How can Catholics address the challenges of sexual addiction and pornography in a culture that often normalizes these behaviors?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Rachael Killackey, founder and executive of Magdala Ministries and author of Love in Recovery, to explore the complexities of sexual addiction, particularly among women. And how faith in God’s mercy offers guidance and a path to healing. They discuss the importance of integrating faith and compassion in the healing process, the benefit of support groups, the impact of early exposure to pornography, and the need to move beyond shame-based approaches to foster authentic recovery.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Magdala Ministries, which provides details about their programs for women's healing from sexual addiction, podcast episodes, speaker bookings, and support groups.
Love in Recovery: One Woman's Story of Breaking Free from Shame and Healing from Pornography Addiction by Rachael Killackey, published by Ave Maria Press
How does J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic faith infuse his tales with sacramental wonder and redemptive hope?
Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Ben Reinhard, professor of English at Franciscan University of Steubenville and author of The High Hallow: Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination, to uncover the liturgical foundations of The Lord of the Rings. During their conversation, they also discuss the fairy-story mindset as a gateway to an enchanted, Eucharistic worldview, the hobbits' Magnificat-like humility, and the dangers of false liturgies like the palantíri that tempt us toward idolatrous control.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)https://www.avemaria.edu/annunciation-circle/Ave Maria University website: https://www.avemaria.edu/Dr. Ben Reinhard's faculty page at Franciscan University of Steubenville, which includes details about his work and publications:https://shss.franciscan.edu/faculty/reinhard-dr-ben/Dr. Ben Reinhard’s book, The High Hallow: Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination, published by Emmaus Road Publishing:https://stpaulcenter.com/store/the-high-hallow-tolkiens-liturgical-imagination▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.
Have you ever wondered why Christmas carols move us so deeply?
In this special Christmas episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Host Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Daniel Lendman (Dean of Students and Theologian at Ave Maria University) to explore the profound theology hidden in our favorite Christmas hymns.From the soul-stirring power of “O Holy Night” to the triumphant joy of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” the quiet longing of “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and the timeless beauty of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” they unpack how these beloved songs proclaim the Incarnation, reveal our true dignity, and connect us to centuries of Catholic tradition.Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Welcome 02:15 – O Holy Night and the worth of the soul 12:40 – The divine night and ancient antiphons 20:30 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 35:10 – In the Bleak Midwinter & the world without Christmas 45:20 – O Come, All Ye Faithful (with Latin!) 55:00 – Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming & Mary’s role
How can C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity illuminate the truth of the Catholic faith for seekers and believers alike? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Andrew Swafford, professor of theology at Benedictine College and author of Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism in C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, to explore apologetics rooted in Lewis's trilemma on Jesus' divinity and his overall approach to showing that it is reasonable to believe in the Christian faith. During their conversation, they also discuss the philosophical case for God's existence, human uniqueness, Jesus' resurrection, and much more.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Dr. Andrew Swafford’s faculty profile at Benedictine College
The Swaffords’ personal website, which includes details about Dr. Andrew Swafford's speaking engagements and resources on theology, marriage, and family
Check out Dr. Andrew Swafford’s new book, Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, published by Ave Maria Press
How can Catholics address the ethical dilemmas in modern medicine and public health policy?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a Catholic psychiatrist and former professor, to discuss his experiences challenging unethical medical mandates and his new book, Making the Cut: How to Heal Modern Medicine. They exploreKheriaty’s legal battles against university vaccine mandates, his advocacy for informed consent, and the broader issue of government censorship in public health.
Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Dr. Aaron Kheriaty’s personal website, which includes details about his biography, books, articles, and public speaking engagements.
Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), where Dr. Aaron Kheriaty serves as Director of the Bioethics, Technology, and Human Flourishing Program.
Discover Dr. Aaron Kheriaty on Amazon,including his book, Making the Cut: How to Heal ModernMedicine
In this special live episode of The Catholic Theology Show,
Host Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes guests Kara Johnson, John Mortensen, and Beth Mortensen before a student audience at Ave Maria University to discuss integrating the intellectual life with family life.
Drawing heavily from A.G. Sertillanges’s classic 1920 work,
The Intellectual Life, the panel shares personal experiences and practical wisdom. Kara Johnson, a theology professor and mother of a young son, describes how family suffering and joy have deepened her theological work. John and Beth Mortensen, parents of nine who both hold doctorates in theology, recount finishing dissertations amid pregnancies and bed rest, job instability that pushed John back into software development, and discovering that married life is a “preschool for the perfection of charity.”
The conversation explores how children “bring you back to the real,” why love (of God, truth, spouse, and children) is the true unifying principle of life, and how the intellectual life is not reserved for academics but can be explored in the home.
By giving their personal testimonies of how they live out the intellectual life in their own homes, they prove that living out the intellectual life is achievable for everyone.
Resources:
Relevant Websites and resources: The Aquinas Institute (organization John Mortensen serves as President, focused on publishing St. Thomas Aquinas's works in Latin-English editions): https://www.aquinasinstitute.org/
Understanding St. Thomas on Analogy (John Mortensen's doctoral dissertation in philosophy, winner of the 2009 Prize of the Pontifical Academies): https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Thomas-Analogy-John-Mortensen/dp/1449977677
Prayer in the Family (co-authored with Beth Mortensen, under pen names John and Beth Viatori; a guide to family spirituality): Available via Catholic Truth Society or search on https://www.amazon.com (ISBN: 9780852312435)
How can Catholics understand the sacraments through Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore Aquinas’s treatment of the sacraments in the third part of the Summa.
They discuss how the sacraments, as efficacious signs instituted by Christ, extend His redemptive work by addressing both the guilt and disorder of sin, drawing believers into deeper intimacy with God through grace.
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community):
https://www.avemaria.edu/annunciation-circle/
Ave Maria University website: https://www.avemaria.edu/
Dr. Roger Nutt’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:
https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/roger-nutt-s-t-l-s-t-d
General Principles of Sacramental Theology by Dr. Roger Nutt, published by Catholic University of America Press:
https://www.cuapress.org/9780813229386/general-principles-of-sacramental-theology/
The Sacraments w/Dr. Roger Nutt | Ep. 56
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ysMkOp2ksgelbHgNrlFET?si=9XvTh6bbSC2KwCJkF5FH-A
The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI w/ Dr. Roger Nutt | Ep. 15
https://open.spotify.com/episode/46oP4ofRybS9wyvFQNy1sK?si=8-JrXeAnSG2hzxAaaw_lGQ
▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.
How can Catholics deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ through Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Father Guy Mansini, a Benedictine priest and the Max Seckler Professor of Catholic Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore the Christology of the Summa’s third part. They discuss how Aquinas presents Christ as true God and true man, situating His identity and work within the framework of God’s creation and human redemption.
Fr. Guy Mansini’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:
https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/fr-guy-mansini-s-t-d
The Moral Life in the Summa Theologiae w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | The Summa for Beginners Pt.3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fvg7ZnxpUoaFqLXQOtPRS?si=s5pLuCdXQuKo1q-lW_bB9Q
The Development of Doctrine in Catholic Theology w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep.113: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fvg7ZnxpUoaFqLXQOtPRS?si=nJ7m2M_9QXSP9bC2rSPtlA
What is Fundamental Theology? w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 54: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nnBF8d1VkQbUpDmat13LE?si=pbWuiH2zSLSmuX-fYT3kqQ
Why Should We Care About Ecclesiology? w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 13: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7II8REa2TCjrmJjidDec2Y?si=K1rVMk_ASeu20YU21fByXw
How can Catholics understand the moral life within the framework of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae? Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. Romanus Cessario, a Dominican priest and the Adam Cardinal Maida Professor of Catholic Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore the moral theology presented in the second part of the Summa. They discuss how Aquinas situates moral theology between God’s creation and Christ’s redemption, emphasizing the pursuit of beatitude, the role of natural law as an imprint of divine providence, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Fr. Romanus Cessario’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/fr-romanus-cessario-s-t-dExploring God and Creation in the Summa Theologiae w/ Dr. Daniel Lendman | The Summa for Beginners Pt. 2:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vsITzmSp9MXQcUC6sRail?si=-BF5BMtOR0yqpf5OC4gNUg&nd=1&dlsi=7410abd9cdc24c1aA Foretaste of Future Glory w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | Ep. 63:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vsITzmSp9MXQcUC6sRail?si=-BF5BMtOR0yqpf5OC4gNUg&nd=1&dlsi=05d8428a7d154abcWhat is Truth? w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | Ep. 18:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HEV7O8aEuvTbJVHwSCt1N?si=wL0KuBzNROm1_gKpJXbhyA&nd=1&dlsi=610c05c8031543a1
How can Catholics deepen their understanding of God and His creation through the lens of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Daniel Lendman, a professor of theology and dean of students at Ave Maria University, to discuss the first part of the Summa Theologiae. They explore Aquinas’s approach to God’s existence, divine simplicity, providence, predestination, and the Trinity, emphasizing how these teachings reveal God as the creator who lovingly draws all creation to Himself. Dr. Daniel Lendman’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/daniel-lendman-ph-dDr. Daniel Lendman on The Sacra Doctrina Project website, which details his publications:https://www.sacradoctrinaproject.org/daniellendmanPrevious Episodes with Dr. Lendman:How to Read Romans as a Catholic with Dr. Daniel Lendman | Ep. 70https://youtu.be/e5H-N08mjeA
How can Catholics approach the study of theology through the lens of Saint Thomas Aquinas?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican priest and professor of theology at the Dominican House of Studies, to explore the significance of Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae. Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. also shares insights from his book, The Summa Illuminated, which aims to make Aquinas’s complex work accessible by highlighting its comprehensive and contemplative approach to theology.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.’s profile at the Dominican House of Studies
The Summa Illuminated, by Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. published by Ave Maria Press and available for preorder
Fr Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.’s book, Catholic Theology: An Introduction, published by ECT Press
What does it mean to evangelize through theology in a world of bad ideas about God and deepening cultural crises?
To mark the third anniversary of The Catholic Theology Show, host Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes back his colleague and frequent guest, Dr. Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University. Together, they reflect on the podcast's roots in St. John Paul II's vision for the New Evangelization and the dangers of flawed theology. They also discuss the show's growth, episode planning inspired by great books and classroom insights, and enduring lessons on surrendering to God's mercy amid personal and societal struggles.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Dr. Michael Dauphinais's faculty profile at Ave Maria University
Dr. Roger Nutt's faculty profile at Ave Maria University
Check out Dr Michael Dauphinais’s book, Knowing the Love of Christ, co-authored with Matthew Levering, from Notre Dame Press
How can Catholics engage with the mystery of God through reason and faith?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. James Brent, O.P., assistant professor of philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies. They explore how philosophy in the perennial tradition raises profound questions about God’s existence, His plan, the problem of evil, the human soul, life after death, and the pursuit of ultimate happiness, questions that are finally only answered by faith in God's revelation in Jesus Christ. They also discuss Fr. Brent's recent book The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Fr. James Brent’s profile at the Dominican House of Studies
Contemplata, a podcast hosted by Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr James Brent, O.P.’s new book, The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity, published by Pauline Books & Media
How does beauty guide Catholics toward God and shape their moral and spiritual lives?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach, a professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, to explore the profound role of beauty in faith. They discuss how beauty, as seen in nature, art, and moral goodness, serves as an accessible yet demanding path to God, reflecting His creative order.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
How can Catholics find meaning in suffering and grow closer to God through it?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Megan Hjelmstad, author of Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering, to explore the theological and practical dimensions of suffering. They discuss how suffering, often an obstacle to faith, can be transformed into a path toward redemption by uniting it with Christ’s cross. Hjelmstad shares her personal experiences with chronic illness, pregnancy loss, and dietary restrictions, illustrating how these challenges led her to a deeper understanding of redemptive suffering.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Find Megan Hjelmstad’s new book, Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering, published by Emmaus Road
How can we find authentic identity in an increasingly digital world?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Paul Vitz, Catholic psychologist and professor emeritus, to discuss his book, Analog Hunger in a Digital World: Confronting Today's Identity Crisis. They explore the tension between the analog experiences that ground human identity in reality and the digital world's tendency to disconnect us from our bodies, relationships, and God.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Dr. Paul Vitz's profile from the Catholic Education Resource Center
Find Dr. Paul Vitz on Amazon, including Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism
Dr Paul Vitz’s latest book Analog Hunger in a Digital World: Confronting Today’s Identity Crisis, published by St Augustine’s Press
How can Catholics faithfully approach the concept of miracles and prayer?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Anthony DeStefano, a Catholic author with over 30 books, to explore his latest work, The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking the Impossible. DeStefano shares practical, theologically sound steps for seeking divine intervention and reflects on his personal journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting the transformative power of prayer and Eucharistic adoration.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Discover Dr. Anthony DeStefano on Amazon, including his latest work, The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking the Impossible, published by Sophia Institute Press
What caused the crisis of faith in the Catholic Church following Vatican II?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Larry Chapp, a retired theology professor and founder of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm, to discuss the cultural and theological turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. Chapp shares his journey to starting the Catholic Worker Farm, inspired by Dorothy Day’s radical yet devout Catholicism, and underscores the importance of prayer and Scripture in renewing faith.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Discover the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm website
Discover Dr. Larry Chapp on Amazon, including his work, Confession of a Catholic Worker: Our Moment of Christian Witness
How can Catholics address the perceived conflict between faith and science to strengthen belief, especially among youth?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and a leading Catholic scholar, to discuss this critical issue. They discuss Fr. Spitzer’s mission through the Magis Center, including his book Father Spitzer’s Universe: Exploring Life’s Big Questions, which uses the Apostles' Creed to anchor Christian beliefs in scientific, philosophical, and historical evidence.
Resources:
Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)
Ave Maria University website
Find Fr Robert Spitzer on Amazon, which lists his books, including Fr. Spitzer’s Universe: Exploring Life’s Big Questions
Magis Center Store, another place to find Fr. Robert Spitzer’s books
Learn more about the Shroud of Turin
Why is governance essential for fostering Christian perfection and societal order?
Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Dr. Donald Prudlo, author of Governing Perfection and Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, to explore the necessity and value of governance in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts. They discuss how governance, rooted in the Christian tradition, balances individual dignity with the common good, drawing on historical examples like the Dominican Order and St. Francis of Assisi’s administrative challenges.
Resources: