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...
September 22 -Catching Curveballs! Surprise Questions For Catholic Answers Apologist Tim Staples
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Tim Staples, Author and Semi-retired Apologist at Catholic Answers. Tim answers the questions: reflecting back on 30+ years working in Catholic apologetics, what was that all about? How did your stroke impact your faith journey? What will you do in the time that remains? And more!
Referenced Blog:
The Blessing of Having a Stroke (TimStaples.com)
September 21 -Ask Father: What is Unique About the Gospel of Matthew?
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Which gospel account is your favorite and what is unique about the Gospel of Matthew? Today’s hosts discuss their favorite passages from the Gospel of Matthew.
September 18 -Best-of Faith and Family: How Shall You Live? Overcome Spiritual & Physical Deflation
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran talk about changes to their new season and stage in life: Senior discounts, refocused ministry work and health regimens. The Currans share practical insights for others feeling spiritually and physically deflated.
References:
Litany of Trust (Sisters of Life)
September 17 -Best-of Coaching Hour: 9 Levels of Presence (Part 1)
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran explores a concept that is difficult to understand and underappreciated in today’s society, human presence. Tom begins to list nine levels of presence, beginning with: God’s creation, human works and human community.
September 16 -Vote NO! Danger of Idaho Proposition 1 w/ Christian Welp
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Christian Welp, Director of Encounter School of Ministry Boise Satellite Campus about many concepts, including: the power of the Holy Spirit, the work of Encounter School of Ministry and the danger of Idaho proposition 1. (2026)
Find an Encounter Event Near You!
September 15 -Best-of Archive: Our Lady of the Sign Book Interview w/ Dr. Abigail Favale
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran interviews Abigail Favale, Ph.D, author and professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, about her book Our Lady of the Sign: A Novel. (Ignatius Press)
September 14 -Best-of Ask Father: Ask Father: Anti-Christian Culture & Our Lady of Sorrows
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and many themes related to the 7 Sorrows of Mary: preparing for anticipatory sorrow, the willingness to draw near to a mystery of Christ, the panic of parents who lost a child, watching a child suffer, and more.
August 21 -Best-of Archive: Be a Godly Man! How to Evangelize Unconverted Catholics w/ Jesse Romero
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran interviews Jesse Romero, Catholic author and speaker, about his decades of experience evangelizing men and unconverted Catholics. Jesse talks about today’s challenges, including: effeminacy, spiritual warfare, lack of formation, lack of fatherhood, and more. Tom asks Jesse Romero: Who made the biggest impact on forming your faith growing up? How did your experience as a LA County Sheriff deputy and boxing champion shape your approach to evangelizing men? Why do you spend so much of your ministry teaching spiritual warfare formation?
Join Jesse Romero at an upcoming event near you!
September 9 -St. Francis of Assisi’s Nontypical Practice of Poverty: At-home Camino Pilgrimage
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from the first full week of walking the Camino from home. Tom explores The Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5) and the radical style of poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi.
September 8 -ENCORE! What’s Life All About? Favorite Passages in the Catechism w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
From the Archive! Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on topics, such as: the purpose of life, God’s pursuit of man, our capacity for God, the Last Judgment, and more.
September 7 -Ask Father: Heading Toward Ruin or Rising Out From the Rubble? Have We Hit Rock Bottom Yet?
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Are we living in a time of Pope Gregory or Pope Leo? Are we headed toward ruin, or is it time to relaunch? Today’s hosts respond to quotes by St. Gregory the Great, St. Rose of Viterbo, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and St. Teresa of Calcutta.
September 4 -Get Ready! 3 Levels of Preparation: Walking The Camino From Home
Dr. Tom Curran explores three levels of preparation: remote, mediate and proximate. Tom testifies to two concepts that continue to show up on his Camino journey: “I’m my own worst enemy” and God will send angels to accompany the journey.
September 3 - Advancing or Settling? What Turns a Boy Into a Man: Fr. John Mosier Interview
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Fr. John Mosier, pastor at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Boise, about themes related to the upcoming Inland Northwest Men’s Retreat, such as: comfortable dissipation, the distraction of busyness and embracing the difficult good. Tom and Fr. Mosier share insights on walking the Camino, both in Spain and at home!
September 2 -At-home Camino Journey: Satisfaction, Penance & Confession
Dr. Tom Curran shares reflections on the second day of walking the Camino at home. Tom explores the sacrament of penance, making an act of penance, effects of sin, the causes of sin, and more.
September 1 -Life of a Pilgrim & Significance of the Fourth Watch w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on the theology of walking, the life of a pilgrim, the significance of the 4th watch, and making a pilgrimage vs. touring a holy place. Tom continues to explain details on his at-home Camino pilgrimage.
August 31 -Best-of Ask Father: One of My Favorites! What’s Great about St. Gregory the Great?
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to reflect on quotes from St. Gregory the Great on many topics, such as: respect, obedience, the duty of pastors, holy fear, and more!
August 27 -You Are Responsible, Make Up for the Damage! The Spirit of a Penitential Pilgrimage: Love for Christ Crucified
Dr. Tom Curran continues to highlight important traditions in the Catholic Church that have been diminished over the past 60 years and explains his at-home Camino pilgrimage. Tom explores insights from The Soul's Journey into God by St. Bonaventure on love for Christ, as motivation for doing penance.
Reference Passage:
All sinners were the authors of Christ's Passion, Catechism of the Catholic Church 598
August 26 -Take a Hike with God! Tips for Making an At-Home Pilgrimage: Prayer & Fasting
Tom gives practical details on how to make an at-home Camino pilgrimage, including: how long to walk per day, how many days to walk and how to pray while walking. Tom encourages listeners to hike The Camino at home and shares insights on the benefits of taking a long walk, making acts of penance, living a pilgrim’s life, and interceding in prayer for others.
Send your Prayer Intentions to Tom Curran!
August 25 -Choose Your Eternity! Spiritual Diagnosis: How & Where Will You Spend Eternity? With Whom?
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from the romantic comedy film, Eternity. (2005) Tom discusses themes, such as: comfortable dissipation / effeminacy, the after life, external vs. internal happiness, and more. Tom talks about how to pray, in preparation for death and eternal life.
August 24 -Ask Father: Attracted to a Challenge? What are the Challenges of Our Time? Reaction to Saint Quotes on Living Well in Challenging Times
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to respond to several quotes by saints, such as: St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Pius X and St. Rose of Lima. Tom talks about developing an at-home penitential pilgrimage, inspired by hiking The Camino de Santiago. Fr. Nagel shares insights on the secret of life, the ultimate end, the challenge of modernism, and the danger of unregulated curiosity.
Referenced Book:
Self-knowledge And Self-discipline by Basil William Maturin
August 21 -Be a Godly Man! How to Evangelize Unconverted Catholics w/ Jesse Romero
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Jesse Romero, Catholic author and speaker, about his decades of experience evangelizing men and unconverted Catholics. Jesse talks about today’s challenges, including: effeminacy, spiritual warfare, lack of formation, lack of fatherhood, and more. Tom asks Jesse Romero: Who made the biggest impact on forming your faith growing up? How did your experience as a LA County Sheriff deputy and boxing champion shape your approach to evangelizing men? Why do you spend so much of your ministry teaching spiritual warfare formation?
Join Jesse Romero at an upcoming event near you!
August 20 - Daily Practices to Start Today! Padre Pio and You: Mary O’Regan Interview
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Mary O’Regan, Author of the book Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood, about St. Padre Pio inspired daily practices to grow your spiritual life. Get your copy of the book! (Sophia Institute Press)
Listen to More Podcast Interview with Mary O’Regan:
April 22 -Never-Before-Heard insights! Padre Pio and You: Mary O’Regan Interview (Part 1)
April 24 -Become a Spiritual Child! Padre Pio and You: Mary O’Regan Interview (Part 2)
August 18 -What’s Life All About? Favorite Passages in the Catechism w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on topics, such as: the purpose of life, God’s pursuit of man, our capacity for God, the Last Judgment, and more.
August 17 -Ask Father: What’s so Special About the Queen Mother? The Assumption of Mary and St. Maximilian Kolbe
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Why doesn’t the church expect Catholics to attend Mass when a Holy Day falls on a Saturday? What’s special about the role of Queen Mother? What are admirable pursuits? Today’s hosts reflect on the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.
August 14 -Faith and Family: Time to Follow Up! Tips for Creating a Fruitful Family Reunion (Part 2)
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran share more insights for creating a family reunion, including giving tips for activities and games for all generations. The Currans celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary and reflect on having their young adult children home for summer break.
August 13 - A Biblical Vision of Marriage (in Verse 32!) : Vision, Vocation, Parenting & Storms
Dr. Tom Curran explores 4 aspects of married life: the biblical vision of marriage, principles from growing in vocation, parenting/ raising disciples, and “weathering the storms” in marriage. In celebration of his 32nd wedding anniversary, Tom references verse 32 in many scripture passages.
August 12 -What’s the Difference? What’s the Same? Marriage vs. Consecrated Life
Dr. Tom Curran shares reflections on 32 Years of married life and contrasts the vocation of marriage with the vocation of the consecrated religious life.
August 11 -Faith and Family: Meaningful Conversation-Starter Questions for Parents & Kids (Part 2)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to answer questions about his life, as examples of meaningful conversation-starter questions for kids to ask their parents. Tom asks himself: What did the winter season require of a kid in your town? Who taught you how to drive, what car and how did that go? Which adult (not related to you) had the most influence on you growing up? What was the worst trouble you got into before the age of 12? And more!
August 10 -Best-of Ask Father: What is a Spiritual Companion? St. Jane Frances Chantal Quotes
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share tips on how to find spiritual companionship, in contrast with spiritual direction. Fr. Nagel responds to quotes by St. Jane Frances de Chantal on themes, such as: speaking to The Lord, relying on talents vs. energy, carrying the cross of self-scrutiny, and being cordial.
August 7 -Faith and Family: Meaningful Conversation-Starter Questions for Parents & Kids
Dr. Tom Curran asks himself questions to start meaningful conversations with his kids, such as: What did your childhood summers look like? What were symbols of prestige in childhood that today seems ridiculous? When did you first meet your spouse and what was your first inaccurate impression of them? What did you think was one of your charming personality traits until marriage reclassified it as a “maintenance issue?” What surprised you most when you became a father for the first time? And more!
August 6 -ENCORE: Reading the Sign of the Times w/ Fr. Marc Montminy
(Original Run Date: 7/15/2026) Dr. Tom Curran interviews Msgr. Marc Montminy, Pastor of Saints Mary and Joseph in Salem, NH. In anticipation of his upcoming 50th year Anniversary to the priesthood, Fr. Montminy shares insights on his experiences in several spiritual renewal movements and shares stories of miraculous healings, mystical gifts and stigmatists.
Referenced Spiritual Renewal Movements
Catholic Charismatic RenewalCursillo MovementKairos Prison Ministry InternationalMarriage EncounterAugust 5 -HOW We Believe! Catholic vs. Protestant Debate: Scripture, Tradition & Magisterium
Dr. Tom Curran, Systematic Theologian, shares insights from a recent Catholic vs. Protestant debate. Tom explores common misconceptions about the Catholic faith and explains the foundational structure of how the Catholic Church believes: scripture, tradition and magisterium.
August 4 -Spinning Your Wheels? 4 Ways to Get Stuck in a Rut & Get Out! Daughters of Sloth
Dr. Tom Curran explores the history and purpose of the phrase, “stuck in a rut,” and addresses unhealthy ruts in marriage: stubbornness, relentlessness and avoidance. Tom shares insights from St. Thomas Aquinas on the daughters of sloth.
August 3 -Ask Father: August 3 -Ask Father: Attracted or Repulsed? Hard Truths by St. Alphonsus Liguori
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Are you attracted to or repulsed by the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori? What stands out about the life of St. Alphonsus? What were the moral challenges of his time vs. the moral challenges today? Today's hosts share quotes by St. Alphonsus Liguori.
July 31 -Faith and Family: What’s Your Family Identity? Tips for Creating a Fruitful Family Reunion (Part 1)
Dr. Tom and Kari Curran share tips, insights and strategies for creating a family reunion. Kari lists entertaining activities for every generation and Tom explores the spiritual impact of going on a retreat. The Currans give a step by step reunion planning guide with themes for food, faith formation and fun!
July 30 -Common Family Challenges (Even Holy Families!) Crowding Out Jesus with Worthy Tasks: Martha, Mary & Lazarus
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on the Scripture passages: Martha and Mary (Luke 10: 38-42) and The Raising of Lazarus. (John 11: 1-44) Tom explores themes, such as: the practicality of hospitality, prioritizing a relationship with Jesus, doing what is “necessary,” radiating Christ in the world, and more!
July 29 -Watch What God Can Do! Trajectory-Changing Encounters w/ Debora Johnston | Encounter School of Ministry Seattle
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Debora Johnston, Director of the Seattle Satellite Campus of Encounter School of Ministry. Here testimonies about God’s healing power in the world today and learn more about the upcoming Summer Intensive hosted by the Seattle Campus.
Find an Upcoming Encounter Event Near You!
July 28 -Be Aware! St. Paul’s 7 Threats that Separate People From God w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on God’s Indomitable Love in Christ (Romans 8:35-39) on the seven threats that separate people from feeling the love of Christ: anguish, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword.
July 27 -Ask Father: What’s Your Excuse? Insights on St. Titus Brandsma, Bl. Solanus Casey & Bl. Stanley Rother
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share insights on the lives of St. Titus Brandsma, Bl. Solanus Casey, and Bl. Stanley Rother on themes, such as: the call of “ordinary” Catholics, preaching nonviolence to violence, speaking against propaganda, and more!
July 24 -ENCORE: Charity or Calamity? Embrace a Gracious Disruption! Camino Journey
(Original Run Date 7/03/2026) Dr. Tom Curran gives examples of big and small gracious disruptions from his Camino pilgrimage, starting with the first day of his trip. Tom shares insights from several scripture accounts of gracious disruptions, through charity or calamity.
