John Hale, President and Co-Founder of Corporate Travel, discusses the importance of always being open to God’s grace, and what he learned during the trials of the pandemic. Show notes: (0:44) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates of what’s going on in their lives, from new opportunities for fellowship to the birth and baptism of a baby girl for previous ODP guests Jordan and Napoli Beachnau! They also discuss Mothers Day traditions in their parishes and lives. (5:25) Emily introduces...

Ave Maria Radio producer Melissa Florian shares how the Lord healed her of addiction and gave her a hunger for the Eucharist instead Show notes: (0:07) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up and discuss their excitement for spring and the month of May, and what graces have been flowing in their lives. They also discuss a possible ODP field trip soon! (5:06) Fr. Patrick then introduces this episode’s guest, Melissa Florian, a producer at Ave Maria Radio. She shares a little bit about her...

New Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Chris Beltowski talks about his discernment, his new role, and the ministry of the diaconate. Show notes: (0:30) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, the lovely weather we’re having, and their experiences this Holy Week and Easter season. (4:47) Emily introduces this week’s guest, Deacon Chris Beltowski, who talks briefly about his family: his wife of 25 years, their four daughters, and his first...

Kate Bryan, Founder and CEO of 1 Girl Revolution, shares her experience of growing up with chronic illness and how it inspired her to amplify the stories of women across the country. Show notes: (2:42) After Fr. Patrick and Emily briefly catch up and discuss spring and the great sunshine, Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Kate Bryan. (5:11) Kate discusses what it was like growing up with Job Syndrome, her very rare immune deficiency, and the role that played in her faith and her...

Jordan and Napoli Beachnau join Fr. Patrick and Emily to discuss marriage as a vocation, a sacrament, and a way to live the Gospel. Show notes: (0:59) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and discuss the hope that comes with the first signs of spring, the way individuals are coming back to Mass with the end of the general dispensation, and the graces found in this Lenten season. (5:08) Fr. Patrick introduces this episode’s guests, Jordan and Napoli Beachnau and shares a bit about their...

St. Aloysius Parish Engagement Coordinator Beth Allison shares her journey from interior design to ministry, and the universal connection of the Catholic faith she’s experienced as she’s travelled the world. *Show notes: * (0:42) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up, and Fr. Patrick shares the joy he had of opening his parish as a coronavirus vaccine site. Emily mentions that her mom is in town, so she was able to share a bit of her new Detroit life with her family! (3:21) Emily introduces our...

St. Aloysius Parish Engagement Coordinator Beth Allison shares her journey to ministry and the universal connection of the Catholic faith she’s experienced as she’s travelled the world. *Show notes: * (0:42) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up, and Fr. Patrick shares the joy he had of opening his parish as a coronavirus vaccine site. Emily mentions that her mom is in town, so she was able to share a bit of her new Detroit life with her family! (3:21) Emily introduces our guest, Beth Allison,...

Chris Leach, Director of Evangelical Charity for the Archdiocese of Detroit, enters the studio to reflect on the ministry of healing and the role it has played in his missionary journey. Show Notes: (0:16) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share what they’ve been up to since our last episode. Emily shares that she’s visiting family in California and Fr. Patrick reminisces on his love for hot climates — in moderation. (3:31) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Chris Leach, Director...

Tune in as Michelle Piccolo, Director of Christian Service at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, shares her passion for Theology of the Body and her journey to discovering her vocation as a consecrated virgin living in the world.

Curtis Simpson, Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish, reflects on catching the Holy Spirit, how he uses Christian Service as a vehicle for evangelization, and whether coincidences exist with God. Show notes: (1:51) Curtis introduces himself and gives an overview of his role as Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit. He shares his New Years' resolution, discusses his conformation saint, St. John the Baptist, and mentions the great influence of...

From a teenager embedded in the party scene of Southwest Detroit to a young adult minister with Jornadas — and with a vision of the Blessed Mother along the way — Ricardo Hernandez shares the journey of realizing God’s endless love. (0:47) Ricardo discusses his current experiences living as a joyful missionary disciple, his work at the Basilica of Ste. Anne with Jornadas and Corazon Puro young adult ministries, and his podcast, Cafe con los Santos. (7:49) Ricardo reflects on what his life...

Fr. Steve, Danielle, and new hosts Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and Emily Mentock reflect on seasons past and look forward to what Open Door Policy has in store. (1:38) Fr. Steve and Danielle reflect on the great successes they’ve had as hosts of 54 episodes of Open Door Policy, and they announce the transition to the podcast’s new hosts, Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau. (4:36) Danielle and Fr. Steve share memories of their favorite ODP episodes, their funniest guests, most inspiring guests,...

Laura Knaus, Associate Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit discusses moving from Nebraska to Detroit, her passion for Catholic education, and eggs benedict. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:45 She worked as a soccer ref, had a profound encounter with God in Broomtree South Dakota, hung with some rock dudes and continues to seek the truth of Jesus Christ in these confusing times. Testimony 10:31 Danielle kicks this segment off by asking about Laura's...

Fr. Marko Djonovic talks about his ministry to Detroit's homeless," Betterway Detroit", his path from boxing to the priesthood and being called the "barbaric chef". Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:38 His path to the priesthood began as a dishwasher, he's met Mr. T and his mom will always be his hero. Fr. Marko get his turn at Rapid Fire Questions. Testimony 7:34 Fr. Steve begins by asking what made Fr. Marko want to follow Jesus more closley. Describing an active life cut short...

Danielle Brown, the Associate Director of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism for the USCCB, talks about our struggle with racism, the importance of looking to Scripture as "God's playbook" for guidance and the spiritual dimensions of needlepoint. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:25 Danielle tells us about her early career as a needlepoint prodigy, an encounter with God in Ephesus and meeting Bono in the lobby of a Detroit Hotel. Testimony 12:59 Fr. Steve begins by asking Danielle Brown...

The ODP virtual guest chair sits empty as Danielle interviews our own Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:25:18 An omelette loving former Subway sandwich artist, Fr. Steve Pullis talks scripture, cassocks and Wayne Gretsky. Testimony 10:02 Danielle asks about being a priest during quarantine and how God's been working in his life. Fr. Steve tells how a lack of structure and routine can easily...

Fr. Mario Amore, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit, talks about pastoring a downtown congregation, surprising generosity and old churches and their key rings. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:21 Fr. Mario tells us about his family's Italian Restaurant, a chapel in South Dakota and a recent musical "Journey". Testimony 9:46 Fr. Mario talks about being a new pastor and how he became aware of the St. Aloyisus community years ago as a youth group prayer leader and musician....

Suzanne and All Croll, parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and members of the Archdiocesan Chorus, join Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about the importance of giving people hope, the power of invitation and singing for the Pope. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 01:10 Al and Suzanne share their first jobs, breakfast favorites and singing at St. Peters in Rome. Testimony 09:09 Al shares his conversion story, beginning with marriage prep classes and more than a little spiritual...

Nicholas Kristock, Executive Director of “Fleece and Thank You” and pro soccer player, joins Fr. Steve and Danielle to talk about his journey to Australia to play soccer and how that led to his charity work with children. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:12 Nick shares his Australia experiences and a favorite smoothie recipe. Testimony 8:00 In segment two, Nick explains how his cerebral approach to scripture and the consistency of message from passage to passage, led him closer to God....

Vickie Figueroa, head of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Detroit, joins Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about urban ministry, the importance of social media in unleashing the Gospel and vintage fashion. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 02:50 Vickie discusses an amusing first job, vintage fashion and "why men great till they gotta be great?" Testimony 09:02 In this segment Vickie talks about her work at Corpus Christi Parish and how that led to her becoming the Director of...

Teresa Tomeo, Catholic talk show host, author and journalist joins Fr. Steve and Danielle to talk about answering God’s call, frittata, and how faith can put your fears to rest. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion Teresa discusses giving away the store in high school and all things Italian. Testimony In this segment we hear about Teresa’s strong connection to her home parish, St. Joan of Arc. Fr. Steve asks Teresa to share about her return to the faith and its challenges. Teresa discusses...

Paul Duda, Creative Director of the Communications Department of the Archdiocese of Detroit talks with Fr. Steve and Danielle about the timelessness of art, the creative process and how important it is to open one's heart to God. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion Paul shares his love for biscuits and gravy and his powerful experience with God in a Honda Civic. Testimony Paul traces his story from military school to studying art and film at John Paul the Great Catholic University, how he...

Kathleen McCann, Executive Chairman of United Road Services joins Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about integrating faith in the business world, the awesome growth we're seeing in the archdiocese and cold pizza for breakfast! *Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion *- 01:45 Kathleen discusses her father's impact on her life and her babysitting expertise as the eldest of six. *Testimony *- 10:53 In this segment we hear about Kathleen's experience in the business world as a woman of faith and...

Fr. Steve and Danielle welcome Mary Wilkerson, wife, mother and podcaster, to talk balance and being a witness to the world. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion - 01:32 Testimony - 06:51 Discussion of the UTG Letter - 16:07 Reflection - 29:15 Episode Summary - 30:39

Danielle and Fr. Steve sit down with Sarah Kaczmarek and talk about her experience as a youth minister, how a powerful mission trip changed her life and how God is using her now, with Alpha USA. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion - 0:53 Testimony - 12:48 Discussion of the Unleash the Gospel Letter - 22:00 Reflection - 43:43 Episode Summary - 45:15