Respect Life Radio

RLR Interview with Teresa Yanaros: Freedom From Darkness

Teresa Yanaros is a degree journalist that aims to addressing the growing trend of disaffiliation with religion and the seeking of spiritual practices that lead to new age and occult practices. in her new book, Freedom From Darkness, exposes the reality of how people can become ensnared in the occult practices and offering a road map toward freedom. Teresa shares her own powerful journey of redemption and conversion, highlighting how the grace of the sacraments and the Catholic faith offer true freedom from darkness. She provides impactful insight into the transformative power of repentance and radical surrender to the will of God. With the gift of community, we can uplift each other towards the truth that we were created to experience fulfillment and flourishing through our relationship with God. Tune in to hear how the light of Christ can lead us out of the shadows and into lasting peace.

To read her blog posts and purchase her new book visit: https://www.spiritsanctified.com/teresa-yanaros

RLR Interview with Christopher McMahon - Faithful Finances: Six Steps to Establishing a Catholic Financial Life

With over 30 years of financial experience in comprehensive financial planning, asset allocation, retirement planning, state tax management techniques, Christopher McMahon encourages family to invest in what matters, our mission to bring those we are entrusted with to heaven. In his new book, Faithful Finances: Six Steps to Establishing a Catholic Financial Life by Christopher offers a practical guide to managing personal finances through the lens of Catholic values. In this insightful book, McMahon provides a step-by-step approach to integrating faith with financial decisions, emphasizing stewardship, generosity, and the dignity of work. Drawing on Scripture and Church teaching, he encourages readers to view money not just as a means of personal gain but as a tool for fulfilling God's plan for their lives. For listeners of the Respect Life Radio Podcast, McMahon’s principles align with a holistic view of life that respects human dignity, promotes responsible living, and fosters a deeper commitment to both faith and finances. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to build a financially sound and spiritually fulfilling life.

To purchase his book visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/faithful-finances/?srsltid=AfmBOopgo2iegU9u0t4yGTZVMWwGKNzWxn3abDEVkSJAI0twTzFlCPnu

RLR Interview with Ann Burns: Mary’s Fiat, the Choice of New Freedom

In this episode of Respect Life Radio, we reflect on Ann Burns' insightful article, "Mary’s Fiat, the Choice of New Freedom," from Crisis magazine. Burns beautifully illuminates how Mary's "yes" to God’s will—the Fiat—represents not only a moment of obedience but a radical embrace of freedom. By choosing God's plan for her life, Mary shows us the path to true freedom, which is found in living fully in His will. Her example challenges each of us to discern and embrace God's calling, trusting that our surrender to His plan leads to the abundant life He desires for us. Ann reminds us of the importance of being rooted in prayers affirms the truth that each of us have our own Fiat to fulfill regardless of our vocational state. Join us as we explore how Mary's Fiat is a powerful model for living out our own vocations in faith. Ann Burns is a wife, mother, and founder of the Feminine Project.

To learn more about Ann and the Feminine Project visit: https://feminineproject.com/

RLR Interview with Riley Kane: Now is the Time to Focus on Religious Liberty in Your State

In his recent article, "Now is the Time to Focus on Religious Liberty in Your State," Riley Kane emphasizes the critical importance of defending religious freedoms at the local level. As local governments across the country take action that can either protect or undermine these rights, Kane calls on individuals to actively engage in shaping policies that safeguard religious liberty in their own communities. From school boards to city councils, local decisions hold powerful potential to effect change. Kane urges readers to recognize their ability to influence these decisions and work towards preserving the fundamental right to practice religion freely, ensuring that religious liberty remains a cornerstone of American society at all levels of government. Riley is an attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio who serves small businesses and non-profits. He was a 2024 Napa Legal Good Counsel Project Fellow.

To read his article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/now-is-the-time-to-focus-on-religious-liberty-in-your-state

RLR Interview with Fr. Kirby: Live Your Life With an Eye on Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell

In his thought-provoking article Live Your Life With an Eye on Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell, Father Jeffrey Kirby offers a powerful reflection on how the awareness of our ultimate end can shape the way we live today. Drawing from Catholic teaching, Fr. Kirby encourages readers to maintain a constant mindfulness of the four last things—Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell—as a means to live with purpose and clarity. He highlights that this perspective helps us align our choices with eternal truths, fostering a deeper commitment to holiness and moral integrity. He challenges us to live with a sense of urgency, not driven by fear, but by the hope and joy that comes from orienting our lives toward the promise of eternal life with God, while also recognizing the sobering reality of hell for those who reject Him. By keeping the end in mind, we are better equipped to live lives of virtue, make decisions rooted in faith, and embrace the love and mercy of God in our everyday actions.

To read his full article visit: https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/the-last-things-father-kirby

RLR Interview with Rebecca Hopersberger: Where Are The Grown-ups?

Rebecca Hopersberger shares her concerns, desires, and hopes for parents across the country on this week’s Respect Life podcast episode. In her recent article, Where Are The Grown-ups?, Rebecca dives into her experience as an educator and as a mother to call on parents to invest in their children’s education and experience the fullness of their vocation. Emphasizing , “The primary purpose of education is to know God to the extent of the ability that He gave us to”. In upholding the sacredness of what it means to be a parent, children can flourish into their personhood and experience God’s love within the nuclear family. 

To read Rebecca’s article visit https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/where-are-the-grown-ups.

RLR Interview with Susan Ciancio: American Life League

As the current editor of American Life League’s Celebrate Life Magazine and executive editor of ALL’s Culture of Life Studies Program – a pre K-12 Catholic pro-life education organization, Susan Ciancio dedicates her work on advocating for life. In her recent article, Susan highlights a recent report investigating on the increased statistics of ER visits connected to complications from the abortion pill over the past 15 years. With less restrictions, more general access, and limited education on the abortion pill, the need is high for clarity and transparency. Properly informing parents and children is the key to upholding the family unit and creating a culture of life.

To learn more about American Life League and their pro-life educational resources visit ALL.org.

RLR Interview with Michael Lichens: Weird Catholic Handbook

As an author, editor, and researcher, Michael Lichens has a passion to highlight overlooked aspect of the Catholic faith. In his new book, Weird Catholic Handbook, Michael does not just a collection of odd stories but invites us to see the profound truths and spiritual lessons embedded in the peculiar. He offers a refreshing perspective on the faith that involves curiosity that leads to deeper devotion. Diving into the lives of saints and monsters, understanding memento mori, spiritual warfare, and unusual miracles, Michael hopes that readers will adapt the Catholic tradition of telling stories.

To learn more about Michael and his writings visit https://www.mlichens.com/.

RLR Interview with Dr. Ralph Martin - A Life in the Spirit: A Memoir

In reflection of our relationship with the Holy Trinity, Ralph Martin dives deeper into the importance to embrace The Holy Spirit. In his new book, A Life in the Spirit: A Memoir, Dr. Martin gives testimony of the seasons of challenge, breakthrough, and life on mission for Jesus Christ. Everyone is called to live a life with radical trust and surrender to God’s plan. Learning how to hear His voice and grow in communion with others, the Church, and the Holy Trinity can prove to be anything but linear. Taking the first step towards this union places ourselves in a disposition to learn how to spot Christ in others.  Ralph invites us to embrace the adventure of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is the president of Renewal Ministries, director of the Graduate Programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and best-selling author.

To learn more about Ralph Martin, visit renewalministries.net.

RLR Interview with Ed Van Buskirk: If U Love Me, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to teaching the wisdom of the Ten Commandments (Part 3)

In today’s episode we conclude the third segment of three-part series based on the Ten Commandments with Ed Van Buskirk. Each human life is good and is worth upholding seeing that God created us in His likeness and image. The importance of understanding how our words and actions directly impact how others are affirmed in their dignity directly stems from the state of our relationship with God. In the exploration of the last seven commandments Ed explains the call to action of pursuing virtue. Virtue is attractive and is essential when drawing others toward the truth rooted in the Ten Commandments.

To learn more about Ed and his work visit https://ifuloveme.org