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

Today, Deacon Geoff is joined by Nate Guyear, a Catholic apologist and first-year deaconate candidate in California who returned to the Catholic faith in 2012. Nate holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary and writes regularly for Catholic Exchange.

In this episode, Nate and Deacon Geoff unpack Nate’s recent article, How and Why Some Angels Fell from Grace, exploring what the Church teaches about the creation of angels, the nature of their freedom and the decisive role of pride in the angelic fall. Drawing from the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, they explain how angels made an immediate, irrevocable choice for or against God, and why the rebellion of some angels reveals profound truths about humility, obedience and God’s providence. The conversation ultimately turns toward hope, highlighting how Christ’s redemptive plan elevates humanity and calls each of us to choose God’s grace over self-reliance.

Read the article here: https://catholicexchange.com/how-and-why-some-angels-fell-from-grace/

Today on Respect Life Radio, Jennifer and Emma are joined by Allison Auth, a Catholic author, wife, mother and regular contributor to the Denver Catholic, CatholicMom.com and other publications. Allison is the author of Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Postpartum Woes, a compassionate and practical guide for mothers navigating the often-overlooked challenges of the postpartum season.In this episode, Jennifer and Emma explore the realities of postpartum life and how it can deeply impact marriage, spirituality, physical and emotional health and a mother’s sense of community. Allison offers encouragement and practical insight for women who may feel isolated or overwhelmed, while also challenging families and parishes to more intentionally support mothers during this vulnerable time. Tune in to discover how you can better accompany and uplift new moms in your own community.

To learn more about Baby and Beyond, visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/baby-and-beyond/

And be on the lookout for the upcoming audiobook release as well!

This Week on Respect Life Radio — We’re joined by Phillip Campbell III, author and history teacher, to discuss his thoughtful new piece on Catholic Exchange, “5 Things Divorced Catholics Want You to Know.” Phillip brings a deeply personal and compassionate perspective to a topic that’s often talked about but seldom truly understood. Drawing on his own experience as a divorced Catholic, he highlights the importance of empathy, respect and genuine human connection within the Church community — beyond ideological debates. Phillip shares that those who experience divorce desire like the everyone else, community, reverence and the opportunity to be welcomed into our faith. Listeners will gain insight into what divorced Catholics really want: dignity without prying questions, support without judgment and recognition that their struggles are real and often underestimated. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that challenges misconceptions, fosters understanding and encourages compassionate engagement with those navigating the difficult journey of divorce. To learn more about Phillip and his writings visit: https://phillipcampbell.net/

This week on Respect Life Radio, we’re honored to welcome back theologian and trusted guide Scott Ventureyra — known for helping the faithful go beyond routine religious habits to encounter the transcendence of who God truly is. With a reputation for deep theological insight and a gift for making the mysteries of faith accessible, Scott consistently invites listeners to see salvation not as a mechanical checklist, but as a living, dynamic relationship with Christ. In his recent Crisis Magazine article, “Deathbed Conversions and the Limits of Pascal’s Wager,” Scott reflects on what authentic faith really looks like, cautioning against reducing salvation to a mere calculation of risk and reward. Instead, he emphasizes that genuine conversion involves a heartfelt turning toward God — rooted in repentance and trust, not logic alone. Scott shares that the faithful should not stop encouraging repentance, emphasizing “Faith in not verification after death, but rather, it is trust before death”. Tune in to gain fresh perspective and be encouraged to embrace a deeper, more vibrant walk with Christ.

To learn more about Scott and his writings visit: https://scottventureyra.com/

This week on Respect Life Radio, host Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomed sociologist and author Anne Hendershott for a timely conversation on how cultural shifts are reshaping major American institutions. Drawing from her recent Crisis Magazine article, Hendershott discussed how many universities have adopted conflict-averse, process-driven leadership styles that weaken mission clarity and academic rigor. She contrasted this trend with faithful Catholic colleges that are flourishing precisely because they remain grounded in clear identity, truth and moral formation. Hendershott emphasized that strong institutions require courage, conviction and leadership willing to uphold objective truth rather than cultural consensus. The conversation also previewed themes from her Spectator article examining what she describes as a “feminized” institutional culture within policing. She argued that leadership shaped by emotional display and avoidance of authority can undermine public trust and effectiveness. Across education and public service, Hendershott highlighted how cultural norms influence institutional behavior and outcomes. The episode challenged listeners to reflect on the importance of mission-driven leadership and the role of faith in restoring strength, clarity and purpose in society. To learn read these article and other works by Anne visit: https://crisismagazine.com/author/anne-hendershott