Podcasts

Initially called “audio blogging,” podcasts date all the way back to the 1980s but really hit their stride during the pandemic.  The odd dualities of feeling intimate with the hosts yet being safely anonymous and of getting a deep dive into subjects yet taking it in whatever bite-size chunks are convenient, only add to the incredible appeal of being able to plug in while commuting to work, working out at the gym, or walking the dog.

Catholic podcasts offer us the ability to see current events threshed out from a faith perspective, learn about facets of our faith in the context of contemporary life, or find that group of kindred spirits who seem to “get us.”  Listening to them should enhance, educate, and deepen part of our spiritual life, but never be a distraction from prayer, a substitute for the sacraments, or a replacement to in-person connections.

FOR ALL...

Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz, produced by Ascension Presents, has been the most popular show on Apple’s podcast app.  It takes you on a 365-day journey through the entire Bible.  Each day features a 20-25 minute episode where Fr. Mike reads a passage from the Bible, shares a brief reflection, and guides you into a Lectio Divina meditation on the passage.

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast features faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Word on Fire Show podcast with Bishop Barron discusses all things faith and culture in a longer form, allowing listeners to dive deeper into pondering the topics discussed.

Poco a Poco is hosted by Fr. Innocent, Fr. Angelus and Fr. Mark-Mary, members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.  It offers “practical spirituality” little by little, step by step, poco a poco as we make our pilgrimage.

The Catholic Talk Show, hosted by Ryan DellaCrosse, Ryan Scheel, and Fr. Rich Pagano, is faithful, entertaining, and informative.

Ask Fr. Josh is hosted by Fr. Josh Johnson, pastor for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Louisiana, and the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.  In this podcast, he answers your questions about life, faith, morality, and relationships.

Glad You Asked, hosted by Emily Sanna and Rebecca Bratten Weiss, is a new podcast being launched in September 2022 based on U.S. Catholic's popular print column of the same name.  It explores some of the questions about Catholicism that don’t have obvious answers—questions that open doors to more in-depth discussion of Catholic history, tradition, and the development of teachings. 

Catholic Stuff You Should Know is hosted by Fr. John Nepil, Fr. Mike Rapp, Fr. Michael O’Loughlin, and Fr. Nathan Goebel.  They are proud to say they are normal guys who happen to be Catholic priests and their style is “consciously unprofessional.”

Godsplaining is hosted by Dominican Friars who tout themselves as contemplative preachers for a contemporary age.

Catholic Bytes is a podcast that offers short, dynamic talks about the faith for people who don't have time to sit down for an in-depth study of scripture, dogma, and Church history.  It features Fr. Greg Gerhart, Fr. Conrad Murphy, Fr. George Elliott, and Fr. Andrew Mattingly.

Catholic Feedback, hosted by former protestant pastor and Catholic convert Keith Nester, explores faith, life, and culture.

Children of Mary, hosted by Gabi Castillo, is based on the belief that the Virgin Mary wanted a podcast, so before every episode we ask for her guidance, ask for her presence, and do the best we can to talk about the topics that are important to her.

FOR YOUNG ADULTS...

The Crunch, hosted by Ethan and Patrick, is the number one Comedy/Spirituality podcast for Catholic Young Adults.

FOR WOMEN...

Abiding Together, hosted by Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Heather Khym, provides a place of connection, rest, and encouragement for women who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ.

Blessed is She’s The Gathering Place was created as a space for women to talk life, faith, friendship, and more.  Pull up a chair and join us as we speak vulnerably on the craziness of a life in Christ.

Let Love, hosted by the Sisters of Life, invites us to join in casual conversations, looking at life through the lens of love because we are made in God’s image and our life matters.

Girlfriends is a podcast for Catholic women hosted by Danielle Bean, a writer, speaker, wife, and mother of eight who spends her days finding dignity, humor, and joy in the daily challenges God sends her.

Among the Lilies, hosted by Cameron Fradd, is for women who are tired of pretending and want to be authentic and real.

Do Something Beautiful, hosted by Catholic speaker, author, and entrepreneur Leah Darrow, is dedicated to inspiring women to become who God made them to be.

FOR MEN...

The Lanky Guys, hosted by Fr. Peter Mussett and Dr. Scott Powell, attempt to draw some meaning and humor out of the sacred treasury of the Scriptures in the context of the liturgy.

The Catholic Man Show, is real, relatable, and often comical, as hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles have conversations promoting the lost art of living virtuously.

Pints with Aquinas, hosted by Matt Fradd, invites listeners to join him as he explores fascinating topics and interviews guests with a cold pint and a Thomistic view.

dude|Catholic podcast is a series of conversations and interviews, hosted by two dudes trying to live and encourage others to live "like good Catholic men in a world that's starving for what most think is irrelevant." It feels like sitting down to chat with friends.

Cold Brews and Catholic Truths is dedicated to sharing and defending the truths of the Catholic faith through friendly talks and conversations.

FOR NEWS AND DEEP DIVES...

The Counsel of Trent is hosted by Trent Horn, an adjunct professor of apologetics at Holy Apostles College and a staff apologist for Catholic Answers, where he specializes in teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them.

The Pillar provides Catholic news and analysis with JD Flynn and Ed Condon.

Sensus Fidelium, with Fr. Chap Ripperger, covers news, apologetics, documentaries, and interviews.

Catching Foxes, hosted by Luke and Gomer, are two guys talking about the collision of faith and culture.

The Patrick Coffin Show podcast features weekly interviews with A-list influencers and outliers in the effort to recover the Judeo-Christian roots of the culture.  Patrick is the Canadian-born former host of Catholic Answers Live.

Dr. Taylor Marshall Catholic Show provides tips and lessons on how to have a life full of meaning, hope, and encouragement through the message of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Dr. Marshall draws from the Bible, the Church Fathers, and Medieval Philosophy to provide a podcast that is full of energy and information.

The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square.

Every Knee Shall Bow is a podcast series where Catholic evangelists Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle help you become a spirit-filled evangelizer.

Ask Christopher West, hosted by Christopher and Wendy West, answer questions about faith, life, love, and sexuality, in light of John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

Catholic Studies Academy’s Take Every Thought Captive podcast takes an academic approach to modern cultural and political questions.

The Art of Catholic with Matthew Leonar‪d is a podcast hosted by Catholic evangelist and filmmaker Matthew Leonard with joyful, passionate explanations of the deep truths of the faith, as well as interviews with Catholic luminaries. This is a deep and meaty listen.