The Catholic Morning Show

Steve Ray joins the Catholic Morning Show to explore the striking parallels between St. Joseph and Joseph of the Old Testament.

A convert to Catholicism and bestselling author with Ignatius Press, Steve has written:

Crossing the Tiber

Upon This Rock

St. John's Gospel

Through his pilgrimage ministry, Footprints of God, he brings Scripture to life for Catholics around the world.

Learn More at CatholicConvert.com

#SteveRay #StJoseph #BiblicalTypology #CatholicApologetics #IgnatiusPress #FootprintsOfGod

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia B...

Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss current legislative developments impacting Catholics in Iowa.

He outlines key policy areas and encourages Catholics to stay engaged in public life guided by Church teaching and the dignity of the human person.

Tom also previews the A(mbrose) to (Gen.) Z Conference taking place April 24–26 at St. Ambrose of Milan Catholic Parish in Davenport. The conference will bring together Catholics across generations for faith formation and community.

More information:
https://www.stambroseofmilan.com/2026-conference

#Io...

Tom Chapman — Executive Director, Iowa Catholic Conference

Tom Chapman joins the Catholic Morning Show with an update from the Iowa Statehouse. He discusses current legislative priorities affecting Catholics across Iowa and highlights the importance of faithful civic engagement rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Tom also shares details about the upcoming A(mbrose) to (Gen.) Z Conference, happening April 24–26 in Davenport and hosted by St. Ambrose of Milan Catholic Parish. The conference offers formation and renewal opportunities for Catholics of all generations.

Learn more about the conference:
https://www.stambroseofmilan.com/2026-conference

S...

Marcus Grodi, founder of Coming Home Network International, joins Bo Bonner to discuss his new book Learning Contentment: Finding Peace Right Where You Are, published by Sophia Institute Press.

After decades of evangelization and helping converts enter the Church, Marcus reflects on stepping into retirement and embracing a quieter life focused on the essentials.

Highlights include:

Why discontent can lead to poor decisions

St. Ignatius’ wisdom about major life changes

Stability in a noisy world

The beauty of simplicity and rural life

Accepting where God ha...

Deacon Randy Kiel, licensed mental health counselor and founder of Kardia Counseling, joins the Catholic Morning Show to reflect on how Catholic teaching shapes his approach to therapy.

In this conversation:

How Catholicism provides deeper joy and belonging

Integrating prayer and spirituality into counseling

The role of saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Bernadette in understanding suffering

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Catholic anthropology

Why religious people still need mental health care

Mental health challenges are not a failure of...

Deacon Randy Kiel — Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Founder of Kardia Counseling
Deacon Randy Kiel joins Bo Bonner in studio for a conversation about the Catholic approach to mental health. Drawing from his evangelical background and his formation within the Catholic Church, Deacon Randy explains how faith, reason, and psychology work together.

Topics include:

Integrating spirituality into licensed mental health care

The difference between Catholic and evangelical approaches to psychology

The role of the saints in healing and personal growth

Why suffering and love are inseparable

Why se...

Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, shares details about the Water for Life campaign, which focuses on building wells, water systems, and hygiene education programs in areas suffering from unsafe water access. The initiative brings physical healing alongside spiritual outreach rooted in Christ’s mandate to serve the least among us.
Learn more: www.crosscatholic.org/clean-water/

#WaterForLife #CrossCatholicOutreach #CleanWater #CatholicService #GlobalMission #FaithInAction

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You...

Joe Stopulos, host of Man Up! on Iowa Catholic Radio, looks back at the 2026 Forge Conference and shares key takeaways that inspired and challenged attendees. Forge seeks to form men spiritually, emotionally, and relationally through fellowship, formation, and faith-centered encounters.
More at: www.myforge.org

#ForgeConference #ManUp #CatholicMen #FaithAndBrotherhood #IowaCatholicRadio

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our website.

If yo...

Jim Bertrand discusses the history and spiritual significance of the Shroud of Turin, focusing on how Catholics can incorporate it into their Lenten prayer life as a meditation aid. The Shroud’s imagery invites believers to gaze upon Christ’s suffering and love, drawing the heart closer to Him during the penitential season.

#ShroudOfTurin #LentMeditation #CatholicReflection #PassionOfChrist

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our websi...

Jim Bertrand — Shroud of Turin Expert
Jim Bertrand joins the show to explain the significance of the Shroud of Turin and how Catholics can use it as a Lenten meditation tool to reflect more deeply on Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.

Joe Stopulos — Host of Man Up!, Iowa Catholic Radio
Joe Stopulos looks back at the recent 2026 Forge Conference, hosted by Forge, sharing highlights and insights from this impactful gathering that encourages men to grow in faith, brotherhood, and discipleship.
Learn more about Forge: www.myforge.org

Michele Sagarino — President, Cross Catholic Outreach...

In a joyful and touching segment, the hosts reflect on Matt Willkom’s contributions to Iowa Catholic Radio, revisiting favorite moments, sharing stories, and offering prayers and well wishes as he begins a new adventure.

#MattWillkom #CatholicRadioFamily #FarewellSegment #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicCommunity #RadioMemories #CatholicMorningShow

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can...

Meg Hunter-Kilmer joins the show to talk about her new book Who Is Jesus? Discovering Christ in the Gospels. She explains the inspiration behind writing it and offers practical guidance for how readers can approach the Gospels in a way that deepens understanding and fosters a real relationship with Christ.

Get the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Jesus-Discovering-Gospels-Catholic/dp/1646804392

Follow Meg on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mhunterkilmer/

#MegHunterKilmer #WhoIsJesus #CatholicBooks #CatholicEvangelization #Gospels #KnowJesus #CatholicAuthor #ScriptureStudy

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayd...

Fr. Chris Reising, Pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, breaks open the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent, offering pastoral insight and practical spiritual encouragement for living the Lenten journey more intentionally.

#SundayGospel #LentenReflection #CatholicHomily #FrChrisReising #AllSaintsParish #CatholicLent #ScriptureReflection #CatholicSpirituality

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio yo...

Faith, formation, and friendship come together on today’s episode of The Catholic Morning Show. Fr. Chris Reising prepares listeners for the Second Sunday in Lent with a Gospel reflection, Catholic evangelist Meg Hunter-Kilmer discusses her book Who Is Jesus? Discovering Christ in the Gospels, and the show says a bittersweet goodbye to Matt Willkom as he begins a new chapter.

Find Meg’s book:
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Jesus-Discovering-Gospels-Catholic/dp/1646804392

Follow Meg Hunter-Kilmer on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mhunterkilmer/

#CatholicMorningShow #CatholicRadio #Lent #SundayGospel #CatholicFaith #MegHunterKilmer #WhoIsJ...

David Delio, President of Image and Likeness, dives deep in our Lenten series focused on the heart. In this first installment, he examines the Scriptural meaning of the heart—revealing how it is the center of conversion, desire, and encounter with God.

Learn more about Image and Likeness: https://www.imagenlikeness.org/

#DavidDelio #ImageAndLikeness #LentSeries #TheHeart #BiblicalSpirituality #CatholicFormation

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can a...

E.P. Cowley joins us to discuss her new novel, "Tales from Wakken Wood", published by Ignatius Press. She shares how faith, imagination, and moral courage shape the world of Wakken Wood—and offers a preview of the excitement readers can expect.

Find the book: https://ignatius.com/tales-from-wakken-wood-twawp/

?

#EPcowley #TalesFromWakkenWood #IgnatiusPress #CatholicFiction #CatholicAuthors #FaithAndImagination

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You ca...

As we approach the Second Sunday in Lent, Deacon Randy Kiel helps us understand the Transfiguration and how this powerful moment reveals Christ’s glory while strengthening us for the road to the Cross. His reflection invites us to deepen our prayer and trust during this sacred season.

#SecondSundayInLent #Transfiguration #LentenReflection #CatholicHomily #CatholicFaith #DeaconRandyKiel

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our website.

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Randy Kiel leads us into the mystery of the Transfiguration as we prepare for the Second Sunday in Lent. Author E.P. Cowley introduces her new novel Tales from Wakken Wood, sharing the inspiration and adventure behind the story. Plus, David Delio, President of Image and Likeness, explores the biblical roots and spiritual meaning of the heart in this five-part series.

Find Tales from Wakken Wood: https://ignatius.com/tales-from-wakken-wood-twawp/

?

Learn more about Image and Likeness: https://www.imagenlikeness.org/

#Ca...

John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, discusses the Lenten Message from Pope Leo XIV and reflects on how Catholics can live its message in practical ways throughout the Lenten season.

Read the full message: https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-message-for-lent-2026

Learn more about upcoming events in the Des Moines Diocese: https://www.dmdiocese.org/events

#Lent #Pope #CatholicTeaching #LentenMessage #CatholicFaith #SocialJustice #CatholicLife

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

Author and speaker Colleen Pressprich joins the show to discuss her new book Lenten Prayer for Families. She shares the heart behind the project, her passion for encouraging family prayer, and how this Lenten guide can help households deepen their faith together.

Find the book here: https://www.orderosv.com/product/lenten-prayer-for-families

#Lent #FamilyPrayer #CatholicFamily #CatholicBooks #LentenPrayer #CatholicAuthor #PrayTogether

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can al...

Today, author and speaker Colleen Pressprich introduces her new book Lenten Prayer for Families, sharing the inspiration behind creating a simple, meaningful prayer resource to help families journey through Lent together.

Then, John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, reflects on the Lenten Message from Pope Leo XIV and discusses practical ways Catholics can apply its spiritual themes to daily life this season.

Find the book: https://www.orderosv.com/product/lenten-prayer-for-families

Read the Lenten Message: https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-message-for-lent-2026

L...

National speaker and ministry leader Mari Pablo from The Evangelical Catholic joins The Catholic Morning Show to discuss her upcoming March 4th talk at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, “Jesus and Lent: The Blessings of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.” She reflects on the beauty of Lenten practices and how they help us grow closer to Christ.

Learn more about the event:
https://sacredheartwdm.org/parish-mission-2026-1

#MariPablo #Lent #CatholicLent #Prayer #Fasting #Almsgiving #CatholicEvents

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

 <...

Host of The Doctor is In, Dr. Ray Guarendi, joins The Catholic Morning Show to discuss how grandparents can lovingly support their adult children and grandchildren while navigating communication challenges and family dynamics. He also previews his upcoming appearance at the Men’s Conference in the Diocese of Sioux City on March 21 in LeMars.

Learn more about the conference:
https://scdiocese.org/mensconference

#RayGuarendi #CatholicFamily #Grandparents #CatholicParenting #FamilyAdvice #CatholicRadio

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You...

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, Dr. Ray Guarendi, host of The Doctor Is In, offers practical advice for grandparents on communicating with adult children, embracing their role, and recognizing the blessings of grandparenthood. Dr. Ray will also be speaking at the upcoming Men’s Conference in the Diocese of Sioux City on March 21st in LeMars. 

Learn more: https://scdiocese.org/mensconference

Later, Mari Pablo, consultant and national speaker with The Evangelical Catholic, joins us to discuss her March 4th parish mission at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines titled “Jesus and Lent: The Bless...

Dr. Scott Hefelfinger of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology discusses the series The Heart of Prayer: A Study with Bishop Andrew Cozzens, designed to help Catholics strengthen their prayer life with guidance from Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Watch and learn more: https://press.augustineinstitute.org/heart-of-prayer-press-kit

#ScottHefelfinger #HeartOfPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PrayerLife #CatholicFormation #AugustineInstitute #SpiritualGrowth #CatholicStudy

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on...

Dr. Jared Staudt from Exodus 90 talks about his book he is the co-author of, The American Catholic Land Movement: Past, Present, and Future, exploring the past, present, and future of Catholic land movements and their role in renewing Catholic life.

Find the book: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-american-catholic-land-movement-past-present-and-future/

#JaredStaudt #CatholicLandMovement #CatholicBooks #CatholicCulture #IntentionalCommunity #CatholicLiving #FaithAndCulture #CatholicAuthors

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find mo...

Dr. Jared Staudt (Director of Content for Exodus 90 and instructor at Rosary College) discusses the co-authored book The American Catholic Land Movement: Past, Present, and Future, explaining its inspiration and how Catholic land movements can shape the future of faith-centered communities.

Find the book: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-american-catholic-land-movement-past-present-and-future/

Dr. Scott Hefelfinger (Associate Professor at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology) shares insights into the formation series The Heart of Prayer: A Study with Bishop Andrew Cozzens, highlighting how it helps Catholics grow in their prayer life alongside Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Renee Roden delivers her final religion-and-technology report examining:

• The controversy surrounding Catholic AI tools
• Concerns about responsibility and truth in chatbot-generated theology
• The importance of real human encounter in evangelization
• How AI might assist — but never replace — the Church’s mission
• Why human presence remains essential in a digital world

A thoughtful send-off exploring one of the most important cultural questions facing the Church today.

#FaithAndTechnology #CatholicAI #DigitalEvangelization #CatholicMedia #CatholicJournalism

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LINKS<...

Catholic author and speaker Melissa Overmyer discusses her book Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy, published by Ascension Press.

In this conversation:

• Why love is the foundation of happiness
• How tragedy shaped her spiritual journey
• The “BLESSED” framework for daily joyful living
• Practical habits for building faith-centered joy
• How Scripture supports lasting peace and meaning

A hopeful conversation for anyone seeking deeper trust in God.

#CatholicBooks #ChristianJoy #FaithInAction #CatholicAuthor #SpiritualGrowth

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Ale...

Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, reflects on:

• The connection between Adam and Eve, King David’s repentance, and Christ in the desert
• The three classic temptations: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life
• Why temptation itself is not sin
• How prayer, fasting, and confession help us remain spiritually free
• How Lent strengthens our relationship with Christ

A powerful reflection to help you begin the Lenten season with clarity and purpose.

#SundayReadings #Lent #CatholicHomily #CatholicTeaching #ScriptureReflection

• Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, walks through the Sunday readings — from the Fall in Genesis to Psalm 51 and Christ’s temptation in the desert — showing how Lent calls us to repentance, responsibility for sin, prayer, fasting, and confession.

• Catholic speaker and author Melissa Overmyer shares insights from her new book Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy, published by Ascension Press. She explains how faith, Scripture, and even modern research point to love as the foundation of true happiness.

• In her final Iowa Catholic Radio segmen...

Catholic author Sylvia Dorham introduces her new children’s book The Monks Stand Guard, published by TAN Books.

In this conversation:

• How monastic life inspired the story
• Teaching children to “take thoughts captive”
• Helping kids understand temptation and virtue
• The hidden messages parents can share through children’s stories
• Why Catholic children’s books are vital for early faith formation

Perfect for Catholic families looking for meaningful spiritual reading for children.

https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-monks-stand-guard/

#CatholicBooks #CatholicParenting #CatholicKids #FaithFormation #CatholicAuthor

Credits: Produce...

Adam Storey, canon lawyer for the Diocese of Des Moines, discusses:

• Why the liturgical year is part of Church law
• How law organizes worship for the good of the faithful
• The difference between liturgical law and sacramental law
• Why Lent’s disciplines help orient our hearts toward grace
• How Church structure supports spiritual growth

A fascinating look at the spiritual purpose behind the Church’s calendar.

#CanonLaw #LiturgicalYear #CatholicTeaching #Lent #CatholicFormation

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

LI...

Christ the King Parish Deacon Randy Kiel prepares us for the upcoming Sunday readings by exploring:

• Why Genesis includes two creation accounts
• God breathing life into humanity
• The meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge
• How free will and temptation shaped salvation history
• How Christ, the “New Adam,” restores humanity

A powerful start to the Lenten season and our walk toward Easter.

#SundayReadings #Genesis #CatholicHomily #Lent #ScriptureReflection #CatholicTeaching

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

 ...

• Deacon Randy Kiel helps listeners unpack the Genesis creation account, original sin, and the promise of salvation as we begin our Lenten journey toward the Cross and Resurrection.

• Adam Storey, canon lawyer for the Diocese of Des Moines, explains how the Church’s liturgical year is actually part of canon law — and how its rhythms orient our lives toward Christ and the mysteries of salvation.

• Author Sylvia Dorham joins us to discuss her new children’s book The Monks Stand Guard, published by TAN Books. She shares how monastic spirituality can help children (and adults!) learn to gua...

Author and speaker Emily Jaminet helps listeners begin Lent with clarity and purpose.

In this conversation she discusses:

• The meaning of “rend your hearts, not your garments”
• Why Lent is a season of “yes,” not just sacrifice
• How prayer, fasting, and almsgiving transform the heart
• Teaching children to live Lent with intentional faith
• The importance of the Sacred Heart devotion in Catholic homes

Learn more about her work and Lenten reflections at:
https://welcomehisheart.com/

#EmilyJaminet #SacredHeart #Lent #AshWednesday #CatholicSpirituality #CatholicDevotion #CatholicFamily #CatholicLiving

Credits: Produced...

Catholic author, speaker, and broadcaster Katie Prejean McGrady shares the inspiration behind her newest family faith resource.

She explains:

• Why parents must lead their children’s sacramental formation
• How families can make Sunday Mass the “anchor” of the week
• Practical conversations parents should have with children about Communion
• Encouraging long-term Catholic practice beyond sacrament day
• Signs of renewed faith among young Catholics today

Find the book from Ave Maria Press or Catholic booksellers.

#KatieMcGrady #FirstCommunion #Eucharist #CatholicParenting #CatholicFamily #Mass #CatholicFormation #Sacraments

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayd...

Today’s Catholic Morning Show helps listeners enter Lent with purpose and hope.

Emily Jaminet reflects on Ash Wednesday and the Lenten call to conversion, explaining how devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps shape daily prayer, sacrifice, and acts of charity. She shares practical ways families can live Lent intentionally and open their hearts more fully to Christ.

Learn more about her work and Lenten reflections at:
https://welcomehisheart.com/

Katie Prejean McGrady discusses her newest book, First Communion and Beyond: A Family’s Guide to Eucharistic Joy, written with her...

Bo, Matt, Alexia, and Ayden discuss the origins of Mardi Gras and its Catholic background.

“Mardi Gras,” meaning Fat Tuesday, developed as the final day before Ash Wednesday — historically a time when Catholics used up rich foods and prepared spiritually for Lent through fasting, prayer, and repentance.

The crew talks about:

• The historical Catholic roots of the celebration
• Why feasting came before fasting
• How Catholics today can properly prepare for Lent

#MardiGras #FatTuesday #CatholicTradition #LentPrep #CatholicCalendar #CatholicMorningShow

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and M...

Stephanie Parks discusses her new book on Michelle Duppong, a FOCUS missionary and Catholic leader remembered for her radiant faith, joyful evangelization, and profound witness during terminal illness.

Michelle’s life continues to inspire young Catholics, missionaries, and families through her example of trusting God completely, embracing suffering with peace, and living mission first.

Find the book here:
https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=michelle-duppong
From Sophia Institute Press

#MichelleDuppong #CatholicWitness #CatholicBooks #FaithInSuffering #CatholicMission #StephanieParks #CatholicAuthor

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Matt Willkom

...