Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, to talk about what it really looks like to live out the Gospel. From a small village in Scotland to feeding over 3 million children every school day, Magnus shares the unlikely, grace-filled story of how a simple “yes” to God became a global mission of love.

Together, Fr. Mike and Magnus reflect on Scripture, espe...

What if evangelization started with showing up?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life.

This conversation ch...

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by Catholic author and speaker Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini to share powerful stories of faith and radical trust in God. Elizabeth reflects on her sister Bella and her daughter Zelie—two lives that reveal the beauty, dignity, and purpose of every human person.
Together, they explore Catholic social teaching, the meaning of mercy, and why love always requires sacrifi...

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Sr. Gianna Maria and Sister Zelie Maria Louis of the Sisters of Life—a community of religious sisters whose mission is to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. One of their missions is to serve women who are vulnerable to abortion and give them the support and resources they need to choose life for themselves and their children.

Together, they sh...

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to “walk with the poor.”

Kerry shares her remarkable lifelong journey of service — shaped by her family’s legacy of Catholic philanthropy, her early encounters with heroic witnesses of faith, and her vocational call to bring hope where it’s needed mos...

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Dave Arnold—former CEO turned global ministry leader—about how God transformed his life and led him into the heart of Rwanda’s post-genocide healing. Dave shares how the PEACE Plan united government, business, and the church to rebuild a nation and how simple, local acts of love sparked reconciliation for millions.

Together they explore what real unity looks like, how...

When thousands of parishes are closing and fewer people identify with any faith, how can the Church not only survive—but thrive?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Kevin Doyle, president of the Catholic Initiative, about a bold new approach to sustaining vibrant parishes and schools for generations to come. From restoring Detroit’s historic St. Anne’s Basilica to supporting under-resourced communities,...

Wrongly convicted at 18, Darryl Woods Sr. spent nearly 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. But instead of giving in to bitterness, he found freedom through faith—transforming prison walls into a mission field of hope and redemption.

In this episode of the Called podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Darryl shares his incredible journey from Detroit’s streets to the chair of the Detroit Police Commission. His story i...

What does it look like to turn a paycheck into purpose? In this episode of Called, Fr.Mike Schmitz sits down with Chris Green, President of Humanitarian Hotels, to explore how the hospitality industry can become a mission field. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares how true leadership is about seeing people, creating meaningful culture, and using every gift for something greater. Discover how entire hotels are gi...

In this powerful episode of "Called", Father Mike Schmitz sits down with legendary football coach and devout Catholic, Lou Holtz.
Together they explore the urgent challenge of forming the next generation in faith and character. Coach Holtz shares timeless wisdom drawn from decades of leadership on and off the field—his famous three rules for life (“Do what’s right, do your best, and show people you care”), th...

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. John Riccardo, executive director of ACTS XXIX, to talk about how we can accompany and support those who are brokenhearted. Drawing on Psalm 23, they reflect on God’s promise to be close to the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Fr. John shares insights from his decades of ministry, offering practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to bring Christ’...

“Are you going to restore the kingdom?” The apostles asked Jesus this question in Acts 1—and his answer was clear: You will. In this introductory episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz unpacks what it means to be the face, heart, hands, and feet of Christ today, and how Called will share real stories of people responding to God’s voice.

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Called (with Father Mike Schmitz) brings you powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension, each episode features conversations with individuals who have answered God’s call to serve others—from highly successful entrepreneurs to industry executives and community leaders. Whether you’re see...