Broadcast Times

  • Sunday @ 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
  • Saturday @ 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Award-winning novelist Bill Kassel interviews authors, reviewers, publishers, marketers, and other key figures in the world of Catholic communications. This engaging series is for readers, writers, and everyone who loves books and cherishes our freedom to proclaim the Christian message.

To find out more about Bill Kassel and his novel about the family of Jesus, “My Brother’s Keeper” — winner of the Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best adult fiction

Visit his website

Audio Archive

Episode 94 (Orsi, Antigua, Donaldson) (1) Fr. Michael Orsi discusses trying to raise awareness about child sex trafficking; (2) Liz Antigua describes her Good News Book Fair; (3) Dan Donaldson of the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance on living the Gospel at work. Episode 92 (Tucker, Armstrong) (1) Jeffrey Tucker of the Brownstone Institute explores how companies are pressured into promoting the “woke” agenda; (2) EWTN personality Patti Maguire Armstrong discusses appropriate children’s literature. Episode 91 (Bursch, Thomas) (1) John Bursch of Alliance Defending Freedom sounds the alarm about a Michigan bill that threatens free speech; (2) agriculture skills trainer Michael Thomas describes the growing Catholic Land Movement. Episode 90 (Michuta, Magruder) (1) Author and scripture scholar Gary Michuta talks about his new book, “The Gospel Truth: How We Can Know What Christ Taught”; (2) Catholic talk show host Chris Magruder describes her film on the spiritual reality of Mass, “The Veil Removed.” Episode 89 (Schneider, Kwasniewski) (1) Theology Professor Dan Schneider discusses his new book on spiritual warfare, “The Liber Christo Method”; (2) philosopher Peter Kwasniewski describes his book about liturgical music, “Good Music, Sacred Music, and Silence.” Episode 88 (Mering, Charles) (1) Noelle Mering of the Ethics and Public Policy Center explores the sexualization of teaching in public schools; (2) writer and editor Joshua Charles describes his new edition of a classic book on Free Masonry and the Antichrist. Episode 87 (Wightman, Stewart) (1) Librarian Rachel Wightman discusses her new book on sifting facts from misinformation, “Faith & Fake News”; (2) Chris Stewart of Casting Nets Ministries describes a program to train young Catholics for evangelization. Episode 86 (Almanzar, DiStefano) (1) Educator Jordan Almanzar describes the Catholic homeschooling programs provided by Kolbe Academy; (2) Michael DiStefano of Fidei Technology explains how online marketers exploit your personal communications data. Episode 86 (Almanzar, DiStefano) (1) Educator Jordan Almanzar describes the Catholic homeschooling programs provided by Kolbe Academy; (2) Michael DiStefano of Fidei Technology explains how online marketers exploit your personal communications data. Episode 85 (Vasquez, Morse) (1) Joseph Vasquez of the Media Research Center looks at media bias and how artificial intelligence is likely to make disinformation and censorship more extreme; (2) the Ruth Institute’s Jennifer Roback Morse discusses helping parents cope with our deteriorating moral culture. Episode 84 (Solomon, Guffey) (1) Award-winning journalist John Solomon talks about his new children’s book, “Hidden Headlines,” which alerts kids to the dangers of censorship; (2) Fr. David Guffey of Family Theater Productions explores the use of humor in presenting the Catholic Faith to young people. Episode 83 (Poplava, Donaldson) (1) Data analyst Terry Poplava examines survey results indicating why people leave or remain in the Catholic Church; (2) Dan Donaldson of the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance describes the upcoming online Heroic Men’s Summit. Episode 82 (Mercier, Astfalk, Stepanek) (1) Bryan Mercier of the Catholic Truth evangelism apostolate emphasizes the importance of answering young people’s questions about the Faith; (2) Carolyn Astfalk, president of the Catholic Writers Guild discusses her organization and its upcoming conference; (3) Joel Stepanek describes the 10th National Eucharistic Congress planned for 2024. Episode 81 (Feldstein, DeSantis, Nuzzo) (1) Jonathan Feldstein of the Genesis 123 Foundation shares his experience of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel; (2) Anne DeSantis on the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation’s planned Marian event; (3) vocalist Anna Nuzzo on music in worship. Episode 80 (Aungst, Walshe) (1) Insights into the struggle against pornography addiction from Dann Aungst, founder of the Road to Purity apostolate and author of “From One Addict to Another”; (2) Fr. Sebastian Walshe of Catholic Answers reflects on the beatitudes, as discussed in his new book, “Heart of the Gospel.” Episode 79 (Valentine, Foti) (1) Tommy Valentine of the activist group Catholic Vote describes the growing trend of violent attacks on parishes and other Church-related facilities; (2) graphic designer Anthony Foti offers advice on designing effective Catholic websites. Episode 78 (Jamison) (1) Retired communications professor Wes Jamison examines how activists are exploiting churches to promote the movement for “animal rights,” as laid out in his book, “What Would Jesus Really Eat?: The Biblical Case for Eating Meat.” Episode 77 (Terr, Cushman, Heil) (1) Aaron Terr of F.I.R.E. defends an online satirist charged with voter suppression over a humorous online meme; (2) educator Charlotte Cushman warns that “woke” activists are subverting Montessori education; (3) scholar John-Paul Heil discusses the responsibility of the Christian writer. Episode 76 (Lanier, Romero) (1) Attorney and author Mark Lanier discusses his new book comparing world faiths, “Religions on Trial”; (2) Catholic evangelist Jesse Romero warns about the disturbing growth of Satanism. Episode 75 (Feldstein, Condit) (1) Jonathan Feldstein of the Israel-based Genesis 123 Foundation talks about strengthening relations between Christians and Jews; (2) Joe Condit of the Catholic Speakers Organization urges men to attend the upcoming National Men’s Conference in Cincinnati. Episode 73 (Hungerman, Apollonia) (1) Notre Dame social scientist Daniel Hungerman discusses research that shows church attendance has a positive impact on mental health; (2) Catholic author Ruth Apollonia talks about her “Annabelle of Anchony” fantasy novels. Episode 72 (McCotter, Bootsma) (1) Former Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter warns of the spreading danger of “cancel culture”; (2) architect Eric Bootsma describes a Catholic urban village planned around a historic Detroit church. Episode 71 (Myers, Nolan) (1) Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries reflects on a survey suggesting most young people reject the idea that there is truth; (2) educator Jennifer Nolan describes a planned Catholic university based on a blending of science and faith. Episode 70 (Nalewajek, Miller) (1) Robert Nalewajek of CAPP-USA corrects misconceptions about Catholic Church teaching on social justice; (2) Troy Miller of National Religious Broadcasters warns about threats to free speech posed by the so-called Respect for Marriage Act. Episode 69 (Kengor, Novecosky) (1) Paul Kengor of Grove City College discusses his new book about Communist-to-Catholic convert, Bella Dodd; (2) writer Patrick Novecosky shares his experiences developing and promoting a book about Pope St. John Paul II. Episode 67 (Acevedo, Gundlach) (1) David Acevedo from the National Association of Scholars describes how NAS tracks free speech infringements on campuses; (2) Ann Gundlach talks about Embodied, her new magazine that helps Catholics understand Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Episode 66 (Jones, Plisky, Kassel) (1) Terry Jones of Issues & Insights examines a threat to freedom of speech on podcasts; (2) Dave Plisky of DeSales Media discusses a survey that shows Catholics are reluctant to talk about faith; (3) Bill Kassel shares his song, “I Believe.” Free Expression Episode 65 (Rigi, Gilmore) (1) Catholic activist Joe Rigi reflects on the first annual March for Catholics, an event intended as a public defense of the Faith; (2) Cathy Gilmore of Mater Media discusses “Buzzin’ About Cousins,” the latest in her “Tiny Virtue Heroes” children’s book series. Free Expression Episode Episode 64 (Chalk, Davignon, Jordan) (1) Journalist Casey Chalk discusses his book, “The Persecuted,” which documents the suffering of Christians in Muslim countries; (2) Sociologist Phil Davignon proposes that the reasons people leave the Church are different from what we usually assume; (3) Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies discusses an app that helps parents protect their kids from online predators and other dangers. Free Expression Episode 63 (Miller, Ingraffia, Kassel) (1) Pro-Life activist Monica Miller lays out the evils of Proposal 3, a ballot initiative that would legalize abortion in Michigan right up to birth, and open the door to sex-change procedures for children without parental consent; (2) singer-songwriter and music entrepreneur Burke Ingraffia, talks about the second annual Catholic Song Contest; (3) Bill Kassel offers a song of his own, which won the Best Country Gospel award in last year’s contest. Free Expression Episode 61 (London, Pinto) (1) Attorney Ron London, of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, warns about the legal consequences of online posting of video shot on government property; (2) author and entrepreneur Matt Pinto discusses a conference he’s organized on how electronic currency will impact churches, Catholic businesses, and individual believers. Free Expression Episode 60 (Stories Teach Values) (1) Motion picture devotee Analee McGraw explains how her organization, the Educational Guidance Institute, uses classic films to help young people understand moral principles; (2) Catholic scholar, author and blogger, Leila Lawlor discusses helping children develop their moral imaginations. Free Expression Episode 59 (Faith & Science, Poetry) (1) Stephen Meyer of the Discovery Institute looks at scientific evidence for the idea of an intentional creation of the universe; (2) Anthony Esolen of Magdalen College discusses his online journal, Word & Song, which explores music and poetry. Free Expression Episode 58 (Hillbilly Thomists, Missions) (1) Conversation with The Hillbilly Thomists, a group of Dominican priests who are trying to introduce Catholics to the joys of country gospel music; (2) Fr. Stephen McGraw discusses his mission work in the Dominican Republic. Free Expression Episode 57 (Brave Books, Bible Imagery) (1) Trent Talbot, CEO of Brave Books, discusses combating propaganda aimed at children through kids’ books; (2) Hillsdale College scripture scholar, Justin Jackson, explores understanding biblical imagery. Free Expression Episode 56 (2nd Vote, Disney Values) (1) Rebecca Hatfield and Bryant Haines describe how their screening organization, 2nd Vote, identifies corporations to avoid because of their support of morally objectionable causes; (2) educator Helen Freeh explores the distorted view of families and relationships propagated in Disney films, even when Walt Disney himself was producing them. Free Expression Episode 55 (Cantu, Schmeising, Ray) (1) Carlos Cantu of the Biblical History Center describes this Georgia museum and history park; (2) teacher Kevin Schmeising discusses his book, “A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History”; video producer and tour director Steve Ray explores the value of Catholic conferences and pilgrimages. Free Expression Episode 54 (Greenberg, Shepherd, Foubert) (1) Zachery Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education discusses speech restrictions at Catholic colleges and universities; (2) journalist Josh Shepherd looks at family-friendly alternatives to the major entertainment streaming services; (3) educator John Foubert offers advice on protecting kids from online pornography. Free Expression Episode 52 (Kirby, Gilmore) (1) Pastor and author Fr. Jeffrey Kirby discusses his new book about Catholic social doctrine, “Sanctify Them in Truth”; (2) Cathy Gilmore of the Catholic Marketing Network provides an advance peek at this summer’s “Momentum” trade show event. Free Expression Episode 51 (Orsi, Weidenkopf) (1) Pro-Life author and TV host Fr. Michael Orsi, sounds a warning cry about the Department of Homeland Security’s new Disinformation Governance Board, and the threat it poses to our First Amendment rights; (2) Church historian Steve Weidenkopf discusses his book, “Light from Darkness,” which recounts how Catholicism emerged from various historic crises strengthened. Free Expression, Episode 50 (1) Janet Morana, Executive Director of Priests for Life, discusses her new book, “Everything You Need to Know About Abortion — For Teens”: John Zmirak, Senior Editor for the ecumenical online journal, The Stream, reflects on the 50th anniversary of a moral classic of modern cinema: “The Godfather.” Free Expression Episode 41 (Vermeulen, Rigi, Constabile), Monday Encores, April 25th 2022 (1) Colleen Vermeulen, from the Catholic Bible School of Michigan, describes CBSM’s adult Scripture literacy program; (2) evangelist Joe Rigi talks about Our Warpath, an intense movement of spiritual commitment among young adult Catholics; (3) TV producer Mario Canstabile discusses uplifting entertainment options available through his media apostolate, Array of Hope. Free Expression Episode 49 (Smith, White), April 23rd, April 24th 2022 (1) Theologian and philosopher Janet Smith examines the common resistance to preaching about difficult moral issues; (2) Rich White of the advisory website, “Writer Beware,” on how to identify writing contests that are worthwhile, and avoid those that are just author scams. Free Expression Episode 48 (Katz, Vilbig), April 9th, April 10th 2022 (1) Princeton University Professor Joshua Katz explores his proposal for a special program to sharpen students’ command of the English language; (2) attorney Fred Vilbig discusses his book on Catholic instruction, “Leave No Soul Behind.” Free Expression, Episode 36, Monday Encores, April 4th 2022 (1) Deacon Tom Loewe co-host of the Ave Maria Radio show, “Notes From Above,” which explores the intersection between faith and music; (2) Catholic singer/songwriter Burke Ingraffia with an update on the new Catholic Song Contest; (3) retired physician Bud Vear on writing your life reflections for the benefit of the young. Free Expression, Episode 47 (Dacus, Hecke), April 2nd, April 3rd 2022 (1) Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Legal Institute, talks about litigation by his group in defense of First Amendment rights; (2) Catholic textbook publisher Michael Van Hecke discusses curriculum materials written from a distinctly Catholic perspective. Free Expression Episode 41 (Vermeulen, Rigi, Constabile), Monday Encores, March 28th 2022 (1) Colleen Vermeulen, from the Catholic Bible School of Michigan, describes CBSM’s adult Scripture literacy program; (2) evangelist Joe Rigi talks about Our Warpath, an intense movement of spiritual commitment among young adult Catholics; (3) TV producer Mario Canstabile discusses uplifting entertainment options available through his media apostolate, Array of Hope. Free Expression, Episode 46 (McCusker, Martin), March 26th, March 27th 2022 (1) Author/producer Paul McCusker of the Augustine Institute discusses his “Adventures of Nick and Sam” Catholic children’s book series; (2) Christian writer and marketing specialist Chris Martin offers advice on how to avoid manipulation by social networks. Free Expression, Episode 40 (Schadt, Larkin), Monday Encores, March 21st 2022 (1) Author Devin Schadt discusses his book on the calling of Christian men, “The Meaning and Mystery of Man”; (2) Stephanie Larkin of Red Penguin Books talks about publishing books to benefit charitable organizations or projects. Free Expression, Episode 45 (Grabowski, Ackoury), March 19th, March 20th 2022 (1) John Grabowski, Professor of Theology and Ethics at Catholic University of America, discusses his new book, “Unraveling Gender”; (2) Catholic singer-songwriter Nicole Ackoury offers her song, “Moved”; (3) media analyst Julie Mastrine explains how her organization, AllSides Media, categorizes news outlets according to ideological bias. Free Expression, Episode 31 (Michuta, Bartlett, Nuzzo), Monday Encore, March 14th 2022 (1) Catholic apologist Gary Michuta discusses his new book exploring our current moral confusion, “Revolt Against Reality”; (2) Julieanne Bartlett, founder of the marriage-promotion ministry, Passion of Hope, examines “prolonged singleness”; (3) an original musical casting of The Lord’s Prayer by singer-songwriter Anna Nuzzo. Free Expression, Episode 44 (Miller, Bergsma), March 12th, March 13th 2022 (1) Technology specialist Darnell Miller describes an innovative program based at the University of St. Thomas in Texas to help people use new media effectively in evangelization; (2) Professor John Bergsma of Franciscan University of Steubenville explores the links between early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Free Expression, Episode 43 (Merlino, Bajek), March 5th, March 6th 2022 (1) Fr. Darren Merlino of Catholic Media Missionaries and host of “The Hound of Heaven” online video series, talks about devout Catholics in the entertainment industry; (2) Ed Bajek of Bajek Publisher Services discusses the challenges of marketing independently published books. Free Expression, Episode 38 (Pauley, Lauer),  Monday Encore,  February 28th 2022 (1) Camille Pauley of South Dakota-based Healing the Culture talks about communicating a strong, supportive message about the Pro-Life cause; (2) author Amanda Lauer explores writing novels that are provocative yet consistent with moral values. Free Expression, Episode 42 (Philbin, Mahoney), February 26th, February 27th 2022 (1) Matt Philbin of the Media Research Center discusses hostility to traditional religion among people in the major media; (2) “Isn’t It a Miracle,” a selection from Bill Kassel’s 2006 album, “On This Mountain”; (3) Stephanie Mahoney of Our Sunday Visitor describes the OSV Challenge and its promotion of innovative ideas for faith communication and Catholic entrepreneurship. Free Expression Episode 30, Monday Encore, February 21st, 2022 (1) Scholar James Patrick on his multi-part work, “The Making of the Christian Mind”; (2) Catholic songwriter Nicole Ackoury sings her song, “Real Presence”; (3) entrepreneur Calvin Lowry explains how his cross-shaped Passion Pen supports a charitable effort. Free Expression Episode 41 (Vermeulen, Rigi, Constabile), February 19th, February 20th 2022 (1) Colleen Vermeulen, from the Catholic Bible School of Michigan, describes CBSM’s adult Scripture literacy program; (2) evangelist Joe Rigi talks about Our Warpath, an intense movement of spiritual commitment among young adult Catholics; (3) TV producer Mario Canstabile discusses uplifting entertainment options available through his media apostolate, Array of Hope. Free Expression, Episode 40 (Schadt, Larkin) (1) Author Devin Schadt discusses his book on the calling of Christian men, “The Meaning and Mystery of Man”; (2) Stephanie Larkin of Red Penguin Books talks about publishing books to benefit charitable organizations or projects. Free Expression, Episode 39, February 5th, February 6th 2022 (1) Noelle Mering of the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses her book on anti-religious culture, “Awake, Not Woke”; (2) communications specialist Emma Ayers explores the challenges faced by alternative networks trying to gain a foothold on the social media scene. Free Expression, Episode 38 (Pauley, Lauer), January 29th, January 30th 2022 (1) Camille Pauley of South Dakota-based Healing the Culture talks about communicating a strong, supportive message about the Pro-Life cause; (2) author Amanda Lauer explores writing novels that are provocative yet consistent with moral values. Free Expression Episode 17 (Bursch, Thietten, Lebish), Monday Encores, January 24th 2022 (1) John Bursch of Alliance Defending Freedom on important Supreme Court wins for campus evangelization; (2) Catholic vocalist Jaime Thietten sings “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”; (3) Daniel Lebish of the Bookboro author-support website. Free Expression Episode 37 (Pack, Ingold), January 22nd, January 23rd 2022 (1) Independent filmmaker Michael Pack on how his documentary about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has faced “Cancel Culture”; counselors Matt and Erin Ingold discuss Catholic Life Coaching. Free Expression Episode 16, Monday Encore, January 17th (1) Writer/consultant Aaron Renn on the need to build alternative online networks and platforms to circumvent “Big-Tech” censorship; (2) Cathy Gilmore of the Catholic Marketing Network discusses this summer’s “Momentum” industry event for Catholic apostolates, bookstore operators, and producers of religious items. Episode 5, Encore, January 15th, January 16th 2022 (1) Cultural activist Mark Evans discusses the importance of preserving our literary and musical heritage; (2) Doug Shumard, founder of Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, reflects on bringing Catholic radio to south-central Michigan, and discusses his book, “Forever Thirteen,” about how faith was tested by a family tragedy. Free Expression Episode 30, Monday Encore, January 10th 2022 (1) Scholar James Patrick on his multi-part work, “The Making of the Christian Mind”; (2) Catholic songwriter Nicole Ackoury sings her song, “Real Presence”; (3) entrepreneur Calvin Lowry explains how his cross-shaped Passion Pen supports a charitable effort. Free Expression Episode 4, Encore, January 8th, January 9th 2022 (1) Joseph Pearce, editor of St, Austin Review, explores prospects for a Catholic literary revival; (2) Author and publisher Ellen Gable discusses “The Lion’s Heart,” a novel examining the human side of sexuality conflict, by Georgia-based Catholic author Dena Hunt; (3) Greg McLogan, son of the late independent Catholic writer Russell McLogan, discusses “Boy Solder,” his father’s book on experiencing World War II as a young man. Free Expression Episode 16, Monday Encore, January 3rd 2022 (1) Writer/consultant Aaron Renn on the need to build alternative online networks and platforms to circumvent “Big-Tech” censorship; (2) Cathy Gilmore of the Catholic Marketing Network discusses this summer’s “Momentum” industry event for Catholic apostolates, bookstore operators, and producers of religious items. Free Expression, Episode 36, January 1st, January 2nd 2022 (1) Deacon Tom Loewe co-host of the Ave Maria Radio show, “Notes From Above,” which explores the intersection between faith and music; (2) Catholic singer/songwriter Burke Ingraffia with an update on the new Catholic Song Contest; (3) retired physician Bud Vear on writing your life reflections for the benefit of the young.