EP089: Carlos EireWill America be the new Cuba? As a child, Carlos Eire watched communism destroy his country under Fidel Castro and he’s warning America to be wary of the same disturbing signs. Carlos shares his incredible odds-defying story from being airlifted into America during the 1962 operation Pedro Pan to becoming a Yale professor of Catholic Intellectual Tradition. BONUS: Professor Eire details how his fascinating new book on levitation and bilocation in the ear...

EP088: Peter WolfgangHave the raging culture wars doomed America? Children are being mutilated in the name of “gender identity,” millions are flooding the border illegally, and who is even running our country? Time may be running out, but Family Institute of Connecticut’s Peter Wolfgang joins Erika to unpack how there’s still a chance for Catholics to save America.Follow us on social media! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

EP087: Ken TashjyTitle IX is getting a makeover – one that could jeopardize women’s safety across college campuses to favor biological “trans-identifying” males. Campus Reform’s Ken Tashjy joins Erika to do a deep dive into these troubled times for higher education. DEI-favoring admissions. The elimination of women’s private spaces. Pro-Hamas riots and the First Amendment. Find out what’s at stake for American college students.Follow us on social media! Instagram | Twitter | Faceboo...

EP086: Catherine PakalukAmerica is facing a crisis in its birth rate – in just 200 years, the number of children born has plummeted from around 7-8 children per woman to only 1.5. But is it still desirable to have multiple children today? Despite our modern age’s wealth and prosperity, people are intentionally having fewer children. American economist and mother of eight, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, is here to break down why. Catherine’s book – Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defyin...

EP085: Bree SolstadMoney, power, success. Bree Solstad was entrenched in the porn industry as a producer and actress – but a dramatic encounter with Catholicism transformed her life. Bree shares her incredible conversion journey with Erika and explains why no one is too far gone for the Lord’s mercy. Her story of a soul pierced by truth’s beauty encourages hope in a culture lost in the exploitation of sexuality. Note: This episode contains discussion of themes that may not be ...

EP084: Keara Burke“Your child will be born in terrible pain. This will put your fertility at risk. Abortion is the compassionate response.” This is the advice most frequently given to parents when they receive a life-limiting fetal diagnosis like Trisomy 18 or anencephaly for their baby. But is fear and death the only answer? Keara Burke lived through this experience when her son Rory was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in utero – her story proves firsthand that life-affirming and beautif...

EP083: Dr. Quentin Van MeterIt’s a tough time to be a kid. Doctors and counselors are pressuring children to irreversibly change their bodies in the name of “identity,” while parents are coerced to play along with a fantasy or risk losing their child.What ever happened to the adolescent experience?Dr. Quentin Van Meter has seen it all as a pediatrician and joins Erika to break down why “gender medicine” doesn’t follow science or medicine.Follow us on social media! Instagram | Twitter | Facebo...

EP082: John Bursch Kindergartners are being asked to proclaim their sexual identity. Vatican documents are full of unclear language on human sexuality. Where does a Catholic stand in the midst of the mass confusion of gender ideology – especially when vulnerable children are at risk? Alliance Defending Freedom’s John Bursch sheds light on the ideology’s origins and where society is heading. BONUS: John discusses his experience arguing the infamous Obergefell v. Hodges case...

EP081: Samantha PovlockShould women stay at home with their kids? What are we to think of working moms?Disagreement over the role of women in society is at the forefront of many conversations today. Women are pitted against men in a constant competition, but on both sides of the political aisle, there’s a tendency to reduce femininity and motherhood to a narrow set of requirements. In this episode, Erika meets with Samantha Povlock, founder of FemCatholic, to delve into the Catholic und...

EP080: Brad WilcoxDoes marriage spell the end of personal freedom and happiness? Are most married couples fated to end up divorced and jaded? Our cultural elites paint a picture of marriage that is largely negative and unfulfilling, but is that reality? In this episode, sociologist and author Brad Wilcox shares the eye-opening facts that the elites aren’t telling you about the success of marriage and family life. Brad and Erika dive right into the leading myths and struggles th...

EP079: Fr. Joseph Krupp Anti-Catholicism is on the rise. American Catholics are constantly faced with attacks ranging from ideological to legislative to physical. It seems like Christianity will soon no longer be the societal default — or will it? Fr. Joseph Krupp joins Mary on the EDIFY Podcast to examine the possible end of cultural Catholicism and where people of faith should turn their attention.  Fr. Joe’s own Michigan parish was vandalized twice in anti-Catholic attacks. He...

EP078: Monica Snyder Monica Snyder walked into an abortion clinic at 28 weeks pregnant on an undercover mission – to expose the terrible reality of late-term abortion. On this episode, Monica joins Mary to share her undercover experience and her work now as Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life. As a pro-life atheist, Monica explains how her organization defends life from a non-religious standpoint. She also gives her analysis on the deceptive pro-abortion narrative crafted around the...

EP077: Mark Morgan Does concern for national security conflict with the humanitarian response to immigrants crossing our border?  On this episode, former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan shares why the media has intentionally conflated these two separate issues to push a dangerous agenda of open borders.  Mark and Mary discuss the solutions needed to protect both Americans and immigrants and get to the bottom of the problems with cartels, sanctuary cities,...

EP076: Jamie Baxter Why are so many non-practicing Catholics drawn to Ash Wednesday Mass? And does a cold shower have anything to do with your spiritual life?  With Lent just around the corner, Exodus 90 founder Jamie Baxter joins Mary to discuss the Church’s ancient practices of prayer, penitence, and fraternity, and what that means for men today.   Exodus 90’s ascetic practices generally get the most attention, but Jamie shares the deeper framework behind this popular Catholic program...

EP075: Leah Sargeant Gun control – it’s one of the most divisive issues today, but are any of the proposed solutions even practical?  In this episode, writer and author Leah Sargeant joins Mary to discuss the underlying issues behind the horrors caused by gun violence and what can actually be done to reduce it.  Leah also shares the problem with gender-neutral family policies, how “wedding culture” has spun out of control, and how her book “Building the Benedict Option” is a handy guide...

EP074: Kristen Day Can you still be pro-life and a Democrat? And for those who identify this way – are life issues really a priority?  In this episode, executive director of Democrats for Life of America Kristen Day shares why supporting the most vulnerable is still consistent with the party’s original values. Kristen and Mary also discuss the invaluable support pregnancy resource centers offer, and how Kristen’s organization strategically turns “woke” language on its side to support...

EP073: Dr. Greg Bottaro What is a man? And have you heard of the “masculine genius?” Men today are constantly told their masculinity is “toxic,” but is that really the case?  Dr. Greg Bottaro of the Catholic Psych Institute joins Mary on the EDIFY Podcast to unpack the neuroscience behind the “masculine genius” and how it relates to male and female complementarity.  From traditional gender roles, to the role of science in the pursuit of truth, this episode digs deep into key aspects...

EP072: Archbishop Joseph Naumann Did the Vatican just allow for “gay blessings?” And is the Church really “too masculine?” How does a Catholic wade through all the screeching media narratives claiming that Church doctrine has now changed?  Thankfully, Kansas City’s Archbishop Joseph Naumann joins Mary to help us navigate the confusion. In this episode, Archbishop Naumann unpacks the Fiducia Supplicans document that has sparked worldwide backlash and controversy among the...

EP071: Kyle Seraphin If you’re a practicing Catholic, or even a concerned parent – chances are the FBI thinks you’re a domestic terrorist.  That sounds crazy – and it is – but former agent Kyle Seraphin ultimately lost his job for revealing the truth about the FBI’s targeted surveillance of American Catholics.  Kyle joins Mary on this episode to share his experience and how this is a wake-up call not just for Catholics, but all Christians and conservatives. Don’t get lost in the woke...

EP070: Trent Horn Are you wary of bringing up certain issues around your more liberal family members or friends? Do you know what the Church teaches on different niche political issues? Apologist Trent Horn has your back. In this episode, Trent joins Mary to discuss socialism, Humanae Vitae, how to effectively engage on abortion, Father James Martin, climate change, and capital punishment.  This is an episode you won’t want to miss - and one that will surely prepare you for the holiday...

Is this the most important election of our lifetime? Does our vote even matter? Get the answers on this episode of The EDIFY Podcast. EP069: Brian Burch We are now less than one year away from the 2024 election. Inevitably you’ll hear that “it’s the most important election of our lifetime!” Is that true? What does the Church teach about issues affecting public policy today? How can we learn to evaluate and weigh the issues rather than just voting for “the lesser of two evils?” Does your...

EP068: Fr. John LoCoco Fr. John LoCoco came from a family of 8 children and was one of two who had a vocation. In this episode of The EDIFY Podcast, Fr. LoCoco gives his take on the state of vocations in the Church as the Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Here’s why he thinks vocations to the priesthood are booming in some U.S. dioceses, and the role families and parishes must play in raising the next generation of priests.  You won’t want to miss this exclusive interview...

EP067: Mark Houck When faced with the possibility of losing everything, Catholic dad Mark Houck stood up to the bullies. In this episode of The EDIFY Podcast, he chronicles what happened when an FBI SWAT team showed up at his house, what spiritual fruits he and his family have received on this journey, and how all of us can grow in courage. You won’t want to miss this exclusive interview with a true American hero.  Watch Mark's animated EDIFY video, The FBI Went After Me, here. Follow...

EP066: Haley McNamara Do you know what human trafficking looks like in America? If you see it, how do you stop it? In this episode, Haley McNamara from National Center on Sexual Exploitation, has those shocking answers.  Mary and Haley also discuss how pornography contributes to human trafficking across the world and what companies are (or aren’t) doing their part to protect vulnerable populations. Resources mentioned by Haley McNamara: National Center on Sexual Exploitation’s Dirty...