Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

A New Wave of Catholic Conversions? - Part 2

| S03 | E06 | In Part 2 of this two-part series of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their exploration of the rise in Catholic conversions across North America and Western Europe. Building on last week’s conversation, they dig deeper into the personal, cultural, and spiritual factors inspiring people to enter the Catholic Church today.

A New Wave of Catholic Conversions? - Part 1

| S03 | E05 | Across North America and Western Europe, Catholic conversions are on the rise. In this episode of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore what’s driving this trend — from the global pandemic and declining trust in institutions to the influence of online voices and the Church’s unique appeal to young men.Discover the factors behind this growing movement and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Faith, Suicide Prevention & MAiD: Mercy, Hope, and Moral Questions (Part 2)

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, while grounding the discussion in the Church’s call to mercy, compassion, and accompaniment. Personal stories and pastoral experiences offer insight into how families and communities can engage these sensitive realities with faith and hope.If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.#CatholicPodcast #SuicidePrevention #MAiD #MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YouAreNotAlone00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Discussing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)01:18 Personal Experiences and Church Teachings02:31 The Complexity of Church Teachings on Mortal Sin06:23 Legal and Moral Implications of Assisted Suicide11:46 Critiquing Civil Documentation and Human Freedom13:51 Euthanasia Laws and Suicide Prevention14:53 The Complexity of Suffering and Autonomy15:35 Societal Implications and Suicide Hotlines15:49 Robin Williams and the Narrative of Freedom17:29 Praying for Those Who Have Taken Their Lives17:53 Resources for Coping with Suicide18:40 The Doctrine of Purgatory and God's Mercy20:29 The Healing Experience of Purgatory23:11 Personal Reflections on Conversion and Purgatory25:25 The Intersection of Justice and Mercy26:06 Final Thoughts and Suicide Prevention Month

Catholic Teaching on Suicide & Mental Health: Hope, Healing, and Misconceptions (Part 1)

TF | S03E03 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the Catholic Church’s compassionate teaching on suicide and mental health. They address common misconceptions—such as the idea that suicide automatically leads to damnation—while highlighting the Church’s nuanced understanding of personal culpability, suffering, and God’s mercy. This conversation also offers practical resources like Canada’s 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline and reflects on how the Church is evolving in pastoral care for individuals and families affected by suicide.
 
Whether you are seeking clarity on Catholic teaching, walking with someone in crisis, or looking for hope in the midst of grief, this episode provides insight, encouragement, and reassurance of God’s healing love.
 
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.
 
#CatholicPodcast #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YoureNotAlone
 
Show Notes:
01:00 Introduction to Thinking Faith podcast
02:23 Introduction to the topic of Suicide Prevention Month
08:28 Catholic Church's teaching on suicide
23:27 How to have conversations about suicide
34:32 Closing remarks

Embracing Spiritual Freedom: Ignatian Discernment & Healthy Decision Making

| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life.Discover practical tools for:- Cultivating healthy detachment- Avoiding occasions of sin- Nurturing desires that align with God’s will- Supporting both mental and spiritual well-beingWhether you’re discerning a major vocation, navigating daily choices, or simply seeking to deepen your faith life, this episode offers insights to help you grow in trust, freedom, and love of God.Share with a friend who could use encouragement in their discernment journey!#CatholicPodcast #IgnatianSpirituality #Discernment #FaithAndFreedom #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith00:00 Introduction and Study on Decision Making02:02 The Paradox of Spiritual Freedom03:14 Discernment and Spiritual Guidance05:32 Ignatius' Approach to Decision Making08:20 Navigating Life's Choices15:00 Living with Minimal Sin20:18 The Temptation to Escape Sin20:32 The Desert Fathers' Wisdom21:04 Avoiding Occasions of Sin22:10 Understanding the Trap of Pornography23:58 The Limits of Willpower25:20 The Importance of Accountability27:12 Cultivating Healthy Relationships30:07 Staying Busy with Good Things36:08 Practical Tips for Avoiding Sin38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Overcoming Prayer Distractions & Discerning God’s Will (St. Jerome’s Hyattsville Q&A Part 3)

| S03 E01| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle some of the most common questions young people face about prayer and faith:How do I handle distractions when I pray?How do I know if I’m really following God’s will?Drawing on personal stories and practical wisdom, they share simple strategies for staying focused in prayer, including repetitive prayers, creating sacred spaces, and welcoming everyday thoughts into conversations with God.They also explore the deeper challenge of discernment—how to recognize whether a decision aligns with Christ’s will. You’ll learn why peace and joy are key fruits of the Holy Spirit, how to seek guidance from trusted friends, and how everyday spiritual conversations can strengthen your walk with God.Whether you’re a student, a parent, or anyone seeking to deepen your prayer life, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools for strengthening your relationship with Christ.Don’t forget to subscribe and share with friends who might also be wrestling with prayer or discernment!#CatholicPodcast #PrayerLife #Discernment #Faith #CatholicFaith #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes01:24 Season Transition and Listener Questions02:31 Questions on Prayer and Holy Living05:04 Dealing with Distractions in Prayer08:56 Practical Tips for Focused Prayer12:08 Using Repetition and Rituals in Prayer16:52 Understanding Vengeance and God's Role17:17 The Power of Unloading Emotions to God20:17 Creating a Dedicated Space for Prayer22:59 Discerning God's Will in Decision Making29:29 The Role of Trustworthy People in Discernment32:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thinking Faith S02E15 | Evolution and Faith: An Interview with Dr. Daniel Kuebler - Part 2

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kuebler for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA evidence and the fossil record support evolutionary theory, while addressing the common misunderstandings students often bring to the conversation. More than a science lesson, this episode highlights how intellectual engagement can be a vital form of pastoral care—helping young believers grow in both faith and reason.Discover Dr. Kuebler's newest book, Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism at Word On Fire: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/darwin-and-doctrine00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Examples of Church Teachings01:43 Biblical Interpretation and Evolution07:12 Debate and Seeking Truth10:39 Scientific Insights on Evolution19:45 Human Evolution and Fossil Discoveries21:06 Complex Evolution in Africa21:51 DNA Sequencing and Human Evolution23:26 Hybridization and Rapid Evolution25:22 Fossil Evidence vs. DNA Evidence28:50 Debating Evolution in the Church29:53 Pastoral Need for Evolution Education34:09 Integrating Faith and Evolution36:26 Resources and Further Reading39:43 Seasonal Podcast Format Announcement

Thinking Faith S02E14| Faith, Science, and the Art of Debate with Dr. Daniel Kuebler - Part 1

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld are joined by Dr. Daniel Kuebler, a biologist from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Together, they explore the complex but fruitful dialogue between faith and science, focusing on Dr. Kuebler’s work on evolutionary theory and its place within Catholic thought. The conversation also considers the limits and possibilities of academic debate—when it helps, when it hinders, and how we might approach difficult topics with both clarity and charity. Whether you're passionate about theology, science, or both, this episode offers a compelling invitation to reflect on how we engage with one another in the search for truth.Discover Dr. Kuebler's newest book, Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism at Word On Fire: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/darwin-and-doctrine 00:49 Meet the Hosts and the Guest02:53 Dr. Kuebler's Background and Work06:26 The Debate Controversy14:32 Ideological Challenges in Debating Creationism18:42 Navigating Debate Formats19:15 Misconceptions About Evolution21:28 Debating in a Catholic Context23:06 The Role of Theology in Scientific Debates26:46 Interpreting Scientific Data29:01 Challenges with Young Earth Creationism33:11 Teaching Evolution in a Catholic Setting34:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Thinking Faith S02E13 | St. Jerome’s Hyattsville Q&A - Part 2

This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett return to the mailbag with St. Jerome’s Parish in Hyattsville, Maryland for part two of their Q&A with their youth group.They dive into big questions like: Who goes to hell? Will we see loved ones in heaven? What happens at the end of time? With help from C.S. Lewis, St. Thomas Aquinas, and their own experience, they explore God’s justice and mercy, the danger of self-justification, and the beauty of eternal life as a journey of healing and discovery.A thoughtful, hope-filled conversation you won’t want to miss.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:52 Discussing the Nature of Hell04:27 The Danger of Self-Justification09:31 Group Dynamics and Blame12:39 Will We See Our Family in Heaven?23:17 Understanding Divine Judgment24:14 The End of Time: What to Expect24:42 The Revelation of All Things25:56 Justice, Mercy, and Final Reconciliation32:50 Eternal Exploration and Discovery41:23 Upcoming Topics and Viewer Engagement

Thinking Faith S02E12 | St. Jerome’s Hyattsville Q&A - Part 1

In this lively episode of the Thinking Faith podcast, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett dive into some deep theological waters—guided by curious young minds from St. Jerome’s in Hyattsville, Maryland. What is purgatory really about? Can non-Christians be saved? Why do Catholics pray for the dead? With wisdom, wit, and a good dose of heart, our hosts explore these tough topics through the lens of Scripture, Catholic tradition, and reason—showing how God’s mercy is wider and deeper than we often imagine. Plus, get a sneak peek at some exciting changes coming to the show and future episodes on the mysteries of the afterlife!02:40 Shout-out to John Martino and St. Jerome's Youth Group04:51 Discussion on Purgatory, Hell, and Heaven22:03 The Nature of Purgatory24:32 The Process of Moral Development29:21 Purgatory in Popular Culture34:53 Salvation and Non-Christians42:17 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser