Father Baker Retold

Jane
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ARTS

Do you know who Venerable Nelson Baker is? And, if you do, how well do you know his story? “Father Baker Retold,” an OLV podcast, is devoted to telling some of the fascinating stories about Western New York’s saintly hero that folks may know in part or not at all. The best part? Each episode features a special guest to help bring these remarkable tales to life. 

Episodes

  1. 10/15/2025

    The Great Depression ft. WKBW-TV's Taylor Epps

    In this powerful episode of Father Baker Retold, we journey back to the Great Depression — a time of despair that revealed the boundless compassion of Venerable Nelson Baker. As thousands struggled to survive, Father Baker’s “City of Charity” became a beacon of hope, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and healing the sick. But his impact went deeper. Through his groundbreaking outreach to Buffalo’s Black community and the creation of safe homes for working women, he modeled a faith that welcomed all. This episode, which features WKBW-TV journalist Taylor Epps, celebrates Father Baker’s enduring legacy of action, inclusion, and hope when it was needed most.

    9 min

  2. 03/07/2025

    The St. Patrick's Connection (feat. Tim Flanagan)

    Did you know that before the Basilica, St. Patrick's Church stood on the corner of South Park Ave. and Ridge Rd? A 1916 fire caused considerable damage, most notably collapsing the steeple. Instead of completely repairing the church, Father Baker only made renovations to areas necessary for worship. He knew he had greater plans for the space.

    12 min

  3. 10/04/2024

    Father of the Fatherless (feat. Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann)

    On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we explore Father Baker's relationship with the boys in his care. And while it may not have been by blood, the bond he shared with them grew strong enough that many of them referred to him as "Daddy Baker." To these boys, the threat of being "sent to Father Baker's" was laughable since they knew they had it better than many on the outside world.

    12 min

  4. 06/20/2024

    The Pilgrimage (feat. C.J. Montante)

    We're kicking off a brand new season of Father Baker Retold with a look at Father Baker's European Pilgrimage. Learn about the trip 150 years ago that forever changed the trajectory of his life... And, in turn, the lives of thousands of Western New Yorkers.

    14 min

  5. 03/07/2023

    Padre of the Poor (feat. Mike Randall)

    By now, you already know that Father Baker was a crusader for unwed mothers and unwanted babies, but did you know he also lent a helping hand to those struggling to make ends meet? And that was just about everyone during the Great Depression. Let's take a look at how Father Baker earned the nickname 'Padre of the Poor.'

    13 min

  6. 01/26/2023

    Cause for Canonization (feat. Msgr. David LiPuma)

    We all know Father Baker is on the road to Sainthood... But where is he on that road? And, what exactly does that road look like? On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we'll give you an update on where the process stands.

    10 min

  7. 11/28/2022

    Building the Basilica (feat. Kevin Keenan)

    On this episode, we'll take a look at one of Western New York's most beloved landmarks – and the jewel of Venerable Nelson Baker’s “City of Charity” -- OLV National Shrine & Basilica.

    16 min

  8. 10/04/2022

    The Infant Home (feat. Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo)

    Perhaps Father Baker is most known for his care with babies that families could not keep, whatever the reason may be. But did you know that the OLV Infant Home was one of his toughest feats? Not everyone was a fan of what he was doing for mothers and babies alike.

    12 min

  9. 09/27/2022

    The Gas Well (feat. Althea Luehrsen)

    It should come as no surprise that heating all of Father Baker's institutions was pricey, especially with the Western New York winters. Ignoring all criticism, Baker began a mission to dig for natural gas on the grounds.

    9 min

  10. 09/21/2022

    The Civil War (feat. Mickey Kearns)

    Did you know Father Baker served in the military? When his country called, Nelson answered, joining Union troops in the Civil War. He had ties to some major historical events, including Gettysburg and the New York City Draft Riots.

    10 min
  11. The Early Years (feat. Eileen Buckley)

    09/21/2022

    The Early Years (feat. Eileen Buckley)

    In this episode, we'll take a look at Venerable Nelson Baker's early years, from his birth to his (late) start at the seminary.

    11 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Do you know who Venerable Nelson Baker is? And, if you do, how well do you know his story? “Father Baker Retold,” an OLV podcast, is devoted to telling some of the fascinating stories about Western New York’s saintly hero that folks may know in part or not at all. The best part? Each episode features a special guest to help bring these remarkable tales to life. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jane
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Father Baker Retold
  • Show Website
    Father Baker Retold