Episodes

  • Episode 353: The Journey from Christmas to Epiphany: Christmas Continues with One Star, Three Kings | Rebecca Grabill

    Episode 353: The Journey from Christmas to Epiphany: Christmas Continues with One Star, Three Kings | Rebecca Grabill
    Dec 22 2025
    Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Rebecca Grabill to discuss her new children’s book, One Star, Three Kings: The Journey to Epiphany. Together, they explore Advent and Christmas traditions and remind us that Christmas does not end on December 25, but continues through the days that lead to (at least) the Feast of the Epiphany. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why the Church celebrates a full Christmas season How Rebecca finds inspiration for her children’s writing What families and children can expect from One Star, Three Kings Simple and meaningful ways to celebrate the Epiphany as a Catholic family How storytelling helps children enter more deeply into the mysteries of the faith This episode is perfect for parents, catechists, educators, and anyone who wants to keep the joy and meaning of Christmas alive beyond December 25. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Star-Three-Kings-Epiphany/dp/B0DXC6H61J Learn more about Rebecca: https://www.rebeccagrabill.com
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    28 mins
  • Episode 352: From Hallmark to Great American Family: A Catholic Couple Goes Viral Reviewing Christmas Movies with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg

    Episode 352: From Hallmark to Great American Family: A Catholic Couple Goes Viral Reviewing Christmas Movies with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg
    Dec 17 2025
    Father Edward sits down with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg, the Catholic couple behind some of the most popular Christmas movie reviews on social media this year. Since 2018, the Lenaburgs have been watching, reacting to, and reviewing Christmas movies from Hallmark, Great American, and Netflix — always with an eye toward family-friendly storytelling and Catholic values. In this conversation, Mary and Jerry share how their annual tradition unexpectedly gained major traction this year, including a surge of over 10,000 new Instagram followers, increased sharing and reposting, and engagement from actors, producers, and well-known figures like Candace Cameron Bure. They explain their simple but effective “Christmas tree” rating system, how they decide which movies to review, and why they avoid films that don’t align with their values. The discussion also explores favorite classic Christmas films, the familiar formula of modern holiday movies, and what makes a story truly feel like Christmas. Father Edward offers a theological perspective on how Christmas movies often echo deeper themes of salvation history, even when unintentionally. Whether you love Hallmark movies, are looking for wholesome holiday viewing, or are curious how Catholic content can thrive on social media, this episode offers insight, humor, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Follow them on Instagram: Mary Lenaburg- https://www.instagram.com/marylenaburg?igsh=MXJweHNxcXllbDdvbw== Jerry Lenaburg- https://www.instagram.com/grouchy_historian?igsh=MWl0bGxoaDV4bmhzYg==
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    57 mins
  • Episode 351: Real Priests React to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with Fr. Scott Bailey

    Episode 351: Real Priests React to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with Fr. Scott Bailey
    Dec 15 2025
    What happens when Hollywood calls a real priest for advice? In this episode, Fr. Edward is joined by Fr. Scott Bailey, who—quite unexpectedly—became a consultant for Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film. Through parish connections, Fr. Scott met Johnson during a visit, which led to extended conversations about priesthood, Catholic customs, and even a production-time phone call clarifying details like how and when genuflection in a church should occur. Together, two real priests react to the film and discuss: -How Catholic faith, customs, and priestly life are accurately portrayed in the movie -The reaction of Fr. Scott’s priest friends after previewing the film -Why some Catholics may feel uncomfortable with the opening scenes—and why it’s worth watching to the end, where redemption emerges -Whether Catholic priests tend to assign common penances in Confession -If the film’s comedic elements mock Christianity—or respectfully engage it -How one scene naturally leads Fr. Judd to share his vocation story -What the movie reveals about priesthood and what priests especially appreciated -The surprising resonance of the parish name Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude This is a thoughtful, honest, and engaging conversation about faith, film, and the priesthood—offering insight for Catholics and movie lovers alike.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 350: Mary the New Woman: A Judeo-Christian Look at the Immaculate Conception with Diego Passadore

    Episode 350: Mary the New Woman: A Judeo-Christian Look at the Immaculate Conception with Diego Passadore
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode, Fr. Edward speaks with author Diego Pasadore about his new book Mary, the New Woman, a fresh Judeo-Christian exploration of the Immaculate Conception. Diego shares how an unexpected inspiration during Mass led him into three years of biblical research, studying Jewish texts, the Church Fathers, and even private revelations such as those of Anne Catherine Emmerich. Together they discuss Mary as the New Woman/New Eve, the theological roots of the dogma, and the rich symbolism connecting Mary to the Ark of the Covenant. Diego explains how ancient sources and mystical traditions converge to illuminate Mary’s unique role in salvation history, while Fr. Edward highlights the Church’s long tradition of developing these insights. A fascinating conversation for anyone seeking a deeper biblical and historical understanding of Mary’s conception and her place in Christian doctrine. Buy the book: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/marythenewwoman/
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    30 mins
  • Episode 349: One Widow’s Journey Through Loss and the Holidays — with Wendy Forest

    Episode 349: One Widow’s Journey Through Loss and the Holidays — with Wendy Forest
    Dec 1 2025
    In this moving conversation, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Wendy Forest, a widow who has walked a profound journey of grief, healing, and rediscovering hope through Jesus and Mary. Wendy shares the story behind her book Currents of Water, reflecting on how water became a powerful image for her emotions, her faith, and the early years of widowhood. Together, they explore: 💧 How grief comes in waves and why “currents” perfectly describes Wendy’s experience 💙 Mary’s quiet witness as a widow and how Wendy finds comfort in Mary’s presumed loss of Joseph 🌟 The challenge of bitterness and Wendy’s path toward peace 🎄 How widows can navigate the holidays—especially Christmas 🪦 The grace of visiting a loved one’s gravesite and how this becomes part of the healing process 🤝 The importance of grief support groups and sharing your story with others If you or someone you love is experiencing loss, this conversation offers gentle wisdom, practical guidance, and spiritual reassurance. 📘 Learn more about Wendy’s book Currents of Water. https://www.amazon.com/Currents-Water-Widows-Walk-Jesus/dp/B0F2255RY4 🙏 If this episode encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 348: Monica Experienced a Healing in Lourdes

    Episode 348: Monica Experienced a Healing in Lourdes
    Nov 14 2025
    While studying abroad in Europe, Monica lived with chronic pain in her legs, knees, and feet—often relying on a cane, walking stick, or even a wheelchair. During a one-day visit to Lourdes with friends, she found herself wondering what a healing might feel like. After praying at the shrine, she set aside her walking sticks and discovered she could walk without support. In this episode, Monica shares the story of that unexpected moment, how it reshaped her faith, and how her family and friends reacted in the days and weeks that followed. Find her on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mon_catholic?igsh=cHl5dWFjOTFobm9x
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    32 mins
  • Episode 346: It’s Time to Meet the Catholic Miss Rachel — Mrs. Faith with Anthony and Tara Bonna

    Episode 346: It’s Time to Meet the Catholic Miss Rachel — Mrs. Faith with Anthony and Tara Bonna
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with his good friends Anthony and Tara Bonna, creators of Raising Saints TV. You’ll hear how one of Fr. Edward’s books played a role in their engagement—and how one of their children ended up being named thanks to his recommendation! Anthony and Tara are on a mission to create joyful, faith-filled content for Catholic families, producing children’s songs that teach the faith and a delightful monthly show called “Little Saints TV with Mrs. Faith.” Fr. Edward even has a recurring guest spot as the show’s priestly friend. If you’re looking for wholesome, high-quality Catholic content for the littles in your life, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Learn more: https://www.raisingsaintstv.org Find them on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raisingsaintstv
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    25 mins
  • Episode 346: Finally! A Catholic Story Bible Done Right – The Story of All Stories with Emily Chapman

    Episode 346: Finally! A Catholic Story Bible Done Right – The Story of All Stories with Emily Chapman
    Oct 31 2025
    Word on Fire has released a beautifully illustrated and excellently written Catholic Story Bible for young readers — The Story of All Stories by Emily Stimpson Chapman. Seeing the need for a high-quality Catholic story Bible, Word on Fire and Stimpson Chapman teamed up to create a resource that tells not just individual Bible stories, but the one great story of salvation — from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney explores what makes this book unique, why it fills such an important gap for Catholic families, and how it can help children come to know and love the story of God’s love. 📖 Get your copy of The Story of All Stories today from Word on Fire! https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-story-of-all-stories?srsltid=AfmBOool0NoaJIZtsnxNBwVFwRMgQBkBmyIeXfk7zgUEZMdeTwnDorTV
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    19 mins