114 episodes

Two theologians walk into a bar... No, seriously: This podcast is about the real world of politics and current events, seen through the lens of Catholic teaching and spirituality. Your hosts, Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault, bring you a mix of perspectives, from Abbey Road to Metaphysical Graffiti. Dan is a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest. David is a radio producer and Catholic convert. They both have doctorates in theology. It is the best possible kind of nerdy.

Francis Effect podcast Sandburg Media

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.4 • 141 Ratings

Two theologians walk into a bar... No, seriously: This podcast is about the real world of politics and current events, seen through the lens of Catholic teaching and spirituality. Your hosts, Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault, bring you a mix of perspectives, from Abbey Road to Metaphysical Graffiti. Dan is a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest. David is a radio producer and Catholic convert. They both have doctorates in theology. It is the best possible kind of nerdy.

    The presidential race begins, the demise of Church Militant, and an interview with Michael O'Loughlin

    The presidential race begins, the demise of Church Militant, and an interview with Michael O'Loughlin

    Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David discuss Super Tuesday and the State of the Union address, then they look at the recent collapse of the ultra-right-wing website, Church Militant, and Heidi interviews Michael O'Loughlin, recently named Executive Director of Outreach Catholic
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    • 1 hr 13 min
    IVF fallout, an attack on Annunciation House, and an interview with Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow

    IVF fallout, an attack on Annunciation House, and an interview with Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow

    Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at recent court rulings that have resulted in confusing and at points disastrous consequences for parents undergoing IVF treatments. Next they look at Texas AG Ken Paxton's recent accusations against Annunciation House, a ministry serving migrants, and Heidi interviews Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans
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    • 1 hr 17 min
    Superbowl ads, Cardinals meet with female Episcopal Bishop and discuss priestly celibacy, and an interview with Joyce Rupp

    Superbowl ads, Cardinals meet with female Episcopal Bishop and discuss priestly celibacy, and an interview with Joyce Rupp

    Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David talk about the "He Gets Us" ad campaign, and who might be funding it. Then they look at recent discussions around priestly celibacy, and a meeting of the Council of Cardinals to discuss women's issues with some actual women, and Heidi interviews author Joyce Rupp about Lent.
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    • 1 hr 23 min
    $83 Million Judgement Against Donald Trump, Papal Audience with Vatican Journalists, and an Interview with Ansel Augustine

    $83 Million Judgement Against Donald Trump, Papal Audience with Vatican Journalists, and an Interview with Ansel Augustine

    Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at the implications of the recent defamation suit against Donald Trump, and talk about the role of journalism in 21st-century Catholic life, and Heidi interviews Ansel Augustine about the synod and the experiences of Black Catholics.
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    • 1 hr 8 min
    Iowa Caucus, Fiducia Supplicans, and an interview with Steven P. Millies

    Iowa Caucus, Fiducia Supplicans, and an interview with Steven P. Millies

    The 2024 election cycle has begun, and Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David discuss what the Iowa Caucus can tell us about next November, then we discuss the implications of the recent document on blessing same-sex couples, and Heidi interviews political scientist and friend of the show, Steven P. Millies.
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    • 1 hr 22 min
    COP28 Meeting, Interview with Bishop John Stowe, OFM, and a Pop-Culture Roundup

    COP28 Meeting, Interview with Bishop John Stowe, OFM, and a Pop-Culture Roundup

    For our last episode of Season 13, Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David talk about the UN Climate Change Conference, Heidi interviews Bishop John Stowe, OFM, about the work of Pax Christi, and we talk about what we've been reading, watching, and listening to lately. We'll be back for Season 14 starting in mid-January. A blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all!
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    • 1 hr 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
141 Ratings

141 Ratings

frissjan ,

Great Podcast

Love this podcast. As an educated Catholic woman, I really appreciate Heidi’s contributions. Other Catholic podcasts tend to include very few women or unfortunately include women who are not as knowledgeable or articulate as their male counterparts 🙁. Heidi knows her stuff and makes excellent contributions to the topics. Thank You Heidi! And the guys are great too. 👍🏻

927vko ,

On the fence

While lamenting polarization in the church the hosts regularly use labels such as conservative, right wing, and traditional (= bad).
As a post-Vatican 2, Pope Francis led, pro-life, centrist Catholic I am looking for a big tent where we can all repectfully communicate without labels and work toward an inclusive unified Church.

L. Blownapart ,

Catholic or just Progressive?

I would love to hear them spend an entire episode on why trans women are women and give the Catholic case for it. Then send the episode to the local bishop and see what he thinks about it.

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