Straight Talk: Recent Episodes
Iowa Catholic Radio
Hosted by Jeanne Thill, Straight Talk brings topics of concern to the forefront, directing questions to experts and theologians to help Catholics address issues that give them angst.
Jeanne Thill is a regular contributor on Iowa Catholic Radio during the semi-annual Care-a-Thon, host of Read the Bible, and a guest-host for Jon Leonetti in the Morning. Her interest in issues of the day, willingness to ask the tough questions, and laid-back style help to reduce the biggest issues to palatable, easy-to-digest nuggets. Jeanne serves as the Executive Director of the Catholic Tuition Organization, and her vocation as mother has yielded five grandchildren.
Jeanne Thill discusses Ignite with Maureen Kenney, Director of Stewardship at the Diocese of Des Moines
Guest: Trent Horn - Catholic speaker, author, prolife advocate and often on Catholic Answers
Guest: Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, Vice President for mission at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. His research and teaching have been in the areas of systematic theology and spirituality.
Jeanne Thill finishes her three part conversation with John Gaffney about the Synod on Synodality: Called to Mission.
Jeanne Thill continues her three part series with John Gaffney about the Synod on Synodality. Part 2: Called to Participation.
Jeanne Thill starts a three part series with John Gaffney about the Synod on Synodality
Jeanne Thill talks to Maggie DeWitte, Executive Director of Pulse Life Advocates, about the Supreme Court case which could overturn Roe v Wade.
Jeanne Thill talks with Tim Jameson about the healing service at St. Ambrose the 3rd Wednesday of every month
Jeanne Thill discusses the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and how it has everything to do with the Theology of the Body with Jen Settle
Jeanne Thill discusses the book CONNECTED FOR GOOD: A GAME PLAN FOR A GENEROUS LIFE with author John Stanley
Jeanne Thill discusses the state of education in our Catholic schools with Donna Bishop, Diocese of Des Moines Superintendent of Schools.
Jeanne Thill has a conversation with Kevin Wells, Catholic writer, speaker, and former sports reporter with the Tampa Tribune, where he covered major-league baseball about "The Men We Need to Build the Kingdom."
Jeanne Thill continues her conversation with privately-professed hermit Victoria Carver.
Jeanne Thill discusses "How to Find Our Calling to Serve God" with self-professed hermit Victoria Carver
Jeanne Thill discusses the good we each can offer to the church with Bryan Bravard, coordinator of Magna 24, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines.
Jeanne Thill talks to John Gaffney, Director of Evangelism and Catechesis at the Diocese of Des Moines, about Communion, Participation and Mission.
Jeanne Thill talks with Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator of Hispanic Youth Ministry at the Diocese of Des Moines, about all things youth and young adult: NCYC, Youth Catholic Network and USCCB Journeying Together
Jeanne Thill talks with Randy McDonough, Co-owner of Towncrest and Towncrest Compounding Pharmacies in Iowa City and Solon Towncrest Pharmacy in Solon, IA., about vaccine updates, boosters, and Delta variant.
Jeanne Thill discusses the challenges facing students as they return to school with Deacon David Lamar
Jeanne Thill discusses the corporal works of mercy and the mission of Catholic Charities with the Barbara Decker, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities.
Jeanne discusses the state of priestly vocations with David Pieper, President Elect, St. Serra Club of DSM, and VP membership.
Jeanne Wells has a conversation with Steve Angrisano about music in liturgy, types of music, and upcoming concerts.
Jeanne Wells has a conversation with Deacon Mark Campbell from the Basilica of St John about the Consecration to St Joseph.
Jeanne talks with Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, the Hyde amendment, death penalty, funding for abortions in Iowa.
Guest: Dr. Katherine Rafferty - Department of Psychology, Communications Study Program, IA State University
Guest: Bob Hamma, author of nine books and numerous articles on spirituality and family life. He retired in 2016 as vice president and editorial director at Ave Maria Press. Hamma earned a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame and a master of divinity degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary.
Jeanne Wells talks to executive director of Iowa Catholic Radio, Matt Willkom about the state of the station.
Jeanne Wells discusses Natural Family Planning with Maggie DeWitte, Iowans for Life Executive Director. Learn about the impact the ‘other’ plan for children has on the long-term health of women, the impact on marriages and the impact on future generations.
Jeanne Wells visits with Abi Gordon, Brian Lichty, and Aaron Elliott about their journey into the Catholic Church.
Jeanne Wells digs into the unbelievable truths of the Catholic faith with Monsignor Larry Beeson.
Bill Sheridan joins Jeanne Wells to discuss surviving struggles, suffering and the saving sacraments: immunotherapy, death of brother and strengthening his faith.
From dating to engagement to marriage. Preparing for married life more than preparing for a wedding. Jeanne Wells is joined by Adam Story to discuss "Preparation for Marriage in the Catholic Church."
Jeanne Wells asks John Hyunh "What do faithful Catholics REALLY need to know about their faith?"
Jeanne Wells topic is priests and our salvation history with Kevin Wells, former Major League Baseball writer, Catholic speaker and author of Our Lady of Banneux: The Village, Priest, and Vow That Changed the World.
Jeanne Wells askes "are we a welcoming church for those with disabilities?" with Patty Origer, Diocese of Des Monies Evangelization/Catechesis Disability Coordinator
Joining Jeanne Wells is Mark Schmidt, Coordinator of Racial Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines, and they are having a conversation about racial tension in Iowa.
Guest #1: Gary Zimak, A leading Catholic speaker on the topic of overcoming anxiety. In addition Gary Zimak is the author of several books, including A Worrier’s Guide To The Bible, From Fear To Faith, Stop Worrying and Start Living and Give Up Worry For Lent.
Guest #2: Fr Trevor Chicoine, Director of Worship, Diocese of Des Moines
Guests:
Maggie DeWitte, Executive Director of Iowans for Life
Tom Quiner, Board President of Iowans for Life
We’re discussing Catholic schools today and who pays for a Catholic education. Should the parents pay the full cost? What if the parent can’t afford tuition, do they not have a choice for their children? Or should the parish subsidize the cost of the school? Should the state pay to educate all children, regardless of what school building they attend?
The question of cost aside, what about the quality of education our children receive? How can we ensure our children are receiving the best education possible (not only academically, but also spiritually)?
Last week we discussed new year’s resolutions, from a couple different perspectives, including the spiritual aspects of losing weight and exercising (the top two new year’s resolutions). Today, we’re going to talk about, in my humble opinion, the new year’s resolution that should be on the top of everyone’s list and that’s growing in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Where do you start? Is it daily Mass? Or reading the Bible every day? Or maybe, praying the rosary or chaplet. How do you make those prayers meaningful versus just checking them off the to-do list.
Terry’s approach has been to journal regularly including prayers, and answers to prayers as well as reflections on what weighs most on her heart. If we have a close personal relationship with someone, don’t they know what is on our heart? I hope to learn a lot from Terry today on how she grew closer to Jesus through her journaling.
TJ Johnsrud, founder and president of NuCara Management Group, LLC, headquartered in Conrad, Iowa, which oversees pharmacy locations in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Texas.
Randy McDonough, Co-owner of Towncrest and Towncrest Compounding Pharmacies in Iowa City and Solon Towncrest Pharmacy in Solon, IA.
Belle Chase, Director of Development for Iowa Catholic Radio
Maureen Kenney, Stewardship Director for the Diocese of Des Moines
Deb Powers, Director of Development for Catholic Charities of Des Moines
Jim Hagenbucher, President-elect for the Catholic Tuition Organization
Guest: Dr Barbara Golder - Physician, Attorney, Bioethicist, Award-Winning Author, and Editor in Chief of the Bioethics Journal Linacre Quarterly