I once heard a podcast described as “a magazine subscription for your ears” (quite a visual, no?). With less time to read the amazing blogs out there, and more friends asking if I’d listened to xxxx (<–insert any podcast here), a quick download of Podcasts to my iPhone got me on my way. There is a ton of great information out there! I’ll say – a few have been (ahem) busts…my first encounter with a quilter podcast describing her technique was a quick reminder that some things really are meant for the visual world. Others, however, are perfect to listen to – and with so many choices, it’s easy to find one when you’re on the go. Below is a list of my top Catholic podcasts – because if my headphones are on, there’s a good chance I’m listening to one of them. Leave a comment or two and let me know what your favorites are; I’m sure there are many more I’m missing!
- Catholic Stuff You Should Know
- Hosts: Fr. Nathan, Dcn. Joe, Fr. John, and Fr. Michael
- Tune In For: These thirty-something hosts were my first venture into Podcasts. Seriously – they’re awesome. Shattering any expectations I had of what an informative podcast led by priests would be, I totally fell for their intelligent yet satirically humorous style. With podcasts titled, “Infant Baptism: The Church Runs on Dunkin'” and “Prostration: It’s like a burpee, only better” you’ll feel right at home with these guys…they’re like your younger brother, only ordained. (Seriously – click on the “hosts” link and check these guys out.)
- Sneak Peak: Episode on May 29, 2015. They’re talking about the hype surrounding the Avengers movie, and the tie-in to the rise of agnosticism. “That’s what everyone wants…they want to recognize that there is something there, but ‘I don’t want it to be personal, I sure don’t want a relationship with it, and I definitely don’t want it to demand things of my life.'” Boom.
- The Catholic Guy Show
- Host: Lino Rulli
- Tune In For: The self-proclaimed “man with a big nose”, Lino is your everyday guy next door who happens to run one of the most successful radio shows in Catholic radio history (my words…but still kinda true). His program’s breadth is unlike may others; he’s been following the pontificate since Pope Francis’s election, and had the honor of hosting Vatican radio – the only American to do so – not once but seven times. His broadcast travels as much as he does, and the on-location stories and interviews make you feel like you’re right there with him…without the cost of air and hotel.
- Sneak Peak: Dig through the archives and check out January 9, 2012 with special guest Mark Wahlberg. When the average marriage in Hollywood only lasting as long as magazine covers it, it was so refreshing to hear a Real Man talking about his life, faith, and love.
- Word on Fire Homilies
- Host: Fr. Barron
- Tune In For: You know him from the Catholocism series. You’ve watched his Word on Fire You-Tube videos. Now, you can download and hear Bishop-elect Robert Barron’s homilies wherever and whenever you want. His intellectual sermons are a treat for the mind; in a world where even God has been dumbed down for the masses, Fr. Barron speaks to the intelligent.
- Sneak Peak: Episode from June 14, 2015: Walking by Faith and Not by Sight. It’s the start of Ordinary Time, and we are reminded that we walk by faith and not by sight. As Christians, we don’t live in – or see – the world in a different way than non-Christians. However, our orientation is driven by faith; we are attentive to the movement of God. It’s a beautiful appreciation for the perception we have that extends beyond reason.
- A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras
- Hosts: Allison Gingras
- Tune In For: a conversation with a friend…and the easiest to talk to woman you’ve ever met. Allison has this innate talent for making her guests feel at ease, and brings guests both big and small to her show. The wide variety of topics, coupled with her easy-going personality and beautiful faith, make this one of the nicest podcasts to listen to. Did I mention she’s also on TV and an accomplished writer as well?
- Sneak Peak: It was impossible to pick a favorite. She has so many episodes, you guys, and they are all so good! So, instead of a favorite, I’ll share the first episode of hers I ever listened to: a talk with the talented Lisa Hendey about her new books, Chime Travelers. I’m a huge reader, so listening to her share the story about her books made me want to pick up a set!
- I’m honored to have appeared on her show here to talk about Lent and here to talk about Faith and Fabric.
- Catholic Women Create
- Hosts: Andrea Boring
- Tune In For: meeting some of the best movers and shakers in the creative world. Each episode features a new Catholic women on fire for her faith *and* her business. From insanely talented Catholic artisan, savvy business owner, awesome blogger, and published author, you’ll hear their story and how they drive their business to success. Once a month, you can tune in for a business tip designed to help you grow *your* business.
- Sneak Peak: Many episodes come with a giveaway provided by that week’s guest; there are some gorgeous products being shared that you can check out each week.
- The Visitation Project
- Hosts: Heather Renshaw, Rebecca Frech, and Bonnie Engstrom
- Tune In For: Three incredibly talented women focused on engaging, inspiring, and uplifting other Catholic women. Really tune because these ladies are funny! Insightful, honest, intelligent – yes, totally – but with #youcantsaythatoncatholicradio happening on every episode, you’re in for a great time.
- Sneak-Peak: Episode 9. Wife. Mother. Friend. Laundry extraordinaire. Gourmet PB&J Chef. Boo-boo Kisser. You’ll laugh out loud as they explore what having (and being) it all really means. Be sure to put your drink down first. You’ve been warned.
- Fountains of Carrots
- Hosts: Christy Isinger and Haley Stewart
- Tune In For: Two well-read women who talk about anything and everything relevant to being a Catholic woman in today’s world. Their episodes cover topics from parenting, drinking (with the saints!), living authentically, guest interviews, and anything in between. I’ll often have them on while piecing my latest quilt; it’s as if two friends are sitting in the room having a chat.
- Sneak Peak: Episode 28…or any other book swap. I love reading, and feel like it’s bookclub each time they air a book swap episode. The choices of the books are so unique – not your standard NYT Best Sellers (though I’m guilty of reading them all). Keep your pen & paper – or Amazon wishlist – handy as you’ll want to get a copy of these books for yourself.
- This Inspired Life
- Host: Kristen Sanders
- Tune In For: Special guests on each episode discussing parenting, marriage, current events, blogging, at-home businesses and books all in light of trying to live out our faith.
- Sneak-Peak: Episode 15. Guest Andrea Boring openly and honestly discusses her decision to be open to life. In a time where everything is managed with a pill (or IUD), her reasons and challenges in NFP are ones that resonate with (me. definitely me.) us all.
Updated: I’m blown away by the response to this post, and by all the great podcasts that are out there! Below is a list of suggestions from YOU…thank you to all the amazing podcasters out there! Keep the suggestions coming.
- Three Dogs North
- Vericast at Vericast
- Lanky Guys
- Heaven’s Road FM
- Caritas
- Catholic Sip
- The Right Heart
- Fr. Riccardo “Christ is the Answer” Ave Maria Radio
- For Families: Adventures in Imperfect Living, Catholic in a Small Town, Just a Catholic Dad
- For College-Age: Bulldog Catholic
- Messy Parenting
- Catching Foxes
Just for fun – this post links up at some of these great sewing, quilting, and Catholic linky parties!
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Stopping by from the FB group to say what an awesome round-up this looks like! I am excited to look into these more.
Thanks, Laura! These are my favorites…would love to know what others are listening to.
The Catholic Foodie does a great pod cast.
Thanks, Lisa, I’ll check that out!
The Catholic Talk Show is by far my favorite but I’m going to check these ones out, too!!
Brettney-Brae, thanks for that recommendation! I haven’t listened to that one before, but will check it out. Happy listening!
Hi Jen! Thank you SO much for including Building Bridges podcast on your list of what you’re listening to. As you know, we’re super new so this is very exciting! Off to add some podcasts to my Android!
Awww…you guys are of to an amazing start for having just started. The guests you bring to the show are stellar!
This is amazing! I love Building Bridges Podcast and all the awesome stuff Cristina and Jenna are sharing with the world. I am more than honored they asked me to share my story there, and thanks for your kind words here.
Thank you so much for including us, Jen. It’s really sweet to be in this list with such great podcasts. And we love that you listen! Thanks so much!! 🙂
Christy, thank YOU (and Haley) for all the time that you put into the podcast. It’s wonderful!
Three Dogs North is an excellent Catholic podcast from Mundelein priests and seminarians
May I suggest a podcast that is worth mentioning
Vericast at Vericast. Net Excellent Podcast
There’s a few other AWESOME guys podcasts:
Three Dogs North – Mundeline Seminarians podcast about everything under the moon.
Lanky Guys – Fr. Peter Musset and another person whose name is eluding me go through a DEEP reading of the weekly lectionary.
Mike, these are great! I’ll have to add them – thanks!
I just came across your post on Pinterest -what a great idea! I faithfully listen to Adventures in Imperfect Living by Jennifer and Greg Willits as well as a couple others on your list.
Jane, thanks for the suggestion – I haven’t heard of “Adventures in Imperfect Living”, but will have to check it out!
Great list! I love all of these too:) Can I humble add The Right Heart Podcast to this list? I’m on iTunes and Stitcher, and I am in the middle of transitioning a weekly radio show with Breadbox Media.
There are SO many good shows out there. I had no idea when I started last year that there was so much good work going on in the Catholic podcasting world. Praise God!
http://www.TheRightHeartPodcast.com
Erin, absolutely! I’ve added it to the list of follower recommendations.
Catholic Stuff You Should Know is fantastic! If you’re catholic or becoming part of the church you’ll learn and laugh!
Cari, I think so, too!!
Please check out Fr. Riccardo “Christ is the Answer” Ave Maria Radio!
Thanks, Susie, I’ll check this one out!
You missed a category – for Families: Adventures in Imperfect Living, Catholic in a Small Town, Just a Catholic Dad
Robert, those are great suggestions! I’ll add those in.
Bulldog Catholic has wonderful podcast geared toward the college student. The homilies are often a four week series for which you may download a study guide to go along with the homilies.
Hi Sandra, thank you! This is a great addition to the lists!
Can’t wait to check these out. My favorite, that is not listed, is “Messy Parenting: Catholic conversations on marriage and family”
Thanks for sharing! God Bless
Beth, thank you! I hadn’t heard of that podcast before. Really appreciate you sharing it!
Catching Foxes is excellent as well!
Thank you Clare! I haven’t listened to that one yet.
http://bulldogcatholic.org/videos-ascension-presents/ short video explanations by Father Mike Schmitz about the Catholic Faith and topics of today
http://bulldogcatholic.org/homilies-archive/ each Sunday’s homily by Father Mike Schmitz
These are great ideas!
What about among the lilies or all things catholic?
Thanks, Tennison – I haven’t heard of Among the Lilies. Always great to get new recommendations!
Great suggestions, thank you!! Also, give Your Brothers in Christ a listen. They cover everything from relics, biblical characters, faith, interviews, to the things we all struggle with as Catholics….
http://ybickc.com/category/podcast/
or iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/your-brothers-in-christ/id1350132056?mt=2
Thanks! This is a new one for me. I appreciate the tip!
Also Check out mmm…locusts. It is a lot of guy banter with what they say is a Catholic flavored podcast. They all 3 came into the church as adults. They just finished their first season. I’m thinking season 2 will be a little more refined.
Thanks, Angie! I’ll have to check that out. There are so many good ones out there!