Best Paul A DeStefano Podcasts (2025)

1
Analog Hunger in a Digital World w/ Dr. Paul Vitz | Ep. 156 51:35

Play Pause

6d ago51:35

51:35

How can we find authentic identity in an increasingly digital world? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Paul Vitz, Catholic psychologist and professor emeritus, to discuss his book, Analog Hunger in a Digital World: Confronting Today's Identity Crisis. They explore the tension between the analog experiences that ground human identity in real…

1
A Catholic Perspective on Miracles w/ Anthony DeStefano | Ep. 155 48:13

13d ago48:13

48:13

How can Catholics faithfully approach the concept of miracles and prayer? Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Anthony DeStefano, a Catholic author with over 30 books, to explore his latest work, The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking the Impossible. DeStefano shares practical, theologically sound steps for seeking divine intervention and reflec…

1
The Crisis of Faith and Vatican II w/ Dr. Larry Chapp | Ep. 154 1:04:04

20d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

What caused the crisis of faith in the Catholic Church following Vatican II? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Larry Chapp, a retired theology professor and founder of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm, to discuss the cultural and theological turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. Chapp shares his journey to starting the Catholic Worker Farm, inspired b…

1
Confronting Conflicts between Faith & Science w/ Fr. Robert Spitzer | Ep. 153 51:19

27d ago51:19

51:19

How can Catholics address the perceived conflict between faith and science to strengthen belief, especially among youth? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and a leading Catholic scholar, to discuss this critical issue. They discuss Fr. Spitzer’s mission through the Magis Center, including his book Father…

1
The Role of Governance in Christian Life w/ Dr. Donald Prudlo | Ep. 152 57:49

1M ago57:49

57:49

Why is governance essential for fostering Christian perfection and societal order? Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Dr. Donald Prudlo, author of Governing Perfection and Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, to explore the necessity and value of governance in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts. They discuss how gover…

1
Catholic Perspectives on Sexuality, Gender, and Human Nature w/ Dr. Michele Schumacher | Ep. 151 55:28

1M ago55:28

55:28

How can Catholics engage with contemporary debates on sexuality and gender through a lens of faith and reason? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Michele Schumacher, private docent at the University of Freiburg, Switzerland, and author of Metaphysics and Gender: The Normative Art of Nature and Its Human Limitations, to explore these question…

1
Jesus Christ and Vatican II: The Scandal of Particularity w/ Dr. Eduardo Echeverria | Ep. 150 1:03:45

2M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

How does the Catholic Church understand the unique role of Jesus Christ in salvation? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Eduardo Echeverria, author of Jesus Christ: Scandal of Particularity, Vatican II, A Catholic Theology of Religion’s Justification and Truth. They explore Vatican II’s teachings, the importance of apologetics, the dangers of religio…

1
The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times w/ Archduke Eduard Habsburg | Ep. 149 54:02

2M ago54:02

54:02

How can the historical wisdom of the Habsburg dynasty guide us in modern times? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and author of The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times, to explore lessons from 800 years of Habsburg history. They discuss the seven principles that shaped the dynasty, including the importance …

1
How to Be Social Without Losing Your Soul w/ Dr. Michael Dauphinais | Ep. 148 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

How can Catholics navigate the challenges of modern social interactions while staying true to their faith? Dr. Michael Dauphinais, in a talk given at the SEEK 2025 conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, explores how to live meaningfully in a world facing social and spiritual challenges. He proposes seven practices—digi…

1
Understanding Just War Theory in the Catholic Tradition w/ Dr. Joseph Capizzi | Ep. 147 58:27

2M ago58:27

58:27

How does the Catholic tradition address the complex reality of war? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Joseph Capizzi, dean and professor of moral theology and ethics at the Catholic University of America, to explore just war theory. They discuss its roots in Roman and Christian thought, particularly through Augustine and Aquinas, and the role of mer…

1
Faith, Science, and the Redemptive Value of Suffering w/ Dr. Robert Redfield | Ep. 146 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

How can a Catholic scientist navigate the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health crises? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC director and Catholic physician, to explore his journey from a scientific worldview to a deep Catholic faith, shaped by a transformative encounter with Pope John Paul II. They dis…

1
Exploring the Catholic Spiritual Life w/ Fr Thomas Joseph White, O.P. | Ep. 145 59:25

3M ago59:25

59:25

How can Catholics deepen their spiritual life through theology and contemplation? In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum in Rome, to discuss his book, Contemplation and the Cross: A Catholic Introduction to the Spiritual Life. The conversation address…

1
The Biblical Roots of the Jubilee Year w/ Dr. John Bergsma | Ep. 144 59:32

3M ago59:32

59:32

What is the significance of the Jubilee Year in the Bible, and how does it relate to Jesus’s mission and the Catholic Church? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. John Bergsma, a Catholic theologian, author, and vice president of mission at the Saint Paul Center, to explore the biblical concept of the Jubilee Year. They discuss …

1
Recovering Wonder in a Disenchanted Age w/ Dr. Kyle Washut | Ep. 143 57:45

3M ago57:45

57:45

How can Catholics rediscover a sense of wonder in a world that feels disconnected from meaning? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College, to discuss the importance of recovering an enchanted view of the universe. They explore how the Catholic intellectual tradition, rooted in Scripture and the nat…

1
A Catholic Response to the Postmodern Crisis of Identity w/ Dr. Angela Franks | Ep. 142 55:12

3M ago55:12

55:12

How can faithful Catholics understand and navigate the modern crisis of identity? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Angela Franks, theologian, author, and professor at Saint John’s Seminary, to talk about issues relating to identity and the "empty self." During their conversation, they also discuss related themes such as the historic…

1
Aquinas and the Truth of Faith w/ Fr. Michael Sherwin O.P. | Ep. 141 1:03:32

4M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

How can St. Thomas Aquinas help address the modern crisis of belief? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.,, a Dominican theologian and professor of theology at the Angelicum in Rome, to explore how Aquinas’ teachings can respond to contemporary challenges in faith. They discuss the nature of belief in Jesus Christ, t…

1
How Aquinas Made Me Catholic w/ Dr. Francis Beckwith | Ep. 140 56:31

4M ago56:31

56:31

How does St. Thomas Aquinas shape a return to Catholic faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Francis Beckwith, author of Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant, about his journey back to Catholicism. They discuss Aquinas’s influence, justification, and engaging evangelical perspectives. Resources: Annun…

1
Jordan Peterson, the Bible, and the Search for Meaning w/ Dr. Christopher Kaczor | Ep. 139 55:51

4M ago55:51

55:51

How can Catholics engage with Jordan Peterson’s ideas while remaining rooted in the faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Catholic philosopher, author, and Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, about his book Jordan Peterson, God, and Christianity: The Search for a Meaningful Life. They explore ho…

1
Faith, Politics, and Freedom of Speech w/ Michael Knowles | Ep. 138 50:16

4M ago50:16

50:16

What does it mean to return to Catholicism and live out its truths in a political and cultural context? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Michael Knowles, host of The Daily Wire's The Michael Knowles Show and a prominent Catholic commentator, to explore his reversion to the Catholic faith after a decade of atheism. They discuss how readi…

1
How to Recover Love and Friendship w/ Dr. Ray Guarendi | Ep. 137 58:56

5M ago58:56

58:56

How can Catholics build meaningful relationships in an era of increasing loneliness and isolation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Ray Guarendi, a clinical psychologist, Catholic author, and speaker, to explore practical approaches to fostering love and friendship. They discuss strategies for being present to others, balancing acce…

1
Saintly Friends: Mother Teresa and John Paul II w/ Patrick Novecosky | Ep. 136 56:21

5M ago56:21

56:21

What can we learn from the extraordinary friendship between Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Patrick Novecosky, an award-winning author and speaker and the founder of NovaMedia, to discuss his upcoming book on two of the greatest modern-day saints. They discuss how both saints overcame profound persona…

1
Why Theology Needs Jesus w/ Adam Van Wart | Ep. 135 56:34

5M ago56:34

56:34

How does Jesus Christ transform the way we think about God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Adam Van Wart, Associate Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss how the Incarnation makes God concretely present in human history, overcoming the human tendency to idolatry. Dr. Van Wart also explains how suffering acquire…

1
Theology of the Body and Personal Growth w/ Matt Ingold | Ep. 134 57:46

5M ago57:46

57:46

How can Catholics integrate personal development practices with authentic faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Matt Ingold, co-founder of Metanoia Catholic, about “baptizing” secular life coaching with Catholic theology. They discuss John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as a foundation for understanding human growth, the non-competitive …

1
Why Theology Needs Metaphysical Realism w/ Dr. Steven Long | Ep. 133 1:04:36

6M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Why is philosophy essential for understanding Catholic theology? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Dr. Steven Long, well-known theologian and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, about the relationship between philosophy and theology in the Catholic tradition. They discuss how the abandonment of realist philosophy has undermined th…

1
After Stoicism: Boethius and Divine Providence w/ Dr. Thomas Ward | Ep. 132 59:01

6M ago59:01

59:01

How can ancient wisdom help us find consolation and freedom in our distracted modern world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Thomas Ward, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, to discuss his book, After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. The work examines St. Severinus Boethius’ Consolation of …

1
Aquinas and the Bible w/ Dr. Jason Paone | Ep. 131 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

How did Thomas Aquinas read and interpret the Bible? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jason Paone, editor of Word on Fire Academic, to discuss two new books exploring Aquinas’ commentaries on the New and Old Testaments. They examine Aquinas’ deeply Christocentric approach to Scripture, his understanding of the Bible through God’s pl…

1
Augustine’s De Trinitate: Faith, Reason, and the Mystery of God w/ Dr. Gerald Boersma | Ep. 130 55:17

6M ago55:17

55:17

How can Christians come to recognize the mystery of the Trinity as intelligible? In this conversation, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Gerald Boersma, Professor of Theology and Director of the Theology M.A. Program at Ave Maria University, to explore Augustine’s De Trinitate. They discuss how it defends orthodox Trinitarian doctrine, pres…

1
Jekyll & Hyde in Modern Life: Overcoming Our Divided Selves w/ Dr. Daniel Davy | Ep. 129 59:44

7M ago59:44

59:44

How can we heal the split between who we present ourselves to be and who we really are? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Daniel Davy, Professor of History and Dean of Faculty at Ave Maria University, about Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and its relevance to modern life. They explore how th…

1
Crossing the Tiber: A Journey to Catholicism w/ Steve Ray | Ep. 128 59:51

7M ago59:51

59:51

How can Catholics better understand the historical and biblical foundations of their faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Catholic convert Steve Ray about his journey to Catholicism. They discuss his book Crossing the Tiber and explore his insights from leading pilgrimages, illuminating connections between biblical sites, and Catholic tr…

1
Can Marketing Be Catholic? w/ Neil Watson | Ep. 127 59:08

7M ago59:08

59:08

How can Catholics integrate their faith with modern business practices, particularly in marketing? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Neil Watson, adjunct professor of business and Director of Marketing at Ave Maria University, about the intersection of Catholic social teaching and business ethics. Watson explores how the Church's teachings o…

1
Rediscovering Sin and Grace Through C.S. Lewis’ Perelandra w/ Joseph Pearce | Ep. 126 50:27

7M ago50:27

50:27

How can C.S. Lewis’Perelandrahelp us rethink the Genesis story and its relevance to the modern world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Joseph Pearce, frequent guest and Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University, explore the next book in C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy,Perelandra - a retelling of Genesis that illuminates free will, sin, an…

1
Chastity and Mercy in a Secular World w/ Bishop Erik Varden | Ep. 125 55:34

7M ago55:34

55:34

How do welive chastely in a world consumed by distractions, desires, and secular notions of fulfillment? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim explore chastity as a path to personal integration and spiritual renewal. Drawing from Bishop Varden’s bookChastity: Reconciliation of the Senses, they discuss cultural misconcept…

1
How Can We Obey Church and State? w/ Pater Edmund Waldstein | Ep. 124 56:55

8M ago56:55

56:55

How do humility and obedience shape our relationship with authority, community, and God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Pater Edmund Waldstein, a Cistercian monk and theologian, explore the role of humility and obedience in our relationship with authority, the church, and the common good. They discuss the balance between individual dignity and c…

1
Grief, Trauma, and the Hope of Faith w/ Julia Sadusky | Ep. 123 1:01:40

8M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

How can Catholics navigate grief and trauma while holding onto hope and faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist and Ave Maria University alumna,explore the complexities of grief, ambiguous losses, and trauma. They discuss the healing power of connection, routine, and faith, offering practical advice and r…

1
Sharing the Catholic Faith with Generation Alpha w/ Ambrose Bean | Ep. 122 57:58

8M ago57:58

57:58

How can today’s youth rediscover faith amidst a culture of secularism and distraction? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Ambrose Bean, Ave Maria University alumnus, BA and MA in Theology, teacher, and author of Catholic Revival: A Rallying Cry to the Rising Generation in the Church. They discuss the personal nature of faith, the joy of k…

1
How To Stay Faithful as a Catholic Theologian w/ Fr. Joseph Fessio | Ep. 121 47:42

8M ago47:42

47:42

How can Catholics navigate modern theological challenges while staying true to the Church's tradition? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Joseph Fessio, founder of Ignatius Press, about the enduring relevance of Catholic theology in addressing modern challenges. They discuss the influence of theologians like Ratzinger, von Balthasar, and…

1
The Gospel in the Cosmos: Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis w/ Joseph Pearce | Ep. 120 54:55

9M ago54:55

54:55

How can we recover a vision of the cosmos as a place filled with divine wonder and purpose? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes Joseph Pearce, Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University, to explore C.S. Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet. Together, they discuss his vision of a cosmos filled with divine wonder and order. They examine …

1
The Bible in an Hour w/ Jeff Cavins | Ep. 119 1:00:26

9M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

How does understanding the overarching story of Scripture deepen our faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Jeff Cavins, creator of the Great Adventure Bible Study and co-host of the incredibly popular Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Michael Schmitz, about understanding the Bible’s overarching narrative. They discuss how the Bible Timeli…

1
Why You Should Read Augustine’s Confessions Today w/ Fr. Kevin Grove | Ep. 118 56:48

9M ago56:48

56:48

What can St. Augustine teach us about grace, memory, and our search for identity in a restless world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Kevin Grove, a Holy Cross priest and theology professor at Notre Dame, to discuss Augustine’s timeless insights. They explore themes from Confessions, including grace, the whole Christ, and recoverin…

1
Are There Good Reasons to Have Children Today? w/ Dr. Catherine Ruth Pakaluk | Ep. 117 54:03

9M ago54:03

54:03

How can Catholics uncover the profound meaning and purpose found in family life and childbearing? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Catherine Ruth Pakaluk about her book Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. They discuss the meaning and purpose found in family life, the challenges of modern parenting, and the pr…

1
What Is Transhumanism and Why Is It Dangerous? w/ Dr. Steven Jensen | Ep. 116 53:45

10M ago53:45

53:45

How should Catholics respond to the false promises of transhumanism? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Steven Jensen, professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, examine transhumanism as a modern form of eugenics. They discuss the distinction between healing and enhancement, the dangers of rejecting human nature as a gift, and how …

1
How Catholics Should Approach Psychology w/ Dr. Julia Sadusky | Ep. 115 54:58

10M ago54:58

54:58

How can Catholics approach the study of Psychology through the lens of faith and the dignity of the human person? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined again by Dr. Julia Sadusky, Catholic author, speaker, licensed psychologist, and alumna of Ave Maria University, to discuss the relationship between the Catholic faith and the field of Psychology …

1
Recovering Faith amid the Crisis of Truth w/ Rusty Reno | Ep. 114 58:35

10M ago58:35

58:35

Description: What does it mean to live in a society that no longer believes in truth, and how can Christians respond to this crisis? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Rusty Reno, editor of First Things magazine, about the crisis of modernity and its rejection of truth and tradition. They explore how this cultural shift impacts Christianity …

1
The Development of Doctrine in Catholic Theology w/ Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 113 52:50

10M ago52:50

52:50

How does Catholic doctrine mature in expression while remaining true to revelation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Guy Mansini, S.T.D., Max Seckler Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University, about how the articulation of Catholic teachings develops over time while remaining true to revelation. They explore the roles of language, phil…

1
God's Mercy, Human Sexuality, and the Theology of the Body w/ Bill Donaghy | Ep. 112 44:47

10M ago44:47

44:47

How should Catholics approach relationships with others, with ourselves, and with God in a culture saturated with confusion about sexuality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Bill Donaghy from the Theology of the Body Institute to explore St. John Paul II's work, The Theology of the Body. They discuss how this teaching offers clarity on …

1
What Happens After We Die? w/ Dr. James Papandrea | Ep. 111 50:26

11M ago50:26

50:26

How can we recover a robust understanding of heaven and maintain confidence in reaching it? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jim Papandrea, author and professor of Church History and Historical Theology, to explore the Christian understanding of the afterlife. Drawing from early Church Fathers and his book What Really Happens After …

1
Reclaiming Authentic Masculinity w/ Brett Powell | Ep. 110 55:39

11M ago55:39

55:39

How can men today find direction, strength, and purpose in a culture that leaves them uncertain of their role? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Brett Powell discuss Life Compass workshops, which help men identify their God-given purpose, overcome passivity, and nurture meaningful relationships. This conversation provides practical insights and fai…

1
The Four Loves of C.S. Lewis w/ David Bates | Ep. 109 54:03

11M ago54:03

54:03

How can the different types of love inform us about our humanity and relationships? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with David Bates, host of the Pints with Jack podcast, to discuss C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves, a profound reflection on the nature of affection, friendship, eros, and charity. They delve into the unique qualities and dangers of…

1
Can Philosophy Help Us Evangelize? w/ Fr. James Brent, O.P. | Ep. 108 56:41

11M ago56:41

56:41

How do philosophy and theology work together to reveal the truth about reality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. James Brent, O.P. discuss the importance of an integrated approach to philosophy and theology, explaining how sound philosophy prepares us for faith. During their conversation, they explore themes from Aquinas and John Paul II, intr…

1
St. Augustine and Political Utopias w/ Dr. Marc Guerra | Ep. 107 1:00:14

12M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

How does Catholic theology provide a unique response to the modern tensions between utopianism and dystopianism? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Marc Guerra, alumnus of Ave Maria's Ph.D. in Theology program (2007), and Provost & Senior V.P. for Academic Affairs at Assumption University (Worcester, MA), about the Catholic approach to u…