The Best of the Week
Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.
Epizode
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A Family’s Prayer for Healing (Family Rosary Across America) 11.06.2026 1minOn the Family Rosary Across America, Laura called in to share a difficult update about her daughter, Jessica. After previously submitting a prayer intention during the Walk to Mary, Laura had hoped to offer a praise report. Instead, she received news that same day that Jessica had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a slow-growing form of cancer. With the weight of the diagnosis still fresh, Laura turned to the Relevant Radio family for prayer. “We would love a miracle if it's God's will,” she said, asking for prayers not only for Jessica’s healing, but also for Jessica’s 7-year-old daughter, Evelyn, who is facing the uncertainty that comes with a loved one’s illness. Fr. Rocky immediately assured Laura that she would not carry this burden alone. “We're going to pray for complete and speedy recovery for your daughter,” he said. In moments of fear and suffering, families often discover the strength of a praying community. Laura’s call was a powerful reminder that no intention is too heavy to bring before the Lord and that hope remains alive when we place our trust in Him. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Journey from Wall Street Finance to Catholic Media (The Tim Glemkoswki Show) 11.06.2026 6minWhat does it take to leave a successful career in finance and step into Catholic media? For Mark Swartzberg, the answer begins with a desire to help people see the truth. Joining The Tim Glemkowski Show, Mark shared with Tim his reflections on the years he spent as a Wall Street analyst, including one memorable stock call that put him at odds with legendary investor Warren Buffett. After carefully researching changes in the beer industry, Mark downgraded a major company’s stock despite widespread confidence in its future. When the stock later fell significantly, his analysis proved correct. But while Mark enjoyed success in finance, something deeper was stirring. “I always had a passion for helping people see things as they are,” he explained, recalling his earlier work as a high school math teacher. That passion eventually led him to Relevant Radio. After years as a listener, Mark received an unexpected suggestion: Have you ever considered being a talk show host? The idea resonated. As an analyst, he had spent years communicating ideas and defending what he believed to be true. Now, he saw an opportunity to use those gifts in service of something even greater. “The story of hope is just a story that's intrinsic to us as humans,” Mark said. What excites him most about his new role as the host of The Mark Swartzberg Show is hearing from listeners and giving them a chance to share their stories of faith, perseverance, and God's grace at work in their lives. As he begins this new chapter, Mark's journey is a reminder that God often uses our experiences, talents, and even unexpected opportunities to lead us exactly where He wants us to be. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Speaking the Truth With Love After Abortion (The Patrick Madrid Show) 11.06.2026 6minWhen a Delaware caller named Jennifer called in to The Patrick Madrid Show, her heart was heavy. Her 25-year-old niece – and goddaughter – had recently gotten an abortion. Now Jennifer was wrestling with a difficult question: How do you speak to someone you love after such a tragic decision? Patrick acknowledged both the gravity of the situation and Jennifer’s unique role in her niece’s life. As a godmother and aunt, she is in a position to offer something her niece desperately needs: truth spoken with love. Patrick encouraged Jennifer to pray first, asking God for the right words at the right time. He reminded her that while abortion is a grave sin, God’s mercy is always greater than our failures. “You’re not there to judge her,” Patrick explained. “But you can lovingly tell her the truth.” Rather than lecturing, Patrick suggested asking gentle but meaningful questions: Is she ready to seek forgiveness? Does she want to be reconciled with God? Those questions may linger in the heart long after the conversation ends. Patrick also pointed to the parable of the Prodigal Son. Just as the father waited patiently for his son to return home, God waits for every repentant sinner with open arms. No one is beyond His mercy. The conversation served as a powerful reminder that authentic love never abandons the truth. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is accompany someone through their darkest moment while helping them see the path back to God. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Little Things Matter (The Drew Mariani Show) 11.06.2026 7minWhen marriages begin to struggle, many people assume there must have been a dramatic event: an affair, a financial crisis, or a major betrayal. But according to licensed marriage and family therapist Doug Hinderer, most marriages don't collapse all at once. They weaken slowly, often through years of emotional distance and missed opportunities for connection. Joining Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Doug reflected on a heartbreaking call from a man whose wife of 32 years suddenly wanted out of the marriage. While every situation is unique, Doug noted that many couples gradually lose sight of one another while managing careers, raising children, paying bills, and navigating life's endless responsibilities. "The marriage starts dying long before it actually dies," Doug said. Drawing on the research of Dr. John Gottman, Doug explained that thriving couples consistently respond to one another's small bids for connection. A shared laugh, a thoughtful question, or a simple act of kindness can strengthen a relationship over time. Ignoring those moments, however, can leave spouses feeling like strangers living under the same roof. A divorce attorney once asked a woman when she knew her marriage was over. Her answer surprised him: "It was the granola." For years, her husband would quietly replace her favorite specialty-store granola whenever it ran low. One day he stopped, and it never returned. To her, that small gesture revealed that his heart had drifted elsewhere. "The little things are really big," Doug said. For couples hoping to reconnect, Doug emphasized the importance of staying close to God through regular confession and remaining in a state of grace. He also reminded listeners that conflict itself is not the enemy. Research shows that many marital disagreements are ongoing and never fully resolved. The real danger comes from avoiding difficult conversations altogether. Healthy marriages aren't built on grand romantic gestures. They're built on daily acts of love: a thank you, a thoughtful favor, a listening ear, or even a bag of M&M's picked up at the grocery store. Because in marriage, it's often the little things that tell the biggest story. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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God Never Gives Up on You (The Inner Life) 11.06.2026 6minHave you ever wondered whether your past sins have put you beyond God's mercy? On The Inner Life, a caller named Rob shared a moving story. Raised in a deeply faithful family, he drifted away from God later in life and spent years trapped in serious sin. Now nearly 80, Rob has returned to the Church, attends daily Mass, and strives to live faithfully. Yet he still struggles with sadness and he questions whether he is truly on the right path. Fr. John Eckert pointed him to one of Scripture's most hopeful passages: Luke 15. In the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, heaven rejoices whenever someone returns to God. The focus is not on the wandering. It is on the celebration that follows. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." (Luke 15:4-7) "The fact of the matter here is, Rob, you came back." Fr. Eckert reminded him that God's mercy is greater than any past failure. The Lord has already lifted him up and welcomed him home. Rather than remaining trapped in regret, Rob is called to live fully in the present, grateful for the gift of reconciliation and the grace found in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Drawing from The Screwtape Letters, Fr. Eckert noted that the enemy wants us stuck in the past through shame or worried about the future through fear. God meets us in the present moment. For anyone burdened by old sins, Rob's story offers a powerful reminder: if you have returned to the Lord, rejoice. His mercy is real, His forgiveness is complete, and His Sacred Heart remains open to all who come home. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Come as You Are, and We’ll Get There Together (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 11.06.2026 12minFor generations, the Salesian family has helped young people discover that holiness begins with being known, loved, and accompanied. Joining The Mark Swartzberg Show, Sister Bernadette Mota of the Salesian Sisters spoke with Mark about the enduring wisdom of St. John Bosco, whose mission was to guide young people toward Christ through authentic relationships. She summarized the Salesian spirit in a simple phrase: “Come as you are, and we’ll get there together.” That approach is rooted in what Salesians call the preventive system: reason, religion, and loving kindness. Through reason, young people learn to think critically and become responsible citizens. Through religion, they encounter Christ and grow in faith. Through loving kindness, they experience the truth that people respond best when they know they are loved. At St. John Bosco School in San Antonio, Texas, the Salesian Sisters serve children from infancy through eighth grade, particularly in a community with significant economic challenges. Their goal is not simply academic success, but the formation of the whole person. Sister Bernadette also shared her own vocation story. While trying to avoid a call to religious life, she unexpectedly spent a year with the Salesian Sisters. Their welcoming spirit changed everything. “I just got to be who I was,” she said. “They took me where I was and accompanied me to where God was calling me to.” That same spirit continues to shape Salesian schools and ministries around the world. By creating places that are a church, a home, a school, and a playground, they help young people encounter the love of Christ and discover the path to holiness. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Virtues That Build Strong Families and Strong Souls (Marriage Unhindered) 10.06.2026 15minWhat qualities help children grow into faithful, resilient, and virtuous adults? On Marriage Unhindered, Father Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., joined Doug Hinderer to discuss four foundational virtues parents should focus on: order, sincerity, chastity, and fortitude. Father Griffin explained that order is much more than keeping a tidy room. Learning to manage time, responsibilities, and daily habits creates the foundation for prayer, discipline, and personal growth. Even simple practices, like making a bed each morning, can help cultivate the self-mastery needed for larger challenges in life. He also emphasized the importance of sincerity, calling it the key that unlocks all formation. Children are far more likely to grow in virtue when they know they can tell their parents the truth without fear. Parents who respond calmly and lovingly create an atmosphere where honesty can flourish. The conversation then turned to chastity. Father Griffin noted that modern culture often portrays chastity as restrictive, when in reality it frees people to love authentically. He encouraged parents to make discussions about purity and respect natural and ongoing rather than relying on one difficult conversation. Finally, Father Griffin highlighted fortitude: the courage to endure hardship and persevere through setbacks. While parents naturally want to protect their children from suffering, he cautioned that overprotection can hinder growth. Children need opportunities to struggle, fail, learn, and develop resilience. Throughout the discussion, both Doug and Father Griffin stressed that correction and discipline are acts of love when rooted in a larger vision for a child's future. As Father Griffin observed, parents should help their children see not only what they did wrong, but also the kind of man or woman God is calling them to become. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Light of Christ Still Shining Strong in Gaza (Trending with Timmerie) 10.06.2026 19minFor nearly three years, Holy Family Parish in Gaza has stood as a refuge amid war, fear, and uncertainty. On Trending with Timmerie, historian and author Kristen Theriault shared the remarkable story of Father Gabriel Romanelli and the small Christian community that continues to persevere in one of the world's most difficult places. Christians make up less than one percent of Gaza’s population, yet many families have chosen to remain in the land where their ancestors have lived for centuries. Father Romanelli explains that their presence is rooted in something deeper than geography: the Eucharist. “Each day during Mass, we renew the presence of Christ in the very heart of this abyss,” he writes. Holy Family Parish has become both a spiritual home and a humanitarian shelter. Hundreds of refugees, including Muslim families, have sought safety within its walls. Priests, religious sisters, and volunteers work tirelessly to provide food, water, medical assistance, and the sacraments despite severe shortages and ongoing danger. The conditions are often heartbreaking. Families crowd into classrooms, supplies are scarce, and violence remains a constant threat. Yet Father Romanelli continually encourages his people to choose forgiveness, hope, and even humor amid suffering. His witness reminds us that holiness is not found in comfort but in faithful endurance. Perhaps the most moving lesson from Gaza is the trust many place in Christ. When conflict erupts, people instinctively run to the church, believing they will find both spiritual and human support there. In the midst of darkness, Holy Family Parish continues to shine as a beacon of charity, courage, and faith. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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A Birthday Blessing Over the Airwaves (Family Rosary Across America) 27.05.2026 1minDuring the Family Rosary Across America, George from Rancho Cucamonga, California, called in with heartfelt prayer intentions for his wife, his three sons, and especially for his son Johan, who had just turned 16. When Fr. Rocky learned Johan was listening, he smiled. “We’re going to give him a special treat,” Fr. Rocky said before inviting Maggie to sing “Happy Birthday” live on the air. What followed was simple, warm, and unforgettable: “Happy birthday to youHappy birthday to youHappy birthday, dear Johan who’s 16Happy birthday to you." Moments like these remind us that prayer is deeply personal. The Rosary unites families not only in times of suffering or worry, but also in gratitude, joy, and celebration. Even over the radio, the Relevant Radio family becomes a place where birthdays are remembered, prayers are lifted up, and hearts are connected through faith. For Johan and his family, this small moment became a beautiful reminder that God works through community, kindness, and the power of prayer. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Learning to Love Like Christ (Father Simon Says) 27.05.2026 4minFew moments in Scripture are as personal and piercing as Jesus’ conversation with Peter after the Resurrection. On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon reflected on John 21 and the three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter, who had denied Christ three times before the Crucifixion, now stands before the risen Lord by the sea. Fr. Simon explains that the exchange carries a deeper meaning in the original Greek. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him with agape — sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds instead with philia — brotherly affection. Again and again, Jesus asks. Again and again, Peter admits the limits of his love. Finally, Jesus lowers the question: “So you love Me like a brother?” Fr. Simon calls this “the first confession of the first pope.” Peter does not pretend to love perfectly. He simply offers the love he has. Yet Jesus still entrusts him with the mission to lead the Church. That is the hope of the Gospel. Christ does not wait for perfect people before calling them. Instead, He teaches us to grow in holiness through trust, surrender, and perseverance. Fr. Simon points to Jesus’ final words to Peter: “Follow Me.” Though Peter’s love was imperfect, Christ promised he would one day learn to love more deeply, even to the point of sacrifice. The same invitation is extended to every Christian. God receives our imperfect love and patiently transforms it into something greater. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Fruit That Comes from Walking with God (The Inner Life) 27.05.2026 6minWhat does it mean to bear the “fruits of the Spirit”? On The Inner Life, Fr. John Paul Erickson joined Patrick Conley to explain that spiritual fruit is simply the visible evidence of God at work in a person’s life. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears good fruit, a soul united to God through grace begins to reflect His love, peace, patience, and mercy. Fr. Erickson described the Christian life as a process of growth. Trees need time, care, pruning, and nourishment before they flourish. The same is true spiritually. “When we are living in union with God,” he said, “our life will necessarily bear good fruit.” The conversation became especially moving when a caller named Ann shared the pain of family conflict, alcoholism, and mental illness. Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, she admitted she was struggling to respond with charity while trying to maintain healthy boundaries. Fr. Erickson responded with compassion, encouraging her to draw close to Christ in prayer. He compared the Holy Spirit to a fire that sustains us during life’s storms. “The Lord knows your heart,” he reminded her. “He knows you’re trying the best that you can.” His words offered hope to anyone carrying difficult relationships or hidden suffering: even painful trials, when united to God, can bear fruit known fully only to Him. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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The Secret to a Strong Marriage Might Be Three Simple Words (Marriage Unhindered) 27.05.2026 8minEvery marriage experiences moments of hurt. A sharp tone, a careless joke, a distracted silence after a long day — these small wounds can slowly chip away at intimacy if they are left unaddressed. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer explains why learning to apologize well is one of the most important skills a husband and wife can develop. Doug reminds listeners that apology should be a regular part of marriage because no spouse is perfect. “We all have flaws and defects,” he says. “And those flaws and defects are like little dents in our relationship.” A meaningful apology begins by taking responsibility. Vague statements like “mistakes were made” or “I’m sorry you feel hurt” fail to acknowledge the real offense. Instead, Doug encourages couples to be specific: “I’m sorry for my tone of voice,” or “I’m sorry I embarrassed you.” He also warns against overexplaining. Too many explanations can sound defensive or like excuses. Often, the best apology is simple and sincere: “I am sorry. Please forgive me.” But true repentance does not stop with words. Doug explains that good apologies include efforts to repair the damage and a genuine commitment to change. Finally, he reminds listeners that forgiveness is just as important as apology. “If you build your marriage on ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I forgive you,’ you’re going to have a pretty good marriage.” Marriage flourishes when mercy becomes a habit. In a world that often encourages pride and resentment, Doug’s advice is a reminder that humility, forgiveness, and love remain the foundation of lasting relationships. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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When Science Opened the Door to Faith (The Drew Mariani Show) 27.05.2026 10minCan a lifetime devoted to science lead someone to God? For oncologist Dr. Thomas Collins, the answer is yes. Speaking with Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Dr. Collins shared his remarkable journey from agnosticism to Catholicism while working daily among cancer patients, suffering, and death. Though baptized Baptist as a child, he admitted he lost his faith as a teenager and spent years focused entirely on medicine and scientific achievement. “I just felt like it was all Santa Claus, basically,” he said of religion during his younger years. Driven by intellectual curiosity, Dr. Collins pursued oncology because of its complexity and promise. Yet over time, the suffering of patients began to soften what he described as a once “cold” outlook on life. Then came a moment he could never explain away. While discussing molecular biology research in a lab, an unexpected thought pierced through his skepticism: “Isn’t this a little too amazing to have just happened?” “That voice hit me like a hammer,” he recalled. “It woke me up.” That experience launched a deep search for truth through philosophy, theology, and eventually Christianity. But Dr. Collins says it was more than intellectual arguments that changed him. The love of his wife, the birth of his children, beauty in nature and music, and especially the witness of patients suffering with grace all pointed him toward God. One patient even asked him directly if he was a Christian. Another later gifted him a copy of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis after discerning through prayer that he should do so. Through those encounters, Dr. Collins came to believe that human love, beauty, and suffering are not meaningless accidents, but signs pointing toward God Himself. As Drew reflected, those experiences reveal “the good, the true, and the beautiful” reflections of the Creator drawing souls back to Him. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Why Building Muscle Matters More Than You Think (Morning Air) 27.05.2026 11minMost people think of strength training as something for athletes, bodybuilders, or younger people chasing fitness goals. But on Morning Air, Dr. Brian Donahue shared a different perspective: muscle is about much more than appearance. It’s about health, longevity, and protecting the body God gave us. Dr. Donahue explained that studies have found a strong connection between muscle strength and long-term health. In fact, even hand grip strength has been used as a predictor of overall wellness and longevity. Stronger muscles are linked to benefits for cardiovascular health, metabolism, and even reducing the risk of falls as we age. Muscles also play an important role in supporting the joints. As we get older, muscle loss naturally occurs unless we actively work against it. “By 40 years old,” Dr. Donahue explained, “we start to atrophy,” often losing muscle mass year after year. That loss of strength can contribute to knee pain, hip issues, and instability. Another surprising benefit of muscle is its role in regulating blood sugar. Dr. Donahue noted that muscles store much of the body’s glycogen, helping process sugar properly. Without enough muscle, excess sugar is more easily stored as fat instead. The encouraging news? It’s never too late to start. Dr. Donahue emphasized that even people in their 70s and 80s benefit from resistance training. Starting slowly with proper form, lighter weights, or resistance bands can make a significant difference over time. “A body in motion stays in motion,” he reminded listeners. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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When the Holy Spirit Whispers (The Tim Glemkowski Show) 27.05.2026 6minSometimes the Holy Spirit moves in dramatic ways. Other times, He speaks quietly through a persistent nudge we can’t ignore. On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Mary from California shared a remarkable testimony about learning to trust that gentle prompting. She had a job she absolutely loved. The people, the work, the fulfillment — everything seemed perfect. Yet she kept feeling that it was time to leave. “I didn’t understand why,” Mary admitted. After wrestling with the decision and praying through it, she finally resigned. Though confused, she also felt an unexpected peace. A few months later, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer during the height of COVID restrictions. Looking back, she realized the Holy Spirit had been preparing her heart long before the diagnosis came. Her husband later told her, “Now we know why you had to quit so badly.” Had she stayed, Mary believes she would have rushed through treatment and ignored the deeper spiritual and emotional healing God wanted for her. Instead, she had time to pray, discern, and lean fully on the Lord. Today, Mary is cancer-free and filled with gratitude. “God heals,” she said. “When He heals, it’s done and done and it’s finished.” Tim connected Mary’s story to the invitation of Pentecost: the Holy Spirit comes where He is loved, invited, and expected. Even in suffering, God brings peace, renewal, and hope to hearts open to Him. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Our Hearts Are Restless Until They Rest in God (The Patrick Madrid Show) 27.05.2026 14minOn The Patrick Madrid Show, a caller named Charlie shared a deeply personal struggle: growing up in a faithful Catholic home while also experiencing same-sex attraction. He spoke candidly about feelings of alienation, painful experiences within Catholic circles, and the challenge of reconciling his desires with the teachings of the Church. Patrick responded first with compassion, acknowledging Charlie’s suffering without dismissing the reality of the Church’s teaching. “I don’t condemn you,” Patrick told him. “I’m not here to condemn anybody.” The heart of the conversation centered on a difficult but universal question: Will we allow our desires to master us, or will we surrender them to Christ? Patrick reminded listeners that every Christian, regardless of their particular struggles, is called to live a life of chastity and holiness. To illustrate this, Patrick turned to St. Augustine, who famously wrote, “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in Thee.” Augustine himself wrestled with powerful temptations before discovering that lasting joy comes not from satisfying every desire, but from surrendering fully to God. Patrick emphasized that authentic happiness is possible through grace, prayer, and perseverance. While the struggle may remain, Christ never abandons those who seek Him sincerely. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Are We Raising Resilient Adults? (Trending with Timmerie) 27.05.2026 15minWhy do so many people today struggle socially, emotionally, and relationally? On Trending with Timmerie, psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Dr. Hannah Spier explores how modern parenting and cultural trends may be contributing to a growing inability to handle discomfort, relationships, and adult responsibility. Dr. Spier explains that many young people, especially girls, are being raised with a heavy emphasis on confidence, ambition, and self-expression, while other essential virtues are neglected. “We confuse rudeness for confidence,” she says, warning that constantly encouraging children to “speak up” without teaching restraint or consideration for others can damage healthy social development. She points to the importance of agreeableness and conscientiousness — traits that help people cooperate, endure hardship, and build strong relationships. Without these virtues, ambition can quickly turn into resentment when life becomes difficult or unfair. “You have people who are very ambitious and they want lofty goals, but if they have no conscientiousness, they won’t reach it,” Dr. Spier explains. “And then they get resentful.” Timmerie connects this struggle to family life, especially the loss of shared sacrifice and responsibility within larger families. Learning to wait, compromise, and think of others helps children understand that they are not the center of the universe. Boundaries, discipline, and even disappointment all help form emotional resilience. The conversation also highlights how modern culture often treats discipline as something negative rather than necessary for growth. Yet Dr. Spier argues that discipline teaches people how to endure discomfort, regulate emotions, and pursue long-term goals with maturity. At its heart, this discussion is a reminder that virtue formation matters. Confidence alone cannot sustain a meaningful life. Real strength comes from humility, self-control, patience, and love for others — virtues that help people flourish in families, friendships, and faith. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Missionary Legacy Still Shapes the Church (The Tim Glemkowski Show) 20.05.2026 11minFor many Catholics, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is remembered as the “TV bishop” whose wit and wisdom captivated millions. But Monsignor Roger Landry says Sheen’s greatest impact may have happened beyond the television screen. Speaking on The Tim Glemkowski Show, Monsignor Landry reflected on Sheen’s upcoming beatification and the enormous legacy he left behind as a missionary leader, evangelizer, and defender of the Catholic Faith. “He really took the Church in the United States and helped us to become by far the most generous mission in the world,” Monsignor Landry explained. During his years leading the Pontifical Mission Societies, Sheen helped American Catholics fund churches, seminaries, convents, and dioceses across the globe. Monsignor Landry shared that one Nigerian seminary, now the largest in the world with more than 700 seminarians, was built largely through Sheen’s efforts and the generosity of American Catholics. But Sheen’s influence wasn’t only financial. Monsignor Landry believes Sheen also transformed how Catholics were viewed in America. “If Sheen is what it means to be a Catholic, we’ve got nothing to be afraid of,” many non-Catholics began to say. Today, seminarians around the world still read Sheen’s Life of Christ, and his books and recordings continue supporting missionary work through ongoing royalties. “My greatest love has always been for the missions of the Church,” Sheen once said. For Monsignor Landry, Sheen’s beatification is a reminder that holiness and evangelization go hand in hand. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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From Night Terrors to Healing Prayers (Family Rosary Across America) 20.05.2026 1minKim from Harlem, Georgia, called Family Rosary Across America with both a heavy heart and a grateful one. She asked Fr. Rocky and the Relevant Radio family to pray for her brother, Jonathan, who recently learned he has a mass on his kidney. Because doctors cannot safely biopsy it, they are recommending removing the kidney. Kim’s prayer was simple and full of faith: that God would completely heal Jonathan and “that the mass would just dissolve back to where it came from.” But Kim also shared a beautiful praise report. Months earlier, her granddaughter Gwendolyn had struggled with severe night terrors. After the Relevant Radio family prayed for her, everything changed. “Since that time, she has had no night terrors,” Kim said joyfully. Fr. Rocky remembered the call well and thanked listeners, including “Pete the dentist” and even a prisoner who had been praying for Gwendolyn. “Thanks be to God,” he said. In one short call, listeners witnessed both the burden of suffering and the power of faithful prayer. It was a reminder that no intention is too small, and no prayer is ever wasted. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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What Does It Really Mean to Judge? (Father Simon Says) 20.05.2026 6minMost people hear Jesus say, “Judge not,” and assume Christians should never make judgments. But on Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon explains that Scripture paints a much deeper picture. Fr. Simon remembered St. Paul’s words, “Do you not know that we will judge angels?” Judgment in the Bible is not merely condemnation. Instead, it is the revelation of truth and, at times, the giving of wise counsel. “We think of judgment simply in forensic terms,” Fr. Simon says. “But judgment is a statement of truth.” Drawing from Wisdom chapter three, he describes the souls of the just “darting about like sparks through stubble,” sharing in God’s wisdom and helping others find Him. In this sense, “judging the nations” means offering guidance rooted in truth rather than self-righteous opinions. Fr. Simon also warns against becoming judgmental people who constantly criticize others. Jesus, he explains, condemns the habit of continual condemnation, not the need for discernment. Christians are still called to judge situations wisely and lovingly. Fr. Simon shares the story of a priest who briefly died and described judgment not as a courtroom argument, but as seeing himself exactly as God saw him. “When he saw the truth of his life revealed,” Fr. Simon explains, “he realized he didn’t deserve Heaven at all.” The reflection becomes a powerful reminder that God’s judgment is ultimately truth illuminated by mercy. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.