The Engaged Parish Podcast

In this special episode recorded live from the Catholic Media Conference in Phoenix, we sit down with Inés San Martín, vice president of marketing and communications for the Pontifical Mission Societies.

A former Vatican journalist and co-editor of Crux, Inés now helps lead global efforts to support mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. She shares the incredible impact of World Mission Sunday, how ...

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we’re joined by Rob DeFrancesco, Executive Director of the Catholic Media Association. Rob shares his journey from local diocesan communicator to national leader in Catholic journalism and digital media—and why Catholic storytelling must always be rooted in mission.

In this episode, we explore:

• The power of Catholic media to evangelize
• How parishes can simplify their communication...

In this episode of the Engage Parish Podcast, we sit down with Mark Matthews, a visual effects and AI expert with over a decade of experience at DreamWorks Animation. Mark shares his journey from the Canadian prairies to Hollywood, where he worked on blockbuster films like Kung Fu Panda, Shrek Forever After, and Madagascar II.

Beyond his impressive career in animation, Mark is also the founder of Bibles and Brew, a men's fellowship ...

In this special episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Jason Jaynes, CEO of eCatholic, for a powerful conversation on leadership, faith, and the future of Catholic technology. Jason shares his journey from growing up in small-town Texas to working in high-tech startups—then following a providential path that led him to serve the Church through his role at eCatholic. You’ll hear about:

• His personal faith story an...

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Tim Glemkowski, Executive Director of Amazing Parish and former Director of the National Eucharistic Congress. We dive deep into what it takes to renew parish culture in a post-Christian world.

Tim shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 2024 Eucharistic Congress, the impact of the Eucharistic Revival, and how Amazing Parish equips pastors to lead healthy, vibrant, mi...

What if your fitness routine could be more than just a workout—what if it was a path to holiness? In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Chase Crouse, founder of HypuroFit, the first-ever Catholic personal training and nutrition coaching company.

Chase shares his powerful conversion story and how he discovered that self-mastery in health is essential for self-gift. We explore:

• Why fitness matters for Cath...

What does it mean to be uncommonly free? In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we talk with Jamie Baxter, CEO of Exodus 90, about the deeper spiritual purpose behind the movement that’s helped thousands of men grow in prayer, discipline, and fraternity.What we cover:

• The origin and mission of Exodus 90
• How asceticism leads to spiritual freedom
• The power of local (and remote) fraternities
• The liturgical rhythm built into th...

What does it mean to live a holy life in a world ruled by screens? In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Tim Moriarty and co-director Christian Surtz to discuss their upcoming documentary Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality — a powerful new film hitting theaters April 27–29, 2025.

This isn't just a biography. It's a deep exploration of Carlo’s mysticism, his love for the Eucharist, and his bold engag...

In this episode, Keith Nester shares his personal journey from his early days as a Protestant pastor to his life-changing conversion to Catholicism. Hear about the pivotal moments that led him to discover the beauty of the Catholic faith, including the transformative power of the Rosary.

Keith also opens up about how he leverages social media to connect people to their faith. From his daily live Rosary on YouTube to his long-form Yo...

Join us as we sit down with Fr. Nick Desimone from the Diocese of Worcester, who brings a wealth of experience in guiding parishes through the complexities of mergers. In this insightful episode, Father Nick shares practical tips, heartfelt wisdom, and invaluable advice drawn from his own successful journey of leading his parish community through a merger. Whether your parish is facing the challenges of uniting with another communi...

In this inspiring episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Sister Bethany Chelsea Davis of the Daughters of St. Paul—often called the “Media Nuns”—to explore her journey into religious life and how she leverages modern technology to share the Gospel message. From discovering her vocation to employing social media and digital outreach, Sister Bethany offers practical insights for reaching new audiences and nurturing f...

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard, to discuss the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the Church.

From the challenges of A.I. "hallucinations" to the importance of ethical regulation, Matthew shares thoughtful insights on how A.I. can complement—rather than replace—the Church's mission of evangelization, education, and pastoral care.

Join us for a th...

In this brief but impactful interview, Deacon Steve Greco discusses Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist, the powerful documentary that captured the #1 spot on Fathom Events' top film list in June. Tune in as Deacon Steve shares insights on the significance of the film, its impact on viewers, and the importance of the Eucharist in our faith. Plus, get details on the newly released DVD, now available for purchase through Igna...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marian Father Chris Alar as he unpacks the profound mystery of the Immaculate Conception. Discover how this foundational dogma reveals Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation and deepens our understanding of her perfect "yes" to His will.

Father Alar brings clarity and insight to this beautiful truth of our Catholic faith, offering reflections that will inspire your devotion to the B...

In this special episode of The Engaged Parish podcast, we’re joined by renowned Catholic artist Chris Lewis, founder of Baritus Catholic, for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of art and beauty in evangelization.

Discover how sacred art can deepen faith, foster meaningful connections, and bring a sense of the sacred—even to digital spaces. Chris shares his artistic process, the principles he applies to his...

In this episode, we sit down with Randy Hain, a seasoned business leader and devout Catholic, to explore the essential qualities of effective and authentic leadership in Catholic communities. Randy shares practical insights from his experience in the business world, offering relatable advice on:

Join us for an inspiring conversation about Michelle Duppong’s life and legacy. In this special online event, FOCUS leaders Jessica Navin, Mark Bartek, and Stephany Anderson share insights into the life of Servant of God Michelle Duppong and the upcoming documentary, Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story. Learn about Michelle's unwavering faith, her journey toward sainthood, and the impact she continues to have on countless li...

Step into a deeper faith journey with this inspiring new program for the women in your parish. This week, we had the privilege of interviewing Mark and Katie Hartfiel from Paradisus Dei, where they introduced She Shall Be Called Woman, a powerful new program debuting this fall. Designed to meet the deepest longings of the feminine heart, this program offers women a space to be truly seen, known, and loved as they grow in their rela...