Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen

Forum Communications Co.
Forum Communications Co.
  • 4.3 (11)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 5d ago

    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?

  2. 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?

  3. Jul 17

    What can large families teach us about God?

    Lynn Kotrba is a wife, mom and co-founder of Harvest Hope Farm with her husband Jason. For the past 29 years, Lynn has worked with youth from all backgrounds through her work in foster care and for the past eight, through the youth programs she has created at the farm. Lynn and Jason have eight children who are the inspiration to her work at Harvest Hope Farm. They live in rural Moorhead.   SHOW NOTES:  Lynn's and Jason's website: Harvesthopefarm.org Social: Search for "Harvest Hope Farm" on Facebook and Instagram

    What can large families teach us about God?

  4. Jul 3

    Can a home have a soul?

    Dia Boyle is a graduate of Cornell College and of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, where she earned her M.S.L. and met her husband. Happily at home in a university community in Minnesota, Dia has raised three children, made a home for her family, and fostered lasting friendships around her coffee table. She is an author, most recently of The Thoughtful Home, a book about what a home is and what it is for.   SHOW NOTES:  Dia's newest book: The Thoughtful Home (Scepter Publishing 2024) https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Home-Dia-Boyle/dp/1594175373 Dia's website: www.diaboyle.com

    Can a home have a soul?

  5. Jun 19

    Did the fall of Roe help, or hurt, the pro-life cause?

    Alexandra DeSanctis is a contributing writer to National Review and co-author of the 2022 book, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing. She writes and speaks regularly on topics including the pro-life movement, abortion policy, religion, politics, and family issues. Her work has been published in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the Human Life Review, and many other publications.   SHOW NOTES:  Alexandra's book: Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing  Alexandra's X handle: @xan_desanctis Alexandra's recent National Review piece: https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/05/brandon-gills-master-class-in-exposing-abortion-euphemism/ Roxane's recent episode revealing the effects of abortion on one young life: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/salonen-should-minors-be-able-to-access-abortion Roxane's piece for the National Catholic Register, "Erika Bachiochi on Being a Pro-Life Catholic, Feminist Intellectual and Mother of 7: 'Our Hearts Long for the Good,'" which featured input from Alexandra: https://www.ncregister.com/features/erika-bachiochi-on-being-a-pro-life-catholic-feminist-intellectual-and-mother-of-7-our-hearts-long-for-the-good?

    Did the fall of Roe help, or hurt, the pro-life cause?

  6. Jun 5

    Why couldn't I, a biological woman, be a man?

    Prisha Mosley is a detransitioner and ambassador at Independent Women. In her teen years, Prisha was set on a path of medical "gender transition" by doctors and counselors who insisted that changing her body through large amounts of testosterone and undergoing surgery to remove her breasts would remedy her mental health problems. Since sharing her "detransitioner" story publicly, Mosley has become one of the nation's leading voices against what she calls "gender-affirming harm." She's testified before state legislatures across the country, including radio and TV outlets like Fox News, The Megyn Kelly Show, and more.    SHOW NOTES:  Prisha's website: https://www.independentwomen.com/people/prisha-mosley/ Article on Prisha from December 2025:https://www.independentwomen.com/2025/12/19/the-experts-on-gender-care-were-winging-it/ Video with Prisha, pregnant, which caught my attention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY6s_wIDUaU Matters of Soul Importance episode, "Can we change our gender?" with Dr. Pastor Patrick Lovejoy, which in I mention Prisha: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-change-our-gender/id1724252428?i=1000713812834

    Why couldn't I, a biological woman, be a man?

  7. May 29

    What does hope in suffering look like?

    Joanne Poehls grew up 12 miles southwest of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where her dad worked as a grain farmer and her mother was a gardener who loved growing flowers and vegetables. With her four older siblings and a twin sister, Joanne enjoyed the outdoors, the farm animals, and the rural life that afforded space and peace, along with hard work. Now married to Jeff for 32 years, she is once again in the country, living on a five-acre farm site in Sabin, Minnesota. Along with mothering their four now-grown sons, Joanne has worked primarily in the medical secretarial field in various clinic and hospital settings, and currently is employed at a speech therapy clinic in Fargo. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, bicycling and stretching her soul through involvement in various faith groups and ministries.   SHOW NOTES:  Biography of Saint Faustina Kowalksa, whom Joanne referenced: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/stfaustina/bio

    What does hope in suffering look like?

  8. May 15

    Should minors be able to access abortion?

    Brittany Poppe is a Christian abortion recovery coach, pro-life speaker, and advocate for truth and healing. She helps women partner with God to find freedom and restore their hearts after abortion. She hosts "Abortion Recovery for Christian Women," a globally ranked top 2% Christian podcast that equips women with biblical guidance, hope, and practical steps toward emotional and spiritual healing. Passionate about sharing God's truth in love, Brittany inspires women to experience wholeness in Christ while raising awareness about the true cost of abortion and the redeeming power of God's grace.   SHOW NOTES:  Brittany's podcast: Abortion Recovery for Christian Women: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abortion-recovery-pro-life-abortion-pill-biblical-healing/id1668717310 Instagram: @brittanypoppe Website: brittanypoppe.com  Email: hello@brittanypoppe.com Link to May 10 Mother's Day "Faith Conversations" feature on motherhood featuring Brittany and her mother, Tami Berry:  Mother, daughter find their way back to one another after hidden abortion

    Should minors be able to access abortion?
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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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