Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

Fr. Edward Looney
  • 4.8 (45)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Fr. Edward Looney is a Catholic priest who loves having conversations with guests. They talk about new book releases, various topics related to faith and life, and occasionally he speaks with producers, directors, and actors from the film industry. He has podcasted since 2019, formerly as “How They Love Mary” and “Cup of St. Joe,” conducting over 300 interviews to date. The interview style podcasts from Fr. Edward continues now, as he begins each conversation greeting his audience with “Hey Everybody!” Tune in for inspiring conversations about faith, film, and life.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 383: Where Coffee Meets Catholicism: St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota with Melissa Scaccio

    St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota, is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it is a creative work of Catholic evangelization. In this episode, Fr. Edward talks with Melissa about her relationship with St. James Coffee, including the amusing story of how she learned to enjoy coffee despite not being much of a coffee drinker when she first began working there. They discuss some of the shop’s uniquely Catholic creations, including the St. Polycarp Pistachio Latte and a new drink in development called The Purgatory, which will appropriately feature a little pepper burn. Melissa also shares whether Bishop Robert Barron ever stops by—and what he orders when he does. The conversation goes deeper into the Catholic identity of St. James Coffee: why the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a tabernacle at the shop, the role of Catholic art and decor, and how the space strives to be recognizably Catholic while still remaining welcoming to everyone. As Melissa describes it, the atmosphere is “just Catholic enough that they aren’t being imposed upon and feel comfortable.” They also explore the significance of St. James the Apostle and the Camino de Santiago to the coffee shop’s identity, and ultimately how a coffee shop can become a place of encounter, hospitality, conversation, and evangelization—even for people who might never think to walk through the doors of a church. http://stjamescoffee.com

  2. Aug 3

    Episode 382: What Was Our Lady Trying to Say During Her Silent Apparition at Knock? with Patrick O'Hearn

    What message did Our Lady communicate through her silent apparition at Knock alongside St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God? Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author Patrick O’Hearn to discuss his latest collaboration with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC—a beautifully illustrated book about Our Lady of Knock. Patrick shares how he first learned about the apparition and describes the book’s illustrations as “Beatrix Potter meets Catholicism.” He also explains how the artwork contains subtle expressions of Catholic faith, including the image of a priest quietly praying his breviary. Fr. Edward recalls how he acquired a picture of Our Lady of Knock as a teenager and shares a personal insight into the figures present at the apparition. Both St. Joseph and St. John welcomed Mary into their homes: Joseph took Mary as his wife after the message of the angel, and John took her into his home after Jesus entrusted her to him from the Cross. Their presence at Knock may therefore invite every Christian to welcome Mary into the home of one’s heart and life. The conversation also revisits an insight previously shared by Knock Shrine rector Fr. Richard Gibbons: Mary’s silent solidarity with the suffering people of Ireland. Fr. Edward and Patrick also discuss: The significance of the apparition’s complete silence The meaning of St. Joseph, St. John, the altar, the Cross, and the Lamb Connections between Knock and other Marian apparitions Hidden spiritual details within the book’s illustrations How America may now be helping to re-evangelize Ireland, after generations in which Irish Catholics helped evangelize the United States Discover how the silent apparition at Knock continues to speak powerfully to the Church today. Learn more about Patrick O’Hearn and his books at PatrickROHearn.com Buy the book: https://bookstore.shopmercy.org/the-lamb-of-god-the-story-of-our-lady-of-knock.html

  3. Jul 27

    Episode 381: From Homeschooling to Catholic Filmmaking: The Bowen Family Story and Industrious Family Films

    Can a homeschooling family make Catholic movies, bring inspiring stories from history to the screen, and even create its own streaming service? Kathleen, Mary, and Faustina Bowen of Industrious Family Films join Fr. Edward Looney to share how their family transformed a love of faith, history, and storytelling into a growing Catholic film ministry. Fr. Edward recalls how he first discovered their work and asks how filmmaker Jim Morlino influenced the young filmmakers as a teacher and mentor. The Bowens share the story that inspired their first feature film, what they have learned through years of independent filmmaking, and how they cast actors and select locations for their productions. They also discuss their short Western, End of the Santa Fe Trail, inspired by Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale. The Bowens explain how a Faith and Freedom reader first introduced them to Sister Blandina, what drew them to her remarkable life, and how they continued learning about the courageous frontier nun while making the film. The conversation then turns to their next major project, Fabiola. Set in ancient Rome, the story follows a pagan noblewoman who gradually becomes fascinated by the courage, charity, and faith of the Christians around her. The family explains why they chose this story, how they hope to bring it to the screen, and how viewers can support the film through crowdfunding. You will also hear how the Bowens: -Created Industrious Family Theater, their own family-friendly streaming platform -Produce and distribute independent Catholic stories that might otherwise go unseen -Make films that homeschooling families can use alongside history and religion curricula -Respond to encouragement from viewers who appreciate their work Chose “Industrious Family” as their company name—and introduced Fr. Edward to the virtue of industriousness -Discover how one family is working to reclaim filmmaking through stories rooted in faith, virtue, history, and the Catholic imagination. -Industrious Family Films describes its mission as producing Catholic films that inspire families through truth, beauty, heroism, sacrifice, and virtue. Support Fabiola: FabiolaMovie.com Explore Industrious Family Films and Industrious Family Theater: IndustriousFamily.com

  4. Jul 20

    Episode 380: Blessed Stanley Rother’s Martyrdom, Mission, and Growing Devotion | Ed Jeep

    Blessed Stanley Rother refused to abandon his people, even when remaining with them placed his own life in danger. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Ed Jeep, whose family has a fascinating personal connection to the Oklahoma priest and martyr. Ed’s father was a Catholic priest who knew and served alongside Fr. Stanley Rother before later leaving active ministry. That family connection eventually inspired Ed’s own passion for sharing Rother’s story and promoting devotion to him. Fr. Edward and Ed discuss the political turmoil and violence that produced numerous martyrs in Central America, as well as Fr. Rother’s fear that he might be abducted and killed far from his parish. He worried that his people would mistakenly believe he had abandoned them. Ed recounts the events surrounding Rother’s martyrdom and explains why his cause, which was initially considered alongside those of other martyrs, eventually proceeded on its own. They also explore: Fr. Rother’s life and ministry among the people of Guatemala The circumstances surrounding his martyrdom Fr. Edward’s missed opportunity to visit the place where Rother was killed Reactions to images of Rother dressed as a missionary and farmer rather than in clerical attire The remarkable priestly and religious vocations that emerged from the mission after his death The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City Ed Jeep’s efforts to promote devotion in Washington, D.C. Growing pockets of devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother throughout the United States An upcoming documentary narrated by Martin Sheen Blessed Stanley Rother’s life offers a compelling example of pastoral courage, missionary dedication, and a priest’s willingness to remain with his people until the end. Learn more about Ed Jeep’s work at stanleyrotherproject.org.

  5. Jul 9

    Episode 379: Netflix's Little House on the Prairie Reboot: What Fans Should Expect- An Interview with Jocko Sims

    Netflix is bringing Little House on the Prairie back to television—but what should longtime fans expect? In this interview, we discuss Netflix's upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, including: Why the series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books rather than the classic Michael Landon television adaptation. Whether longtime fans are likely to embrace—or reject—the new version. How the reboot hopes to introduce a new generation to the beloved stories. The historical background behind Dr. George Tann, the African American physician portrayed by Jocko Sims, who treated the Ingalls family during a malaria outbreak. Whether this reboot has the potential to become a long-running television series. If you grew up watching Little House on the Prairie or are curious about Netflix's newest adaptation, this conversation provides historical context and explores what audiences can expect. 👍 Subscribe for more interviews, film discussions, and conversations about faith, history, and culture.

  6. Jul 2

    Episode 378: The Shreveport Martyrs: Five Priests Who Chose to Die with Dr. Cheryl White

    In 1873, a devastating yellow fever epidemic swept through Shreveport, Louisiana. As thousands fled the city, five Catholic priests made the extraordinary decision to stay behind. One after another, each knowingly entered the fever wards to care for the sick, administer the sacraments, and accompany the dying—fully aware that doing so would almost certainly cost them their own lives. In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I welcome historian Dr. Cheryl White, one of the leading voices promoting the Cause of the Shreveport Martyrs. We discuss the remarkable story of these five priests, whose heroic charity has inspired generations of Catholics since their deaths. Our conversation explores: -The 1873 yellow fever epidemic and why so many people fled Shreveport. -The courageous decision of each priest to replace the one who had just died, knowing he would likely be next. -The moving final words of one martyr: "Write to my bishop and tell him I go to my death." -The "Heroic Brotherhood" and the immediate reputation for holiness that surrounded these priests after their sacrifice. -How Dr. White became involved in researching and promoting their Cause for sainthood. -The discovery of a long-lost photograph that helped put a face to one of the martyrs. -A striking nineteenth-century recruitment letter inviting seminarians to America with the promise of "much hard work... frequent sickness, a violent or lonely death, and an unknown grave." -The graces reported through the martyrs' intercession and Dr. White's own experience of their spiritual companionship. -How pilgrims can visit the martyrs' graves today, including the four buried at Calvary Cemetery in Shreveport and the fifth buried in Monroe at the request of the faithful. -What these priests teach us today about heroic charity, priestly brotherhood, and living with eternity in view. The story of the Shreveport Martyrs is not merely one of heroic deaths—it is a witness to the Gospel lived to its fullest. Their example reminds us that authentic Christian love is willing to lay down its life for others. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467150908?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

  7. Jun 18

    Episode 377: How Rwanda's Spiritual Father (Fr. Ubald) Taught a Nation to Forgive

    Who was Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, and why do so many people believe they encountered a saint? In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I speak with Katesy and Amy about the remarkable life and ministry of Fr. Ubald, often called the spiritual father of Rwanda. In our conversation, we discuss: Who Fr. Ubald was and his ministry in Rwanda. Why the Rwandan government feared him and how he escaped to another African country. The extraordinary act of forgiveness he extended to the man who murdered members of his family during the genocide. How Katesy and Amy first met Fr. Ubald and became collaborators in his mission. What it was like introducing countless people to Fr. Ubald and witnessing graces, healings, and conversions through his ministry. Stories of physical, emotional, and spiritual healings obtained through Fr. Ubald's prayers to the Eucharistic Lord. Whether those closest to him sensed they were in the presence of a saint. Fr. Ubald's message of forgiveness, healing, and Eucharistic faith continues to touch lives around the world. Learn more about his ministry and legacy at: SecretOfPeace.com

  8. Jun 11

    Episode 376: Oprah, Larry King & Jimmy Carter Knew This Kid's Name. You Should Too: Mattie Stepanek

    Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Kathy Dempsey to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Mattie Stepanek, a young poet, peace ambassador, and inspirational figure whose life touched millions. Though Mattie died at just fourteen years old, his message of hope, peace, and love captured the attention of some of the most influential people in America, including Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and Jimmy Carter. Fr. Edward recalls being aware of Mattie Stepanek's story as a young person and discusses why Mattie's witness continues to resonate with him today. In this conversation, Kathy explains: Who Mattie Stepanek was and why his story captivated the nation. What Mattie meant by a "Heartsong" and how that idea continues to inspire people today. His extraordinary gift for poetry and the hundreds of poems he left behind. How he developed a friendship with President Jimmy Carter and became a young ambassador for peace. How Mattie spoke about living with disability while encouraging others to work for peace and understanding. How Kathy Dempsey became involved in preserving and promoting Mattie's legacy. Why Mattie's life resonates with young people, families, and the Church today. The many ways audiences respond when they encounter Mattie's story. The role of a Catholic priest, Fr. Dixon, who encouraged Mattie's mother to preserve his writings and suggested that the Church should someday examine Mattie's life for a possible cause for sainthood. How Mattie is remembered through events and commemorations throughout the year, especially around the anniversary of his death on June 22. Join us as we explore the life of a remarkable young man whose words, faith, courage, and vision for peace continue to inspire people around the world more than two decades after his death. Learn more at http://mattiematters.org

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About

Fr. Edward Looney is a Catholic priest who loves having conversations with guests. They talk about new book releases, various topics related to faith and life, and occasionally he speaks with producers, directors, and actors from the film industry. He has podcasted since 2019, formerly as “How They Love Mary” and “Cup of St. Joe,” conducting over 300 interviews to date. The interview style podcasts from Fr. Edward continues now, as he begins each conversation greeting his audience with “Hey Everybody!” Tune in for inspiring conversations about faith, film, and life.

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