Today on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff is joined by Costanza Miriano, an Italian wife, mother of four and internationally known blogger with more than 3 million readers. Costanza shares insights from her new book, Blessed is the Day We “Got It Wrong”, which reflects on the beauty, humor and grace found in the messy, imperfect moments of family life. Her book offers a witty, practical and deeply spiritual guide to thriving in marriage, drawing from her own experiences and real-life stories. With humor and honesty, she explains why holiness grows through struggle, why spouses should stop trying to change each other and how prayer strengthens marital love. Miriano also outlines ten “maintenance rules” for keeping love alive, navigating crises and supporting a spouse through challenges. Together, Deacon Geoff and Costanza explore how embracing our limitations opens the door to holiness, why joy grows when we stop trying to control everything, and how family life becomes a school of love when lived with trust in God. She also highlights the value of embracing the Cross, overcoming obstacles to conversion and presenting a unified front in parenting. If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it here.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Raquel Rose—wife, mom, school-counselor-turned-entrepreneur and passionate advocate for life. As a young college student, Raquel found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy at age 21, a moment she describes as terrifying and isolating. But at the same time, she experienced an encounter with the Eucharist that brought healing, hope and a decisive turn toward choosing life. From this thorny season emerged The Little Rose Shop—a creative storefront born out of faith, crafted items and the desire to bring the Gospel into the everyday. Her daughter became “the rose to her thorns,” and the business name is a tribute to the fact that what appeared painful became fruitful. She shares about how The Little Rose Shop doesn’t just design cute faith-inspired products, but builds a vision of pro-life that reaches from the unborn child to the marginalized person, from the home to the marketplace. Whether you’re a mom, a business person, a church-goer, or someone who simply values life and hope, Raquel’s story is an invitation: say yes to what seems scary, trust God’s plan and let your every-day gifts become part of a larger mission. Tune in to hear how the “little rose” of her life has blossomed into a movement for dignity and life in every season. Visit the The Little Rose Shop at thelittleroseshop.com.

In this week's Respect Life Radio, we have weekly guest Gabriel Garnica, Catholic writer, spiritual director and law professor to discuss the spiritual warfare that lies beneath some of today's most pressing social issues. Within the interview, Deacon Geoff highlights Gabriel's article written in the Catholic Stand titled, "Distraction and Misdirection: The Demonic Shell Game". Gabriel unpacks how a tactic of spiritual warfare of "smoke and mirrors" leads individuals to experience misdirection, false narratives and emotional pain. This can prolongs the state of proper regulation that has the power to perpetuate lasting negative impact. Through sharing his thoughts on the debates of abortion and illegal immigration, he calls listeners to a deeper vigilance, reminding us that these are not just policial issues, but eternal ones. Gabriel drives the importance of growing in critical thinking skills and to ponder the narratives that are often presented within society to deepen our ability to respond with a firm and steadfast love. Tune in for a profound conversation on how Christians can discern the real threat and resist the shell game of deception.  To read the full article visit: https://catholicstand.com/distraction-and-misdirection-the-demonic-shell-game/

This week on Respect Life Radio, join us for an engaging conversation with Msgr. Laurence Spiteri as he explores his newly-released book Newman for Our Time: Saint, Scholar, and Doctor of the Church. He delves into the life and legacy of St. John Henry Newman—recently declared a Doctor of the Church—and draws out how Newman’s call to truth, conscience, and conversion speaks powerfully into today’s culture of life and dignity. Msgr. Spiteri shares, “We do not have to give up to be like Christ but have to open up our entire life and all of its aspects so Christ can take it over”. For Newman, his conversion embodies a journey that we all are called to embrace. Every step taken towards Christ, is a step towards wholeness, communion and fulfillment that leads to mission here on Earth. Tune in for a powerful look at how Newman’s heart-to-heart dialogue with God and humanity continues to inspire faithful living in our time. To learn more about Msgr. Laurence and to purchase his new book visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/newman-for-our-time/

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff Bennett welcomes Carolyn McKinney, a Catholic wife, mother, and business owner, to discuss her recent Catholic Exchange article, “What I Hope My Sons Will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk.” McKinney shares how reflecting on Kirk’s life and recent passing inspired her to consider the kind of men she hopes her sons will become—men of faith, courage, and conviction. She highlights virtues from Kirk’s example that she wants her sons to emulate: an unashamed faith in Christ, deep love for family, courage paired with charity, kindness toward others, and a vision rooted in what is good, true, and beautiful. In conversation with Deacon Geoff, McKinney reflects on the challenge and hope of raising sons in today’s culture, encouraging parents to model faith and virtue at home. While acknowledging the grief that follows the loss of a public figure like Kirk, she expresses confidence that his witness can inspire a new generation to live boldly for the Gospel. The episode ultimately calls listeners to form young people who know their dignity in Christ and live it out with courage, compassion, and conviction—carrying forward a legacy of faith that transforms both family and culture. Read her full article here: What I Hope My Sons Will Learn from the Life of Charlie Kirk

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, hosts Emma and Jennifer welcome Jordan Langdon, Executive Director of Families of Character, a nonprofit dedicated to helping couples parent with confidence by keeping God first, marriage second, and family third. Jordan shares her personal journey of marriage and raising three children, reflecting on how embracing this Christ-centered model transformed her family life. Through seasons of struggle and growth, she and her husband discovered the power of viewing family as a team—one rooted in love, joy, and mutual service. Jordan also emphasizes the importance of prayer, and how transformative it is in the foundation of marriage and family life. Families of Character offers practical tools for couples seeking to strengthen their marriages and live out their vocation with purpose. To learn more or explore the Thriving Family Accelerator Program or inquire about speaker opportunities, visit familiesofcharacter.com or contact Jordan at jordan@familiesofcharacter.com.

Join us this week on Respect Life Radio as we welcome back David Bonagura Jr., author of 100 Tough Questions for Catholics: Common Obstacles to Faith Today and adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Catholic International University. This episode dives into his recent essay for Catholic Exchange, “The Obligation of the Conscience,”—an adaptation from his introduction to Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning (Sophia Institute Press). In his essay Bonagura writes: “Conscience, in recent decades, has been recast as an argument for relativism and a shield to cover one’s immoral choices. … ‘I know that the Church teaches this act is wrong, but my conscience tells me that it is okay, so therefore I’m going to do it.’” In our conversation we go deeper into questions like: What does the Church mean by the “obligation of conscience”? How do we properly form our conscience through study, prayer and engagement with Church teaching? What happens when conscience is mis‑formed or abused in the face of cultural relativism? How does this relate to life issues, moral decisions and a Catholic’s adherence to truth—not merely personal preference? Whether you’re navigating complex cultural questions or looking to deepen your understanding of Catholic moral life, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for forming a conscience rooted in truth and faith. Tune in and deepen your understanding of why conscience is not just “what I feel,” but a sacred responsibility to live in alignment with God’s law. 

This week on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff sits down with Dr. Anne Hendershott to dig deeper into her Crisis Magazine essay, “Symbols of Disruption: The Demonic in an Age of Uncertainty.” In our conversation, Dr. Hendershott reflects on why horned figures, occult motifs and other disruptive symbols are not just aesthetic trends — she argues they are signs of spiritual dislocation in a culture floundering for identity. “We are living in an age where the demonic isn’t hidden — it’s performing, it’s presenting itself publicly,” she notes, underscoring the urgency of perceiving symbolism as a spiritual battleground. Dr. Hendershott also warns against reducing demonic influence to archetypes or metaphors. She reminds us instead that spiritual evil aims to destabilize truth, confuse identity, and separate us from a transcendent moral order. In responding to this, she emphasizes discernment, sacramental life and a renewed awareness that evil often works through symbols, narratives and cultural gestures before manifesting overtly. To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/symbols-of-disruption-the-demonic-in-an-age-of-uncertainty

In this rich conversation on Respect Life Radio, Greg Schlueter puts emotional intelligence at the heart of what it means to live out faith in our era. Drawing on his recent article, “Emotional Intelligence and the Reformation of the Catholic Heart,” Greg challenges us to move beyond performative religion toward a lived, interior transformation that is relational, vulnerable and steeped in grace. Greg points to the example of Archbishop Alexander Sample’s public apology and emotional honesty as a sign of what a mature, emotionally integrated leadership looks like — one that brings healing, authenticity and holiness.  Listeners are invited into practical ways to reclaim emotional formation in everyday life: Recognizing and expressing interior pain rather than masking it.  Cultivating emotional availability in families, in parish life, in leadership.  Allowing sacramental life and prayer to engage not just the mind or ritual, but the wounds, longings and heart’s truth.  If you’re looking for faith that is more than external conformity — if you long for a Church and a heart that breathe, suffer, repent, forgive and love — this episode is for you. Be inspired to let your emotional life be part of your journey toward holiness, not something to hide.  To read the full article visit: Catholic Exchange.

On this episode of Respect Life Radio, we are joined by Teresa Gomez, Program Manager for the new Marisol Health Mobile Unit. Teresa opens her heart and shares her personal story of facing an unexpected pregnancy at the age of 21. She recalls the fear, uncertainty, and the weight of that life-changing moment—and how the support of her family and community gave her courage to choose life. Her testimony is a reminder of how essential it is for women in crisis to know they are not alone and that love and support can make all the difference. Today, Teresa carries that same spirit of compassion into her work with Marisol Mobile Unit. She explains how the new mobile unit is designed to reach women and families in underserved parts of the community, especially in areas with higher rates of unplanned pregnancies. The unit provides free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and access to a wide range of support services, meeting women right where they are—physically and emotionally. Teresa emphasizes that the goal is not only to offer medical resources, but also to provide hope, dignity, and accompaniment on the journey of motherhood. To learn more about Marisol Mobile, volunteer, or donate visit https://ccdenver.org/marisol-mobile/.

In this episode of Respect Life Radio, we welcome John Preiss, President of the Fatima Family Apostolate, author, and devoted husband and father of ten. John shares his deep insights into Our Lady of Fatima’s urgent message, the power of Eucharistic devotion, and how families can respond to the call for holiness in today’s world. John also reflects on the legacy of Fr. Robert J. Fox, founder of the Fatima Family Apostolate, and highlights Fr. Fox’s powerful book, Eucharist: Heaven and Earth Unite — a profound exploration of the mystery and majesty of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you’re new to the Fatima message or seeking to deepen your Eucharistic devotion, this conversation will inspire and challenge you. To learn more about Fr. Fox's book visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=the-eucharist

This week on Respect Life Radio, we’re honored to welcome Charles D. Fraune, a powerful voice in the realm of Catholic spiritual warfare. Charles is the founder of the Slaying Dragons Apostolate and a seasoned theologian, speaker and author. After ten years of teaching Theology at Christ the King Catholic High School in North Carolina, he now dedicates his life to equipping Catholics for the spiritual battles of our times. In his latest work, Charles draws our attention to one of the greatest gifts God has given us in this fight: the saints. After Jesus and Mary, the saints are our most powerful intercessors. As Charles powerfully explains, when invoked during exorcisms, their presence alone can send demons fleeing. Many of these saints were seasoned warriors themselves—some even exorcists—and their lives offer not just inspiration, but spiritual tools for our own battles. Listeners will learn why Our Lady is described by demons as a “nuclear bomb,” which saints frequently appear during exorcisms, and how relics and holy intercession can break demonic strongholds. Most importantly, Charles emphasizes that the saints—those who overcame vice, temptation, and even demonic assault—are ready to help us do the same. Join us as we explore how invoking the lives and intercession of the saints is not merely devotion, but a critical strategy in the fight for our souls and the souls of those we love. Find more about Charles D. Fraune’s work visit: SlayingDragonsPress.com

This week on Respect Life Radio, Emma Ramirez and Jennifer Torres welcome Briana Zappavigna, Colorado Regional Program Manager for Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL), a nationwide nonprofit bringing peaceful, prayerful presence to abortion facilities across the country. Briana reveals how SAFL’s compassionate approach—meeting women where they are with the model of mom, baby, God—is changing hearts and saving lives. She explains the practical training volunteers receive to engage in conversations marked by love, hope, and truth rather than condemnation or guilt. Briana also offers powerful insights and practical tips for anyone praying outside an abortion clinic, ensuring that their witness remains peaceful, respectful, and law-abiding. Discover how ordinary people are making an extraordinary impact—and how you can be part of it—at sidewalkadvocates.org.

Today on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff is joined by Matthew McKenna, a Ph.D. candidate in Theology at Ave Maria University. McKenna specializes in the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and his dissertation-in-progress examines the unique relationship between the masculine genius and the priesthood. In this conversation, McKenna shares insights from his recent article on the morality of recreational drug use. He and Deacon Geoff explore how such use undermines natural reason, weakens human nature, and damages both body and soul. Drawing from Scripture and tradition, they reflect on God’s original call for humanity to safeguard the gifts of mind and body—reminders that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and called to offer ourselves wholly to Him. For those interested in diving deeper, you can read Matthew’s full article here: Why Recreational Drug Use is Immoral.

In this compelling episode of the Respect Life Radio podcast, Devin Schadt of the Fathers of St. Joseph apostolate invites men into a transformative journey guided by the quiet strength of St. Joseph. Drawing on his apostolate’s four pillars—embrace silence, embrace woman, embrace the child, and embrace charitable authority—Schadt presents a spirituality of fatherhood that equips men to deeply understand and live out their roles as husbands and fathers. These pillars become channels through which fathers embody the face, touch, and voice of the Heavenly Father—especially critical for men seeking a deeper understanding of their role within the Holy Family’s model of love. This episode also shines a spotlight on Schadt’s recent handbook, The Rule: Counsels and Directives for Husbands and Fathers. It distills practical spiritual guidance into short, powerful meditations—rooted in the four pillars of St. Joseph—to help men pray more deliberately, affirm their wives spiritually and emotionally, reflect the Father’s heart to their children and stay vigilant against spiritual threats. It is a must-listen for any man wrestling with what it means to be a husband or father in a faith-filled way. It offers both theologic depth and actionable wisdom grounded in the humble, hidden strength of St. Joseph—faithfully capturing the vocation of earthly fathers who reflect heavenly love.  To purchase Devin's book and to learn more visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-rule/?srsltid=AfmBOorNHpas8te1UW8-xAuQ4dQLFjLvt2w0qg4so-4K9GNK00mvjFoF

Today on Respect Life Radio, Deacon Geoff is joined by Emily Jaminet—Catholic author, speaker, wife, mother, and Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network (www.welcomeHisHeart.com). Together, they explore the transformative power of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Emily shares her own journey of entrusting her family to the Heart of Christ, allowing His love to guide and provide. She also discusses her newest book, Saints of the Sacred Heart, which highlights saints throughout history who were deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart and whose lives were shaped by that devotion. Emily encourages listeners to be living witnesses of this love, especially for their children, by modeling a life dedicated to the Heart of Jesus. Her book is available at Sophia Institute Press.

Today on Respect Life, Deacon Geoff welcomes author Grayson Quay to discuss his new book, The Transhumanist Temptation. Quay examines the growing allure of technologies that threaten to erode the God-given foundations of our humanity. Together, they explore how transhumanist ideology distorts our relationship with our bodies, the created world, politics, work, and ultimately with God Himself. Quay calls us to reclaim our humanity, remain grounded in reality, and defend the divine nature of every person. Purchase the book here: The Transhumanist Temptation – Sophia Institute Press

On this week’s Respect Life Radio, we welcome Senite Sahlezghi, school counselor at Saint John Paul the Great High School in Denver, to discuss the intersection of mental health and the pro-life mission. Senite, a consecrated virgin for the Archdiocese of Denver, shares powerful insights on the emotional and spiritual challenges facing today’s teens, and how authentic love, prayer, and presence can bring hope and healing. Grounded in Catholic social teaching, this episode is a moving reminder that respecting life means walking patiently with others—especially youth—through their struggles. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone working with young people.  Click here learn more about Senite and what consecrated virginity looks like.

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Christopher Rogers, whose recent Catholic Exchange article, "Our Constrained 21st Century American 'God'," challenges us to break free from a cultural reimagining of God that minimizes His sovereignty and grace. Chris reminds us of a central truth: salvation is not automatic—it is a gift offered through grace, one we must remember and respond to daily. Chris is also the author of Virtual Eternity: An Epic 90s-Retro Florida Techno Pro-life Love Story and Conversion Journey, a powerful novel weaving together themes of love, loss, abortion, and redemption, set against the backdrop of 1990s culture. He brings deep insight shaped by his work in engineering, his Catholic faith, and his role as a husband, father, teacher, and Carmelite. To learn more about Chris and read the full article visit: https://catholicexchange.com/our-constrained-21st-century-american-god/

Join us for a powerful episode of Respect Life Radio as we welcome Greg Schlueter—author, speaker, and cultural leader—on a mission to restore faith, family, and freedom. Greg directs communications for the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership and leads Image Trinity, a vibrant movement strengthening marriages and families. He co-hosts the dynamic podcast IGNITE Radio Live with his wife, sparking conversations that move hearts and minds. We’ll explore his recent Crisis Magazine article, The Age of Fragility: Reclaiming Resilience in a Culture of Victimhood, where he challenges the rise of victim culture and calls for a bold return to virtue and strength. He recalls early influence of the keeping relationships at the heart of his and his family's structure that was molded through the teachings of John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. In order to live in the truth, embracing our need for community and encouraging our growth in maturing our understanding of the power of emotions to be rightly ordered.  Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Greg Schlueter—devoted husband, father of seven (one in heaven), and author of The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville, Twelve Roses, and Slaying Giants.  To read the full article visit: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/the-age-of-fragility-reclaiming-resilience-in-a-culture-of-victimhood