As we share meals with those we love this holiday season, Father Dave welcomes Emily Stimpson Chapman to discuss her new book “Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends.”

The holiday season can be a lonely time for singles seeking marriage, and Father Dave welcomes back speaker and author Emily Wilson Hussem to discuss her new Catholic dating app SacredSpark. 

A listener named Kay asks a question about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “When going to confession, do you have to detail every instance [of sin]?” She asks. “For example, if you tend to embellish the truth, do you describe every time you lie? Or if you have been promiscuous, do you have to detail every instance?”

Father Dave welcomes friend of the show Greg Willits to discuss how the writings of Saint Louis de Montfort have impacted Greg’s mental health journey. He is the founder and executive director of RosaryArmy.com, as well as the host of the Rosary Army podcast with his wife, Jennifer. Greg is the author of “God Doesn’t Hate Me, After All: Discovering Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom.”

As Advent begins, Father Dave welcomes back co-founder and CEO of the Hallow App, Alex Jones, to discuss their offerings for the season. Hallow’s Advent prayer challenge this year is called “Pray25: Be Still,” and features Chris Pratt, Jonathan Roumie, Gwen Stefani, and many more.

Advent starts this weekend, and Father Dave welcomes Father Mike Schmitz to discuss preparing our hearts this season. Father Mike is the host of Ascension’s “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” podcasts, as well as the new series “Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz.”

Krista asks Father Dave for advice on wanting to serve the poor while also tending to her young children.

We’re all called to spread the Gospel, and Father Dave welcomes back Franciscan friar Father Casey Cole to discuss his new evangelization mission and book. Father Casey and two fellow young friars moved to Charlotte, NC to found SEARCH, which stands for Seek, Encounter, Accompany, Renew, Convert and Heal. He is also the author of the new book, “Sent: How to Evangelize Wherever You Are, Whoever You Are.”

We all can experience a rut in our prayer lives, and Father Dave welcomes Lisa Hendey to discuss how we can invite Christ into our everyday moments. Lisa is the founder of CatholicMom.com and her new book is called “Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional.”

Through the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican recently published a document called "Mater Populi Fidelis," or "Mother of the Faithful People of God,” which clarifies different titles for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave explains the purpose of this document, specifically in reference to the Vatican’s rejection of labeling Mary “co-redemptrix” or “co-mediatrix.”

Father Dave welcomes back veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss the benefits of going on a pilgrimage. Joan is the pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and the author of the new book “Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics.”

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about finding time to go to Confession. “My parish only offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays 30 minutes before Mass. This one time makes it very difficult [for me] to go to Confession. In fact, I’ve been avoiding it due to the schedule,” Michael begins. “Is it rare or commonplace to ask a priest for a private confession?  We have two priests for 3,500 families so they are super busy; I feel guilty adding to their work load. All the parishes in my diocese have similar schedules.”

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and Father Dave welcomes Dominican friar Father Gregory Pine to discuss how it is also the key to our very identities. Father Gregory is professor of dogmatic and moral theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the author of “Your Eucharistic Identity: A Sacramental Guide to the Fullness of Life.”

As we continue move through the month of the Rosary, Father Dave welcomes Shannon Wendt to discuss finding time in our hearts and schedules for prayer. Shannon is the Founder and CEO of ChewsLife.com and the author of the new book, “The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life.”

A listener named Linda wonders about our relationship with the Lord and asks, “Can you explain fear of God?”

Visiting the imprisoned is a Corporal Work of Mercy, and Father Dave welcomes Father Dustin Feddon to discuss accompanying those who are imprisoned, both during their sentences and after their releases. Father Dustin is a priest inof the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the author of “More Than Half Way Home: A Story of Accompaniment in the Shadows of Incarceration.”

Recently, the Saint Paul the Apostle Church choir in New York City had the exciting opportunity to perform an original song called “Love More” at Pope Leo XIV’s general audience. Father Dave lives and serves at Saint Paul the Apostle, and he discusses the profound moment with the song’s composer, J. Oconer Navarro.

A listener named Amy asks Father Dave about praying the Rosary. She explains that she started praying a Rosary at Church before Mass began, but did not have time to finish. “[Later] I went to Communion, and I said my prayer back at the pew, then I decided to finish the two decades of the Rosary and the closing prayers while everyone was finishing going to Communion,” she says. “I started to wonder if this is what I should be doing, or am I not participating and being present for the other people still receiving Communion and for the Eucharist that was still present on the altar?”

Father Dave welcomes Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent for Crux, who recently conducted the first extensive papal interview of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. The wide-ranging two-part interview was in research for her papal biography, “Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century.” The book is now available in Spanish by Penguin Peru and will be published in English in 2026.

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about a prayer during Mass. “During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, there are certain things that the rubrics tell the priest to say quietly or inaudibly,” Michael says. “I'm wondering why that would be, particularly because one of them says, ‘By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.’ That, to me, is like wow. That's where the lightning strikes, like the meeting of heaven and earth; that is the Mass. So why would that be said inaudibly?”

Heading to confession can feel daunting as an adult, let alone preparing your child for their First Reconciliation! For help introducing this sacrament to kids, Father Dave welcomes fellow SiriusXM Catholic Channel host Katie McGrady and her husband Tommy to discuss their new book, “First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family's Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness.”

College football season is underway, and Father Dave welcomes chaplain for the University of Notre Dame football team Father Nate Wills to discuss his new book, “Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football.”

Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and ethicist Dr. Charles Camosy to discuss the fight against a culture of death. Dr. Camosy teaches moral theology and bioethics at The Catholic University of America, and his latest book is called, “Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing.” 

Father Dave answers a listener’s question about forgiveness. Lynn asks, “Do you forgive the sinner and not the sin? People must be accountable for their actions, even if there is forgiveness — yes?”

Father Dave welcomes Bobby Angel to discuss how one of the Church’s newest saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati, can be a role model for all of us. Bobby is a Catholic speaker, author, and certified mentor for the CatholicPsych Institute. His new book is called “The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue.”

Father Dave welcomes author Michael Carlon to discuss his new novel “The Waiting Room” which reframes how we journey with those close to death.

As many students are off to college, Father Dave welcomes back Meg Hunter-Kilmer for a discussion about life on campus and her new book on understanding the Gospels. Meg works in campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame and her new book is called, “Eyes Fixed on Jesus, Volume 1: A Journey Into the Gospels.”

As many head back to school and religious education, we welcome back friend of the show Joe Paprocki to help catechists teach God’s word in the modern world. Joe serves as National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press and is the author of the newly updated book, “The Catechist’s Toolbox 2.0: Building Today's Missionary Disciples.”

A listener named Jesús wonders about a Mass ritual and asks, “Why do priests and deacons kiss the altar before Mass?”

Scammers can often target those in the Church, and Father Dave welcomes Theresa Payton to help others protect themselves from fraud. Theresa is the former White House Chief Information Office for President George W. Bush, as well as the CEO of the cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions. Her a new initiative, "Protecting the Faithful," helps Christians spot scams before they are victims. 

Father Dave answers a listener’s question about Church donations. Shonda asks, “I always go to Mass on vacation. If I'm a visitor at a parish, should I give in the collection, even if I'm still giving at home?”

A listener named John asks Father Dave about correct postures when receiving the Eucharist. “I've seen an increase of people kneeling to receive communion. I've heard Father Dave comment on this before, but I'm wondering if he can address this.” John begins. “Every week, our priest calls out people for leaving after communion [before Mass ends]. Why not correct those who kneel to receive when that's not an option given to us by the Church, when not in a traditional Latin Mass setting?”

As Father Dave begins his 30-Day Challenge to instill healthier habits, we welcome Chase Crouse to discuss how faith and fitness are connected. Chase is the founder and CEO of Hypuro Fit, a Catholic-based personal training and nutrition coaching company, and the co-author of “The God of Endurance: A Practical Guide for Incorporating Exercise and Nutrition into your Spiritual Journey.”

A listener named Brittany asks Father Dave about the Eucharistic Prayer. She wonders, “Is there an easy way to know what Eucharist Prayer is going to be used at Saturday night or Sunday Mass? I like to follow along in a prayer book throughout Mass, and I have a hard time at this point figuring out which prayer is being read.”

Following the devastating floods in Texas, Father Dave welcomes friend of the show Kathryn Whitaker to discuss helping others after a tragedy. 

A listener named Kathleen asks Father Dave about the saint-making process in the Catholic Church. “If someone asks for the intercession of a person that the Church recognizes as venerable, and the request is granted, how does one prove that the [venerable] person actually granted it?”

We may know how to pray with our hearts and minds, but Father Dave welcomes Dr. Ansel Augustine to discuss what it means to put that prayer into action. Dr. Augustine currently serves as the Assistant Director of African American Affairs for the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, and his new book is called, “Praying With Our Feet: Encountering God in the Margins.”

A listener named Cecilia asks Father Dave about one aspect of the Nicene creed: “What Scriptures are being referred to when we say, ‘He rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures?’”

Rome is the center of the Catholic Church, and Father Dave welcomes Judith Valente to discuss what faith lessons we can learn from Italian culture. Judith is a veteran journalist, retreat and pilgrimage leader, and the author of the new book, “The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life.”

The amount of suffering in the world can feel overwhelming, and Father Dave welcomes Bill O’Keefe from Catholic Relief Services to explain the important work they do helping those in need around the globe. Bill is Executive Vice President for Mission, Mobilization, & Advocacy for Catholic Relief Services.

The National Eucharistic Revival concluded this past Sunday with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker and ministry consultant Mari Pablo to discuss what happens next. Mari also discusses her new ministry “In His Heart” which launches on Friday, June 27th, this year’s Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In this second dispatch from the Jubilee Pilgrimage, led by Father Dave, Brett, Lino Rulli, and Tyler Veghte of “The Catholic Guy Show,” we hear more about their experiences in Rome. They traveled through the holy doors of all four papal basilicas in Rome and Vatican City: Saint Peter, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Mary Major.

Father Dave and Brett joined Lino Rulli and Tyler Veghte of “The Catholic Guy Show” on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel for a pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee Year. They led 90 pilgrims through holy sites in Siena, Florence, and Rome. 

Father Dave welcomes Tom Corcoran to discuss how small group interactions can help revitalize parishes. Tom is the president of Rebuilt Parish, as well as lay associate to the pastor at Church of the Nativity in Maryland. He is co-author of the new book, “The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities.”

Father Dave welcomes back Timothy O’Malley to discuss how we can better relate to Mary as our Blessed Mother. O'Malley is associate director at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, and the author of the new book “A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God.”

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Father Dave welcomes back Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss his new biography, “LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope.” Dr. Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News.

We all feel restless at times, and Father Dave welcomes back Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to discuss finding our identity in Christ. Dr. Saundra is a board-certified internal medicine physician, the CEO of Restorasis, and the author of “Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging.”

A listener named Matt wonders about the timing of priesthood ordinations. Matt asks, “In different states, why is the ordination of the priests different and not all the same?”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and also a time we honor Mary as our Blessed Mother. Father Dave welcomes back Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, to discuss his new book, “The Recovery Rosary: Meditations for Those Impacted by Addiction, Compulsions, and Unhealthy Attachments.”

Father Dave and Lino Rulli from SiriusXM's The Catholic Channel share the first moments following the election of Pope Leo XIV while broadcasting from Vatican City.

We are called to share our faith joyfully, and Father Dave welcomes Shemaiah Gonzalez to discuss her new book, “Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight.”

Father Dave welcomes back journalist and papal biographer Austen Ivereigh to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis and what’s next for the global Church. Austen is the author of two biographies of Pope Francis, and he and the pope co-wrote a book called, “Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future.”

Father Dave continues his conversation with John Allen, Jr., as the Holy Spirit will soon guide the College of Cardinals in the papal conclave. John is editor of Crux, an independent Catholic news service that aims to be an objective voice in Catholic media, and has written twelve books on the Vatican and Catholic affairs.

Father Dave welcomes film producer Jim Wahlberg to talk about the new movie “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” which is in theaters until May 1st. The movie’s theatrical release was scheduled to coincide with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, though that Mass is now postponed following the passing of Pope Francis.

As we continue to mourn the loss of Pope Francis, Father Dave welcomes back John Allen, Jr. to reflect on the papacy. John is editor of Crux, an independent Catholic news service that aims to be an objective voice in Catholic media. He has written twelve books on the Vatican and Catholic affairs.

Holy Week and Passover coincide in 2025, and Father Dave welcomes back Rabbi Brad Hirschfield to discuss this meaningful time of year.

A listener named Alex asks Father Dave about the Eucharistic Prayer. Alex says, “In the Mass, Eucharistic Prayer I has a lengthy list of saints. How is this list determined, and can the presider add or subtract names to the list?”

Many feel God’s presence while spending time outdoors, and Father Dave welcomes Father John Nepil to discuss his faith connection to hiking the Colorado Trail. Father John is an avid hiker and mountaineer, and he has celebrated Mass atop all 54 of Colorado’s highest peaks. His new book is called “To Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail.”

Father Dave answers a question from a listener named Steven about how the Church elects a new pope. Steven asks, “I'm praying for Pope Francis' health every day, but if he passes away, what are the next steps for electing a new pope?”

Many grew up watching the Christian animated series “VeggieTales,” and Father Dave welcomes the show’s co-creator Mike Nawrocki to discuss sharing faith with kids. Mike wrote and directed episodes of the hit show as well as both theatrical-release films, and he served as the voice of Larry the Cucumber. Mike’s latest project is a new kids show called, “The Dead Sea Squirrels,” based on his own book series. 

A listener named Jim asks Father Dave about Sunday Mass readings during Lent. Jim says, “At Mass [on the Third Sunday of Lent], I was expecting the Gospel to be from Luke about the fig tree, but the actual Gospel that was read was from John about [the woman at the well.] Why would that change?”

A listener named Marty asks Father Dave about the presence of Holy Water in churches during Lent. “I was a parishioner at a church that took Holy Water out of the church for Lent and replaced it in the fonts with sand,” Marty says. “I strongly questioned it, and they relented and returned it. It's not right to take Holy Water out of a Catholic church for Lent, correct?”

Fasting is a pillar of Lent, and Father Dave welcomes Sister Nancy Usselmann to discuss how fasting from the digital world can impact our faith. Sister Nancy is a Daughter of Saint Paul, the Director of Pauline Media Studies, and the author of “Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ.”

A listener named Dan asks Father Dave for advice on current struggles in his spiritual life due to politics. Dan says, “I am at a point where my faith is barely hanging by a thread, because so many people I know support political policies that fly in the face of the teachings of Jesus and are based in hate and fear.”

March celebrates Women’s History Month, and Father Dave welcomes Taryn DeLong and Elise Crawford Gallagher to examine work-life balance from the viewpoint of Catholic women. Taryn and Elise are the co-presidents of the online community Catholic Women in Business and the authors of “Holy Ambition: Thriving as a Catholic Woman at Work and at Home.”

As division and polarization continue to plague our world, Father Dave welcomes Bob Bordone to discuss how conflict can be an opportunity to forge stronger relationships. Bob is Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School as well as the founder and former director of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program. His latest book, co-authored with neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas, is called, “Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In.”

A caller named Samuel asks Father Dave about the wording in the Our Father. “I don't know if maybe I'm overthinking this, but in the Lord's Prayer, there's that part we say, ‘lead us not into temptation.’ Why do we say that?” Samuel asks. “I just took it as a given that there's no circumstance in which God would deliberately tempt us to sin, and I was just wondering what the significance was of asking God to not lead us into temptation.”

Team Busted Halo recently traveled across the country to broadcast from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, but one of our guests traveled all the way from Australia to speak at the event! Father Dave welcomes Father Richard Leonard, a Jesuit priest and pastor of Our Lady of the Way in North Sydney. He is the author of numerous books including, “Why God? Stories to Inspire Faith” and “Hatch, Match and Dispatch: A Catholic Guide to Sacraments” from Paulist Press.

Lent is almost here, and Father Dave welcomes Colleen Reiss Vermeulen to discuss her new book, “Simply Scripture for Lent and Easter: A Daily Guide to Reading the Bible.” Colleen is the co-founder of CatholicBiblicalSchool.org and a teacher and director with the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan.

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Vatican Observatory Director Brother Guy Consolmagno to discuss two of his latest books, “When Science Goes Wrong: The Desire and Search for Truth” and “A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science.”

As we approach Lent, Father Dave welcomes Josh Noem, editorial director of Ave Maria Press, to discuss his new devotional, “Lord Show Me the Way.”

We are all called to share the Gospel with the world, and Father Dave welcomes Father David Michael Moses, who seeks to evangelize through social media. In addition to his service as a diocesan priest in Texas, Father David Michael has a popular presence online where he shares stories of his priestly life.

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of February is for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and Father Dave welcomes Rhonda Gruenewald to discuss how we can better foster those callings. Rhonda is the president and founder of Vocation Ministry, which works internationally with parishes and schools to establish or revive their own vocation ministries on the local level.

As we strive to be saints in the making, Father Dave welcomes Daryl Grigsby to highlight holy men and women from his new book, “Catholics for the Common Good: An Eternal Offering.” 

The Vatican released a new document on the relationship between artificial and human intelligence, and Father Dave highlights sections of the 30-page note. "Antiqua et Nova,” is a joint project between the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

A listener named Ashley asks Father Dave, “Can you help me appreciate Ordinary Time? It just feels like downtime until the next important season.”

You may have memorized the words to a favorite song or quote, but have you ever tried memorizing Scripture? Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Jackie Angel to discuss her new book and accompanying podcast is called “Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word.”

Father Dave answers an anonymous question regarding a prayer often said at Mass. The listener asks, “What is meant by ‘Light from Light’ in the Nicene Creed?”

2025 celebrates a Jubilee year in the Catholic Church, and Father Dave welcomes Scripture teacher and veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss. She is pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and author of the new book, “Opening the Holy Door: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica.”

New Year’s Day is often viewed as a fresh start, but 2025 began in sorrow following an attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Brett shares his emotions about the tragedy as a New Orleans resident, and team Busted Halo discusses finding hope in times of despair.

A listener named Beth asks Father Dave how she can best support her son who is discerning his vocation. “At the age of 12, my son told me that he thinks he wants to be a priest when he grows up. That thought hasn’t changed in the past year,” she says. “Just looking for some extra input, because I’m worried about being a bad mom. Don’t get me wrong, both my husband and I would be thrilled if he becomes a priest, but we don’t want to make any accidental missteps. If Father Dave could [offer] some reassurance, I would greatly appreciate it.”