Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

Episode 288: John Herreid’s Thrift Store Discovery Went Viral

August 26th, 2024  |  34 mins 2 secs

#socialmediainterview

When John Herreid stumbled upon an unusual item at a thrift store, he couldn’t have predicted the impact it would have. For just a dollar, he made a purchase and shared it on social media, where his post on X (formerly Twitter) quickly went viral, garnering millions of impressions. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney chats with John about the story behind the thrift store find, why he chose to share it, and the reactions it sparked. The conversation then shifts to John’s expertise in art, including his work editing "The Catholic Home Gallery" for Ignatius Press. They discuss practical tips for rotating art in your home and delve into the sensitive topic of the Rupnik art controversy, exploring John’s perspective as an artist.

Episode 287: Exploring Maronite Catholicism: Faith, Liturgy, and the Miracles of St. Charbel with Petra Nakhoul

August 19th, 2024  |  49 mins 59 secs

interview

Join Fr. Edward Looney as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with Petra Nakhoul, an Australian Maronite Catholic. Petra shares insights into Maronite Catholicism, her experiences with the unique liturgy, and offers fascinating hagiographical stories about St. Charbel, the revered Maronite saint and miracle worker.

Episode 286: Behind the Scenes of "My Penguin Friend" with Producer Jonathan Lim

August 12th, 2024  |  11 mins 48 secs

movieinterview

Join Fr. Edward Looney as he chats with Jonathan Lim, the producer and financier of the upcoming family-friendly film "My Penguin Friend." In this episode, you’ll discover the movie’s heartwarming premise, hear both Jonathan’s and Fr. Edward's insights on the film's message, and learn exclusive behind-the-scenes details that you won’t find anywhere else. Mark your calendars for the August 16th release and get ready to enjoy this delightful new film in theaters!

Episode 285: John Kraemer's Lego Mission for Disability Awareness

August 5th, 2024  |  32 mins 49 secs

socialmediainterview

Join Fr. Edward Looney as he chats with John Kraemer, an inspiring individual diagnosed with cerebral palsy, who has spent the last 25 years building intricate Lego churches. Through his unique creations, John raises awareness about disability in Catholic communities across Michigan. In this heartfelt conversation, John shares his building process, the reactions from the community, and discusses any connections to the Eucharistic revival. Discover how John's dedication and faith are bringing people together, one Lego brick at a time.

Episode 284: Exploring Faith and Leadership with Jacob Van Schyndel: Knight, Bookstore Manager, Author

July 30th, 2024  |  24 mins 10 secs

#bookinterview

Join Fr. Edward Looney as he speaks with Jacob Van Schyndel, a passionate advocate for living one's Catholic faith openly. In this local spotlight episode, Jacob shares his journey and insights on being an active member of the Knights of Columbus, managing a Catholic bookstore, and his path to becoming an author. Discover why these roles are significant to him and how they contribute to the broader Catholic community today.

Episode 283: Lynda Rozell Prays Before the Tabernacle and Has Photographed Many of Them: Here's What She Noticed

July 22nd, 2024  |  50 mins 30 secs

#bookinterview

Jesus is present in every Catholic Church. Signified to us by a lighted sanctuary candle, Jesus dwells in the tabernacle. Catholics make visits to the tabernacle, to unburden their hearts and seek the Lord's guidance. Lynda Rozell has done just that herself as a Tin Can Pilgrim. In this conversation, she first shares about her van life and then they tackle the topic of her new book" Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle." Lynda shares about the artwork of tabernacles and what it communicates to a viewer theologically and spiritually. After listening to this conversation, you'll never look at the tabernacle in the same way again!

Episode 282: Heidi Hess Saxton is Telling Sacred Stories of Saints and Their Devotion to the Eucharist

July 15th, 2024  |  31 mins 37 secs

#bookinterview

Heidi Hess Saxton is a seasoned veteran in the publishing world, with a wealth of experience under her belt. Recently, Our Sunday Visitor released her latest book, Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers. In this podcast episode, Heidi joins Fr. Edward to share her journey to believing in the Eucharist as a convert, and to recount inspiring stories of diverse saints within the Catholic tradition.

Episode 281: Adele Brise: Marian Visionary, Woman of the Eucharist, Woman for the Eucharistic Revival

July 9th, 2024  |  24 mins 20 secs

#soloepisode, #talkbyfrlooney

In this reflection, Fr. Edward Looney reflects on the life and example of Adele Brise, the Champion, Wisconsin visionary, and how she can inspire Eucharistic devotion during this time of Eucharistic Revival in the United States.

Episode 280: Catholic Writer's Guild Keynote Address-Consecrating Our Writing to Mary

July 1st, 2024  |  52 mins 32 secs

talk by fr. looney

Fr. Edward was invited to give the keynote address for the Catholic Writers Guild last month. They asked him to speak about the act of consecrating one's writing to Mary. Whether you are a writer or not, the points brought forward by Fr. Edward are sure to inspire and deepen your devotion to Mary.

Episode 279: Bree Left the Adult Film Industry and Embraced the Catholic Faith-Her Story of Conversion

June 24th, 2024  |  51 mins 14 secs

influencer interview

In this episode Fr. Edward speaks with a recent convert to Catholicism, whose story has moved many on Catholic Twitter. In this story, you will hear how Bree (known formerly as Miss B) left behind her decade long career in the adult film industry to become a more faithful follower of Christ. In this interview with Fr. Edward Looney, you will hear:

Her story of conversion
How our lady was a source of comfort for her during the process
How St Clare spoke to her while she was in Assisi
Her experience of confession and receiving the Eucharist for the first time
How she confronts temptation today
What she makes of her social media haters.

Episode 278: James Hiked His Own Way of St. James (El Camino) in Michigan along the Lakeshore

June 17th, 2024  |  57 mins 55 secs

conversation

James of Michigan spent a little more than 30 days walking more than 500 miles. Many people complete The Way of St. James by beginning in Portugal or France and ending up in Santiagod de Compostela, Spain. James walked out his front door in lower MIchigan and started walking the shoreline of Lake Michigan. He documented his journey through Twitter, and in one of his first interviews afterward, James shares with Fr. Edward about the journey and the parallels he made to the Spanish pilgrimage. Hear about his ups and downs, highs and lows, and how God was at work during those endless days of walking.

Episode 277: Visiting Places of Graces

June 13th, 2024  |  46 mins 2 secs

new book, talk by fr. looney

Fr. Edward is delighted to share about his newest travel memoir, Places of Grace, and shares with you a talk he recently gave on lessons he has learned from his Catholic pilgrimages and travels.

Episode 276: Bear Woznick Offers Some Reflections on Fatherhood to Prepare Us for Father's Day

June 10th, 2024  |  32 mins 25 secs

bookinterview

Bear Woznick book "12 Rules for Manliness" is a reflection on masculine spirituality. The concluding chapter focuses on fatherhood. In this candid conversation with Fr. Edward Looney, Bear shares about his father and then offers insights from his own experience of being a father. Be inspired by Bear and then gift his latest book to the man in your life.

Episode 275: Studying the Catholic Alphabet with Shaun McAfee's New Catholic Dictionary

June 3rd, 2024  |  28 mins 20 secs

book interview, influencer interview

Shaun McAfee is back on the podcast to share about his latest resource book for Catholics. For all intents and purposes, it's a Catholic dictionary for the contemporary Catholic. If you want to know about a topic, this might be a great resource to have on your shelf and turn to at a moment's notice. Learn about the book and gain insights into tough Catholic topics with this conversation.

Episode 274: In Service to God and Nation: Memorial Day with Fr. Peter Pomposello, a Catholic Military Chaplain

May 27th, 2024  |  33 mins 13 secs

This Memorial Day, join Fr. Edward Looney for a poignant conversation with Fr. Peter Pomposello, a dedicated Catholic military chaplain. Discover the unique journey and daily life of a chaplain as Fr. Pomposello shares his experiences and insights, addressing topics such as:

The path to becoming a military chaplain
A typical day in the life of a military chaplain
Celebrating Mass in diverse and challenging deployment settings
Guidance for parents with children entering basic training and military service
The role of military chaplains in the causes for sainthood
The significance of St. Gemma Galgani as the patron saint of paratroopers

In this heartfelt episode, we honor the memory of our fallen heroes while exploring the vital spiritual support chaplains provide to soldiers today. Tune in for a meaningful discussion that blends faith, service, and remembrance.

Episode 273: A Crash Course in Flannery O'Connor with Fr. Damian Ference

May 20th, 2024  |  30 mins 15 secs

book interview, influencer interview, movie interview

Flannery O'Connor is an American writer known for her short stories. She also happens to be the subject of a new film "Wildcat" which is in theaters now, check local listings. Flannery O'Connor has been described as one of the greatest American writers, yet she is quite difficult to appreciate and understand. In this podcast episode, Fr. Damian Ference joins Fr. Edward Looney to share about his passion, love, and insights into the Hillbilly Thomist Flannery O'Connor.