Catholic in America

OSV Podcasts
  • 4.6 (16)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Identity politics and tribal thinking has become America's dominant paradigm. Why has the respect for genuine civic friendship and the common good waned? What are the set of moral and spiritual principles needed to reclaim or reimagine what has been lost? How do we use them to make right judgments about our world and to move forward with clarity and joy? The answer is at the heart of the Catholic faith and its social doctrine: rediscovering our common identity as children of the Father,  the One who created us for love. Join Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, to engage our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic.

  1. 6d ago

    Can Politics Be Evangelized?

    What does evangelization have to do with politics? More than we might think. In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins welcomes Dr. Matthew Petrusek, Senior Director of the Word on Fire Institute and author of Evangelization and Ideology: How to Understand and Respond to the Political Culture. Petrusek argues that politics can provide Catholics with an important opportunity for evangelization. Political debates inevitably raise deeper questions about morality, human dignity, justice, truth, and ultimately our understanding of reality itself. Rather than abandoning these conversations, Catholics should learn how to engage them with reason, courage, charity, and a well-formed understanding of Catholic social teaching.  Jason and Matthew discuss why politics is much bigger than elections, how Catholics can distinguish arguing from fighting, why local political engagement matters, and how institutions themselves can become places of evangelization. They also explore the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, the dangers of ideology, the importance of natural law, and what Petrusek describes as a Catholic approach of "hopeful realism" toward political life. Ultimately, evangelizing political culture is not about creating heaven on earth or imposing Catholicism through government. It is about helping create a society where it is easier for people to pursue what is good, true, and ultimately Christ Himself.  Links:  Matthew Petrusek Bio and Evangelization and Ideology https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/pages/matthew-petrusek?srsltid=AfmBOopnBaDU5JlHrmxNRyXV6V8RNjdA6vOUGubhkz-TD8hfkY68bGP2 Word on Fire Institute https://institute.wordonfire.org/ Pope St. John Paul II on Catholic Social Teaching and Evangelization https://focusequip.org/catholic-social-teaching-and-the-new-evangelization/ Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  2. Aug 3

    Why the Public Square Needs Catholics with Jason Adkins

    Should Catholics stay out of politics? Far from it. In this special live episode of Catholic in America, recorded at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Jason Adkins explores why the Church teaches that political engagement is not optional, but an essential expression of Christian charity.  Drawing from Scripture, Catholic social teaching, and the wisdom of Popes Leo XIII, Francis, and Leo XIV, Jason argues that politics is far more than elections or partisan conflict. At its best, politics is the pursuit of the common good and one of the primary ways Catholics love their neighbor. Throughout the lecture, he explains how Catholics can faithfully engage today's most difficult public debates, including bioethics, religious liberty, education, healthcare, assisted suicide, and the dignity of every human person. Topics include: Why politics is "one of the highest forms of charity"The Catholic understanding of the common goodWhy the Church must be present in public lifeCatholic social teaching beyond partisan politicsBuilding relationships with elected officialsWhy Catholics should engage bioethical issuesThe dignity of every human person from conception to natural deathForming consciences rather than winning argumentsWhat Pope Leo XIV's early teaching means for Catholics todayHow ordinary Catholics can transform their communitiesWhether you're active in public life or simply wondering how your faith should shape your civic responsibilities, this conversation offers a compelling vision for living the Gospel beyond the walls of the church. Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  3. Jul 20

    Finding Yourself Without Losing Others with Luke Burgis

    What happens when the desire to belong begins to replace the search for truth? In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins sits down with author, entrepreneur, and Catholic University scholar Luke Burgis to discuss his newest book, The One and the Ninety-Nine: How to Find Identity and Cultivate Individuality in an Age of Social Contagion.  Together they explore one of the defining questions of modern life: How do we remain true to ourselves while living in community? Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, psychology, the Rule of St. Benedict, René Girard, and Catholic social teaching, Burgis explains why today's culture often rewards conformity over conscience and why authentic communion requires strong, well-formed individuals. Topics discussed include: Why social contagion shapes modern cultureThe difference between community and communionHow technology and artificial intelligence influence identityWhy friction and suffering help form virtueThe importance of conscience in Catholic lifeThe danger of groupthink, even inside the ChurchWhat the Parable of the Lost Sheep teaches about personal identityHow families, education, and work help form the "solid self"Whether you're navigating social media, raising a family, leading a business, or simply trying to live your faith with integrity, this conversation offers practical wisdom for becoming the person God created you to be. Links The One and the Ninety-Nine https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250373038/theoneandtheninetynine/ Wall Street Journal Review https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/the-one-and-the-ninety-nine-review-a-study-in-selves-688114da Luke Burgis https://lukeburgis.com/ Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  4. Jul 6

    Why We're More Connected but More Lonely with Dr. John Cuddeback

    Why are so many people lonely, anxious, and disconnected despite having more comforts and conveniences than ever before? In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins welcomes Dr. John Cuddeback, professor of philosophy at Christendom College, to discuss his new book, The Intentional Household: Living As If People Matter.  Dr. Cuddeback argues that one of the greatest crises of modern life is not political or economic. It is the loss of the household as a true community of daily life. Rather than simply sharing a roof, families are called to become places where friendship, meaningful work, hospitality, prayer, and genuine leisure shape every aspect of life. Together, Jason and Dr. Cuddeback explore: Why the household is the foundation of civilizationThe difference between a house and a homeWhy technology should serve relationships, not replace themThe forgotten importance of shared work and shared leisureWhy friendship is the foundation of marriage and familyThe wisdom of Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Wendell BerryRaising children through culture, not merely instructionCaring for the elderly as an essential part of family lifePractical ways to become more intentional at homeWhether you're single, married, raising children, or entering retirement, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for building a life where people truly matter. Links:  John Cuddeback Bio: https://www.christendom.edu/academics/undergraduate-faculty/john-a-cuddeback/LifeCraft: https://life-craft.org/The Intentional Household: https://ignatius.com/intentional-household-the-inhp/Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  5. Jun 15

    Before Podcasts and YouTube, There Was ArchBishop Fulton Sheen, with Bishop Louis Tylka

    More than forty years after his death, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen continues to inspire Catholics around the world. In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins speaks with Bishop Louis Tylka, promoter of Sheen’s cause for canonization and leader of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, about the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of one of the greatest evangelists in American Catholic history.  Known for his groundbreaking television program Life Is Worth Living, Archbishop Sheen brought the Gospel into millions of homes at a time when television was still a new medium. Yet behind his remarkable communication skills was something far deeper: a profound friendship with Jesus Christ rooted in a daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.  Topics discussed include: Fulton Sheen’s early life and vocationHis rise as a radio and television pioneerWhy Life Is Worth Living attracted over 30 million viewers weeklyThe role of philosophy and theology in shaping his thoughtHis influence on Catholic apologetics and evangelizationThe central importance of the Holy Hour in his lifeWhy Sheen remains relevant in the digital ageThe miracle attributed to his intercession and the path to beatificationWhat modern Catholics can learn from his witnessBishop Tylka offers a compelling portrait of a man whose success was never rooted in celebrity, but in prayer, holiness, and a deep desire to bring people into friendship with Christ.  As Catholics navigate a rapidly changing media landscape, Sheen’s example offers a timeless lesson: effective evangelization begins not with technology, but with prayer. Links: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation Bishop Louis Tylka Biography Bishop Louis Tylka Bio Life Is Worth Living: "Pain and Suffering" Life Is Worth Living Sample Episode William F. Buckley Interviews Archbishop Fulton Sheen Buckley Interview with Fulton Sheen Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  6. Jun 4

    Catholic in America Rewind: Aliens, AI, and the End of Truth with Daniel O'Connor

    Is our obsession with aliens and AI preparing us for a spiritual deception? In this electrifying episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins interviews philosopher, theologian, and author Daniel O’Connor, who argues that belief in extraterrestrials and superintelligent AI may be part of a growing cultural movement away from Christ — and toward idolatry and deception. Drawing on theology, Church history, science, and pop culture, O’Connor proposes that the so-called “First and Last Deception” mirrors the serpent’s lie in the Garden of Eden: that humans can become like gods through a non-human intelligence. Whether you're a skeptic, a science-fiction fan, or someone curious about how Catholics should think about aliens and AI, this conversation offers a clear, thought-provoking, and spiritually grounded perspective. Topics Covered: Why Daniel O’Connor believes aliens don’t exist — and never haveHow AI is being used as a spiritual gatewayWhat Scripture and the Catechism say about non-human intelligencesThe manipulation of public fear through “disclosure” eventsThe eerie connection between 1947, UFOs, and the Cold WarC.S. Lewis, the Church Fathers, and popes on extraterrestrial lifeWhy only man is made in the image of GodThe Church’s warnings against false messianism and pseudo-scientific prophetsWhat Catholics can do to avoid being deceivedO’Connor’s book is not just about debunking aliens or AI hype. It’s about holding fast to the truth of Christ in an age of spiritual confusion and technological seduction. Links: Daniel O’Connor’s Bio https://dsdoconnor.com/about-me/ Book: The First and Last Deception: Aliens, UFOs, AI, and the Return of Eden’s Demise https://www.amazon.com/First-Last-Deception-Aliens-Return-ebook/dp/B0DJFWQ421 YouTube Channel: Daniel O’Connor Lectures https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwB70gZ4NGlbFgnoY9FMUwg/videos Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.  Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  7. May 18

    The Way of the Disciple with Fr. Simeon, O.C.S.O. (Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis)

    What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? In this deeply reflective episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins speaks with Fr. Simeon (Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis), a Trappist monk of St. Joseph’s Abbey and acclaimed spiritual writer, about the path of Christian discipleship in a distracted and restless age.  Drawing from his book The Way of the Disciple, Father Simeon reflects on the Gospel encounters that reveal how Christ calls ordinary people into transformation, communion, and mission. From the Samaritan woman at the well to Peter’s fearful response to Christ, this conversation explores what happens when a person truly encounters Jesus. Topics include: What it means to be a discipleWhy Christianity is called “The Way”Transformation vs. mere imitation of ChristCommunion, contemplation, and missionLectio Divina and praying with ScriptureThe connection between the Word of God and the EucharistWhy silence and asceticism matterHyper-communication and the spiritual crisis of modern lifeWhat monasticism can teach the modern worldThe importance of solitude and prayer in encountering GodFather Simeon also shares powerful reflections on becoming a monk later in life, learning silence after years as a university professor, and why many people today are starving for interior stillness in an age of constant distraction.  This episode is a rich meditation on prayer, discipleship, Scripture, and the call to become more fully alive in Christ. Links:  Author Page at Ignatius Press Ignatius Press Author Page – Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis St. Joseph’s Abbey St. Joseph’s Abbey Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

  8. May 4

    Why Parents, Not Systems, Should Decide Education with Dr. Patrick Graff

    What is school choice and why is it such a heated debate across the country? In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins speaks with Dr. Patrick Graff, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, to unpack one of the most important education issues in America today. From Catholic social teaching to real-world data, this conversation goes beyond political talking points and examines what school choice actually is, how it works, and whether it benefits students. Dr. Graff explains how school choice policies empower parents as primary educators, align with the principle of subsidiarity, and create measurable improvements not only for students who use them, but also for public schools themselves. Topics include: What school choice is and how it worksThe Catholic foundation for parental rights in educationWhy education is never value-neutralDo school choice programs hurt public schoolsThe real data behind academic outcomes and graduation ratesWhy competition improves education systemsThe difference between funding students and funding systemsThe new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit and what it meansCommon objections from both the left and the rightWhat Catholics can do to support educational freedomOne of the most striking findings discussed: Florida’s school choice program delivered measurable public school improvements at a fraction of the cost of traditional spending increases. This episode challenges listeners to rethink education through both a moral and practical lens.  Resources & Links Patrick Graff Bio https://www.federationforchildren.org/staff/patrick-graff/Education Next Article School Choice or School Spending? https://www.educationnext.org/school-choice-or-school-spending-floridas-15-year-experiment-points-to-the-answer/Full Study School Choice Competition vs. New Education Spending https://www.federationforchildren.org/florida-school-choice-cost-effectiveness-study/Follow Dr. Graff on X https://x.com/parthurgraffJason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.  Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Identity politics and tribal thinking has become America's dominant paradigm. Why has the respect for genuine civic friendship and the common good waned? What are the set of moral and spiritual principles needed to reclaim or reimagine what has been lost? How do we use them to make right judgments about our world and to move forward with clarity and joy? The answer is at the heart of the Catholic faith and its social doctrine: rediscovering our common identity as children of the Father,  the One who created us for love. Join Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, to engage our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic.

Information

  • Creator
    OSV Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Catholic in America
  • Show Website
    Catholic in America

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