Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)

For the past two months, one of us (Chris) has been teaching a class on the history of Black Catholics in the United States. This week, we’re talking about some of that history and the consequences it has for the life of the Church in America today. Show Notes* The History of Black Catholics in the United States by Cyprian Davis* A Black Patriot and a White Priest by Stephen J. Ochs* Desegregating the Altar: The Josephites and the Struggle for Black Priests by Stephen J. Ochs* The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church by Rachel Swarns* From Sharecropper to Scientist: The Memoir of Thomas Wyatt Turner, Ph.D. edited by Marilyn Wenzke Nickels* The Autobiography of Frederick Douglas by Frederick Douglas* The Whitney Plantation Museum (Louisiana) * Mansfield Plantation Story (South Carolina)* Nottoway Plantation (Louisiana)* Pope Nicholas VEnjoying the conversation? Then help us keep it going. Become a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

It’s Saint Joseph’s feast day, and we are celebrating this very special solemnity by taking a break from all our Lenten fasts and diving into the Scriptural and theological foundations of building a relationship with Saint Joseph (and all the other saints). Note: This relationship should not include burying a statue of Saint Joseph upside down in your yard, thinking that will somehow get your house sold. Show Notes:Joseph, Keeper of the King by Emily Stimpson Chapman and Scott HahnRedemptoris Custos (“Guardian of the Redeemer)” by Pope Saint John Paul IIThe Visitation (painting by Mattia Preti)Ottumwa International Film FestivalBeloit International Fim Festival This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve had a slew of new listeners since the New Year, and that was reflected in the questions you all sent for this week’s Q&A. So, this week, we’re sharing all about Casey’s time as monk (technically “canon”), Emily’s year cleaning toilets for world leaders, Kate’s plumbing free, electricity free mountain cabin, and Chris’s fall from grace. Hope you don’t regret asking!Show Notes:Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah ClarksonHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK RowlingThe Meaning of Grace by Charles JournetThe History of Black Catholics by Cyprian DavisThe Habit of Being by Flannery O’ConnorLetters and Papers from Prison by Dietrich BonhofferThe Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volumes 1, 2, and 3John Henry Newman: A Life Sacrificed by Ida Friederike GörresPaper Girl by Beth MacyDope Sick by Beth MacyTimebends: A Life by Arthur MillerAlexander the Great by Phillip FreemanThe Art of the Deal by Donald TrumpThe Church in the Seventeenth Century by Daniel Rops This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

This week we’re circling back to actually answer the questions we asked last week: Is feminism the root of all evil and can Catholics call themselves feminists? We’re also tackling the sticky wicket of who gets to define feminism, why women need the vote, and why tutus are not the wisest choice of attire for hog tying competitions. Show Notes:Spiritual Theology by Jordan AumannWomen in the Days of the Cathedrals by Regine PernoudLetter to Women by John Paul IIEvangelium Vitae by John Paul IIFeminist Pope Inspires Doctor’s Labor of Love by Helen AlvareDon’t miss a moment of the conversation. Upgrade your subscription today and unlock special bonus episodes, past, present, and future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

What is feminism? Is it really rotten root and branch? Can Christians call themselves feminists? What do proponents and opponents of feminism get right? What do they get wrong? Why does Emily know so much about Mary Wollstonecraft? And why is it so important to never respond to an email when Casey is talking?All this and more in the first part of our conversation about feminism.Show Notes:The Feminist Question by Father Francis MartinThe Rights of Woman: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Erika BachiochiThe Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto by Leah Libresco SargeantWho Stole Feminism by Christina Hoff SummersA Vindication of the Rights of Men by Mary WollstonecraftA Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary WollstonecraftThoughts on the Education of Daughters by Mary Wollstonecraft“Steelman or Strawman: Carrie Gress’ Something Wicked” by Angela Franks“Something Wicked Leaves Readers Unprepared to Evangelized” by Leah Libresco SargeantSomething Wicked by Carrie GressThe End of Woman by Carrie GressLooking for more sane(ish) Catholic conversation. Upgrade your subscription today and don’t miss a minute. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comHey folks, we’re taking a break this week to allow the Chapmans to catch up on work, life, and everything after their unexpected week away. But, if you’re a full subscriber, we do have that promised bonus episode for you on our various dating wins and disasters before and after marriage. Enjoy! (And if you’re not a full subscriber, now is a great time t…

This week, we’re talking about why it’s so hard for Catholics to find love, marriage, and that baby carriage, and how so much of the current conversation around dating is missing the mark.P.S. We recorded this talk before the Chapmans left town both for a family funeral and to spend time with Emily’s mom, who is not doing well. Please keep them in your prayers. A Word from Our SponsorThis week’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours, who is excited to be offering a new pilgrimage for homeschooling mothers. Hosted by Sally Clarkson and Ainsley Arment, you’re invited to spend 10 wonder-filled days, journeying through Normandy, Rouen, and Parish. To learn more visit SelectInternationalTours.com.Show Notes:“She’s Probably Not Delaying Marriage” by Cartoons Hate HerThe Dating ProjectMartySacred SparkNational Catholic Singles Conference“Scarcity of College Men and the Decline in Marriage Among Non-College Americans”“The Illusion of Many Options”“Men on Dating Apps Are Aiming Too High, and Science Says It’s Time to Stop”Visitation Sessions is a listener-supported publication. If you don’t want to miss a minute of the conversation upgrade your subscription today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

How are Chris and Casey doing working from home with their wives? How do you reconnect with your spouse after a slew of babies in quick succession? How do you explain to your kids that your family can’t afford everything their classmates’ families can? On this week’s podcast, we’re answering these questions and more, sent to us by you. Show Notes:Mystic Monk CoffeeNew Melleray Abbey (Dubuque Trappists)What Do People Do All Day by Richard ScarryThe Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto MusashiThose Who Can’t Teach Anymore podcastWings of Desire My Life as a DogCity of Angels The Interior Castle by Saint Teresa of AvilaSumma Theologiae I-IIae Q.2 a.1 (Does happiness consist in wealth?)Ariane LydonArthur Brooks on “Reconnecting with your spouse”Insane story told by CaseyDon’t miss a moment of the conversation. Become a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Social media was supposed to bring the world closer together. It was supposed to make it easier for us to understand each other, grow in knowledge, and make more informed judgements about current events. Instead, it’s often done the opposite. This week, in the wake of events in Minnesota, Switzerland, Venezuela, and Washington, DC, we’re walking through minefields as we discuss how the changing nature of journalism and the ascent of social media has contributed to confusion, chaos, political polarization, and apathy. We also hunt around for some answers about how Christians are called to navigate the whole ungodly mess. This week’s episode of Visitation Sessions is brought to you by Select International Tours. The leader in Catholic pilgrimages for 35 years, Select is also now the only Catholic Pilgrimage company to offer a comprehensive pilgrim formation program to help you prepare spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially for the unique experience of going on pilgrimage. Learn more at pilgrimformation.comShow NotesAbuse of Language, Abuse of Power by Joseph PieperIrreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail ShrierWant to support more honest Catholic conversations like this one? Then become a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re talking to You Tube sensation, small town mortician, and (most importantly) Catholic dad of four, Victor Sweeney. Over the past five years, Sweeney (33) has unexpectedly built a loyal following online for his penetrating insights about about death, dying, and the moments of grace made possible by both. He first began sharing that wisdom during Covid, in a series of uber viral videos for Wired. Since then, he has launched a You Tube channel, a podcast (“Death And …”), and written a book with Simon and Schuster, Now Departing: A Small Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between. Now, he’s sharing his wisdom with us in a fantastic conversation that we hope you enjoy as much as we did. Show Notes Now DepartingVictor Sweeney on Wired“Death And” PodcastYou Tube ChannelNick Cave and the Red Hand FilesDon’t miss a single episode of Visitation Sessions. Become a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

As the Church moves from Christmas back into Ordinary Time, we’re talking about what that transition means in our own lives. We also talk about the Chapman’s pilgrimage to Rome, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, the Clarks, “The Pitt,” Christmas gifts, detective fiction, and the direction snow blows (Emily was jet lagged, folks, really jet lagged).Show Notes:Born to RunBread of Angels by Patti SmithRussia, OHWith a Daughter’s Eye: A Memoir of Margaret Mead and Gregory BatesonCormoran Strike Mysteries by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)Springsteen: Deliver Me From NowhereThe ClarksJoy Clarkson: “Not Everyone is Everything”Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put“On ‘The Pitt,’ ER Doctors Try to Fix This Broken World”Keep Sane(ish) Catholic conversation on the Internet by becoming a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Christmas is three days away, and for our final podcast of 2025, we’re talking about memory: how the Church understands it, what it gives to us, how it defines us, and how, especially this time of year, it shapes the way we understand and celebrate Christmas. As a special Christmas bonus, the end of the episode features one of the Stapleton’s Christmas carols: their version of “What Star Is This?” Links to all their carols are included in the shownotes.We are taking the next two weeks off, but are praying you have the very merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years. Thanks for listening!This episode of Visitation Sessions is brought to you by Select International Tours. The Chapmans are leaving for their pilgrimage in Rome on December 26, and taking all your intentions with you. They chose Select to organize their pilgrimages because of their excitement about accommodating families with young children, their decades of experience, their faithfulness, and their professionalism. To learn more about the pilgrimages and cruises Select offers, visit selectintenationaltours.com. Show NotesConfessions by Saint AugustineEternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindIkiuruLiving“What Star is This” (Stapleton Version)“What Child is This” (Stapleton Version) “Huron Carol” (Stapleton Version) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

It's cold and grey and the wind is a blowin' here in the Ohio Valley, so both the Stapletons and Chapmans are doing what families have always done in such times: gathering around the fire. For us, making space for fire in our homes has been, quite literally, life-changing, making winter warmer and life more human. Today, we're reflecting on why this is, examining what fire teaches us about God and ourselves, man and woman, and who we are as a people. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comRecently, one of Emily’s readers sent her a message, expressing her frustration over her fiancee’s enjoyment of video games and asking for advice. She thought the men needed to weigh in as well, so we recorded a special bonus episode focused on the question. We do these bonus episodes about once a month, to thank those of you who make this podcast possi…

Before Emily and Chris headed off to Illinois, we sat down to chat about the good, the bad, and the necessary of Thanksgiving. Kate shared stories, Casey cracked jokes, Emily wept, and Chris philosophized. So, pretty much your typical episode, only this time with a side of gravy. This episode of Visitation Sessions was brought to you with the help of Select International Tours, who is not only our favorite pilgrimage company because of their faith-filled tours, but also because of their work with Select to Give, a non-profit run by volunteers of Select International which provides material support to Christians living in the Holy Land. To learn more, visit selecttogive.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Yes, Emily wrote another book. Yes, it’s getting obnoxious. And yes, we’re talking about it anyways. But, we’re also talking about aging and traveling and beer and Puritans and holiness and toxic teas and a whole lot more. It’s a great conversation, and we’re happy to have you join us for another episode of Visitation Sessions. This episode of Visitation Sessions is brought to you by Select International Tours, winner of an innovation award from the Faith Travel Association for their Food and Faith pilgrimages. If you are a foodie or a wine connoisseur, who is looking to make a pilgrimage, check out the pilgrimages offered by Select International Tours.Show Notes: Sacred Wine: The Holy Heritage and History of Catholic Vintners“Why Doesn’t Anyone Want to Make French Wine Anymore” by Josephine de La Bruyère“Why the Germans Are Falling Out of Love With Beer” (The Economist)Franciscan University Austrian Summer ExperienceShop the Chapman’s Online Bookstore This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Today, is the Feast of the Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian religious sister who came to the United States to serve the Italian poor and ended up becoming one of the greatest forces for good in American history, founding dozens of orphanages, hospitals, and schools, during her 29 years in the States. It’s also National Adoption Month, and we could think of no way better of honoring Mother Cabrini and furthering the conversation about adoption, than bringing in our good friend Dr. Kimberly Henkel, to talk with us about the importance of changing the adoption conversation in the Catholic Church today. As the co-founder of two apostolates, Springs in the Desert and Springs of Love, which serve couples struggling with infertility and discerning/pursuing adoption, Kimberly is doing incredible work to serve families that are often forgotten about in the Church today. We loved talking with her and hope you find our conversation as helpful as we did. Show NotesKimberly’s StoryBuilding BelongingSprings in the DesertSprings of LoveSound of FreedomSound of HopeWant to support more sane Catholic conversation on the Internet? Then become a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting about the pop culture phenomenon du jour, K-Pop Demon Hunters, plus the toxic culture of pop princesses, boy band fever, and cotton candy theology. Show notes are few and far between, but here are the videos of the Ambiguous Dance Company that Chris used to show the kids when they were toddlers on the daily. Higher Power (official dance video)Higher Power/Extraterrestrial TransmissionIf you liked this conversation, don’t forget to share it with a friends. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we're talking about the Catholic origins of Halloween, how the holiday has been corrupted by Wiccans and consumerism alike, and how much darkness is good for all of us. Mentioned on today's show:"The Truth About Exorcists & Demons: A Conversation with Dave VanVickle""The Goodness and Glory of All Hallow's Eve" by Emily Stimpson Chapman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

What makes a movie Catholic? What makes a movie great? And why, so often, are movies that call themselves Catholic, not great? Those are the questions on the table today, on Visitation Sessions.Also, a special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Select International Tours. For 38 years, Select has been arranging group pilgrimages for Catholics to some of the holiest sites in Christendom and beyond. To learn more about the pilgrimages mentioned on today’s episode—a pilgrimage to Poland, next August, with Anthony D’Ambrosio and his parents, Marcellino and Susan D’Ambrosio, and a trip to Catholic France, next April, with Chicago radio legend Kevin Williams—visit SelectInternational.com Show NotesI ConfessOn the WaterfrontCabriniWildcatBaahubaliThe Passion of the ChristPaul, Apostle of ChristThereseHelp support sane Catholic conversation on the Internet by becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe