Shows
Catholic ViewsLegislative update with Michael PauleyMichael Pauley, executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference, joins the show to discuss the current legislative session in Pierre. We discuss several bills on which the Bishops of South Dakota have taken a position. We also discuss Michael's role as executive director and what his days look like in Pierre.2025-02-0628 min
Faith and PoliticsSouth Dakota’s Pivotal Moment on Abortion”South Dakota’s 2023 legislative session marked the first time that state lawmakers had gathered since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its June 24, 2022 decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and restored to the states the ability to set their own public policy on abortion. Host Michael Pauley is joined by Dale Bartscher, the Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life, for a discussion on how state lawmakers responded to the Dobbs decision, and how South Dakota’s pro-life community is responding to a citizen-initiated amendment that propos...2023-05-3039 minFaith and PoliticsObscenity and the First AmendmentDuring the 2023 legislative session, South Dakota lawmakers introduced five different bills that sought to regulate the spread of obscenity, especially by limiting the access of minors to harmful materials. Despite a growing public awareness of the harms caused by obscene material and programs, not one of the anti-obscenity bills made it through the legislature. Michael Pauley is joined by Norman Woods of the South Dakota Family Heritage Alliance to discuss the debate surrounding obscenity laws, the role of the courts and their interpretation of the First Amendment, and the surprising involvement of South Dakota’s public-school establishment in opposing an...2023-05-0943 minFaith and PoliticsThe abortion pill on trialIn the year 2000 the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug mifepristone (also knownas RU-486 or Mifeprex) as part of a regimen for chemically induced abortions.But on April 7, 2023—late on Good Friday—a federal judge in Texas issued apreliminary injunction that suspended the FDA’s approval of mifepristone,pending a trial on the merits of the case. The preliminary injunction waspartially reversed on appeal, but the judge’s opinion in Alliance forHippocratic Medicine v. FDA casts a spotligh...2023-04-1849 minFaith and PoliticsMarijuana, addiction, and South Dakota’s futureIn 2022 voters rejected a measure to legalize recreational marijuana in SouthDakota. Yet in the 2023 session of the state legislature, a dozen bills wereintroduced related to marijuana, and in 2024 yet another ballot measure onmarijuana is likely to come before voters. Why is this issue still so unsettled? Toanswer this question, host Michael Pauley is joined by Jim Kinyon, the Chairmanof Protecting South Dakota Kids, and the Executive Director of Catholic SocialServices in Rapid City. Jim and Mike discuss the ambitions of the...2023-03-2950 minFaith and PoliticsSex, gender, and surgery: a Catholic doctor’s perspectiveHost Michael Pauley is joined by Dr. Alfonso Oliva, a physician specializing in plastic andreconstructive surgery, and a member of the Executive Board of the Catholic MedicalAssociation. Dr. Oliva and Michael discuss the various controversies surrounding the use ofdrugs and surgeries as “treatment” for persons experiencing gender dysphoria. What are thepurported benefits of such procedures, and what are the known complications? Dr. Oliva shareshis thoughts concerning the rapid rise in cases of reported gender dysphoria among adolescentfemales, and the growing trend of a...2023-01-3153 minFaith and PoliticsThe abortion threat in South DakotaMichael Pauley is joined by Jon Hansen for a discussion of a proposed amendment that would create a right to abortion in the South Dakota state constitution. Hansen is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Dakota House of Representatives and also serves as Vice President of South Dakota Right to Life. Hansen and Pauley discuss the implications of the proposed constitutional amendment, which would be placed on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election, if sponsors are able to gather the legally required number of signatures. Supporters of the amendment describe it as an initiative to put Roe v...2022-11-0842 minFaith and PoliticsMarijuana: Panacea or Poison?Chris Motz and Michael Pauley welcome Dr. Bonnie Omdahl for a conversation about marijuana, Initiated Measure 27, and public health. Dr. Omdahl explores what medical science says about the effects of marijuana on brain development, mental health, and physical health. Chris and Mike share thoughts on the huge gap between the scientific reality of marijuana and public perceptions of the drug. A Gallup survey reports that 71 percent of Americans consider chewing tobacco to be “very harmful” to one’s health, but only 27 percent said the same about marijuana. Dr. Omdahl offers her prescription for what can be done to make cultur...2022-11-0138 minFaith and PoliticsMarijuana and CrimeCo-host Michael Pauley is joined by Pat West, Sheriff-elect of Meade County, for a discussion of marijuana and its association with criminal behavior. Michael and Pat examine a number of questions relevant to Initiated Measure 27, a proposal in the November 8, 2022 election to legalize the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana in South Dakota. Will legalizing marijuana reduce crime, or make it worse? Is marijuana a “gateway drug” that leads to the use of illicit drugs that are even more toxic, such as heroin or cocaine? What are “marijuana edibles,” and what dangers do they pose? What are the challenges that law...2022-09-2746 minFaith and PoliticsThe Pitfalls of Legalizing MarijuanaCo-hosts Michael Pauley and Chris Motz welcome guest Emily Leedom, Executive Director of the Lourdes Center in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, for a discussion of Initiated Measure 27, a ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota. The bishops of South Dakota have taken a stand against marijuana legalization, because of the harms it brings to individuals, families, and the broader society. Emily outlines the known impacts of marijuana and the various ways it undermines human flourishing. Chris and Michael also discuss with Emily the current trends in public opinion on marijuana, and explore the frequently-cited argument...2022-08-3050 minFaith and PoliticsCatholics and the Two CitiesMichael Pauley welcomes Fr. Henry Stephan, O.P., of Notre Dame University to the program for a far-reaching conversation on how Catholics should engage with politics (the City of Man) without losing sight of the eternal home we are called to (the City of God). Michael and Fr. Henry discuss the thinking of Augustine and Aquinas on politics, examine three temptations that Catholics should avoid as they engage in political life, and review the current debate in Catholic intellectual circles on the subject of “integralism” and whether Catholic beliefs can be harmonized with the economic and political tenets of clas...2022-08-1641 minFaith and PoliticsProtecting the Vulnerable: Children with Down SyndromeChris Motz and Michael Pauley welcome to the show Lauren Costabile, founder and executive director of Hearts of Joy International, an organization that helps babies with Down Syndrome gain access to needed care, especially open-heart surgery. The ongoing debate about abortion after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision frequently revolves around so-called “hard cases,” including pregnancies in which a pre-born child has been diagnosed as having a disability. It is estimated that between 60 and 90 percent of pre-born children diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted, compared to 18 percent of pre-born children overall. Chris and Michael discuss with Lauren the competing vision...2022-08-0932 minFaith and PoliticsDobbs Case: A Closer LookMichael Pauley and Chris Motz take a deeper look at the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, this time focusing on three concurring opinions written by justices who voted to uphold the pro-life law in Mississippi that was challenged. While all three justices agreed that Mississippi’s statute limiting abortions after 15 weeks gestation should be deemed constitutional, there were stark differences in the reasoning that each justice used to reach the same conclusion. First, Michael and Chris look at the intriguing concurrence penned by Justice Clarence Thomas, who offers a vigorous critique of the...2022-07-1227 minFaith and PoliticsCatholics and "Pride Month"Michael Pauley and Chris Motz tackle the political and cultural phenomenon known as "Pride Month." Governmental bodies and America's largest corporations loudly celebrate this event every June, but what exactly is the message that's being promoted? Michael and Chris explore the sexual ideology that underlies Pride Month, and contrast it with the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality and how this dimension of our personhood can be lived in a way that contributes to human flourishing. They also discuss resources that are available to help Christians better understand issues related to same-sex attraction and transgender ideology.2022-06-2833 minFaith and PoliticsSupreme Court Decision on Dobbs CaseOn this episode Michael Pauley, Executive Director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference, and Chris Motz, Chief of Staff for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, provide an initial overview of the momentous decision released June 24, 2022 by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. They discuss the court's decision to overturn its previous cases, Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), that asserted the existence of a federal constitutional right to abortion, and unpack what this means for the state of South Dakota.2022-06-2426 minFaith and PoliticsIntroducing the new SDCC Executive DirectorThe bishops of SD are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pauley as the executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference. Mr. Pauley previously worked as a consultant specializing in government affairs and public communication. His clients have included several non-profit organizations that advocate for public policies to defend vulnerable human life, safeguard religious liberty, and protect marriage and family life. Mr. Pauley has served as a policy aide for government officials at both the federal and state level. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in foreign service. On this ep...2022-06-1339 minFaith and PoliticsLabor and Leisure in a Fragmented WorldOn this episode, Chris hosts Dr. Michael Naughton professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas and author of Getting Work Right: Labor and Leisure in a Fragmented World. They discuss 'leisure'....and no, they're not talking about polyester wide-lapeled suits from the 70's. Drawing from the definition articulated by the 20th century German Thomist Josef Pieper, leisure is "an attitude of the mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a capacity to perceive the reality of the world" as it truly is. Mischaracterized as "wasting time," it is fundamentally about being, not doing, in a way...2022-05-1927 minFaith and PoliticsThe Solemnity of Christ the King and Religious LibertyOn this episode, Chris is joined by past guest Dr. Aaron Weldon, program director for the USCCB Committee on Religious Liberty. Aaron explains why this great feast is linked to our religious freedoms. Instituted in 1925, the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicea, by Pope Piux XI, the feast of Christ the King is a spiritual response to an atheistic totalitarianism that ignored the transcendent, eternal nature of men and women. The USCCB has asked us to give renewed focus to this great solemnity in light of threats to religion in our own day.2021-11-1627 minFaith and PoliticsWho was Fr. DeSmet?Fr. John Paul Trask joins the show to share about the life of Fr. Pierre Jean DeSmet, a Belgian Jesuit who dedicated his life to mission among the native peoples of the west. Fr. DeSmet's nineteenth century missionary journeys took him from Belgium to St. Louis, up the Missouri, and as far as the Pacific. Spending much time in present-day South Dakota, Fr. DeSmet earned a reputation for bold fearlessness, and became known as a gifted peacemaker. Selfless, clever, and holy, Fr. DeSmet's example stands as worthy of emulation for Catholics today.2021-11-0927 minFaith and PoliticsSouth Dakota Pro-Life LitigationOn this episode, we get a front row seat to an interview by Dale Bartscher with Harold Cassidy, the attorney representing Alpha Center as intervenor in the state of South Dakota's lawsuit with abortion giant Planned Parenthood. The facts of this case are incredible! Most South Dakotans don't know the role our state and our laws are playing in the all-important pro-life legal fight. Harold builds a compelling argument for why just laws -- especially for the unborn and pregnant mothers -- are the responsibility of all.2021-10-2645 minFaith and PoliticsThe South Dakota Right to Life UpdateChris is joined by Dale Bartscher, executive director of SD Right to Life. Dale recaps SDRTL's recent 50th Anniversary Convention in Sioux Falls, shares about the process for reviewing legislation in the lead up to the winter legislative session, and updates us on the growth of local RTL chapters throughout the state.2021-10-1927 minFaith and PoliticsPro-Abortion Policies at Health and Human ServicesOn this episode, Chris is joined by Rachel Morrison, a lawyer from the Ethics and Public Policy Center and member of its HHS Accountability Project. Rachel unpacks recent moves by the federal HHS department to give Title X dollars to Planned Parenthood, disregard a separate-payment for abortion requirements for health insurers, abandon pro-life health care providers' conscience rights, and sideline HHS's Conscience and Religious Freedom Division's dedicated career employees.2021-10-1231 minFaith and PoliticsRespect Life Month: Alpha CenterOn this episode, Chris is joined by Leslee Unruh, founder of Alpha Center, a pregnancy help center based in Sioux Falls. Leslee shares Alpha's mission to "clear the confusion with a message of hope." Founded in 1984, Alpha offers warm, loving counseling to women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. Alpha introduces its clients to mentor relationships and gives life-skills training for years beyond a child's birth, as it challenges women and men to live lives of virtue and integrity, all in the context of healing and mercy. They are equipped to serve South Dakota's communities beyond Sioux Falls, too, with...2021-10-0527 minFaith and PoliticsThe Formative Power of MusicOn this episode, Chris is joined by music-lover, Fr. Tony Klein. They discuss the South Dakota state anthem, singing the Mass, how to discern beauty in music, music's role in shaping the heart and mind, sacred music, the common music of a people (think Hobbit songs), what's on Fr. Tony's playlist these days, and music in family life.2021-09-2838 minFaith and PoliticsF&P MiniChris Motz gives a news round-up (SD education policy, federal "Women's Health Protection Act," and call to prayer on the Dobbs case) and shares "Doing the Truth," an excerpt on the virtue of prudence from the Josef Pieper book being read by the SDCC study group.2021-09-2116 minFaith and PoliticsA Spiritual Biography of MarxOn this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Paul Kengor, Senior Director and Chief Academic Fellow for The Institute for Faith & Freedom and Professor of Political Science at Grove City College. They discuss his recent book, "The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration", published by Catholic bookseller TAN Books.2021-09-1427 minFaith and PoliticsIndividualism & UnityOn this episode, Chris is joined by thinker and writer Jack Gist (ft. on Ep. 25, Disputatio and the 1619 Project) to discuss a new essay from Jack, "Individualism, relativism, and the most extreme form of idolatry." Jack unpacks the thought of Nietzsche and Duns Scotus, and helps us understand the "both/and" of the amazing beauty of being an individual, uniquely unrepeatable as a creation of God, while at the same time being made for participation in a "higher unity", that is, the whole of mankind made for communion with God. Contemporary movements tend to skew one way or the...2021-09-1033 minFaith and PoliticsJust War TheoryOn this episode, Chris is joined once again by Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Dr. Schaff unpacks the traditional teaching on the conditions for a just war, first articulated by St. Augustine. He walks through jus ad bellum (justice before making war) and jus in bello (justice while making war), and offers examples to illustrate each of the factors to be considered. 2021-08-3137 minFaith and PoliticsThe Political Path Forward: Get Married and Have KidsJessica Kramer joins the show to discuss a recent article she authored on politics and family formation. After briefly sharing her conversion story, she shares her observations from a recent policy conference she reported on, and describes several pro-family policies concerning pornography, contraception, a one-income family wage, and more. In her view, too, the Church can be robustly engaged in encouraging family formation: speed-dating in the parish hall, intentional formation in the isolating effects of smartphones and internet addiction, etc. Then she flips the script on Chris, and gets him to share some of his own family's inspiration for...2021-08-2437 minFaith and PoliticsVaccine Mandates and Religious ExemptionsCameo Anders a graduate of the Ave Maria School of Law, has a Masters in Theology and a certificate in Bioethics, joins us this week to take on this hot topic of religious exemptions surrounding the growing concern of COVID vaccine requirements with employers. To read the statement from our bishop's in South Dakota, visit our website.https://sdcatholicconference.org/covid-19-vaccination-requirements/2021-08-1727 minFaith and PoliticsUnpacking Fulton, and a Half Page of Trouble in the Infrastructure BillChris is joined on this episode by David Trimble, Vice President for Public Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Freedom Education at the Religious Freedom Institute. David breaks down the 9-0 Supreme Court decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia, and then shares some religious freedom concerns with the infrastructure bill presently in the Senate.2021-08-1032 minFaith and PoliticsCatholic Adoption in South DakotaThis episode, Chris is joined by Kelli Whartman, the executive director of Trinity Pregnancy and Adoption, a Catholic agency serving the whole state. Kelli shares her own witness to faith and passion for serving the adoption "triad" -- adoptive parents, birth parents, and kids! Kelli mentions these links: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/our-programs/adoption-friendly-workplace/www.trinityadoption.orgwww.facebook.com/trinityadoptionwww.Instagram.com/trinityadoption2021-08-0327 minFaith and PoliticsIndividualism, the Decline of Institutions, and FriendshipOn this episode, Chris is joined by Fr. Justin Brophy, O.P., professor of political science at Providence College, Rhode Island. In a short diagnosis of our present moment as Americans, Fr. Brophy points to (among other points not discussed) a tension between Lockean individualism and a Puritan ethic, and a decline in our traditional institutions and trust in authority. A Christian response includes Fr. Brophy argues, is a focus on friendship (among other things), in which we deeply and truly care about the good of the other. In a post-Christendom age the extension of friendship entails risk, as...2021-07-2727 minFaith and PoliticsTaxpayer Funded Abortions? What??!On this episode, Chris is joined by Kat Talalas, the associate director for communications at the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. For those who haven't been closely following the debate over the Hyde Amendment, and its enormously significant consequences even at the state level, Kat brings us all up to speed with what it is, why it's important, and the consequences of remaining silent. Visit www.NoTaxpayerAbortion.com to sign the petition and contact SD's senators and congressman with heartfelt thanks and encouragement. ***BONUS*** At the start of the show, Kat shares an amazing personal testimony of...2021-07-2027 minFaith and Politics2020 SD Abortion ReportChris is joined by Dale Bartscher, executive director of South Dakota Right to Life, to discuss the state Department of Health's annual abortion report, published on July 1. They also recap the 2020 pro-life bills that went into effect on July 1, talk about potential future legislation, and preview SDRTL's fall convention, which commemorates 50 years of advocacy for mothers and unborn children.2021-07-1227 minFaith and PoliticsSacrificial Love: Adoption & Foster ParentingChris is joined by Jeff Wald, a Minnesota-based lawyer and writer (but who is quick to tell us he's a North Dakotan). Jeff shares about his and his wife Jackie's journey with adoption and foster parenting, the result of a call they discerned together to give of themselves to the poor and marginalized. At the heart of this adventure, for Jeff, is a discovery that the most extraordinary graces result from the ordinary-ness of everyday (messy) life with six kids 10-and-under.2021-07-0627 minFaith and PoliticsWhat is the Purpose of Government?Host Chris Motz is joined this week by Dr. Chad Pecknold, professor of theology at Catholic University of America (and prolific tweeter -- @ccpecknold). Chris tosses a listener question to the good professor: What, according to the Church, is the purpose of government? What's it's aim, its end, its goal? Also, what are the limits of its action? Or, asking an obvious question that comes from from Matthew 22 and Mark 12 ("Render unto Caeasar..."), what belongs to "Caesar" and what belongs to God? (Spoiler for the latter: everything, including the former.) Chris and Professor Pecknold dig into some contemporary issues, e.g., g...2021-06-2927 minFaith and PoliticsReligious Freedom Jurisprudence and Fulton v. PhiladelphiaOn this episode, Chris is joined by Christopher Dodson, J.D., executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Christopher unpacks the development of Free Exercise clause cases in the 20th century, culminating in the Smith v. Employment Division decision in 1990. Chris then gives a high-level overview of the recent Fulton v. Philadelphia case, which avoids using the Smith standard, but gives us good reason to believe Smith is on shaky ground.2021-06-2227 minFaith and PoliticsSt. Thomas More SocietyOn this episode, Chris is joined by Nick Michels, a Catholic attorney in South Dakota, who is starting a St. Thomas More Society -- an organization for Catholic lawyers and politicians. With the feast day of St. Thomas More approaching on June 22, Nick shares how the New Evangelization has inspired the vision for the group, and how it aims to aid Catholic lay faithful in their mission to witness to the truth of God's love in the midst of their professional lives. Taking the great English Catholic lawyer and saint as its patron, Nick and his colleagues hope a St. Tho...2021-06-1527 minFaith and PoliticsDistributismOn this episode, Chris and regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff unpack an economic and social idea known as distributism. Rooted in the social teaching of Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XI, and others, distributism contains critiques of both unfettered capitalism and socialism, and exhorts society to seek widespread ("distributed") ownership of capital by small business owners, farmers, and so forth. According to distributism, there are great dangers to freedom and human dignity when capital and power is greatly concentrated in either the state, or in the hands of a very small number of commercial corporations. For more on distributism...2021-06-0827 minFaith and PoliticsStop Taxpayer-funded AbortionsChris Motz is joined by Greg Schleppenbach, the associate director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB to discuss current threats to the Hyde Amendment, which for 45 years has kept any taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions. Folks can go to NoTaxpayerAbortion.com to sign a petition in defense of Hyde. Chris and Greg also discuss what the Equality Act means for pro-life movement (bad news), Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization at the Supreme Court (good news), and a national perspective on state action during 2021 state legislative cycle (more good news).2021-06-0127 minFaith and PoliticsCatholic Health Insurance and Catholic IdentityOn this episode, Chris is joined by Doug Wilson, CEO of Catholic Benefits Association, an membership-based organization that facilitates health insurance for Catholic entities. Doug describes the birth of CBA in the wake of several of the Affordable Care Act's (Obamacare) coercive provisions -- such as forcing Catholic nuns to buy contraception -- and walks through the legal battles and victories CBA has had since its founding. Most recently, they won an injunction from the Federal Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on a provision of the ACA that would ostensibly force coverage for surgeries, pharmaceuticals, etc., related...2021-05-2527 minFaith and PoliticsThe Harms of SurrogacyOn this episode, Chris is joined by Grace Melton, author of a recent article titled How Surrogacy Harms Women and Children, published at the National Interest. After Chris recaps the recent history of surrogacy in South Dakota politics, Grace makes the case for why the political and cultural discourse on surrogacy is sadly one-sided and introduces key factors that need to be in the conversation, such as the medical risks to women and children and the gravely troubling legal shift that occurs when society permits the commodification of human beings. Grace also discusses the primal wound experienced by some childr...2021-05-1827 minFaith and PoliticsAn Organic Farmer shares about Laudato Si’On this episode, Chris is joined by Dan Denis, a Catholic father and farmer from the Saskatchewan prairie. Inspired by the social teaching of the Church, including Laudato Si’, several years ago Dan felt a call to go “back to the land,” as he puts it, and began farming the land on which he was raised. Dan shares his family’s story of love for God and the created order, and how this love inspired them to adopt certain stewardship practices that might be described as ‘organic’ in their grain, beef, and poultry operation. (Bonus: Dan recommended a book called The Church...2021-05-1127 minFaith and PoliticsPolitical PhilosophyOn this episode Chris is joined by Prof. Joe Rutten, director of the Benedictine Leadership Institute at Mount Marty University. Chris and Joe discuss faith and reason, talking about hard topics with our fellow citizens, the necessity of citizens and politicians to have formation in reason, and good philosophy as the foundation to well-ordered political life.2021-05-0427 minFaith and PoliticsGender Ideology and the LawChris is joined on this episode by Mary Rice Hasson, the Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Mary also directs the Catholic Women’s Forum, a network of Catholic professional women and scholars seeking to amplify the voice of Catholic women in support of human dignity, authentic freedom, and Catholic social teaching. Chris and Mary take up the topic of gender ideology from the viewpoint of the law and lawmaking. Mary describes her recent testimony in opposition to the so-named “Equality Act,” and also shares what areas might be of conc...2021-04-2727 minFaith and PoliticsRace & RacismOn this episode, Chris is joined again by Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Chris and Dr. Schaff discuss race and racism, a topic on the minds of many Americans during the last year. They discuss the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with the death of African-American man George Floyd, and unpack a recent pastoral letter from Bishop Donald DeGrood on Loving Others as God Made Them, which exhorts us to view others in light of the True, Good, and Beautiful, and gives a Christian framework for understanding the sin of...2021-04-2027 minFaith and PoliticsNational Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Bishop Donald DeGrood joins us in studio to talk about some of the woundedness that the church has and still experiences.2021-04-0627 minFaith and PoliticsGreen ThomismOn this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Christopher Thompson, professor of theology at St. Paul Seminary, to talk about his book, The Joyful Mystery: Field Notes Toward a Green Thomism. Dr. Thompson touches on papal encyclical Laudato Si‘, Church teaching on integral ecology, an ethics of lower creation, what the teaching might mean for agriculture, and why some Catholics see organic gardening as sensible and praiseworthy as natural family planning.2021-03-3027 minFaith and PoliticsGender Dysphoria & the Theology of the BodyOn this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Andrew Sodergren, a Catholic clinical psychologist with experience with gender dysphoria. Dr. Sodergren unpacks the Theology of the Body, gender dysphoria, gender ideology, and offers some thoughts on the path ahead for Christians in the present culture. The topic is timely for discussion as the SD legislature has passed HB 1217, a bill to safeguard female sports.2021-03-2327 minFaith and PoliticsFreedom and the Equality ActThis episode contains content on loan from the podcast Leedom to Life. The host of that show, Emily Leedom, interviews Faith & Politics host Chris Motz on the meaning of freedom and the substance of the Equality Act, a particularly concerning piece of legislation currently under consideration by the Congress.2021-03-1627 minFaith and PoliticsPro-Life Legislative RecapAs the 2021 South Dakota legislative session winds down, Chris Motz is joined by SD Right to Life Executive Director Dale Bartscher. Chris and Dale run through the list of pro-life legislation considered by the legislature this year, including Governor Noem’s significant Down Syndrome diagnosis abortion ban bill, which is expected to be signed later this month.2021-03-0927 minFaith and PoliticsAmericans United for Life and Rights of Medical ConscienceOn this episode, Chris is joined by Americans United for Life Government Relations Counsel, Katie Glenn. Katie recently testified in support of South Dakota House Bill 1247, known as the Medical Conscience Protection Act. Chris and Katie discuss new threats to the pro-life cause at the federal level, and the importance of state-based conscience protection rights at the state level, such as HB 1247.2021-02-2327 minFaith and PoliticsReligious FreedomChris is joined once more by political science professor, Dr. Jon Schaff. On this episode, they tackle the legal background of religious freedom in the United States, and the ways in which religious freedom is under attack today. They trace the legal standards articulated by courts, discuss a hugely-popular act of Congress in the early ’90’s, and bring the discussion up to today, with an explanation of Senate Bill 124, currently pending before the South Dakota legislature. The topic is of great relevance due to the harsh treatment of churches by some states during the last year.Audio Play...2021-02-1627 minFaith and Politics2021 Session updateOn this episode SD Catholic Conference director is joined by Norman Woods, executive director of Family Heritage Alliance. Chris and Norman give a full run down of all the SD Catholic Conference-supported bills under consideration by the state legislature.2021-02-0927 minFaith and PoliticsParents as Primary EducatorsOn this episode, Chris gives an update on several pending bills, and then is joined by Julie Chrisitan to talk about the Church’s teachings on education , how these teachings can apply to homeschooling policy, and a South Dakota organization — Families for Alternative Instruction Rights SD — (FAIR-SD) that’s leading a new conversation about legislation to aimed to support parents as the primary educators of their children. For past conversations on Catholic education, listen to the June 29, 2020 episode of Faith & Politics featuring Mr. Matt Althoff, Director of Catholic Schools for the diocese of Sioux Falls.2021-02-0227 minFaith and PoliticsLegislative Session Bill UpdateOn this episode, Chris is joined by Deacon Denny Davis to discuss support for Senate Bill 98, a bill to ban capital punishment in most cases in South Dakota. Chris is then joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald to discuss the teaching of the Church on the dignity of life, and our opposition to capital punishment.2021-01-2627 minFaith and PoliticsPrimordial Justice Owed by Man to GodOn this episode, Chris Motz is joined by Brandon McGinley, co-author with Dr. Scott Hahn of a new book titled It is Right and Just: Why the Future of Civilization Depends on True Religion. Timely and instructive, their book argues that argues that social justice depends on the primordial justice owed by man to God in the form of the virtue of religion. Without true religion, the foundations of society and civilization itself are insecure, and will crumble.2021-01-1927 minFaith and PoliticsJan. 6 at the Capitol, and the road aheadChris is joined again by Prof. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. They discuss the scenes of chaos and violence in the nation’s capitol last week, then turn to the incoming presidential administration, with a special focus on life and religious liberty.2021-01-1227 minFaith and PoliticsThem Before UsOn this episode, Chris is joined by Katy Faust, Founder and Director of Them Before Us, an organization seeking to put children’s rights before adult desires. Them Before Us has flipped the script on adult-centric attitudes toward marriage, parenthood, and reproductive technologies by framing these issues around a child’s right to be raised by both their mother and father. Set against a backdrop of sound research, the compelling stories throughout each chapter confirm that a child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being depends on being loved by the two people responsible for their existence. It’s a paradigm...2021-01-0527 minFaith and PoliticsReligious Freedom and Rights of Conscience in Health CareOn this episode, Chris is joined by Louis Brown, Executive Director of Christ Medicus, an organization focused on sharing Jesus Christ’s healing love in health care, building authentically Catholic health care, defending life and religious freedom, and protecting the poor and vulnerable. Louis and Chris discuss Christian identity in a time of challenge and conflict; the vital need to defend the right of medical conscience and religious freedom for doctors, nurses, patients, and consumers; and the importance of faith-based medical care particularly for the materially impoverished and vulnerable. As Louis describes, the right of conscience is a fundamental ci...2020-12-2927 minFaith and PoliticsSt. Benedict & St. Francis de SalesOn this episode, Chris is joined by regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University. Chris and Prof. Schaff reflect on some of the problems technology can pose to the family and the faith, how it can contribute to the vice of acedia, and how spiritual disciplines from both St. Benedict and St. Francis de Sales can help us order our lives well and conquer, with God’s grace, the temptations that technology brings.2020-12-2127 minFaith and PoliticsCOVID Vaccines and Catholic EthicsCOVID Vaccines and Catholic ethics. On this episode, Chris is joined by National Catholic Bioethics Center-trained ethicist Cameo Anders. They discuss the development and rollout of COVID vaccines, and an ethical component to be aware of. Summary: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not developed with aborted fetal tissue cells, though their efficacy may have been validated with a lab test with such a connection, giving them a remote connection to the evil of abortion. This connection to a tainted test is even more remote than if the vaccine itself had been developed using an abortion-connected cell line. For a pers...2020-12-1527 minFaith and PoliticsThe study of Political Science, English, and liberal arts - AND working for a Senator right after collegeIn this episode, Chris is joined by Aberdeen native Dylan Kessler, who shares about his studies at Hillsdale College, working for a South Dakota Senator after graduating, and more.2020-12-0727 minFaith and PoliticsFirst Educators: Empowering parents to direct the education of their childrenChris is joined by Shawn Peterson, South Dakota native and executive director of Catholic Education Partners, a bishops-founded organization that works to share the Catholic teaching in favor of parental choice and empowerment in education, and to promote education policy consistent with this principle. This principle is more important than ever in 2020, a year that has seen tremendous creativity in education policy and practice as parents have explored new ways to get involved and direct the education of their children.2020-11-2327 minFaith and PoliticsElection day Mashup with IgnitionOn this episode, Chris Motz joins Dr. Chris Burgwald for an episode of Ignition to talk about the results from this years election.2020-11-1627 minFaith and PoliticsElection day recap with Dr. Jon SchaffOn this episode, Chris and Jon discuss some of the take-aways from November 4, 2020.2020-11-0927 minFaith and PoliticsPrioritizing LifeBuilding off the USCCB’s emphasis on abortion as a “preeminent priority” among political issues, on this episode Chris is joined by Life Runner Founder Dr. Pat Castle to talk pro-Life politics.2020-11-0227 minFaith and PoliticsCivil Union Discussion & Family Heritage AllianceDr. Chris Burgwald joins for a discussion of the Holy Father’s reported remarks, followed by a conversation with Norman Woods, executive director of the Family Heritage Alliance.2020-10-2627 minFaith and PoliticsMini ShowDr. Chris Burgwald joins host Chris Motz for a short discussion to help us respond well and find peace in light of the Holy Father’s reported comments on same-sex civil unions.2020-10-2307 minFaith and PoliticsCatholic Approach to VotingChris is joined by Prof. Jon Schaff to discuss the Catholic approach to voting, the Catholic candidate, a refresher on St. Augustine, and the pursuit of a well-formed conscience.2020-10-2027 minFaith and PoliticsSD’s 2019 Abortion ReportOn this episode, Chris is joined by Debbie Pease, President of SD Right to Life. They discuss the statistics in the just-released 2019 Abortion Report from the SD Department of Health, which reveals a positive trend in chemical abortions, the impact of pro-life nuts and bolts legislating — including SD’s robust informed consent laws, and the importance of education towards furthering the aim of “not just making abortion unlawful, but making it unthinkable.” Debbie also shares about SDRTL’s Pro-Life Essay contest for juniorhigh and high schoolers — Deadline November 1!2020-10-1227 minFaith and PoliticsJust say ‘No’ to recreational marijuana — Vote ‘No’ on Amendment AOn this episode, Chris is joined by Christy Alten-Osmera, program director of the adolescent unit at Keystone Treatment Center, and Matt Walz, a policy specialist at Keystone. They discuss South Dakota’s upcoming ballot measures dealing with marijuana, Amendment A and I.M. 26, and discuss the harm marijuana causes to people they witness every day in their work. Modern marijuana, Christy and Matt explain, damages kids, the poor, and the human drive to work and create. Matt breaks down some of the myths of “legalization,” why some already available FDA-approved medications may answer the request by some people for medica...2020-10-0527 minFaith and PoliticsThe Good LifeOn this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald to talk about living well — What is “the Good Life”? And why should I want it? What’s it have to do with the American Dream and “the pursuit of happiness”?2020-09-2827 minFaith and PoliticsBioethics and COVID-19 Vaccine DevelopmentOn this episode, Chris is joined by Greg Schleppenbach, associate director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB, to discuss Catholic teaching on the ethical production and use of vaccines developed using aborted fetal cell lines. While several ethically-concerning COVID vaccines are being developed, there are also numerous ethically-sound projects, including several receiving significant financial backing from the federal government.As referenced in the interview, see this April 17, 2020 letter co-signed by several bishop-chairs of USCCB committees to the Food & Drug Administration; this 2005 Vatican document Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Foet...2020-09-2127 minFaith and PoliticsDisputatio and the 1619 ProjectIn this episode, Chris is joined by Prof. Jack Gist, a humanities professor and contributor to Catholic World Report, Crisis, The Imaginative Conservative, New Oxford Review, Academic Questions, and St. Austin Review. They discuss what St. Thomas Aquinas called “disputatio” — a dispute in the healthiest sense of the word, in that through the rational argumentation it entails, persons come to know the truth. At least they should, if, as Josef Pieper observed, they are more interested in clarifying their opponents arguments than they are in creating a “sensation.” Professor Gist describes why the abandonment of disputatio through so-called academic curriculum s...2020-09-1427 minFaith and PoliticsServant of God Nicholas Black Elk: a witness for our timeOn this episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Damian Costello, a theological expert in the life of Nicholas Black Elk and vice-postulator of his cause of canonization. For Nicholas Black Elk, vibrant missionary discipleship and love of the rosary, Latin chant, and Sacred Scripture grew organically within his own personal lifelong spiritual quest for truth and love. Nicholas Black Elk lived his life in a continuous integration as a Lakota man and fully alive in the Catholic faith. As a man who suffered greatly in the wounds of his age, yet transformed by the love of God, Nicholas Black...2020-09-0927 minFaith and PoliticsFaith, politics, and business!On this episode, Chris is joined by Joe Rutten, faculty member in the humanities department at Mount Marty University and Executive Director of the Catholic Men’s Business Fraternity. Drawing on the Vatican document, “The Vocation of a the Business Leader,” Joe and Chris explore the dignity of work as the “original vocation.” Joe then describes four key principles of Catholic social teaching — human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity — and articulates how these provide an orientation towards freedom and creativity, a healthy market economy, and, ultimately, human flourishing. Chris and Joe also take another look at the virtue of prudence...2020-08-3127 minFaith and PoliticsJune Medical Services, LLC v. RussoOn this episode, Chris is joined by Teresa Collett, a law professor and director of the Prolife Center at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Professor Collett unpacks the pro-life Louisiana statute at stake in the June Medical decision, which was designed to ensure all women receive high-quality emergency medical care by requiring abortionists to obtain hospital admitting privileges. While Justice Roberts didn’t undo Roe v. Wade to the disappointment of many, there is a silver lining to the case that has led to positive developments in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the Da...2020-08-2427 minFaith and PoliticsBack to School!On this episode, Chris is joined once more by Jason Adkins, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference. They dive into two graduate courses that Jason teaches at St. Paul Seminary, “Politics and the New Evangelization” and “Catholicism and U.S. Politics.” The conversation ranges from JPII to Alexis de Toqueville, Archbishop John Ireland to Richard John Neuhaus.-Evangelium Vitae– Living the Gospel of Life-Christifideles Laici-Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church-Laudato Si-Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Pol...2020-08-1727 minFaith and PoliticsThe Mission of the LaityOn this episode, Chris is joined by Susan Safford, Director of Pastoral Ministries/Office of Faith Formation. They discuss the baptismal call of the laity to be on mission in the world, including in — you guessed it — politics.2020-08-1027 minFaith and PoliticsThe City of God Part 2 with Prof. Jon SchaffIn Part 2 of 2 of the discussion on St. Augustine’s City of God, Chris and Jon talk about telos (How do you say it, tee-los or tay-los?) and telescopes, the Internal Revenue Code, Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory, the temporal order (it’s temporary), and the salvation of souls (it’s eternal).2020-08-0327 minFaith and PoliticsBlaine AmendmentsOn this episode, Chris Motz is joined by Erica Smith, one of the lead attorneys in Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue, a recent major decision of the Supreme Court. Erica and Chris discuss the anti-Catholic history of Blaine Amendments, and what the case means for education policy and the free exercise of religion.2020-07-2027 minFaith and PoliticsBostock v. Clayton County, GeorgiaOn this episode, Faith & Politics host Chris Motz is joined by Jason Adkins, Esq., the executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference to discuss Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, a major opinion published by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, described as the Roe v. Wade of transgender ideology.2020-07-1327 minFaith and PoliticsHappy Independence Day!In this special 4th of July episode of Faith & Politics, host Chris Motz and Fr. Brian Christensen talk about fast planes, Marine vs. Air Force jokes, St. John Paul II kissing Polish soil, loving one’s mother, and the virtue of patriotism.2020-07-0627 minFaith and PoliticsEducating Future Citizens: Catholic education at the service of the common goodIn this episode, Chris visits with Matt Althoff, who among the many hats he wears so well, serves as Director of Education for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Matt received an Master’s degree in education through Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program. He shares about his experience teaching in Brownsville, Texas and Milwaukee, explains what is meant by the term “School Choice” policy, explores Catholic teaching on the subject, and touches on the service that a local school choice program, South Dakota Partners in Education, provides to families in the most need.2020-06-2927 minFaith and PoliticsCity of GodEver thought about reading St. Augustine’s classic work, City of God, but intimidated by its size? Me too! Our guest this week is Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. In this episode, Chris and Jon begin a short series in which they overview the political thought of St. Augustine, much of which is in the massive work, City of God. Jon will be back later in July to finish the conversation.2020-06-2227 minFaith and PoliticsSt. Thomas More“Blessed Thomas More is more important at this moment than at any moment since his death, even perhaps the great moment of his dying; but he is not quite so important as he will be in about a hundred years’ time.” So wrote famous English essayist and Catholic convert G.K. Chesterton in 1929. On this episode of Faith & Politics, host Chris Motz is joined by Prof. Gerard Wegemer, one of the world’s foremost experts on St. Thomas More, whose feast day the Church celebrates June 22. Prof. Wegemer recently oversaw the publication of “The Essential Works of Thomas More,” a complete c...2020-06-1527 minFaith and PoliticsReligious FreedomFr. Michel Mulloy, diocesan administrator for the diocese of Rapid City, joins SD Catholic Conference director Chris Motz to discuss religious freedom.2020-06-0827 minFaith and PoliticsWhat does missionary discipleship have to do with our lives as citizens?On this episode, SDCC director Chris Motz is joined by Bishop Donald DeGrood, as they discuss the joy of publicly living as disciples of Jesus, the importance of giving witness to moral truth in the public square, the gift of God's hope as an antidote to cynicism, and more.2020-05-2927 minFaith and PoliticsIf we were made for Heaven, why should we care about politics?In Episode 9, SDCC Executive Director Chris Motz is re-joined by Fr. Tyler Mattson, to discuss why politics on earth matters if our ultimate home is in heaven.2020-05-0527 minFaith and PoliticsHow to have unity in a polarized societyIn Episode 8, SDCC Executive Director Chris Motz is joined by Fr. Tyler Mattson, to discuss unity in a divided political environment. Drawing on the thought of Servant of God Chiara Lubich, founder of ecclesial movement Focolare, we explore the implications of the Gospel for disciples of Christ, acting as citizens in the tumult of contemporary politics.2020-04-0427 minFaith and PoliticsVulnerable Child Protection ActOn Episode 7, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls to discuss HB 1057, known as the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, a bill filed Tuesday that would prohibit medical providers from prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones, or conducting mutilating surgeries on a child who has emotional distress surrounding his or her sex. We discuss the Church’s understanding of the human person as created by God. For additional reading on this topic, check out a helpful resource compiled by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which includes several s...2020-01-2027 minFaith and PoliticsThe Impeachment EpisodeDr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern State University joins the podcast again to discuss the third impeachment in American history, what it means for America, and what it means for us as Catholics and faithful citizens.2020-01-1027 minFaith and PoliticsLetter to DiognetusJoining us for Episode 5 is Fr. Andy Thuringer to discuss the Letter to Diognetus. In this second-century letter, we read “the Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body.” We have duties to bring Christ into the world, including politics. Text excerpts from the Letter to Diognetus are athttp://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20010522_diogneto_en.html2020-01-0327 minFaith and PoliticsReligious LibertyReligious Liberty is the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights, and it’s a principle articulated in Church teaching. In this episode, we visit with Dr. Aaron Weldon, who works with the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty. We explore what Religious Liberty is, and why it matters for our pursuit of the common good.2019-12-1033 minFaith and PoliticsAbraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln, the virtues of prudence and moderation, and exploring the ways in which Lincoln’s thought on labor and property resonates with the church’s social doctrine, are the topic on this episode with special guest Jon Schaff, Professor of Political Science at Northern State University.2019-11-0829 minFaith and PoliticsRespect Life MonthEmily Leedom, Director of Marriage, Family and Respect Life for the diocese of Sioux Falls, is our guest on this episode. October is Respect Life Month! Emily gets in depth about her most recent read, The Soul of the Apostolate by Jean-Baptiste Chautard, O.C.S.O.2019-10-1625 minFaith and PoliticsCommercial SurrogacyMs. Jennifer Lahl is a pediatric nurse, bioethicist, president of the Center for Bioethics & Culture, documentary filmmaker, and international expert on commercial surrogacy. In the inaugural episode, she tells the story of Kelly Martinez, a South Dakota woman and three-time commercial surrogate.2019-10-0229 min
Big Gay Fiction PodcastInterviews: Kris Jacen, Lucy Lennox & Michael Pauley, Poppy Dennison, Markie MasseyIn the final bonus episode from GRL 2018 we have four interviews. Kris Jacen tell us about Loving Loch and what's coming up in her For Meseries. Lucy Lennox and Michael Pauley discuss their partnership working on the audiobooks for the Marian and Wilde universes. Lucy also has the scoop on the new Heart 2 Heart charity anthology that's coming November 13. Poppy Dennison reveals her new alter ego: Macy Blake. She's got details on the Chosen series. We also catch up with Markie Massey from the Top 2 BOTM Podcast about the show's recent anniversar...2018-10-2141 min