The Wise Guys Podcast

The Poverty of Cradle Catholicism: An Interview with Vaughn Thomas

In this episode, we explore the faith journey of our friend, Vaughn Thomas, who having grown up in a cradle Catholic home outside of Pittsburgh, found himself needing much more as the difficult challenges of life brought him to his knees.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 8: Power, Politics, and the Devil’s Philosophy

As we bring our series on Catholic social teaching to a close, we explore Critical Theory, the archnemesis to the Judeo-Christian view of society and the greatest threat to world peace. Listen in as Dr. Therrien explains the philosophy behind Marxism, critical race theory, radical ecology, wokeism, and various other ideologies that threaten the founding principles of America.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 7: Responsibility, Rights, and Health Care

In this episode, we discuss the relationship between personal responsibility and rights and how this needs to shape our understanding of healthcare, food production, and environmentalism. Listen in as we wrestle with what it means to be responsible stewards of God’s creation.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 6: Race and Discrimination

In this episode we continue to discuss church teaching on the issue of racism. Join in as we explore challenging topics like the historical roots of slavery, racial profiling, ethnic bias, and the difference between prejudice and discrimination.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 5: Immigration and Race

In this episode we discuss the highly volatile immigration crisis and frame the issue from a Christian perspective rather than the ideological narratives we get in the mainstream media. Join us as we apply some simple principles of justice to a very thorny issue.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 4: War and Peace

Listen in as we explore the Church’s just war theory and how it relates to what’s happening in Ukraine and Israel. In this election year, the issue of war and peace is a huge one with grave implications. Join us as we explore how best to discern as Christians which party is best suited to help end these two crises.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 3: Church Teaching on the Economy

Throughout this series we are facing squarely the Church’s teaching on the dominate issues we face in this upcoming presidential election. In this episode, we wrestle with church teaching on the economy and economic systems. While the Church is not an expert in economic science, she has much to say about the moral principles that help the economy best align with the nature and dignity of the human person.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 2: Marriage, Family, and the State

Throughout this series we are facing squarely the Church’s teaching on the dominate issues we face in this upcoming presidential election. In this episode, we tackle the Church’s teaching on the relationship of government to the institution of marriage, family life, and the fallout of the Sexual Revolution.

Finding Our Political Compass, Part 1

In this episode, we dive into the critical importance of Catholic social teaching for how disciples should engage and respond to the issues facing our country in the 2024 election. We also explore the Church’s prophetic role in the history of nations, especially in recent times.

Through the Red Door: An Interview with Ellen Franty

In this episode, we are joined by our friend, Ellen Franty, whose story is a testament to the hidden and quiet transformation of grace in an ordinary life.