Respect Life Radio

RLR Interview with Carolyn McKinney: “What I Hope My Sons Will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk.”

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomes Carolyn McKinney, a Catholic wife, mother, and business owner, to discuss her recent Catholic Exchange article, “What I Hope My Sons Will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk.” McKinney shares how reflecting on Kirk’s life and recent passing inspired her to consider the kind of men she hopes her sons will become—men of faith, courage, and conviction. She highlights virtues from Kirk’s example that she wants her sons to emulate: an unashamed faith in Christ, deep love for family, courage paired with charity, kindness toward others, and a vision rooted in what is good, true, and beautiful.

In conversation with Deacon Geoff, McKinney reflects on the challenge and hope of raising sons in today’s culture, encouraging parents to model faith and virtue at home. While acknowledging the grief that follows the loss of a public figure like Kirk, she expresses confidence that his witness can inspire a new generation to live boldly for the Gospel. The episode ultimately calls listeners to form young people who know their dignity in Christ and live it out with courage, compassion, and conviction—carrying forward a legacy of faith that transforms both family and culture.

Read her full article here: What I Hope My Sons Will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk

Respect Life Radio: Building Stronger Families with Jordan Langdon

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, hosts Emma and Jennifer welcome Jordan Langdon, Executive Director of Families of Character, a nonprofit dedicated to helping couples parent with confidence by keeping God first, marriage second, and family third.

Jordan shares her personal journey of marriage and raising three children, reflecting on how embracing this Christ-centered model transformed her family life. Through seasons of struggle and growth, she and her husband discovered the power of viewing family as a team—one rooted in love, joy, and mutual service. Jordan also emphasizes the importance of prayer, and how transformative it is in the foundation of marriage and family life.

Families of Character offers practical tools for couples seeking to strengthen their marriages and live out their vocation with purpose. To learn more or explore the Thriving Family Accelerator Program or inquire about speaker opportunities, visit familiesofcharacter.com or contact Jordan at jordan@familiesofcharacter.com.

RLR Interview with David Bonagura: "The Obligation of the Conscience,”—an adaptation from his introduction to Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning

Join us this week on Respect Life Radio as we welcome back David Bonagura Jr., author of 100 Tough Questions for Catholics: Common Obstacles to Faith Today and adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Catholic International University. This episode dives into his recent essay for Catholic Exchange, “The Obligation of the Conscience,”—an adaptation from his introduction to Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning (Sophia Institute Press). In his essay Bonagura writes:

“Conscience, in recent decades, has been recast as an argument for relativism and a shield to cover one’s immoral choices. … ‘I know that the Church teaches this act is wrong, but my conscience tells me that it is okay, so therefore I’m going to do it.’”

In our conversation we go deeper into questions like:

• What does the Church mean by the “obligation of conscience”?
• How do we properly form our conscience through study, prayer and engagement with Church teaching?
• What happens when conscience is mis‑formed or abused in the face of cultural relativism?
• How does this relate to life issues, moral decisions and a Catholic’s adherence to truth—not merely personal preference?

Whether you’re navigating complex cultural questions or looking to deepen your understanding of Catholic moral life, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for forming a conscience rooted in truth and faith. Tune in and deepen your understanding of why conscience is not just “what I feel,” but a sacred responsibility to live in alignment with God’s law. 

RLR Interview with Dr. Anne Hendershott - Symbols of Disruption: The Demonic in an Age of Uncertainty

This week on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff sits down with Dr. Anne Hendershott to dig deeper into her Crisis Magazine essay, “Symbols of Disruption: The Demonic in an Age of Uncertainty.” In our conversation, Dr. Hendershott reflects on why horned figures, occult motifs and other disruptive symbols are not just aesthetic trends — she argues they are signs of spiritual dislocation in a culture floundering for identity. “We are living in an age where the demonic isn’t hidden — it’s performing, it’s presenting itself publicly,” she notes, underscoring the urgency of perceiving symbolism as a spiritual battleground. Dr. Hendershott also warns against reducing demonic influence to archetypes or metaphors. She reminds us instead that spiritual evil aims to destabilize truth, confuse identity, and separate us from a transcendent moral order. In responding to this, she emphasizes discernment, sacramental life and a renewed awareness that evil often works through symbols, narratives and cultural gestures before manifesting overtly.

To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/symbols-of-disruption-the-demonic-in-an-age-of-uncertainty

RLR Interview with Greg Schlueter: Emotional Intelligence and the Reformation of the Catholic Heart

In this rich conversation on Respect Life Radio, Greg Schlueter puts emotional intelligence at the heart of what it means to live out faith in our era. Drawing on his recent article, “Emotional Intelligence and the Reformation of the Catholic Heart,” Greg challenges us to move beyond performative religion toward a lived, interior transformation that is relational, vulnerable and steeped in grace. Greg points to the example of Archbishop Alexander Sample’s public apology and emotional honesty as a sign of what a mature, emotionally integrated leadership looks like — one that brings healing, authenticity and holiness. 

Listeners are invited into practical ways to reclaim emotional formation in everyday life:

• Recognizing and expressing interior pain rather than masking it. 
• Cultivating emotional availability in families, in parish life, in leadership. 
• Allowing sacramental life and prayer to engage not just the mind or ritual, but the wounds, longings and heart’s truth. 

If you’re looking for faith that is more than external conformity — if you long for a Church and a heart that breathe, suffer, repent, forgive and love — this episode is for you. Be inspired to let your emotional life be part of your journey toward holiness, not something to hide. 

To read the full article visit: Catholic Exchange.

RLR Interview with Teresa Gomez, Program Manager for the new Marisol Health Mobile Unit

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, we are joined by Teresa Gomez, Program Manager for the new Marisol Health Mobile Unit. Teresa opens her heart and shares her personal story of facing an unexpected pregnancy at the age of 21. She recalls the fear, uncertainty, and the weight of that life-changing moment—and how the support of her family and community gave her courage to choose life. Her testimony is a reminder of how essential it is for women in crisis to know they are not alone and that love and support can make all the difference.

Today, Teresa carries that same spirit of compassion into her work with Marisol Mobile Unit. She explains how the new mobile unit is designed to reach women and families in underserved parts of the community, especially in areas with higher rates of unplanned pregnancies. The unit provides free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and access to a wide range of support services, meeting women right where they are—physically and emotionally. Teresa emphasizes that the goal is not only to offer medical resources, but also to provide hope, dignity, and accompaniment on the journey of motherhood.

To learn more about Marisol Mobile, volunteer, or donate visit https://ccdenver.org/marisol-mobile/.

RLR Interview with John Preiss - A reflection on the legacy of Fr. Robert J. Fox and Fox's powerful book, Eucharist: Heaven and Earth Unite

In this episode of Respect Life Radio, we welcome John Preiss, President of the Fatima Family Apostolate, author, and devoted husband and father of ten. John shares his deep insights into Our Lady of Fatima’s urgent message, the power of Eucharistic devotion, and how families can respond to the call for holiness in today’s world. John also reflects on the legacy of Fr. Robert J. Fox, founder of the Fatima Family Apostolate, and highlights Fr. Fox’s powerful book, Eucharist: Heaven and Earth Unite — a profound exploration of the mystery and majesty of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you’re new to the Fatima message or seeking to deepen your Eucharistic devotion, this conversation will inspire and challenge you.

To learn more about Fr. Fox's book visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=the-eucharist

RLR Interview with Charles D. Fraune - The Most Powerful Saints in Exorcisms: What Exorcists Want You To Know

This week on Respect Life Radio, we’re honored to welcome Charles D. Fraune, a powerful voice in the realm of Catholic spiritual warfare. Charles is the founder of the Slaying Dragons Apostolate and a seasoned theologian, speaker and author. After ten years of teaching Theology at Christ the King Catholic High School in North Carolina, he now dedicates his life to equipping Catholics for the spiritual battles of our times.

In his latest work, Charles draws our attention to one of the greatest gifts God has given us in this fight: the saints. After Jesus and Mary, the saints are our most powerful intercessors. As Charles powerfully explains, when invoked during exorcisms, their presence alone can send demons fleeing. Many of these saints were seasoned warriors themselves—some even exorcists—and their lives offer not just inspiration, but spiritual tools for our own battles.

Listeners will learn why Our Lady is described by demons as a “nuclear bomb,” which saints frequently appear during exorcisms, and how relics and holy intercession can break demonic strongholds. Most importantly, Charles emphasizes that the saints—those who overcame vice, temptation, and even demonic assault—are ready to help us do the same. Join us as we explore how invoking the lives and intercession of the saints is not merely devotion, but a critical strategy in the fight for our souls and the souls of those we love.

Find more about Charles D. Fraune’s work visit: SlayingDragonsPress.com

Interview with Briana Zappavigna: Colorado Regional Program Manager for Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL)

This week on Respect Life Radio, Emma Ramirez and Jennifer Torres welcome Briana Zappavigna, Colorado Regional Program Manager for Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL), a nationwide nonprofit bringing peaceful, prayerful presence to abortion facilities across the country.

Briana reveals how SAFL’s compassionate approach—meeting women where they are with the model of mom, baby, God—is changing hearts and saving lives. She explains the practical training volunteers receive to engage in conversations marked by love, hope, and truth rather than condemnation or guilt. Briana also offers powerful insights and practical tips for anyone praying outside an abortion clinic, ensuring that their witness remains peaceful, respectful, and law-abiding.

Discover how ordinary people are making an extraordinary impact—and how you can be part of it—at sidewalkadvocates.org.

Interview with Matthew McKenna: Why Recreational Drug Use is Immoral

Today on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff is joined by Matthew McKenna, a Ph.D. candidate in Theology at Ave Maria University. McKenna specializes in the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and his dissertation-in-progress examines the unique relationship between the masculine genius and the priesthood.

In this conversation, McKenna shares insights from his recent article on the morality of recreational drug use. He and Deacon Geoff explore how such use undermines natural reason, weakens human nature, and damages both body and soul. Drawing from Scripture and tradition, they reflect on God’s original call for humanity to safeguard the gifts of mind and body—reminders that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and called to offer ourselves wholly to Him.

For those interested in diving deeper, you can read Matthew’s full article here: Why Recreational Drug Use is Immoral.