Shine Bright Like the Firmament: Recent Episodes
Madeline Shepley
Conversations with science professionals who are practicing Catholics to show that faith and science don't need to be mutually exclusive.
In this episode, Madeline chats with Dale Williams, an aerospace engineering PhD student at Purdue University. During their conversation, they discuss his relationship with mutual friend Jeff Kuhn, the importance of going through material a few times, his research in astrodynamics, how Kerbal Space Program inspired his engineering degree, radically trusting God, how he came to Catholicism, the necessity of both head knowledge and heart knowledge, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 89 of this podcast, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterley, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, Why I Am Catholic by Brandon Vogt.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Niels Arboel, a biologist, teacher, and author. During their conversation, they discuss his background, how he became Catholic and the role of papal authority in that, some history of the reformation in Denmark, why nature points to God, background for his book, the God of the Gaps fallacy, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 47 of this podcast and The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones by Thomas Salerno. You can also find his book, The Wonder of Creation here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Kellan Weston, a postdoctoral fellow (at the time of the recording) doing translation neuroscience and scientific officer at Combined Brain. During their conversation, they discuss translational neuroscience, what Combined Brain does and her role in its work, the role her sister’s genetic disorder played in getting into her field, gain of function variance, her educational experience, her experience with the Society of Catholic Scientists including starting a local chapter, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 19, 65, 66, and 100 of this podcast and the Society of Catholic Scientists. If you're interested in joining the St. Louis chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists, you can email Kellan at stlcatholicscientists@gmail.com
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In this special episode, Madeline continues chatting again with her friend Ben Stapleton and new guest Fr. Gabriel Mosher, OP about Empire of Silence, book 1 of the Suneater series by Christopher Ruocchio. During their conversation, the three discuss pick up where they left off in the previous episode with the second half of Empire of Silence and the questions the book tackles. See the previous episode for part 1 of the discussion.
You can catch up on Ben's previous episodes before the Empire of Silence discussion here and here.
Fr. Gabriel is the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center, a Dominican friar of the Western Province, and a beta reader for the Suneater series. You can follow him on his Twitch here.
Content Warning: This episode includes spoilers for Empire of Silence.
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🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been FOUR years since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉
In this special tangent and anniversary episode, Madeline celebrates by chatting again with her friend Ben Stapleton, an electrical engineer for a utility company, and new guest Fr. Gabriel Mosher, OP. During their conversation, the three discuss how each of the three came to the Suneater series by Christopher Ruocchio, Fr. Gabriel’s background, an overview of the first half of Empire of Silence (book 1 of the series), and the questions the book tackles.
You can catch up on Ben's previous episodes here and here.
Fr. Gabriel is the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center, a Dominican friar of the Western Province, and a beta reader for the Suneater series. You can follow him on his Twitch here.
Content Warning: This episode includes spoilers for Empire of Silence.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr., the I Might Believe in Fairies podcast, and the Dresden Files series.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Jess Fetterman, a historian with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. During their conversation, they discuss a brief history of how agriculture became sciencey, her family’s connections to farming, an influential high school research experience, living history, some basics on the Quakers and the college she went to, her unique college experiences, marrying traditional and modern agricultural practices, subsidiarity, her grad school stints and mental health, the importance of cultivation to our humanity, the effects of her parents’ mixed marriage on her religious upbringing, the liturgy and how her husband helped her be comfortable with different liturgies, how she met her husband, being a biritual marriage, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 63 and 97, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, and the Inkwells and Anvils community.
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In this episode, Madeline chats again with Bill Patenaude, a retired mechanical engineer who used to work for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. During their conversation, they discuss talk about his sci-fi novel and its sequel, the inspiration for the novel, why he chose a near-future sci-fi setting, the importance of feedback on creative endeavors, the incarnational aspect of reading, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include his previous episode on the podcast as well as episode 94, Laudato ’Si, 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Sore Must Be the Storm anthology, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and Dune by Frank Herbert.
If you're interested in checking out Bill's writing, you can check out his blog and read his debut novel, A Printer's Choice.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Evan Rowland, a CAD and consumer electronics mechanical engineer. During their conversation, they discuss everyone’s own unique weirdness, engineering ethics, his time at Colorado School of Mines, his time in the oil and gas industry, CAD and change management, free will and the nature of God, subcreation and childlikeness, his discernment of the diaconate, service and spiritual parenthood, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Game Favorites comedy game show, episode 44 of this podcast, and the What God Is Not podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Gabe Fuselier, an internal medicine hospitalist at a Catholic hospital. During their conversation, they discuss an explanation of what internal medicine is, how he got into medicine and his specialty, professional prestige and the need for rest, his formative experiences in becoming a doctor, the balancing customer service with getting people to make better lifestyle choices, what it’s like doing his kind of job, how God choses to reach us, his advice for those seeking careers in medicine, and so much more.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Donan Scholl, creator of the upcoming sci-fi tabletop game Watchpoint--the game that inspired Madeline's favorite novel Markmaker. During their conversation, they discuss the video games that inspired the world, St. Carlo Acutis and video games, the Watchpoint world and lore, and how it inspired Markmaker, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods (which you can procure here), Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. You can also follow along with Donan's work on Watchpoint on the official Watchpoint instagram account.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Alex Cass, a senior software engineer at a financial company. During their conversation, they discuss his conversion from being a Southern Baptist, the importance of the Eucharist and worship, the importance of doctrine, how he got into computer-related things, the importance of understanding technology, the kinds of things he does at work, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Symbol or Sustenance? by Peter Kreeft, some Scott Hahn books (The Lamb's Supper, Consuming the Word, and The Fourth Cup), Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre, episode 70 of this podcast, the Sore Must Be the Storm anthology, and episode 393 of Game of Favorites.
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🎉 🎉 🎉 It's the 100th episode of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉
In this episode, Madeline chats again with biologist Dan Kuebler to celebrate the release of his new book, Darwin and Doctrine. During their conversation, they discuss what inspired him to write his book, understanding how to interpret scripture, the parallelness of salvation history and evolution, how order begets order, what he learned while writing the book, the publishing process, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 65 and 83 of this podcast, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith by Stephen Barr, and The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones by Thomas Salerno.
You can learn more about Dan's work on this previous episode of this podcast. You can also purchase his book Darwin and Doctrine here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Matt Rubio, a test engineer. During their conversation, they discuss his experience being a charismatic Catholic, the perceived divide between traditional and charismatic Catholicism, a brief history of the Catholic Charismatic renewal, the use of the charismatic gifts, what it’s like living in a charismatic community, what inspired his love of computer engineering, his love of movies and cameras, his experience at Purdue, being a well-rounded individual, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Cloud of Unknowing, Charisms and Charismatic Renewal by Fr. Frank Sullivan.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Mary Woods, author of the sci-fantasy novel Markmaker. During their conversation, they discuss her bookish inspiration, the roleplaying game that gave Markmaker its setting, the mission of her publisher Chrism Press, insights into the traditional publishing process, a look into the journey with the planned sequel thus far, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Sore Musts Be the Storm anthology. If you want to learn more about Mary's writing, you can join her newsletter and get a copy of Markmaker on her website. You can also follow her on Instagram.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Ben Fetterman, a chemical laboratory technician. During their conversation, they discuss his conversion from evangelical Mennonite to Byzantine Catholic, a brief history of Mennonites and the Amish, his college journey at Penn State, why he joined an Eastern Sui iris church, praying the liturgy, priesthood in the Eastern Catholic churches, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the Inkwells and Anvils writing community, and Fide et Ratio.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend J.C. Hall, a PhD student in moral theology/ethics at Catholic University of America with a specialization in bioethics. During their conversation, they discuss his biochemical engineering degree at University of California at Davis, some background of UC Davis and agriculture, their Eucharistic Congress experience and liturgical diversity, his master’s in healthcare bioethics art University of Mary, pilgrimages, some of the bioethics issues he’s interested in and approaching them with care, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Santaurio de Chimayo, St. Bartolo Longo, St. Peter To Rot, the Martyr of Maui, Philip Gordon (see here and here), Venerable Emil Kapaun, Servant of God Vincent McCauley, Servant of God Thea Bowman, Servant of God Eusiebio Kino, Venerable Alphonse Gallegos, The Pillar podcast, and episodes 7, 29, and 85 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Jim McCormack, a priest of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception and a former electrical engineer. During their conversation, they discuss the history and charism of the Marian Fathers, the connection between the Immaculate Conception, Divine Mercy, and prayers for those in purgatory, the historical context of his childhood, studying electrical engineering at Yale, the role beauty played in his reversion, the power of a gentle confessor, the witness of Archbishop Chaput, the universal call to holiness, a fateful trip to the Holy House of Loreto, the virtue of wonder, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway, 33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Confessions by St. Augustine, True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort, episodes 56, 86, and 87 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Bill Jacobs and Kat Hoenke, both ecologists and conservationists. During their conversation, they discuss the St. Kateri Conservation Center, the connections of the Seven Deadly Sins to environmental issues, ecology and relationships, how Bill and Kat got acquainted, the importance of planting native plants, rewilding, creation becoming the creator, saints who loved the outdoors, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn, the St. Kateri Conservation Center, Morning Star Seed Company, the iNaturalist app, the St. Kateri National Shrine, Laudato 'Si, the Message for World Day of Peace 1990, the Message for the World Day of Peace 2010, and episodes 41 and 77 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Erin Brady, the director of the Cup Planetarium and Physics Lab Manager at High Point University. During their conversation, they discuss -how summer just flies by, being able to balance different priorities, how her physics for Video Games class altered her educational course, the importance of community, how she combined her research and art together, her summer internship at the Cradle of Aviation, the importance of authority, how she ended up at High Point as a student, the importance of access to the sacraments, navigating the spiritual transition from college student to young adult, the importance of visually inspiring worship space, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. One of these references includes The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Khoi Huynh, a third year medical student. During their conversation, they discuss some sports banter, growing up in Southeast Asia, how they were introduced, the existential crisis that made him take his faith seriously, the importance of having faith community at work, living forever, psychology and palliative care, the problem of suffering, our call to radical forgiveness, his research, attachment theory, not pursuing knowledge just for knowledge’s sake, imagining doctors as a coaches, what’s next in his medical schooling, bioethics, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Treasure in Clay by Venerable Fulton Sheen, the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, Job Chapter 38, and a few episodes of the podcast (specifically, episodes 53, 78, and 90).
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Edmund Lazzari, a professor in the Catholic Studies department at Duquesne University. During their conversation, they discuss the kinds of questions that science and theology ask, the value of a liberal arts education, the Inkwells and Anvils writing community, what it means to be interdisciplinary, the importance of knowing something’s purpose/function, his time in seminary, what he learned from his time as a FOCUS missionary, the importance of philosophy, experiencing beauty and majesty for yourself, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Story of Salvation bible study, the USCCB's Ethical and Religious Directives for Hospitals link, Biomedicine and Beatitude by Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, OP. You can also check out some of Edmund's book on natures here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Sara Schultz, the director of the planetarium at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. During their conversation, they discuss her undergrad at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, her masters at University of South Carolina, her PhD at the University of Wyoming, what she does on the planetarium side of her job, what it’s like getting to work with students in a planetarium setting, how science and faith both involve logic, how the stillbirth of her daughter Ruby taught her about mercy, finding purpose in loss, allowing yourself to embrace all your emotions, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore including episode 78 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Liz Norman, 2nd year PhD student at Purdue University in Earth, Atmosphere, and Planetary sciences. During their conversation, they discuss her physics undergrad at North Carolina State, being a student athlete especially with a hard major, how COVID affected her eligibility as an athlete, her gravitational waves NASA internship, her work in planetary science, her journey to conversion, the effect of her grandfather’s death on her faith, the process of OCIA, her love of the communion of saints, and so much more.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Alexander Millar, a priest of the Diocese of Peoria who was (at the time of recording) one of the chaplains of St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is currently studying for a licentiate in sacred theology at Boston College with a specialization in medical ethics. During their conversation, they discuss his family’s unique faith situation growing up, how he ended up at UIUC for undergrad, his saint friends, different liturgical rites and the history of their standardization, receiving people as they are, a look into diocesan administration and the beatification process, Illinois martyrs, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 2 and 29 of this podcast Fr. Kartje, Fr. Steven, the Liturgy Guys podcast, and Fide et Ratio.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Peter Schmidt, a professional comedian, streamer, and amateur coder. During their conversation, they discuss how Madeline found out about Game of Favorites, the inspiration for the show, basics of coding, behind the scenes of his show, his time with the Legionnaires of Christ, the universal call to holiness, his gap between religious life and college, the perks of being a non-traditional college student, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway.
Also, if you want to find out more about his work, you can check out his Twitch here and his own podcast, Tangled Christianity, here. You can also catch Game of Favorites on his Twitch or on YouTube here, Fridays at 8 pm ET.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Joseph A'Hearn, an astronomer, physicist, and data scientist. During their conversation, they discuss the example of his parents, minor seminary, his seminary formation, Legionaries of Christ, his lifelong interest in astronomy, reintegrating his faith life into his life after discerning out, getting his PhD, eclipses, the three body problem, outer solar system space missions, his transition to industry, ethical use of AI, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes of this podcast with Jesuits (specifically episodes 13, 14, and 18) and the Game of Favorites comedy game show.
Also, if you want to find out more about his work (like his blog or podcast), you can check out his website here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Marita, a senior research assistant in a medical research lab. During their conversation, they discuss her undergrad at a small liberal arts college, learning languages and traveling, how they serendipitously met in person, the Galileo affair and the importance of humility in science, striving for excellence, the universality of the Church, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Jurassic Park movie, the Inkwells and Anvils writing community, and Ecumenical Jihad by Peter Kreeft.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Cole Ciervo, a propulsion engineer for Ursa Major Technologies. During their conversation, they discuss IU-Purdue banter, insights into Purdue Engineering, first year engineering classes, the importance of working on a team, the importance of safety checks and clarifying jargon, why he got a master’s, his journey from Methodist to Catholic, what it was like being confirmed during the pandemic, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the This is Engineering music video, an iconic Bobby Knight moment, and the Hail Fire Purdue chant.
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In this episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Thomas Salerno, a freelance writer, editor, and fellow podcaster with a background in paleontology and anthropology to celebrate the release of his new book, The Riddle of The Tongue Stones. During their conversation, they discuss his work on other podcasts, his love of Bl. Nicholas Steno, and overview of Bl. Nicholas Steno’s life, the writing process, Bl. Carlo Acutis, handling critique, collaborating across mediums and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 22, 30, and 39 of this podcast, Vatican II in A Year podcast, The Seashell on The Mountaintop by Alan Cutler, My Son Carlo by Antonia Salzano Acutis, the There’ll Be Scary Ghost Stories anthology, and this Word on Fire Q&A with Thomas.
You can read more about Thomas's work and catch his own podcast episodes here. He also has some work that you can read at Word on Fire such as these articles mentioned in the episode: the JWST piece, the pro-life piece, and the Jurassic Park piece. You can also purchase his book Riddle of The Tongue-Stones here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Connor Thompson, a chemical engineer in training at a company in the Pacific Northwest. During their conversation, they discuss some I&A lore, his different science phases as a kid, his high school science experience, undergrad at Montana State, engineering exams, what a professional engineer is, science and natural philosophy, and so much more.
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Note: The lower sound quality of most of this episode was the result of an unsuccessful experiment in alternative recording setups.
🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been THREE years since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉
In this special anniversary episode, Madeline shares an interview of herself that originally aired on The Work of Thy Hands podcast with fellow creative Allison Ramirez. In this interview, she and Allison talk about science, creativity, faith, and the intersection of them all!
If you are interested in listening to more of Allison's podcast, check out her podcast here (she's even interviewed two past SBLTF guests so far: Thomas Salerno and Zephyr Thomas!), and if you want to learn more about her other creative work, you can check out her website here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Kyle Shepard, an engineering PhD student at Purdue University. During their conversation, they discuss his childhood in Oklahoma, Internet research rabbit holes, critical thinking, his undergrad and Master’s at Oklahoma State, PhD work at Purdue, being a lifelong learner, embracing being a dork, koinania, savoring classic works of literature, St. Francis de Sales, martyrs, being friends with people how are different ages than you, and so much more.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Power of Silence by Cardinal Sarah, St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica, Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, a few episodes of this podcast (episodes 2, 16, and 47 specifically), and the following talk by Fr. John Kartje.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Tyler Kropp, a software engineer for a consulting company. During their conversation, they discuss how he went to Purdue for computer science, his first forays into computers and programming, AP exams, how he ended up at Purdue, knowing your limits, what college computer science classes are like, insights into remote work, the importance of learning the faith in a way you understand, the necessity of beauty, getting involved in your parish community, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Pope St. John Paul II's Letter to Artists.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Katy Downing, the planetarium and programming director at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. During their conversation, they discuss what got her interested in astronomy, connections between their advisors, her REU, what she does in her role on the day to day, constellation oral traditions, what goes into planetarium content creating, how science is interdisciplinary, bird migration and light pollution, different methods of praying, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include NASA moon trees, the Bible in a Year podcast, the Walking with Purpose bible study, and the a handful of episode of this podcast (27, 29, 65, and 71).
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Matt Kavanaugh, an agricultural meteorology graduate student at Iowa State University. During their conversation, they discuss his early fascination with meteorology, how he ended up at Valparaiso University for his undergrad, the classes he’s had to take, nowcasting, landscaping, the connection between meteorology and environmental science, having good science communication, going to conferences, what Valpo Catholic is like, how you can give of your time talent and treasure no matter your circumstances, finding Catholic community as a grad student, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the episodes 46 and 68 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Jess McKendry, a student support professional at an Australian university with a background in freelance IT. During their conversation, they discuss big families, linguistics and conlangs, digital literacy, using technology for good, casual observational astronomy, a brief history of Australia, religion in Australian schools, showing love in times of divisiveness, using technology for good, how what we consume shapes us, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Liturgy Guys podcast and episode 63 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Jhobany Orduz-Duarte, a Viatorian priest (who at the time of recording was a deacon) from Colombia who is a former soldier, civil engineer, and professor. During their conversation, they discuss how he and Madeline met, English as a second language, what the Viatorians are about, his family’s coffee background, how the murder of his sister affected him, the Sixth Commandment as presented in the New Testament, the ends not justifying the means, God coming to call all sinners, how he came back to faith, his vocation story and the invitation to vocation, how the vow of obedience works as a religious, how he ended up in the U.S., encountering other cultures, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore, including Quantum Theology by Diarmuid O'Murchu, episode 29 of this podcast, and the Father and Dad podcast .
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In this episode, Madeline chats with James Ronan, a British paleontologist. During their conversation, they discuss his undergrad degree in geography, his masters in paleobiology from the University of Bristol, his work with CAFOD, what higher education looks like in his country, the sorts of things you learn about as a paleontologist, his field work in Montana, how science can lend credence to certain aspects, his fascination with hadrosaurs, being Catholic in England, advocating in an inviting way, demographic problems in the Western Church, the call to helping others, his science communication work, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore, including episode 39 of this podcast. You can also check out James' work on his website.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Fernanda Psihas, a particle physicist with a background in AI and also a professor at Franciscan University. During their conversation, they discuss her growing up in Mexico City, her ministry where she speaks at local parishes about science and faith, her fascination with English, the post-Christian age in the West and Latin America, her undergrad education at a Jesuit university in Mexico, the intercession of St. Jude on Fernanda’s grad school acceptance, Madeline’s grad school acceptance story and St. Joseph, God’s providence, Fr. Mike Schmitz, her time at University of Minnesota-Duluth, how neutrino experiments led her to IU, an IU physicist they both admire, neutrino physics and the NOVA experiment, the toxicity of the “publish or perish” mentality, the importance of mercy and showing that you care enough to try your best, being good role models, avoiding scrupulosity, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods, and episodes 1 and 29 of this podcast.
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In this special birthday episode, Madeline celebrates turning 27 by reading her second published short story, Spooky Action at A Closeness. It is in an anthology of Christmas ghost stories called There'll Be Scary Ghost Stories. The anthology is edited by Inkwells and Anvils, a Catholic writing community she spends much of her time in when not podcasting.
If you enjoyed Madeline's Christmas ghost story, she highly recommends reading the other ghost stories in the anthology, which you can buy here. You can follow the other shenanigans of Inkwells and Anvils here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Zach Glick, a priest of the Diocese of Gary and a military chaplain in the Air Force. During their conversation, they discuss the podcast he co-hosted with as a seminarian, his mechanical engineering degree at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Air Force ROTC, why he chose Rose-Hulman, coming back to and owning his faith in college, the power of personal invitations, what a come-and-see retreat is like, St. Francis of Assisi, why he chose to become a diocesan priest, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Faith In Focus podcast (which he co-hosted with past guest Fr. Steven Caraher) and episodes 29 and 32 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Bob Smith, a blind computer programmer. During their conversation, they discuss the connection between coding and mechanical things, his degree in sociology from UIUC, community college, how he got into college, how he became blind, the accommodations that allow him to do his job, his love of COBOL, the story of him almost drowning, things that have inspired his faith, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the following movies: Song of Bernadette, Francis of Assisi, and The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Adria Kamm, who has a background in biological anthropology. During their conversation, they discuss her unique education, sports, how she got interested in science and fascinated with death, what anthropology is, her own journey with mental health, her time in community college, biological anthropology, her reversion, respect for the dead, the importance of community and faith learning resources, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the episodes Anne Marie 39 and 51 of this podcast, the Headless Romans documentary, the Reason and Theology YouTube channel, the Pints with Aquinas podcast, Icon Ministries, and the Blessed by Cancer Instagram account.
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In this episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Melissa Ring, a recent graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree combining geography and meteorology. During their conversation, they discuss the event that made her love weather, how she ended up at VU, what you learn as a meterology major, what happens when science doesn’t love you back, the interdisciplinary nature of geography, storm chasing, growing up in a mixed faith household, how she came to embrace her faith, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the episodes 38, 42, 45, and 46 (Melissa's previous episode on the pod) of this podcast. You can also check out Melissa's writing and storm-chasing shenanigans here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Joseph Shenosky, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with a degree in mechanical engineering. During their conversation, they discuss his time at Penn State University, spending a few years in the industry and learning important life skills, his discernment process, his love of Mary, the importance of having supportive bosses, the influence of his college Newman Center, why he became a diocesan priest, his time in seminary, the importance of getting involved in your parish, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the episodes 44 and 59 of this podcast and Fide et Ratio.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Dan Kuebler, a professor of biology at the Franciscan University and the vice president of the Society of Catholic Scientists. During their conversation, they discuss his undergrad at Catholic University of America, the importance of great mentors, how he discovered he loved teaching, PhD at Berkley, how he came into his faith at University of California at Berkley, getting to know the church through her documents, how science and faith keep each other from going off the rails, the importance of exploring your interests, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Society of Catholic Scientists, Fide et Ratio; the Church Life Journal of the McGrath Institute; and episodes 5, 6, 16, and 65 of this podcast. You can also check out some of Dan's work by listening to the Purposeful Lab podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Steve Barr; an author, a professor emeritus of theoretical physics at the University of Delaware, and the founding president of the Society of Catholic Scientists. During their conversation, they discuss the isolation religious scientists sometimes feel in academic historically, the great Catholic scientists, his own faith journey, the role model of his father, letting your ideas germinate for a good amount of time, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Society of Catholic Scientists, SCS's Scientists of the Past resource, and episode 27 of this podcast. You can also check out his book, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith, here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Hannah Bernstein, a landscape architecture student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During their conversation, they discuss the Pacific Northwest and Spain, UIUC’s Newman Center, what landscape architecture is, how our expertise gets embedded in us, living at a residential Newman Center, American accents, her study abroad and research trip, Dominican cloister gardens, going beyond the surface level, the King of Itineraries, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include The Not So Big House by Susan Susanna and A Pattern Language by Christopher W. Alexander.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Caroline George, a quality process engineer in manufacturing. During their conversation, they discuss what a quality process engineer does, her undergrad at Auburn, how she ended up in Pennsylvania, her internship at Honeywell, her reversion, discovering the TLM, being challenged, praying for others, fasting, the TLM, the validity of all Catholic liturgical rites, knowing why things are the way they are, evangelization in the work environment, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Liturgy Guys podcast; Treasure and Tradition by Lisa Bergman, and The Latin-English Missalette; episodes 23, 44, and 50 of this podcast.
The Liturgy Guys podcast, Treasure and Tradition book
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Maddie Smith, a wife, mom, and former pharmacy technician. During their conversation, they discuss what a pharmacy technician does, the importance of patience and customer service, the golden rule, becoming who God sees us as, how she met her husband Slater, her conversion, the importance of confession, her advice for fellow survivors of sexual assault, the difference vengeance and justice, and so much more!
Content Warning: There are occasional mentions of a sensitive topic not appropriate for children's ears starting at about minute 18. An audio warning occurs at the beginning of the episode to warn people and to allow anyone the opportunity to skip ahead if necessary.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 23 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Matt Nelson, a high school math and science teacher at Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis. During their conversation, they discuss the prep that goes into teaching, his original degree in marketing, his unconventional path to education, music and math, what Indiana’s transition to teaching program is like, his advice for future teachers, how he got involved in teaching Earth and space sciences, incorporating science and faith in the classroom, presenting evidence, questions are welcomed, even saints weren’t always perfect, growing up Catholic in the 90s, his reversion story, St. Meinrad Archabbey, finding a parish to call home, all about the Ordinariate, how he met his wife, the Transcendentals, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the A Printer's Choice by W.L. Patenaude, and episodes 16, 39, 41 of this podcast.
If you want to find out more about the Anglican Ordinariate and St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne Catholic Church, you can check out here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her Paul Rimmer, a professor at the University of Cambridge studying the origins of life. During their conversation, they discuss eclipses and the April 2024 eclipse, Colorado, his time at University of Colorado at Denver, changing your trajectory, learning lessons, his atheist phase, Madeline’s trip to Switzerland, an impactful REU and symbolic logic professor and Byzantine Catholic priest, imperfection, good role models for marriage, his work in atmospheric chemistry in exoplanets, Cambridge’s laidback atmosphere and the importance of rest, his tips on work life balance, the secular culture of Europe, the English martyrs, the importance of turning back, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Particles of Faith by Stacy Trasancos, the Jen Fulwiler Show podcast, and episodes 47, 54, and 59 of this podcast.
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In this special tangent episode, Madeline chats again with her friend Ben Stapleton, an electrical engineer for a utility company. During their conversation, they expand on the literature tangent of their previous episode by discussing their respective favorite sci-fi novels: Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods and A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. They discuss the plots of the two novels, their respective reactions, and much more!
Content Warning: This episode includes spoilers for both books and also discusses graphic violence from both of the novels.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and Anvils community, The Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey, The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, the Black Panther movie, A Slow Death: 83 Days of Radiation Sickness. You can also follow Mary Jessica Woods' writing shenanigans on her website or her instagram @maryjessicawoods.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her Pat Schloss, a microbiologist/biology professor at Michigan who studies the microbiome. During their conversation, they discuss data science, his postdoc at University of Wisconsin-Madison, undergrad and grad school at Cornell in agricultural and biological engineering, farm life, his large family and how having families should be normalized, the opportunity to be a role model and being good steward of the power you’re given, his three year apostasy phase, an influential religious studies class and Trappist monastery visit, conversion, Opus Dei, work as prayer and sacrifice, loving those we disagree with, a typical day in his life, his spiritual game plan, sabbathing appropriately, our call to evangelize, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the movie Contact, the Monsignor Shea talk at SEEK24, this 1993 NYT interview of Fr. Georges Lemaitre, and episodes 2 and 5 of this podcast.
If you want to reach out to Pat, you can reach him here: peschloss@gmail.com
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Rob Single, a mechanical engineer. During their conversation, they discuss the funny story about how Rob got on Madeline’s radar, putting people in boxes, a link between engineering and creative writing, his undergrad at Kentucky, the importance of great friends, famous Catholics, what his general work life is like, Spencer Clavin, quantum physics, college culture vs. church culture, confession, the shackles of shame, the importance of having friends that call you higher, and so much more!
-link: Ben’s episode, I&A, The Martian, Fr. Kartje’s episode, The Great Divorce
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and Anvils writing community, The Martian by Andy Weir, The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, and episodes 2 and 44 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Briana Sobecks, a 2nd year chemical engineering PhD student at Stanford. During their conversation, they discuss her research, how her high school and family ignited her fascination with biology and engineering, undergrad in chemical engineering at UIUC, taking ownership of your faith, choir, grad school Catholic groups, philosophy, and so much more!
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🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been TWO years since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉
In this special anniversary episode, Madeline chats with her friend Gregory Woods, a Byzantine Catholic composer and writer and the mind behind the podcast's new intro music! During their conversation, they discuss how he got into composing, what goes into composing, how the intro music was created, paradoxes, counter point and music theory, the importance of being able to share your work with others, how beauty will save the world, the importance of prudence, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and Anvils and Legend Fiction writing communities, multiple episodes of this podcast (episodes 10, 16, 29, and 50) Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods, Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway, and two Hans Zimmer songs (this and this).
If you are interested in learning more about Gregory's work, check out his website here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Stacy Trasancos, research chemist turned adjunct and author. During their conversation, they discuss, how to treat those we disagree with, growing up Baptist in Texas, what led to her atheist phase and back to faith, organic chemistry, solidarity in suffering, conforming to God’s will, how meaningful it is to be a mother, gratitude, her additional faith-related masters degrees, being financially responsible, how she came to Catholicism, holiness is for everyone, being a modern woman of faith, how we aren’t promised an easy life, persistence through suffering, never giving up on marriage, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include her Substack Engaging Atheism, her book Particles of Faith, episode 27 of this podcast, and Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis.
Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcast
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Mike Gamba, a civil engineer with his own firm. During their conversation, they discuss the perks of living in mountains, his faith life growing up, what lead to his borderline atheist phase, the class the changed his mind, the influence of the Sandy Hook shooting in coming home, exploring honestly, his degree in geological engineering from Colorado School of Mines, who has the final authority on what is true, the Great Commission, childish vs. child-like, diaconate training, docility to God’s will, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 42 and 45, The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah, and Modern Physics and Ancient Faith by Stephen Barr.
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-link: Sofia and Grace’s episodes
In this episode, Madeline chats with Zephyr Thomas, a software developer by day and self-published author by night. During their conversation, they discuss what software development is, slower-paced stories, attention span, knowing your audience, creativity, his unique college journey and what motivated his degree choice, why he left Idaho, his conversion journey, the impact of philosophy and St. Thomas Aquinas, his son’s NICU stay, the Eucharist drawing him in, how working from home affects his prayer life, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include his books--which you can check out here, his substack, the Legend Fiction writing community, and day 362 of the Catechism in a Year podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Anne Marie Snoddy, a biological anthropologist research fellow working (at time of recording) at the University of Otago in New Zealand. During their conversation, they discuss biology and anthropology undergrad at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Masters in paleopathology at Durham University in the UK, the NOVA specials, what paleoanthropology is, evolution as the creative genius of God, authentically Catholic universities that aren’t insular, people are more important than papers, the culture of academia, a typical day in her work, different college systems around the world, the pros of having a liberal arts education, dignity of the human person, othering, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 39 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friends, LC Douglas and Ellie McGhee, sisters who are undergrads studying computer science and plasma physics respectively. During their conversation, they discuss geography, sleep, what got them into their fields, education, sports, their edgy atheist/agnostic phases and how they transcended that, Catholic marriage prep, faith, what we worship, pursuing knowledge, particle physics, dangerous physics experiments best left to the professionals, what they write, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and Anvils writing community and episode 27 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and optometrist Randy Fortkamp. During their conversation, they discuss the many different ways to be an optometrist, why he ended up at IU, how his degrees worked, his time at a pharmacy plant, how he met his wife, Hoosier Awakenings 1 and 4, boundaries on your time, the importance of who you surround yourself with, everyday evangelism, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 9 of this podcast and the Maria Stein Relic Shrine in Ohio.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with two friends: Matt Kresich, a parish youth and adult ministry professional at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Cedar Lake, Indiana and George Jurincie, a computer engineer working in HVAC manufacturing. During their conversation, they discuss their engineering backgrounds, why they got into their respective fields, both went to PNW, what college faith life looks like at a commuter campus, Awakening, how Matt got into youth ministry, how George got his job, the universal call to service, how they started podcasting, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Matt and George's own podcast called Cast Out Into the Deep (especially episodes 1, 11, and 13), this episode of the Seeking Excellence podcast, and Matt's website.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her Srishti Gupta, a FOCUS missionary at Kennesaw State University. During their conversation, they discuss went her undergrad at Georgia Tech for aerospace engineering, growing up Hindu, her atheist phase, idolatry, reconciling an all powerful and all good God, what caused her to abandon Hinduism and take up atheism, some background about India, moral relativism, the problem/reason of suffering, the works of mercy, the courage of astronauts, her research in undergrad, her conversion story, the power of beautiful night skies, consolations, poetry, desires, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 34 of this podcast, The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, this chapter from the Story of Salvation bible study, and the poetry of Robert Frost.
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In this special birthday episode, Madeline celebrates turning 26 by going off on a slightly unhinged tangent chatting with Melissa Ring, her friend and geography and meteorology student at Valparaiso University, about her sci-fi writing hobby. During the course of their conversation, they discuss how Madeline and Melissa met, the inspiration for the episode, the tale of Hoosier Awakening 5, Madeline's three works-in-progress, writing as healing, the SEEK conference, imagination, similarities between writing and doing science, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Some of these references include episodes 19, 38, and 39 of this podcast; Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods; Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors by Katharine Campbell; the Legend Fiction community; Pope St. John Paul II's Letter to Artists; and The Martian by Andy Weir
If you want to check out Melissa's own writing, you can follow her on insta: @melissa_officicinalis_writes
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Sofia Bilder, a quality engineer for a steel mill in Northwest Indiana. During their conversation, they discuss her undergrad at Colorado School of Mines, what lead her to Catholicism, why she moved to Indiana from Colorado, how she and Madeline met, RCIA, the unlikely story of how she met her husband, how engagement then marriage has shaped her faith life, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 42 of this podcast and the Catechism in a Year podcast. She also has a Catholic blog where she writes about her life since converting, and you can read it here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Ben Stapleton, an electrical engineer for a utility company. During their conversation, they discuss his summer camp and Kairos experiences, his undergrad at Penn State University, a glimpse into his work life, his math professor aspirations, sub creation, artificial intelligence, reading, some highlights of his faith journey, an influential friendship with another Ben, writing and ambiguity, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 4 of this podcast, the Inkwells and Anvils community, J. R. R. Tolkien's stories, Beowulf, Brandon Sanderson's stories, the Wheel of Time series, That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis, Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scot Card, The Martian and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr., the Foundation book series, The Expanse series, and St. Meinrad Archabbey.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Cara Buskmiller, an OB/GYN and consecrated virgin for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. During their conversation, they discuss what is was like growing up in her family, a fateful Girl Scouts trip, her undergrad at Thomas Aquinas College in California, med school at Texas A&M, residency at St. Louis University, her nonprofit, dealing with a life-limiting fetal diagnosis, showing up for women and children in need, suffering well, the necessity of clarity in disagreements, human flourishing, joy vs. happiness, vocations and her vocation story, all about consecrated virginity, the Focolare ecclesial movement, the significance of saying yes, practicing virtue in the everyday, confirmation bias, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 5 and 36 of this podcast, her nonprofit Conscience in Residency, and the encyclical Humanae Vitae.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Grace Van Hare, a medical student at Case Western Reserve University. During their conversation, they discuss her relationship with her younger sister, veiling, her conversion, humility, her parents’ falling away and subsequent reversion, the chaos of the 60s and 70s in the Church, her undergrad in chemistry at Colorado School of Mines, her undergrad research, her relationship with her husband Jason and how that influenced her conversion, belonging, the Transcendentals, her research lab and EMT phase, being in med school as a mom, self-control, learning to trust God, pro-life policies that will help mother and child, her gap year research, struggling with temptation and forgiveness, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 37 of this podcast and the documentary Dopesick.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Bill Patenaude, a retired mechanical engineer who used to work for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. During their conversation, they discuss his bachelors degree at the University of Rhode Island, his work at the EPA, his reversion, getting a Masters in theology, sci-fi books and his debut novel, universal vs. uniform, the importance of reverence during Mass, being counter-cultural, the importance of environmental stewardship, the Church being a refuge and source of charity, the different kinds of love, the importance of service and sacrifice, his love of teaching others, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episode 39 of this podcast, Arthur C. Clarke, the Foundation series, the Catechism in a Year podcast, Star Wars, Gran Torino, and Avengers: Endgame.
If you're interested in checking out Bill's writing, you can check out his blog and read his debut novel, A Printer's Choice.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Raden Bowerman, a research and development manager for a mushroom company. During their conversation, they discuss his degree in sustainable biomaterials, an overview of non-timber forest products, psilocybin, drug chemistry, the health benefits of mushrooms, being a business and being environmental conscious, the necessity of scientists having good moral compasses, the impact of his dog Joules as an emotional support animal (ESA), ESAs in general, how there’s a mushroom for everybody, St. Mark Ji Tianxiang, the importance of transformation and transfiguration, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Inkwells and Anvils community, the Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. Tolkien, and Doctor Who.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Thomas Salerno, a freelance writer, editor, and fellow podcaster with a background in paleontology and anthropology. During their conversation, they discuss his bachelor’s in anthropology from SUNY Stony Brook, his past work at the American Museum of Natural History, his love of Bl. Nicolaus Steno, how Thomas and Madeline met via Legend Fiction, dinosaur fiction, hubris and playing God, bioethics, ungodly self-reliance, his time at Catholic boarding school, liturgy of the hours, science fiction, some prophetic words of Venerable Fulton Sheen, the Book of Revelation, walking around the same places as your heroes, the importance of challenging our biases, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 19 and 32 of this podcast, the Legend Fiction community, the Prehistoric Planet show, the Foundation series/show, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker, The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sky People by S.M. Stirling, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, the Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. Tolkien, Finding Darwin's God by Kenneth R. Miller, Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods, Humanae Generis, and Fides et Ratio.
You can read more about Thomas's work and catch his own podcast episodes here. He also has some work that you can read at Word on Fire such as these articles mentioned in the episode: the JWST piece, the pro-life piece, and the Jurassic Park piece.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Megan Bullock, a FOCUS missionary serving at Valparaiso University. During their conversation, they discuss how she started to love chemistry and science, why she chose to go IU over Purdue, the legend of Teter Small Group, how she ended up as a FOCUS missionary, what her physics class taught her about self-reliance and her relationship with God, identity, authentic friendship, what it was like to apply to FOCUS, what prepared her for her current job, a day in the life of a FOCUS missionary, discernment, and so much more!
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friends Nick and Lucie Nguyen, both medical students at Indiana University. During their conversation, they discuss how Nick met Madeline, Nick’s exercise science undergrad, living life for leisure, Nick and Lucie's different up brings despite similar situations, making your parents proud, the influence of Notre Dame Vision on Lucie, having a career path that does things that matter, why Lucie had a theology major, what applying to med school and residency is like, Nick’s ROTC phase, Nick’s Awakening experience, finding your identity, being married in medical school, med school culture, how Nick and Lucie found each other, authentic masculinity, their spiritual journeys, creating intentional Catholic community after college, clarity and priorities, praying together as a couple, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Pints with Aquinas podcast, 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley, Exodus 90, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, chapter 53 of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, and episodes 9 and 34 of this podcast.
**Note: Madeline mistakenly quotes the verse concerning "the Great Commission" as being from the Acts of the Apostles when it's actually from the Gospel of Matthew.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Dennis Klein, OP, a Dominican cooperator brother of the Western Province. During the course of their conversation, they discuss the influence of his brother getting him into computer science, his undergrad at Cal State San Bernardino, his PhD at UC Santa Barbara, his pulsar and instrumentation research, exoplanet detection, the importance of Catholic friends, how he discerned joining the Dominicans, the importance of knowing who you do things for, the influence of St. Thomas Aquinas, Dominican spirituality and community life, some famous saintly scientists, being a cooperator brother, his experience in Rome, what’s next for him, the vow of obedience, bouncing ideas off others, the importance of wonder, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make reference to the Catechism In A Year podcast and episodes 15 and 23 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and an IT professional, Tyler Myers. During their conversation, they discuss how he got into computer science at DePauw University, his freshman year wake-up call, how he landed his gig doing work for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, some inspirational saints, the influence of the Steubenville Conference, his love story with his fiancée Monica, his time at Tiger Catholic, his lifelong love of sports, the influence of his FOCUS missionaries, the importance of authentic friendship, some very inspirational priests, his thoughts on fraternity and fraternities, boldness, what we take for granted with the Mass, silence, demystifying the opposite gender, vulnerability and mental health, work life balance, leading by example, running to the Eucharist, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Exodus 90, The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, The Chosen tv series, Fr. Jonathan Meyer's homilies such as this one, episode 21 and 34 of this podcast, For Men Only and For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, and the story of St. Mark Ji Tianxiang.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with David Paiz, an aerospace engineer and her cousin-in-law. During their conversation, they discuss his childhood in Guatemala and California, his undergrad at Embry-Riddle in aerospace engineering, his agnostic phase, his and his wife Kelly’s journey back to Catholicism, the different engineering jobs he’s had, the difference between different engineering jobs, his favorite parts of Guatemalan culture, why he moved back to the US, his love for his current parish community, Exodus 90 and his fruit from it, the importance of fraternity and community, St. Joseph the Worker and what holy work is, impactful books, the importance of silence, his love of the rosary, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Exodus 90, The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henry J. M. Noun, The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn, The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah, episode 16 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Nicole Koontz, an exercise science lecturer and the director of the Adult Physical Fitness Program at Ball State University. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Ohio, grad school at BSU, the multitude of factors that inspired her to do exercise science, coaching tack and cross country, her usual work, the benefits of exercise, the importance of finding your own motivation to be active, creating a good fitness plan, the importance of different kinds of exercises, being realistic, her relationship with Catholicism growing up, being married to a non-Catholic, confession as a spiritual etch-a-sketch, ways student athletes might better integrate their faith into their lives, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make reference to episodes 21 and 26 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Dennis Klein, OP, a Dominican friar of the Western Province and a professor of theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkley, California. During the course of their conversation, they discuss the influence of the great Dominicans saints, his time at the Naval Academy, his time as a nuclear engineer on submarines with the Navy, his research in radiation hardening of RAM chips, being a later vocation, his itinerant life before joining the Dominicans, the influence of his sister who’s a Missionary of Charity, his discernment journey, his Catholic upbringing and coming back to the faith, an influential Naval Academy philosophy professor, the importance of young adult groups, meeting Mother Theresa, asceticism in the East and West, accessing the sacraments when deployed/on ship and general sub life, religiosity on subs, contemplation and his prayer life, integration of prayer into your life, some of his favorite saints, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make reference to episode 19 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Rich Stiebich, a research engineer at the University of Dayton Research Institute. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his Catholic schooling, ROTC, the chemical engineering during his undergrad at Notre Dame, his four years in the Air Force developing jet fuel, his work for the University of Dayton Research Institute, what inspired him to join the Air Force and Notre Dame, his work with alternative fuels, his work with his high temperature incineration, his work in flame retardant, his gratitude for having a fully Catholic education, how people will know we are Catholic, his love of singing and guitar, sitting in the chapel, the importance of purpose, loving what you do, how anyone can be a scientist, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Some references include Turn To Me; I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad; and Lead, Kindly Light.
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In this episode, Madeline chats (again) with Domenica Hartman, a materials engineer turned patent attorney. During the course of their conversation, they discuss what it’s like to be a mom and lawyer, paying your dues, starting her own firm with her husband, encouraging vocations, exposing kids to the world in age appropriate manner, liturgical living, the problems with hook up culture, how she and her family ended up at St. T’s, the importance of the smells and the bells for kids, gaps in church ministry, dating advice, and much more!
-things to link: Bible in a Year
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Two such references were the the Bible in a Year podcast and the Catechism in a Year podcast.
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🎉 🎉 🎉 It's been one year since the start of this podcast! 🎉 🎉 🎉
In this special anniversary episode, Madeline chats with Deacon Steven Caraher, a longtime friend, OG SBLTF supporter, and (at the time of release) transitional deacon for the Diocese of Gary to celebrate podcast's anniversary and his recent ordination. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up Catholic, his initial reasons for desiring the priesthood, the influence of altar severing, St. Maximilian Kolbe, compartmentalization, the influence of small group (including the legend of the Teter Small Group), Hoosier Awakening 4, his vocation story, his time at Mundelein and Sacred Heart seminaries, the steps he had to take before officially being ordained to the diaconate, the importance of community, theater, how God gets the last laugh, how he ended up at IU and in his degree path, liturgy of the hours, sanctification, his favorite things about seminary, consecration to St. Joseph, what his diaconate year will be like, discernment tips, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Some of these references include episode 7 of this podcast, the Father and Dad Podcast (which he co-hosts with his dad), the play A Man for All Seasons, and the Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Bob Zavala, an astronomer working for the United States Naval Observatory. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Illinois, the influence of the Adler on his love of astronomy, an encounter with JP2, the Maria Stein Relic Shrine, his Polish heritage, his time at University of Arizona as an undergrad, light pollution effects and how to combat them, his time in the Marines as an air traffic controller, his favorite places he’s travelled to, working for the Naval Observatory, using the GI bill to make his astro dreams come true with grad school at New Mexico State University, discovering radio astronomy, working at the VLA/NRAO, a cool connection to Clyde Tombaugh, his work on Uranus and Neptune , the Knights of Columbus, his love of reading, his love of various St. Thomas, St. Joseph, the rosary, Fr. Vincent Cappadano, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed episode 4 of this podcast, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and The Hobbit, The Confessions of St. Augustine, Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Don Calloway, In Saint Joseph’s Footsteps by Fr. Mark Toups, the Book of Jeremiah, the Book of Jonah, and Master and Commander.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Chris Baglow, a theologian and professor at the University of Notre Dame and the Director of the Science and Faith Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. During the course of their conversation, they discussed how Hurricane Katrina helped get him into science and faith scholarship, his doctoral dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas at Duquesne University, what he does at the Institute, his favorite courses that he’s taught, philosophical errors (especially materialism/scientism), Einstein and Lemaitre and intellectual humility, his favorite seminar speakers, his faith routine, what he did for Lent, aspiration vs. obligation, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed his textbook Faith, Science and Reason: Theology on The Cutting Edge, episode 19 of this podcast, Wonder: The Harmony Between Faith and Science (especially episode 1), Modern Physics and Ancient Faith by Stephen Barr, a Pints with Aquinas episode about aliens and Catholicism, the video ET and Catholic Theology, The Chosen tv series (especially season 3).
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Kacyn Tucker-Ramer, a behavior analyst and Ball State instructor in applied behavior analysis During the course of their conversation, they discussed her being a Mocal, snow days and sledding, their mutual IU connection, applied behavior analysis (ABA), how she ended up in psychology, not having to have your whole life figured out, retreats, her North Carolina phase and how it led to her coming back to Muncie, how she met her husband, how she ended up back in Bloomington, what she does for her current job, what a behavior analyst does, getting to the roots of problems, setting a good example for your children, trust in Mary’s intercession, not being afraid to ask others who no more than you, sharing truth with charity, and much more!
Content Warning: There is a very brief mention of a sensitive topic not appropriate for children's ears towards the end of the episode. An audio warning occurs before this mention to warn people and to allow anyone the opportunity to skip ahead if necessary.
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts and episode 21 of this podcast.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Mike Corcoran, a contract scientist for Goddard Spaceflight Center. During the course of their conversation, they discuss him growing up in NYC, studying physics at Cornell, grad school at University of Pennsylvania, working for Goddard Space Flight Center, his inspiration for becoming an astronomer, cosmology and dark energy, his career studying massive binaries in the UV and x-ray, his work with HEASARC, what a contract scientist is, stardust and the connection to Ash Wednesday, the importance of prayer, how it’s not the end of the world if prayers don’t get answered the way we want them to, it’s okay for our expectations to be overturned with God, the importance of both personal and communal prayer, the sign of peace, the importance of human connection in person, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke, Dune by Frank Herbert, The Expanse by James S. A. Corey, the We Are Stars dome show, St. Joseph of Cupertino prayer, and The Chosen (specifically the season 3 finale).
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Sr. Damien Marie Savino, FSE, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist and the Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College . During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up in Connecticut, her love of the outdoors, her undergrad at McGill University, the importance of listening to your heart, the intersection of people and place, her master's in soil science at the University of Connecticut, finding her way back to her faith, how she found the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, an influential visit to Assisi, her community's formation process, sacrifice as a bride of Christ, the meaning of the Franciscan habit, her past work in remediation, sacramentals, science and faith as a friendship, caring for creation, a typical day in her community, an impactful backpacking trip to Norway, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed an Ask Father Josh episode about discerning religious orders, episode 19 of this podcast, Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical, and her community's Educating for Laudato Si' initiative.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Linu Uthuppan, a pharmacist and family friend. During the course of their conversation, they discuss growing up Catholic in India, arranged marriages, St. Thomas Christians, immigration to the US, why she went into pharmacy, the importance of work-life balance, taking care of parents, the diversity of cultures in India, language learning, experiencing cultural differences, how Linu ended up in Valparaiso, retreats, the importance of praying together as a family, being grateful for where we live, the different Catholic rites in India, the importance of confession, the importance of having religious art, her admiration of Mary, and much more!
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Domenica Hartman, a materials engineer turned patent attorney. During the course of their conversation, they discuss her undergrad in materials engineering at Purdue, her first job out of college working on the SR71 Blackbird, what prompted her to become a patent attorney, the rare air of being a patent attorney and the required qualifications, law school at Michigan, the different kinds of thinking between science and law, what a day in the life of a patent attorney looks like, patent laws around the world, an influential encounter when she interned at GM, the importance of teaching your children the faith, what its like to have a daughter in the religious life, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. They discussed Who Built That by Michelle Malkin and the Father and Dad podcast!
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Alex Wallace, a licensed professional counselor. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his conversion from a none to Catholic, his connections to St. Francis, his undergrad in psychology at Butler, his graduate work at Ball State in sports and exercise psychology and counseling, his work at Ruah Woods, caring for people in a way consistent with Catholicism, being made for relationship, what inspired him to pursue counseling, the meaning of the Hebrew word “ruah”, theology of the body, wounds and freedom, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, the four harmonies, the uncountable dignity of everyone, encountering love through each other, the transcendentals, internal working models, the self-centeredness of society, imago dei, what his work day is like, his prayer routine, the importance of exercise, beautiful worship spaces, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Some of the references include Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, and the John Paul II Healing Center. You can also check out the work that Alex and his colleagues do at Ruah Woods Psychological Services here!
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Deacon Jim Caristi, a retired computer science professor from Valparaiso University and one of the deacons from her home parish. During the course of their conversation, they discuss his early interest in math and languages, his various avenues of research, the hand in hand nature of math and computer science, how he got entrenched in computer science, helping develop VU’s computer science major from a minor, the Go programming language, parallelism, what it’s like to work at a school not affiliated with your denomination, the state of affairs between Catholicism and Lutheranism, the doctrine of the True Presence, how he ended up as a deacon, his legendary 50th birthday piano recital, what a deacon is and does, his experience with Newman Centers, burnout, the growing number of deacons vs. priests, the importance of listening and relaxation, silence, being a night owl, Teilhard de Chardin, infinities, being open to God’s path for you, and many more!
During the course of their conversation, they make reference to The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah.
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In this special solo episode, Madeline celebrates turning 25 by talking briefly about 25 Catholic scientists that she thinks people should know about. From well-known to the less known, from canonized saints to the Catholic laymen, from priest to married, they span a variety of science disciplines and vocations. Here's the list of the 25 in order of being mentioned:
- St. Albert the Great
- Fr. Georges Lemaitre, SJ
- Fr. Gregor Mendel, OSA
- St. Gianna Beretta Molla
- Sr. Miriam Michael Stimson, OP
- Fr. Angelo Secchi, SJ
- St. Joseph Canh
- Bonaventura Cavalieri
- Venerable Jerome Lejeune
- Louis Braille
- Andre-Marie Ampere
- Bl. Carlo Acutis
- Pope Sylvester II
- St. Hildegard of Bingen
- Bl. Hermann Reichenau
- Bl. Nicolaus Steno
- Bl. Jose Gregorio Hernandez
- St. Guiseppe Moscati
- Servant of God Takashi Nagai
- Bl. Guadalupe Ortiz
- Bl. Benedetta Bianca Porra
- Alessandro Volta
- St. Luke the Evangelist
- St. Cosmas
- St. Damian
Madeline highly recommends reading up on these cool Catholic scientists!
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Argentinian Jesuit astronomer Fr. José Funes, SJ. During their conversation, they discuss the inspiration of NASA astronauts landing on the Moon, studying astronomy in his undergrad, his PhD work in Padua, his time as director of the Vatican Observatory, the phenomenal skies of Argentina, how he ended up as a Jesuit, an encounter with the man who would become Pope Francis, his work with the star formation legend Ron Kennicutt, what his Jesuit formation was like, the equal importance of the humanities, what a typical day is like for him, sports and their analogy to faith, his favorite ways to pray, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some of the references include the National Statuary Hall, NGC 5128/Centaurus A, The Odyssey and The Iliad by Homer, The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges, episode 19 of the Father and Dad podcast, and the Footprints in the Sand poem.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend and soon-to-be optometrist Emily Eherenman. During their conversation, they discuss her dad's conversion sparking her faith, being an undergrad neuroscience major at IU, her research at the CORL research lab, discernment, her experience visiting Our Lady of Lourdes and its effect on her relationship with Mama Mary, how she got into optometry, her experience at IU's optometry school, the influence of Hoosier Awakening, what to do when you hit spiritual walls, Evangelization Taining Camp, the legend of the Teter Small Group 2016-2017, her influence on growing Hoosier Catholic's YA/grad student group, why you should invest in others, how patient care has inspired her faith, St. Lucy, her plans after graduation in May, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they discuss St. Lucy and her association with eyes. You can read more about her here.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Tony Cancio, a professor of physics at Ball State University. Through many laughs and stories, they discuss him growing up in DC, his education at Columbia University and University of Illinois, how his love of math and physical chemistry led him to physics, the culture of the Ivy League schools, his research in density functional theory, church architecture, the influence of his godmother and his Cuban family on his faith, the idea of foolishness, how he got involved with church choirs, why everyone should experience the Easter Vigil, what constitutes sacred music, the need for logical consistency, the importance of working on stuff that challenges you, knowing when you're wrong, going to Mass when you travel, and so much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the show Cheers, the Star Wars films, and episode 179 of the Seeking Excellence podcast.
This episode is sponsored by Madeline's classmate Akin Akinola letting her borrow his charge cord for her computer.
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In this special Thanksgiving bonus episode, Madeline chats with her friend Sophia Hoffert who is an artist, writer, and Ball State creative writing grad student who also happens to be the creative mind behind all of this podcast's artwork! During their chat, they discuss her St. Edmund Campion screenplay, how she got into creative pursuits, storytelling and God as a storyteller, her dream job, the influence of her Canadian phase, how she ended up at Ball State, being raised Anglican, St. Francis's music ministry and her conversion story, a powerful encounter with the Eucharist, the power of character, the design of the podcast graphic, how she and Madeline became friends, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore further. They include Veggie Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Beowulf, The Chosen tv series, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.
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In this episode, Madeline Shepley chats with Fr. Paul Gabor, a Jesuit exoplanet astronomer working for the Vatican observatory. During this conversation, they chat about what it was like to grow up in communist Czechoslovakia, the importance of knowing history, what inspired him to become a priest and become a Jesuit, his journey from merely intellectual to personal faith, his typical day to day, his exoplanet work, doing science as a dialog with God, intellectual humility, and much more!
During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include the Footprints in the Sand poem, The Unreasonable of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences by Eugene Wigner, the CoRoT 7b exoplanet, and part 2 of a 2016 interview he did.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Chris Corbally, SJ, an English Jesuit priest and astronomer who works for the Vatican Observatory. During their conversation, they discuss the science mandate of the Vatican Observatory, the difference between astronomy and astrology, how the Jesuits combined his two callings, the long formation process for Jesuits, spectroscopy, variable stars, how he joined the Vatican Observatory, star formation, astroseismology, the Word of God in nature, doing science as imitating God, how his scientist vocation affects his priestly one, redeeming situations, his favorite prayer practices, the capacity and emergence of religion in humans, the existence of extraterrestrial life, the different charisms of the church, and much more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include Proverbs chapter 8, The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah, the Redemptorist Renewal Center near Tucson, episode 4 of this podcast, and a YouTube video about extraterrestrials and Catholicism.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with Cathie Dull, a long time family friend, parishioner of Madeline's home parish, and a huge inspiration for Madeline as a teenager . During their conversation, they discuss her conversion as a child, the sameness of Mass around the world, no coincidences in Catholicism, her forays into journalism, the Campus Outreach Opportunities League, her love of service, the beauty of the Western United States, starting their home parish's middle school youth group, starting the Discoveries Unlimited STEM mentoring group, experiential learning, a powerful experience of adoration, her personal mission statement, her love of Dorthy Day, showing Jesus through ourselves, and so much more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include episode 10 of this podcast, Pierced by a Sword by Bud Macfarlane Jr., Opportunity Enterprises, The Caring Place, and Housing Opportunities.
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In this episode, Madeline chats with pediatrician and family friend Dee Dee Brogan. During their conversation, they discuss her family, her close bond with her grandmother, her extensive Catholic education and the importance of a quality education, her inspiration for becoming a pediatrician, working out, the rosary and Marian apparitions, the need for joy, her current spiritual goals, and so much Moree!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include episode 8 of this podcast, the Bible in a Year podcast, and The Bible is Catholic Book by Jimmy Akin.
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline chats with her dad Joe Shepley, a sales manager for a chemical company. During their conversation, they talk about him growing up all over the place, trying to be a renaissance man, the family love of reading, his conversion, his career transition from rocket scientist to water doctor, the influence and inspiration of his father-in-law and grandfather, gratitude, a very influential talk by astrophysicist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, and much more!
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
***Note: The lower sound quality of this episode was the result of an unsuccessful experiment in multitasking.
In this episode, Madeline chats with her friends Jenna and David Ambrose, who both have biology related professions. During the three's trip down memory lane, they discuss the importance of rest, David's conversion, Jenna's job as a PA, David working for a Pharma company, the common ground between the pro life and pro abortion movements, doing small things with great love, the importance of having faithful friends, what evangelization at work looks like, and much more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include the Women's Care Center in Bloomington, the Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Patrick Hyde's homilies, What in the Dang Heck episode 98, The Oh Hellos, Casting Crowns, Stephan Stanley, Austin French, and For King and Country.
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline chats with Muncie Catholic parishioner and mom, Theresa Seidle. During this conversation, they discuss her wide array of college biology research, the huge impact of her college Bible study, what God is vs. who God is, moral relativism, the poverty of loneliness, not being afraid to ask big of God, and much more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include Who Am I to Judge? by Edward Sri, The Chosen tv series, Living Joy by Chris Stefanick, The Christ Commission by Og Mandino, and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this first ever interview of a fellow podcaster, Madeline chats with PJ Caraher, a software engineer and CTO at a maturing start up and a co-host of the Father and Dad podcast, a podcast he co-hosts with his son and her good friend Steven Caraher. During their conversation, they chat about many things including familial expectations and discernment, thinking beyond society's paradigms, the importance of physical connection, anti-fragility, and so much more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can further explore. Among their many references include the 35th and 45th episodes of Catholic Stuff You Should Know, Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, the Bible in a Year podcast, The Reality Bug by D.J. Machale, 1984 by George Orwell, and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Additionally, if you're interested in learning more about PJ's journey with his son Steven as Steven experiences life as a seminarian, Madeline highly recommends checking out the Father and Dad podcast. They specifically reference the first episode of season 3!
In honor of all the tangents that Madeline and PJ went on in this episode, Madeline also invites you to count how many times they say the word "tangent" in this episode and comment the number on the accompanying social media posts!
As always, feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcast
Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline chats with Ball State computer science professor, Paul Gestwicki. During this conversation, they discuss designing games, his love of music and musical theater, moderating media consumption, moral relativism, being the creator we're called to be, and more!
In the course of their conversation, they make many references that you can explore more. Some important references listeners should check out include J.R.R. Tolkien (On Fairy Stories), Fyodor Dostoyevsky (The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment), C.S. Lewis (Till We Have Faces), Flannery O'Connor (Revelation), Mystery Science Theater 3000, and the Seeking Excellence podcast (Episode 155), and the What In the Dang Heck podcast (Episode 97).
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline chats with Ball State University cell biology professor, Phil Smaldino. During their conversation, they chat about his scientific work in proteins and the cell biology of cancer, his reversion to the faith during his postdoc, his family, appreciating the grandeur of creation, and more!
Madeline also references two podcast episodes about Galileo and Copernicus from the Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast (not Pints with Aquinas as she misremembers in this episode). If you want to explore that tangent of Madeline and Phil's conversation, check out Catholic Stuff You Should Know's 35th and 45th episodes respectively.
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline shares many laughs with her friend Jen Lautenbach, a creative mind behind @thesonandstars and @the.creationproject. During their conversation, they discuss Jen's undergrad stellar radio astronomy research, the subtle evangelism of walking the talk, her transition into graphic design, creating with the Creator, and more!
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this episode, Madeline chats with Fr. Gareth Leyshon, a Welsh priest and missionary, about his broad forays into physics and astronomy, his conversion story, and evangelization!
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
In this first interview episode, Madeline converses with Fr. John Kartje, the Rector of Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. They discuss his past work with active galactic nuclei (AGN), the concept of mystery, the image of God, and more!
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Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
Host Madeline Shepley briefly introduces herself, the inspiration for the podcast, and what you can expect from the podcast. She is excited to embark on this journey with her listeners into exploring the intersection of science and faith, especially her Catholic faith!
Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcast
Don't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!