Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen

You're not supposed to talk about religion and politics…right? "Faith Conversations" writer Roxane Salonen dives right into the discussions we're warned against in the "Matters of Soul Importance" podcast. Through her many years writing about religion and its often-necessary intersection with politics, Roxane has found few topics as impactful and believes that, rather than avoiding them, we need to explore them. She'll be helped along the way by interviews with engaging guests on themes and questions affecting the soul, highlighting people looking to make the world a better, more hospitable place. "I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss." ― G.K. Chesterton

  1. 2d ago

    Is embryo adoption licit?

    Elizabeth Rex is a Catholic bioethicist and an associate scholar of the Lozier Institute, the prestigious research arm of the pro-life movement. Dr. Rex was a pre-med major who graduated from Columbia University before pursuing a master's degree in philosophy and a doctorate in Thomistic Ethics in Rome through the University of Navarra. She is the author of three books on the morality of embryo adoption and a national speaker who faithfully presents the magisterial teachings of Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae, as well as on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. SHOW NOTES:  Dr. Elizabeth Rex's website: www.DonumVitaeInstitute.org Dr. Elizabeth Rex's email: elizabethrexcff@aol.com Dr. Elizabeth Rex's phone number: (914) 629-3710 Book: "The Zygote of Christ & the Mystery of Man: Selected Essays," En Route Books & Media, May 2025: https://www.amazon.com/zygote-christ-mystery-man-selected/dp/b0f9phltjg The Angelus Prayer: https://theangelusprayer.com/ Book: "What Should Be Done with 'Orphaned' Frozen Embryos? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Magisterial Answers Quoted Directly from Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae," co-edited with Dr. Alicia Thompson, DO. MPH, En Route Books & Media, March 2025: https://www.amazon.com/What-Should-Orphaned-Frozen-Embryos/dp/B0DYMLKKN5/ Book: "A Handbook on the Moral Arguments in the Embryo Adoption Debate: What Does the Catholic Church Teach?" co-authored with Dr. Charles Robertson, En Route Books & Media, December 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Arguments-Embryo-Adoption-Debate/dp/B0DS219SLF/ Trailer for the forthcoming "Frozen Orphans" documentary: https://frozenorphans.org/ Podcast: "Italy's Embryo Protection Law at 20: A Legacy of John Paul II and Benedict II." Dr. Rafael Gonzalez interviews Dr. Elizabeth Rex on his "My Catholic Two Cents" regarding her recent article published in the National Catholic Register on October 22, 2025. The YouTube interview is titled, "This Law Changed Everything – And Nobody Noticed." November 25, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jJk__XhsuTo Podcast: "Is It Licit to Adopt Frozen Embryos? A Catholic Bioethicist on IVF & Embryo Adoption" with Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut interviewing Dr. Rex on his weekly podcast, "Let Me Be Frank," October 17, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4JoqUI6KE Podcast: "Mercy and Hope for the Millions of Orphaned Frozen Embryos" Virtual Conference Speaker at the 33rd International Week of Prayer and Fasting: "Mercy & Healing for the Jubilee Year of Hope," November 18, 2025: https://iwopf.org/this-years-event/ Podcast: "Embryo Adoption Explained: Moral Questions Every Catholic Must Understand" - Part II of II. Jim Havens interviews Dr. Rex on "The Simple Truth," November 17, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLDbPclKTwI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4JoqUI6KE Podcast: Elizabeth Rex with Francis Etheredge on WCAT TV to discuss their co-authored book, "The Zygote of Christ & The Mystery of Man": https://youtu.be/RvXEoAiexek?si=CPiG5xxGYpi44NoH

    Is embryo adoption licit?
  2. Sep 4

    Is Christianity in danger of falling into Gnosticism?

    Ellie Hiller is a Catholic convert, mother, wife, registered nurse, and author. A former competitive CrossFit athlete who spent years training and competing at an elite level, she developed a deep appreciation for the significance of the body, discipline, and formation. Those convictions ultimately led her to the incarnational and sacramental vision of Catholicism. She is the author of "To Whom Shall I Go?: Why I Laid Down My Protest," a memoir chronicling her journey from Evangelical Christianity into the Catholic Church.  Through her writing and speaking, Ellie explores embodied faith, conversion, and the integration of body and soul at the heart of Christian life. SHOW NOTES:  BOOK GIVEAWAY: Email roxanebsalonen@gmail.com. The first two listeners to reach me by Sept. 12 will receive a free copy of Ellie's memoir! Ellie's memoir, To Whom Shall I Go?: https://amzn.to/43bXcG9 Ellie's husband Sean's YouTube channel that she appears on every now and then, geared to helping people better understand the Catholic faith: https://youtube.com/@lectiowithseanhiller?si=3ldN3j_DXDwPfNyK Ellie's Instagram: @Elliehiller Ellie's website: https://www.elliehillerauthor.com/ Ellie's interviews on EWTN TV's "At Home with Jim and Joy": Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im; Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgG_cBiaDb4 [NOTE TO STEPH: Added on Aug. 30] Louis DeMontfort's Consecration to Mary, which Ellie mentioned: https://www.catholiccompany.com/pages/how-to-make-your-st-louis-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary

    Is Christianity in danger of falling into Gnosticism?
  3. Aug 7

    Is Sister Annella Zervas a saint?

    Brenda Posch believes that Sister Annella Zervas, who was born and died in Moorhead, Minnesota, is a saint. Today, she'll share why. Brenda lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, and attends St. Joseph's Church—the home parish of now Servant of God Annella Zervas, who died at 26 years old 100 years ago, and whose cause for sainthood is underway. Brenda came to know the story of Sister Annella and her heroic suffering with a rare skin condition while her husband, "Chip" Posch, was undergoing a health trial. Today, we'll hear about her strong belief that Sister Annella was an extraordinary person who can help us on our journeys to heaven. SHOW NOTES:  AN INVITATION FOR AUG. 8, 2026: The Centennial Celebration of the Death of Servant of God Annella Zervas, OSB. Join Bishop Cozzens and the Sister Annella Guild to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Annella Zervas; 3:45 Blessing and Dedication of the Zervas Family Monument (St. Joseph's Cemetery); 5:00 Celebration of Holy Mass (St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in North Moorhead) (reception to follow). Kindly RSVP and find additional event information at: sisterannella.org/centennial-celebration-day Website to advance the cause of Sister Annella: www.sisterannella.org, which includes much information about her and the Guild, written from a variety of people, on her role in their lives, prayers, and the "Ticket for Eternity" book about her life. The "Ticket for Eternity" book details the life and suffering of Sister Annella and includes a Litany of Suffering based upon her life. "After reading this book I believe people will understand better why she is a saint," Brenda said. This book can be purchased or downloaded from the website. "Faith Conversations" article Roxane wrote about Sister Annella with Brenda's input: www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/nun-being-eyed-for-sainthood-returns-to-st-joes

    Is Sister Annella Zervas a saint?
  4. Jul 31

    Why do I feel so disconnected from God?

    Rose Folsom has helped thousands of Christians move from "Am I doing this prayer thing right?" to a deeper, more peaceful relationship with God. A convert to Catholicism and Lay Dominican, Rose brings more than 30 years of study—and wrestling with the distractions of her own prayer life—to her coaching and writing. Previously, she owned a successful calligraphy studio in the Washington, D.C., area and later served as director of a White House office. She's written place cards for kings, flown on Air Force II, and now helps people hear God more clearly.    SHOW NOTES:  Rose's self-published prayer journal, "Bless You, Daughter: praying with resilient women of the Bible," is available through her "Sacred Pause" website: https://rosefolsom.substack.com/. On the home page, click "Prayer Journal" button to purchase this journal, which applies the wisdom of women in Scripture to the struggles we face in our daily lives.  Rose's gift to listeners of "Matters of Soul Importance": Visit https://rosefolsom.substack.com/p/youre-not-bad-at-prayer to watch a free, short video, "Sacred Connection," explaining Rose's core teachings on how to connect with God to ensure he's listening. Rose says, "My clients love this piece of my Sacred Belonging Program," noting that it has caused many of her clients, longtime Christians, to realize something simple that they were missing in their prayer life, which makes all the difference for them.  To reach Rose directly, email: rose@rosefolsom.com

    Why do I feel so disconnected from God?

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

You're not supposed to talk about religion and politics…right? "Faith Conversations" writer Roxane Salonen dives right into the discussions we're warned against in the "Matters of Soul Importance" podcast. Through her many years writing about religion and its often-necessary intersection with politics, Roxane has found few topics as impactful and believes that, rather than avoiding them, we need to explore them. She'll be helped along the way by interviews with engaging guests on themes and questions affecting the soul, highlighting people looking to make the world a better, more hospitable place. "I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss." ― G.K. Chesterton

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