Advertise on podcast: Catholic Messenger Conversations

In October, the Catholic Church in U.S. marks Respect Life Month. Christie Schaefer, executive director of The Woman’s Choice Center in Bettendorf, discusses her organization’s efforts to do just that by helping women in the Quad Cities facing unexpected or unsupported pregnancies. The center offers medical care, mental health counseling and material support. The staff works with mothers who choose to give birth as well as those who are seeking help after an abortion. Schaefer discusses the increase in medical abortion drugs being prescribed through telemedicine and the center’s ability to assist with what is commonly called “abortion pill reversal.” Schaefer shares some success stories involving new life and also reflects on the role Christian faith plays in the work the staff does. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

This podcast episode contains mature subject matter that may not be suitable for all listeners Internationally known Theology of the Body speaker and author Christopher West is our guest this month.  He and award-winning musician Mike Mangione will lead a multimedia event, Made for More: Visions of the Promised Land, Nov. 12, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Davenport. In anticipation of that, Christopher took time for an interview in which he gives a general introduction to St. John Paul II’s teaching on the human body and human sexuality. He responds to questions about hot topics in the Church today regarding the body. West also speaks about his latest book “The Truth and the Lie: What It Means to Be Human in the Age of AI,” set to be released next month.  The program in Davenport  begins at 7 p.m. in the church. The duo will weave together live music, video clips and sacred art for an evening of beauty and reflection on the meaning of life, love and human destiny through the lens of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body writings. More on the event, including ticket information is at: https://aftontickets.com/M4MDavenport . Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Keri Walter, a former engineer, switched gears later in life to become a math and science teacher. She now serves at Assumption Catholic High School in Davenport. With the start of the school year upon us, Walter talks about her personal faith journey. Raised in a Catholic family, the loss of her grandfather and other challenges caused her and other family members to spend time away from the practice of faith. After time as an atheist, Walter returned to belief in God, influenced by the knowledge she gained studying science and mathematics. She talks about her developing relationship with God and her ongoing quest to live out the Catholic faith. She also discusses what it’s like being a teacher Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Sister Lynn Mousel, CHM is a member of the leadership team for the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, a women’s religious order based in Davenport. She is also a child psychiatrist. Sister Lynn discusses the history and mission of her order, how she discovered her vocation to religious life and what it has been like to integrate her Catholic faith into her career as a medical doctor. She also reflects on how parents can help foster good mental health for their children. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

We discuss some of the recent events covered in The Catholic Messenger such as Father Alfonso Pizano’s ordination. We also talk about an upcoming profile of Marlene Franz, an employee of Regina High School who is retiring after almost 58 years. We then cover the pilgrimage The Messenger is sponsoring to the Fulton Sheen Museum and St. Mary Cathedral in Peoria, where the famous archbishop is buried. The Messenger pilgrimage is set for July 24 and Archbishop Sheen is scheduled to be beatified on September 24. We discuss a recent article in The Messenger which featured Msgr. Jason Gray, a priest of the Peoria Diocese who was one of the investigators of Sheen’s cause for sainthood. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

If you could ask Bishop Dennis Walsh one question, what would it be? In this episode, the bishop tackles questions submitted by lay people from around the diocese. Third graders asked about some difficult theological matters. Adults asked about current events and how to apply the faith in real world situations. Teens also chimed in with topics that concern them. Sit back and enjoy this fascinating conversation. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Trevor Pullinger, faith formation director and catechesis coordinator for the Davenport Diocese, gives us his take on some hot topics in the Church such as how parents can teach the faith to their kids and how to evangelize friends or family who have stopped practicing Catholicism. He talks about his own journey going from being a single student discerning a call to the priesthood to a married man now preparing to become a permanent deacon. In light of Bishop Emeritus William E. Franklin’s funeral Mass this week, Trevor talks about his time working for a funeral director. He reflects on why funerals are important in Catholic tradition and the connection between the living and the dead. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Bishop Dennis Walsh returns as our guest. In this episode, we discuss the NCAA tournament, the bishop’s trip to Cedar Rapids recently to accompany immigrants at check ins with the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the events of Holy Week and the jump in the number of new Catholics joining the church both locally and internationally. With recording taking place the day after St. Patrick’s Day, we also cover the legacy of Ireland’s patron saint. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

In an episode recorded on Ash Wednesday, Ann Schwickerath, executive director of Project Renewal, discusses the work the charity does in Davenport, Iowa. Founded by Sister Concetta Bendicente and Father Marv Mottet over 50 years ago, Project Renewal serves children in all grades K-12 with afterschool programs, which include academic tutoring. The offerings are free of charge. They are provided by staff and volunteers at a house in the neighborhood. Some of the staff and volunteers live in the community with the people they serve. We connect Project Renewal’s mission to the practice of almsgiving, which is central to the season of Lent. Music for this podcast is "Funky Delight, Version 1," courtesy of udio.com, inspired by David Baker, 2026. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Sister Anthony Worrell, OSF, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Divine Teacher, joins us just in time for Catholic Schools Week. She talks about her vocation, her work teaching religion at Assumption Catholic High School in Davenport, and the spirituality of St. Francis. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved.Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241.Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812.For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Bishop Dennis Walsh discusses attending the U.S. Bishop’s plenary assembly in November and the special message on immigration they issued. He also talks about his first time attending the National Catholic Youth Conference and what it’s like to be a bishop during the Christmas season. He closes be sharing some of the traditions he has at Christmastime. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved. Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241. Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812. For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more.

The St. Martin de Porres Society at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. President Thomas Mason IV discusses the history and mission of the organization. Members strive to share Black Catholic cultural differences and contributions, evangelize and live out the challenge to model their patron, a man known as the saint of universal brotherhood. The interview coincided with the Catholic Church’s observance of November as National Black Catholic History month. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved.Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241.Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812.For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Bishop Thomas Hennen, a former priest for the Davenport Diocese, stops by to discuss his September 29, 2025 ordination as a bishop and installation as the head of the Diocese of Baker in Oregon. The Ottumwa native is currently the youngest bishop overseeing a diocese in the United States. He celebrated Masses of Thanksgiving during his recent visit. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved. Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241.Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812.For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

In the latest Catholic Messenger Conversations podcast, Father Jason Crossen, the new diocesan Vicar General and Cathedral rector, talks about life as a Fighting Bee, board game nights with fellow priests, and his friendship with Bishop-elect Thom Hennen. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved.Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241.Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812.For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Our conversation with Bishop Dennis Walsh focuses on Life Teen summer camp, Theology on Tap and the Catechetical Leader Summit – three different but energizing opportunities to engage youth and adults in our Catholic faith. Renew Our Hearts, copyright 2019 by Joe Mattingly. All rights reserved.Published by NS Publications, 2325 James St., #11, Coralville, IA 52241.Email: [email protected]. Voice/text: 319-331-8812.For rights and reprint information, contact the publisher. Recorded at Holy Mountain Studios, Coralville, IA. You can hear all our podcasts on your favorite podcast platform including Apple podcasts, iHeartmedia, TuneIn and more. This segment was produced and recorded at KALA Radio Studios, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA.