Today, Deacon Geoff is joined by Casey Chalk to discuss his recent article, Meditating on Death Is Critical to a Good Life in Crisis Magazine, as well as his newest book, Wisdom from the Cross. Casey reflects on how Jesus lived a perfect life on earth and why there is no better model for a holy death.

Throughout the conversation, Deacon Geoff and Casey explore how our daily choices shape our path toward eternal life and communion with God and the saints. Deacon Geoff emphasizes the importance of “dying to self” each day as a way of preparing our hearts for heaven and cultivating virtuous habits. Casey builds on this idea, noting that it is in the small, everyday moments that we form the courage and faithfulness needed to respond well in life’s bigger challenges.

This call to daily conversion is at the heart of Wisdom from the Cross (https://sophiainstitute.com/product/wisdom-from-the-cross/), where Casey reflects on Jesus’ seven last words and what they reveal about how to live—and ultimately how to die—in union with Christ. You can also read his article, Meditating on Death Is Critical to a Good Life (https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/meditating-on-death-is-critical-to-a-good-life), for a deeper look at this theme.

Kevin Wells joins this week’s episode of the Respect Life Radio podcast to reflect on the witness of holy priests and the quiet heroism found in faithful ministry. Drawing from his recent article in Catholic World Report, “The Memory of a Vianney-Like Priest Lay Hidden in the West Virginia Mountains,” Wells recounts the powerful story of a humble priest whose life of sacrifice, prayer and pastoral devotion echoed the spirit of St. John Vianney. Through this story, Wells invites listeners to rediscover the beauty of priestly fatherhood and the transformative impact of a life poured out for the salvation of souls. Wells is an award-winning Catholic author, speaker, and former sports reporter for the Tampa Tribune. He is the best-selling author of several books, including The Priests We Need to Save the Church, Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz and The Hermit. Through his writing and speaking, Wells calls Catholics to deeper faith, courageous witness and renewed appreciation for the priesthood. Listeners can learn more about his writing and mission by visiting kevinwells.org.

On this week’s episode of the Respect Life Radio podcast, we welcome writer and convert Grace Schmiesing to discuss her recent article in Crisis Magazine, “Advice to a New Convert: Let It All Die.” Reflecting on her own journey into the Catholic faith, Grace explores the radical transformation that conversion requires—one that reshapes not only beliefs but one’s entire worldview, priorities and sense of identity. She shares how surrendering old attachments and allowing Christ to renew every aspect of life can ultimately lead to deeper freedom, joy and authenticity in the Christian life. Join us as Grace offers thoughtful insight into what it means to truly entrust everything to the Lord and allow Him to make all things new. To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/advice-to-a-new-convert-let-it-all-die