Respect Life Radio

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.

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff sits down with Dr. Paul Kengor—a husband, father, professor, and bestselling author—to discuss his newest book, American Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV and His Plan to Heal the Church. Drawing from his deep expertise in both Catholic history and American politics, Dr. Kengor offers a compelling look at the life and leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff.

Their conversation explores the unique relationship between the papacy and political leadership, particularly the dynamic between pope and president, and what it means for both the Church and the world. Deacon Geoff and Dr. Kengor reflect on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and the significance of his American background in shaping his approach to unity, peace, and reform.

They also discuss the challenges facing this new papacy—from internal divisions within the Church to global cultural and political tensions—and the hope that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership can bring healing in a divided world. Rooted in both history and faith, this episode offers insight into the future of the Church through the lens of its first American pope.

If you are interested in reading Dr. Kengor's book, visit https://www.amazon.com/American-Pontiff-Pope-Plan-Church/dp/1630063312.

On today’s episode, Deacon Geoff is joined by Marie Brousseau, a Canadian teacher and essayist, to discuss her most recent Catholic Exchange article “Why People Fall from Faith: The Fear of Accepting God.”

Together, they explore how the loss of faith is often less about intellectual doubt and more about a deeper fear of surrender. Marie shares that accepting God requires trust, humility, and a willingness to be changed—something that can feel uncomfortable in a culture that values control and independence. As a result, many people gradually drift away through distraction, indifference, or attachment to comfort rather than making a conscious rejection of God.

Deacon Geoff and Marie also reflect on the hope within this struggle, emphasizing that God continually invites us to trust Him more deeply. By recognizing these fears and responding with openness, we can move toward a more authentic and courageous faith. If you are interested in reading more of Marie's writings, visit mariebrousseau.com.

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/

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/

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/

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.

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/

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.