Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen

Our guest today, Peter Andrastek, is married with 8 children, 5 to 20 years old, and holds a master's degree in pastoral theology from Ave Maria University.

Peter has worked with seminarians and clergy on formation, taught graduate-level theology, and brought his teaching gifts into numerous parishes, dioceses, movements, and institutions in the Church. He currently advises a team that serves over 200 parishes.

SHOW NOTES: 

Peter's apostolate's website: evangelicalcatholic.org. 

Toward an Apostolic Church: https://evangelicalcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Paper_Andrastek_Feb2025.pdf. 

10:10 Challenge: https://store.evangelicalcatholic.org/products/the-10-10-challenge-10-we...

Our guest today, Laurie Lind, grew up in Lairmore and Fargo, North Dakota, in a Christian family with a father, Bob Lind, who was a true newsman. As a child, they lived in an upstairs apartment of the "ancient, tottering building" where the Larimore Pioneer, a weekly newspaper, was produced. Laurie majored in journalism at the University of North Dakota and has worked in various forms of print and broadcast communications over the years. Today, we'll dive into how her father, a longtime columnist for The Forum, shaped both her soul and career, leading her to her heavenly Father.<...

Our guest today, Samantha Stephenson, is a Catholic convert, bioethicist, and author of several books helping Christians grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world—whether in the hidden rhythms of home or at the frontiers of science. She hosts the podcast Brave New Us and writes the "Choosing Human Newsletter" on Substack. You can also find her at www.snstephenson.com.

SHOW NOTES: 

Samantha's forthcoming book: The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil's Plan for Your Motherhood: https://www.amazon.com/Bellbind-Letters-Inside-Devils-Motherhood/dp/1639663290? (Feb. 16, 2026)

Sama...

Our guest today, Noelle Mering, is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and the author of "Awake, Not Woke," as well as co-author of the Theology of Home book series, and an upcoming book, "No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships and How We Can Repair Them." Noelle has been published in Newsweek, Daily Wire, National Review, The Federalist, and National Catholic Register, among others. She has been featured on Fox News, EWTN, Relevant Radio, and in the film "Jesus Thirsts." She is a wife and mother of six living in California.

Rabbi Eitan Webb co-founded the Chabad House of Princeton in 2002 with his wife Gitty, and has served as a Jewish Chaplain at Princeton University since 2007. In addition to his service to university students, Rabbi Webb serves on the board of directors of the Chabad on Campus International Foundation and of the Sinai Scholars Society. Today, we're going to talk about young people today, and if it's true that they've "checked out of" religion, as some news reports have indicated. Being so close to the source, Rabbi Webb will no doubt have some great insight to share.

Nichole Haugen is a wife, mom to six daughters, nurse, and grief coach. She spent over 10 years as a hospice nurse helping families through hard times, so she has dealt with grief both personally and professionally. Through losing her parents close together in 2019, and marriage struggles, Nichole eventually found a path to healing, forgiveness, and learning to live with grief. Today, she will help us understand what it takes to move through grief, which we all experience in some form, in a healthy way.

SHOW NOTES: 

Nichole's website to connect about grief coaching: https://catholicgriefcoach.c...

Rob Port is a reporter and a columnist for the Forum Communications Company, as well as host of the Plain Talk podcast. But beyond that, he's a husband and father who tilts conservative politically, and yet not so much that he'd always identify as a Republican. While he grew up in a Christian home, Rob doesn't practice any faith, nor does he believe in God. Today, Rob and I will share the mic to toss each other a host of questions relating to faith, or lack thereof, to probe each other's minds a bit, and, hopefully, along with our...

Born first in a family of six children, Cariysa Powell was given a strong Catholic base on which to launch her life. But in 2020, as our world experienced a global pandemic crisis, her parents went through a personal faith crisis and departed from Christianity. This defining moment in Cariysa's life challenged her to decide what she believed.

Today, she'll share what helped her find firm grounding in an uncertain time, and set the record straight on the faith she is seeing unfold in the hearts of her peers.

SHOW NOTES: 

Converge yo...

Father Joel Sember, a priest from Wisconsin, is the author of a series of books about the Christian season of Advent that he's written annually since 2020. Each year's book bears the same title, "Oriens," a Latin word meaning "rising" and "dawn," and is meant to take the reader on a journey through the Advent season, with Fr. Joel as a guide. What is the origin of Oriens, and why should we even care about it or Advent? Isn't it enough to celebrate Christmas one day a year?

Today, Fr. Joel will share his thoughts on why we...

Mary Flannery O'Connor was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist whose work is often described as "Southern Gothic," a style which has left many readers scratching their heads, as they come across her grotesque characters who are often in violent situations — none of which match the life of their author, a devout Catholic. "Flannery," as she was known, had begun making a major impact on the American literary landscape when she died in 1964 at 39 of the same disease that had taken her father just shy of her 16th birthday.

Our guests today, Karen Mah...

Leah Libresco Sargeant describes herself as an author, speaker and, interestingly, instigator. She's written for such publications as "First Things," "The American Conservative," and "Commonweal," and has been a guest on CNN as well as at "Theology on Tap" events in multiple countries.

Her interests include religion, statistics, and the theater. She grew up Jewish and atheist, and in 2012, converted to Christianity after many vigorous discussions and a thorough exploration of its claims. Currently, Leah works on family policy at a think tank in Washington, D.C., where she and her husband, Alexi, and their three young...

In this episode, we'll be introduced to the man who became known as "the Rosary priest," Father Patrick Peyton, by the priest helping advance his cause for canonization, Father David Marcham of Holy Cross Family Ministries. How did Father Peyton, a poor farmer's son from Ireland, end up in America? What was his impact here and elsewhere? And did he really coin the phrase, "The Family that prays together stays together?" 

SHOW NOTES: 

Website for Father Patrick Peyton: https://www.fatherpeyton.org/

Holy Cross Family Ministries page on Father Peyton Center in...

In this episode, Dr. Stacy Trasancos will discuss the premise for her latest book, "IVF is Not the Way," which tackles the topic of in vitro fertilization, or fertilization that takes place in a scientific laboratory, using the Church's age-old wisdom as a grounding place, and a logical, moral, philosophical approach to move through it thoughtfully.

SHOW NOTES: 

IVF is Not the Way book: https://www.amazon.com/Ivf-Not-Way-Artificial-Procreation/dp/1644137984

Particles of Faith book: https://a.co/d/8G3lts5

Dr. Trasancos' website:  https://stacytrasancos.com/

"God...

 Ken Koehler has been speaking out on abortion locally for many years now, and prays regularly at our area's only abortion facility, where, on average, a classroom of babies die every week. A faithful Lutheran and longtime member of Lutherans for Life, Ken has been a powerful force in keeping this important topic before us, including as a frequent contributor to The Forum's "Letters to the Editor" section, where he broaches issues of life and morality in our day. In recent years, even while many claim that men shouldn't have an opinion when it comes to abortion, Ken has b...

In this episode, Emmy-award-winning journalist Monica Hannan, who is readying soon to complete a 45-year career as a television news anchor—37 of which happened at KFYR-TV in Bismarck, North Dakota—explores the topic of "surrender" in anticipation of her forthcoming book, "Surrender to Lead," which follows the journeys of 11 individuals who learned what surrendering their lives to God truly means and requires.

SHOW NOTES:

The Dream Maker by Monica Hannan: https://www.atkinsoncenter.org/the-dream-maker-by-monica-hannan/

Gift of Death: A Message of Comfort and Hope by Monica Hannan: https://www.amazon.com/Gift...

Rose Sweet has been studying and teaching the temperament for decades now, and has finally brought her collected knowledge into a book delving into how our ascent to holiness can be affected by our temperament—for good or ill. Even if you've already assessed your personality type, you might not have given much thought to what this has to do with your personal sanctity, but for the serious seeker of the Kingdom, your very life—and death—could depend on how well you capitalize on your innate strengths for God's glory. Rose, a self-proclaimed Choleric-Sanguine, will lead us through this d...

Today's guest, Todd Mickelson, is in his 13th year working with the Friends of Chimbote ministry, a faith-based organization dedicated to the men, women, and children living in the barrios of Chimbote, Peru, in extreme poverty.

Currently the development director for the ministry, Todd will share about his brief encounter with Bishop Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo, while in Chimbote in December 2015, but even more, he'll lead us into the hearts of the Peruvian people he's met and come to appreciate, connecting us with our new pontiff's second homeland in South America and our local tie.

Camille Harvey, my only sibling and near-Irish twin, has been my shadow buddy most of my life, either guiding me or supporting me in various ways.

A trained musician and teacher, she gave up the classroom some years ago to start Bluebird Companion Care, a small business and ministry through which she connects with those in the west-central part of North Dakota who need a little assistance in their daily lives.

When I think of Camille, the word "compassion" comes to mind. What is the source of the compassion she has displayed so well throughout...

Melissa Perez and her husband, Mark, are presenters for marriage retreats under the auspices of a ministry, Adventures in Marriage, which pairs with Live the Life, an educational outreach that focuses on helping cultivate healthy relationships. Societies rise and fall with the family. When marriages are not strong, neither is society. But life is messy, and our stories complicate things. We bring baggage into marriage as fallen human beings. Today, Melissa will be with us to share her story and offer hope on how to turn a good marriage into an excellent one or help a failing marriage find...

Cecile Smith was looking for signs of God's presence in so many places before she realized, to her great surprise, that he was exceedingly near—in her very garden! This season, in which we in the northern hemisphere, especially, are spending more time in our gardens or just enjoying the nature around us, can help put us in touch with the divine in a very palpable way.

Today, Cecile Smith will help us discover, or rediscover, God's love through his creation, including in our own backyards or wherever we find natural beauty.

SHOW NOTES:

In 2018, Dottie Borowski traveled a road that most married people—nearly half—will face eventually when she became a widow. But rather than being met with only silence in the months and years following, Dottie experienced a series of spiritual events that convinced her of the reality of life after death.

In today's episode, this faithful woman, whose vocation is prayer and service work, will step out into the deep, sharing of the experiences that convinced her that the idea of life beyond this one is not just myth, but reality.

SHOW NOTES:

Fr...

Rev. Dr. Patrick Lovejoy, a Lutheran pastor, husband and father, tends his flock through preaching, spiritual direction and counseling. In recent years, he's also been called to address whether our genders are fixed or malleable, and has come away with a determined answer on the topic based in both science and theology. With a doctorate in marriage and family counseling, Lovejoy will lead us through the facts and fiction of this modern dilemma in a way that should inspire people of faith and goodwill to meet the critical needs of those who struggle with gender identity with compassion and...

What is fidelity? Going with the simplest dictionary definition, it is "faithfulness to obligations, duties, or observances." Dr. Robert P. George, a professor at Princeton University, will add depth to that definition while sharing why he initiated a movement a couple years ago designating the month of June as Fidelity Month.

Among his qualifications, Dr. George holds Princeton's celebrated McCormick Professorship of Jurisprudence, is the founder and director of the university's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, and serves on several boards related to civil rights and religious freedom. 

SHOW NOTES: 

Fi...

Patrick Lehe, a cradle Catholic and screenwriter from rural Indiana, currently living in Los Angeles, will share his struggles with same-sex attraction as a man of faith, focusing on living counter-culturally with a zeal for reviving God's truth in American society.

SHOW NOTES: 

Patrick's article in Busted Halo, "How I found my vocation to the single life as a gay man": https://bustedhalo.com/life-culture/how-i-found-my-vocation-to-the-single-life-as-a-gay-man

"Desire of the Everlasting Hills" documentary: https://everlastinghills.org/

"The Third Way" documentary: https://everlastinghills.org/ 

"Catechism of the Catholic Church" on...

Description (written): Bishop John Folda of the Fargo Diocese was the first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Francis. With the pope's recent death, it seemed fitting to hear from his first appointee from our country about that honor, as well as their crossings since. Along with that, Bishop Folda will offer some insight on the papacy itself and his hopes for the future of the Christian church. 

SHOW NOTES: 

News story from May 1, 2025, on Bishop Folda as first U.S.-appointed bishop by Pope Francis: https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/05/01/fargo-bishop-was-first-appointed-us-bishop-under-pope-francis-back-2013/

Bis...

Allison Gingras' book, "Encountering Signs of Faith," shares the remarkable adoption of her profoundly deaf daughter and how she taught her the faith through the Church's sacramentals and devotions. Along with being a mother, Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary and Catholic Mom; she co-hosts the Family Rosary presents Through the Mysteries podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

Allison's book about mothering her adopted daughter, "Encountering Signs of Faith": https://a.co/d/55USpMQ

Allison's newest book, "Jesus Heals": https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Heals-Wholeness-Connected-Journals/dp/1639662030

Allison's website: h...

Monsignor Thomas Richter was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis in 2015. During that year, he traveled to various places throughout the United States to share the Good News of God's mercy for his people. Now, in 2025, a Jubilee Year dedicated to hope, it seems all the more necessary for people of faith to grasp mercy. In this episode, Monsignor Richter, currently serving the Bismarck Diocese as a pastor in Dickinson, North Dakota, will share what he's learned of mercy during his life, and how it connects with the Easter season in which we find ourselves. 

Brayden Drevlow has been all over the world to bring music to faraway places. A concert pianist and adventure traveler from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, he's known for "putting the X in extreme," through "chasing adventure, pushing the comfort zone, and never allowing dreams to go unpursued," as conveyed on his website. What drives his adventurous spirit? What has he learned along the way? And as one who has played before audiences all over the world in all kinds of conditions, what can he reveal about our question of the day: "Is music necessary for survival?" 

Tim Mosser works for the Diocese of Fargo in education and formation, serving also as the Respect Life Officer director. He's a husband and father, composer and musician, speaker and radio host, and currently in formation to become a deacon. Above all, this multi-faceted man is a child of God.

Today, Tim will expound on a discussion we started a couple of weeks ago, using Pope John Paul II's teaching on human life, Theology of the Body, as a building block to discuss whether reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are moral.

Ramona Trevino, campaign outreach director for 40 Days for Life national, resides in the Dallas, Texas, area with her family. The border crisis, currently at the forefront of our nation's collective consciousness, cannot help but touch her, a Mexican American, personally. Through her strongly pro-life lens and heritage, Ramona is well-poised to offer a valuable and fairly unique perspective on this topic. Is supporting illegal immigration pro-life? Ramona will help us ponder that question today.

Show notes: 

Earlier episode introducing Ramona: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/is-the-churchs-stance-on-birth-control-out-of-touch

Tim Mosser works for the Diocese of Fargo in education and formation, serving also as the Respect Life Officer director. He's a husband and father, composer and musician, speaker and radio host, and currently in formation to become a deacon. Above all, this multi-faceted man is a child of God.

In this episode, Tim will share the blueprint God has given us for human flourishing, including in the realm of sexuality, leading us to the answer of whether the Church actually hates sex as much as the world sometimes believes it does.

SHOW N...

Mike Little, executive director for Jail Chaplains ministry in Fargo, North Dakota, since March 2023, has said his heart has been transformed by working with the incarcerated, noting that we're all bound by strongholds that need the healing touch of Jesus. He further affirms that we can learn much about God's love through being close to those who've experienced brokenness in key relationships at some point in their lives, as many incarcerated have.

In this episode, Mike will share more about this ministry and how it has made him more tender toward those who have wandered from God...

Colleen Scariano believes in the body-soul connection and that our lives work better when the two are in alignment. This belief formed the base of the ministry she co-founded, SoulCore, a global, integrated health ministry that integrates prayer with core strengthening, stretching, and functional movements to nourish body and soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues. Grounded in monotheism, SoulCore employs Christian meditation and encourages "filling" the mind and soul with the life, virtues, and Word of Christ.

In today's episode, we'll talk to Colleen about how SoulCore started and learn about her faith journey, including...

This week's guest, Todd Charette, came to me through Facebook. First, I noticed his funny, and often endearing, posts, which brought daily refreshment rather than conflict. As the algorithms had their way, I saw more of these posts, and eventually, we got into an actual conversation.

I learned that Todd Charette had a neurodivergent brain around the time our family had discovered neurodiversity within our gene pool. Because I was doing a deep dive on the topic, I viewed Todd's real-life experiences regarding this challenge—or "superpower"—with a heightened sense of curiosity.I wanted to learn more...

Shortly after the election in November, a meme began floating around social media: "To think that God ordained a filthy-minded, adulterous, wealthy man with evil in his heart to preside over a nation challenges my self-righteous understanding. But He did, and that sinful man by grace gave us the Psalms. #KingDavid." Not surprisingly, the reaction was divided. But truth resides at the heart of these words. To misunderstand that politicians are human and flawed is to misunderstand human nature itself.

John Trandem, a lifelong Fargoan who has been involved in North Dakota politics as a Republican, along w...

In December 2021, Rob Port of the "Plain Talk" podcast invited Devlyn Brooks, a Lutheran pastor and fellow journalist, and I on his show to talk about religion. An avowed non-believer, Rob wanted to hear our thoughts about the reported declines in religious adherents, and Pastor Brooks and I gave it our best shot. That show ended up being the most popular of the year among "Plain Talk" listeners. It also renewed my thoughts about possibly starting a podcast myself.

When I launched "Matters of Soul Importance" in January 2024, Pastor Brooks was my first guest, sharing whether Jesus...

Kerri Bishop was pregnant with her fifth child when she found herself in an unimagined, unwanted situation: tasting the bitterness of divorce. For a moment or two, Kerri turned her feelings of abandonment against her faith, until she realized that God and the Church weren't to blame. God was her savior and her faith, the anchor she would need to move through the next year's whole.

Kerri's journey through divorce and to the other side has given her a heart for others who have been abandoned and are tempted to give up on, or never even seek, G...

Angela Copenhaver, founder of We Teach Think and Human from Day One, once considered herself staunchly pro-choice. After reversing her position, she founded a non-profit organization in Lincoln, Nebraska, Human from Day One. She now speaks regularly on the dignity of human life. Science is on our side, she asserts, offering facts and truths in a manner that invites engagement. 

Today, we'll ask Angela to help us sort through what lives in the womb of a pregnant woman. Is it a parasite, an alien, or a human? How we answer that question makes all the difference in t...

Dr. John Sottosanti was successful in the world's eyes. He had a lovely wife, two children, a beautiful home in California with an ocean view, and a career that had catapulted him to the top of his industry, and into spheres that only a top percentage of people penetrate. But was he happy?

In his memoir, "Mortal Adhesions: A Surgeon Battles the Deadly Sins to Find Faith, Happiness and Inner Peace," Sottosanti recounts his motivations and missteps through a life of focusing on self, and how it nearly led him down a path of eternal destruction. Can...

Michelle Duppong, a woman from western North Dakota, died on Christmas 2015 at age 31 after a harrowing journey with cancer.

As Michelle suffered, her devoted family began to notice the extraordinary ways she carried that cross, evidenced in part by the medical personnel who were drawn to her while in the hospital. The Duppong family soon came to know that the wider Church had been noticing her extraordinary qualities, too, and in June of 2022, they received word that Michelle, a woman of humble countenance and beginnings, was being investigated for one of the Church's greatest anointings: canonization.