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...
November 6 -Best-of Faith and Family: From Disruption to Discipleship
From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran explore four concepts of discipleship: disruption, desire, desperation and dynamism. The Currans testify to moments of gracious disruption in their own lives and the importance of an encounter with God.
November 5 -Do You Wonder? Questions to Ponder: Screen-Free Activity For Families
Dr. Tom Curran asks and answers thought-provoking questions live as he takes his walk. Tom explores the gift of wonder and the process of pondering philosophical questions.
Questions to Ponder:
In regards to daylight savings, would you rather have an extra hour of light applied to the morning or evening? What childhood tragedy, perhaps, turned out to be a blessing?Who is someone in your life who has made you who you are today?Whom do you know who appears pitiable from a worldly perspective, yet will be elevated in heaven?November 4 -What is at Stake? What to do About It? Eschatology: Death & Judgement
Dr. Tom Curran talks about how to prepare your family for unexpected tragedies and expected life-transitions. Tom explores the transition from the go-go years, to retirement years, to death and judgement.
November 3 -Run the Race, Pass the Baton: Feasts of All Saints & All Souls w/ Fr. Patrick Smith
Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith, Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC, share insights on All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Fr. Pat tells the story of a family tragedy and testifies to life out of death.
November 2 -Best-of Ask Father: What Are All Saints Day & All Souls All Day About?
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Jeff Lewis: What’s your favorite holy day of obligation? What memories do you have of All Saints Day? And, How old will we be in heaven? Today's hosts explain the concepts of relics, incorrupt saints and The Church Suffering.
October 29 -Renew Your Mind! Challenging Catechism Quotes
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (Vatican.va) Tom explores themes, such as: The final trial/ YOUR final trial, differences of distribution of talents, detachment of riches, duties of parents, and more.
References:
The Church’s Ultimate Trial (CCC:675)
Equality and Differences Among Men (CCC:1936-1938)
Intentional Homicide (CCC:2269)
Love For the Poor (CCC:2446)
Poverty of Heart (CCC:2544)
Christian Holiness (CCC:2015)
The Battle of Prayer (CCC:2725)
The Duties of Parents (CCC:2222, 2223, 2230)
October 30th -Best-of Faith and Family: Spiritual Warfare Attacks on Moms
From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran share more insights on fasting: the purpose, the requirements and the effects. Tom explores the tactics of the enemy on the intellect, imagination and memory. Kari reflects on the common spiritual attacks on mothers.
October 28 -What’s at Stake? LIVE Discernment: Test, Reflect & Don't Force It!
Dr. Tom Curran explores another question for discernment: What’s at stake? Tom shares a morning offering prayer and explores many principles to help with discernment: contact, communication and communion.
Morning Offering Prayer:
God You are God, I am not
Lord, this is my heart’s desire
Shepherd me Lord, I will follow
October 27 -Lord, Is This You? LIVE Discernment: The Camino, AI & 10X Life
Dr. Tom Curran discerns the questions: How should I spend the time that remains? What are the gaps in my life? Am I on the right path? Tom prays for a “Ten Gold Coin Life.”
October 26 -Ask Father: Be Silent, Trust & Wait! Are We Waiting on God? Is God Waiting on Us?
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel questions related to the theme of contemplation, such as: Are we waiting on God or is God waiting on us? Why is it important to pursue contemplation? How can we foster a spirit of silence, solitude and simplicity? Today’s hosts reflect on insights from Isaiah 30: 15-18 about waiting on the Lord with trust.
October 23 -Best-of Faith and Family: Know Thy Self! 7 Popular Apps & 7 Deadly Sins
From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran assign popular apps to the seven deadly sins and discuss the impact of dopamine. The Currans reflect on the positive and negative motivations of working out and explore the important principle of knowing thyself.
October 22 - Make a Difference! YES to Education Tax Credits w/ Rep. Mike Baumgartner: NO to Prop 1 w/ Dr. Katherine Aberle, MD
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Representative of the 5th district of Washington, about the Federal Education Tax Credit and other ethical concerns about current legislation. Later in the program, Tom interviews Dr. Katherine Aberle, MD, to explain her professional perspective on major objections to Idaho Proposition 1.
October 21 -Best-of Sound Insight: The Precious Gift of Old Age w/ Michael J. Lichens
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Michael J. Lichens, editor at Sophia Institute Press, to discuss the new book The Precious Gift of Old Age: How to Make the Golden Years the Best of Your Life by Fr. John LaFarge, S.J.
October 20 -How to Interpret Scripture w/ Curtis Mitch: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran interviews Curtis Mitch, Bible Projects Managing Editor and Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at Augustine Institute. Curtis talks about his experience co-authoring the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Old and New Testaments and teaches how to read and interpret scripture. (Original Run Date: 10/22/2025)
October 19 -Best-of Ask Father: Which Theologians, Authors & Saints Form YOUR Mind?
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran and Fr. Kurt Nagel answer the questions: Which authors have formed your mind? Which saints do you seek intercession from in your current situation and stage in life? Which theologians have shaped your faith and mission?
October 16- So Much Wasted Time: 20 Scriptures that WILL Change Your Life! (Part 7)
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights from Mark 8: 34-38, as part of his multi-program series on 20 life-changing scripture passages. Tom talks about discerning the best use of time, talent and treasure in different seasons in his life, such as: exiting the seminary, changing career paths and transitioning into retirement. (Original Run Date: 06/24/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoe...October 15 -Defend the Truth, Defend the Faith! Our Catholic Calling w/ Fr. Wade L.J. Menezes, CPM
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Fr. Wade Menezes, EWTN author and host of Open Line Tuesday, about the gift of Catholic radio and the call for Catholics to defend the truth. Tom reflects on quotes by St. Teresa of Avila on themes, such as: how to respond to division within the church/world, choosing simplicity over complexity, bearing the greatest trials, fasting, and more!
Join Fr. Wade Menezes and Tom Curran at Sacred Heart Radio’s 25 Year Anniversary Dinner
October 14 -Don’t Settle for a Withered Hand! 20 Scriptures that WILL Change Your Life! (Part 6)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to share insights from 20 life-changing scripture passages. Tom talks about what it looks like to live a "withered hand existence" in the world today and encourages Catholics to rise and come forward! (Original Run Date: 06/12/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
Again he entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he sai...October 13 -You Are a Microphone: 20 Scriptures That WILL Change Your Life! (Part 5)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 20 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom shares insight on the call to evangelize, as referenced in The Call of Simon the Fisherman in Luke 5. (Original Run Date: 05/29/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to...October 12 -Ask Father: How Will You Spend the Time That Remains? Go Into the Deep!
Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: How did you grow up never learning to swim? How can people overcome a spiritually deflated life? What’s wrong with the church? Tom shares a new insight from his at-home Camino pilgrimage.
October 09 -Do Something Great: 20 Scriptures That WILL Change Your Life! (Part 4)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 20 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom shares insights on how to overcome comfortable dissipation through disruption, breakthrough and transformation. (Original Run Date: 05/28/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and...October 8 -I've Never Heard That: 20 Scriptures That WILL Change Your Life! (Part 3)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 20 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom shares several insights from Song of Songs chapters 4-6 about how much Jesus loves YOU! (Original Run Date: 05/27/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride; you have ravished my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one bead of your necklace. (Song of Songs 4: 9)Turn your eyes away from me, for they stir me up. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead. (Song of Songs 6: 5)October 7 -Exposing Vanity & Ignorance: 20 Scriptures That WILL Change Your Life! (Part 2)
Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 20 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom testifies to the convicting scripture passages that exposed vanity and ignorance in his life. (Original Run Date: 05/23/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
Working together,then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: “In an acceptable time I heard you,and on the day of salvation I helped you.” (2 Corinthians 6: 1-2)Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is hol...October 6 -Fear Not! 20 Scriptures That WILL Change Your Life! (Part 1)
Best-of Sound Insight Program: Dr. Tom Curran begins to discuss 20 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom answers the question: What’s your favorite scripture in the New Testament and how has it transformed your life? (Original Run Date: 5/15/2025)
Tom’s List of Life-Changing Scripture Passages
Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. But this...October 5 -Best-of Ask Father: 15 Promises of Praying the Rosary
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel: Does God want to heal us of our God-given weaknesses, or should we learn to live well with them? Is the Rosary a part of your own spiritual discipline? Fr. Kurt Nagel explores the 15 promises to those who pray the Rosary.
October 2 -Get Plugged In! More Simple Prayers for BIG Transformation (Part 2)
Best-of Sound Insight Program: Dr. Tom Curran testifies to the importance of “getting plugged in” and lists three more simple prayers for powerful transformation. (Original Run Date: 4/16/2025)
Tom’s List of MORE Simple Prayers for Big Transformation:
Thy kingdom come (Make my life a sign and wonder)
Jesus, I am all in
Thank you, I am so sorry
October 1 -Watch What God Will Do! 8 Simple Prayers for BIG Transformation (Part 1)
Best-of Sound Insight Program: Dr. Tom Curran begins to share eight simple prayers for big transformation and testifies to practical changes in his own life from praying these one-sentence prayers. Tom adds a bonus prayer! (Original Run Date: 4/9/2025)
Tom’s List of Simple Prayers for Big Transformation:
Reveal to me my blindness, oh Lord, gently
Conquer in me, oh Lord, all that resists You (Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray)
Abba Father, shock me with your generosity (Lecture/Essay, Hans Urs von Balthasar)
Jesus I abandon myself to you, take care of...
September 29 - Ineffable: Learning to Love the God Beyond Words w/ Allison Auth
Dr. Tom Curran interviews Author Allison Auth, about her new book Ineffable: Learning to Love the God Beyond Words. Allison gives practical tips for “where to start” when praying with your spouse, balancing daily tasks, writing a book, teaching kids to pray and overcoming temptation.
September 28 -Best-of Ask Father: Insights on St. Jerome Quotes
From the archive! Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to share insights on quotes by St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church. Today's hosts discuss themes, such as: the importance of studying scripture, being at peace with oneself, looking at the eyes, ignorance, and more!
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.
