We all seek community in our lives, and Father Dave welcomes married couple and Catholic ministry leaders Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford to discuss their new book, “Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships.”

Developments in artificial intelligence have made headlines in recent months, specifically the evolution of a language processing tool called ChatGPT. It is a chatbot that responds conversationally to your instructions, and generates answers to complex questions in a matter of seconds. Team Busted Halo put it to the test: Can ChatGPT write a better homily than Father Dave?

As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker and author Dr. Ian Murphy to discuss his new book, “The Road to Self-Awareness: A Therapy Book for Christians.”

A listener named Susan shares with Father Dave that her marriage recently ended. “I came to no other choice but to get divorced to protect myself from further physical and emotional harm,” she says. “I feel very lost sometimes. How can I rectify my situation with the Church? I pray daily and go to confession, but I still feel like I'm a hypocrite receiving the Eucharist.”

People of faith are called to take a day of rest, and filmmaker and founder of Journey Films Martin Doblmeier analyzes this concept in his new documentary “Sabbath.” He joins Father Dave to discuss the Sabbath’s role in our modern world.

Spring often coincides with large life changes, from graduations to a surge of weddings. Father Dave welcomes back speaker and author Emily Wilson Hussem to offer guidance for young women through her courses “Navigating College” and “Navigating Engagement.”

Many celebrate the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation during spring, and one listener named Titus asks Father Dave about the order of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Guest co-host of the Busted Halo Show Kathryn Whitaker shares her reflections on her time spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and different seasons of motherhood. Kathryn now hosts a podcast called NICU Babies Parent Support from the national nonprofit organization, Hand to Hold.

Father Dave welcomes back actor, writer, producer, and director Emilio Estevez to discuss the re-release of his 2011 film “The Way.” He directs and stars in the movie along with his father Martin Sheen, and it is returning to theaters with additional content for one night only on May 16.

After the Vatican’s announcement regarding the Synod on Synodality’s voting process, Father Dave explains the history of these gatherings and their future impact. Contrary to previous custom, laypeople, including women, will participate as voting members of the general assembly that begins this October.

Whether you’re a parent or not, you probably know that kids ask a lot of questions. To aid in answering their questions of faith, Father Dave welcomes author, speaker, and catechist Julianne Stanz to discuss her new book, “The Catholic Parents' Survival Guide: Straight Answers to Your Kids' Toughest Questions.”

A listener emails Father Dave about receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation while managing social anxiety.

While the Eucharist and Precious Blood of Christ are to be handled with reverence, sometimes mistakes happen. A listener named Mary asks Father Dave for advice after her 9-year-old son accidentally spilled the Precious Blood on his shirt while receiving communion.

Easter is more than one day on our liturgical calendar, and itinerant missionary, speaker and author Meg Hunter-Kilmer joins the show to reflect on living out the season’s joy despite challenging times.

Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Father Maurice Nutt to discuss his new book, “Down Deep in my Soul: An African American Catholic Theology of Preaching.”

As we continue our National Eucharistic Revival, Father Dave welcomes Sister Alicia Torres, F.E., who serves on the Revival’s executive team. She is also the managing editor of their weekly e-newsletter “Heart of the Revival,” which includes a new series for the Easter season called “Beautiful Light: A Paschal Mystagogy.”

With many things clamoring for our time and attention, it can be easy to lose focus while praying. Two listeners, Joe and Patricia, ask Father Dave questions about distractions during prayer. Joe specifically struggles with this while praying the Rosary, while Patricia says, “It seems my brain is always multitasking, and concentrating on my prayers is very difficult.”

Father Dave and Brett joined Lino Rulli and Tyler Veghte of “The Catholic Guy Show” on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel for a Lenten pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They led 125 pilgrims to many important sites in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, including Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and more.

During his workshop at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave answered questions of faith from those in attendance regarding the Mass. Many of those questions centered on our beliefs surrounding the Eucharist, and Cindy asks, “How do we simplify the explanation of transubstantiation for the benefit of children?”

As spring begins, many children prepare to receive two sacraments for the first time: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Speaker and singer Jackie Angel joins the show to discuss her and her husband Bobby’s involvement in two new programs from Ascension Press, “Renewed: Your Journey to First Reconciliation” and “Received: Your Journey to First Communion.”

Father Dave welcomes Loyola University Chicago’s Men’s basketball team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, just in time for March Madness! The 103-year-old nun first gained national attention in 2018 during the Ramblers' unexpected journey to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. She shares stories and lessons from her life in her new memoir, “Wake Up With Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years.”

Many Catholics return to church during Lent, and Paul Jarzembowski joins the show to help us better welcome others this season. Paul serves as Associate Director for the Laity at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is the author of“Hope From the Ashes: Insights and Resources for Welcoming Lenten Visitors.”

As we continue through Lent, Father Dave welcomes Gary Zimak to help us give up one more thing: worry. Gary is a speaker, retreat leader, and author with a focus on anxiety, and his book is called, “Give Up Worry For Lent: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ.”

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Father Casey Cole to discuss his workshop and book called “The Way of Beatitude: Living Radical Hope in a World of Division and Despair.”

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave received a question from the audience regarding a family wedding disagreement.

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Grammy-nominated composer and performer Sarah Hart to discuss her workshop, “Spiritual Not Religious: Parenting and Mentoring in a New Era of Faith.”

While Father Dave loves answering questions of faith from listeners, he also enjoys fielding questions from members of Team Busted Halo. In this case, Krista’s husband Clay has a question of faith regarding how one refers to a priest. 

Lent is just around the corner, and Father Dave welcomes back Father John Burns to the show to discuss his new book, “Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation.”

Most new parents prepare to lose sleep and free time with the arrival of young children, but many are surprised when their faith life also changes. Father Dave welcomes Debbie Cowden, Senior Digital-Media Specialist for EWTN Global Catholic Network, to talk about her new book co-written with her husband called, “The Prayer Book for Tired Parents: Practical Ways to Grow in Love of God and Get Your Family to Heaven.”

A listener offers a scenario to Father Dave about fulfilling the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays.

It’s common to feel the winter blues this time of year, and friend of the show and catechist Joe Paprocki looks to help with his book “8 Steps to Energize Your Faith.”

As The Busted Halo Show continues to examine polarization in our world, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Carlos Whittaker to discuss his new book, “How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us.”

The Associated Press recently published a wide-ranging interview Pope Francis, where he spoke about homosexuality, his health and critics, the sexual abuse crisis, the German Church reform process, and more. Father Dave takes a closer look at some of Pope Francis’ comments.

We all inevitably face suffering in our lives, and spiritual director Barbara Lee discusses faith during hardships in her book, “Praying Through Pain: A Scripture Based Journey.”

Many people have questions about heaven, but a listener brings a concern to Father Dave regarding eternal life. John asks, “I have an acquaintance who's scared of eternity. This person believes heaven will be boring, day after day after day…How can I explain heaven and eternity so that this person will look forward to it?”

As we begin a new year, the Busted Halo Show welcomes back author and philosophy professor James K.A. Smith to discuss his new book, “How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now.”

While broadcasting from Rome, Father Dave, Lino Rulli of SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan reflect on Pope Benedict XVI’s life following his funeral.

As we remember the life and legacy Pope Benedict XVI, Father Dave and Lino Rulli from SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel travel to Rome for Thursday’s funeral Mass.

We all know the traditions surrounding Christmas, but how can we celebrate other solemnities throughout the year? The show welcomes Alexis Kutarna who co-authored a new book, “Solemnities: Celebrating a Tapestry of Divine Beauty.”

People often have difficulty interpreting the Bible, and Fr. Dave welcomes back Dr. Jim Papandrea to give insights from his new book, “Reading Scripture Like the Early Church: Seven Insights From the Church Fathers to Help You Understand the Bible.”

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father Dave discusses the amazing events surrounding today’s feast day, and the image imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma. The saint sees Mary as his mother, and Father Dave explains how we are called to recognize her in that same way today. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-12-22

3rd Sunday of Advent. Father Dave discusses his recent experience at a college football game where the fans rushed the field after a surprising win. Today’s readings on Gaudete Sunday explain how joy can still be present, even while happiness is fleeting. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-11-22

Feast of St. Andrew. Father Dave reflects on today’s readings where Simon Peter and Andrew left their old lives and immediately followed Jesus. We’re challenged to be a little crazy like the apostles and bring the good news to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-30-22

Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. While on Pilgrimage in Italy, Father Dave discusses this feast day dedicated to a church. Beautiful churches are monuments to God’s grace, but he explains that we are also God’s dwelling place. Preached at Santa Maria in Trastevere, Italy on 11-09-22

As Brett continues to study for his Masters degree in Social Work, he and Father Dave discuss his experience with hands-on training through internships. Brett is completing different levels of supervised hours for this career path, and wonders what experiences are similar for seminarians as they study to become a priest.

As we continue through Advent, a listener asks about the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this liturgical season. Nick wonders, “Is Confession obligatory as it is in Lent? Or are holiday season penance services just making it seem like mandatory Confession is a seasonal thing?”

Polarization is a growing issue in our Church and world, and friend of the show Dr. Charles Camosy offers ways to heal divisions in his new book, “One Church: How to Rekindle Trust, Negotiate Difference, and Reclaim Catholic Unity.”

As we prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth, Father Dave welcomes Raymond Arroyo back to the show to discuss his new Christmas book for families, “The Wise Men Who Found Christmas.”

St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians, and Team Busted Halo celebrated her feast day last week with a live performance from Catholic composer and singer-songwriter Francesca LaRosa.

As we prepare our hearts for Advent, Team Busted Halo welcomes back Sister Miriam James Heidland to the show to discuss her new journal, “Behold: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation.” Sister Miriam belongs to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, as well as a popular Catholic speaker and podcast host.

Even when we know how God is calling us, there is often anxiety in the early days of any vocation. After Krista shares her fears as a new mother, Brett expresses similar nervousness as he pursues a Masters degree in Social Work. Krista then asks Father Dave if he was also anxious in his early days as a priest, especially celebrating Mass for the first time.

The Catholic Church continues to evolve in the United States, and Sebastian Gomes of America Magazine traveled across the country to assess the state of the Church. His findings are chronicled in a new documentary called, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States.”

Many in our communities and families face the devastating impacts of addiction. Scott Weeman, the founder and executive director of Catholic in Recovery, joins the show to discuss a new resource called “The Catholic In Recovery Workbook: A Guide to the 12 Steps.”

When reading scripture, there are sometimes stories or verses that can bristle our modern ears. Father Dave takes a deep dive into one of those readings, specifically Ephesians 5:21-33.

As we remember those who have died this week through All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Leonard DeLorenzo joins the show to discuss his new book, “Our Faithful Departed: Where They Are and Why It Matters.”

A listener named Stephanie emails the show to ask about a common part of a priest’s wardrobe. She asks, “When do priests have to wear the collar outside of celebrating Mass? Is it only when representing themselves as part of the Church? Do they have to wear it to the bank, grocery store, [or] movie theater?”

While Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida nearly a month ago, the storm’s effects are far from over. Katie Oldaker of Catholic Charities USA joins the show to discuss the recovery process and how long it often takes.

Most marriages start out harmoniously, but friends of the show and married couple Dr. Edward and Beth Sri join Father Dave to discuss what happens when the honeymoon phase wears off. After decades of involvement in ministry and evangelization, they are now the authors of the new book, “The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life.”

A new Netflix series about Jeffrey Dahmer has garnered attention from viewers as well as criticism from victims’ families. A listener asks Father Dave about if the serial killer could gain eternal life. Kim asks, “I saw in an old interview where [Dahmer] admitted he got baptized in a Christian church while in prison. He also stated that he believed Jesus Christ took away all his sins, and that he would be forgiven and go to heaven. Can this be true, even if he was genuinely remorseful?”

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and Deacon Ed Shoener joins the show to help bring awareness and provide support to those in the Church with mental health issues. He is the president of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, and the co-author of two books with Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix, called “When a Loved One Dies by Suicide” and “Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders.”

Best friend of the show Rabbi Brad Hirschfield joins Father Dave to discuss two of the most important days in the Jewish calendar: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the divisions in our world, especially with issues regarding race. Friends of the Busted Halo Show Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld help Christians start to heal these wounds in our communities with their new book, “Colorful Connections: 12 Questions About Race That Open Healthy Conversations.”

Many Catholics want to have a deeper understanding of the Bible, but are intimidated to just dive in. Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Meg Hunter-Kilmer to discuss her method of reading the Bible in her new book, “A Year in the Word: Catholic Bible Journal.”

We all try to avoid sin, but sometimes it is hard to determine wrongdoing from healthy behavior.  A listener named Fred asks Father Dave, “I’m having trouble wrapping my head around the sin of pride…is [the sin] all pride or just too much pride?” Fred expresses his pride in his work and family, and wonders if that could be considered sinful.

Some listeners of a certain age may still best know Kirk Cameron as the charming Mike Seaver from the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains.” But since then, he has invested his time and energy into faith and family-focused films, television shows, and live events. He joins the Busted Halo Show to discuss his latest movie called “Lifemark,” which centers on adoption. Cameron is an executive producer and plays the adoptive father in the film.

A listener named Ray has a question for Father Dave about a recent experience he had during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He asks, “Lately when I go to Confession, the priest does not ask me to say the act of contrition. Is this new?” 

While Father Dave normally interviews guests every night on the Busted Halo Show, guest co-host Kathryn Whitaker turns the tables! Kathryn is a Catholic speaker, author, and friend of the show, and Father Dave answers her questions along with ones she crowdsourced from social media.

As we send kids back to school this fall, Heather Avis joins the show to help us share kindness with all those we encounter. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Different - A Great Thing to Be!” as well as the founder of The Lucky Few, a social awareness brand on a mission to make a more inclusive and loving world, with an emphasis on shifting the Down syndrome narrative. Her latest children’s book, also focused on these themes, is called “Everyone Belongs.”

Friend of the show Father Greg Boyle, S.J. shares stories and reflections on forgiveness in his new book, “Forgive Everyone Everything.” He has seen radical examples of mercy as the founder of Homeboy Industries, where he walks with ex-gang members looking to rebuild their lives.

After a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Father Dave and Lino Rulli from SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel recently led a pilgrimage of 85 listeners to Oberammergau, Germany.

Catholic families are always looking for ways to connect their kids to faith. Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak are ready to help with their recently-launched app CatholicHÔM, which stands for Households on Mission. It’s a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to helping Catholic families encounter Christ in their homes.

A listener named Robert asks a question about two words we might use interchangeably: homily and sermon. He wonders, “Why do we call the homily a homily? Other denominations call it a sermon, just curious if there’s a difference.”

When one hears of personal development programs, different stereotypes of self-help may come to mind. Leah Darrow joins the show to bring a Christian perspective to personal development through her new program called Power Made Perfect. She is a former model and current entrepreneur, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster.

Sometimes questions of faith arise from simply walking into a church. A listener named Laura asks, “I'd like to learn about those candles that people light. Why do we have those little areas with racks of candles?” She continues that she knows they are for prayer intentions, but would like more information.

A Protestant listener named Sean asks Father Dave for some clarification about saints in the Catholic Church. “As I read the Epistles, Paul always mentions saints as living, breathing followers of Christ that are right there with him, and [Catholics] tend to talk about saints as first you have to die and then meet a couple other requirements…I’m hoping you can help me reconcile [that],” he asks.

As the American Church embarks on a three-year Eucharistic Revival, Dr. Timothy O’Malley joins the Busted Halo Show to discuss his new book “Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life.” O’Malley is a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ executive planning team for the Revival, as well as director of education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and academic director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy.

Pope Francis is visiting Canada this week, and Father Dave explains the significance of this particular trip on the Busted Halo Show as well as CNN and NewsNation.

A listener named Tim asks about a common phrase you may hear at Mass: Brothers and Sisters. After 40 years as a lector, he wonders why some readings from the epistles (or Paul’s letters) begin with this phrase. He also has noticed it more after 2010’s changes to the translation of the Roman Missal.

As we encounter division in our culture and communities, Father Dave welcomes award-winning author and Christian Pastor Rich Villodas for a timely conversation about his new book “Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World.”

This year is the 50th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX, the civil rights law that gave countless women and girls equal access to sports and education. Samantha Kelley joins the Busted Halo Show to discuss this milestone and her organization FIERCE Athlete.

Since the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, you may have heard your church mention something about a national Eucharistic Revival. But what exactly is it and what does it entail?

A listener named Nicki asks why we say, “I’m sorry for these sins and all of the sins of my past life” during Confession.

Jason Jones, Executive Director of the movie “Bella” and Founder of The Vulnerable People Project, chats with Father Dave about his work helping the most vulnerable, especially those currently fleeing Ukraine.

Friend of the show, Dr. Scott Hahn chats about his new book, “The Lenten Cookbook,” which features 75 recipes for the penitential season of Lent.

Best-selling author Mitch Albom (“Tuesdays With Morrie”) chats about his new book, “The Stranger in the Lifeboat.”

Jesuit priest Father Jim Martin joins Team Busted Halo for a catch-up!

Dr. Brant Pitre chats with Father Dave about his new book, “Introduction to the Spiritual Life: Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus.”

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave if John the Baptist was immaculately conceived like Mary. He wonders if this is the case because Elizabeth was older and past childbearing years, and the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist.

A listener named Jack asks Father Dave if it is possible for him to become a priest after having his marriage annulled. Jack explains that he had thoughts of becoming a priest before getting married, and now that his marriage is annulled, those thoughts have returned. He also shares that he has a son under the age of 18, and wonders if the Church would allow him to pursue priesthood at this time.

A listener named Katie asks why the Catholic Church doesn't sing Christmas carols or hymns until Christmas Eve. She has noticed that we sing the same few songs during Advent (Like “O’Come O’Come Emmanuel”), but Christmas songs such as “Silent Night” or “O Holy Night” are not sung until Christmas Eve.

In honor of Vocation Awareness Week, Sr. Mara Grace, O.P., Vocations director for the Nashville Dominican Sisters, chats with Father Dave about vocational discernment. 

A listener named Lisa asks how to know if God’s answer to a prayer is no. She shares that she has been trying to buy a new house for a year, but things keep falling through. She wonders if circumstances can tell us God’s will.

David DeSteno, Professor of psychology at Northeastern University discusses his new book, “How God Works: The Science Behind the Benefits of Religion.”

Florence LaRue, founding member and lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning group The Fifth Dimension, chats with Father Dave about her new book, “Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully.”

In today’s podcast, a listener named Tina who works with engaged couples wonders why certain people are granted dispensations to marry outside of a Catholic Church.

Claire Dwyer, editor of spiritualdirection.com, discusses how to find a spiritual director.

Claire Dwyer, editor of spiritualdirection.com, discusses how to find a spiritual director.