydaysaintpodcast

Eve Rosemary on Instagram - https://instagram.com/theeverosemary

TheEverydaySaint.com - https://www.theeverydaysaint.com

SHOW TITLE: From Hobby to Charism: Nicholas Higgins' Faith-Driven Musical Journey

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Musician and missionary summary Nicholas A. Higgins shares his journey of integrating music and faith, the importance of doing creative work for God, and practical advice for Catholic artists.

Nicholas Higgins - Official Website - https://nicholashiggins.com Tour Schedule- https://nicholasahiggins.wordpress.com/music/

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:6

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Hildegard of Bingen

SHOW TITLE: Faith and Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years of American Democracy

SHOW DESCRIPTION:  

In this episode, Bishop Timothy Senior discusses the significance of religious freedom, patriotism, and the role of faith in shaping our nation. He emphasizes the importance of practicing the faith during summer and highlights his pastoral letter, Stir Into Flame, with his vision for the future of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: From Skeptic to Believer: Chase Lear's Story

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Chase Lear shares his inspiring journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting the importance of the sacraments, the ongoing process of conversion, and the beauty of the Catholic Church. Discover how personal experiences and authentic searching can lead to a profound spiritual transformation.

SCRIPTURE: John 4:13-14

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

SHOW TITLE: The Intersection of Faith and Business

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Deacon John Rogers, vice president at Prenger Solutions group and ordained permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, joins us to discuss how Catholics can integrate their faith with their professional lives and leverage social media for evangelization.

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:5-6

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: CANDID CATHOLIC CONVOS 06-14-2026

SHOW DESCRIPTION:  Part Two of our discussion with Dr. John Bishop, founder of FORGE, as we continue to discuss the crisis of masculinity in the Catholic Church, the importance of authentic Catholic masculinity, and practical ways men can lead their families in faith. 

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:13-15

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Thomas More

SHOW TITLE: The Crisis of Masculinity in the Catholic Church: How to Lead with Faith

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Dr. John Bishop, founder and executive director of FORGE, discusses the crisis of masculinity in the Catholic Church, the importance of authentic Catholic masculinity, and practical ways men can lead their families in faith.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:33

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Joseph

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: The Year of St. Francis: How This Saint Continues to Make an Impact 800 years later    

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

We live in a time of constant noise. Constant consumption. Constant comparison. Most people are overwhelmed by information, pressured to perform, and stretched thin by busyness. Even spiritually, it can be easy to approach faith as just another thing to manage or optimize. And yet Saint Francis offers us something strikingly different. Today we’re chatting with Father Michael Heine, the minister provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of Angels in Maryland, to talk about how the spirit of St. Francis continues to shape the Church, challenge modern believers in deeply practical ways and why he continues to resonate with people who are searching for something deeper during this year of Saint Francis.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:23

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Clare of Assisi

SHOW TITLE: Come, Holy Spirit

SHOW DECRIPTION:

Fr. Chiedozie Ononuju (Fr. Dozy) joins us today to chat about the quiet ways God directs our lives and how we can work on our relationship with Him.

SCRIPTURE: John 15:4

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Francis de Sales

SHOW TITLE: Science and the Seventh Sunday of Easter: How Faith and Science Co-exist in Ordinary Time

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Easter Sunday may be over but the Easter Season is only just now coming to an end. While the Church calls this Ordinary time, there's nothing 'ordinary' about living as Resurrection people in a world driven by science, technology, questions and uncertainty. Today we're diving into this beautiful tension - and harmony - with Monsignor Frank Karwacki, pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and former science teacher.

SCRIPTURE: John 10:10

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Albert the Great

SHOW TITLE: If Mary Had a Podcast...

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Today we're exploring the idea of Mary not just as our mother, but as our friend who's walked this path with us, sharing her wisdom, her faith, and pointing us to our ultimate goal, her Son. Amanda Snyder - convert, mom and co-facilitator of the An Investment in Motherhood  group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish - joins us today to explore how our blessed mother might advise us as we navigate our modern motherhood.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:38-45

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Louis de Montfort

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: Reconciliation as a Radical Act

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Today we're exploring what many nowadays would consider a radical act: the sacrament of Confession. Donna Giberti joins us to unpack how reconciliation can be a radical act for us Catholics, and indeed, very punk rock.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:23-24

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Josephine Bahkita

SHOW TITLE: From Wounds to Witness: Living the Risen Life    

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

To anyone who’s unfamiliar, the Catholic observance of relics might seem a bit creepy. And if Jesus conquered death at Easter, why do we do it at all? Today we’re joined by Father Matt Cannon, pastor at St Paul the Apostle church in Annville, to share with us how the saints provide an example for us of a faith that shows up in real life, and why venerating their relics can be an integral part of our faith.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:36-48

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Maria Goretti

SHOW TITLE: Faith and War:

Understanding the Church’s Just War Teaching

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

How do we reconcile our Catholic Faith and Current events? Today we're joined by Father John Bateman, Pastor at St. Joe's Parish in Mechanicsburg and chaplain in the PA Air National Guard with a degree in Canon Law who's uniquely qualified to help us comprehend current events from all sides: as a civilian, as a soldier, and as a Catholic.

SCRIPTURE: John 15:13

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Venerable Emil Kapaun

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: Hearts Burning on the Road

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

The disciples couldn't recognize Jesus walking with them on the road to Emmaus - what hope is there for us to recognize Him when we are so distracted by modern day living? Donna Giberti, spiritual director for the Diocese of Harrisburg, joins us to share some ways we can practice recognizing Christ in our every day.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:28:35

Bishop Senior and Michael Parks discuss a Look ahead after Easter.

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SHOW TITLE: A Reflection on Holy Week with Bishop Senior and WHP 580's Michael Parks    

SHOW DESCRIPTION: WHP 580's Michael Parks joins Bishop Senior for our annual Easter Episode.

SHOW TITLE: Hosanna and Heartache: How Music and Silence Shapes Our Faith

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Music is the universal language - it can reflect all the aspects of how we’re feeling throughout life, in particular when it comes to our faith and the powerful moments of Holy Week. Today we're excited to welcome Father Maximilian Mary Dean, a hermit priest of our Diocese and award-winning Catholic musician who uses his gift to give Glory to God in unique and powerful ways.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:38

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint Cecelia

SONG: I Will Lead You into Solitude by Fr. Maximilian Mary Dean

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/