Dr. Tom Curran Podcast
Weekday Podcast from Dr. Tom Curran to awaken, unearth, and explore the riches of our Catholic Faith! Dr. Curran received his PhD in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a graduate degree in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, and has an undergraduate degree in philosophy. For over 15 years Dr. Curran has been the host of a Catholic weekday radio show and podcast that airs on more than 10 stations and reaches tens of thousands of Catholics online. Dr. Curran is the author of five books including The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus That...
April 2 -Coaching Hour: Jesus is the Model! Attributes of Servant Leadership
Dr. Tom Curran prepares listeners for the upcoming Sacred Triduum by reflecting on leadership principles taught by Christ in The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet. [John 13] Tom talks about leadership attributes, such as: being attentive, taking initiative, knowing where you came from/ where you’re going, acting authentically and more.
April 1 -Holy Wednesday: What is Truth? The Pursuit of Humility in Lent
Dr. Tom Curran recaps his journey through Lent, asking his guardian angel to humble him every day. Tom prays Psalm 71, shares insights from a recent conversation with a listener, and ponders the question: What is truth?
March 31 -What is Sacrificial Love? Holy Week w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the second reading from Palm Sunday. [Philippians 2:6-11] Tom references the movie Mully and Fr. Pat shares insights on self-giving, sacrificial love, and transformed mindset.
March 30 -Best-of Ask Father: What’s Happening During Holy Week?
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Jeff Lewis to walk through the events of Holy Week. Fr. Lewis answers the questions: What’s the approach (as a priest) to Holy Week? How can Catholic families celebrate Holy Week in their homes? Why is there no Mass on Good Friday? and, What's happening on Holy Saturday?
March 24 -5th Sunday in Lent: This is GAME-CHANGING! The Raising of Lazarus w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the gospel from the 5th Sunday in Lent, The Raising of Lazarus. [John 11:1-45] Today’s hosts testify to the game-changing scripture passages that have shaped their faith journey.
March 23 -Ask Father: What is the Incarnation? Be Alert, Be a Messenger, Be Docile
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to reflect on themes related to the Feast of the Annunciation: be alert, be a messenger and be docile. Tom asks Fr. Kurt Nagel, What is the incarnation?
March 20 - Who is YOUR Socrates? Show Me My Face! Socratic Dialogue for Real Transformation (Part 2)
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from recent Catholic coaching sessions and explores the flow of coaching moments: dialogue, action, transformation. Tom explains what it means to be a trusted advisor and reveals the secret solution to facing common challenges in leadership situations.
March 19 -Coaching Hour: Happy Feast of St. Joseph! A Master Carpenter’s 7 Principles for Living
Dr. Tom Curran honors St. Joseph by sharing seven principles for living; taught by his own father, Master Carpenter George Curran. Tom applies this list of principles to everyday leadership circumstances, such as: leading in the workplace, building a strong marriage, raising kids, setting personal goals, and more!
A Master Carpenter’s 7 Principles for Living:
Don’t Force ItMeasure Once, Cut TwiceYou Gotta Do, What You Gotta DoIf You’re Going to do a Job, Do It RightIt’s Easier to Tear Down Than to Build UpDon’t Stop Until the Work is DoneFind the Right Tool for t...March 18 -What You DON’T KNOW! Socrates Vs. Secular Self-Help: Socratic Dialogue for Real Transformation
Dr. Tom Curran teaches how to give a personal testimony in 3 simple steps and explains two major flaws in secular self-help literature. Tom explores fundamental questions for real breakthrough and transformation.
March 17 -4th Sunday in Lent: Glorify God in Your Gaps! Man Born Blind w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on the gospel from the 4th Sunday in Lent, The Man Born Blind. [John 9: 1-41] Today’s hosts discuss failed back-up plans, interceding for loved ones, uncovering blind spots, and delegation vs. abnegation.
References:
Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Regan
Listen to Fr. Pat Smith’s Homilies!
March 16 -Ask Father: Chosen Vs. Forced Penance: Who is St. Patrick? Can Catholics Feast on St. Patrick’s Day?
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel about the history and traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Today’s hosts give updates on their Lenten disciplines and reflect on the contrast between chosen versus forced Lenten penance.
March 13 -Faith and Family: Millennials & Gen Z Return to Church! 5 Reasons for Catholic Revival
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran discuss statistics on Millennials and Gen Z joining or returning to the Catholic church. The Currans explore the 5 prominent reasons for the phenomenon of Catholic revival: beauty, truth, goodness, reaction to cultural chaos, and social media influence.
References:
GEN Z REVIVAL: NYC church sees lines out the door every Sunday (Fox News Clips)
March 12 -Coaching Hour: Intercede & Radiate! How to Have Crucial Conversations & Influence Others
Dr. Tom Curran shares coaching insights by Thomas Leonard, founder of Coach U, and gives practical tips for how to have a crucial conversation. Tom discusses good-to-great coaching vs. turn around coaching and explores the impact of intercessory prayer.
References:
Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the Cross
Ezekiel 22: 30
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC:2741)
March 11 -We Live in the Age of Mistrust: Litany of Trust (Part 2)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore aspirations of the Litany of Trust, such as: childlike dependency, acceptance of God’s will, anxiety about the future, resentment about the past, restless self-seeking, disbelief in the presence of God, and fear of being asked to give more/ love more.
March 10 -Overcome Mistrust and Distrust: Litany of Trust (Part 1)
Dr. Tom Curran prays the Litany of Trust written by the Sisters of Life and explores his predominant sin of mistrust. Tom begins to explore different aspects of the Litany of Trust, such as: earning the love of another, indifference toward wealth or poverty, and past wounds leading to suspicion.
March 9 -3rd Sunday in Lent: Fatherhood and The Spiritual Battle w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, report on how their Lenten season is going and discuss topics, such as: fatherhood, priesthood, spiritual battle, and powerlessness.
References:
Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Regan
The Samaritan Woman. [John 4:5-42]
Listen to Fr. Pat Smith’s Homilies!
March 6 -Faith and Family: Healthy Media Swaps! 4 Movies to Watch in Lent
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about fasting from smartphones and technology during Lent. The Currans recommend swapping out secular media for the following list of movies to watch in Lent:
1.) Bakhita, From Slave to Saint (Watch the Trailer)
2.) Free Burma Rangers (Watch the Trailer)
3.) Mully (Watch the Trailer)
4.) All or Nothing, Sister Clare Crockett (Watch the Trailer)
March 5 -Coaching Hour: YOU ARE the Message! What is Radiant is Magnetic, What Do You Radiate?
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from his 30+ years of experience as an executive coach and strategy consultant to help listeners answer the common questions for transformation: How do I get started? How do I move forward? What is at stake? Tom talks about principles, such as: ownership vs. being owned, “what is radiant is magnetic,” every conversation is an interview, and YOU are the message.
March 4 -Being a Voice for THE VOICE: Morning Light w/ Brian Howell
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Brian Howell, Co-host of Morning Light and Production Manager of Salt and Light Radio, about his conversion story, the responsibility of a microphone, the virtue of humility, the impact of mentorship, and the gift of Catholic radio.
March 3 -2nd Sunday in Lent: Take the Climb! Insights on The Transfiguration w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Transfiguration of Jesus. [Matthew 17:1-9] Today’s hosts discuss themes, such as: perseverance in the difficult climb, intercession of the saints, capsulize the moment, and experience breakthrough.
February 27 -Faith and Family: Lent Check-In, Failure Leads to Humility! Podcasts, Books, & Prayers
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran give a check-in on their Lenten disciplines, such as: listening to The Bible in a Year podcast, participating in the Well-Read Mom Book Club, praying for humility, calling on the intercession of the saints, and more!
References:
The Bible in a Year Podcast by Ascension Press
https://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/bible
Well-Read Mom Book Club
https://wellreadmom.com/
Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Regan
https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=padre-pio-and-you
February 26 -Coaching Hour: What’s God’s Will For YOUR Life? Spiritual Direction Meets Executive Coaching
Dr. Tom Curran, Systematic Theologian, shares insights from 30 years of experience as an executive coach and strategy consultant, coaching both church leaders and business executives. Tom explores how he utilizes principles in spiritual direction as a Catholic lens for executive coaching in a secular corporate setting.
February 25 -Open Your Heart! PREPARES w/ Bp. Frank Schuster: Catholic Charities w/ Eddie Trask
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Bp. Frank Schuster, Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese of Seattle, about the PREPARES Open Your Heart Appeal and their mission to support women with pregnancy and parenting support. Tom interviews Eddie Trask, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Idaho, to testify to the impact of CCI on the local community for people in crisis.
February 24 -Offense or Defense? 3 Temptations of Jesus in the Desert w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on The Temptation of Jesus. [Matt 4: 1-11] Fr. Pat and Tom Curran give practical recommendations for how to prepare for prayer and how to read scripture.
February 23 -Ask Father: Don’t Miss the Moment! Eucharistic Revival and Lent 2026
Dr. Tom Curran talks to Fr. Kurt Nagel and guest Co-host Fr. Nicholas Wichert about the explosion of faith over the past couple years. Fr. Nick tells his experience of attending the National Eucharistic Revival and anticipates the local Ascend: Eucharistic Revival Conference coming up for the Diocese of Seattle.
February 19 -Don’t Talk About Aliens! Shard of Eden Interview w/ Eric Sammons
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Eric Sammons, Catholic Author and editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine, about his latest book Shard of Eden. Tom and Eric share insights on books vs. podcasts, reading on screens, "writing about what you know," and AI.
Referenced Podcast Episode:
The Shelf That Built Me: The 10 Books That Most Influenced My Life
February 18 -Drop the Mask! Insights on Ash Wednesday & Lent w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Fr. Pat explores the second reading at Ash Wednesday Mass about what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2)
February 17 -Happy Mardi Gras! Feasting & Fasting: Launch Into Lent w/ Sr. Mary Eucharista, SMMC
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Sr. Mary Eucharista, SMMC, about how to celebrate Shrove Tuesday and how to launch into Lent. Sr. Eucharista explores themes related to the Lenten Season, such as: feasting, fasting, prayer and almsgiving.
Join Sr. Mary Eucharista for Ash Wednesday Silent Day of Prayer at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center!
February 16 -Ask Father: “Pray More” Doesn’t Cut It! What’s Your 2-Day Warm-up for Lent?
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: What spiritual practices do you recommend for those preparing for Lent? How is Lent like training for a marathon? What if I fail at my Lenten disciplines? Fr. Nagel responds to quotes by St. Benedict of Nursia on themes related to Lent.
February 13 -You’ll Know! Trajectory-Changing Encounter with God: Prolepsis (Part 3)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore practical examples of proleptic transformation in his own life. Tom explores three moments in the dynamic of being a disciple: call, poverty and empowerment.
February 12 -10X Your Life, Become Who you REALLY Are! Prolepsis (Part 2)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to explore the concept of prolepsis by sharing two practical examples from his own life. Tom also talks about waking up at 3am (the hour of visitation) and shares insights from his upcoming book titled, No Half Measures.
February 11 -Get Ready for Lent! Introduction to the Devout Life w/ Fr. Nathan Dail at Bronco Catholic
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Fr. Nathan Dail, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Paul’s Student Center at Boise University and Vocation Director for the Diocese of Boise. Fr. Dail shares insights from Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales and explains the need for transformation from self-obsession to ascension.
February 10 -Seek Wisdom! How to Contribute to God’s Work in the World Today: Prolepsis (Part 1)
Dr. Tom Curran introduces the theological concept of prolepsis and ponders the questions: How is God present in this situation right now and how can I contribute? Tom explores how to live a proleptic life and shares a proleptic prayer.
February 9 -Be Who God Says YOU Are! The Similes of Salt and Light w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Similes of Salt and Light. [Matthew 5: 13-16] Fr. Pat shares insights on themes, such as: obedience, identity, salt, witness, and more!
February 6 -Faith and Family: What is Real? Radio, Reading and Smartphones w/ Hope Ryan
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Morning Light Co-host Hope Ryan on the gifts of wonder, docility and Catholic radio. Hope talks about how she got involved in Catholic radio, the impact of reading aloud with kids, parenting teens without smartphones or social media, and the influence of the saints.
February 5 -What ACTUALLY Matters? Be Made New! 4 Steps for Spiritual Transformation
How much time and effort do you spend focusing on that which passes away versus that which endures? Dr. Tom Curran explores the four steps for spiritual transformation: disruption, desire, desperation and dynamism. Tom references insights written in his upcoming book, titled: No Half Measures.
February 4 -What’s Your Predominant Fault? Grow in Self Knowledge this Lent, or START TODAY!
Dr. Tom Curran helps listeners prepare for Lent by suggesting two practices to consider: “Lord, reveal to me my predominant fault” and “Guardian Angel, you have my permission to humble me each day.” Tom prays The Litany of Trust and explores concepts, such as: the 7 deadly sins, daughters of sin, the four temperaments, and more resources to grow in self knowledge.
February 3 -Blessed Are They: Insights on the Beatitudes w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, reflect on The Beatitudes. [Matthew 5: 3-12] Tom asks Fr. Pat questions, such as: How do you discern what to pray for? What’s the difference between studying scripture and praying with scripture? What does it mean to be blessed?
February 2 -Ask Father: Take Down the Christmas Tree & Get Candles Blessed! Feast of the Presentation
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Kurt Nagel explore questions about the Feast of the Presentation, such as: Is it STILL Christmas? What’s Candlemas? What’s happening to Jesus at The Presentation at the Temple? Who are Simeon and Anna?
January 30 -Faith and Family: Saving Time or Causing Laziness? AI Tools & Classical Education
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about the many practical ways they utilize AI tools and explore the three goals of a Classical Education: learning how to think, learning how to learn and learning to love learning.
