Respect Life Radio

RLR Interview with Matthew Plese: Miracles as Proof that Catholicism is From God

In this week's Respect Life radio podcast, we are excited to feature Matthew Plese as our guest. Matthew resides in Chicago, IL and is the President of CatechismClass.com and writes monthly for Catholic Family News and the Fatima Center. He joins us to discuss his thought-provoking articles, "Miracles as Proof that Catholicism is From God." Matthew delves into the powerful role that miracles play in affirming the truth of Catholicism, offering compelling insights into how these extraordinary events serve as signs of God's presence and intervention in our world. Each article builds and reveals another layer of truth of the social miracle of the Church in the pursuit of sainthood. Tune in for a deeper understanding of how miracles strengthen our faith and provide undeniable evidence of the divine.

To read more about Matthew and his series visit: https://onepeterfive.com/miracles-as-proof-that-catholicism-is-from-god/#:~:text=The%20other%20tool%20at%20our,believe%20what%20the%20Church%20teaches.

RLR Interview with Austin Ruse: The Impact of the Sexual Revolution on Western Society and our Leaders

This week we are joined by Austin Ruse, President of Center for Family & Human Rights (C-Fam) in New York and Washington DC and writer/editor for Crisis Magazine. In this episode, Deacon Geoff and Austin discuss ways the sexual revolution continues to impact our Western society and the behavior of leaders in our country. In a world that is riddled with compromise, they emphasize the importance of being bold and courageous in living out the truths of the Catholic Christina faith, which can sometimes mean uncomfortable conversations and acknowledging ways leaders in the community are not upholding every aspect of Catholic Social Teaching and the dignity of the human person.

To read more of Mr. Ruse's articles or purchase his books, visit https://crisismagazine.com/author/austin-ruse. For more information on the Center for Family & Human Rights visit https://c-fam.org/.

RLR Interview with Sarah Cain: The Ugly Truth About Gay Adoption

In this episode of Respect Life Radio, we’re joined by Sarah Cain, a passionate advocate for the preservation of family values. Sarah, known as The Crusader Gal, is a political and cultural commentator who makes videos about the decline of the West, and she writes Homefront Crusade. She is the author of Failing Foundations: The Pillars of the West Are Nearing Collapse. She discusses the growing decay of the Western view on the foundational role of family in society, pointing out how cultural shifts are undermining traditional structures. She also delves into her recent thought-provoking article, The Ugly Truth About Gay Adoption, where she critiques the commercialization of adoption and the commodification of children. Sarah’s insights challenge us to reconsider how we approach the sanctity of family and the well-being of vulnerable children in today’s world.

To learn more about Sarah and read her articles visit: https://crusadergal.com/

RLR Interview with Jack Rigert - The Contraceptive Mentality: Ground Zero in Spiritual Warfare

In this powerful episode of Respect Life Radio, host Jack Ridert delves deep into his article "The Contraceptive Mentality: Ground Zero in Spiritual Warfare", where he explores the profound impact of contraception on both individual lives and the wider culture. With passionate zeal, Ridert highlights the revolutionary teachings of St. John Paul II on the Theology of the Body, emphasizing the sacredness of human sexuality and the transformative power of the sacrament of marriage. He underscores how embracing these teachings can strengthen families, restore true freedom and help heal the cultural wounds created by a contraceptive mindset. This episode is a call to reclaim the beauty of God's plan for love and life, grounded in a deep understanding of human dignity and divine purpose. Jack is a co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center, the host of the “Become Who You Are” podcast, a writer and speaker.

To read Jack’s article visit: https://catholicexchange.com/the-contraceptive-mentality-ground-zero-in-spiritual-warfare-pt-1/

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.