The Catholic Morning Show

Chris Massuro, president of Biking for Babies, shares how this unique mission combines faith, physical challenge, and pro-life advocacy to transform hearts and communities.

Through cycling pilgrimages and local events, young adults are invited into a deeper encounter with the Gospel of Life while supporting pregnancy centers and maternity homes across the country. Chris explains how the mission fosters personal conversion, builds community, and empowers participants to witness to the dignity of every human life.

Listeners will also learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved and support this growing movement.

Jason Gale, VP of Content and Production for TAN Books, discusses Living the Little Way: Six Keys to the Spirituality of Saint Thérèse by Father Joseph Spence.

The conversation explores the depth behind St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s spirituality, moving beyond a surface-level understanding of the “Little Way” to uncover key elements like her devotion to the Holy Face, spiritual childhood, and radical charity. Jason highlights how this book makes her profound insights accessible for modern readers seeking practical ways to grow in holiness.

This segment is perfect for anyone looking to deepen...

Father Chris Reising joins the Catholic Morning Show to reflect on the Road to Emmaus Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter. He explores why the disciples failed to recognize Jesus at first and how their eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread.

Drawing a powerful connection to the Mass, Father Rising explains how Christ is revealed through both Scripture and the Eucharist, inviting us into a deeper encounter with the Risen Lord. This reflection challenges listeners to consider whether they truly recognize Christ in their own lives and respond with the same urgency and...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, we reflect on the transforming power of encountering the Risen Christ, dive into the timeless spirituality of St. Thérèse, and explore a dynamic pro-life mission in action.

First, Father Chris Rising joins us for a Gospel reflection on the Road to Emmaus, unpacking how the disciples’ encounter with Jesus in the breaking of the bread mirrors the Mass and challenges us to recognize Christ more deeply.

Then, Jason Gale from TAN Books introduces a new work on the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, highlighting six prac...

Introduction to Saint Isidore of Seville and his scholarship The symbolic and theological meaning of numbers in Scripture Why numbers in the Bible are intentional and meaningful The concept of “one” as unity and its connection to God Integration of theology, philosophy, and science in early Christianity The Benedictine tradition of study and sacred reading (lectio divina) The importance of intellectual formation in the life of faith

The translation of St. Isodore's writings 

#BiblicalSymbolism #SaintIsidore #CatholicTheology #SacredScripture #Benedictine

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

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Definition of sacred places in canon law Churches, chapels, oratories, and cemeteries as sacred spaces How sacred spaces are established through blessing and dedication Differences between canon law and civil law regarding property The faithful’s right to access sacred places for worship Why sacred spaces are protected and not easily altered The role of canon law in ordering the Church’s life toward worship

#CanonLaw #SacredSpace #CatholicTeaching #ChurchLife #FaithAndLaw

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

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Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 as the first proclamation of the Gospel The three pillars of preaching: Scripture, Spirit, and response The role of the Holy Spirit in conversion and evangelization Over 3,000 conversions as a result of Spirit-led preaching Applying the kerygma in everyday witness and evangelization Easter season as a time of renewed proclamation

#Acts2 #Kerygma #HolySpirit #CatholicPreaching #EasterReflection

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

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Deacon Randy Kiel unpacks Acts 2 and the power of Spirit-led preaching rooted in Scripture and calling for response A reflection on the kerygma and evangelization during the Easter season Adam Story discusses how canon law defines and protects sacred spaces like churches and cemeteries How sacred spaces serve the faithful and facilitate worship Father Robert Nixon introduces The Mystical Meaning of Numbers in Sacred Scripture Insights from Saint Isidore of Seville on numerical symbolism and theology The Benedictine tradition of study, contemplation, and passing on wisdom

#CatholicMorningShow #EasterSeason #Kerygma #CanonLaw #SacredSpaces #BiblicalWisdom #CatholicRadio

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Emily Jaminet returns to discuss the upcoming national consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart on June 11. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, this devotion invites Catholics to entrust their hearts, homes, and nation to Christ.

Emily outlines a simple path—pray, plan, and prepare—along with five actionable steps to live out the Sacred Heart devotion daily. This moment presents a powerful opportunity for renewal in families, parishes, and across the country.

#SacredHeart #Consecration #CatholicFamily #FaithInAction #Pray...

Author and entrepreneur Peter Giersch joins the show to talk about his book Talking of Michelangelo: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell in the Burgundy Region. Drawing inspiration from both classic theology and modern culture, Giersch shares how a monastery retreat reshaped his understanding of sin, mercy, and eternity.

Blending influences like The Catcher in the Rye and Mere Christianity, the book offers a conversational yet deeply reflective look at Catholic teaching. Listeners are invited to engage with the harder truths of the faith while finding God in everyday experiences.

On this episode, Peter Giersch shares insights from his new book Talking of Michelangelo, blending humor, travel, and theology while reflecting on death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Later, Emily Jaminet discusses the upcoming national consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart and offers practical steps for individuals and families to prepare.

#CatholicMorningShow #SacredHeart #CatholicFaith #Evangelization #FourLastThings #Consecration #IowaCatholicRadio #FaithInAction

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

Why the Church is praying for priests in crisis The reality of priestly life today Changes in seminary formation The importance of human and spiritual development How laypeople can support priests Encouragement as a powerful form of support

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

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What the AD Astra Youth Conference Event details: July 17–18 in Des Moines Who should attend and how to register The meaning behind “Ad Astra” Expansion of small group ministry into parishes The impact of mentorship and peer discipleship REGISTER HERE

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

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Introduction to the AD Astra Youth Conference Growth of youth discipleship through small groups Opportunities for high schoolers across the diocese Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for priests The realities and challenges of priestly life Seminary formation and human development Practical ways to support priests

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

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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 a world of swipe fatigue and digital isolation, Bethany Kline introduces a new approach to connection through the 365 Catholic Singles Community. Offering nightly virtual gatherings centered on prayer and fellowship, the community helps Catholic singles rediscover authentic relationships rooted in faith.

Bethany shares insights into the “loneliness paradox,” explaining why dating apps often fail to foster meaningful connection and how her community provides a Christ-centered alternative. She also previews the upcoming Pentecost Pilgrimage in St. Augustine at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, where singles can gather in person for prayer, fellowship, and shar...

A bold and faith-filled journey is coming to Des Moines. AJ Brown discusses his upcoming “Pilgrimage for the Unborn,” a 33-hour, 67-mile walk connecting Catholic parishes across the metro with prayer, sacrifice, and public witness. Beginning with Mass and a rosary, the pilgrimage will include stops at churches throughout the area, praying 20 rosaries along the way.

Brian Gonzalez of Innervisions explains how listeners can get involved—whether by walking a segment, pledging support per mile or per rosary, or contributing financially. With a $5,000 matching gift challenge and opportunities to join along the route, this event invites the entire...

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, we explore two inspiring ways Catholics are living out their faith through action, sacrifice, and community.

First, AJ Brown shares his ambitious “Pilgrimage for the Unborn,” a 67-mile, 33-hour journey across the Des Moines metro, stopping at Catholic parishes to pray the rosary and raise awareness for the dignity of life. Joined by Brian Gonzalez of Innervisions, they explain how listeners can participate—by walking, praying, or supporting the mission financially.

Then, Bethany Kline introduces the 365 Catholic Singles Community, a unique initiative helping singles move beyond dating apps through nightl...

Adriana Gonzalez shares the inspiration behind That They May Be One, a new film highlighting the call to unity among Christians.

The film combines expert voices, historical reenactments, and powerful testimonies to show how the Holy Spirit continues to bring believers together. Adriana also shares her personal story and the role of ecumenism in her life, encouraging viewers to embrace Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one.”

#ChristianUnity #ThatTheyMayBeOne #HolySpirit #Ecumenism #CatholicFilm

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

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Mohammed Shami shares his remarkable conversion story, moving from a devout Muslim upbringing to becoming Catholic after a deep intellectual and spiritual search for truth.

Through Scripture, study, and a profound encounter with Christ, Mohammed found the fullness of faith in the Catholic Church. His testimony highlights courage, sacrifice, and the overwhelming joy of receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

#ConversionStory #CatholicConvert #EasterVigil #FaithJourney #JesusChrist

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

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Fr. Chris Reising shares a powerful reflection on the Gospel for Divine Mercy Sunday, focusing on Christ’s gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

He explains how God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly in the Cross, and encourages the faithful to take advantage of God’s mercy now through Confession. His message reminds us to not only receive mercy but to become ambassadors of mercy in our daily lives.

#DivineMercySunday #Confession #CatholicTeaching #FrChrisReising #EasterFaith

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

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Today’s Catholic Morning Show highlights the beauty of Divine Mercy, the power of conversion, and the call to Christian unity.

Fr. Chris Reising offers a Gospel reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday, emphasizing the gift of Confession and God’s abundant mercy available to all who seek it.

Mohammed Shami shares his incredible journey from a devout Muslim background to entering the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, offering a moving witness to truth, courage, and grace.

Finally, Adriana Gonzalez introduces the new docudrama That They May Be One, a powerful film exploring Chri...

Catholic apologist Gary Michuta joins the show to discuss his book Messiah: Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ. He explores how the promises of the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Jesus, offering a deeper understanding of salvation history.

Gary highlights the importance of knowing Scripture—especially the Old Testament—to fully grasp the richness of the Gospel. His insights reveal how prophecy is not just prediction, but a roadmap pointing to Christ and His mission.

#Messiah #BibleProphecy #OldTestament #JesusChrist #CatholicApologetics

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

Fr. Peregrine Fletcher discusses his role as illustrator for Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages, a beautifully detailed children’s book published by TAN Books. He explains how the book presents St. Michael’s role in Scripture, Church history, and the life of believers today.

Through thoughtful artwork and storytelling, the book invites children and families to grow in devotion and understanding of the angelic world. Fr. Fletcher also reflects on how his Norbertine vocation and artistic gifts come together to evangelize through beauty.

#StMichael #CatholicKidsBooks #CatholicArt #Norbertine #TANBooks

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Deacon Randy Keel from Christ the King Parish offers a powerful reflection on Divine Mercy Sunday, highlighting the role of St. Peter as a model disciple. Through Peter’s strengths and struggles, we are reminded that faith is a journey shaped by both failure and grace.

Deacon Keel emphasizes how the trials we face help refine our faith and lead us toward the ultimate goal: the salvation of souls. His reflection invites listeners to embrace God’s mercy and remain steadfast in their spiritual walk during the Easter season.

#DivineMercySunday #StPeter #CatholicReflection #EasterSeason #CatholicFaith

Today’s episode of the Catholic Morning Show brings together Scripture, tradition, and evangelization in a powerful way.

Deacon Randy Keel helps us prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday by reflecting on St. Peter’s witness and the role of trials in strengthening our faith.

Fr. Peregrine Fletcher joins us to discuss his work illustrating Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages, a rich and engaging children’s book that introduces young readers to the powerful presence of St. Michael throughout salvation history.

Finally, Gary Michuta explores the deep connections between the Old Testament and Je...

Weston Hayes, a parishioner at Saint John the Apostle in Norwalk, shares his powerful conversion story one year after entering the Church. Raised without a religious background, Weston describes how his journey through OCIA, his wife’s quiet witness, and unexpected moments of grace led him to embrace the Catholic faith.

He highlights the importance of openness, community, and personal encounter in discovering faith. His story is a reminder that conversion is often a gradual process shaped by relationships, curiosity, and God’s gentle call.

🔗 Learn more about OCIA: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christi...

John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, joins the show to discuss how parishes can become true spiritual homes. With a surge of new Catholics entering the Church this Easter, he highlights the importance of authenticity, personal connection, and recognizing Christ in one another.

Gaffney emphasizes that evangelization starts with simple actions—learning someone’s name, inviting conversation, and being present. He encourages parishioners to take responsibility for building community and to allow the Eucharist to transform their daily lives.

🔗 Diocese of Des Moines: https://www.dmdiocese.org
🔗 The Cathol...

On today’s episode of The Catholic Morning Show, we explore how to build vibrant parish communities rooted in authentic relationships and encounter with Christ. John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, discusses practical ways to foster meaningful connections and welcome new members into parish life.

Later, Weston Hayes shares his journey into the Catholic Church one year after his reception at Easter Vigil 2025. He reflects on his conversion, the role of family, and how small moments and openness to grace led him to faith.

🔗 Learn more about the Dioce...

Why aren’t more Catholics going to confession—and what might bring them back?

Hans Plate, founder of Vinea Research, discusses a first-of-its-kind national study on confession and what it reveals about the spiritual lives of Catholics today.

💡 In this interview, you’ll discover:

📊 This research offers both clarity and hope for the future of the Church.

Are you still celebrating Easter—or did it end last Sunday?

Laura Kelly Fanucci, author of Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection, shares how Catholics can fully embrace the Easter season and grow in lasting, Christ-centered joy.

💡 In this interview, you’ll learn:

✨ Drawing from Scripture, tradition, and personal experience, Laura offers a fresh invitatio...

Easter isn’t just a day—it’s a season. Are you living it?

On today’s episode of The Catholic Morning Show, we explore how to fully enter into the joy of Easter and what new research reveals about Catholic life today:

🔹 Laura Kelly Fanucci discusses her new book Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection and how to cultivate joy as a daily spiritual practice.
🔹 Hans Plate shares key findings from a groundbreaking national study on confession and what it reveals about Catholics’ openness to returning to the sacrament.

💡 In this episode, you’ll dis...

What happens after Mass ends—does your peace last?

Connie Hill, Catholic convert and content creator, shares a deeply personal and practical look at spiritual warfare and the daily fight for holiness.

💡 In this interview, you’ll discover:

🔥 Connie’s story—from ancestral worship to Catholicism—offers a unique and ey...

What makes the Eucharist so central to the Catholic faith?

In this powerful Holy Week conversation, Steve Ray—Catholic convert, author, and Holy Land guide—dives into the biblical roots and profound meaning of the Eucharist.

💡 In this interview, you’ll learn:

📖...

Holy Week is here—are you ready for Easter?

On today’s episode of The Catholic Morning Show, we dive deep into the heart of the Catholic faith with two powerful conversations:

🔹 Steve Ray explores the Eucharist as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the ultimate sacrifice made present today.
🔹 Connie Hill shares her journey from ancestral worship to Catholicism and offers practical insight into daily spiritual warfare.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:

ather David Guffey of Family Theater Productions discusses Chime Travelers, an animated series based on books by Lisa Hendey. The show follows children who travel through time to meet saints, learning timeless lessons they can apply to their own lives.

Father Guffey also shares how Catholic media continues the Church’s mission of evangelization, especially for younger audiences.

#ChimeTravelers #CatholicMedia #Evangelization #Saints #FamilyFaith #CatholicKids #Formed #FaithFormation

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n this powerful Holy Week conversation, Deacon Randy Kiel discusses how Christ invites us into His suffering—and calls us not to carry our burdens alone. Addressing pride, shame, and the struggle to ask for help, he emphasizes that both faith and mental health require accompaniment and vulnerability.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own struggles and seek support through prayer, community, and professional help when needed.

#MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #HolyWeek #Healing #FaithAndMentalHealth #Ca...

Today’s show dives into the intersection of faith and mental health during Holy Week with Deacon Randy Kiel, encouraging listeners to seek help and walk with others in suffering. Later, Father David Guffey shares insights into Chime Travelers, a new animated series helping children encounter the saints through storytelling.

#CatholicMorningShow #HolyWeek #CatholicFaith #MentalHealth #Evangelization #CatholicMedia #FamilyFaith #IowaCatholicRadio

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pu...

Todd Walatka of the University of Notre Dame discusses his book Mission to Love: 30 Days with Oscar Romero, offering a devotional path into the life of Oscar Romero. He explores how Romero’s spirituality—rooted in prayer, the Eucharist, and solidarity with the poor—continues to challenge Catholics to live out the Gospel in practical and courageous ways.

🔗 Find the book: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/mission-to-love

#OscarRomero #CatholicSaints #MissionToLove #CatholicSpirituality #FaithInAction #SocialJustice #CatholicTeaching #PrayerLife

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

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Mary Carmen discusses her role as a perpetual pilgrim traveling thousands of miles with the Eucharist as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. She highlights the spiritual formation behind the journey, the historic route from St. Augustine to Philadelphia, and how Catholics can join through prayer, adoration, or in-person participation.

🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://eucharisticpilgrimage.org

#EucharisticPilgrimage #EucharisticRevival #CatholicFaith #BlessedSacrament #Adoration #CatholicMission #FaithJourney #CatholicChurch

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

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Today on The Catholic Morning Show, we’re inspired by two powerful conversations rooted in faith, mission, and discipleship.

First, Mary Carmen, a perpetual pilgrim for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, shares what it means to carry the Blessed Sacrament across the country as part of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival. She explains the purpose of the pilgrimage, the historic National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and how Catholics can spiritually and physically participate in this nationwide movement.

Then, Todd Walatka of the University of Notre Dame discusses his book Mission to Love: 30 Days with Oscar Romero, offering insight into th...