Advertise on podcast: Driving Home the Faith

Today, Ken talks with Dr. Samuel Johnson about spring classes at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse about young people who “go no-contact” with families, and much more — plus traffic and weather! Listen in at sacredheartradio.com/listen Read “But for Harvard?” at crisismagazine.com Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology is at athenaeum.edu Read “The Messenger” at covdio.org The Ruth Institute is at ruthinstitute.org Get “The Sexual State” at tanbooks.com The Diocese of Cookston is at crookston.org The National Eucharistic Congress is at eucharisticcongress.org   Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Catholic healthcare professionals and philosophers balance genuine compassion for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria with an unwavering commitment to biological reality and ethical medical care? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University and author of Vital Conflicts: Debating Abortion, Gender Treatments, and Claims of Conscience (Ignatius Press). Dr. Kaczor addresses the critical distinction between political gender ideology and authentic psychological suffering, drawing parallels to clinical eating disorders to illustrate why medicalizing gender dysphoria in youth can cause profound harm. He cites clinical research showing high desistance rates among young people as they mature and calls for treatment rooted in truth and bodily integrity. Finally, Dr. Kaczor unpacks the distinction between "conscientious objection" and "conscientious provision," defending the right of Catholic institutions and healthcare providers to refuse participation in unethical medical practices like chemical gender transitions, abortion, and physician-assisted suicide. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should Catholic philosophers and healthcare professionals respond to contemporary debates surrounding abortion, gender medicalization, and freedom of conscience? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, corresponding member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and author of Vital Conflicts: Debating Abortion, Gender Treatments, and Claims of Conscience (Ignatius Press). Dr. Kaczor explains the title Vital Conflicts, linking it to the Latin vitae (life) and outlining how abortion, gender dysphoria treatments, and conscience protections for Catholic healthcare providers all directly impact the sanctity and quality of human life. He addresses challenges in debating postmodern gender theory, emphasizing how the natural law and basic principles of justice remain evident in human action. Dr. Kaczor also unpacks the philosophical concept of human dignity, defending its foundational role in moral theology while distinguishing intrinsic, ontological dignity from attributed or moral dignity. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can parents introduce children to the global impact of the papacy and authentic Marian devotion through visual storytelling and historical context? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Colleen Pressprich, author, former missionary, Montessori teacher, and homeschooling mother. Pressprich discusses her OSV Kids book series, focusing on Kids Discover the Pope and her newest title, Kids Discover Mary. Drawing inspiration from DK Eyewitness-style visual layouts, she explains how Kids Discover the Pope roots the papacy in world history—addressing biblical foundations, papal authority, and delicate historical moments with honesty. Turning to Kids Discover Mary, Pressprich highlights how Marian dogmas, world apparitions, titles, and traditions like Mary gardens guide children directly toward a deeper worship of Jesus Christ. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can local families exercise the corporal works of mercy and support neighbors in need as colder weather approaches? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes Anne Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati. Jones highlights the annual Share the Warmth winter coat drive—a tri-state initiative in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky that distributed over 7,300 coats last winter. She shares touching personal stories of individuals and families served at distribution events, detailing how a warm coat impacts daily life, employment, and well-being amid rising energy and grocery costs. Jones outlines ways community members can donate new or gently used coats (especially adult XL–3XL sizes), host local neighborhood or office collection drives, or volunteer for upcoming distributions across Hamilton County and Northern Kentucky. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Christians defend human dignity and address the risks surrounding chemical abortion pills delivered through the mail? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes Peter Range, Senior Fellow for Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) and host of Say Yes to Life on Annunciation Radio. Rooting the pro-life mission in St. Gregory of Nyssa’s teaching on the unique dignity of the human person created in God's image, Range discusses the rising rates of chemical abortions and medical complications. He highlights the launch of the coalition campaign Abortion Crime by Mail (abortioncrimebymail.com), which mobilizes citizens to contact lawmakers regarding the dangers of unmonitored mail-order abortion drugs and cases of abuse. Range also outlines key Ohio legislative efforts—including the proposed Baby Olivia Act—to promote fetal development education in schools. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do confusing lyrics and overly simplistic melodies affect our worship at Mass, and how can sacred music cultivate true spiritual transcendence? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft continues his discussion with Father Stef Bankemper, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Rebecca Shaffer-Wells, Director of Music Ministry at St. Joseph Church in Camp Springs, Kentucky. In this segment, Fr. Bankemper provides concrete examples of liturgical songs whose lyrics generate theological confusion regarding the Eucharist and the nature of the Church—such as Rory Cooney's "Bread of Life." Shaffer-Wells and Fr. Bankemper also explore the balance between musical simplicity and banality, explaining how melodies must support and elevate sacred scripture rather than distract from it. Finally, the panel reflects on the power of traditional polyphony—from Palestrina to Byrd—to draw the soul toward divine mystery and authentic liturgical worship. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should pastors and liturgical musicians evaluate the music sung at Mass, and why do the lyrics of hymns carry deep theological weight? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes Father Stef Bankemper, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Rebecca Shaffer-Wells, Director of Music Ministry at St. Joseph Church in Camp Springs, Kentucky. Together, they explore the role of congregational singing, pastoral responsibility in selecting liturgical music, and the formation of young people through sacred music (such as the Northern Kentucky Youth Choir). Fr. Bankemper shares his five-category framework for evaluating hymnody—ranging from excellent and good to vague, poor, or confusing theology—discussing how lyrics imprint Church teaching on the minds and hearts of the faithful. The panel examines specific examples, discussing the balance between beloved cultural traditions and objective theological truth in the liturgy. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Ken talks with Rebecca Shaffer Wells and Fr. Steff Bankamper about music at Mass; Marymont Loyola Professor Christopher Kaczor about three vital bioethical issues we all face, and much more — plus traffic and weather! Listen in at sacredheartradio.com/listen Musica Sacra is at musica-sacra.org Find the Musica Sacra concert and scores more Catholic events at sacredheartradio.com/events The Center for Civic Virtue is at ccv.org Find more about CCV’s work to eliminate the sale of abortion drugs by mail at  abortioncrimebymail.com  SVDP-Cincinnati is at svdpcincinnati.org Get “Kids Discover: The Pope” and “Kids Discover: Mary” at orderosv.com Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Catholic families navigate modern culture’s commercialization of Halloween while properly reclaiming its rich spiritual roots as the vigil of All Saints Day? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Alan Migliorato, Florida business owner, co-founder of Adventure Catholic Leadership Training, and author of The Manly Art of Raising a Daughter. Migliorato addresses both secular distractions and evangelical objections surrounding Halloween. He breaks down the authentic Catholic origins of All Hallows' Eve—from the Allhallowtide triduum (October 31 – November 2) to traditional practices like "soul-caking"—and warns against the dangers of occult involvement (such as Ouija boards, tarot cards, and fortune telling). Craycraft and Migliorato highlight practical ways parents can form their children in faith, such as dressing up as Catholic saints, avoiding modest or dark cultural traps, and ensuring that Halloween serves as a joyful precursor to the solemnity of All Saints Day rather than a substitute for it. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the gestation and rescue of cryopreserved embryos through adoption morally licit under Catholic teaching, or does third-party implantation compromise the marital act? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Dr. Josef Zalot, Director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), to continue their deep dive into the complex bioethical questions surrounding embryonic adoption. Dr. Zalot and Dr. Craycraft analyze key theological arguments, including the Church's teaching in Donum Vitae regarding the reciprocal right of spouses to become parents only through each other. They weigh different moral perspectives—including critiques by Dominican bioethicist Fr. Nicanor Austriaco and counterarguments by philosopher Melissa Moschella—on whether adopting frozen embryos inadvertently fosters an IVF market or serves as an altruistic act of rescue for human beings facing eternal cryogenic suspension. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the Catholic Church's position on the estimated 1.2 to 1.5 million frozen human embryos currently held in cryo-storage across the United States, and is embryo adoption morally permissible? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Dr. Josef Zalot, Director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). Dr. Zalot discusses the moral and bioethical dilemmas surrounding in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryopreservation. Examining key magisterial guidance—including the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's 2008 instruction Dignitatis Personae—Dr. Zalot and Dr. Craycraft break down why the Church strictly opposes creating or adopting embryos as a treatment for infertility or through surrogate arrangements, while leaving the broader question of rescue/prenatal adoption open as an unresolved matter of prudential judgment. They also explore the nuances surrounding married couples seeking embryo transfer for their own genetically related children, the debate among bioethicists over heterologous gestation, and the urgent call to cease embryonic production. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does authentic Catholic womanhood reflect the image of God, and how can the model of the Blessed Virgin Mary empower women to live with spiritual strength and daring love today? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back Fr. Nathan Cromley, Denver priest, author, retreat leader, and founder of the Saint John Institute and the Eagle Eye Ministries. Fr. Cromley previews the upcoming Cincinnati Women's Conference, themed "Strength in Spirit," hosted at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Reading. Addressing the unique cultural and spiritual challenges facing Catholic women, Fr. Cromley unpacks St. John Paul II's concept of the "feminine genius" and the call toward "disinterested availability"—an active, courageous surrendering to God's grace. He explores how Mary serves as the ultimate archetype of authentic femininity, balancing deep maternal strength with radical openness to the Holy Spirit. Fr. Cromley also discusses the complementary nature of leadership and followership within Catholic marriage, encouraging women to embrace their baptismal call to lead, heal families, and transform culture through heroic holiness. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Ken talks with Michael Pakaluk about the refounding of a storied Catholic publication, Alan Migliorato about whether Catholic families should celebrate Halloween, and much more — plus traffic and weather! Listen in at sacredheartradio.com/listen The American Catholic Quarterly Review is at americancatholicquarterly.com Find the Nov. 7th Cincinnati Woman’s Conference, and scores more Catholic events, at sacredheartradio.com/events Read “Is Embryo Adoption Consistent with Catholic Teaching?” at churchlifejournal.nd.edu The National Catholic Bioethics Center is at ncbcenter.org The Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is at catholicaoc.org Holy Cross Family Ministries is at hcfm.org Stream the Global Rosary for Peace at 10 AM on Oct. 22nd  at https://hcfm.org/pray-for-peace/ Adventure Catholic Leadership Training is at adventurcatholic.com Get “Failing Forward” at sophiainstitute.com Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is sacred architecture essential for Catholic worship, and how does the physical design of a church communicate theology and direct the soul toward the transcendent? On Driving Home the Faith, host Dr. Ken Craycraft welcomes back classical architect Eric Bootsma (Eric Bootsma Architect LLC) to discuss the profound symbolism inherent in church design. Bootsma argues that architecture "cannot not symbolize," explaining how physical form always reveals what a community believes about God and the liturgy. Drawing on biblical typology—from the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple to the cubic structure of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation—he demonstrates how the traditional sanctuary and central placement of the tabernacle orient the faithful toward the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Bootsma and Dr. Craycraft also critique modern trends in "theater-in-the-round" church design, showing how subjective or horizontal layouts distract from transcendent worship and obscure Catholic doctrine. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.