The LOOPcast

179,000 nuns… down to 33,000. What happened? In this episode of The Deep, Erika uncovers the shocking collapse of America’s Catholic sisters – an 82% decline – and the hidden forces behind it. Was it Vatican II, feminism, or something deeper? And why are a few communities quietly rising from the ashes?0:00 Intro: Why did America’s nuns disappear?3:42 History of religious sisters in America5:50 What lead to the decline?8:50 The destruction of the family11:18 The sexual revolution and feminism12:16 The media and cultural narratives13:04 Debt and careerism14:02 The fallout16:52 Who survived?19:04 Thriving communities today20:32 Conclusion: Why we need religious sisters!Watch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Trump announces a two-week ceasefire with Iran after last-minute escalation threats. Meanwhile, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne sue New York State over a gender-ideology mandate for care centers. And finally, new data shows a surge in Easter conversions nationwide. All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast05:38 Trump Announces Ceasefire28:50 JD Vance in Hungary41:07 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT45:01 New March Jobs Report48:15 What is going on with Abigail Spanberger?53:47 Big Voting Win in Maine58:38 Is there hope for Republicans?1:02:15 Birthright Citizenship and SCOTUS1:07:07 Good News1:16:25 NY Comes After Nuns1:25:00 Motherhood and Career1:36:23 Listener Question1:46:20 New Data on Adult Catholic Conversions1:49:29 Twilight Zone2:02:47 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Trump signals a possible end to the Iran war without opening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a Palm Sunday clash in Jerusalem sparks global backlash after Cardinal Pizzaballa is blocked from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. And finally, what is Lindsey Graham doing at Disney? All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast05:35 Day 31 - Iran War29:36 Palm Sunday in Jerusalem39:31 Pope Leo on Palm Sunday51:53 Good News1:07:40 Biden-Era Planned Parenthood Funding Update1:15:49 Q&A1:27:20 Explosion of Christianity1:32:35 Twilight Zone1:51:37 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

AI is transforming everything—but what’s powering it? In this episode of The Deep, Erika Ahern uncovers the hidden costs of AI data centers: skyrocketing energy use, water consumption, rising utility bills, and growing local backlash. The cloud isn’t weightless—it’s industrial. And it might be coming to your backyard next.Timestamps:0:00 Intro: The AI data center explosion1:59 How data centers have changed4:07 Mapping U.S. data centers5:40 Energy consumption7:52 Residents pay the price9:18 Water usage11:11 Land grabs and noise12:23 Tax incentives13:23 Do data centers create jobs?14:55 Encroachment on residential areas15:37 What are we doing about it?17:24 Conclusion: Is there any stopping it?Watch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Trump pauses strikes on Iran as troop deployments ramp up and Hormuz negotiations continue. Meanwhile, DHS shutdown chaos spreads to airports, causing long TSA wait times. And finally, are Catholic conversions rising nationwide? All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast04:00 Iran War - Day 2532:44 TSA/DHS Disaster42:00 Good News1:02:38 Culture Block1:11:15 Church Corner1:41:46 Twilight Zone1:58:12 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

What would happen if euthanasia had a marketing department? In Breakfast of Champions, director Andrew Shemin imagines a darkly satirical world where a cheerful sales representative walks into a neighborhood bar with an unusual proposal: partner with her company to promote assisted death to elderly patrons. What follows is a tense and unsettling conversation that explores dignity, persuasion, and the quiet pressures shaping end-of-life decisions today. In this interview, Andrew Shemin explains the inspiration behind the film, how satire can reveal uncomfortable truths, and why stories like this matter right now. Watch now on Zeale: https://zeale.co/video/breakfast-of-champions

They ripped out the altars. Whitewashed the saints. Built “churches” that look like airports. How did we get here? And why did Catholics go along with it? In this episode of The Deep, Erika exposes the shocking, anti-Catholic roots of the Church’s “wreckovation” era – and the modernist ideas that gutted sacred beauty. But it’s not over. Across America, parishes are rising from the ashes and restoring what was lost.Timestamps:0:00 Intro: How did we get here?2:13 The history behind ugly churches6:29 “Kitschy” Jesus8:21 The modernist spirit11:44 The role of Vatican II13:37 Ugly church architecture on display16:28 The way of beauty17:36 Hopeful stories of renovationWatch The Deep on Zeale! https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns, claiming Iran posed “no imminent threat.” What does this mean for the war, and what comes next? Meanwhile, the author of The Population Bomb dies, and we revisit one of the most influential (and wrong) ideas of the last century. And finally, what is the real lesson of Saint Patrick? All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:14 Updates on Iran War36:15 Population Bomb Author Dies 49:05 Good News56:00 Saint Patrick’s Day1:02:00 Should you kick your kids out at 18?1:10:55 Listener Question1:19:54 Twilight Zone1:51:17 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Dominican friar and Godsplaining podcast host Fr. Gregory Pine, OP joins Erika to discuss his new book, Training the Tongue: Growing Beyond the Sins of Speech. In an age of hot takes and endless commentary, how do we learn to speak truthfully, charitably, and even humorously? A conversation about disciplining our speech – and reclaiming real human conversation.Check out Fr. Pine's new book: "Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech" https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speechWatch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Trump demands Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the war intensifies. We analyze the strategy, the risks, and what comes next. Meanwhile, Kristi Noem is out as DHS secretary. And finally, we answer your questions live. All this and more live on the LOOPcast! Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast 02:30 Updates on the Iran War 39:55 Kristi Noem is OUT 1:07:15 Good News 1:17:40 Q&A 1:37:23 Twilight Zone 1:57:20 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.org Check us out on Zeale: https://zeale.co Subscribe to the LOOP today! https://catholicvote.org/getloop FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Subscribe to Tom Across America: https://www.youtube.com/@TomAcrossAmerica250 Watch Tom Across America on Zeale: https://zeale.co/shows/tom-across-america Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250 By Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke O Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth, I place today my nation, the United States of America, into Your Heart pierced for love of us. On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift, and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God. Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart, bless my homeland anew, purify her from sin, and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace, so that she may safeguard all human life, respect the integrity of marriage and the family, and honor the practice of religion. Reign in my home and in my nation. Draw every heart into communion with You, that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumph in America and throughout the world. Amen. All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

For over a century, the College Board has shaped who gets into college –  and what “success” even means to American kids. In this episode of The Deep, Erika traces how a nonprofit testing company became a billion-dollar gatekeeper, why standards have quietly shifted, and why elite universities are now scrambling back to testing after going test-optional. Is the system ensuring merit – or masking its own decline? Let’s look at the data.Timestamps:0:00 - College Board: The gatekeeper of American education1:06 - College Board’s unsettling origin4:35 - College Board takes over universities6:47 - “Aptitude” controversy8:49 - College Board cashes in (big time)10:00 - Becoming the gatekeeper12:24 - How do we escape the College Board matrix?Watch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile EMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Subscribe to Tom Across America: https://www.youtube.com/@TomAcrossAmerica250 Watch Tom Across America on Zeale: https://zeale.co/shows/tom-across-america Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Catholic bishops call Trump’s birthright citizenship push “immoral” — but what does Catholic teaching actually say about borders and citizenship? Meanwhile, there is major beef between the Pentagon and Anthropic. And finally, Pope Leo issues a warning to priests about using AI for homilies. All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast02:30 USCCB and Trump’s EO23:55 Notre Dame Update29:44 Anthropic vs. Pentagon Beef40:43 Good News47:06 War Imminent? 01:00:20 Twilight Zone01:18:45 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgCheck us out on Zeale: https://zeale.coSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Subscribe to Tom Across America: https://www.youtube.com/@TomAcrossAmerica250 Watch Tom Across America on Zeale: https://zeale.co/shows/tom-across-america Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Scott Hahn joins Erika for a very special episode on politics, religion, and what it means to live well in our American “Babylon.” If you’ve ever felt torn between pursuing Christian holiness and the mess of politics, if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable being “too obviously Catholic” in public, this conversation is for you.Books & Resources:The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order, by Scott Hahn https://stpaulcenter.com/store/the-first-society-the-sacrament-of-matrimony-and-the-restoration-of-the-social-orderIt Is Right and Just: Why the Future of Civilization Depends on True Religion, by Scott Hahn and Brandon McGinley https://stpaulcenter.com/store/it-is-right-and-just-why-the-future-of-civilization-depends-on-true-religionCatholics in Exile: Biblical Wisdom for the Journey Home, by Scott Hahn and Brandon McGinley https://stpaulcenter.com/store/catholics-in-exile-biblical-wisdom-for-the-journey-homeThe St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.comWatch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Trump’s 2026 State of the Union was the longest ever — packed with political traps, hero moments, and viral chaos. We break down the highlights, the Democrat reactions, and the memes that took over the internet. All this and more on the LOOPcast!Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile 00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast06:57 Trump’s 2026 SOTU Address 39:09 Democrat Reactions48:06 Good News57:56 Twilight Zone 1:14:14 Closing Prayer Watch Tom Across America Minnesota ice fishing episode: https://youtu.be/OC3FsI84s60 EMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

The Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs. What did the Court actually say, what happens to all that tariff money, and where does the Trump Admin go next? Meanwhile, Mexico plunges into chaos after the Mexican army kills a major cartel leader. And finally, Team USA hockey wins its first gold since the Miracle on Ice era. All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:54 SCOTUS and Tariffs19:54 Chaos in Mexico28:54 Good News41:43 SOTU Predictions51:17 Twilight Zone1:13:10 Closing PrayerSubscribe to Tom Across America and watch the new episode where Tom goes ice fishing in Minnesota! https://www.youtube.com/@Tom-Across-AmericaEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Raymond Leo Cardinal BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Follow Tom Across America on YT! https://www.youtube.com/@Tom-Across-America Former Prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking the most serious legal escalation yet in the Epstein saga’s British chapter. Meanwhile, the SSPX confirms it will move forward with episcopal consecrations despite Vatican warnings of possible schism. And finally, are aliens real? A White House post has the internet spiraling. All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:-- Prince Andrew Arrested31:09 Board of Peace Meeting42:04 Good News52:16 Church Corner1:03:02 Twilight ZoneEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer for America 250By Cardinal Raymond L. BurkeO Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth,I place today my nation, the United States of America,into Your Heart pierced for love of us.On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift,and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas,and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart,bless my homeland anew,purify her from sin,and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace,so that she may safeguard all human life,respect the integrity of marriage and the family,and honor the practice of religion.Reign in my home and in my nation.Draw every heart into communion with You,that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumphin America and throughout the world.Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

We finance everything now – even burrito delivery. Americans closed 2025 with $1.233 trillion in credit card debt. Nearly half of cardholders carry balances. One in five thinks they’ll never pay it off. This isn’t just “bad budgeting” – it’s an economy built on revolving debt and minimum payments. How did we normalize installment plans for lunch? And is modern credit a convenience… or a quiet form of slavery?Timestamps:00:00 - The Debt Economy2:45 - The Rise of Buy Now, Pay Later5:50 - How We Got Here10:58 - Is It Just A Self Control Problem?14:32: - A Way Out? Watch The Deep on Zeale: https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep

Texas State Rep. James Talarico pulls a late-night political stunt with Stephen Colbert. Was this part of the Democrats' plan to bring down Jasmine Crockett? Meanwhile, Axios reports that a U.S. war with Iran is "imminent." And finally, what are kids sacrificing for Lent these days? All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast04:50 James Talarico Gaining National Attention22:45 RIP Jesse Jackson 30:20 US War w/ Iran Imminent?44:25 Good News 55:16 Twilight Zone Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line — and FREE SHIPPING — with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-CharityMobile Celebrate the Catholic contribution to the US on its 250th anniversary at the 21st annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast! 1500+ attendees will experience a beautiful morning of prayer, inspiring speakers, and more! https://bit.ly/LOOPcast-NCPB-2026 EMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Secretary Marco Rubio delivers a powerful speech at the Munich Security Conference, laying out a bold vision for the future of the West. We break down what he said — and how prominent Democrats responded. Meanwhile, the long-awaited Charlotte diocesan video finally drops. And finally, as Lent approaches, how should Catholics prepare? All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast04:30 Munich Security Conference39:55 Good News 49:00 Church Corner54:56 Charlotte Video56:51 Twilight Zone1:10:20 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer MAY THE MOST HOLY, MOST SACRED, MOST ADORABLE, MOST INCOMPREHENSIBLE AND UNUTTERABLE NAME OF GOD BE ALWAYS PRAISED, BLESSED, LOVED, ADORED AND GLORIFIED, IN HEAVEN, ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH, BY ALL THE CREATURES OF GOD, AND BY THE SACRED HEART OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, IN THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR. AMEN.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.