Catholic in America

What does the USCCB actually do — and why does it matter to everyday Catholics?

In this powerful conversation, Jason Adkins sits down with Anthony Granado, Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the bishops’ policy priorities are shaped, debated, and brought to Capitol Hill.

They discuss the origins and mission of the USCCB, the role of Catholi...

What does it mean to die well—and how is the cultural push for "medical aid in dying" actually undermining real dignity and healthcare? In this compelling episode, Dr. Charles Camosy joins Jason Adkins to unpack the philosophical, medical, legal, and spiritual dangers behind physician-assisted suicide—or what he accurately calls physician-assisted killing.

Drawing on insights from his new book Living and Dying Well, Dr. Ca...

n this compelling episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins is joined by Professor James O’Toole, historian and professor at Boston College, to explore the rise, and stunning decline, of one of Catholicism’s most defining and intimate practices: the sacrament of confession.

Drawing from his acclaimed book For I Have Sinned: The Sacrament of Confession in American Catholicism (Harvard University Press), Professor O’Toole offe...

In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins sits down with theologian, author, and Exodus 90 Director of Content Dr. R. Jared Staudt for a timely conversation about the renewal of Catholic manhood. Dr. Staudt unpacks the origins of Exodus 90, a 90-day spiritual boot camp rooted in prayer, asceticism, and fraternity, and how it has transformed the lives of over 200,000 men worldwide. Together, Jason and Dr. Staudt explore t...

Is modern life really secular—or are we just worshipping new gods?

In this powerful episode of Catholic in America, theologian Dr. William Cavanaugh joins host Jason Adkins to discuss his latest book, The Uses of Idolatry. They explore how the things we worship today—nation, market, technology, and even sports—mirror the dynamics of religion. Drawing on Scripture, St. Augustine, and Catholic sacramental theology, Cavanaugh argues th...

In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins sits down with husband-and-wife duo Tom and Noelle Crowe, the creators and hosts of American Catholic History. Their podcast shines a spotlight on the overlooked people, places, and events that shaped the Catholic Church in the United States, from saints and missionaries to bourbon makers and baseball legends.

Together, they explore why Catholic Americans need to know their own hi...

Fr. Philip Larrey, philosopher, theologian, and expert on AI ethics, joins Catholic in America to explore the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for humanity, morality, and the future of the Church’s witness. With decades of experience in epistemology and digital ethics, Fr. Larrey offers profound insight into the Vatican’s response, the philosophical limits of AI, the global AI arms race, and the moral challen...

What if Catholicism isn’t just a religion, but a worldview. A way of seeing all reality as enchanted with divine purpose? In this episode, Jason Adkins sits down with Fr. William Slattery, author of Enchanted by Eternity, to explore the Catholic vision of a heavenized earth. They discuss how modern scientific discoveries, especially in quantum physics, are actually consistent with Catholic theology and why the faith is not just abo...

Why are so many young people walking away from traditional religion—not in anger, but with a shrug? In this thought-provoking episode, Jason Adkins sits down with renowned sociologist Dr. Christian Smith, author of Why Religion Went Obsolete, to unpack the quiet cultural revolution that's led to the decline of faith institutions in America.

They explore:

• Why the 1990s were a turning point for religious disaffiliation
• How the ...

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, world-renowned economist and advisor to both the UN and multiple popes, joins Jason Adkins to explore the profound influence of Catholic social teaching on economics, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. From working with Pope John Paul II on Centesimus Annus to helping shape Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis, Sachs shares how the Church’s moral vision offers a critical alternative to the modern technocratic paradigm...

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins welcomes Dr. Anna Faria and Dr. Grant Clayton — economists from the University of Colorado — to unpack their groundbreaking study, Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota.

While faith institutions are often praised for spiritual and charitable contributions, this new research shines light on a lesser-known dimension: the Church’s staggering...

In this bold and eye-opening episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins is joined by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, to expose the institutional forces behind the sexual revolution—and how the Church’s teachings are not only relevant, but prophetic.

Dr. Morse, a trained economist and former professor at Yale and George Mason, dives deep into how elite ideologies—disguised as progress—have systematically d...

What if we’re looking at politics all wrong? In this episode, theologian Michael Baxter joins Jason Adkins to explore the spiritual vision behind the Catholic Worker Movement and the political witness of Dorothy Day. As America reels from another election season, Dr. Baxter invites us to shift our focus—from the ballot box to the beatitudes, from Washington to our neighborhoods. Through stories, reflection, and deep Catholic social...

This episode discusses the rise of legalized sports gambling in the U.S. following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and why Catholics should be concerned about it. The Catholic Church's opposition to sports gambling is explained with emphasis on its potential to drive poverty, fragment families, and fuel addiction and domestic violence. The episode features Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, who talks ab...

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins interviews journalist Tim Carney about his new book, 'Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be.' They discuss the alarming decline in birth rates, the cultural and economic factors contributing to this trend, and the concept of 'civilizational sadness.' Carney argues that a return to religiosity and community su...

In this conversation, Dr. Brad Wilcox discusses the importance of marriage as a social institution, countering prevalent myths that devalue it. He presents data showing that married individuals are generally happier, more financially secure, and lead more meaningful lives compared to their single counterparts. The discussion also touches on the cultural, socioeconomic, and political factors influencing marriage rates, as well as th...

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins engages with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, an Associate Professor of Political Economy at the Catholic University of America and author of 'Hannah's Children.' They delve into the falling birth rates in the U.S. and worldwide, discussing the economic and cultural implications. Dr. Pakaluk argues that large families can be a rational choice when accounting for non-mat...

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins discusses the interplay of family dynamics and economic policies with Dr. Melissa Kearney, an economist from the University of Maryland. The conversation covers Dr. Kearney's new book, 'The Two-Parent Privilege,' which explores the economic advantages of two-parent households and the decline of marriage rates, particularly among non-college educated individual...

In this episode of the Catholic in America podcast, host Jason Adkins is joined by Louis Brown Jr., J.D., Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation. The conversation revolves around the intersection of human dignity and healthcare, focusing on the vital role of Catholic healthcare institutions in the United States. Key topics include the historical and ongoing contributions of Catholic healthcare, the challenges posed by ...