The Cardinal Newman Society Podcast

The Cardinal Newman Society Podcast

Promoting & Defending Faithful Catholic Education

Episodes

June 27, 2025 39 mins
In Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Bill Thierfelder, outgoing president of Belmont Abbey College, we dive into the deeper layers of Catholic education, sports, culture, and the soul. With stories from NFL training sessions to his own Olympic-level athletic career, Dr. Thierfelder unpacks what sport is really for and how it can form or deform the human person depending on its aim. From Saint John Henry Newman's vision of the unive...
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Dr. Bill Thierfelder’s path to Belmont Abbey was anything but predictable — from NCAA Division I athlete and Olympic-level sports psychologist to business executive and devoted father of ten children, his journey ultimately led him to a small Catholic college in crisis. But what followed was nothing short of providential. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition and inspired by the monks who built the college brick by brick over 150 ye...
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In Part 2 of Emily Torres’s testimony, she continues her story of standing for truth at a Catholic university that seems to have abandoned its identity. From confronting radical gender ideology to being verbally harassed for defending the Church’s teaching on marriage and pro-life issues, Emily increasingly found herself isolated on campus. Despite threats, public ridicule, and faculty pushing blasphemous theology, Emily refused t...
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Emily Torres shares her powerful conversion story, from growing up in a nominal protestant home to discovering the truth of the Catholic faith as a teenager. But after enrolling at a prominent Catholic university that claims to seek God in all things, Emily instead encountered an environment that promoted an anti-Catholic agenda: From Free Condom Fridays held outside the campus chapel, pro-abortion protests, drag shows mocking rel...
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Join us as Steve Minnis, president of Benedictine College, shares his remarkable journey of over two decades at the helm, driving unprecedented growth and fostering a community deeply rooted in faith and scholarship. Under his leadership, Benedictine College has not only doubled its student body but also enhanced its campus with modern facilities, all while strengthening its Catholic identity. From initiating a unique consecration ...
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Continue the gripping narrative with Tony Scarpo as he delves deeper into the aftermath of confronting woke ideologies at his daughters' Catholic school. After initially stepping back into a leadership role with renewed promises from the school, Tony and his wife Barbara faced a resurgence of the very issues they fought against. This episode explores the stark revelations and tough decisions that led to a legal battle against the s...
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Tune in to hear Tony Scarpo's compelling journey as he and his wife made deliberate choices to immerse their daughters in what they believed was a faithful and nurturing Catholic school. After relocating their home closer to the prestigious school, spearheading fundraising efforts, and contributing $1.35 million to its development, Tony uncovers a distressing shift towards woke ideologies within the school. His story unfolds into a...
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Rejoin Dan Schreck, director of The Institute at Ave Maria University, as he continues highlighting the university's approach to integrating faith with academic and professional development. Learn how The Insitute connects students with Legatus mentors and delivers on the claim of forming leaders.
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Join Dan Schreck, chief strategy officer, director of the Institute, and vice president of enrollment at Ave Maria University, as he discusses the vision behind the university’s innovative Institute. Discover how the Institute harmonizes faith, academics, and professional development to equip students with the tools and formation needed to lead and succeed in today’s world. Learn about Ave Maria University’s unique approach to crea...
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Rejoin Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre, president of Catholic International University, as she delves into the transformative power of virtual Catholic education. Dr. Aguirre highlights Catholic International's innovative early college program, affordable degree options, and mission-driven education. Discover how Catholic International combines academic rigor with the teachings of the Church to serve students worldwide.
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Join Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre as she discusses Catholic International University’s mission to make faithful Catholic education accessible worldwide. Learn about the university’s unique online approach to forming students in faith and intellect.
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Today, Seton Junior and Senior High School in Manassas, Virginia, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Join us as we continue our discussion with Bob Pennefather and discover how this 7-12 grade school keeps Christ at the center & the Newman Guide as its second apostle.
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Join us as we sit down with Bob Pennefather, director of Seton Junior/Senior High School, to discuss Seton’s remarkable journey as one of the first 7-12 schools to become Newman Guide Recommended. Founded by Mrs. Anne Carroll in 1975, the year of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization, Seton School is a private, co-educational school. Discover how Seton has made the Catholic faith a priority and how the Newman Guide Recommended ...
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Join us as we sit down with Dr. George Harne, the new president of Christendom College, to explore his vision for the future of this thriving Newman Guide college. Learn about his path to the presidency, Christendom’s mission to restore all things in Christ, and the exciting plans to build on the college’s rich foundation. Discover how Christendom continues to form students intellectually, spiritually, and socially in a deeply Cath...
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Rejoin Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College, as he delves further into their distinctive educational model. This session highlights the deeper integration of outdoor experiences within their academic framework and discusses innovative strategies for student debt reduction, demonstrating a profound commitment to forming both mind and soul.
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More with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka as she shares the practical steps for teaching sacred music and forming the next generation of Catholic musicians. 
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, founding director of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music. Explore how this unique institute is equipping musicians and educators with the knowledge and skills to revitalize sacred music in parishes and schools. Discover the profound impact of sacred music on Catholic worship and how it can bring renewed vitality to the faith.
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More with Dr. Timothy O'Donnell as he shares valuable lessons from 32 years as president of Christendom College. O'Donnell shares the joy of seeing Christendom College grow and his insights for faithful Catholic educators. 
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Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Timothy O'Donnell as he reflects on his 32 years as president of Christendom College. Discover the challenges and triumphs of leading a faithful Catholic institution and the enduring importance of a Christ-centered education.
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Meet Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College. Washut shares how Wyoming Catholic weaves the wilderness into its curriculum and how every graduate receives a Stetson hat, indicating a deeply formed mind & soul.
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