Respect Life Radio

This week on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff Bennett is joined by Joshua Arnold, a senior writer at The Washington Stand, to discuss his recent article, Christianity Is Normal. In a culture that increasingly treats Christian beliefs as strange or out of step, Arnold explores the reality that Christianity is not something new or abnormal but has been a foundational part of human history and culture for centuries. He encourages Christians to resist the temptation to feel ashamed or defensive about their faith and instead to confidently live out the truth of the Gospel.

Deacon Geoff and Arnold discuss what it means for Christians to recognize the goodness and normalcy of a life rooted in faith, family and the dignity of every human person. They explore how Christians can respond to a culture that seeks to marginalize biblical beliefs while remaining grounded in the truth and hopeful in their witness. Through their conversation, listeners are encouraged to remember that following Christ is not something to apologize for but a joyful calling that can transform individuals, families and society.

To read the full article, visit: https://washingtonstand.com/article/christianity-is-normal.

This week on the Respect Life Radio Podcast, host Deacon Geoff welcomes John Melnikov, a theology teacher in Trumbull, Connecticut. Melnikov holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Fairfield University and an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Liberty University. He is a regular contributor to Catholic Exchange and Crisis Magazine, where he writes on Catholic culture, morality and the challenges facing the Church today. The conversation centers on Melnikov's recent Crisis Magazine article, Seeking Absolution from the Crowd: Confession in the Age of Algorithm. Together, Deacon Geoff and John examine how social media has transformed the way people seek validation, replacing authentic repentance with public performances of apology and approval. They discuss the sacrament of Confession as God's true path to forgiveness and freedom, contrasting it with the fleeting acceptance offered by online audiences. This thoughtful episode invites listeners to rediscover the healing power of God's mercy and the peace that comes through genuine conversion.

To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/seeking-absolution-from-the-crowd-confession-in-the-age-of-algorithm

For this week's Respect Life Radio podcast, host Deacon Geoff welcomes Fr. Joseph Gill, a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, pastor, high school chaplain and teacher. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Fr. Gill is also a frequent contributor to Crisis Magazine. The conversation centers on his recent article, "Demonic Deception of Kids' Sports," in which Fr. Gill explores how the increasing demands of youth sports and extracurricular activities can subtly pull families away from Sunday Mass and the Eucharist. He argues that while sports and activities are good in themselves, they can become distractions when they are treated as equal to or more important than worship of God. Fr. Gill challenges Catholic families to place Christ at the center of their schedules and reclaim Sunday as a day dedicated to the Lord. Tune in for an engaging discussion on faith, priorities and how families can remain rooted in the Eucharist amid the busyness of modern life.

To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/demonic-deception-of-kids-sports

Host Emma Ramirez welcomes Caitlin Burnett, BSN, RN, a registered nurse and Fertility Care Practitioner at Bella Health + Wellness, for an informative conversation on Natural Family Planning (NFP). Drawing from more than 20 years of nursing experience in pediatrics, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, Caitlin shares how teaching women to understand their fertility has become her passion. She is certified in the Creighton Model, Marquette Method, and Standard Days Method and has helped educate families at Bella Health + Wellness since the clinic first opened. During the episode, Emma and Caitlin discuss the beauty of Natural Family Planning as a life-affirming approach that empowers couples to better understand God's design for fertility and women's health. Caitlin explains the differences between several NFP methods, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights how fertility awareness can help identify underlying health concerns while strengthening communication within marriage. Whether listeners are newly engaged, married, or simply interested in learning more about authentic women's healthcare, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement for embracing fertility as a gift rather than a problem to be solved. To learn more about NFP visit Fertility Education — Bella Health + Wellness

Join host Deacon Geoff as he welcomes weekly guest Andrew J. Peach, J.D., Ph.D., a former philosophy professor and current attorney. Andrew is the co-author of An Introduction to Catholic Ethics, a textbook used in Catholic high schools across the United States. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including First Things, The Thomist, Crisis Magazine, Touchstone Magazine and Catholic Exchange. He and his wife Kathryn have four children. In this episode, Deacon Geoff and Andrew discuss his recent Catholic Exchange article, "Teaching Ethics 'The Little Way.'" Together they explore how Catholic ethics should begin not with today's most debated moral issues but with the everyday virtues that shape faithful disciples. Inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her "Little Way," Andrew explains how practicing humility, charity and self-control prepares us to defend the dignity of every human life. Don't miss this thoughtful conversation on virtue, moral formation and living out the Gospel of Life through the ordinary moments of daily life. To read Andrew’s article visit: https://catholicexchange.com/teaching-ethics-the-little-way/

This week on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff welcomes Michael J. Lichens, former editor of Catholic Exchange and a prolific Catholic writer whose work has appeared in both Catholic and mainstream publications. Holding an M.A. from the University of Chicago Divinity School, Michael has dedicated much of his career to researching, writing and editing works that uncover the richness of Catholic faith, history and literature. The conversation focuses on Michael's recent Catholic Exchange article, "St. Gemma Galgani, A Soul Willing to Suffer." Together, he and Deacon Geoff explore the life of St. Gemma and her profound willingness to unite her suffering with Christ. Michael reflects on what made St. Gemma such a remarkable witness of faith and how her example challenges modern Catholics to better understand suffering, sacrifice and trust in God's providence. Michael reminds us that we do not know what God can do with what we offer Him and to trust that “…great conversion come from the simplest of prayers”. Drawing from the themes of the article, this episode offers a compelling look at the spiritual value of redemptive suffering and the enduring relevance of the saints in our daily lives. Join us for an insightful discussion that invites listeners to see suffering not as an obstacle to holiness but as a path toward deeper union with Christ.

To learn more Michael and his work visit: mlichens.com 

This week on Respect Life Radio, host Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomes Linda Carl, author of the new book Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light. A lifelong spiritual seeker, Linda spent nearly two decades as a certified yoga instructor and was deeply immersed in Eastern spiritual practices before rediscovering the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith. Through her personal experiences, extensive research, and conversion journey, she has become a passionate advocate for helping others discern the spiritual influences that shape their lives. Linda shares how her search for peace and purpose ultimately led her back to Jesus Christ and the Church. Together, she and Deacon Geoff discuss spiritual discernment, the dangers of deceptive spiritual practices, and the authentic freedom and healing found in a relationship with Christ. Tune in for this compelling conversation about conversion, faith, and the transformative power of God's grace.

To learn more about her book visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/yoga-unveiled/

This week on Respect Life Radio, host Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomes Garrett Johnson, writer, speaker, and founder of Brother Without Order. Garrett shares his powerful journey from leaving the Catholic faith and living a life centered on worldly pursuits to rediscovering Christ and embracing the teachings of the Church. Today, he is a member of the Courage apostolate and writes extensively on faith, identity, discipleship, and authentic freedom in Christ. Drawing from his recent Catholic Exchange article, "Calling Sin a Sin Is a Kindness," Garrett and Deacon Geoff discuss the relationship between truth and charity, the call to accompany others with authentic love, and why mercy can never be separated from the truth of the Gospel. Tune in for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about conversion, human dignity, and the transformative power of God's grace.

To learn more about Garrett and his works visit: https://www.brotherwithoutorder.com/

This week on Respect Life Radio, Jennifer and Emma welcome Bre Stemper, apostolate leader for Springs of Love at St. Thomas More Parish. Bre is a wife and mother of two boys whose experience with infertility opened her heart to the needs of children in foster care and adoption. She shares the profound ways the Lord worked in her family's journey and the invitation she and her husband received through Our Lady to care for some of her most vulnerable little ones.

Bre discusses the mission of Springs of Love, a Catholic ministry dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families while helping more Catholics discern a call to foster care and adoption. Through educational resources, parish care teams, small groups, and community support, Springs of Love seeks to accompany families at every stage of the journey. Tune in to hear how this growing ministry is building a culture of welcome, support, and love for children and families throughout the Church.

If you would like to learn more about Springs of Love, visit https://springsoflove.org/.

On this week’s episode of Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomes Father Carter Griffin, rector of Saint John Paul II Seminary, to discuss his recent article for the National Catholic Register, “Forming Your Children for Chastity: A Letter to Parents.” Drawing from his years of priestly formation and pastoral experience, Father Griffin shares practical wisdom for parents seeking to raise children with a healthy understanding of love, purity, and human dignity in today’s culture.

Throughout the conversation, Deacon Geoff and Father Griffin discuss the importance of beginning conversations about chastity early, creating homes rooted in trust and virtue, and helping children understand that chastity is not merely a list of rules, but a path to authentic freedom and love. Father Griffin also reflects on the challenges families face in a hypersexualized culture and offers encouragement for parents striving to lead their children closer to Christ with patience, honesty, and hope.

Father Griffin is the author of several books including Why Celibacy, Cross-Examined, Forming Fathers, Forming Families, Forming Saints, and his newest release, Reclaimed. If you would like to read the full article discussed, visit https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/forming-your-children-for-chastity-a-letter-to-parents.