Good Distinctions Good Distinctions

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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Patrick O'Hearn, author of the book 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion'.
Buy "Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion" by Patrick O'Hearn from Our Sunday Visitor (OSV)
They discuss the apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin and the importance of spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments. They also talk about the challenges of raising children in a secular culture and the need to provide them with a strong Catholic foundation. Patrick O'Hearn also mentions his other book, 'Courtship of the Saints', which explores how the saints met their spouses. Patrick O'Hearn discusses his books on saints and grief, including 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion and Mary's Seven Sorrows for Children'. He emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of saints' failures and the need for resources for fathers who have lost children. O'Hearn also talks about the power of praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin and the impact of apologizing to children when parents make mistakes. He shares his website, patrickrohearn.com, where his books and information about his upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland can be found.
Watch on YouTube here:
Takeaways:
* The apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin is an important but often overshadowed Marian apparition in the United States.
* Spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments is crucial in a secular culture.
* Raising children in a secular culture requires a balance of protecting their innocence while equipping them to navigate the world with a well-formed conscience.
* Children's books should not shy away from uncomfortable truths but should present them in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate.
* Comparing ourselves to Christ and striving for holiness is more important than comparing ourselves to others.
* Patrick O'Hearn's book 'Courtship of the Saints' explores how the saints met their spouses and is a valuable resource for those discerning marriage or interested in the lives of the saints. Sharing stories of saints' failures is important to show that even the holiest individuals made mistakes. There is a need for resources and support for fathers who have lost children.
* Praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin can be a powerful devotion for children.
* Apologizing to children when parents make mistakes cultivates humility and sets a good example.
* Patrick O'Hearn's books, including 'Go and Fear Nothing' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows', can be found on his website, patrickrohearn.com.
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Keywords:
Our Lady of Champion, apparition, devotion, sacraments, raising children, Catholic foundation, Courtship of the Saints, Patrick O'Hearn, books, saints, grief, Our Lady of Champion, Our Lady of Sorrows, children, fathers, Hail Mary, Latin, pilgrimage, Ireland


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I interviewed John Clark, the author of “Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church” - a new, excellent, and timely book from TAN Books defending the Sacrament of Matrimony. Everyone in the Church ought to read this fantastic book.
Check it out HERE on TAN Books or HERE on Amazon (also available on Kindle).
John Clark is a columnist, political speechwriter, and ghostwriter. He has authored two books on fatherhood and written approximately five hundred articles and blogs about Catholic family life and apologetics in such places as The National Catholic Register and the Magis Center. He is also an online course developer for Seton Home Study School. He was homeschooled by his mother, Dr. Mary Kay Clark, and holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from Christendom College. John and his wife, Lisa, have nine children and live in central Florida.
Good Distinctions is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Summary
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews author John Clark about his book 'Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church'. They discuss the importance of marriage and its connection to the Church, the attack on marriage by figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther, and the role of suffering in strengthening marriages. They also touch on practical ways to nurture a strong marriage and the issues with the annulment process in the Catholic Church. The conversation explores the concept of alienation of affection and its implications in divorce cases. It is revealed that alienation of affection is only recognized as a law in 6 out of 50 states in the US. The conversation also delves into the role of the church in divorce cases and the validity of marriages. The speakers discuss the need for pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse. They emphasize the importance of reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
Takeaways
* Marriage is a sacred institution that is intimately connected to the Church.
* Figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther attacked marriage as a way to undermine the Church.
* Suffering can be a means of growth and sanctification in marriage.
* Living sacramental lives and prioritizing prayer can strengthen marriages.
* The annulment process in the Catholic Church has some issues that need to be addressed. Alienation of affection is recognized as a law in only 6 out of 50 states in the US.
* The church is not concerned about what happens after consent is exchanged in a marriage.
* Pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse can be beneficial.
* Reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
* The church should stop asking the government to adjudicate the sacraments.
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Oblinger, retired law enforcement officer, about hostage negotiation, active listening, evangelization, and much more. Please take a listen and then share! And if you listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, please leave a rating for the podcast!
Summary
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Dan Oblinger, a retired law enforcement officer and hostage negotiator, about the importance of active listening in hostage negotiation and evangelization. Dan emphasizes that listening is about authentic communication and forming relationships through powerful communication. He highlights the role of listening in building trust, empathy, and rapport, and how it opens the doors of the mind for creative solutions and conversions. Dan also discusses the importance of storytelling and receiving others' stories in evangelization, and the need for good holy friendships that provide a safe space for open dialogue. Listening is an essential skill for building relationships, whether it's with friends, colleagues, or even oneself. Active listening involves participation, such as offering observations, summarizing, and reflecting on what is being said. By actively listening and acknowledging someone's story, we honor them and build trust. It is important to listen for emotions and understand the unspoken motivations behind a person's story. Good listening requires humility and the ability to resist the urge to affirm or validate someone's beliefs. Cultivating silence in our lives is crucial for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God. Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, can enhance our ability to connect with others and lead to better decision-making. Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals. The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening. Dan Oblinger, a former hostage negotiator, emphasizes the importance of listening in various contexts, including counter human trafficking work and training cultures in active listening and negotiation.
Takeaways
* Active listening is a vital skill in hostage negotiation and evangelization, as it forms the foundation for authentic communication and relationship-building.
* Listening involves more than just hearing; it requires active engagement, empathy, and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective.
* In hostage negotiation, listening is the key to building trust, creating rapport, and finding peaceful resolutions.
* In evangelization, listening allows us to receive others' stories and understand their needs, which opens the door for sharing the truth of the Gospel.
* Good holy friendships are essential for open dialogue and mutual growth, providing a safe space for sharing and receiving stories.
* Listening should be a lifelong practice, continually honed and improved to deepen connections and understanding with others. Active listening involves participation and acknowledging someone's story, which builds trust and honors the relationship.
* Listening for emotions and understanding the unspoken motivations behind a person's story is crucial for effective communication.
* Cultivating silence in our lives allows for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God.
* Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, enhance our ability to connect with others and make better decisions.
* Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals.
* The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening.
Sound Bites
* "Listening is nothing without dialogue."
* "If you wanted to boil down host

The full written version of the episode can be found further below. Please, also, enjoy a short recording of the Regina Caeli chant by Will Wright at the beginning of the episode. Happy Easter!
Summary
In this episode, Will Wright discusses the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what it means for something to be historical and provides an overview of different historical periods. Wright then presents several proofs for the resurrection, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, and the transformation of the disciples. He also highlights the significance of early Christian creeds and the continuity of belief in the resurrection throughout history. Wright concludes by emphasizing the need for faith and reason to work together in understanding the truth of the resurrection.
Takeaways
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event supported by multiple proofs, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples.
- Early Christian creeds attest to the reality of the resurrection and demonstrate the continuity of belief throughout history.
- Understanding the historical context and the lack of alternative explanations further strengthens the evidence for the resurrection.
- Faith and reason are not in conflict but work together to support the truth of the resurrection.
Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Podcast Promotion
01:38: Understanding History
03:40: Classical Period and Roman Historians
05:08: Medieval and Modern Periods
05:38: Historical Evidence for the New Testament
06:47: Reliability of the Gospels
09:00: Levels of Knowing
09:30: Proofs for the Resurrection: Empty Tomb
11:49: Proofs for the Resurrection: Post-Resurrection Appearances
12:55: Proofs for the Resurrection: Transformation of the Disciples
19:32: Proofs for the Resurrection: Historical Context
20:54: Conclusion and Importance of the Resurrection
23:13: Call to Action and Podcast Promotion
Full Written Transcript:
What is Historical?
Humanity has practiced stewardship and dominion over the Earth for many millennia. However, recorded History is relatively new. Five thousand or so years ago in Mesopotamia, we have archaeological evidence of cave paintings and other artifacts that indicate a culture of storytelling. Oral traditions were the primary means of the historical record in the prehistoric period. This is, of course, why we refer to that time as “prehistoric.”
In the Ancient Period, the record became more extensive and we started to see written content from Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mesoamerica, and the Indus Valley. The texts are legal documents, religious documents, poetry, and other items related to political, social, and cultural life. 
In the Classical Period, the Greeks and Romans left a great deal of historical accounts, works of philosophy, legal writings, and works of literature. The historical record at this time is significant. One of the most famous Roman historians is Titus Livus, known as Livy. He was born around 60 B.C. and wrote during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Over his life, he wrote an astounding 142 books. Today, however, we only have about 35 of these books. 
The most famous Roman Historian during the time of Christ is Tacitus. He wrote two main works: “Histories” and “Annals.” Histories had 16 books, of which we only have 1 - 6 in their entirety and parts of books 11 - 16. Annals had either 12 or 14 books, of which we have 1 - 4 and parts of book 5. These partial volumes are essential historical sources and one of the most significant sources for understanding Roman history and politics.
In the Medieval Period, the historical record was preserved in chronicles, charters, religious texts, and legal records. And in the Modern Period, following the invention of the printing press, the historical record became abundant. In the age of the Internet, the am

I was connected with Dr. Greg Bottaro and CatholicPsych Institute through our mutual friend, Simone Rizkallah, who I had on the show a few months ago. Find the episode here! It was great to speak with him. I am a big admirer of what CatholicPsych Institute is doing and the approach that Dr. Greg is taking. We get into that quite a bit in this relatively short episode. I hope that you enjoy it and I hope it inspires you! I was certainly edified and strengthened in my conviction to continually renew the pursuit of integrating faith, reason, and science!
Summary
Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist who emphasizes the integration of faith, reason, and science in understanding and helping individuals find true healing and wholeness. He believes that there should be no tension or conflict between these three categories, as they all point towards the same truth - God. Dr. Bottaro's Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing. The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests. The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Dr. Greg Bottaro discusses the need for a Catholic approach to psychology and mental health. He explains that current psychology programs are often secular and do not integrate Catholic principles. Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to fill this gap by providing therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health. He emphasizes the importance of integrating faith and reason in understanding the human person. Dr. Bottaro also discusses the limitations of current research and the need for a Catholic standard of mental health.
Takeaways
* Faith, reason, and science are interconnected and should be integrated in understanding and helping individuals.
* There should be no tension or conflict between faith, reason, and science, as they all point towards the same truth - God.
* The Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing.
* The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests.
* The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Current psychology programs often lack a Catholic foundation and do not integrate Catholic principles.
* Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to provide therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health.
* John Paul II's theology of the body provides a deep understanding of the human person and should be studied as a psychological framework.
* The Catholic approach to mental health promotes a Catholic standard of mental health and integrates faith and reason.
* There is a need for better research that aligns with Catholic principles and validates the truths of faith and reason.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
02:29Introduction to Applied Personalism
05:37Understanding the Human Person
08:03Certification Program at Catholic Psych Institute
09:12Network of Certified Therapists
12:22The Need for Catholic Psychology
14:33The Lack of Catholic Marriage Therapy
21:10The Catholic Psych Institute's Approach
25:26The Importance of First Principles
28:58Understanding Personalism
32:26Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM)
35:24Promoting Catholic Mental Health
36:23Conclusion
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Summary of the Episode:
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Thomas Quackenbush of Floriani about Sacred Music. They discuss the search for ancient Hebrew music, the expansiveness of Sacred Music, the blending of Eastern and Western sacred music, and the challenges of integrating liturgical music. They also explore the importance of rediscovering Roman sacred music, the influence of publishing houses on sacred music, and the church's careful reasoning on the subject. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the distinction between liturgical and devotional music and the delight of God in sacred music. This conversation explores the importance of chant in the liturgy and the role of music in the Mass. It emphasizes the primacy of words in chant and the elevation and prolongation of the word through singing. 
The conversation also delves into the challenge of helping people understand the concept of time and place in the liturgy and the different expressions of chant in different parishes. It highlights the need to present integrated and beautiful liturgical experiences to help people appreciate the beauty of sacred music. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the fruits of good sacred music and the importance of active participation in the Mass. The conversation explores the importance of continuity in liturgical experience and the role of sacred music in drawing people into the liturgical mysteries. Floriani's mission is to assist in singing the Mass and to glorify God and sanctify the people through sacred music. Listeners are encouraged to support Floriani's work through donations and to participate in upcoming events and releases. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of Floriani's music on liturgical celebrations, emphasizing the beauty and power of the treasury of sacred music of the Church.
Takeaways
* Sacred music spans a wide range of styles and traditions, from ancient Hebrew chants to contemporary hymns.
* Appreciating Eastern and Western sacred music without an inauthentic blending can be a challenge, but it can also lead to a deeper appreciation of the richness of the liturgy.
* The church has provided clear guidelines and teachings on sacred music, emphasizing its importance in the liturgy and its ability to glorify God and sanctify the faithful.
* There is a growing movement towards rediscovering and promoting authentic Roman sacred music, rooted in tradition and faithful to the teachings of the church.
* The distinction between liturgical and devotional music is important, with liturgical music being the expression of the words given by the church for the liturgy, while devotional music is an expression of personal prayer and worship.
Chapters
* 00:29: Thomas Quackenbush's Background
* 03:10: The Search for Ancient Hebrew Music
* 07:21: The Expansiveness of Sacred Music
* 08:39: Defining Sacred Music
* 10:19: The Development of Sacred Music
* 12:59: Blending Eastern and Western Sacred Music
* 14:59: The Challenges of Blending Liturgical Music
* 18:39: Rediscovering Roman Sacred Music
* 21:16: The Importance of Integrated Sacred Arts
* 23:56: Personal Experience with Sacred Music
* 27:20: The Influence of Publishing Houses on Sacred Music
* 32:19: The Church's Careful Reasoning on Sacred Music
* 35:12: The Shift Towards Authentic Sacred Music
* 39:17: The Distinction Between Liturgical and Devotional Music
* 41:33: The Delight of God in Sacred Music
* 42:28: Understanding the Primacy of Words in Chant
* 43:15: The Elevation and Prolongation of the Word
* 44:13: Helping People Understand the Importance of Time and Place
* 45:32: Different Expressions of Chant in Different Parishes
* 48:54: Presenting Integrated and Beautiful Liturgical Experiences
* 53:59: The Fruits of Good Sacred Music
* 57:19: Defining A