Respect Life Radio

RLR Interview with Kat Talalas and Chelsy Gomez: Walking with Moms in Need

This week on Respect Life Radio, Emma and Jennifer welcome Kat Talalas, Assistant Director for Pro-Life Communications, and Chelsy Gomez, Program Associate for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. Kat and Chelsy share how their journeys into pro-life work were shaped by a deepening faith and a growing understanding of Church teaching—ultimately calling them to live out the Gospel of Life. Together, they reflect on the importance of pastoral care, emphasizing a spirit of love and service when communicating the Church’s teaching on life issues. They highlight the need for a compassionate disposition in encountering men, women, and families who are seeking accompaniment and support.

The conversation also centers on Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide initiative to ensure that every pregnant and parenting mother has access to support within her local community. Listeners will hear how parishes can become places of encounter, offering real and tangible help to women facing unexpected pregnancies. Through personal stories, practical insights, and a clear call to action, this episode invites all to help build a culture of life by walking alongside moms with compassion, dignity and love.

To learn more about Walking with Moms in Need, visit: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/

RLR Interview with Jim Papandrea: How to Speak with God Through Scripture

This week on Respect Life Radio, we welcome Dr. Jim Papandrea, an award-winning author, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, and host of The Way of the Fathers podcast. A former Protestant deacon who entered into the Catholic Church, Dr. Papandrea brings a rich depth of theological insight shaped by his academic work and love for the early Church. Drawing from his recent article, How to Speak with God Through Scripture, he reflects on the beauty of praying with God’s Word and how practices like Lectio Divina invite us into a deeper, more personal encounter with the Lord. With wisdom rooted in Scripture and tradition, Dr. Papandrea encourages listeners to grow in prayer and to see more clearly the dignity of every human life. To read the full article visit: https://catholicexchange.com/how-to-speak-with-god-through-scripture/

RLR Interview with Matthew Ramage: Incarnate Transcendence in an Age of Transhumanist Counterfeits

This week on Respect Life Radio, we welcome theologian and author Matthew J. Ramage, a professor at Benedictine College and co-director of the Center for Integral Ecology. Known for his work bridging faith, science and the theology of Pope Benedict XVI, Dr. Ramage brings thoughtful insight into what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.

In his recent Incarnate Transcendence in an Age of Transhumanist Counterfeits published by Catholic World Report, Ramage explores the growing influence of transhumanism and the temptation to replace our embodied humanity with technological “counterfeits.” He challenges listeners to rediscover the beauty of being fully human—rooted in creation, relationship and ultimately in Christ—rather than seeking false transcendence through technology. Tune in for a compelling conversation on reclaiming authentic human dignity in a digital age, and how the Christian vision of the human person offers a hopeful path forward. To learn more about Matthew visit: https://matthewramage.com/

RLR Interview with Peter Giersch: Talking of Michelangelo

Today, Deacon Geoff is joined by Peter Giersch, a businessman and faithful Catholic author of several books, to discuss his latest work, Talking of Michelangelo (https://www.galileanonline.com/product/9798889116721).

Drawing from the life and work of Michelangelo, the conversation explores the intersection of art, faith, and the human soul. Peter reflects on how beauty, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence can draw us closer to God, while also pointing to deeper spiritual realities about suffering, redemption, and our ultimate purpose.

Deacon Geoff and Peter also speak candidly about the importance of remembering our mortality and how easy it can be to forget the reality of hell and the need to choose heaven in our daily decisions. Together, they emphasize that these truths—like the beauty found in great art—are timeless, continually calling us to live with intention, courage, and a desire for eternal communion with God.

RLR interview with Lauren Castillo: Advancing life-affirming healthcare at Bella Health + Wellness

This week on Respect Life Radio, we welcome Lauren Castillo, Chief Mission and Revenue Officer at Bella Health + Wellness. Lauren shares insights from her work advancing life-affirming healthcare and supporting organizations that serve women and families with dignity and compassion. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership—including her previous role with Students for Life of America—Lauren has helped shape the national conversation on protecting life and strengthening faith-based ministries.

In this episode, Lauren reflects on the mission of building authentic, pro-life medical models that prioritize both excellent care and a deep commitment to Christ. She also discusses how faithful healthcare initiatives can respond to the cultural and medical challenges of the post-Roe landscape while supporting women with compassionate, life-affirming care. Lauren’s personal testimony and zeal for mission offers listeners a refreshing perspective when it comes to living out the Gospel of Life. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on faith, mission and the growing movement to reclaim healthcare that truly honors the dignity of every human life. To learn more about Bella Health and Wellness visit: https://www.bellawellness.org/

RLR Interview with Casey Chalk: Meditating on Death Is Critical to a Good Life and Wisdom from the Cross

Today, Deacon Geoff is joined by Casey Chalk to discuss his recent article, Meditating on Death Is Critical to a Good Life in Crisis Magazine, as well as his newest book, Wisdom from the Cross. Casey reflects on how Jesus lived a perfect life on earth and why there is no better model for a holy death.

Throughout the conversation, Deacon Geoff and Casey explore how our daily choices shape our path toward eternal life and communion with God and the saints. Deacon Geoff emphasizes the importance of “dying to self” each day as a way of preparing our hearts for heaven and cultivating virtuous habits. Casey builds on this idea, noting that it is in the small, everyday moments that we form the courage and faithfulness needed to respond well in life’s bigger challenges.

This call to daily conversion is at the heart of Wisdom from the Cross (https://sophiainstitute.com/product/wisdom-from-the-cross/), where Casey reflects on Jesus’ seven last words and what they reveal about how to live—and ultimately how to die—in union with Christ. You can also read his article, Meditating on Death Is Critical to a Good Life (https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/meditating-on-death-is-critical-to-a-good-life), for a deeper look at this theme.

RLR Interview with Kevin Wells: “The Memory of a Vianney-Like Priest Lay Hidden in the West Virginia Mountains”

Kevin Wells joins this week’s episode of the Respect Life Radio podcast to reflect on the witness of holy priests and the quiet heroism found in faithful ministry. Drawing from his recent article in Catholic World Report, “The Memory of a Vianney-Like Priest Lay Hidden in the West Virginia Mountains,” Wells recounts the powerful story of a humble priest whose life of sacrifice, prayer and pastoral devotion echoed the spirit of St. John Vianney. Through this story, Wells invites listeners to rediscover the beauty of priestly fatherhood and the transformative impact of a life poured out for the salvation of souls. Wells is an award-winning Catholic author, speaker, and former sports reporter for the Tampa Tribune. He is the best-selling author of several books, including The Priests We Need to Save the Church, Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz and The Hermit. Through his writing and speaking, Wells calls Catholics to deeper faith, courageous witness and renewed appreciation for the priesthood. Listeners can learn more about his writing and mission by visiting kevinwells.org.

RLR Interview with Grace Schmiesing: “Advice to a New Convert: Let It All Die.”

On this week’s episode of the Respect Life Radio podcast, we welcome writer and convert Grace Schmiesing to discuss her recent article in Crisis Magazine, “Advice to a New Convert: Let It All Die.” Reflecting on her own journey into the Catholic faith, Grace explores the radical transformation that conversion requires—one that reshapes not only beliefs but one’s entire worldview, priorities and sense of identity. She shares how surrendering old attachments and allowing Christ to renew every aspect of life can ultimately lead to deeper freedom, joy and authenticity in the Christian life. Join us as Grace offers thoughtful insight into what it means to truly entrust everything to the Lord and allow Him to make all things new. To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/advice-to-a-new-convert-let-it-all-die 

RLR Interview with Nate Guyear: How and Why Some Angels Fell from Grace

Today, Deacon Geoff is joined by Nate Guyear, a Catholic apologist and first-year deaconate candidate in California who returned to the Catholic faith in 2012. Nate holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary and writes regularly for Catholic Exchange.

In this episode, Nate and Deacon Geoff unpack Nate’s recent article, How and Why Some Angels Fell from Grace, exploring what the Church teaches about the creation of angels, the nature of their freedom and the decisive role of pride in the angelic fall. Drawing from the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, they explain how angels made an immediate, irrevocable choice for or against God, and why the rebellion of some angels reveals profound truths about humility, obedience and God’s providence. The conversation ultimately turns toward hope, highlighting how Christ’s redemptive plan elevates humanity and calls each of us to choose God’s grace over self-reliance.

Read the article here:
https://catholicexchange.com/how-and-why-some-angels-fell-from-grace/

RLR Interview with Allison Auth: The realities of postpartum life and how it can deeply impact marriage, spirituality, physical and emotional health and a mother’s sense of community

Today on Respect Life Radio, Jennifer and Emma are joined by Allison Auth, a Catholic author, wife, mother and regular contributor to the Denver Catholic, CatholicMom.com and other publications. Allison is the author of Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Postpartum Woes, a compassionate and practical guide for mothers navigating the often-overlooked challenges of the postpartum season.In this episode, Jennifer and Emma explore the realities of postpartum life and how it can deeply impact marriage, spirituality, physical and emotional health and a mother’s sense of community. Allison offers encouragement and practical insight for women who may feel isolated or overwhelmed, while also challenging families and parishes to more intentionally support mothers during this vulnerable time. Tune in to discover how you can better accompany and uplift new moms in your own community.

To learn more about Baby and Beyond, visit:
https://sophiainstitute.com/product/baby-and-beyond/

And be on the lookout for the upcoming audiobook release as well!