The Catholic Morning Show

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

...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show:

Stephanie Parks — High School Campus Minister, Writer, Editor, and Speaker

Stephanie joins us to discuss her new book on Michelle Duppong, a beloved Catholic missionary, FOCUS leader, and young woman whose profound faith during her battle with cancer touched thousands and sparked a growing devotion across the Church. Her story is one of heroic trust, missionary zeal, and deep joy in suffering — offering a compelling modern witness for Catholics seeking hope in difficult times.

Learn more about the book here:
https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=michelle-duppong
Publ...

Danielle Fennessy from the Diocese of Sioux City joins us to preview the upcoming TURN Conference in Jefferson on February 28th, featuring keynote speaker Bishop Keehner. She discusses how youth conferences provide formation, fellowship, and real encounters with Christ that help young people live their Catholic faith with confidence.

#CatholicYouth #TURNConference #CatholicFormation #DioceseOfSiouxCity #CatholicEvents

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.

I...

Max McLean, founder of the Fellowship for Performing Arts, discusses the nationally touring production of The Screwtape Letters, the theatrical adaptation of the beloved C.S. Lewis classic exploring the struggle for the human soul through the perspective of a senior demon.

Learn more or find tour information:
https://screwtapeonstage.com/

#CSLewis #ScrewtapeLetters #ChristianTheater #CatholicArts #FaithAndCulture

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...

Today on the Catholic Morning Show:

🎭 Max McLean — Founder and Artistic Director of the Fellowship for Performing Arts — joins us to discuss the acclaimed stage production of The Screwtape Letters, the powerful theatrical adaptation of the classic C.S. Lewis work exploring spiritual warfare and the battle for the human soul. McLean’s company produces theater from a Christian worldview and has toured these productions nationally for many years. 
Learn more and see tour info:
https://screwtapeonstage.com/

🔥 Danielle Fennessy — Faith Formation Coordinator for the Diocese of Sioux City — shares details about the upcoming TURN Con...

The inspiration behind the 7 Deadly Dragons

Teaching virtue through storytelling

Helping children understand spiritual warfare

The mission of Extraordinary Mission

Learn more:
https://extraordinarymission.com/
https://extraordinarymission.com/pages/7-deadly-dragons

#7DeadlyDragons #CatholicBooks #CatholicParents #VirtueFormation #SpiritualWarfare #CatholicAuthor #ExtraordinaryMission #FaithFilledFamilies

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 I...

The mission of Mercy College of Health Sciences

Role of Mission & Campus Culture in Catholic higher education

Student stories of faith growth

Creating a culture of encounter and discipleship

Learn more:
https://www.mchs.edu/

#MercyCollege #CatholicEducation #CampusMinistry #FaithOnCampus #CatholicLeadership #DeaconLife #CatholicCollege

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 l...

Reflection on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Trusting in God versus relying on worldly security

Living the Beatitudes in daily life

Practical application for families and individuals

#SundayGospel #OrdinaryTime #CatholicReflection #TrustInGod #Beatitudes #CatholicPriest #LiveTheGospel

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 c...

Fr. Ben Valentine reflects on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

What it means to trust in God amid life’s challenges

The mission and Catholic identity of Mercy College of Health Sciences

Real stories of college students growing in their faith

The inspiration behind the 7 Deadly Dragons

How Catholic storytelling can help children understand virtue and spiritual warfare

Learn more about Mercy College:
https://www.mchs.edu/

Learn more about the Extraordinary Mission and the 7 Deadly Dragons series:
https://ex...

Steve Havemann and Holly Dommer discuss how the Freeze Out Hunger Campaign supports local families facing food insecurity and how listeners can get involved through St. Vincent de Paul – Des Moines.

#FaithInAction #EndHunger

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Netw...

Robert Peek, editor at Cor Jesu Press, joins the show to talk about The Love of Jesus Crucified by St. Alphonsus Liguori — a direct, uncompromising call to deeper love for Christ.
Learn more: https://corjesupress.com/products/the-love-of-jesus-crucified

#TheCross #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 you can donate Her...

In this week’s reflection on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Deacon Randy Kiel focuses on the first reading from Sirach 15:15–20 — a direct and challenging reminder that God sets before us life and death, fire and water, good and evil.

Sirach makes it clear: God does not force our hand. He gives us freedom, but we are accountable for how we use it. This reading confronts modern excuses and calls Catholics back to personal responsibility, obedience, and trust in God’s commandments.

Read the full passage here:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfm

Today on the Catholic Morning Show:

Dcn. Randy Kiel — 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection
What does Jesus really mean when He says, “Blessed are you who are poor”? Deacon Randy Kiel dives into the first and second readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time and unpacks the spiritual stakes behind the Beatitudes.
Read the readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfm

Robert Peek — The Love of Jesus Crucified by St. Alphonsus Liguori
The Cross isn’t symbolic — it’s transformational. Robert Peek, editor at Cor Jesu Press, joins us to discuss...

Bernadette, the Musical premieres in Chicago on February 19th and brings the powerful story of Lourdes to life through music and drama.
More information: https://bernadettethemusical.com

#CatholicArts #Lourdes

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

Ricky Stanzi discusses life after football and how Christ-centered leadership continues to guide his mission. He will be speaking at the Forge Conference on February 28th in Des Moines.

#CatholicMen #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 can also find more information on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

On today’s Catholic Morning Show:

Ricky Stanzi — Former Quarterback, Iowa Hawkeyes
Former Hawkeye quarterback Ricky Stanzi joins the show to discuss speaking at the upcoming Forge Conference on February 28th in Des Moines. He shares how faith has shaped his life beyond football and how men can grow in leadership, courage, and discipleship.

Pierre Ferragu — Lead Producer, Bernadette, the Musical
Pierre Ferragu joins us to discuss Bernadette, the Musical, premiering in Chicago on February 19th. The production brings to life the powerful story of St. Bernadette of Lourdes — her humility, suffering, and unwaveri...

Representatives from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines share how counseling services are expanding to meet community needs and invite listeners to support their mission through the Shamrocks and Shenanigans event.
Event details: https://www.catholiccharitiesdm.org/get-involved/shamrocks/

#CatholicCharities #MentalHealthMinistry

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 y...

Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano shares insights from his writing and discusses his newest book centered on faith-filled love and relationships.
More information: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=your-valentine
#CatholicAuthor #FaithAndLove

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

On today’s Catholic Morning Show:

Anthony DeStefano — Bestselling Author
Anthony DeStefano, bestselling author of more than thirty Christian books for adults and children, joins the show to talk about his work and his latest book focused on love, faith, and meaningful relationships. He shares insights on how Catholic teaching can bring depth and joy to how we celebrate love.
Learn more: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=your-valentine

Barb Graham & Bobbi Jo Smith — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines
Barb Graham, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, and Bobbi Jo Smith, Director of Develo...

VP of Marketing for Real Life Catholic, Matt Paolelli discusses how the Phone Fast Challenge helps Catholics reclaim their attention and live Lent with greater intentionality.
More information: https://reallifecatholic.com/lent/

#Lent #PhoneFast #RealLifeCatholic

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 donate Here!

Iowa Ca...

Representatives from Serva Fidem discuss the apostolate’s focus on prayer, service, and authentic Catholic community, and how it continues to grow and bear fruit.
Learn more: https://www.servafidem.org/

#ServaFidem #CatholicYouth

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Netw...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show:

Drew Croegaert & Peyton Jameson — Serva Fidem
Drew Croegaert and Peyton Jameson share an update on Serva Fidem, a Catholic apostolate focused on forming young people through prayer, service, and authentic community. They discuss what Serva Fidem is, why it’s been so effective, how much participants love the experience, and how listeners can get involved.
Learn more: https://www.servafidem.org/

Joe Stopulos — Host of Man Up! on Iowa Catholic Radio
Joe Stopulos previews the 9:00 a.m. episode of Man Up!, offering a look at upcoming conversa...

Executive Producer Ira DeWitt joins the show to talk about bringing the story of St. Maria Goretti to film and the mission behind the SAINT Lifestyle App.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbDElor-Ev4

#MariaGoretti #CatholicFilm #Saints

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 donate Here!

Jason Gale, VP of Content and Production for TAN Books, shares about The Way of the Cross with the Saints and how it enriches personal and communal prayer.
More information: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-way-of-the-cross-with-the-saints/

#WayOfTheCross #CatholicDevotion

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 donate Here!

Associate Pastor of Epiphany Parish in Mason City, Fr. Ben Valentine offers pastoral insight into the upcoming Sunday Gospel and how it applies to daily discipleship.

#SundayGospel #CatholicReflection

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

On today’s Iowa Catholic Radio broadcast:

Fr. Ben Valentine — Associate Pastor, Epiphany Parish, Mason City
Fr. Ben Valentine offers Sunday Gospel preparation for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, helping listeners reflect more deeply on the Word of God proclaimed at Mass.

Jason Gale — VP of Content and Production, TAN Books
Jason Gale joins the show to discuss The Way of the Cross with the Saints, a devotional that invites Catholics to walk the Stations of the Cross alongside holy men and women throughout Church history.
Learn more: https://tanbooks.com/produc...

Archbishop Thomas Zinkula joins the Catholic Morning Show to provide insight into the Journey in Faith and how the faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque are being called to deeper discipleship.

#JourneyInFaith #CatholicLeadership #ArchdioceseOfDubuque

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 donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Ne...

Author and Word on Fire Institute formation leader Liz Kelly joins the show to share details about a diocesan Lenten book study using A Place Called Golgotha. She encourages listeners to embrace Lent as a time of deeper reflection and conversion.
More information: https://www.lizk.org/

Lenten Book Study: http://www.scdiocese.org/lent

#LentenJourney #WordOnFire #CatholicWomen

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 m...