The Open Door
The Open Door is a Catholic podcast that explores topics ranging from art and politics to foreign policy and technology, always through the lens of Church doctrine and intellectual tradition. The show aims to be an intellectual and spiritual feast for Catholics and others seeking thoughtful discussion about the world and all of reality.
Episodes
Episode 324: John Rao on his book Americanism & the Collapse of the Church in the United States (October 14, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski interview John Rao on his book Americanism & the Collapse of the Church in the United States.Americanism is a term that appears to express nothing more than a devotion to America. In reality, however, it teaches principles and a way of life that pose, and always have posed, a threat to the Chu
Episode 323: Fr. Kyle Washut on What Makes for a Truly Catholic Transformative Education (September 30, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder interview Kyle Washut on What Makes for a Truly Catholic Transformative Education. (September 30, 2026)American higher education is big business: specialized, politicized, and increasingly disconnected from the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Many colleges and universities have become little more than diploma
Episode 322: Gerry Turcotte on the Concept of Liminality, or the Spaces In-Between (September 2, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Gerry Turcotte, President & Principal, St Mark's College & Corpus Christi College, Vancouver, British Columbia, about the concept of liminality.Gerry is the author of The Space Between, available at The Space Between by Gerry Turcotte | En Route Books and MediaThe Space Between b
Episode 321: Jeb Smith, author of Missing Monarchy (August 14, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Jeb Smith, author of Missing Monarchy: Correcting Misconceptions About The Middle Ages, Medieval Kingship, Democracy, And Liberty.When you think of democracy, what comes to mind? Comparing democracy to monarchy, are you thankful to be living free rather than suffering oppression under a
Episode 320: Matthew Vander Vennet on the Sacra Doctrina Project (July 22, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Matthew Vander Vennet about the Sacra Doctrina project.What is the Sacra Doctrina project?What do you see in the current practice of theology that needs correction or enhancement?On your website you speak of "speculative theology" as the foundation for theology. In current usage speculative generally means ma
Episode 319: The Open Door with Dr. Virginia Arbery on Nationalism (July 1, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder talk with Virginia Arbery about Nationalism.
Episode 318: Jared Staudt, editor of The American Catholic Land Movement (June 10, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Jared Staudt, editor of The American Catholic Land Movement (June 10, 2026)
Episode 317: Dr. Richard Spinello on the Essential Role of Philosophy in Catholic Theology (May 20, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Richard Spinello, a professor at Boston College, on the relationship between philosophy and theology, particularly within the Catholic tradition.Spinello emphasized the importance of philosophy in theological education, highlighting the need for a solid philosophical foundation, especial
Episode 316: Fr. Richard O Connor on Dialectics (April 29, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski talk with Fr. Richard O Connor on Dialectics.
Episode 315: Fr. Richard O Connor on his book Pastoral Lessons (April 8, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski interview Fr. Richard O Connor on his book Pastoral Lessons: A Study in Pastoral Theology, Theory and Practice (April 8, 2026). This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the priestly vocation in light of Christ’s threefold office as King, Prophet, and Priest. Drawing from Scripture, Vatican II, the Ca
Episode 314: David Lyons, Columbus, OH, Office of Catholic Advocacy and Social Doctrine (March 12, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview David Lyons, Director of the Office of Catholic Advocacy and Social Doctrine for the Columbus diocese.This article https://catholictimescolumbus.org/local/human-life-and-the-social-order-the-work-of-the-office-of-catholic-advocacy-social-doctrine/ highlights some of his work. The panel f
Episode 313: The Panelists on Just War Theory (February 16, 2026)
What exactly does the Church's just war teaching entail? For governments and for citizens, whether in the military or not? What might be relevant here from the conventions or treaties enacted since the 19th century which are examples of positive law but also efforts to specify what's obligated by natural law?Fr. Stratmann writes that "If we consider the conditions which justify a war from the stan
Episode 312: Fr. Jacek Norkowski and Stephen Blendell on Homeopathy (January 28, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Fr. Jacek Norkowski and Stephen Blendell on Homeopathy.Some questions asked:What is homeopathy? What is its history?How does it differ from allopathic medicine? What are the philosophical bases of both systems? Why might a Catholic prefer homeopathy because of the Thomistic philosophical
Episode 311: Paul List on his book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed (January 7, 2026)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Paul List on his book co-authored with Ali Ghaffari entitled Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed.J.R.R. Tolkien stated that he wrote his mythology to be enjoyed by readers - and yet, that was only the beginning. But are there more to Tolkien's words beyond the "fairy tale?"For decades, in
Episode 310: Panel Discussion on Why People Leave the Church (December 10, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder hold a panel discussion on why people leave the Church.
Episode 309: Dr. Virginia Arbery and George Hawley on the book Catholics and the American Polity (November 19, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Dr. Virginia Arbery & George Hawley on a book co-edited by Pieter Vree and Thomas Storck entitled Catholics and the American Polity: Approaches & Contestations."Anti-Catholicism is one of the distinguishing marks of American history. Today, as the Church's institutional influence
Episode 308: Felix Corley on his book Catholicos and Commissar (October 29, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Felix Corley on his book Catholicos and Commissar: The Armenian Church under the Soviet Regime (October29, 2025)Part of a two-volume set, this volume explores the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church under Soviet rule. Initially flourishing across the Russian Empire, the Church brief
Episode 307: Matteo Mazzariol on Distributism (October 8, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Matteo Mazzariol on Distributism (October 8, 2025)For a copy of the flyer for the 1st international course on distributism, see https://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1st-International-Course-on-Distributism.pdf
Episode 306: Fr. Maxim Morariu talks about the situation in Romania (September 18, 2025)
WCAT TV is an en air wing of En Route Books and Media working with WCAT Radio to share the joys of the Catholic faith. To support the station, please visit our Patreon account at https://www.patreon.com/wcatradioIn this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder speak with Fr. Maxim Morariu, a prominent Romanian Orthodox theologian, cleric, scholar, and cultural figu
Episode 305: Karl Schmude, President of the Australian Chesterton Society (August 27, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder interview Karl Schmude, President of the Australian Chesterton Society.Among the questions they ask are the following:Australia is I think the most recent major country of European culture to be established, i.e., in the late 18th century, after a century and more of secularization in Europe, and then for a time was
Episode 304: Dann Aungst on his Facilitator Guide entitled Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity (August 6, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski interview Dann Aungst on his Facilitator Guide entitled Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity, designed to run small groups utilizing the Winning the Battle book by Road to Purity.https://www.amazon.com/Winning-battle-sexual-purity-Facilitator/dp/B0F5NQQB4F/Questions asked:Can you tell our viewers
Episode 303: Neal Flesher on his book Modern Chains: The Invisible Shackles of Economic Slavery (July 16, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Neal Flesher about his book Modern Chains: The Invisible Shackles of Economic Slavery.Modern Chains examines a truth we have been conditioned to ignore: our financial system functions as a silent mechanism of enslavement. Drawing on centuries of history, philosophy, and moral reasoning,
Episode 302: Matthew Tsakanikas on his book A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries (June 25, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Matthew Tsakanikas on his book A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries.This book is a catechetical exploration of Christian deification, deeply rooted in the theological insights of Saint Athanasius and other Church Fathers. The work connects the mysteries of the
Episode 301: Carlo Lancellotti, author of Touchstone article entitled "America vs. Europe: Two Roads to Totalitarianism" (June 4, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski interview Carlo Lancellotti, author of Touchstone article entitled "America vs. Europe: Two Roads to Totalitarianism" (June 4, 2025)Questions asked:1. In your article you argue that although Europe was ahead of the US in terms of "overt" secularization, American "cultural de-Christianization" actu
Episode 300: On Religion in the United States (May 14, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder discuss religion in the United States. (May 14, 2025)
Episode 299: Christopher Reilly on his book AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil (April 2, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Christopher Reilly on his book AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil. (April 2, 2025)Artificial intelligence technology (AI) motivates persons’ engagement in sin. With this startling argument drawn from Catholic theology and technological insight, Christopher M. Reilly, Th.D.
Episode 298: Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski Discuss Politics (March 12, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Christopher Zehnder, and Andrew Sorokowski Discuss Politics (March 12, 2025)
Episode 297: Hyrum Lewis on The Myth of Left and Right (February 19, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Hyrum Lewis on the Left/Right Binary. Can you explain the thesis of your book? Why do you speak of the Left and Right as being a myth?How did you come to see through the Left/Right binary? Given some of the obvious counter-examples to the prevailing narrative, why is it so established an
Episode 296: Gideon Lazar on the St. Basil Institute (January 31, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder speak with Gideon Lazar, the Coordinator of the St. Basil Institute.They ask the following questions: You are the coordinator of the St Basil Institute which your website describes as "A think tank dedicated to the renewal of theological discourse on the doctrine of creation within the Catholic Ch
Episode 295: Vicente Hargous, attorney, Professor of Constitutional Law in the Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile (January 8, 2025)
In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder interview Vicente Hargous, attorney, Professor of Constitutional Law in the Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile, and editor of the online review, Suroeste. https://revistasuroeste.cl/1. On your website you write regarding Hispanic America that, "It is not difficult to find our land on maps, where we are, but to understan
Episode 294: Christopher Villiers on his book Versing the Mystery: Poems (December 11, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Christopher Villiers on his book Versing the Mystery: Poems (December 11, 2024)This collection of poems verses the mystery of God and Creation. Exploring the stories and characters of Scripture, Classical history and myth, the reader confronts the glory of God and is plunged into the dep
Episode 293: JonMarc Grodi of the Coming Home Network (November 20, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Andrew Sorokowski interview JonMarc Grodi of the Coming Home Network. Some of the questions asked include the following: What is the Coming Home Network and how did it begin?How successful has it been? Do you have statistics on home many non-Catholics you've helped bring into the Church?What are the chief obstacles in your experience th
Episode 292: Matthew Tsakanikas on Christian Zionism and its Theological Distortions (October 30, 2024)
In this episode, the panelists of The Open Door talk with Matthew Tsakanikas on Christian Zionism and its Theological Distortions (October 30, 2024)1. What is Zionism, and what specifically, is religious or Christian Zionism? 2. Why is it a theological error? How does it misread the Bible, particularly passages such as Romans 11:29?3. What are its origins?4. Does it have much presence outside th
Episode 291: Fr. Piotr Mazurkiewicz on the Immigration Question in his Two Towers and a Minaret (August 21, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Valerie Niemeyer, and Christopher Zehnder discuss the multi-faceted issue of immigration. How can we better understand the new waves of immigrants, whether in the United States or Europe? What does the Church teach about the ethical issues that come into play? How can we assess the politics of immigration? What role should our parishes play a
Episode 290: Christine Myers Miller on Servant of God Romano Guardini (August 7, 2024)
This week on The Open Door (August 7th) we will explore the thought of Servant of God Romano Guardini, a widely influential theologian whom both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis deeply admired. So did Flannery O’Connor! Guardini is often thought of as a unifying figure in the Church. Our welcome guest is Christine Myers Miller. She is a graduate of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studi
Episode 289: Andrew Mioni on the Catholic Traditionalist Movement (July 24, 2024)
On this episode of The Open Door (July 24), panelists Jim Hanink, Valerie Niemeyer, and Christopher Zehnder discuss the Catholic traditionalist movement. Our special focus will be “independent” traditionalists. How do they differ from other traditionalists? What leads them to “LeFebvreism”? What can we learn from the ongoing debate about the movement’s role in the Church? Our welcome guest is Andr
Episode 288: Donald Boland, David Cooney, John Médaille, Garrick Small, and Thomas Storck on Money, Markets and Morals (July 10, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Valerie Niemeyer, and Christopher Zehnder discuss Catholic social thought and economics. That means taking a long, hard look at capitalism in practice and the dominance of corporations. We’ll explore the nature of usury and what’s at issue in a fair wage. We’ll consider the State as a political community and the family as the cornerstone of s
Episode 287: Msgr. Patrick Gaalaas on the Ministry of the Spiritual Director (June 26, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door (June 26), panelists Jim Hanink, Christopher Zehnder, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss the role of spiritual direction. Just what is it? What is the ministry of the spiritual director? Our special and welcome guest is Msgr. Patrick Gaalaas. He is a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. Msgr. Gaalaas retired from parish work in 2022 at the age of 75. But
Episode 286: Christopher Zehnder, the General Editor for the Catholic Textbook Project (June 12, 2024)
This week on The Open Door (June 12) we complete our series on education. Our focus is developing Catholic textbooks that give history its deepest perspective. Our welcome guest is Christopher Zehnder, M.A. He is the General Editor for the Catholic Textbook Project. A graduate of Thomas Aquinas College, he has worked as a graphic artist, journalist, school headmaster, and teacher of history, liter
Episode 285: Tom Venzor on the work of the State Catholic Conference Directors (May 29, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door (May 29, 2024), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer talk about the work of State Catholic Conference Directors. Our focus will be on the role that they can play in developing Catholic education. Our welcome guest is Tom Venzor. He has served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference since 2016. Prior to this, he served
Episode 284: Dcn.Omar Gutiérrez, President and Executive Director of the Evangelium Institute (May 15, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer continue our discussion of education. We’ll focus on preparing, and supporting, Catholic school teachers. Our welcome guest is Deacon Omar Gutiérrez, the President and Executive Director of the Evangelium Institute. An expert on Catholic Social Teaching, he has been published in many print and online pe
Episode 283: Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur of Today's Catholic Homeschooling Website (May 1, 2024)
Here at The Open Door, we are turning our attention to education for the next few episodes. This week (May 1) we will consider the growing trend of homeschooling. Our special guest is Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur. She is a lifelong Catholic who has been homeschooling her three children, two of whom are grown, for 17 years. In a welcome effort to provide both information and inspiration for homeschool
Episode 282: John A. Di Camillo, PhD, BeL., an Ethicist and Personal Consultations Director at The NCBC (April 17, 2024)
On this episode of The Open Door (April 17th), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss medical ethics. Our focus will be the debate about the criteria for brain death. Our special guest is John A. Di Camillo, PhD, BeL. He is an Ethicist and the Personal Consultations Director at The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). He manages its 24/7 free ethics consultatio
Episode 281: Peter Sonski the Politics of the Presidency and Vice Presidency (April 3, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss the politics of the presidency and vice presidency. November, and with it the national election, is not so far off. The Biden vs. Trump rematch is officially scheduled. Here at The Open Door we want to think outside the duopoly’s binary box. That means checking in on the candidates of the Americ
Episode 280: Karina Fabian on The Catholic Writers Guild (March 20, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink and Valerie Niemeyer interview Karina Fabian, the president of The Catholic Writers Guild. (March 20, 2024)We discuss all things literary. For a start, was Walker Percy, as a naysayer claimed, the last Catholic novelist? We don’t think so. And what’s the range of the “literary”? It includes, of course, non-fiction. It welcomes poets and dramat
Episode 279: Richard Spinello on Edith Stein, Jacques Maritain, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Woytyla (March 6, 2024)
On this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss four giants of 20th century Catholic thought: Edith Stein, Jacques Maritain, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Wojtyla (St. John Paul II). Our welcome guest is Prof. Rick Spinello. He teaches at Boston College and St. John’s Seminary in Boston. The author of numerous scholarly articles on ethic
Episode 278: Pedro Gabriel on the Role of Tradition in Forming Catholic Teaching (March 4, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door (Monday, March 4th) we’ll discuss the role of tradition in forming Catholic teaching. Some argue that Pope Francis overlooks the normative role of tradition. Others argue that some papal critics, as well as critics of Vatican Council II, misunderstand the dynamic nature of tradition itself. We’ll discuss, too, the development of doctrine and what it means. Our gues
Episode 277: Jeff Culbreath on Religion and Politics (February 7, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door (February 7th, 2024), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes and Valerie Niemeyer continue to discuss two unmentionables: Religion and Politics! Our welcome guest is Jeff Culbreath, a married father of six residing in the obscure suburbs of Sacramento. He works in the apparel industry, drives his busy kids around, and tries to be a low-maintenance husband to his h
Episode 276: Eilev Hegstad of Norway, editor of "Kristendemokrati" (January 24, 2024)
This week on The Open Door (January 24th) we virtually visit Norway. What’s going on with Christian Democracy there and in nearby Sweden? What sources do our Scandinavian friends draw on to build a creative alternative to politics as usual? What sources do we in the US share with them? Our welcome and special guest is Eilev Hegstad. He is working on a PhD with the title "The role of ethics committ
Episode 275: Mark Ruzon, American Solidarity Party Candidate for the US Senate from California (January 10, 2024)
In this episode of The Open Door (January 10), panelists Jim Hanink and Valerie Niemeyer talk about what’s involved in running for the Senate of the United States. What motivates a candidate to do so? What are the technical requirements? How much money does it take to mount a campaign? Need serious Christians apply for the job? Our special and welcome guest is Mark Ruzon. Yes, he is a candidate fo
Episode 274: Marcos Lopez, Chair of the American Solidarity Party, on the 2024 Campaign (December 13, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door (December 13th), panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes discuss the progress of the American Solidarity Party and the current presidential and vice presidential campaign of Peter Sonski and Lauren Onak. Our special and welcome guest is Marcos Lopez, the Chair of the American Solidarity Party. A first generation Cuban-American, he is a husband and a father of tw
Episode 273: Dr. Matthew Minerd on the art of translation, Eastern Catholicism, Thomism & Ressourcement Theology, Part 2 (November 29, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (November 29th), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer continue their discussion of the art of translation, Eastern Catholicism, and the relation between Thomism and Ressourcement theology with special and returning guest Professor Matthew Minerd. He is a Ruthenian Catholic, raised Roman Catholic in a mixed American-Slavic and Appalachian cultural
Episode 272: Dr. Matthew Minerd on the art of translation, Eastern Catholicism, Thomism & Ressourcement Theology, Part 1 (November 15, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (November 15th), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss the art of translation, Eastern Catholicism, and the relation between Thomism and Ressourcement theology. Our special guest is Professor Matthew Minerd. He is a Ruthenian Catholic, raised Roman Catholic in a mixed American-Slavic and Appalachian cultural context in Southwestern Pennsyl
Episode 271: Prof. Timothy Samuel Shah on India, Religious Freedom, and Thomism (November 1, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (November 1st), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss India, religious freedom, and Thomism. Our distinguished and welcome guest is Prof. Timothy Samuel Shah of the University of Dallas. By training and personal passion, he is a scholar of politics and political philosophy, specializing in religion and global politics, religious freedom, a
Episode 270: Patrick Flynn with The Best Argument for God, Part II (October 18, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (October 18), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer dig deeper into arguments for and against the existence of God. These arguments matter greatly, and we think they have a necessary place in Christian evangelization. Is Christianity true? We confess that it is! But if God doesn’t exist, then it is not. Our welcome and returning guest is Patrick F
Episode 269: Patrick Flynn with The Best Argument for God, Part I (October 4, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (October 4th), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss arguments for and against the existence of God. We think that these arguments matter, and we want to think hard about them. After all, we want to know whether Christianity is true, and if God doesn’t exist then it isn’t! Our welcome guest is Patrick Flynn. He’s the author of the new book
Episode 268: Andrew Kubick and Nathaniel Hurd, both of the Religious Freedom Institute (September 20, 2023)
This week (September 20th ) on The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer will discuss religious freedom. Our special guests are Andrew Kubick and Nathaniel Hurd, both of the Religious Freedom Institute.Kubick is Deputy Director, National Center for Religious Freedom Education, and a Research Fellow in Bioethics and Medical Conscience. He has a Ph.D. in Bioethics
Episode 267: Jo Massarelli on Social Role Valorization in Response to the Needs of the Homeless (September 6, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss how to best respond to people who are devalued due to intellectual or physical impairment, mental disorders, age, and poverty. Our welcome guest is Jo Massarelli. She leads Social Role Valorization workshops both in the United States and internationally. She has also evaluated dozens of human se
Episode 266: Sebastian Mahfood, the Life and Times of a Peripatetic Producer (August 23, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door , without special fuss, and certainly without making a scene, we’ll explore the life and times of the man behind the scenes. Our welcome guest is our producer and, indeed, the producer of the full range of WCAT Radio & Television programs. The President of En Route Books and Media, the peripatetic Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Ph.D., will join us! Though his heart is
Episode 265: Lauren Onak, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the American Solidarity Party (August 9, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door , panelists Jim Hanink and Valierie Niemeyer interview Lauren Onak, the new vice presidential candidate of the American Solidarity Party. Lauren was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She studied English Literature at Barnard College of Columbia University and received a Masters in Adolescent Education from Hunter College. Onak is a stay at home mom to thr
Episode 264: Susanna Spencer on Children's Literature, Writing for a Popular Audience, and Lady Philosophy (July 26, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door (July 26th), panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes talk about children’s literature, writing for a popular audience, and Lady Philosophy. Our guest is Susanna Spencer. She has a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Spencer is both a writer and the content and theological editor for Blessed is She. In addition, she co-authored the chi
Episode 263: Thomas Storck on his The Prosperity Gospel: How Greed and Bad Philosophy Distorted Christ's Teachings (July 12, 2023)
On this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss “the prosperity Gospel” as the tip of an unholy alliance between individualism in theology and philosophy and capitalism in economics. This alliance reaches into the larger culture, including education, science, and the arts. We have a welcome and returning guest, Thomas Storck, to help us. He’s
Episode 262: Prof. Paul Julienne on the Thomist Perspective of the Faith/Science Relationship (June 28, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer explore the relation between faith and science from the perspective of philosophy, especially Thomism. Our welcome guest is Prof. Paul Julienne. He is a groundbreaking quantum physics researcher long affiliated with the Joint Quantum Institute at the University of Maryland. He was recently elected a mem
Episode 261: Monica Migliorino Miller on the Personhood of the Pre-Born Human Being (June 14, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (June 14 th ), panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer discuss the ongoing pro-life struggle. There’s much to consider. We’ll explore the role of nonviolent direct action. In addition, we’ll tackle the question of the personhood of the pre-born human being. Of late, Pope Francis has commented on this question. Our special guest is Monica Migliorino
Episode 260: Daniel Philpott on Racism and Reparations (May 31, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes discuss racial reparations. Our special and returning guest is Daniel Philpott, Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. He specializes in religion and global politics with a focus on reconciliation, the political behavior of religious actors, and Christian political theology. His books include Revo
Episode 259: Dr. Marc Tumeinski on a Theology of Disability (May 10, 2023)
Next up on The Open Door (May 10th), we discuss a theology of disability and its philosophical commitments. How is it that we can best see and serve disabled persons? What lessons can they, in turn, teach us? Our welcome guest is Dr. Marc Tumeinski of Anna Maria College and Holy Apostles College and Seminary. His doctoral research brought together in ecumenical dialogue the writings of Joseph Ratz
Episode 258: Peter Sonski, a Candidate for the Party’s 2024 Presidential Nomination (April 26, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Valerie Niemeyer interview Peter Sonski concerning his candidacy for the American Solidarity Party’s 2024 Presidential Nomination (April 26, 2023)This week on The Open Door (April 26) we advance our discussion of politics, America’s daunting needs, and the dynamics of the American Solidarity Party. Our welcome guest is
Episode 257: Mike Vick, a Candidate for the American Solidarity Party's Presidential Nomination (April 12, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (April 11) we discuss journalism and politics, bringing a Christian perspective to the Public Square, and the American Solidarity Party's presidential primary race. Our welcome guest is Chicago's Mike Vick, a candidate for the ASP's presidential nomination.Our questions will include the following.Mike, could you please tell us about your educational and professional back
Episode 256: Rita Mahdessian on the Christians in Need Foundation (CINF) (March 22, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (March 22, 2023), panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes discuss the Christians in Need Foundation (CINF). Its mission is to preserve ancient Christian traditions so that they may continue to inform the communities to which they belong, especially in the Middle East and Caucasus. Its special focus is the Armenians in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that lies
Episode 255: Br. Carmel Duca, MC, on his book Brother Andrew (March 1, 2023)
WCAT TV is an en air wing of En Route Books and Media working with WCAT Radio to share the joys of the Catholic faith. To support the station, please visit our Patreon account at https://www.patreon.com/wcatradioNext up on The Open Door (March 1st) we discuss the life and legacy of Brother Andrew, the co-founder with St. Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers. Our welcome and specia
Episode 254: Kevin Hood Gary, a professor of education at Valparaiso University, on his book Why Boredom Matters (February 15, 2023)
This week on The Open Door (February 15) we discuss the phenomenon of boredom. We’re especially interested in its effects on education. Our special guest is Kevin Hood Gary, a professor of education at Valparaiso University. He is co-founder of the North American Association for Philosophy of Education. The Association provides a forum for scholars working at the intersection of philosophy and edu
Episode 253: Dr. Thomas Sheahen and Dr. Thomas Storck on Everywhen: God, Symmetry, and Time (February 8, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes talk with Dr. Thomas Sheahen and Dr. Thomas Storck on Everywhen: God, Symmetry, and Time (February 8, 2023)Welcome to The Open Door. On our next program (February , we explore the relationship between faith and science. Our welcome guest is Thomas P. Sheahen. He holds a Ph.D. degree in physics from the Massachusetts Insti
Episode 252: Dr. Jane Adolph and Dr. Robert Fastiggi on Clerical Sexual Misconduct (January 18, 2023)
In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes discuss the ongoing tragedy of clerical sexual abuse. They examine its contributing factors and its consequences. Our special and welcome guests are Jane F. Adolphe and Robert Fastiggi. They are co-editors of Clerical Sexual Misconduct: An Interdisciplinary Analysis. Adolphe is Professor of Law at Ave Maria School of Law,
Episode 251: Dr. George Mychaskiw and Rene Trabanino on the St. Padre Pio College of Osteopathic Medicine (January 11, 2023)
On this episode of The Open Door, Jim Hanink discusses with Dr. George Mychaskiw and Rene Trabanino the ambitious plans for a greatly needed new Catholic Medical School. The Mission of the St. Padre Pio College of Osteopathic Medicine is to treat the sick, relieve suffering, and in doing so announce the Good News. Dr. Mychaskiw is the College’s founding president and chief executive officer. The q
Episode 250: Dr Alan Fimister, Assistant Professor of Theology, Holy Apostles College & Seminary (December 14, 2022)
Welcome to The Open Door. Coming next, Wednesday (12/14), we discuss theology, history, and politics. Our welcome guest is Alan Fimister, Assistant Professor of Theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He read Modern History at Oxford University and took his PhD at the University of Aberdeen, writing on the influence of Thomistic political theory on early European integration. Dr. Fimister
Episode 249: Rick Clements speaking on Von Balthasar in his The Meaning of the World is Love (November 23, 2022)
This week (November 23rd) on The Open Door we will introduce and explore the work of Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988), widely considered one of the most significant theologians of the century. His major multi-volume theological works are The Glory of the Lord, Theo-Drama and Theo-Logic. Our welcome guest is the psychologist, Richard Clements. He is the author of The Meaning of the World Is Love:
Episode 248: Virgil Gheorghiu’s La Condottiera with Inez Fitzgerald Storck, Iuliu-Marius Morariu, and Thierry Gillyboeuf (November 9, 2022)
Today (November 9th) on The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes discuss an extraordinary murder mystery! Virgil Gheorghiu’s La Condottiera is the tale of a heinous crime set amid the terrible suffering of the Romanian people under Communism. Gheorghiu’s language is starkly poetic as he charts the circles of a modern hell. With her translation of this powerful work, Inez Fitzgeral
Episode 247: Professor Callum Scott on being a Catholic Philosopher in South Africa (November 2, 2022)
In this episode of The Open Door, Professor Callum Scott on being a Catholic Philosopher in South Africa (November 2, 2022)This week (November 2nd) on The Open Door we’ll discuss Thomism and…South Africa! Context counts, so we’ll also be talking about Catholicism in South Africa. We’re looking forward to our first virtual visit to this beautiful and fascinating country. Our welcome and special gue
Episode 246: Thomas M. Ward, Professor of Philosophy, on Affordability and Federal Interference in Higher Education (October 19, 2022)
This week on The Open Door (Oct. 19th) we explore two crises in higher education. The first is affordability for students. The second is federal interference in colleges and universities. But crises call for thoughtful responses. One such response is the development of Great Books colleges. Our special guest is Thomas M. Ward, a professor of philosophy at Baylor University. He is also the author o
Episode 245: Mike Brinda on Parish Management in Light of the Catholic Intellectual and Spiritual Tradition (October 5, 2022)
This week (October 5th) on The Open Door we discuss parish management in light of theCatholic intellectual and spiritual tradition. Our welcome guest is Michael Brinda,successful entrepreneur and author of Parish Management and Operations: The BuckStops Here (En Route Books and Media, 2021). He founded New Horizons ComputerLearning Centers in 1982 and franchised New Horizons around the world. Afte
