Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen
You're not supposed to talk about religion and politics…right? "Faith Conversations" writer Roxane Salonen dives right into the discussions we're warned against in the "Matters of Soul Importance" podcast. Through her many years writing about religion and its often-necessary intersection with politics, Roxane has found few topics as impactful and believes that, rather than avoiding them, we need to explore them. She'll be helped along the way by interviews with engaging guests on themes and questions affecting the soul, highlighting people looking to make the world a better, more hospitable place. "I never discuss anything else except politics and re...
Is Christianity in danger of falling into Gnosticism?
Ellie Hiller is a Catholic convert, mother, wife, registered nurse, and author.
A former competitive CrossFit athlete who spent years training and competing at an elite level, she developed a deep appreciation for the significance of the body, discipline, and formation.
Those convictions ultimately led her to the incarnational and sacramental vision of Catholicism.
She is the author of "To Whom Shall I Go?: Why I Laid Down My Protest," a memoir chronicling her journey from Evangelical Christianity into the Catholic Church.
Through her writing and speaking, Ellie explores embodied faith, c...
What can a farm girl from North Dakota teach us about sanctity?
Patti Maguire Armstrong is a TV talk show host for Ladies of Another View and an award-winning author and journalist with the National Catholic Register. Her latest books are Michelle Duppong: Hope in the Depths of Suffering, What Would Monica Do?, the Dear God children's series, and Holy Hacks. She was also the co-author and managing editor of the Amazing Grace series. Patti has a B.A. in social work and M.A. in public administration and worked in those fields before staying home as a freelance writer. She and her late husband, Mark, raised their ten children in...
Is Sister Annella Zervas a saint?
Brenda Posch believes that Sister Annella Zervas, who was born and died in Moorhead, Minnesota, is a saint. Today, she'll share why.
Brenda lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, and attends St. Joseph's Church—the home parish of now Servant of God Annella Zervas, who died at 26 years old 100 years ago, and whose cause for sainthood is underway. Brenda came to know the story of Sister Annella and her heroic suffering with a rare skin condition while her husband, "Chip" Posch, was undergoing a health trial. Today, we'll hear about her strong belief that Sister Annella was an extraordinary pe...
Why do I feel so disconnected from God?
Rose Folsom has helped thousands of Christians move from "Am I doing this prayer thing right?" to a deeper, more peaceful relationship with God. A convert to Catholicism and Lay Dominican, Rose brings more than 30 years of study—and wrestling with the distractions of her own prayer life—to her coaching and writing. Previously, she owned a successful calligraphy studio in the Washington, D.C., area and later served as director of a White House office. She's written place cards for kings, flown on Air Force II, and now helps people hear God more clearly.
SHOW N...
What can large families teach us about God?
Lynn Kotrba is a wife, mom and co-founder of Harvest Hope Farm with her husband Jason. For the past 29 years, Lynn has worked with youth from all backgrounds through her work in foster care and for the past eight, through the youth programs she has created at the farm. Lynn and Jason have eight children who are the inspiration to her work at Harvest Hope Farm. They live in rural Moorhead.
SHOW NOTES:
Lynn's and Jason's website: Harvesthopefarm.org
Social: Search for "Harvest Hope Farm" on Facebook and Instagram
Can a home have a soul?
Dia Boyle is a graduate of Cornell College and of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, where she earned her M.S.L. and met her husband. Happily at home in a university community in Minnesota, Dia has raised three children, made a home for her family, and fostered lasting friendships around her coffee table. She is an author, most recently of The Thoughtful Home, a book about what a home is and what it is for.
SHOW NOTES:
Dia's newest book: The Thoughtful Home (Scepter Publishing 2024) https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Home-Dia-Boyle/dp/1594175373
...Did the fall of Roe help, or hurt, the pro-life cause?
Alexandra DeSanctis is a contributing writer to National Review and co-author of the 2022 book, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing. She writes and speaks regularly on topics including the pro-life movement, abortion policy, religion, politics, and family issues. Her work has been published in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the Human Life Review, and many other publications.
SHOW NOTES:
Alexandra's book: Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing
Alexandra's X handle: @xan_desanctis
Alexandra's rec...
Why couldn't I, a biological woman, be a man?
Prisha Mosley is a detransitioner and ambassador at Independent Women. In her teen years, Prisha was set on a path of medical "gender transition" by doctors and counselors who insisted that changing her body through large amounts of testosterone and undergoing surgery to remove her breasts would remedy her mental health problems. Since sharing her "detransitioner" story publicly, Mosley has become one of the nation's leading voices against what she calls "gender-affirming harm." She's testified before state legislatures across the country, including radio and TV outlets like Fox News, The Megyn Kelly Show, and more.
What does hope in suffering look like?
Joanne Poehls grew up 12 miles southwest of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where her dad worked as a grain farmer and her mother was a gardener who loved growing flowers and vegetables. With her four older siblings and a twin sister, Joanne enjoyed the outdoors, the farm animals, and the rural life that afforded space and peace, along with hard work. Now married to Jeff for 32 years, she is once again in the country, living on a five-acre farm site in Sabin, Minnesota. Along with mothering their four now-grown sons, Joanne has worked primarily in the medical secretarial field in various...
Should minors be able to access abortion?
Brittany Poppe is a Christian abortion recovery coach, pro-life speaker, and advocate for truth and healing. She helps women partner with God to find freedom and restore their hearts after abortion. She hosts "Abortion Recovery for Christian Women," a globally ranked top 2% Christian podcast that equips women with biblical guidance, hope, and practical steps toward emotional and spiritual healing.
Passionate about sharing God's truth in love, Brittany inspires women to experience wholeness in Christ while raising awareness about the true cost of abortion and the redeeming power of God's grace.
SHOW NOTES:
Can I talk to Jesus in the grocery line?
Lisa M. Hendey is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of CatholicMom.com. A lifelong advocate for faith-filled living, she encourages readers to deepen their relationship with Jesus through storytelling, Scripture reflection, and practical application. Lisa's Chime Travelers children's book project is now streaming as an animated series. She speaks internationally on the intersection of faith and daily life.
SHOW NOTES:
Lisa's new devotional, Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way - A Weekly Devotional, a 52-week prayer devotional tool that can be started at any time of the year, and combines lectio divina wit...
Where is God in the cross of infertility?
Shawn Hagstrom, wife of Mike and mother of two adoptive children, Therese and Joseph, is also the grandmother of 11-year-old identical twin boys, James and Oliver. Shawn recently retired from her 40-year teaching career, through which she nurtured pre-school children in both secular and Catholic school settings. The Hagstroms, longtime residents of Fargo, also have a longtime marriage of 42 years. In her new life of retirement, Shawn has been enjoying spending time with her mother, going on nature walks, and riding bike.
SHOW NOTES:
"Dear Birthmother" book by Kathleen Silber and Phyllis Speedlin: https://w...
Can sexual trauma be healed?
Kimberly Souba is a writer, communications specialist, and former educator who taught for 15 years. Originally from Illinois, she now lives in Fargo, North Dakota, where she continues her work in communications, storytelling, and advocacy. Kimberly speaks openly about her journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse, parental abandonment, and seasons of deep struggle. Through those experiences, she eventually rediscovered and embraced her faith in Jesus and his Church, which became a central part of her healing.
SHOW NOTES:
Kimberly's website: www.ksouba.com
Kimberly's Podcast (Butterfly Girl): https://podcasts.apple.com/us...
What treasure did Stanley Rother, the first American martyr, leave his beloved Guatemalans?
Our guest today, Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, was born in Cuba and grew up in Puerto Rico.
She is a freelance writer and the author of several books, most notably, the award-winning, "The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma," and was recently named "Promoter of the Cause for Blessed Stanley Rother."
Maria and her husband, Michael, live in Oklahoma City and have four adult children and 15 grandchildren.
SHOW NOTES:
Maria's latest book, "The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma": https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Who-Didnt-Run-Oklahoma/dp...
Can holiness and secularism co-exist?
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...
How do our earthly fathers shape our views of our heavenly Father?
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.<...
What can C.S. Lewis teach us today?
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...
Why are so many young adults going 'no contact' toward their parents?
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.
<...Have our youth checked out of religion? A Jewish rabbi answers
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.
How do we get over grief?
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...
'Why God?' or 'Why, God?' An atheist and a Christian talk faith
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...
'My parents quit believing; now what?' A Gen-Z-er responds
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...
What is Advent, and why should I care?
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...
Who was Flannery O'Connor?
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...
Is 'dependency' a bad word?
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...
Who was Father Patrick Peyton?
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...
Is 'artificial procreation' misleading?
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...
Should men get a say in abortion?
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...
Does 'surrender' mean giving up?
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...
Can our temperament affect our holiness?
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...
What are Pope Leo's Peruvian friends like?
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.
<...How do you spell 'compassion?'
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...
Can a broken marriage be fixed?
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...
Can gardening bring God closer?
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:
Is there life after death?
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...
Can we change our gender?
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...
Does fidelity matter anymore?
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...
Was I born this way? One man's search for truth
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...
What was Pope Francis really like? His first U.S.-appointed bishop answers
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...
Can the deaf hear God?
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...
