The Catholic Morning Show

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

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: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Ka...

The Catholic Morning Show team previews the upcoming Iowa Catholic Radio Spring Fundraiser, which begins this week.

This year’s theme comes from the Gospel of Matthew: “You are the light of the world.” The hosts reflect on how Iowa Catholic Radio has been sharing the light of Christ for more than 20 years through radio, podcasts, digital media, and community outreach.

Listeners are invited to pray for the mission and consider supporting Catholic media through donations during the fundraiser. Gifts help sustain programming, expand outreach, and continue sharing the Gospel across Iowa and beyond.

Ways...

Laura Stewart joins the Catholic Morning Show to share the heartfelt story behind her children’s book Orchestra for Oliver: Even the Shortest Lives Are Special.

Inspired by her family’s experience after her grandson Oliver received a prenatal diagnosis that he would not survive long after birth, Stewart wrote the book to help families talk about grief, loss, and faith. Through a gentle narrative centered on music, memory, and family love, the story helps children understand the loss of a sibling while honoring the beauty and dignity of every life.

The book also includes pray...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show:

Laura Stewart, author of Orchestra for Oliver: Even the Shortest Lives Are Special, shares the story that inspired her children’s book after her grandson received a prenatal diagnosis that he would not survive long after birth. The book helps families talk about grief, loss, and the dignity of every human life through a gentle story centered on faith, family, and the healing power of music.

Find the Book Here! https://paulinestore.com/orchestra-for-oliver.html

Later, the Catholic Morning Show crew previews Iowa Catholic Radio’s Spring Fundra...

Aaron Lorch, president of Catholic Passage, joins The Catholic Morning Show to discuss the mission of this growing lay-led Catholic ministry.

Catholic Passage focuses on adult faith formation, helping Catholics deepen their understanding of the faith so they can better share it with their families and communities. Through retreats, podcasts, newsletters, and educational resources, the organization aims to strengthen evangelization and inspire Catholics to live their faith more fully.

Aaron explains how small acts of faith can create a “ripple effect” that spreads throughout families, parishes, and communities.

Learn more at:
https://cath...

Casey Chalk, author of Wisdom from the Cross: How Jesus’s Seven Last Words Teach Us to Live and Die Well, joins The Catholic Morning Show to reflect on one of the Church’s most powerful Lenten devotions.

The Seven Last Words of Christ have been meditated upon for centuries by saints, theologians, and the Church Fathers. Chalk explains how these final words from Jesus encapsulate the entire Gospel message, revealing lessons about forgiveness, suffering, redemption, and the meaning of a holy death.

Drawing from Scripture, Catholic theology, and literary tradition, Chalk invites Catholics to ente...

Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, joins The Catholic Morning Show for Sunday Gospel Prep.

This week’s Gospel focuses on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, a powerful moment revealing humanity’s longing for the “living water” that only Christ can give. Fr. Reising explains how this encounter mirrors the deeper thirst within every human heart — the longing for God.

He also highlights how the woman becomes one of the first evangelizers after encountering Christ, reminding us that baptism is not simply a moment but a call to live...

Today on The Catholic Morning Show:

Fr. Chris Reising, pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines, joins the show for Sunday Gospel Prep as he reflects on the upcoming Gospel of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Fr. Reising explores the deep spiritual meaning of “living water” and how this encounter reveals humanity’s deepest longing for God.

Casey Chalk, author of Wisdom from the Cross: How Jesus’s Seven Last Words Teach Us to Live and Die Well, discusses the profound spiritual insights found in Christ’s final words from the cross. Dra...

David Delio continues a Lenten reflection series on the theology of the human heart.

Drawing on the teachings of Augustine of Hippo, Delio explains that the heart represents the deepest center of the human person—the place where love, commitment, and decision converge.

He reflects on Augustine’s famous line that our hearts are restless until they rest in God and explores how virtue ultimately depends on the ordering of our loves.

Delio also discusses the work of Image and Likeness and its ministry initiatives, including the “Broken and Beloved” program dedicated to helping...

Dan Schneider discusses his book The Sins of the Father: A Catholic and Biblical Approach to Generational Curses, published by TAN Books.

Schneider explores how Scripture and Catholic theology address the idea that sin can have lasting effects across generations—not in a deterministic or fatalistic way, but through the natural and spiritual consequences of human actions.

He clarifies misconceptions about “generational healing” practices and explains that the true remedy lies in the sacramental life of the Church: confession, the Eucharist, virtue, and living in the state of grace.

Schneider also shares more about...

Randy Kiel offers a reflection on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, focusing on the story from Book of Exodus where Moses strikes the rock and water flows for the Israelites in the desert.

Deacon Kiel explains that the hardships faced by the Israelites reveal an important spiritual truth: following God’s will does not guarantee an easy path. Instead, suffering and obstacles can become moments where God’s presence becomes most visible.

The rock in the desert becomes a profound symbol pointing forward to Christ, who would later be struck on the Cros...

Sunday Gospel Reflection with Deacon Randy Kiel

Randy Kiel reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, focusing on the dramatic moment in Book of Exodus when God provides water from the rock in the desert.

Deacon Kiel highlights how the Israelites’ struggles remind us that following God’s will does not remove hardship. Instead, trials often reveal God’s presence more deeply. The rock struck by Moses becomes a powerful biblical image pointing toward Christ, from whom living water flows for the salvation of the world.

Generational Sin & Spiritual Warfare with D...

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

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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

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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

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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

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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/

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

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

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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You...