Best Vatican Observatory Podcasts (2025)

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Meet The New Boss! 40:31

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Br. Guy Consolmagno chats with Rev. Richard A. D'Souza - the incoming Director of the Vatican Observatory! He takes the reins from Br. Guy on September 19, 2025. Co-Hosts: Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ: Director of Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation. Bob Trembley: Factotum for the Vatican Observatory Foundation. Guest:…

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Sept. 21, 2025 | Vocations flourish in Archdiocese of Baltimore 28:00

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In recent years, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has been blessed with a significant increase in the number of men and women stepping forward to answer the call to religious life. Joining us to talk about is Father Stephen Roth, Director of Vocations and Associate Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Father Roth, a former pastor of St. I…

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Episode 17: Smells Like Alien Spirit 50:50

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What connects garlic, truffles, and the smell of the sea? Believe it or not, but the compounds that unify all three – known as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) – are signatures not just of familiar earthly experiences, but potentially of otherworldly bioactivity! In this episode of The Open Universe, we dive into a claimed disco…

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Sept. 14, 2025 | Catholic movie director Sean McNamara and “Bau: Artist at War” 28:00

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What’s the difference between a faith-based movie and a “faith-adjacent” movie? How do producers and directors ensure they are creating films that inspire and uplift viewers? Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with writer and director Sean McNamara about these topics, and about his new movie, due in theaters Sept. 26, “Bau: Artist at W…

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Sept. 7, 2025 | John Harbaugh on faith, family and football 28:01

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Now in his 18th season with the Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh is celebrated for championships and playoff runs. But his Catholic faith and family values shape him even more. Mark Viviano talks with Harbaugh about purpose, prayer, parenting and how faith fuels life on and off the field.By Catholic Review Media

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Aug. 31, 2025 | Little Portion Farm cares for hungry and creation 28:01

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Little Portion Farm, a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans, has been feeding the hungry and caring for creation since 2019. Using sustainable methods, the Ellicott City farm has donated more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to those in need.Father Michael Heine, provincial leader of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, and Matt Jones, manage…

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Aug. 24, 2025 | An Orphan Finds a Masterpiece – “Boy of Heaven” 28:00

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A 17th-century Italian orphan finds the long-lost piece of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, missing since Dominican friars cut out a portion of the wall to connect the priory's refectory with its kitchen. That’s the basic premise of “Boy of Heaven,” a novel by Morris Hoffman. As the tale takes us through the trials and tribulations of the story…

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Aug. 17, 2025 | Back to School with the New Superintendent 28:00

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It’s back-to-school time and for School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, that means a new job. She stepped down as head of school at Notre Dame Prep in Towson at the end of the school year and now is the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Sister Patricia about what…

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Aug. 10, 2025 | The situation in Gaza with Catholic Near East Welfare Association 28:00

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In October 2023, the militant group Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds. Israel retaliated and now, nearly two years later, the conflict continues. In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Joseph Hazboun, regional director for Catholic Near East Welfare Association, a po…

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Aug. 3, 2025 | The Vatican Observatory 28:00

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The heavens are full of wonder, and the astronomers who work for the Vatican Observatory probably know that better than most people on earth. In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Jesuit Father Paul Gabor, vice director of the Vatican Observatory in Tucson, Ariz., about the intersection between faith and scie…

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July 27, 2025 | The true story of 'Xavier Rynne' 28:01

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During the Second Vatican Council, a mysterious voice began reporting from inside the closed-door sessions — exposing tensions and calling for reform. That voice belonged to Xavier Rynne, the pseudonym of Father Francis Xavier Murphy, a Redemptorist priest who risked everything to write anonymously about the council’s inner workings.George Matysek …

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July 20, 2025 | Youth ministry changing with the times 28:01

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Youth ministry has been undergoing some critical shifts over the last several years within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. George Matysek talks with Stacy Golden and Rena Black from the archdiocese's Institute for Evangelization about what those shifts have been and why they are necessary.Golden is the director of the Office of Family, Youth and Youn…

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July 13, 2025 | The music and ministry of Seph Schlueter 28:00

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Making music can be a way to celebrate with God and invite others to follow him, according to Catholic musician Seph Schlueter. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty chatted with Schlueter (pronounced SHLEE-TUR) about the inspiration for his music and how one of his tunes went viral in Brazil even before it made it big in the U.S. The interview …

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July 6, 2025 | Exploring the Nicene Creed: Part Two 28:01

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In honor of the 1,700th anniversary of the establishment of the Nicene Creed, we have been taking a closer look at what the creed says and means. Last week, we explored the historic circumstances surrounding the creation of the creed and it’s declarations regarding God the Father. On today’s episode, we look at what the creed has to say about God t…

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June 29, 2025 | Exploring the Nicene Creed: Part One 28:01

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On May 20, Christians around the world marked 1,700 years since the opening of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Held in Asia Minor—what’s now modern-day Turkey—it was the first ecumenical council in Church history. It set the stage for one of the most important statements of Christian belief: the Nicene Creed.On today’s show—and again next week—we’…

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June 22, 2025 | How religious freedom is being challenged today 28:01

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June 22 marks the launch of the U.S. Bishops’ annual Religious Freedom Week, a time set aside for Catholics to pray, reflect and act to promote religious freedom in the United States and around the world.Joining us to talk about religious freedom is Aaron Weldon, Assistant Director for Religious Liberty at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in…

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Episode 16: The LEDA of the Rings 41:06

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Long ago, in a time before the age of Men, nine rings were made… when the galaxy LEDA 1313424 was smashed into by its neighbour in a near head-on collision. The result was a cosmic spectacle: a galaxy surrounded by nine concentric rings of starlight acting as a memoir of this great interstellar battle. In this episode, we take a closer look at the …

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June 15, 2025 | Books and Authors: Inspiring Trailblazers 28:00

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It’s Books and Authors Week on Catholic Review Radio, and Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with two authors whose books feature literal and spiritual trailblazers. First up is Josh McMullen, who wrote about “The Glacier Priest: Father Bernard Hubbard and America’s Last Frontier,” about the Jesuit’s amazing adventures exploring in Alas…

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June 8, 2025 | From astrophysics to religious life: Mount de Sales shares faith journey 28:01

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As a young woman, Dominican Sister Albertine Cevallos thought for sure that her life would center on science. Growing up in a rationalist, science-focused home, she graduated from Caltech with an astrophysics degree.But along her journey, she discovered serving God and advancing scientific knowledge are not mutually exclusive.Today, she serves as a…

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June 1, 2025 | Baltimore sports broadcaster shares the importance of his Catholic faith 28:01

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Jim Hunter, the former longtime play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles and a fixture in Baltimore sports broadcasting, is a devoted Catholic and an active parishioner of St. Mark in Fallston. Mark Viviano talks with Hunter about his years in broadcasting, his journey of faith, his openness to sharing his spiritual beliefs with others and …

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May 25, 2025 | The beginning of Pope Leo’s ministry 28:00

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Pope Leo XIV was formally inaugurated as the successor of Peter in a Mass May 18 in St. Peter’s Square. Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori was among the concelebrants of the Mass, and he shares his reflections about being there for the historic event, and his hopes for the future of the church with Pope Leo. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gun…

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May 18, 2025 | Grow in your relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary 28:01

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May is traditionally celebrated as a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church — a time for special devotions, prayers and reflection on her role in salvation history.George Matysek talks with Father Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville, about why Catholics have such love for Mary and ways for drawing …

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May 11, 2025 | Meet the Mount St. Mary's graduate and Vatican journalist who served as a lector at the papal funeral 28:00

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Millions of people around the world watched or listened to the funeral of Pope Francis live from Rome on April 26 — a solemn and historic moment for the Catholic Church.One of the voices heard during that liturgy was Kielce Gussie, a Vatican journalist who had the honor of proclaiming the first reading at the Mass.A graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Uni…

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May 4, 2025 | Preparing for the Conclave 28:00

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As the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope May 7, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty gets some inside info from Monsignor Richard Hilgartner, pastor of St. Joseph parish in Cockeysville, Md., and former executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Monsignor …

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Apr. 27, 2025 | The Death of Pope Francis and the Upcoming Conclave 28:00

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As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis April 21 at age 88, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with people who have experienced the pope personally. Baltimore Archbishop William Lori recalls his encounters with the pope. Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, former archbishop of Baltimore and retired grand master of the Equestrian Order of th…

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Apr. 20, 2025 | Archdiocese of Baltimore embraces lower age for confirmation 28:00

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Earlier this year, Archbishop William E. Lori announced that the standard age for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation will be lowered to 9 in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The previous age had been set at 14-16.George Matysek discusses the reasons for the change with Stacy Golden, director of the Office of Family, Youth and Young Adult Ministry…

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Episode 15: Riding the solar wind: Eugene Parker’s “magnetic” legacy 46:02

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On December 24, 2024, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe shattered records: becoming simultaneously the closest a human-made object has ever approached the Sun, and, travelling at 430,000 mph, the fastest object ever built on Earth. This was the culmination of a 70-year long legacy of its namesake, Eugene Parker, who in 1958 transformed our understanding of…

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Apr. 13, 2025 | Books and Authors: “Fulton Sheen” and “Pain to Peace” 28:00

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It’s a books and authors episode of Catholic Review Radio. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with authors of two new books. First up is Cheryl C.D. Hughes, whose book “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker” talks about how the famed televangelist brought people to the Catholic faith – sometimes in well-attended revivals and rallies…

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Apr. 6, 2025 | The Death Penalty 28:00

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Holy Week calls attention to the death penalty, since Jesus Christ himself was an innocent put to death by capital punishment. The topic is top-of-mind these days as the new presidential administration wants to increase the use of the punishment, and some states are using new methods of execution, including lethal gas/suffocation and firing squads.…

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An Anthropologist at the Vatican Observatory 32:11

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Br. Guy Consolmagno chats with Dr. Deana L. Weibel - a cultural anthropologist whose work focuses primarily on religion, especially the topics of pilgrimage, sacred space, the mutual influence of scientific and religious ideas on each other, and religion and space exploration. She spoke to us on those topics… and science fiction movies, as well! Co…

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Mar. 30, 2025 | Why Dante's 'Inferno' matters today 28:00

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Dante’s "Inferno," the first part of "The Divine Comedy," is widely regarded as one of the greatest poems ever written. The epic journey through hell explores the nature of sin and virtue in a way that remains relevant today.In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host George Matysek speaks with Jason M. Baxter, a professor and executive director…

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Mar. 23, 2025 | Movie: “The Last Supper” 28:00

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As we come to the final weeks of Lent, a new movie takes a look especially at that seminal event for the church – “The Last Supper” – where Jesus showed his disciples what it means to serve and established the Eucharist. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Mauro Borrelli, the director of the new movie from executive producer Chris …

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Mar. 16, 2025 | A unique vocational journey 28:00

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Mark Viviano chats with his big brother, Father Tony Viviano, about his unique journey to the priesthood. Father Viviano is a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., who discerned a call to the priesthood later in life. Father Viviano, a father of a daughter and grandfather of five, was ordained a priest at age 49 in 2012, and now serves as p…

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Mar. 9, 2025 | Ask a bishop with Bishop Adam J. Parker 28:00

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Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Adam J. Parker returns for another round of questions from our listeners in our second-ever "Ask a Bishop" episode of Catholic Review Radio. He fields topics including how to encourage young people to attend Mass, the bishops' presence in Western Maryland, abortion, bringing anger to God and more.…

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Mar. 2, 2025 | Lent and Fasting 28:00

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Fasting practices for Lent are not just about giving up chocolate. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Deacon Greg Kandra of the Deacon’s Bench blog about his new book, “A Handy Little Guide to Fasting” from OSV Books. They discuss the essential practices of Lent for Catholics – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – and how to enhance yo…

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Feb. 23, 2025 | Celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's canonization 28:00

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first-American born saint and one of the great heroines of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.Joining us to talk about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and some special events that are coming up to honor the anniversary of her canonization is Rob Judge, executive director of …

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Episode 14: Could the movie Armageddon happen in real life? 52:33

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In 1998, “NASA” sent a team of rag-tag oil drillers to an asteroid hurtling towards Earth, averting an Armageddon. 24 years later, NASA is at it again – but this time, with a somewhat more delicate approach. In September 2022, the DART mission collided with Dimorphos, an asteroid in a binary orbit with its larger companion, Didymos, perturbing its …

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Feb. 16, 2025 | The Oscars and Hollywood 28:01

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The Oscars are coming, the Oscars are coming! It’s time to take a look at nominees for the top film honors and other trends in Hollywood before the Oscars broadcast March 2, 7 p.m. on ABC and streaming on Hulu. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty, along with guest co-host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald, had a wide-ranging, some…

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BONUS Episode: Hollywood and the Oscars (with additional content) 44:56

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Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty, along with guest co-host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald, have a wide-ranging, sometimes wild, conversation with two Catholic movie experts: Pauline Sister Rose Pacatte and John Mulderig, film reviewer for OSV News. Hear their recommendations for the winners, and what they wished the entertai…

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Feb. 9, 2025 | Finding hope in the midst of sorrow 28:00

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Kathy Wandishin’s youngest child, John, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just 10 years old. For more than five years, he and his family would undergo many unbelievable trials before the young Archbishop Curley High School student ultimately died just one day before his 16th birthday in 2005.In a new book, “Climbing the Rainbow,” Kathy shares…

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Feb. 2, 2025 | Catholic Men’s Spirituality 28:00

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What does authentic Catholic male spirituality look like? Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with two experts on the topic to get their take on how best to encourage and support men looking to develop and enhance their Catholic faith, so they can be better men, able to serve others, whether as husbands, fathers, priests or single lay m…

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Jan. 26, 2025 | St. Paul Street Evangelization 28:00

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Are you comfortable sharing your faith with family and friends? What about people you might encounter on the street? St. Paul Street Evangelization grew out of encounters Steve Dawson had with people at a street festival in Portland, Ore., detailed in the book “Catholic Street Evangelization: Stories of Conversion and Witness.” Catholic Review Edit…

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Jan. 19, 2025 | Incoming March for Life president looks at pro-life priorities 28:01

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As pro-life supporters prepare to gather in Washington Jan. 24 for the 52nd annual March for Life, the March for Life organization is preparing to welcome Jennie Bradley Lichter as its new president. Lichter, who takes office in February, will be among those speaking at this year’s march. She previously served as deputy general counsel at The Catho…

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Jan. 12, 2025 | American Politics and Two-Party Dominance 28:00

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As the United States prepares to swear in a new president, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty takes a look at the state of politics and elections. His first guest is Peter Sonski, who was the American Solidarity Party nominee for president in 2024. Sonski talks about how his party’s platform is more fully aligned with the spectrum of Catholic…

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Jan. 5, 2025 | A conversation with the Baltimore Ravens’ team chaplain 28:00

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Rev. Johnny Shelton serves as the official team chaplain for the Baltimore Ravens. He joined the Ravens in 2013 after serving in fulltime ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in North Carolina (he was team chaplain at Elon University) and Virginia Tech (he was team chaplain at Virginia Tech). Rev. Shelton was ordained by Bishop George…

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Dec. 29, 2024 | Year-end 2024 with Archbishop Lori 28:01

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As we come to the end of 2024, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sits down with Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori to look at the year that is ending, which included the World Synod of Bishops, lots of activity around the Seek the City to Come initiative that reshapes ministry in Baltimore City with an emphasis on evangelizing communities,…

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Dec. 22, 2024 | Hope for the Holidays 28:00

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With the holidays upon us and all the many expectations that come with them, many people can feel overwhelmed at this time of the year. In this encore episode of Catholic Review Radio, Paul Jarzembowski offers inspiration and some practical advice for celebrating the holidays in a meaningful, hope-filled way. Jarzembowski, a parishioner of St. Eliz…

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Dec. 15, 2024 | Seminarians delve into charismatic prayer 28:00

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Have you ever felt the call to pray with your whole heart, soul and voice? On this episode, we dive into charismatic prayer – a powerful and expressive form of worship that’s just alive in the Catholic Church as it is in some Protestant faith traditions.What is it? How does it connect us more deeply with the Holy Spirit? And how can it transform yo…

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Episode 13: Minding the heavens: Sweeping the night sky with Caroline Herschel 45:41

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It is August 1st, 1786, and a starry haze zips through the night sky. As celestial phenomena go, this is just a fleeting event - but not one that evades Caroline Herschel’s Newtonian “sweeper”. Although she doesn’t know it yet, Herschel will soon be renowned as the great discoverer of comets, and one of the most eminent astronomers of her generatio…

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Dec. 8, 2024 | The Jubilee Year of Hope 28:00

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Jubilee years are a tradition from the Old Testament. In the church today, jubilees are declared every 25 years, with some special jubilees in between. Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee of Hope, and that will be an opportunity for celebrations in your home parish or diocese and by visiting Rome to walk through specially designated Holy Do…