Shows
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentComing Into CommunityIn this episode, Madeline chats with Cole Ciervo, a propulsion engineer for Ursa Major Technologies. During their conversation, they discuss IU-Purdue banter, insights into Purdue Engineering, first year engineering classes, the importance of working on a team, the importance of safety checks and clarifying jargon, why he got a master’s, his journey from Methodist to Catholic, what it was like being confirmed during the pandemic, and so much more.During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the This is Engineering music video, an iconic Bo...2025-07-1659 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Riddle of The Tongue-StonesIn this episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Thomas Salerno, a freelance writer, editor, and fellow podcaster with a background in paleontology and anthropology to celebrate the release of his new book, The Riddle of The Tongue Stones. During their conversation, they discuss his work on other podcasts, his love of Bl. Nicholas Steno, and overview of Bl. Nicholas Steno’s life, the writing process, Bl. Carlo Acutis, handling critique, collaborating across mediums and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include ep...2025-07-0255 min
WVLI News UpdateDHS chases suspect through St. Anne, Weekend crash in Wilmington, Notable Night Sky News June 30, 2025DHS chases suspect through St. AnneSt. Anne Police report an attempted traffic stop by the Feds early Sunday morning ended up in a chase. In a Facebook post, St. Anne Police say it was early Sunday morning when agents from the Department of Homeland Security tried to stop a car. Instead of stopping, the suspect allegedly backed into the officers car and sped away. While there's no word of where the chase began, DHS agents chased the car through St. Anne where the suspect allegedly stopped in the backyard of a house and took...2025-06-3006 minWVLI News UpdateRecord Breaking Weather for July 4th/IL Unemployment Remains UnchangedNotable Night Sky News w/Madeline ShepleyLet's find out now what's going on in the sky this week. With our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at OlivetIL unemployment unchangedIllinois' unemployment rate remains the same. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state's jobless rate was unchanged at four-point-eight percent last month. Non-farm payroll jobs were up slightly to over six-point-one-million in May.July 4th travel expected to...2025-06-2305 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentI'll Make Him An Offer He Can't RefuseIn this episode, Madeline chats with Connor Thompson, a chemical engineer in training at a company in the Pacific Northwest. During their conversation, they discuss some I&A lore, his different science phases as a kid, his high school science experience, undergrad at Montana State, engineering exams, what a professional engineer is, science and natural philosophy, and so much more.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!***Note: The lower sound quality of...2025-06-181h 18
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentShine Bright Like The Firmament x The Work of Thy Hands🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been THREE years since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉In this special anniversary episode, Madeline shares an interview of herself that originally aired on The Work of Thy Hands podcast with fellow creative Allison Ramirez. In this interview, she and Allison talk about science, creativity, faith, and the intersection of them all!If you are interested in listening to more of Allison's podcast, check out her podcast here (she's even interviewed two past SBLTF guests so far: Thomas Salerno and Zephyr Thomas!), and if you want to learn more about her other creative work, you can chec...2025-06-0430 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentEmbracing Your Inner DorkIn this episode, Madeline chats with Kyle Shepard, an engineering PhD student at Purdue University. During their conversation, they discuss his childhood in Oklahoma, Internet research rabbit holes, critical thinking, his undergrad and Master’s at Oklahoma State, PhD work at Purdue, being a lifelong learner, embracing being a dork, koinania, savoring classic works of literature, St. Francis de Sales, martyrs, being friends with people how are different ages than you, and so much more.During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Power of Si...2025-05-211h 10
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentDoing What You CanIn this episode, Madeline chats with Tyler Kropp, a software engineer for a consulting company. During their conversation, they discuss how he went to Purdue for computer science, his first forays into computers and programming, AP exams, how he ended up at Purdue, knowing your limits, what college computer science classes are like, insights into remote work, the importance of learning the faith in a way you understand, the necessity of beauty, getting involved in your parish community, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some...2025-05-0747 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentStories Under the StarsIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Katy Downing, the planetarium and programming director at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. During their conversation, they discuss what got her interested in astronomy, connections between their advisors, her REU, what she does in her role on the day to day, constellation oral traditions, what goes into planetarium content creating, how science is interdisciplinary, bird migration and light pollution, different methods of praying, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include NASA moon...2025-04-2351 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentBetween Earth and SkyIn this episode, Madeline chats with Matt Kavanaugh, an agricultural meteorology graduate student at Iowa State University. During their conversation, they discuss his early fascination with meteorology, how he ended up at Valparaiso University for his undergrad, the classes he’s had to take, nowcasting, landscaping, the connection between meteorology and environmental science, having good science communication, going to conferences, what Valpo Catholic is like, how you can give of your time talent and treasure no matter your circumstances, finding Catholic community as a grad student, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they ma...2025-04-0958 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentImago Dei AssemblyIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Jess McKendry, a student support professional at an Australian university with a background in freelance IT. During their conversation, they discuss big families, linguistics and conlangs, digital literacy, using technology for good, casual observational astronomy, a brief history of Australia, religion in Australian schools, showing love in times of divisiveness, using technology for good, how what we consume shapes us, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Liturgy Guys podcast and episode 63...2025-03-261h 05
Shine Bright Like the Firmament"Hey, God. What's Next?"In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Jhobany Orduz-Duarte, a Viatorian priest (who at the time of recording was a deacon) from Colombia who is a former soldier, civil engineer, and professor. During their conversation, they discuss how he and Madeline met, English as a second language, what the Viatorians are about, his family’s coffee background, how the murder of his sister affected him, the Sixth Commandment as presented in the New Testament, the ends not justifying the means, God coming to call all sinners, how he came back to faith, his vocation story and the invitation to vo...2025-03-121h 34
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentTo Be The Joyful UnicornIn this episode, Madeline chats with James Ronan, a British paleontologist. During their conversation, they discuss his undergrad degree in geography, his masters in paleobiology from the University of Bristol, his work with CAFOD, what higher education looks like in his country, the sorts of things you learn about as a paleontologist, his field work in Montana, how science can lend credence to certain aspects, his fascination with hadrosaurs, being Catholic in England, advocating in an inviting way, demographic problems in the Western Church, the call to helping others, his science communication work, and so much more!...2025-02-2653 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentAn Unlikely AdventureIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Fernanda Psihas, a particle physicist with a background in AI and also a professor at Franciscan University. During their conversation, they discuss her growing up in Mexico City, her ministry where she speaks at local parishes about science and faith, her fascination with English, the post-Christian age in the West and Latin America, her undergrad education at a Jesuit university in Mexico, the intercession of St. Jude on Fernanda’s grad school acceptance, Madeline’s grad school acceptance story and St. Joseph, God’s providence, Fr. Mike Schmitz, her time at Univer...2025-02-121h 00
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentSpooky Action at A ClosenessIn this special birthday episode, Madeline celebrates turning 27 by reading her second published short story, Spooky Action at A Closeness. It is in an anthology of Christmas ghost stories called There'll Be Scary Ghost Stories. The anthology is edited by Inkwells and Anvils, a Catholic writing community she spends much of her time in when not podcasting.If you enjoyed Madeline's Christmas ghost story, she highly recommends reading the other ghost stories in the anthology, which you can buy here. You can follow the other shenanigans of Inkwells and Anvils here.Feel free to like...2025-01-2926 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentSoldier for GodIn this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Zach Glick, a priest of the Diocese of Gary and a military chaplain in the Air Force. During their conversation, they discuss the podcast he co-hosted with as a seminarian, his mechanical engineering degree at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Air Force ROTC, why he chose Rose-Hulman, coming back to and owning his faith in college, the power of personal invitations, what a come-and-see retreat is like, St. Francis of Assisi, why he chose to become a diocesan priest, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make...2025-01-1555 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentNot By SightIn this episode, Madeline chats with Bob Smith, a blind computer programmer. During their conversation, they discuss the connection between coding and mechanical things, his degree in sociology from UIUC, community college, how he got into college, how he became blind, the accommodations that allow him to do his job, his love of COBOL, the story of him almost drowning, things that have inspired his faith, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the following movies: Song of Bernadette, Francis of...2025-01-0143 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentMemento MoriIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Adria Kamm, who has a background in biological anthropology. During their conversation, they discuss her unique education, sports, how she got interested in science and fascinated with death, what anthropology is, her own journey with mental health, her time in community college, biological anthropology, her reversion, respect for the dead, the importance of community and faith learning resources, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the episodes Anne Marie 39 and 51 of this podcast...2024-12-1852 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentRisky BusinessIn this episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Melissa Ring, a recent graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree combining geography and meteorology. During their conversation, they discuss the event that made her love weather, how she ended up at VU, what you learn as a meterology major, what happens when science doesn’t love you back, the interdisciplinary nature of geography, storm chasing, growing up in a mixed faith household, how she came to embrace her faith, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. So...2024-12-041h 26
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Different Kind of Vocational SchoolIn this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Joseph Shenosky, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with a degree in mechanical engineering. During their conversation, they discuss his time at Penn State University, spending a few years in the industry and learning important life skills, his discernment process, his love of Mary, the importance of having supportive bosses, the influence of his college Newman Center, why he became a diocesan priest, his time in seminary, the importance of getting involved in your parish, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references...2024-11-2029 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentRising to The ChallengeIn this episode, Madeline chats with Dan Kuebler, a professor of biology at the Franciscan University and the vice president of the Society of Catholic Scientists. During their conversation, they discuss his undergrad at Catholic University of America, the importance of great mentors, how he discovered he loved teaching, PhD at Berkley, how he came into his faith at University of California at Berkley, getting to know the church through her documents, how science and faith keep each other from going off the rails, the importance of exploring your interests, and so much more!During the course...2024-11-0654 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentBetter Late Than NeverIn this episode, Madeline chats with Steve Barr; an author, a professor emeritus of theoretical physics at the University of Delaware, and the founding president of the Society of Catholic Scientists. During their conversation, they discuss the isolation religious scientists sometimes feel in academic historically, the great Catholic scientists, his own faith journey, the role model of his father, letting your ideas germinate for a good amount of time, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Society of Catholic Scientists...2024-10-231h 06
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentOver the Garden WallIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Hannah Bernstein, a landscape architecture student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During their conversation, they discuss the Pacific Northwest and Spain, UIUC’s Newman Center, what landscape architecture is, how our expertise gets embedded in us, living at a residential Newman Center, American accents, her study abroad and research trip, Dominican cloister gardens, going beyond the surface level, the King of Itineraries, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Not So...2024-10-0953 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentGod Amongst The MachineryIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Caroline George, a quality process engineer in manufacturing. During their conversation, they discuss what a quality process engineer does, her undergrad at Auburn, how she ended up in Pennsylvania, her internship at Honeywell, her reversion, discovering the TLM, being challenged, praying for others, fasting, the TLM, the validity of all Catholic liturgical rites, knowing why things are the way they are, evangelization in the work environment, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include...2024-09-251h 13
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentKnow Your BodyIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Maddie Smith, a wife, mom, and former pharmacy technician. During their conversation, they discuss what a pharmacy technician does, the importance of patience and customer service, the golden rule, becoming who God sees us as, how she met her husband Slater, her conversion, the importance of confession, her advice for fellow survivors of sexual assault, the difference vengeance and justice, and so much more!Content Warning: There are occasional mentions of a sensitive topic not appropriate for children's ears starting at about minute 18. An audio warning occurs...2024-09-1146 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentDon't Turn Your Brain OffIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Matt Nelson, a high school math and science teacher at Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis. During their conversation, they discuss the prep that goes into teaching, his original degree in marketing, his unconventional path to education, music and math, what Indiana’s transition to teaching program is like, his advice for future teachers, how he got involved in teaching Earth and space sciences, incorporating science and faith in the classroom, presenting evidence, questions are welcomed, even saints weren’t always perfect, growing up Catholic in the 90s, his reversion story, St...2024-08-281h 10
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentDon't Fear The Random WalkIn this episode, Madeline chats with Paul Rimmer, a professor at the University of Cambridge studying the origins of life. During their conversation, they discuss eclipses and the April 2024 eclipse, Colorado, his time at University of Colorado at Denver, changing your trajectory, learning lessons, his atheist phase, Madeline’s trip to Switzerland, an impactful REU and symbolic logic professor and Byzantine Catholic priest, imperfection, good role models for marriage, his work in atmospheric chemistry in exoplanets, Cambridge’s laidback atmosphere and the importance of rest, his tips on work life balance, the secular culture of Europe, the English martyrs, the...2024-08-1457 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Literature TangentIn this special tangent episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Ben Stapleton, an electrical engineer for a utility company. During their conversation, they expand on the literature tangent of their previous episode by discussing their respective favorite sci-fi novels: Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods and A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. They discuss the plots of the two novels, their respective reactions, and much more!Content Warning: This episode includes spoilers for both books and also discusses graphic violence from both of the novels.During the course of their conversation, they...2024-07-311h 34
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentConversion is ConstantIn this episode, Madeline chats with Pat Schloss, a microbiologist/biology professor at University of Michigan who studies the microbiome. During their conversation, they discuss data science, his postdoc at University of Wisconsin-Madison, undergrad and grad school at Cornell in agricultural and biological engineering, farm life, his large family and how having families should be normalized, the opportunity to be a role model and being good steward of the power you’re given, his three year apostasy phase, an influential religious studies class and Trappist monastery visit, conversion, Opus Dei, work as prayer and sacrifice, loving those we disagree wi...2024-07-171h 01
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentTangents Are Welcome HereIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Rob Singler, a mechanical engineer. During their conversation, they discuss the funny story about how Rob got on Madeline’s radar, putting people in boxes, a link between engineering and creative writing, his undergrad at Kentucky, the importance of great friends, famous Catholics, what his general work life is like, Spencer Clavin, quantum physics, college culture vs. church culture, confession, the shackles of shame, the importance of having friends that call you higher, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you ca...2024-07-0357 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentTo Know God Better Is To Love God BetterIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Briana Sobecks, a 2nd year chemical engineering PhD student at Stanford. During their conversation, they discuss her research, how her high school and family ignited her fascination with biology and engineering, undergrad in chemical engineering at UIUC, taking ownership of your faith, choir, grad school Catholic groups, philosophy, and so much more!Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world! 2024-06-1945 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentYou Have To Know The Rules In Order To Break The Rules🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been TWO years since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉In this special anniversary episode, Madeline chats with her friend Gregory Woods, a Byzantine Catholic composer and writer and the mind behind the podcast's new intro music! During their conversation, they discuss how he got into composing, what goes into composing, how the intro music was created, paradoxes, counter point and music theory, the importance of being able to share your work with others, how beauty will save the world, the importance of prudence, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many referenc...2024-06-0547 min
Shine Bright Like the Firmament"Dear Jesus, It's Me, Stacy..."In this episode, Madeline chats with Stacy Trasancos, research chemist turned adjunct and author. During their conversation, they discuss how to treat those we disagree with, growing up Baptist in Texas, what led to her atheist phase and back to faith, organic chemistry, solidarity in suffering, conforming to God’s will, how meaningful it is to be a mother, gratitude, her additional faith-related masters degrees, being financially responsible, how she came to Catholicism, holiness is for everyone, being a modern woman of faith, how we aren’t promised an easy life, persistence through suffering, never giving up on marriage, and...2024-05-2257 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentAll Roads Lead to HomeIn this episode, Madeline chats with Mike Gamba, a civil engineer with his own firm. During their conversation, they discuss the perks of living in mountains, his faith life growing up, what lead to his borderline atheist phase, the class the changed his mind, the influence of the Sandy Hook shooting in coming home, exploring honestly, his degree in geological engineering from Colorado School of Mines, who has the final authority on what is true, the Great Commission, childish vs. child-like, diaconate training, docility to God’s will, and so much more!During the course of their co...2024-05-081h 02
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentMore Than Just A FarmerIn this episode, Madeline chats with Zephyr Thomas, a software developer by day and self-published author by night. During their conversation, they discuss what software development is, slower-paced stories, attention span, knowing your audience, creativity, his unique college journey and what motivated his degree choice, why he left Idaho, his conversion journey, the impact of philosophy and St. Thomas Aquinas, his son’s NICU stay, the Eucharist drawing him in, how working from home affects his prayer life, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of...2024-04-2439 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentPeople Are More Important Than PapersIn this episode, Madeline chats with Anne Marie Snoddy, a biological anthropologist research fellow working (at time of recording) at the University of Otago in New Zealand. During their conversation, they discuss biology and anthropology undergrad at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Masters in paleopathology at Durham University in the UK, the NOVA specials, what paleoanthropology is, evolution as the creative genius of God, authentically Catholic universities that aren’t insular, people are more important than papers, the culture of academia, a typical day in her work, different college systems around the world, the pros of having a liberal arts ed...2024-04-1037 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentGod Can Arrange Your MartyrdomIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friends, LC Douglas and Ellie McGhee, sisters who are undergrads studying computer science and plasma physics respectively. During their conversation, they discuss geography, sleep, what got them into their fields, education, sports, their edgy atheist/agnostic phases and how they transcended that, Catholic marriage prep, faith, what we worship, pursuing knowledge, particle physics, dangerous physics experiments best left to the professionals, what they write, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and...2024-03-2752 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentAnother Trip Down Memory LaneIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and optometrist Randy Fortkamp. During their conversation, they discuss the many different ways to be an optometrist, why he ended up at IU, how his degrees worked, his time at a pharmacy plant, how he met his wife, Hoosier Awakenings 1 and 4, boundaries on your time, the importance of who you surround yourself with, everyday evangelism, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 9 of this podcast and the Maria Stein Relic Shrine in...2024-03-1348 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentTwo for The Price of OneIn this episode, Madeline chats with two friends: Matt Kresich, a parish youth and adult ministry professional at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Cedar Lake, Indiana and George Jurincie, a computer engineer working in HVAC manufacturing. During their conversation, they discuss their engineering backgrounds, why they got into their respective fields, both went to PNW, what college faith life looks like at a commuter campus, Awakening, how Matt got into youth ministry, how George got his job, the universal call to service, how they started podcasting, and so much more!During the course of their...2024-02-2845 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentYou're Mine NowIn this episode, Madeline chats with Srishti Gupta, a FOCUS missionary at Kennesaw State University. During their conversation, they discuss went her undergrad at Georgia Tech for aerospace engineering, growing up Hindu, her atheist phase, idolatry, reconciling an all powerful and all good God, what caused her to abandon Hinduism and take up atheism, some background about India, moral relativism, the problem/reason of suffering, the works of mercy, the courage of astronauts, her research in undergrad, her conversion story, the power of beautiful night skies, consolations, poetry, desires, and so much more!During the course of...2024-02-141h 15
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentSpoiler Free Sci-FiIn this special birthday episode, Madeline celebrates turning 26 by going off on a slightly unhinged tangent chatting with Melissa Ring, her friend and geography and meteorology student at Valparaiso University, about her sci-fi writing hobby. During the course of their conversation, they discuss how Madeline and Melissa met, the inspiration for the episode, the tale of Hoosier Awakening 5, Madeline's three works-in-progress, writing as healing, the SEEK conference, imagination, similarities between writing and doing science, and much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Some of these references include...2024-01-3153 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentCalled Home and BlessedIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Sofia Bilder, a quality engineer for a steel mill in Northwest Indiana. During their conversation, they discuss her undergrad at Colorado School of Mines, what lead her to Catholicism, why she moved to Indiana from Colorado, how she and Madeline met, RCIA, the unlikely story of how she met her husband, how engagement then marriage has shaped her faith life, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 42 of this podcast and the...2024-01-1733 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Canticle of Live ResearchIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Ben Stapleton, an electrical engineer for a utility company. During their conversation, they discuss his summer camp and Kairos experiences, his undergrad at Penn State University, a glimpse into his work life, his math professor aspirations, sub creation, artificial intelligence, reading, some highlights of his faith journey, an influential friendship with another Ben, writing and ambiguity, and so much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 4 of this podcast, the Inkwells and Anvils community, J. R...2024-01-0357 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentFlourishingIn this episode, Madeline chats with Cara Buskmiller, an OB/GYN and consecrated virgin for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. During their conversation, they discuss what is was like growing up in her family, a fateful Girl Scouts trip, her undergrad at Thomas Aquinas College in California, med school at Texas A&M, residency at St. Louis University, her nonprofit, dealing with a life-limiting fetal diagnosis, showing up for women and children in need, suffering well, the necessity of clarity in disagreements, human flourishing, joy vs. happiness, vocations and her vocation story, all about consecrated virginity, the Focolare ecclesial movement, th...2023-12-201h 22
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Spiritual Enemies to Lovers ArcIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Grace Van Hare, a medical student at Case Western Reserve University. During their conversation, they discuss her relationship with her younger sister, veiling, her conversion, humility, her parents’ falling away and subsequent reversion, the chaos of the 60s and 70s in the Church, her undergrad in chemistry at Colorado School of Mines, her undergrad research, her relationship with her husband Jason and how that influenced her conversion, belonging, the Transcendentals, her research lab and EMT phase, being in med school as a mom, self-control, learning to trust God, pro-life policies that wi...2023-12-0656 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Steward of Hope and LightIn this episode, Madeline chats with Bill Patenaude, a retired mechanical engineer who used to work for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. During their conversation, they discuss his bachelors degree at the University of Rhode Island, his work at the EPA, his reversion, getting a Masters in theology, sci-fi books and his debut novel, universal vs. uniform, the importance of reverence during Mass, being counter-cultural, the importance of environmental stewardship, the Church being a refuge and source of charity, the different kinds of love, the importance of service and sacrifice, his love of teaching others, and so m...2023-11-2247 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentMushrooms, Moral Compasses, and Mental HealthIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Raden Bowerman, a research and development manager for a mushroom company. During their conversation, they discuss his degree in sustainable biomaterials, an overview of non-timber forest products, psilocybin, drug chemistry, the health benefits of mushrooms, being a business and being environmental conscious, the necessity of scientists having good moral compasses, the impact of his dog Joules as an emotional support animal (ESA), ESAs in general, how there’s a mushroom for everybody, St. Mark Ji Tianxiang, the importance of transformation and transfiguration, and so much more!During the course of...2023-11-081h 03
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentAlways More to DiscoverIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Thomas Salerno, a freelance writer, editor, and fellow podcaster with a background in paleontology and anthropology. During their conversation, they discuss his bachelor’s in anthropology from SUNY Stony Brook, his past work at the American Museum of Natural History, his love of Bl. Nicolaus Steno, how Thomas and Madeline met via Legend Fiction, dinosaur fiction, hubris and playing God, bioethics, ungodly self-reliance, his time at Catholic boarding school, liturgy of the hours, science fiction, some prophetic words of Venerable Fulton Sheen, the Book of Revelation, walking around the same places as...2023-10-251h 13
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentRooted in RelationshipIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Megan Bullock, a FOCUS missionary serving at Valparaiso University. During their conversation, they discuss how she started to love chemistry and science, why she chose to go IU over Purdue, the legend of Teter Small Group, how she ended up as a FOCUS missionary, what her physics class taught her about self-reliance and her relationship with God, identity, authentic friendship, what it was like to apply to FOCUS, what prepared her for her current job, a day in the life of a FOCUS missionary, discernment, and so much more!...2023-10-1051 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentClarity and ConvictionIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friends Nick and Lucie Nguyen, both medical students at Indiana University. During their conversation, they discuss how Nick met Madeline, Nick’s exercise science undergrad, living life for leisure, Nick and Lucie's different up brings despite similar situations, making your parents proud, the influence of Notre Dame Vision on Lucie, having a career path that does things that matter, why Lucie had a theology major, what applying to med school and residency is like, Nick’s ROTC phase, Nick’s Awakening experience, finding your identity, being married in medical school, med school cultur...2023-09-271h 11
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThat Sounds Like FunIn this episode, Madeline chats with Br. Paschal Strader, OP, a Dominican cooperator brother of the Western Province. During the course of their conversation, they discuss the influence of his brother getting him into computer science, his undergrad at Cal State San Bernardino, his PhD at UC Santa Barbara, his pulsar and instrumentation research, exoplanet detection, the importance of Catholic friends, how he discerned joining the Dominicans, the importance of knowing who you do things for, the influence of St. Thomas Aquinas, Dominican spirituality and community life, some famous saintly scientists, being a cooperator brother, his experience in Rome...2023-09-1352 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThese Are My PeopleIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and an IT professional, Tyler Myers. During their conversation, they discuss how he got into computer science at DePauw University, his freshman year wake-up call, how he landed his gig doing work for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, some inspirational saints, the influence of the Steubenville Conference, his love story with his fiancée Monica, his time at Tiger Catholic, his lifelong love of sports, the influence of his FOCUS missionaries, the importance of authentic friendship, some very inspirational priests, his thoughts on fraternity and fraternities, boldness, what we take for granted wi...2023-08-301h 25
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentComing Full CircleIn this episode, Madeline chats with David Paiz, an aerospace engineer and her cousin-in-law. During their conversation, they discuss his childhood in Guatemala and California, his undergrad at Embry-Riddle in aerospace engineering, his agnostic phase, his and his wife Kelly’s journey back to Catholicism, the different engineering jobs he’s had, the difference between different engineering jobs, his favorite parts of Guatemalan culture, why he moved back to the US, his love for his current parish community, Exodus 90 and his fruit from it, the importance of fraternity and community, St. Joseph the Worker and what holy work is, impa...2023-08-1650 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentFinding Your Own MotivationIn this episode, Madeline chats with Nicole Koontz, an exercise science lecturer and the director of the Adult Physical Fitness Program at Ball State University. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Ohio, grad school at BSU, the multitude of factors that inspired her to do exercise science, coaching tack and cross country, her usual work, the benefits of exercise, the importance of finding your own motivation to be active, creating a good fitness plan, the importance of different kinds of exercises, being realistic, her relationship with Catholicism growing up, being married to a non-Catholic...2023-08-0237 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentGod Doesn't Waste AnythingIn this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Dennis Klein, OP, a Dominican friar of the Western Province and a professor of theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkley, California. During the course of their conversation, they discuss the influence of the great Dominicans saints, his time at the Naval Academy, his time as a nuclear engineer on submarines with the Navy, his research in radiation hardening of RAM chips, being a later vocation, his itinerant life before joining the Dominicans, the influence of his sister who’s a Missionary of Charity, his discernment journey, his Ca...2023-07-1941 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentPurposeIn this episode, Madeline chats with Rich Striebich, a research engineer at the University of Dayton Research Institute. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his Catholic schooling, ROTC, the chemical engineering during his undergrad at Notre Dame, his four years in the Air Force developing jet fuel, his work for the University of Dayton Research Institute, what inspired him to join the Air Force and Notre Dame, his work with alternative fuels, his work with his high temperature incineration, his work in flame retardant, his gratitude for having a fully Catholic education, how people will know we...2023-07-0541 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentRare Air (Part 2)In this episode, Madeline chats (again) with Domenica Hartman, a materials engineer turned patent attorney. During the course of their conversation, they discuss what it’s like to be a mom and lawyer, paying your dues, starting her own firm with her husband, encouraging vocations, exposing kids to the world in age appropriate manner, liturgical living, the problems with hook up culture, how she and her family ended up at St. T’s, the importance of the smells and the bells for kids, gaps in church ministry, dating advice, and much more!You can listen to part 1 of t...2023-06-2151 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentGod Always Gets The Last Laugh🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been one year since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Madeline chats with Deacon Steven Caraher, a longtime friend, OG SBLTF supporter, and (at the time of release) transitional deacon for the Diocese of Gary to celebrate the podcast's anniversary and Steven's recent ordination. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up Catholic, his initial reasons for desiring the priesthood, the influence of altar severing, St. Maximilian Kolbe, compartmentalization, the influence of small group (including the legend of the Teter Small Group), Hoosier Awakening 4, his vocation story, his time at Mundelein and Sacr...2023-06-071h 11
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentStrange ConnectionsIn this episode, Madeline chats with Bob Zavala, an astronomer working for the United States Naval Observatory. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Illinois, the influence of the Adler on his love of astronomy, an encounter with JP2, the Maria Stein Relic Shrine, his Polish heritage, his time at University of Arizona as an undergrad, light pollution effects and how to combat them, his time in the Marines as an air traffic controller, his favorite places he’s travelled to, working for the Naval Observatory, using the GI bill to make his astro dreams co...2023-05-241h 15
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentMaking Sunshine Out of HurricanesIn this episode, Madeline chats with Chris Baglow, a theologian and professor at the University of Notre Dame and the Director of the Science and Faith Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. During the course of their conversation, they discussed how Hurricane Katrina helped get him into science and faith scholarship, his doctoral dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas at Duquesne University, what he does at the Institute, his favorite courses that he’s taught, philosophical errors (especially materialism/scientism), Einstein and Lemaitre and intellectual humility, his favorite seminar speakers, his faith routine, what he did for Lent, as...2023-05-1046 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe One Where They Bond A Lot Over IUIn this episode, Madeline chats with Kacyn Tucker-Ramer, a behavior analyst and Ball State instructor in applied behavior analysis. During the course of their conversation, they discussed her being a Mocal, snow days and sledding, their mutual IU connection, applied behavior analysis (ABA), how she ended up in psychology, not having to have your whole life figured out, retreats, her North Carolina phase and how it led to her coming back to Muncie, how she met her husband, how she ended up back in Bloomington, what she does for her current job, what a behavior analyst does, getting to t...2023-04-261h 01
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentOverturned ExpectationsIn this episode, Madeline chats with Mike Corcoran, a contract scientist for Goddard Spaceflight Center. During the course of their conversation, they discuss him growing up in NYC, studying physics at Cornell, grad school at University of Pennsylvania, working for Goddard Space Flight Center, his inspiration for becoming an astronomer, cosmology and dark energy, his career studying massive binaries in the UV and x-ray, his work with HEASARC, what a contract scientist is, stardust and the connection to Ash Wednesday, the importance of prayer, how it’s not the end of the world if prayers don’t get answered the...2023-04-1239 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Language of CreationIn this episode, Madeline chats with Sr. Damien Marie Savino, FSE, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist and the Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Connecticut, her love of the outdoors, her undergrad at McGill University, the importance of listening to your heart, the intersection of people and place, her master's in soil science at the University of Connecticut, finding her way back to her faith, how she found the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, an influential visit to Assisi, her community's formation process, sacrifice as...2023-03-2953 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentUnique and Universal In this episode, Madeline chats with Linu Uthuppan, a pharmacist and family friend. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up Catholic in India, arranged marriages, St. Thomas Christians, immigration to the US, why she went into pharmacy, the importance of work-life balance, taking care of parents, the diversity of cultures in India, language learning, experiencing cultural differences, how Linu ended up in Valparaiso, retreats, the importance of praying together as a family, being grateful for where we live, the different Catholic rites in India, the importance of confession, the importance of having religious art, her admiration o...2023-03-1556 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentRare AirIn this episode, Madeline chats with Domenica Hartman, a materials engineer turned patent attorney. During the course of their conversation, they discuss her undergrad in materials engineering at Purdue, her first job out of college working on the SR71 Blackbird, what prompted her to become a patent attorney, the rare air of being a patent attorney and the required qualifications, law school at Michigan, the different kinds of thinking between science and law, what a day in the life of a patent attorney looks like, patent laws around the world, an influential encounter when she interned at GM, the...2023-03-0129 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentPerfect Love Casts Out FearIn this episode, Madeline chats with Alex Wallace, a licensed professional counselor. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his conversion from a none to Catholic, his connections to St. Francis, his undergrad in psychology at Butler, his graduate work at Ball State in sports and exercise psychology and counseling, his work at Ruah Woods, caring for people in a way consistent with Catholicism, being made for relationship, what inspired him to pursue counseling, the meaning of the Hebrew word “ruah”, theology of the body, wounds and freedom, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, the four harmonies, the uncountable dignity of e...2023-02-1556 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentOpen to the PathIn this episode, Madeline chats with Deacon Jim Caristi, a retired computer science professor from Valparaiso University and one of the deacons from her home parish. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his early interest in math and languages, his various avenues of research, the hand in hand nature of math and computer science, how he got entrenched in computer science, helping develop VU’s computer science major from a minor, the Go programming language, parallelism, what it’s like to work at a school not affiliated with your denomination, the state of affairs between Catholicism and Luth...2023-02-0152 min
Shine Bright Like the Firmament25 Catholic Scientists for 25 YearsIn this special solo episode, Madeline celebrates turning 25 by talking briefly about 25 Catholic scientists that she thinks people should know about. From well-known to the less known, from canonized saints to the Catholic laymen, from priest to married, they span a variety of science disciplines and vocations. Here's the list of the 25 in order of being mentioned:St. Albert the GreatFr. Georges Lemaitre, SJFr. Gregor Mendel, OSASt. Gianna Beretta MollaSr. Miriam Michael Stimson, OPFr. Angelo Secchi, SJSt. Joseph CanhBonaventura CavalieriVenerable Jerome LejeuneLouis BrailleAndre-Marie AmpereBl. Carlo AcutisPope Sylvester IISt. Hildegard of BingenBl. Hermann ReichenauBl. Nicolaus StenoBl. Jose Gregorio HernandezSt...2023-01-1822 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentWe Are Not EnemiesIn this episode, Madeline chats with Argentinian Jesuit astronomer Fr. José Funes, SJ. During their conversation, they discuss the inspiration of NASA astronauts landing on the Moon, studying astronomy in his undergrad, his PhD work in Padua, his time as director of the Vatican Observatory, the phenomenal skies of Argentina, how he ended up as a Jesuit, an encounter with the man who would become Pope Francis, his work with the star formation legend Ron Kennicutt, what his Jesuit formation was like, the equal importance of the humanities, what a typical day is like for him, sports and their a...2023-01-0434 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentEye-Opening ExperiencesIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and soon-to-be optometrist Emily Eherenman. During their conversation, they discuss her dad's conversion sparking her faith, being an undergrad neuroscience major at IU, her research at the CORL research lab, discernment, her experience visiting Our Lady of Lourdes and its effect on her relationship with Mama Mary, how she got into optometry, her experience at IU's optometry school, the influence of Hoosier Awakening, what to do when you hit spiritual walls, Evangelization Taining Camp, the legend of the Teter Small Group 2016-2017, her influence on growing Hoosier Catholic's YA/grad student...2022-12-2139 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentPhysics Is Not FearIn this episode, Madeline chats with Tony Cancio, a professor of physics at Ball State University. Through many laughs and stories, they discuss him growing up in DC, his education at Columbia University and University of Illinois, how his love of math and physical chemistry led him to physics, the culture of the Ivy League schools, his research in density functional theory, church architecture, the influence of his godmother and his Cuban family on his faith, the idea of foolishness, how he got involved with church choirs, why everyone should experience the Easter Vigil, what constitutes sacred music, the...2022-12-071h 16
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentFully Alive (BONUS)In this special Thanksgiving bonus episode, Madeline chats with her friend Sophia Hoffert who is an artist, writer, and Ball State creative writing grad student who also happens to be the creative mind behind all of this podcast's artwork! During their chat, they discuss her St. Edmund Campion screenplay, how she got into creative pursuits, storytelling and God as a storyteller, her dream job, the influence of her Canadian phase, how she ended up at Ball State, being raised Anglican, St. Francis's music ministry and her conversion story, a powerful encounter with the Eucharist, the power of character, the...2022-11-261h 06
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Look Behind the CurtainIn this episode, Madeline Shepley chats with Fr. Paul Gabor, SJ, a Jesuit exoplanet astronomer working for the Vatican Observatory. During this conversation, they chat about what it was like to grow up in communist Czechoslovakia, the importance of knowing history, what inspired him to become a priest and become a Jesuit, his journey from merely intellectual to personal faith, his typical day to day, his exoplanet work, doing science as a dialog with God, intellectual humility, and much more!During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these...2022-11-2437 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentStars that Go Bump in the NightIn this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Chris Corbally, SJ, an English Jesuit priest and astronomer who works for the Vatican Observatory. During their conversation, they discuss the science mandate of the Vatican Observatory, the difference between astronomy and astrology, how the Jesuits combined his two callings, the long formation process for Jesuits, spectroscopy, variable stars, how he joined the Vatican Observatory, star formation, astroseismology, the Word of God in nature, doing science as imitating God, how his scientist vocation affects his priestly one, redeeming situations, his favorite prayer practices, the capacity and emergence of religion in humans, the e...2022-11-0949 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Great ConnectorIn this episode, Madeline chats with Cathie Dull, a long time family friend, parishioner of Madeline's home parish, and a huge inspiration for Madeline as a teenager. During their conversation, they discuss her conversion as a child, the sameness of Mass around the world, no coincidences in Catholicism, her forays into journalism, the Campus Outreach Opportunities League, her love of service, the beauty of the Western United States, starting their home parish's middle school youth group, starting the Discoveries Unlimited STEM mentoring group, experiential learning, a powerful experience of adoration, her personal mission statement, her love of Dorthy Day...2022-10-2754 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentEducation is PowerIn this episode, Madeline chats with pediatrician and family friend Dee Dee Brogan. During their conversation, they discuss her family, her close bond with her grandmother, her extensive Catholic education and the importance of a quality education, her inspiration for becoming a pediatrician, working out, the rosary and Marian apparitions, the need for joy, her current spiritual goals, and so much more!In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include episode 8 of this podcast, the Bible in a Year podcast, The Bible i...2022-10-1249 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentTrust but VerifyIn this episode, Madeline chats with her dad Joe Shepley, a sales manager for a chemical company. During their conversation, they talk about him growing up all over the place, trying to be a renaissance man, the family love of reading, his conversion, his career transition from rocket scientist to water doctor, the influence and inspiration of his father-in-law and grandfather, gratitude, a very influential talk by astrophysicist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, and much more!Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and...2022-09-2846 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentA Trip Down Memory LaneIn this episode, Madeline chats with her friends Jenna and David Ambrose, who both have biology related professions. During the three's trip down memory lane, they discuss the importance of rest, David's conversion, Jenna's job as a PA, David working for a Pharma company, the common ground between the pro life and pro abortion movements, doing small things with great love, the importance of having faithful friends, what evangelization at work looks like, and much more!In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check...2022-09-141h 19
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThinking Outside ParadigmsIn this episode, Madeline chats with Muncie Catholic parishioner and mom, Theresa Seidle. During this conversation, they discuss her wide array of college biology research, the huge impact of her college Bible study, what God is vs. who God is, moral relativism, the poverty of loneliness, not being afraid to ask big of God, and much more!In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include Who Am I to Judge? by Edward Sri, The Chosen tv series, Living Joy by Chris Stefanick, T...2022-09-0146 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentGoing Off On tan(x)'sIn this first ever interview of a fellow podcaster, Madeline chats with PJ Caraher, a software engineer and CTO at a maturing start up and a co-host of the Father and Dad podcast, a podcast he co-hosts with his son and her good friend Steven Caraher. During their conversation, they chat about many things including familial expectations and discernment, thinking beyond society's paradigms, the importance of physical connection, anti-fragility, and so much more!In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Among their many references include the 35th and 45th...2022-08-171h 04
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentIt's All Fun and GamesIn this episode, Madeline chats with Ball State computer science professor, Paul Gestwicki. During this conversation, they discuss designing games, his love of music and musical theater, moderating media consumption, moral relativism, being the creator we're called to be, and more!In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include J.R.R. Tolkien (On Fairy Stories), Fyodor Dostoyevsky (The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment), C.S. Lewis (Till We Have Faces), Flannery O'Connor (Revelation), Mystery Science Theater 3000, the Seeking Excellence podcast (Episode 155...2022-08-031h 00
Father and DadSummer InternshipAs Steven’s Summer 2022 assignment draws to a close, we reflect on his experiences. During the Summer, Steven worked an internship at a local parish.Steven previously worked Summer assignments but now that he has a few years of experience he has additional perspective to appreciate and understand the work that is entailed.Parish culture plays a key role in pastoral life. The parish where Steven was assigned has a priority of evangelization and discipleship. The parish has several initiatives in place and Steven got to see the fruit of these efforts.An added bonu...2022-07-2525 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Greatest BiologistIn this episode, Madeline chats with Ball State University cell biology professor, Phil Smaldino. During their conversation, they chat about his scientific work in proteins and the cell biology of cancer, his reversion to the faith during his postdoc, his family, appreciating the grandeur of creation, and more!Madeline also references two podcast episodes about Galileo and Copernicus from the Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast (not Pints with Aquinas as she misremembers in this episode). If you want to explore that tangent of Madeline and Phil's conversation, check out Catholic Stuff You Should Know's 35th and 45...2022-07-201h 06
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentThe Radiation of Joy and BeautyIn this episode, Madeline shares many laughs with her friend Jen Lautenbach, a creative mind behind @thesonandstars and @the.creationproject. During their conversation, they discuss Jen's undergrad stellar radio astronomy research, the subtle evangelism of walking the talk, her transition into graphic design, creating with the Creator, and more! Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!2022-07-0645 min
Shine Bright Like the Firmament"Am I Smarter Than Jesus?" and Other Cosmic Questions We Ask OurselvesIn this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Gareth Leyshon, a Welsh priest and missionary, about his broad forays into physics and astronomy, his conversion story, and evangelization!Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!2022-06-2342 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentAGN, Mystery, and The Image of GodIn this first interview episode, Madeline converses with Fr. John Kartje, the Rector of Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. They discuss his past work with active galactic nuclei (AGN), the concept of mystery, the image of God, and more!Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!2022-06-0139 min
Shine Bright Like the FirmamentWelcome to the FirmamentHost Madeline Shepley briefly introduces herself, the inspiration for the podcast, and what you can expect from the podcast. She is excited to embark on this journey with her listeners into exploring the intersection of science and faith, especially her Catholic faith!Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!2022-06-0106 min