Conversatio: A Podcast by Belmont Abbey College

Conversatio is sponsored by Belmont Abbey College and focuses on the way of formation and transformation so that each of us reflects God's image in an ever more palpable and transparent way. The goal of this podcast is to offer a unique perspective on popular topics in the public space and challenge, inform, and enlighten our listeners through these discussions.

S7, E8: Theatre Still Matters in Catholic Education

Writers John Troll and Ben Capitan join the Abbey Podcast to discuss the creation of their original play Passion’s End. This past Summer Ben and John performed their play as a part of the Adeodatus conference hosted at the Abbey. Their conversation spans their shared roots at Thomas Aquinas College, their creative partnership, and the role of theater in forming the human soul, they explore how storytelling can illuminate faith, beauty, and hope in a divided world.

11-14
32:40

S7, E7: Cardinal Müller on Truth, Culture, and the Church

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reflects on his vocation, his friendship with Pope Benedict XVI, and the challenges facing the Church today—from artificial intelligence to cultural confusion. Speaking with Abbot Placid Solari, the Cardinal offers a profound vision of faith and reason in harmony, the dignity of the human person, and the universal mission of the Church in the modern world.

10-30
51:03

S7, E6: The Winningest Coaches' Playbook

Belmont Abbey’s former men’s coach John Keating sits down with Ken Lolla and Robbie Church, two nationally renowned college soccer coaches who both got their start at Belmont Abbey College. Together they chat about leadership, culture, and life after the whistle. They revisit their Belmont Abbey years, share the rituals and habits that built winning programs, and reflect on legacy, faith, and relationships. Along the way, they tackle today’s challenges—recruiting, retention, and the transfer portal, and what it really takes to build teams that last.

10-16
51:29

S7, E5: Emma Fradd - Authenticity in Modern Music

Australian musician Emma Fradd joins host Morgan Alemy to share her journey of conversion, creativity, and calling. From grunge rock beginnings to writing faith-inspired indie music, she reflects on the challenges and joys of staying true to her craft and her Catholic faith. Discover how authenticity and artistry can meet in today’s music world.

10-07
22:10

S7, E4: Inside Supreme Court Advocacy

Dr. Tom Varaicalli of the Honor's College talks with ADF’s John Bursch about preparing for high-stakes cases, the cultural and legal battles around life and gender policy, and the Constitution’s protection of religious exercise. They also discuss public opinion, tech and AI concerns, and the daily prayer habits that sustain a lawyer’s work.

09-19
36:08

S7, E3: Finding Your Journey of Faith and Transformation

Belmont Abbey Campus Minister Carmen Alexander and our guest Paul J. Kim discuss his journey of faith, the challenges of living as a young adult in a secular world, and the importance of community, sacraments, and personal growth.

09-04
58:44

S7, E2: A Reflection on Wisdom and Foolishness

Professor James Neff, of the Belmont Abbey Honors College, shares an original reflection on wisdom and foolishness and the Gospel of Luke.

08-21
33:57

S7, E1: The Realism of St. Augustine in a Utopian Age with Mike Foley

In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Joseph Wysocki welcomes Dr. Michael Foley—a professor in the Great Texts Program at Baylor University and a Catholic theologian known for his engaging work at the intersection of faith, culture, and education. Together, they explore what it means to be Augustinian in an age of confusion. Listen now!

08-08
33:30

S6, E10: Myth as Medicine with Alec Bianco, Circe Institute

Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute shares about how our fairy tales can heal our broken culture. Listen now!

06-16
41:32

S6, E9: Reclaiming Catholic Education with ICLE's Dr. Ryan Messmore

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Dr. Ryan Messmore from ICLE, to discuss the importance of Catholic teaching, and how many Catholic schools need to reclaim their Catholic identity. Listen Now!

06-02
19:35

S6, E8: The Great American Experiment with Richard Graber of the Bradley Foundation

In this episode of Conversatio, Emmett McGroarty of Belmont House sits down with Richard Graber, President of the Bradley Foundation. They discuss Graber’s path through politics and diplomacy, the mission and influence of the Bradley Foundation, and the shifting landscape of American conservatism. Listen now!

05-14
34:31

S6, E7: The Stations of the Cross with Dr. Ron Thomas

The Stations of the Cross is a devotion and reflection in which we walk alongside Jesus on His way to Calvary. By prayerfully participating in this meditation, we are able to clearly see through His passion and death the depths of God's love for mankind and the price He paid for our salvation. This presentation includes powerful meditations by Dr. Ronald Thomas, Associate Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College, with prayer responses by students from the college. Listen now!

04-11
28:46

S6, E6: Raising Children in Truth: Navigating the Challenges of Today’s Culture

In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Christine Boor welcomes Regan Long—Catholic speaker, best-selling author, and devoted mother of five—for a powerful conversation on parenting, faith, and the cultural challenges families face today. Together, they explore what it means to raise children grounded in truth in a society that is often contrary—and even hostile—to the Catholic faith.

04-07
36:39

S6, E5: The Story of a Holocaust Survivor

In Episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Daniel Hutchinson speaks with Suly Chenkin, who shares her remarkable story of survival. At just 8 months old, Suly endured the Nazi invasion of Lithuania and the horrors of the Kovno Ghetto. Listen to her powerful tale of resilience and hope now!

03-14
38:46

S6, E4: Leading with Love featuring Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Brad Frazier sits down with Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska to discuss his remarkable leadership journey, from commanding a nuclear submarine to serving as White House Military Aide and transitioning into healthcare. Together, they explore the importance of leading with love, building trust in high-stakes environments, and how moral principles and servant leadership have shaped Bob’s approach to decision-making. They also dive into Bob’s new book, “Beyond the Sea,” and how his experiences in the military and White House continue to inform his leadership in the civilian world. Listen now!

02-27
31:58

S6, E3: Picking a Fight with Educational Establishment featuring Jeremy Tate, CEO of the CLT

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Jeremy Tate, CEO of Classic Learning Test (CLT), for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of standardized testing in the United States. Jeremy shares his perspective on how the CLT is providing an alternative to traditional testing methods, the impact of these changes on education, and the future of classical education in America. Listen now!

02-13
15:16

S6, E2: The Catholic Talent Project with Tom Carroll

In the second episode of Conversatio this season, Dr. Thomas Varacalli sits down with Tom Carroll, Director and Founder of the Catholic Talent Project, to explore the current state of Catholic education in America. Tune in as they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of Catholic schools in today's society. Listen now!

02-06
29:18

S6, E1: Healthcare, Ethics, and Economics

In Conversatio's 6th season, Dr. Michael Watson and Dr. Siebert sit down to explore the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and economics. They dive into key issues like different healthcare systems and the role of Catholic teaching in shaping healthcare policy. Listen now!

01-17
28:48

S5, E10: Conversation on Poetry & Art

In the 10th episode of Conversatio, Elisa Toress Neff engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Trae Bailey and Dr. Christine Boor about the intersection of poetry and art. Together, they delve into the timeless works of Robert Frost's "Two Tramps in Mud Time" and William Wordsworth's "The Solitary Reaper." Tune in to discover how these iconic poems reflect the human experience, nature, and inspire rich, meaningful dialogue. Listen now!

12-16
46:12

S5, E9: Behind the Divine Office

Join Br. Chrysostom and Fr. David as they explore all things Divine Office. Dive into the history of this sacred tradition, discover the distinctive elements of the Abbey’s Divine Office, and learn what goes into creating this unique liturgical practice. Listen now!

12-13
46:21

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