Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

Episode 315: Why People Visit Graves: A Saint Hunting Priest & a Presidential Grave Hunter Compare Notes

February 17th, 2025  |  1 hr 1 min

#bookinterview

Fr. Edward Looney and Kurt Deion may have different focuses, but they share a common passion—visiting the final resting places of significant historical figures. Kurt Deion, known as the Presidential Grave Hunter, has visited the graves of nearly every U.S. president and vice president, while Fr. Looney seeks out the burial sites of saints, blesseds, and other holy men and women.

In this episode, Fr. Looney explores the parallels between their unique hobbies, asking: What does visiting a secular grave look like compared to a saint’s grave? What draws someone to visit a historical figure’s final resting place?

🎙️ Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ How Kurt’s passion for visiting presidential graves began with a childhood CSPAN interview
✅ The meticulous research and preparation that goes into grave hunting
✅ Why visiting a historical figure’s grave fosters a unique personal connection
✅ The most difficult graves to find—and which ones were surprisingly underwhelming
✅ How friends and family react to this unusual but fascinating hobby
✅ Fr. Looney’s insights on making Catholic graves more accessible
✅ The growing trend of grave searching, including finding and recreating recipes from gravestones!

Episode 314: A Catholic Love Story for Valentine’s Day | Rebecca Martin’s Debut Novel Love in the Eternal City

February 10th, 2025  |  27 mins 34 secs

#bookinterview

Looking for a faith-filled romance novel to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day? In this episode of Hey Everybody, It's Fr. Edward, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Rebecca Martin, author of Love in the Eternal City, to discuss her debut novel published by Chrism Press.

You'll hear:
❤️ Why Catholic romance fiction exists and why it matters.
❤️ The love story of Elena and Benedict, a Swiss Guard, and how a real Swiss Guard helped shape the novel.
❤️ How the book portrays a healthy Catholic dating relationship.
❤️ How Rebecca balances writing with a busy family life.
❤️ The role of NANOWRIMO in fast-drafting her novel.
❤️ Her advice for aspiring Catholic novelists, including Fr. Edward!
❤️ The influence of other clean romance writers like Roseanna M. White, Emma St. Claire, and Katherine Center.

If you love faith-based fiction, Catholic romance, or just a good love story, don’t miss this episode! 🎙✨ #CatholicRomance #ValentinesDay #ChristianFiction

Episode 313: The Vocation Story, Ecclesiastical Career, and False Imprisonment of Cardinal Pell w/Tess Livingsone

February 3rd, 2025  |  41 mins 12 secs

#bookinterview

In this compelling episode, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Tess Livingstone, acclaimed Australian journalist and biographer of George Cardinal Pell, to explore the remarkable life, ministry, and controversies surrounding one of the most influential Church leaders of our time.

🔹 Inside the Episode:
✅ How Cardinal Pell’s early life and love for soccer nearly led him to a professional sports career
✅ His rise through the Catholic Church in Australia, serving as priest, bishop, and eventually Cardinal
✅ The pivotal role he played in Vatican financial reforms under Pope Francis
✅ The false accusations that led to his imprisonment and how he ministered to fellow inmates through letters of pastoral counseling
✅ The controversy surrounding his death and why he traveled to the USA after his release
✅ Behind the scenes of Tess Livingstone’s biography, Pax Invictis, chronicling decades of interviews and insights into his character
✅ Where Cardinal Pell is buried and his lasting influence on the Catholic Church

📖 Don't miss this deep dive into the life of George Cardinal Pell—a story of faith, resilience, and legacy.

Episode 310: Pro Tips for Traveling Italy in the 2025 Jubilee Year with Teresa Tomeo

January 13th, 2025  |  36 mins 45 secs

#bookinterview

Planning a trip to Italy during the Jubilee Year 2025? Don’t miss this expert guide! Fr. Edward is joined by Teresa Tomeo, a veteran Catholic journalist, Italian heritage enthusiast, and author of Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations Off the Beaten Path. With over 70 trips to Italy, Teresa shares insider travel tips to make your pilgrimage or vacation unforgettable.

Episode 308: Incorporate Classical Literature Into Your New Year with Dr. Joseph Pearce

December 30th, 2024  |  26 mins 56 secs

#bookinterview

Prolific author and scholar, Dr. Joseph Pearce joins Fr. Edward Looney for a conversation about classical books. If reading more is a goal for 2025, consider adding a classical book or two. What makes a book a classic? Which classic should you begin with? Dr. Pearce answers these questions and more in this episode!

Episode 306: The Importance of the Morning Offering in Your Spiritual Life with Fr. James Kubicki SJ

December 16th, 2024  |  24 mins 34 secs

#bookinterview

Fr. Kubicki's voice is recognizable from his reflections on Relevant Radio. He's been a long time devotee and promoter of the Morning Offering. Today, he joins Fr. Edward Looney to encourage us to make the Morning Offering a part of our daily spiritual life.

Episode 303: A Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Priest: Pray a Holy Hour with Tina Jost

December 2nd, 2024  |  28 mins 4 secs

#bookinterview

Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for your priest? Author Tina Jost introduces her book, One Hour for My Priest, a prayer companion designed to help the laity dedicate a holy hour for their beloved priests. Discover how this thoughtful gift of prayer can deepen your faith while supporting the spiritual needs of your priest. Tune in to learn more about this unique and heartfelt way to show your gratitude this holiday season.

Episode 302: Episode 302: Tips to Have a Joyful Advent with Rebecca and Stephen Grabill

November 18th, 2024  |  29 mins 51 secs

#advent, #bookinterview

Over the years, as a family, the Grabill family began to celebrate the joy of Advent. In their new book from Paraclete Press, Rebecca and Stephen map out a devotional for family life to deepen their prayer, understand our faith tradition, and share experiences together.

Episode 300: Meet an Unknown Military Chaplain, Edward Vattman, Who Served God and Country with James Hanna

November 11th, 2024  |  32 mins 46 secs

#bookinterview

James Hanna, acclaimed biographer of lesser-known figures in American Catholicism, unveils the life of Monsignor Edward Vattman—a remarkable military chaplain and friend to four U.S. presidents. Learn how Hanna uncovered Vattman’s story, the chaplain’s significant contributions to both faith and country, and the lasting legacy he left in Wilmette, Illinois, commemorated at Vattman Park. Tune in to discover the man behind the park and hear why his story matters today. If you’re intrigued, explore James Hanna’s latest biography for an in-depth look at this forgotten hero of faith.

Episode 298: Let's Talk About the Stigmatists, like Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich with Dr. Paul Kengor

October 28th, 2024  |  37 mins 54 secs

#bookinterview

Join Fr. Edward in this captivating episode as he sits down with renowned scholar Dr. Paul Kengor to discuss his latest book, The Stigmatists, published by TAN Books. Together, they delve into the lives and legacies of remarkable stigmatists like St. Francis, St. Pio, St. Catherine of Siena, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, and more. Discover the meaning and mystery of the stigmata, how these saints experienced it, and its significance in the Catholic faith. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation packed with insights and spiritual reflections on the power of suffering and divine love.