This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley are joined by Andrea Von Kampen, a singer-songwriter and friend of the show. Hailing from Lincoln, Neb., Andrea discusses her new album, “Sister Moon.” (For those keeping track at home, yes, that is a St. Francis of Assisi reference.) Recorded at Union Pool in Brooklyn, N.Y., they share a wide-ranging conversation touching on spirituality, live music, the environment and more.

They discuss:

The spiritual and environmental influences on “Sister Moon”

How Andrea writes about important issues without being preachy

The joys and challenges of touring as a singer-songwriter, especially post-Covid

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the ins and outs of the recent synod meeting of parish priests at the Vatican. They also discuss a “home blessing challenge” in Cincinnati, then close out by talking about the Catholics who recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from a fellow Catholic, President Joe Biden.

Links from the Show

Sister Moon

Andrea Von Kampen's website

Parish priests had a synod meeting with the Vatican. But will they be included in October’s assembly?

Cincinnati priests compete to meet parishioners in home blessing challenge

Jesuit Father Gregory Boyle and Nancy Pelosi to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Francesco: A Pope Francis Documentary

What’s on tap?

Nine Pin Hard Cider

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This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley share their conversation with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on the role of a church in a polarized society. As the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., “the epicenter of division,” Cardinal Gregory has devoted himself to bringing people together across vast political and faith-based differences, lending profound insight (and humor!) to this live conversation, which was hosted by Georgetown University’s Catholic Social Thought and Public Life and Leadership Roundtable.

They discuss:

• Cardinal Gregory’s conversion as a boy and life as a priest
• Watching people come together through the synod, from diocesan meetings to the universal session in Rome
• The cardinal’s advice for young people who feel disengaged from politics

During Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by one of Jesuitical’s assistant producers, Delaney Coyne, to break down a recent debacle surrounding an A.I. priest. They cover the laicization of Catholic Answers’ “Father Justin” and discuss the kind of insights this technology can—and can’t—provide.

Want to advertise your school, ministry program, book or anything else on Jesuitical? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Links from the show

The real lesson behind the ‘Father Justin’ AI priest debacle.

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Few events inspire a media spectacle quite like the election of a pope. The white smoke, cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel, secret ballots and ancient rules—it’s catnip for secular and Catholic journalists alike. But how did these customs evolve—and how might they change in the future?

To find out, Zac and Ashley talk with Miles Pattenden, a historian, expert in the history of papal conclaves and the author of Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy, 1450-1700.

They discuss:

How the election of popes evolved from St. Peter to today

The role of the Holy Spirit—and politicking—inside conclaves

And whether the secrecy of conclaves can survive in a modern world that prizes transparency

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new Justice Department investigation into last year’s leaked F.B.I. memo about the potential domestic threat posed by “traditional Catholics.” Plus, in a talk about forgiveness, a Michigan bishop called on Catholics not to “hate” politicians like Joe Biden—and then called the president stupid. 

Want to advertise your school, ministry program, book or anything else on Jesuitical? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Links from the show:

No Bias Found in F.B.I. Report on Catholic Extremists

Biden ‘doesn't understand the Catholic faith,’ bishop says: ‘I’m not angry at him, he’s just stupid’

Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy, 1450-1700, by Miles Pattenden 

MilesPattenden.com

What’s on tap?

Amaro Spritz

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This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Megan Nix, the author of Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth. The memoir details Megan’s journey after her daughter, Anna, contracted a little-known but relatively common congenital disease, cytomegalovirus, or CMV, during Megan’s pregnancy.

They discuss: 

Megan’s experience of her daughter’s diagnosis and the lack of awareness and support surrounding CMV

The tension of loving Anna as she is and wanting to improve her quality of life

How St. Thomas Aquinas’s five remedies for sorrow helped Megan understand the joys and sorrows of raising a child with disabilities

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk about a recent proposal out of Baltimore that would cut the number of parishes from 61 to 21. They also cover an imposter priest wreaking havoc throughout the New York area and Pope Francis’ plans to reinstate Pope Benedict XVI’s former secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, as an apostolic nuncio.

What’s on tap?

A mojito (with fresh mint!)

Links from the show:

Baltimore archdiocese proposes cutting 61 parishes to 21 in the city

Imposter Priest Who Robbed Catholic Churches Nationwide Arrested in California

After public rift, Francis restores Benedict XVI’s former secretary to Vatican service

Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth

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This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Amir Hussain, a theology professor at Loyola Marymount University. Amir shares his insights about navigating life as a Muslim teaching theology at a Catholic university, prompting a conversation ranging from the imperative and blessings of interfaith dialogue to life without a cell phone.

They also cover:

Amir’s experience completing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

The history and diversity of Muslims in the United States

Finding common ground and sharing experiences with people of different faiths

In Signs of the Times, Jesuitical’s producer, Sebastian Gomes, and “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle join Ashley to break down “Dignitas Infinita,” the recent declaration from the Vatican covering issues surrounding human dignity like gender theory, human trafficking, surrogacy and more.

What’s on tap?

Boulevardier

Links from the show:

New Vatican doc ‘Dignitas Infinita’: What it says on gender theory, surrogacy, poverty and more

Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss Dignitas Infinita on “Inside the Vatican”

What meeting John Wooden taught a Muslim theologian about Jesuit education

Muslims and the Making of America

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On Aug. 19, 2014, the world watched in horror as the American journalist James Foley read a script prepared for him by ISIS terrorists, who filmed him from an unknown location in the Syrian desert. Mr. Foley, who had been in ISIS captivity for almost two years, was then beheaded by his captors. That is how Diane Foley learned that her son, who had been kidnapped in Libya on a previous reporting trip, would not be coming home this time.

In the new book, American Mother, Diane teams up with Colum McCann, an award-winning and international best-selling author, to tell her and her son’s story. Both authors join Zac and Ashley this week for a powerful conversation about grief, forgiveness and perseverance.

They discuss:

How Diane’s son James discovered his vocation as a journalist 

Why Diane decided to meet with one of her son’s killers 

How her Catholic faith sustained her through James’s years of captivity and after his death

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new book of interviews with Pope Francis, in which he discusses his relationship with Pope Benedict XVI and the conclave that elected him and his predecessor. Plus, Cardinal Wilton Gregory calls President Biden a “cafeteria Catholic” during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Easter Sunday, and the Society of Jesus releases a strongly worded statement on the war in Gaza.

Links from the show:

Pope Francis opens up about Benedict XVI, past conclaves and more in new book

Important U.S. cardinal says Biden is a ‘cafeteria Catholic’

‘We cannot be silent’: A statement from the Jesuits on Gaza

American Mother, by Colum McCann with Diane Foley

Bonus episodes available now through Patreon:

​​The quirky history of papal conclaves

Cardinal Gregory on young people, politics and becoming a listening church

Live show!

If you live in the Cincinnati area, you’re invited to join Zac, Ashley and Father Eric Sundrup (Jesuitical’s spiritual director) for a live show at Xavier University, on Tuesday, April 9, 6:30-7:30 pm. The event will be held in the Conatan Board Room in Schmidt Hall and will be followed by Mass. 

What’s on tap?

Cielo prosecco, a.k.a, Easter Bubbly

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Although “Jesuitical” is often recorded over drinks, longtime listeners know that the hosts abstain from alcohol during Lent, which means there’s no better time to welcome Derek Brown to the show. He’s an award-winning mixologist, the founder of Positive Damage Inc., and an expert on no- and low-alcohol cocktails and mindful drinking. Derek joins Zac and Ashley for an enlightening conversation about drinking, its place in our culture and evaluating its place in our lives.

They discuss: 

Derek’s journey from award-winning bartender to mindful drinking advocate—and how his faith informed that decision

Why it seems like so many people today are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol

Tips for taking a more mindful approach to drinking

Links from the Show

Confessions of a Catholic Bartender

Derek’s Positive Damage substack

What’s on tap?

Pinch hitters (0% ABV—it’s still Lent!)

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It’s an election year, and like it or not, the race is heating up, so “Jesuitical” went to Washington, D.C., to hear from an expert about the state of play. A long-time friend of the show, N.P.R.’s Scott Detrow, is the weekend host of “All Things Considered” and a co-host of the podcasts “Consider This” and “Trump’s Trials,” N.P.R.’s weekly recap of the former president’s multiple court cases. He joins Zac and Ashley for a refreshing conversation about politics and faith as we gear up for November’s election.

They discuss: 

Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who both recently clinched their respective parties’ nominations

The ethics of covering politics in today’s polarized climate

The role of religion in U.S. politics

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the diplomatic dust-up caused by the pope’s recent comments about the war in Ukraine before moving into a conversation about Francis’ 11th anniversary of his election, which was on March 13. The hosts talk about continued criticism of Pope Francis, as well as their own opinions about Francis’ papacy.

Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected].

March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome!

Links from the show:

After backlash, Vatican clarifies Pope Francis’ call for Ukraine to have ‘courage of the white flag’ 

Spanish bishop rebukes priests who joked about wishing pope goes to heaven soon

Attacking Pope Francis, anonymous cardinal seeks to curb the influence of his papacy

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The Oscars are this Sunday, so Zac and Ashley welcome John Dougherty, the moderator of America’s Catholic Movie Club, to unpack the state of play—and the Catholic themes—in some of this year’s Best Picture nominees. John, who is also the director of campus ministry at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, is an expert in finding God in all films. He guides the hosts through a fun-filled conversation on the best stories and performances of 2023.

John, Zac and Ashley discuss:

- How movies can help us to better understand ourselves and our culture

- Thoughts on Best Picture nominees like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and more (plus, Zac gives his pick for St. Ignatius Film of the Year)

- Predictions and hopes for this year’s Oscar winners

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent lawsuits against Catholic migrant shelters, Church Militant’s announcement that they will cease operations in April after losing a defamation lawsuit and Pope Francis’ announcement that he will wash the feet of inmates at a women’s prison on Holy Thursday. 

Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected].

March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome!

Links from the show: 

John Dougherty’s writing

The return of the Catholic Movie Club: Why going to the movies is a sacred act

Hard truths, Catholics and women in Hollywood: takeaways from this year’s Oscar noms

Catholic charities and religious freedom are under fire at the border

Church Militant will cease publication in April after losing defamation suit

Pope Francis to do Holy Thursday feet washing at women’s prison

Support Jesuitical on Patreon

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It’s the question every college senior dreads when they’re back home for Christmas break: What are you going to do after graduation? At a live recording of Jesuitical at Loyola University Chicago, Zac and Ashley talk with Paddy Gilger, S.J., about how students (and the rest of us) can use the tools of Ignatian discernment when making more life decisions.

They discuss:

• Whether college is a bubble—and if that is a good or bad thing
• How they saw God working in their lives as they made the leap from college to careers
• The importance of doing discernment in community

Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected].

March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD.

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This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley welcome Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. Meg’s memoir employs her journalistic skills to tell a tale of a Catholic family navigating mental illness. It serves as a great foundation for a profound, personal conversation about faith, tragedy, and trusting in an institution even when people in it have failed you.

They discuss:

• Meg’s family’s experience with mental illness and suicide
• The evolution of the church’s pastoral care for those impacted by suicide
• How community life can help us to have better conversations about mental health

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the recent news that the prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archives, Archbishop Sergio Pagano, is retiring—and dishing Vatican secrets on the way out. They then cover the recent controversy over the funeral of activist Cecilia Gentili, which was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York last week.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

What’s on tap?

Coffee—it’s still Lent!

Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected]

Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here.

March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD.

Links from the show:

• When my siblings died by suicide, the church failed us. Now, it’s finally listening.
• The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know.
• Cardinal Dolan on St. Pat’s funeral for transgender activist: ‘I think our cathedral acted extraordinarily well’

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