Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

| S03 | E05 | Across North America and Western Europe, Catholic conversions are on the rise. In this episode of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore what’s driving this trend — from the global pandemic and declining trust in institutions to the influence of online voices and the Church’s unique appeal to young men.

Discover the factors behind this growing movement and what it mean...

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, w...

TF | S03E03 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the Catholic Church’s compassionate teaching on suicide and mental health. They address common misconceptions—such as the idea that suicide automatically leads to damnation—while highlighting the Church’s nuanced understanding of personal culpability, suffering, and God’s mercy. This conversation also offers pract...

| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life.

Discover practical tools for:

- Cultivating healthy detachment

- Avoiding occasions o...

| S03 E01|

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle some of the most common questions young people face about prayer and faith:

How do I handle distractions when I pray?

How do I know if I’m really following God’s will?

Drawing on personal stories and practical wisdom, they share simple strategies for staying focused in prayer, including repetitive prayers, creating sacred spaces...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kuebler for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA evidence and the fossil record suppo...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld are joined by Dr. Daniel Kuebler, a biologist from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Together, they explore the complex but fruitful dialogue between faith and science, focusing on Dr. Kuebler’s work on evolutionary theory and its place within Catholic thought. The conversation also considers the limits and possibilities of academic debate—when it helps, when...

This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett return to the mailbag with St. Jerome’s Parish in Hyattsville, Maryland for part two of their Q&A with their youth group.

They dive into big questions like: Who goes to hell? Will we see loved ones in heaven? What happens at the end of time? With help from C.S. Lewis, St. Thomas Aquinas, and their own experience, they explore God’s justice and mercy, the danger of self-j...

In this lively episode of the Thinking Faith podcast, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett dive into some deep theological waters—guided by curious young minds from St. Jerome’s in Hyattsville, Maryland. What is purgatory really about? Can non-Christians be saved? Why do Catholics pray for the dead? With wisdom, wit, and a good dose of heart, our hosts explore these tough topics through the lens of Scripture, Catholic tradition, and reason—sh...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld reflect on the surprise election of Pope Leo XIV and what his papacy could mean for the Church and the world. They explore his unique background, his thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation, and the qualities that make him a compelling spiritual leader. From social justice and church unity to the challenges of AI and global engagement, the hosts consid...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, recorded just before the election of Pope Leo XIV, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld put on their Vatican-prognosticating hats to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and wonder what might be on the minds of the Cardinals heading into the conclave. From thoughts on papal names (yes, they took a few stabs!) to the kind of leader the Church might need next, they provide a snapshot of their ...

In this part two of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the vital role of mentorship and accompaniment in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina. The conversation sheds light on a variety of programs, including diocesan events like the MyGen Youth Rally, Variety Night, and Youth Leadership Camps, aimed at creating op...

In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic spiritual engagement. The discussio...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonergan...

In this episode of 'Thinking Faith,' hosts Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld converse with Amanda Achtman about her project 'Dying to Meet You,' centered around death, suffering, and cultural renewal. Amanda shares her journey from politics to her year-long blog on dying, exploring how suffering provides meaning in life. They discuss euthanasia's impact, the importance of facing death, and how personal stories can bring profound co...

In this first episode of 'Re-Thinking Faith,' Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett revisit a classic episode series on the cross and suffering from 2020. In this part one of two episodes, they'll examine the unique claims of Christianity, surrounding the Cross and salvation discussing a variety of theological perspectives and metaphors used in Christian thought throughout history. They also provide insights into questions raised by listeners,...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Amanda Achtman to share her mission of preventing euthanasia and spreading hope. Amanda reflects on how her journey from Calgary to Ottawa, her personal experiences, and her grandfather’s influence shaped her vocation. She discusses the role of intergenerational bonds, her work educating dioceses on euthanasia, and her efforts to empower youth through the ...

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric is joined by Dr. David Kopriva, a vascular surgeon and advocate against medical assistance in dying (MAiD). They discuss the critical topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), its impact on healthcare professionals and individuals, and the broader ethical and religious implications. Dr. Kopriva shares personal stories and professional insights, illustrating the complexities and nuan...