Why does modern culture feel so confused, divided, and disconnected from truth?

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, host Mario Costabile sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and philosopher Bobby Angel to unpack the postmodern predicament—how we arrived here, why ideas truly have consequences, and how the Catholic faith offers clarity, hope, and healing in a fractured world.

Drawing from philosophy, theology, culture, and lived experience, Bobby explains:

What postmodernism really is (and what it’s rebelling against)

Why truth, beauty, and meaning matter for human flourishing

How relativism and subjectivism fuel cultural confusion

The connection between philosophy, mental health, and identity

How Catholics can respond to gender dysphoria, polarization, and digital chaos with truth and compassion

Why faith and reason must work together, not against each other

How the Church can evangelize boldly—without losing mercy

This conversation tackles some of the most pressing issues facing parents, educators, young adults, and the Church today—while offering a hopeful roadmap grounded in Christ, the saints, and the beauty of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:12 Start of Interview

02:22 Exploring the Postmodern Predicament

06:16 Why Ideas Have Consequences

10:15 Common Philosophical Dilemmas in Our Society

12:50 Navigating Truth in the Digital Age

17:12 Postmodernism and Political Division

22:13 Navigating Information Overload and Discerning Truth

27:43 The Church's Role in Digital Evangelization

30:22 Understanding Gender Dysphoria in a Postmodern Context

37:04 The Role of Adults in Guiding Youth

39:39 How Bobby's book can help!

42:45 Final Remarks

In today’s episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Dr. David Hajduk sits down with Dr. Deborah Savage, Catholic theologian, philosophical anthropologist, and founder/director of the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

This conversation tackles some of the most urgent questions facing the Church and culture today:

• What does it mean to be a man?
• What does it mean to be a woman?
• And how do we recover clarity about the human person in an age of confusion about sex, gender, identity, and the body?

Dr. Savage shares her remarkable journey—from the corporate world and manufacturing leadership to Thomistic philosophy, Catholic theology, and decades of research into the complementarity of men and women. Along the way, she explains why Thomistic realism is essential for reclaiming truth about the human person—and why the Church’s teaching remains uniquely grounded in reality.

We also dive deep into:

• John Paul II’s anthropology and why it’s a powerful evangelical tool today
• Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 and what they reveal about masculinity and femininity
• The meaning of the masculine genius and the feminine genius
• Why we can’t understand men without women—or women without men
• The modern crisis of men, and how our culture has misunderstood masculinity
• Why Dr. Savage’s Institute includes both theology and philosophy and the hard sciences + social sciences
• The importance of fathers and mothers in forming children through the “law of gratuity” and the “law of exchange”
• Why healing the family and rebuilding civilization requires a return to God’s design

This is a hopeful, challenging, and deeply timely episode for Catholic parents, students, educators, young adults, and anyone seeking clarity in a confusing cultural moment.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Start of Interview

04:11 Dr. Deborah Savage's Journey to Theology

08:15 What is Thomistic Realism?

11:48 Saint John Paul II's Anthropology

18:13 Inspiration to Study the Masculine and Feminine Genius

27:12 Insights from Genesis on Gender Roles

38:44 Understanding the Fall and Its Impact on Relationships

42:09 The Crisis of Masculinity in Modern Society

43:30 The Role of the Birth Control Pill in Gender Dynamics

49:37 How do we affirm authentic masculinity

55:59 Integrating Science with Theology in Understanding Gender

04:45 The Mission and Future of the Institute for Man and Woman

09:36 Goodbyes

What does it really mean to grow in holiness — and is there a clear, time-tested path for doing so as a Catholic today?

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, Jack Garno sits down with Director of Theology Dr. David Hajduk for a deep dive into the Three Ways of the Spiritual Life — an ancient Catholic framework taught by the saints that explains how souls actually grow in holiness. Drawing from Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, and centuries of Catholic spiritual theology, this conversation explores what conversion really requires, why humility is essential, and how grace transforms us over time.

Dr. Hajduk explains the Purgative Way, Illuminative Way, and Unitive Way, showing how each stage builds upon a deeper conversion of heart. The discussion covers the role of confession, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and mental prayer, as well as the difficult but necessary experiences known as the dark nights of the soul — moments when God seems absent but is actually drawing the soul closer.

This episode offers both clarity and hope for Catholics seeking real spiritual growth in 2026, reminding us that holiness is not reserved for a few saints, but is the universal call of every Christian — made possible by grace and our cooperation with it.

Whether you feel stuck, discouraged, or simply hungry for deeper union with God, this conversation provides a faithful roadmap for the journey.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Start of Interview

01:54 Are there certain steps to take to become more Holy?

04:59 Importance of the Crucifix

06:33 What is the goal of our lives?

09:06 How to Become Friends with God

11:41 3 Ways to Grow in Holiness

13:28 The Purgative Way

21:01 The Illuminative Way

27:12 the Unitive Way

36:04 How do we approach setbacks?

39:34 End of Interview

Spiritual warfare is real — but it’s often misunderstood.

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, Alanis and Matt delve into what spiritual warfare truly entails in everyday Catholic life. From anxiety and distraction to temptation, fear, and isolation, this conversation sheds light on how the enemy works subtly — and how Christ has already given us everything we need to overcome.

Together, we break down:

• The three types of spiritual warfare (oppression, obsession, possession)
• Why Hollywood gets demons and exorcism wrong
• How spiritual attacks often increase when you’re walking in God’s will
• The connection between mental health, anxiety, and spiritual warfare
• Why the devil thrives on distraction, isolation, and fear
• The power of Scripture, fasting, order, silence, and the sacraments
• Why community is one of the strongest weapons against the enemy
• How hope, grace, and childlike dependence on God lead to victory

This is not a fear-based conversation. It’s a Catholic, Christ-centered discussion rooted in Scripture, Church teaching, and lived experience — meant to bring clarity, peace, and hope.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Am I under spiritual attack?
• Why do anxiety and temptation feel so intense?
• How do I fight spiritual battles as a Catholic?

— this episode is for you.

📿 “The battle belongs to the Lord.”

Hope doesn’t disappoint.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

03:20 What is Spiritual Warfare?

11:31 What are the devil's abilities?

12:49 Common Tactics of the Devil

20:09 The Power of Fasting

21:51 Practical Tips from an Exorcist to Combat Spiritual Warfare

27:37 What are the Devils Motives?

30:08 Why Fear is Sinful

31:14 Importance of Community

36:08 Hope in the Darkness

In this episode, acclaimed Catholic author and radio host Jesse Romero joins our Executive Director, Mario Costabile, to discuss his book Prayer as a Weapon and the critical role prayer plays in spiritual warfare. Drawing from Scripture, Tradition, and his own experiences, Romero shares practical insights for modern Catholics—especially men—on how to strengthen their spiritual armor and defend against the forces of evil.

We cover the types of prayer, the power of the St. Michael Prayer, the Rosary, and how specificity and humility can amplify prayer’s effectiveness. Jesse also explains why a return to personal prayer is essential not just for individual spiritual growth, but for making an impact on the wider culture.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your prayer life, understand spiritual warfare, or become a joyful soldier for Christ, this conversation provides guidance, encouragement, and real-life examples of prayer’s transformative power.

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Website: https://jesseromero.com/

⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Start of Interview

03:09 The Role of Humility in Prayer

09:40 Types of Prayer and Their Importance

18:05 Adoration

18:50 Understanding Spiritual Warfare

26:30 The Power of Saints and Intercessory Prayer

32:52 The Power of the Rosary

37:50 Spiritual Training and Discipline

43:33 Witness of Miraculous Healing from Prayer

49:29 The Effectiveness of Intentional Prayer

54:02 Finding Joy in Prayer

58:24 Upcoming Initiatives and Resources

What is Stoicism and can it coexist with Christianity? In this episode of A Reason for Hope, host Jack and theologian Dr. David Hajduk break down the rising appeal of Stoic philosophy among modern audiences—especially young adults searching for peace in a chaotic world. With influencers like Ryan Holiday championing Stoicism as the key to emotional resilience and success, we explore:

• What Stoicism really teaches
• Why it’s trending now
• The spiritual hunger behind its rise
• Where Stoicism aligns with and diverges from the Catholic worldview
• Why Christ offers more than calm—He offers salvation
• 
  

📌 Whether you're a curious Catholic, a student of philosophy, or just looking for peace in the storm, this episode will challenge and inspire you to go deeper.

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more Catholic perspectives on modern issues.

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Magnifier - An exciting new magazine to awaken wonder in children ages 7–12.

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcast

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:34 Start of Interview

03:20 What is Stoicism?

05:48 Stoicism's Conception

07:26 Marcus Aurelius

07:58 What are the main tenets of Stoicism?

10:16 Stoicism's View on Psychology

19:47 In What Ways is Stoicism Compatible with Christianity

32:49 Ways that Stoicism Differs from Christianity

44:56 Why is Stoicism becoming so popular?

48:27 Gender Roles in our Society

49:41 What is real masculinity?

In this powerful episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, host Alanis Gonzalez sits down with Catholic worship leader, songwriter, and author Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about identity, fear, calling, humility, and worship.

Sarah shares her journey from childhood bullying and insecurity to leading worship around the world — and how discovering her belovedness in Christ transformed her faith, ministry, and personal life. Drawing from Catholic spirituality, Scripture, and her own testimony, she unpacks what it means to say “yes” to God even when fear, comparison, and self-doubt are loud.

In this episode, we explore:

• Catholic worship beyond the Mass
• Identity and healing through Jesus Christ
• Discernment of vocation and calling
• Fear, humility, and surrender in ministry
• What it’s really like being a Catholic worship leader
• The inspiration behind Belovedness (song, devotional & children’s book)

This episode is for anyone seeking hope, clarity, and renewal in their Catholic faith.

🙏 “You are my beloved.” — Mark 1:11

🔔 Subscribe for more Catholic conversations on faith, worship, and identity.

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#CatholicPodcast #CatholicFaith #SarahKroger #CatholicWorship #Belovedness #ChristianIdentity #CatholicTestimony #AReasonForHope

⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Start of Interview

07:54 Confronting the fear of stepping into our calling

11:37 How do you prepare spirituality to Lead Worship?

22:05 Did you ever feel pulled to make more ecumenical music?

23:23 Staying humble in the spotlight

27:03 Belovedness

33:33 Biggest Misconception about Touring

34:30 Sarah's Desert island prayer

35:10 How Sarah navigates humilitiy

36:17 How do you push through spiritual dryness

37:45 Final remarks