Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

Episode 350: Mary the New Woman: A Judeo-Christian Look at the Immaculate Conception with Diego Passadore

December 8th, 2025  |  30 mins 26 secs

#bookinterview

In this episode, Fr. Edward speaks with author Diego Pasadore about his new book Mary, the New Woman, a fresh Judeo-Christian exploration of the Immaculate Conception. Diego shares how an unexpected inspiration during Mass led him into three years of biblical research, studying Jewish texts, the Church Fathers, and even private revelations such as those of Anne Catherine Emmerich.

Together they discuss Mary as the New Woman/New Eve, the theological roots of the dogma, and the rich symbolism connecting Mary to the Ark of the Covenant. Diego explains how ancient sources and mystical traditions converge to illuminate Mary’s unique role in salvation history, while Fr. Edward highlights the Church’s long tradition of developing these insights.

A fascinating conversation for anyone seeking a deeper biblical and historical understanding of Mary’s conception and her place in Christian doctrine.

Episode 349: One Widow’s Journey Through Loss and the Holidays — with Wendy Forest

December 1st, 2025  |  24 mins 41 secs

#bookinterview

In this moving conversation, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Wendy Forest, a widow who has walked a profound journey of grief, healing, and rediscovering hope through Jesus and Mary. Wendy shares the story behind her book Currents of Water, reflecting on how water became a powerful image for her emotions, her faith, and the early years of widowhood.

Episode 345: Anthony DeStefano’s Spooky Catholic Story for Kids: All Hallows’ Eve

October 21st, 2025  |  20 mins 49 secs

#bookinterview

Author Anthony DeStefano joins Fr. Edward Looney to share a delightful and faith-filled take on Halloween through his newest children’s book, All Hallows’ Eve.

In this conversation, Anthony discusses the inspiration behind the story, including the memorable character Hulga May, and how he skillfully weaves Catholic tradition into a tale that helps reclaim Halloween for the faith. Together, Fr. Edward and Anthony explore how this story can help children—and families—rediscover the Christian roots of All Hallows’ Eve, while remembering to pray for the holy souls in Purgatory.

Episode 344: What Cardinal Marc Ouellet Thinks About Synodality

October 8th, 2025  |  30 mins 22 secs

#bookinterview

Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Cardinal Marc Ouellet about his new book from Ignatius Press, Word, Sacrament, Charism. Their conversation explores a word that’s become central in Catholic dialogue — synodality.

What exactly is synodality? Is it an effort to modernize the Church, or something deeper? Cardinal Ouellet shares what he believes is the key to authentic synodality, what he wishes had gone differently during the Synod, and how this experience has shaped his understanding of the Church today.

Episode 340: Padre Pio Appeared to Mary O'Regan, Now She Shares Stories and Insights About the Saint

September 23rd, 2025  |  43 mins 18 secs

#bookinterview

In this episode of Hey Everybody, It’s Fr. Edward, I speak with Mary O’Regan, author of the new Sophia Institute Press biography of Padre Pio. Mary shares the incredible story of how Padre Pio appeared to her in a mystical experience that changed her life and set her on the path of researching and writing about one of the Church’s most beloved saints.

Episode 337: He Battled Fires and Culture: A Catholic Firefighter’s Story with Benjamin O'Brien

September 11th, 2025  |  25 mins 43 secs

#bookinterview

Hear from Benjamin O'Brien, a former firefighter, share his story about fighting fires and the culture of the workplace.

Episode 335: Fr. Robert Bradley’s “Love Letter” to Mary – Dr. Betty Bosarge on Our Lady’s Psalter

August 13th, 2025  |  40 mins 20 secs

#bookinterview

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Dr. Betty Bosarge to explore the life, legacy, and writings of Fr. Robert Bradley, S.J., with a special focus on Our Lady’s Psalter (Angelico Press). Dr. Bosarge, who served as Fr. Bradley’s editor, offers a behind-the-scenes look at his writing process—often on a simple yellow notepad—and shares how his meditations on the Rosary can renew the heart of anyone who prays them.

Episode 333: A Sister Remembers — Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan Through the Eyes of Élisabeth Nguyen

July 29th, 2025  |  32 mins 27 secs

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Servant of God Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan is remembered for his unwavering faith in the face of years of imprisonment. In this moving conversation, I speak with his sister, Élisabeth Nguyen, who shares intimate stories about their family upbringing, his path to the seminary, and his early years in the Church.

She recalls his arrest and long years in prison—and a moment involving medicine for his stomach that meant more than it seemed. What could that mean? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Hear a sibling’s unique insight into her brother’s sanctity, his cause for canonization, and why his story still inspires so many around the world today.

Episode 327: Desperate for Friendship? How to Be a Better Friend – with Kristen Strong

June 9th, 2025  |  34 mins 15 secs

#bookinterview

What is real friendship—and why is it so hard to find today? In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with Kristen Strong, author of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends (Thomas Nelson Books), to talk about the beauty, complexity, and spiritual depth of friendship in the modern world.

Episode 324: Mountain Grace: Fr. John Nepil on Hiking, Prayer, and His New Book

May 6th, 2025  |  18 mins 6 secs

#bookinterview

What does hiking the Colorado Trail teach you about God, failure, and fatherhood? In this episode, Fr. Edward interviews Fr. John Nepil from the Archdiocese of Denver about his new book To Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail. They discuss the beauty of 14ers, Scripture on mountains, spiritual lessons from hiking, and why Fr. Nepil chose to write the book as a series of letters. From biscuit wisdom to wild encounters and soul-searching reflections, this episode invites listeners to see nature as a path to deeper faith.