Francis Effect podcast: Recent Episodes

Sandburg Media

Two theologians walk into a bar... No, seriously: This podcast is about the real world of politics and current events, seen through the lens of Catholic teaching and spirituality. Your hosts, Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault, bring you a mix of perspectives, from Abbey Road to Metaphysical Graffiti. Dan is a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest. David is a radio producer and Catholic convert. They both have doctorates in theology. It is the best possible kind of nerdy.

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David kick off season 13 with a look back at the non-stop events of the summer, including the four indictments (so far) against former President Donald Trump, and they look ahead to the upcoming Season of Creation, in light of our ongoing and worsening climate crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at the recent attack on the LGBTQ community in Colorado, the implications of the recent elections for leadership in the USCCB, and talk about the beginning of Advent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David do a round-up of the 2022 Midterm elections, explore recent Supreme Court cases and their effects on Affirmative Action and Native tribal law, and discuss recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Catholic dioceses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David discuss the recent remarks from rapper Ye and their consequences, the aftermath of yet another horrific school shooting, and the recent political comments from Archbishop Chaput Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look back at the complex legacy of the Second Vatican Council, look ahead to the November midterm elections, and look all around for good things to watch and read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at Catholic Governors using migrants as political pawns, the recent synthesis reports from the Synod on Synodality, and recent developments and long-term effects in the ongoing war in Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David kick off season 11 with a look back at the summer break, and they explore the impact of the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II as well as recent policies from dioceses to exclude LGBTQ+ parishioners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel and David look at the implications of the recently-leaked Supreme Court decision that likely will overturn Roe v. Wade, and the impact of closing the USCCB-run Catholic News Service, and then they look back at the season and ahead to the summer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David talk about the recent anniversary of Network Lobby, the takeaways from the French elections, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's recent attacks on both major corporations and the vulnerable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David take it a little easy for Holy Week, and catch up on shows and music that they've each been enjoying. They also nerd out about liturgy at the beginning of the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, David, and Fr. Daniel discuss the recent reforms allowing more lay leadership, the recent allegations connecting Ginni Thomas to the January 6th insurrection, and the Seante confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David discuss the recent round of legislation aimed at LGBTQ+ persons, the relationship of nuclear disarmament to the war in Ukraine, and the grim second anniversary of the COVID pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David talk about the recent Russian attack on Ukraine, they explore the Pope's live video conference with students across the Americas, and they talk about what they are planning for the season of Lent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David discuss the recent focus of right wing groups on Catholic organizations working on the southern US border, the firing of two faculty advisors at a Catholic school newspaper,, and welcome Fr. Bryan Massingale to discuss the recent upsurge in book bans across the nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, David, and Fr. Daniel discuss what they did between seasons, the life and legacy of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn, and the impact of recent state bills and diocesan policies on the dignity and wellbeing of transgender persons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David discuss the ongoing canonization process for Dorothy Day, recent developments with new Ways Ministries and the Vatican, and take a look back at some of the best and worst of 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David discuss the takeaways from the recent USCCB meeting, the continuing dangers of COVID-19, and the verdicts in recent murder cases in Wisconsin and Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David talk about the Bishops' Conference on the Eucharist, the recent comments by the Archbishop of Los Angeles about social justice, and the policy memo from the Diocese of Madison forbidding parishes to be used as vaccination sites Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David discuss the start of COP-26, Joe Biden's audience with Pope Francis, and the slow steps toward approving a COVID vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel, Heidi, and David look at the Pope's recent remarks to the "social poets," as well as the dustup over Pete Buttigieg taking time with his children, and the upcoming Glasgow Summit on climate change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at the history and influence of the world's largest Catholic media empire, the recent clashes between Church Militant and the city of Baltimore, and talk about what they've been watching recently Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel and David explore the idea of synodality and the upcoming 2023 Synod, and they look at current US policy playing out on our southern border with Haitian migrants, and welcome guest Christopher White to talk about the recent Papal visit to Hungary and Slovakia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David recap the big changes that happened over the summer, as well as reviewing the fallout from Traditionis Custodes, and the continuing battles over COVID mitigation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel and David look at the first hundred days of the Biden presidency, and the reactions from some Catholic quarters, and they also look at factors influencing some Catholics to leave the Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Daniel and David talk about the huge number of anti-Transgender bills introduces in state legislatures, the recent turn in SCOTUS cases involving religious Free Exercise, and the 51st Earth Day celebration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at the effects of a recent Georgia law on voting procedures, discuss the first week of the trial of Derek Chauvin, and imagine what the Church might look like after COVID Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David discuss the recent document on LGBTQ blessings from the CDF, the domestic terrorism that occurred in Atlanta, and the unfolding situation with the Governor of New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David look at the strange path to COVID relief, the conflicting messages of the Bishops regarding vaccines, and the recent Papal visit to Iraq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Daniel, and David talk about the recent effects of winter storms on Texas, the (re)establishment of the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and we welcome guest Fr. Jim McDermott to discuss his recent article on being gay in the priesthood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Dan and David talk about the recent appointment of Sr. Becquart to a significant position, how we are preparing for Lent, and what we're doing these days for distractions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Dan, and David explore the subtle Catholicism of the Biden Inauguration, the back-and-forth between Archbishops Gomez and Cupich, and the brief but ominous life of the 1776 Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded soon after the events of January 6th, Heidi, Dan, and David process the attack on the Capitol, and some of the dangerous rhetoric (from bishops as well as politicians) that got us here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan, Heidi and David close out Season 7 with a discussion of the new COVID vaccine, the growing rift among Bishops concerning President-Elect Biden, and the joy of the Christmas season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some last minute surprises from the Bishops, a discussion of the grassroots nature of sainthood, and why this year it might be OK to put up your tree as early as you want Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Dan and David discuss the effects of the President's refusal to concede the election, and the revelations of the McCarrick report. We also dream just a little bit about what life might be like after COVID. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Fr. Dan and David look back at the road leading to the 2020 elections, and what might lie ahead, and then they look at the recent remarks from Pope Francis about civil unions for LGBTQ persons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're two weeks out from the election - what do we know? Also, we look at a recent foiled plot to kidnap the Michigan governor, and the recent Encyclical from Pope Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan, Heidi, and David look at the role of anti-Catholicism in the confirmation battle over Amy Coney Barrett. They explore the impact of the NYT reporting on President Trump's taxes, and they look at the details of the case involving suspended Irish priest Tony Flannery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan, Heidi, and David explore the theological impact of plural nouns on sacraments, as well as the latest developments in the Breonna Taylor case, and round out the conversation with a look at the recent call for parishioners to return to Mass in Wisconsin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David kick off season 7 with a welcome to our new co-host, Heidi Schlumpf, executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss a recent article by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori in support of Black Lives Matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We collect last season's segments on the seven sacraments into one giant bonus episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David explore the academic discipline of "spirituality," and discuss how it fits in our understandings of faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David talk about the presumptive nomination of Joe Biden as the Democratic Party candidate, and finish out their discussions of the sacraments with Matrimony and Holy Orders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David continue their discussion of the Sacrament of Penance with an in-depth conversation about the Seal of Confession, and how it applies in a number of real-world situations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David look at a recent round of laws designed to discourage environmental protests. Then they discuss David's recent piece on "prepper" culture in the National Catholic Reporter, and they continue their series exploring the sacraments with a conversation about penance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David record this episode remotely, as Illinois is under "shelter in place" guidelines. They discuss responses to COVID-19 in light of Catholic Social Teaching, the practice of "spiritual communion," and the sacrament of anointing the sick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of our on-location coverage of the LA Religious Education Congress. Fr. Dan and David speak to Jordan Denari Duffner, Gabriella Wilke and Regina Munch of Commonweal Magazine, composer David Haas, and Fr. Bryan Massingale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David visit the LA Religious Education Congress in Anaheim to speak with Robert Ellsberg, Phyllis Zagano, Tom Gibbons, and James Martin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss the recent moves to limit asylum seekers and immigration, the troubles with the Iowa Caucus, and what some call the "orphaned sacrament" in the Roman Rite Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Paper of Record refuses to go on the record about the Democratic primaries, there is much confusion about what Pope Emeritus Benedict meant to say with his participation in a new book by Cardinal Sarah, and Fr. Dan and David talk about the sacrament of Holy Communion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David have differing views on recreational marijuana, but they are both fearful of looming war with Iran. They also start a new series on the 7 sacraments, with a discussion of baptism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss the ongoing impeachment process, the narrowing field of Democratic candidates, and the theology and spirituality of Christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David look at AG Barr's recent Notre Dame speech, the unfolding democracy movement in China's backyard, and the pros and cons of baptizing an alien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David explore the efforts used to fence people out of our communities, be they physical or spiritual. They discuss the priest who refused communion to former Vice President Joe Biden, the recent interview with Cardinal Burke, and the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David look at the "new normal" in the Golden State, the lingering colonialism surrounding the end of the Amazon Synod, and Fr. Dan answers some questions about religious communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss the recent oral arguments in the Bostock case, the canonization of five new saints, and the unfolding situation in northern Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David quote a lot of Leviticus in this episode, but not the parts you usually hear about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David give their take on the narrowing field of Democratic party candidates, and discuss the controversies around the upcoming Pan-Amazonian synod and Pope Francis's recent remarks about his American and international detractors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss the long history of Republican anti-government philosophies, the implications of the new Cardinals named by Pope Francis, and what might be lacking from the recent USCCB statement on gun violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our last episode of the season, Fr. Dan and David talk about what should be saved and rebuilt at Notre Dame, the hit piece on Merton by Gary Wills, and whether or not impeachment is a viable way forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David continue their coverage of the LA Religious Education Congress. They speak with artist Mikey McGrath, LA REC program director Jan Pedroza, friend of the show Mary Switalski, and TeamRCIA co-founder Nick Wagner. We finish with a debrief conversation about LAREC, back in the studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, recorded live at the LA Religious Education Congress, Fr. Dan and David speak with author Steve Binz, Fordham professor of ethics Fr. Bryan Massingale, composer Tony Alonzo, and friend of the show Bridget Durham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David explore President Trump's recent spree of autographing Bibles, the exploding crisis of drug costs, and how we balance cultural value and horrible behavior Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David discuss the recent Vatican Summit on clergy sex abuse, the growing crisis in Venezuela, and the recent USCCB document "Open Wide Our Hearts" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David look at the "correction" released by Cardinal Gerhard Müller, the threat to the INF treaty from "new" nuclear weapons, and the disturbing prevalence of casual racism in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David look at Bishop Stowe's op-ed about Covington Catholic, the recent World Economic Forum, and they welcome Dr. Phyllis Zagano to discuss the history and future possibilities of the female diaconate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David talk about the fight over the border wall, as well as the Commonweal article on the PA Grand Jury Report, and the final document of the 2018 Youth Synod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David talk with Dr. Kate Ward of Marquette University about the reality of economic inequality and the role of the Church in addressing it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David have a candid conversation about solidarity with LGBTQI persons both inside and outside the Church, and they welcome Fr. Jim Martin to talk about his experiences of ministry among these communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk with Dr. Kimberly Lymore about the experience and struggles of Black Catholics in Chicago and in the Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David tackle three topics being talked about in current headlines from a Catholic perspective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David talk to CTU professor Carmen Nanko-Fernandez about the multi-leveled identities of Latino/a/x members of the Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Fr. Dan welcome NCR national correspondent Heidi Schlumpf to discuss the varied experiences of women in the Catholic Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David start off the new season with a series of reflections on the summer's unfolding sex abuse scandals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David gather in the studio to catch up on summer activities, and to talk a little bit about the craziness all around us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David wax enthusiastic about the Pope's apostolic exhortation, and then explore the Michael Cohen subpoena. They also talk about what listeners can expect in season three. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David welcome their guest Dr. Jessica Coblentz to talk about mental health issues. They also discuss the upcoming Synod on Youth and the killing of Stephon Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Fr. Dan debrief the LA Religious Education Congress, and then look at two issues of systemic oppression through a lens of Catholic faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David welcome America Magazine's Jim Keane to talk about the canonization of Oscar Romero. We also talk trade wars and the recent Supreme Court case, Janus v. AFSCME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Parkland students stand up to the NRA, same-sex partnerships continue to be a point of discussion, and David and Fr. Dan talk with NCR national correspondent Heidi Schlumpf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David welcome Fr. Gil Ostdiek, OFM, to talk about his 15 years of work with ICEL, translating the liturgy. We also talk about teaching theology, and the idolatry of the stock market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Fr. Dan discuss the Pope's recent comments on fake news, the rash of mass shootings since the beginning of the year, and the annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David dive into the never ending saga of DACA, we discuss Dan's reading habits, and we examine a very troublesome bit of real estate in the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Fr. Dan look back at the first season, discuss the recent Supreme Court case, and get nerdy about Star Wars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Father Dan get personal as they talk about their faith journeys. They also discuss the Vatican Observatory and Net Neutrality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hits just keep coming. This week Fr. Dan and David look at the USCCB reaction to the GOP budget, the scandal with candidate Roy Moore, and the recent open letter from Fr. Thomas Weinandy to the Pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Fr. Dan welcome their first guest on the podcast: Professor C. Vanessa White of Catholic Theological Union Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Fr. Dan and David look at the current rumblings of nuclear conflict, Pope Francis's recent comments on the death penalty, and the Harvey Weinstein scandal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan and David dig into the question of Catholics giving alms, and look at the effects of Trump's recent decision to repeal DACA. They also take a few moments to get to know one another better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Dan and David talk about Graham-Cassidy, the recent attacks on Fr. Jim Martin and Dr. M. Shawn Copeland, and a powerful new essay by Ta-Nehisi Coates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan and David discuss Confederate monuments, the perils of Canon 915, and the recent hurricane devastation in Texas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices