The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
The West Texas Catholic Audio Edition - your favorite Catholic diocesan news outlet - is moving from radio to podcast! With your favorite host Chris Albracht, "The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast" shares interviews with Catholics, as well as local Catholic news, throughout the panhandle.
The Sound of a Century
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
When a mountain climber moves to Amarillo, what wins him over? “Mountains in reverse.” 🏜️ Dr. Greg Onofrio of St. Mary’s Cathedral shares how Palo Duro Canyon helped shape his love for the Diocese of Amarillo, plus the behind-the-scenes story of the Centennial hymn “Gladly I Adore.” From a last-minute “theme song” request to a prayer-filled spark of inspiration, he walks through what it takes to compose for a 100-year celebration. Add in a choir without walls, an orchestra on the arena floor, and a Mass in a hockey arena — and you get a once-in-a-c...
Thor, Chess & Evangelization
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
From Texas to SoCal, from video games to evangelization, and from sarcasm to spiritual growth...Judah “Thor” Asbill’s NET Ministries journey was anything but ordinary. ⚡ On this episode, Judah shares how a simple nudge from mom, a little inspiration from Father Mike Schmitz, and nine months with NET Ministries took him from Texas to Southern California. Between beach days, limited phone time, host homes, and hundreds of chess matches, he discovered healing, friendship, deeper prayer, and maybe a few unexpected life checkmates. ♟️
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Youth Retreat, But Make It Catholic
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
School stress, sports schedules, endless scrolling...summer can still feel loud. But one hour in Adoration and a blank sheet of paper helped spark "Behold: Agnus Dei". ✍️ Ruben Denson shares how scratched-out notes and prayer in the silence of the chapel became a Christ-centered youth retreat designed to help teens unplug from the noise, encounter Christ, and still have an absolute blast doing it. Built around healing, community, prayer, and fun, Behold Agnus Dei is more than just another summer event packed with hype and energy — it’s an intentional invitation to slow...
The Totus Tuus Effect
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
From camper to coordinator — and even finding her husband along the way?! 👀 Mallory’s full-circle Totus Tuus journey proves this summer program is more than just games and snacks...it’s faith, friendships, and maybe even future vocations. Totus Tuus is forming future saints, seminarians, and strong Catholic friendships across the Panhandle. Parents, you might want to sign your kids up ASAP...if you thought Vacation Bible School couldn’t change your life, think again. The missionaries are packing their bags, the parishes are getting ready, and the fun is about to begin! 😄...
Sold the House, Packed the Truck, Followed God
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Engineering ➡️ Psychology ➡️ Teacher ➡️ Priest?! Talk about a vocational plot twist. He quit the job...sold the house...packed everything into a pickup truck. No big deal, right? Father Ryan Winger’s story takes more turns than a West Texas highway, but every detour led him closer to where God was calling him. He shares how discernment isn’t one big decision...it’s a series of small, faithful “yeses” that slowly reveal God’s plan. From dodging the idea of priesthood to fully embracing it, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and the kind of...
The Deacon Discernment Playbook
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
What does it take to become a deacon? Apparently about 5½ years, 1,200 hours, and a whole lot of grace. Deacon Brian Lewis joins us to break down the journey to the permanent diaconate — vocations, formation, and why the Diocese of Amarillo is fishing for the next class of servant-leaders. Oh!...and making sure your wife signs the paperwork! 😅 Spoiler Alert: the nets are ready...now we just need the fishermen. 🎣
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Learn more about Becoming a Deacon: https://amarillodiocese.org/diaco...
Mercy: God’s Favorite Plot Twist
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Need a clean slate? We’ve got mercy for that. 🙏 In this episode, we unpack Divine Mercy Sunday, the life and mission of Saint Faustina, and why God never stops inviting us back...no matter how far we think we’ve gone. It’s a powerful mix of real stories and practical faith. Whether you’re all in or still figuring things out, this conversation brings clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that grace always has the final word — and that confession isn’t something to fear...it’s a gift. Plot twist: God’s merc...
The Catholic Cupid Experiment
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
What happens when faith meets speed dating? You get one of the most unique Catholic events we’ve ever talked about. 💘 In this episode we explore the Diocese of Amarillo’s Catholic Speed Dating night...where young adults gather for quick conversations, meaningful connections, and maybe even the start of a vocation to marriage. Four minutes. One conversation. Possibly a future spouse. 💍 It’s faith, friendship, and just enough nerves to keep things interesting. 😇
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Home is Where the (Sacred) Heart Is
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Move over, celebrity sightings...this is a Sacred Heart sighting! ❤️ Duane and Theresa are popping up in parishes everywhere, helping families put Christ at the heart of their homes and spreading devotion that’s anything but half-hearted. But wherever they go, they’re on fire for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 🔥 In this episode, Duane and Theresa talk First Fridays, 12 powerful promises, and why enthroning your home might be the best "heart upgrade" you'll ever make. Warning: Sacred Heart enthusiasm may be contagious. ❤️🔥
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From Student to Shepherd
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Consider this a Catholic comeback tour. Former WTAMU student, and CAPN intern, Ruben Denson has officially been paroled from college and promoted to youth minister...trading finals for formation and dorm life for discipleship. From graduation whiplash to lighting fires for Christ, this reunion episode proves that the only thing stronger than West Texas winds is youthful zeal for Jesus. 🎓🔥
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Learn more about Youth Ministry in our Diocese: https://amarillodiocese.org/youth
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Holy Cross Robots: Built to Compete. Wired to Care.
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Beep boop bop? Nah...try sweat, strategy, and teamwork. 🤖💡 Holy Cross robotics crew — Abigail Walters, Kaitlin Dawes, & Coach Cassy Summerlin — prove competition isn’t about crushing rivals, but building each other up...sometimes literally. No AI here — just brains, bolts, and STEM with a whole lot of heart (and a little adrenaline). Warning: listening may cause a sudden urge to build a robot...or at least cheer one on. 😎
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Learn more about Holy Cross Robotics: https://holycrossama.org
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Family Life Without the Training Wheels
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
She’s new, she’s fearless, and she hasn’t run for the hills...yet! 😄 From Panhandle roots and small-town faith to big-time grace, meet Karlynn Hochstein, our new Family Life Director, as she shares her journey of faith, family, and trusting God through life’s biggest surprises. Equal parts laughter, testimony, and holy reminders that God’s always working the long game. 🎙️✨
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Learn more about Family Life: https://amarillodiocese.org/life
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The 2025 Catholic Mega-Mix
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Why choose one episode when you can have all 26? This holy mega-drop brings every conversation, calling, and caffeinated insight from 2025 into one blessed bundle. Think of this as the Catholic podcast equivalent of a yearbook, a highlight reel, and a potluck where everyone actually brought something good. Press play and relive the laughs, the wisdom, and the moments that made this year worth listening to. Happy 2026 from CAPN!
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
They may look like Santa, but their inspiration comes straight from St. Nicholas himself. Beneath the beard and bells is a calling rooted in love, service, and faith. In this heartfelt conversation, two men reveal how the red suit opens doors to faith, healing, and hope — sometimes when it’s needed most. These two St. Nicks talk about why the magic of Christmas isn’t found in presents, but in presence...especially for children who just need to feel seen. This festive finale for 2025 is a reminder that Christmas joy multiplies when i...
You’ve Been Deacon’d
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Ever wonder how someone goes from pew-sitter to deacon? From unexpected grace to unmistakable signs, tune in as one experienced deacon and two newly ‘ordained and ready to serve’ gents reveal the nudges, surprises, and divine ‘plot twists’ that proved God knows exactly how to write a vocation story. This episode proves the diaconate isn’t just a vocation...it’s a deacon-struction of expectations. 😇🎙️ It’s a triple deacon threat on episode 25! 👀
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Learn more about the Diocesan Diaconate Progra...
Autism: Love in Motion
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
What do you get when an aspiring X-Games daredevil, a chemistry boss who never sleeps, and a mission for autism care walk into a podcast? Episode 24. The Doctors Yarbrough join us to talk skateboards, saints, and their incredible work building Elizabeth Ruth’s Home...a non-profit aimed at providing love and support for the aging autistic. And yes...Temple Grandin is literally rolling into Canyon for their December fundraiser. No pressure.
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Learn more about Elizabeth Ruth's Home: ht...
Color Me Catholic: The Umbarger Mural Story
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
In this episode, we chat with Michaela Wegman — a proud Umbarger native and art historian proving that the Texas Panhandle is anything but a blank canvas. Discover how Italian POWs, a small-town parish, and a dash of divine inspiration painted one of West Texas’ most unexpected masterpieces. Turns out, even prisoners of war knew how to make a holy mural out of hardship. From brushes to blessings, this episode of the WTC proves beauty can draw us together...one holy wall at a time!
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Holy Siblings, Batman!
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Ordaining one deacon? Great. Getting two brothers from the same family? That’s divine efficiency! Meet Dwayne and Dr. Kevin, the Rickwartz duo — proof that when God calls, He sometimes hits redial. From laundromats to liturgy, their path to the diaconate is twice the calling and double the grace...all while running a Catholic superstore! Tune in for faith, family, and a crash course in how God’s business plan always pays in grace.
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Learn more about the Di...
The End of Peek-A-Boo Jesus
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
From “peek-a-boo Jesus” to 24/7 devotion, St. Thomas’ Adoration Chapel never sleeps — even when Amarillo’s wind tries to blow it away. Simon and Jeff have weathered wind, floods, and 2 a.m. alarms, all for the love of the Lord. Meet the men keeping Amarillo’s only 24/7 Adoration Chapel shining brighter than a Panhandle sunrise...and discover why Adoration at St. Thomas is the best hour you'll spend all week!
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Learn more about Adoration at St. Thomas: https://amarillo.chu...
A Perry Mason Prodigy
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Lawyers don’t usually admit nerves, but Carlos Cárdenas isn’t your usual lawyer. Inspired by Perry Mason, guided by faith, and now sharing his story of 45 years as a trial lawyer, Carlos knows what it means to seek justice. He still gets nervous before every case, but his faith and calling keep him steady. Catch him on this week's episode before he takes the stand as the keynote at this year's Red Mass, bringing wisdom from the courtroom to the pews. Perry Mason might’ve sparked it, but faith kept hi...
From Golden State to God's Country
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Ruben Denson rode the tide of faith all the way from the California coast to WTAMU’s Catholic Student Center, where faith runs deeper than the plains. He shares how Christ called him to saddle up in Texas and ride with the Spirit. Faith this strong?...you can’t buff-er it away. 🦬 Episode 019 dives into Ruben's journey of trading surf for service, sunshine for the Son, and finding God’s grace deep in the heart of Texas. 🤠✝️
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Welcome to Spiritual Arms: Five Minutes for the Battle! - Spiritual Arms: Five Minutes for the Battle
Start your day with five minutes of faith, reflection, and quiet strength. Hosted by a Knight of Columbus from the Diocese of Amarillo, this podcast offers brief spiritual reflections rooted in Catholic tradition.
Each episode will dive into biblical scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church to deepen your understanding.
With tangible examples of how to put the teachings into practice, we’ll help you ground your soul, lift your heart, and carry Christ into whatever the day brings.
For more information, go to https://stca...
Part 2: From Termination to Transformation
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
PART ONE: He once measured success in procedures — now it’s in heartbeats. Dr. John Bruchalski went from performing abortions to delivering life, swapping sterile clinics for sacred callings. With Jersey wit and a faith-fueled mission, he shares how God rewrote his story from ‘choice’ to chosen. A dose of Jersey grit, a prescription for mercy — this is one delivery you don’t want to miss.
*Content Warning: This episode includes a verbal account of a botched abortion and may not be suitable for young or sensitive audiences. Listener discretion a...
Part 1: From Termination to Transformation
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
PART ONE: He once measured success in procedures — now it’s in heartbeats. Dr. John Bruchalski went from performing abortions to delivering life, swapping sterile clinics for sacred callings. With Jersey wit and a faith-fueled mission, he shares how God rewrote his story from ‘choice’ to chosen. A dose of Jersey grit, a prescription for mercy — this is one delivery you don’t want to miss.
*Content Warning: This episode includes a verbal account of a botched abortion and may not be suitable for young or sensitive audiences. Listener discretion a...
New CAPN Podcasts Coming Soon!
Our podcast network is expanding...
With months of planning and preparation, we have some exciting news to share with the Diocese of Amarillo community!
Dropping Monday, September 8, 2025, "Spiritual Arms: Five Minutes for the Battle" will give you biblical reflections with practical application for your lives.
And dropping in January 2026, "The Introverted Apostle" will tackle the struggles introverts typically face when getting involved within your parish community.
Get excited and stay tuned!
Feeding the 5000...in Randall County
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Not all heroes wear aprons, but Glenn Backus might. He quit international travel and corporate life to kale it at the Market on Tierra Blanca — because nothing says retirement like building a "food pantry" from the ground up! After selling his business, Glenn answered a higher calling that led to the only food pantry in Randall County. Join us for a fun-filled chat about faith, family, and fighting food insecurity one lettuce leaf at a time. Trust us, this episode’s so good it’ll have you saying, “That’s un-beet-able!” 🥬😆
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Facing Abortion, Finding Grace
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
She almost canceled the delivery — now she’s throwing baby showers for hundreds. 🍼👶 Monica Sullivan shares how an unexpected hug, a powerful prayer, and a whole lot of love led her from a crisis pregnancy to founding Joseph’s Project, now serving 3,000+ families in the Texas Panhandle who are choosing life, love, and a brighter future. One “Yes” CAN change everything! 💕📦
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Learn more about Joseph's Project: https://cctxp.org/programs/josephs-project
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P.O. Box Full of Grace: When God Writes the Address
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
She searched every church, played every stage, asked every question...until a nun at the post office changed everything. 🎶📬 Hear how Sister Elizabeth Ann’s journey from Protestant praise to Catholic vows proves God shows up — even when you don’t have a package to mail.
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Learn more about Prayer Town: https://disciplesofthelordjesuschrist.org
#CAPN #Podcast #CarloAcutis #WestTexasCatholic #DioceseOfAmarillo #JesusChrist #Catholic #Catholicism #CatholicChurch #RomanCatholic #TexasCatholic #ReligiousLife #PrayerTown #Vocations #Faith #Amarillo #USPS #IndependenceDay
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Die For The World
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
From the hills of Tanzania to the plains of Amarillo, Father Avitus Siriwa has followed God's call across borders, languages, and climates (he still hasn’t forgiven Pennsylvania for the snow). Now, 25 years after saying “yes” to the priesthood, he's sharing stories that are as moving as they are mileage-heavy. Join us for lucky Episode 013 as Fr. Avitus reflects on 25 years of priesthood, missionary life, snow-shock in the Bronx, and saying "yes" to God in six countries and two hemispheres.
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Educating for Eternity
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
From grading papers to growing disciples, Kerry Acker — former English teacher turned DRE at St. Thomas the Apostle parish — shares her leap of faith, her dad’s epic unicycle library legacy, and the beautiful chaos of raising four kids and raising up the next generation of Catholics. Plus, she invites all parishes to a wonderful OCIA workshop opportunity that you don't want to miss! WARNING: This episode may cause spontaneous spiritual inspiration and a deep desire to attend the OCIA workshop.
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Join the Knight Shift: Catholic Men on Duty
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Join us as we dive deep with Navy vet–turned–Knights of Columbus Diocesan Deputy, Joe LaFuente, whose story spans 43 countries, 6+ languages, and enough awards to sink a battleship. Whether riding submarines or riding high with State honors, Joe proves that real men don’t just serve — they Knight! It’s faith, service, and a side of sailor stories on this week's episode...all anchored in Christ. ⚓✝️
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Learn more about the Knights of Columbus: https://kofc.org/join
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Divinely Expelled, Righteously Promoted
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Retirement? Nah. God had other plans. Meet Kim Lackey and Craig Logan — two principals who thought they were done with school...until God called them to trade retirement plans for lesson plans. Kim Lackey swapped whistle-blowing for soul-growing and is "all-in" (and not just in poker), while Craig Logan went from high school dropout to walking the stage decades later — diploma in one hand, rosary in the other. Their stories are proof that God’s timing is wild, His plans are better, and retirement is...negotiable. Pack a lunch — because sometimes, the bell...
Friends in Low Places
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Meet Deacon Darryl Dixon — former Hastings legend turned holy hustler — who’s taking Kolbe Prison Ministry by storm in Amarillo. From corporate office cubicles to cell-block sermons, this deacon’s journey is as Texan as a tumbleweed in a tornado. Come for the Garth Brooks name drop, stay for the heartstring-tugging stories from behind bars. Yeehaw and amen!
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Learn more about Kolbe Prison Ministries: https://kolbeprisonministries.org
Learn more about "Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality": https...
From Tuffet to the Top of the Serra Club
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
We’re keeping it Serra-real in this episode with Muff London Bichsel...president of the Serra Club of Amarillo (not to be confused with hiking and hugging trees). Muff shares how she went from “Little Miss Muffet” to leading a club that’s MASS-ively committed to supporting vocations. From road trip rosaries to pew politics, it’s a holy blend of heart, humor, and highway-speed holiness.
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Learn more about "Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality": https://carloacutisfilm.com
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A Hole-in-One for St. Joseph's School
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
We’re teeing up another faith-filled episode of "The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast"! ⛪⛳ Join St. Joseph’s principal Angi Seidenberger and alum-turned-supermom Jordan Herrera as we putt our way through Catholic education, family life, and a golf fundraiser that’s well above par. Plus, hear how a chainsaw mishap turned into an unexpected lesson in faith—talk about cutting it close! Don’t miss this episode...because in podcasting, as in golf, there are no mulligans! ⛳😄
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From Denver to Devotion: Finding the Sacred Heart in Amarillo
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Join Theresa & Duane Grove as they share their soul-stirring journey from the "Mile High City" to a higher calling in Amarillo. After years in the corporate grind, they’re now all about divine design — consecrating themselves and their home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and finding spiritual peace deep in the heart of Texas. And with the passionate guidance of Fr. Avitus Siriwa, the Sacred Heart Devotional Prayer Group at St. Mary’s Cathedral is growing faster than a Texas tumbleweed in a windstorm. Feeling the pull of the Sacred Heart...
Fish Fries & Faith: Hooked on the Sacraments
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
In this episode of the WTC: The Podcast, we're casting a wide net and reeling in some powerful topics! Sister Maria Elena Ferrer hooks us with details about the upcoming Faith Formation courses, the Rite of Election, and the beauty of witnessing adults getting confirmed. Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or just getting your feet wet, there's something to catch your attention. Don’t let this one slip through the cracks — tune in and join the faith-fueled catch of the day on CAPN!
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The Fast and Furious
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
College students, a priest, fundraisers, and fast cars... what do they all have in common? Father Alvin Tshuma is behind the wheel this week on CAPN, taking us for a ride through the WT Catholic Student Center's biggest fundraiser of the year. So, slip into your best formal wear, hop in your Aston Martin, and race toward St. Valentine's Day on this exciting episode of "The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast."
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Notre Dame Lost, Catholic Charities for the Win!
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
Not all of our favorite football teams can bring home the win, but Catholic Charities sure can! 🏆 Jeff Gulde from Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle joins CAPN to share how they’re tackling tough challenges and scoring big for our community. Want to know how YOU can get in the game? Tune in and pick your play — there’s a way for everyone to help!
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Help out Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle: https://www.cctxp.org
Rings, Rattles, & Rants
The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast
With Episode 001 behind us, you are now stuck with us! Episode 002 welcomes Adrian Johnson, Diocese of Amarillo's Director of Family Life, who shares about important family life retreats and events you don't wanna miss. Grab your headphones and your walking shoes...we’re marching for life, but you’re marching up to the fridge — grab some snacks and listen in!
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