Podcast
Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward
Hosted by Fr. Edward Looney · EN
Fr. Edward Looney is a Catholic priest who loves having conversations with guests. They talk about new book releases, various topics related to faith and life, and occasionally he speaks with producers, directors, and actors from the film industry. He has podcasted since 2019, formerly as “How They Love Mary” and “Cup of St. Joe,” conducting over 300 interviews to date. The interview style podcasts from Fr. Edward continues now, as he begins each conversation greeting his audience with “Hey Everybody!” Tune in for inspiring conversations about faith, film, and life.
22episodes
Episodes
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Episode 374: She Went to Harvard an Atheist. Now She Could Be a Catholic Saint. Meet Ruth Pakaluk
5d ago00:34:10Tap to summarizeWho was Ruth Pakaluk? A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with the cause and how learning about Ruth has deeply influenced her own life as a wife and mother. The conversation explores Ruth's conversion to Catholicism while at Harvard, her leadership in the pro-life movement as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, her devotion to her family, and the faith that sustained her through a battle with breast cancer. They also discuss: • What Ruth's family thinks about her sainthood cause • The mission of the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation • Visitation House and its outreach to women facing crisis pregnancies • Reports of favors received through Ruth's intercession • Why so many people feel connected to Ruth despite never having met her • The current status of her cause for canonization • What readers discover in Ruth's personal writings and correspondence • Whether Opus Dei supports the cause • Where Ruth is buried and why pilgrims visit her grave • What patronage she might one day be known for Discover why an increasing number of people believe the witness of Ruth Pakaluk is exactly what the Church and the world need today. For more information about Ruth Pakaluk and her cause for canonization, visit the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation. https://ruthpakaluk.com The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God:
Transcribe →Episode 373: Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden on Becoming the New Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey
3w ago00:45:23Tap to summarizeAbbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026. In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of the Canons Regular of Prémontré in the United States. The conversation explores the life of St. Norbert of Xanten — including the famous “spider incident” and his title as the Apostle of the Eucharist — while also introducing listeners to the unique charism and communal life of the Norbertines. Abbot Brad reflects on the Chapter of Election and shares what was going through his mind as it became clear he would be chosen as abbot, including the prayers that sustained him in that moment. He also discusses the meaning behind his episcopal motto and newly designed coat of arms. Along the way, Fr. Edward asks a series of personal and spiritual questions: Which Norbertines most inspired him? If he had taken a religious name, what would he have chosen? Which spiritual books would he recommend? What Marian title is closest to his heart? Which saintly intercessor does he turn to most? This episode offers a rare and personal introduction to the new abbot of one of America’s most historic Norbertine communities.
Transcribe →Episode 372: How to Find the Graves of Saints (And Why Visiting Them Changes You) with Brian O'Neel
4w ago00:44:00Tap to summarizeFr. Edward sits down with Brian O’Neel, founder of the website dedicated to locating the burial places of saints, blesseds, and holy men and women, to explore a question many Catholics have never thought to ask: Where are the saints buried—and how can I find them? Brian shares how his passion for the saints led him to document their tombs and create a resource for pilgrims seeking these sacred places. Together, they discuss shrines, sanctuaries, and pilgrimage opportunities—especially those hidden in plain sight across the United States. Drawing from his own travels, Fr. Edward reflects on experiences in Rome, where nearly every church holds the relics or remains of a saint, and shares stories from his visits to graves and tombs throughout the country—and the graces he has encountered along the way. Why visit a grave if you can pray anywhere? What makes these places spiritually significant? And what should you actually do when you arrive? Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or simply curious about deepening your devotion to the saints, this conversation offers practical guidance and spiritual insight. The episode even concludes with Brian helping Fr. Edward plan a future pilgrimage to New York. [ Visit his website: saintstombs.com](saintstombs.com) Buy His Book: Saint Who? https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Who-39-Holy-Unknowns/dp/1616362421
Transcribe →Episode 371: “God Doesn’t Hate Me After All” — How St. Louis de Montfort Changed Greg Willits’ Life
Apr 2800:31:35Tap to summarizeFr. Edward sits down with Catholic speaker and author Greg Willits to explore the life and spirituality of one of the Church’s greatest Marian saints, St. Louis de Montfort—a figure Greg warmly calls “our dear friend Montfort.” While many know St. Louis de Montfort for True Devotion to Mary, this conversation turns to a lesser-known but deeply powerful work: Love of Eternal Wisdom, the saint’s first written book. Greg shares how this often-overlooked text transformed his own spiritual life and inspired his latest project, which pairs personal reflections with selections from the original work (reprinted with permission of the Montfortian Fathers). Together, they discuss: Why St. Louis de Montfort remains one of the most influential Marian saints in the Church The unique structure and message of Love of Eternal Wisdom How encountering the love of Jesus can change everything Why God does not hate us—and how that truth can reshape our lives A passage from the book that has deeply impacted Greg How listeners can relate to Greg’s story and find encouragement in their own journey This conversation is an invitation to rediscover a spiritual classic—and to encounter Christ, Eternal Wisdom, in a way that brings lasting joy. Buy the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all&oid=811&affid=203
Transcribe →Episode 370: The Perfect Catholic Summer Series for Kids? | Chime Travelers with Lisa Hendey
Apr 2400:21:13Tap to summarizeYears ago, Lisa Hendey created her beloved multi-volume series Chime Travelers. Today, that vision has expanded beyond the page into a new episodic video series. In this conversation, Lisa joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss both formats—who they’re for, how they differ, and how they complement one another. What age group are the books intended for? Who is the video series best suited for? And what inspired the transition from written stories to the screen? At the heart of Chime Travelers is a powerful premise: helping young people grow in faith by connecting real-life challenges—like bullying—with the inspiring stories of saints such as St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Fr. Edward also asks Lisa whether this project began as a dream and how it unfolded into something much bigger than she first imagined. As summer approaches, this is a perfect opportunity for families: start with the books, then continue the journey with the video series available on Formed or Hallow.
Transcribe →Episode 369: Get the Scoop Behind the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries on UPtv & UP Faith & Family
Apr 1700:22:40Tap to summarizeFr. Edward sits down with film producer and entrepreneur Chevonne O'Shaughnessy for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. As the force behind ACI On the Go and producer of the new Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series, Chevonne offers insight into what it takes to bring meaningful, family-friendly stories to the screen. In this conversation, they explore how Chevonne first entered the film industry, the growing demand for clean and uplifting entertainment, and the trend of adapting popular books into movies and television series. They also discuss why Amish stories continue to resonate so strongly with audiences today. Chevonne shares what viewers can expect from the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series on UPtv and UP Faith & Family, including how to watch the series both on television and through streaming. Learn more about ACI on the Go- https://www.youtube.com/c/ACIOnTheGo
Transcribe →Episode 368: Divine Mercy Is More Than St. Faustina’s Diary with Vinny Flynn
Apr 1000:29:50Tap to summarizeFr. Edward Looney has long admired Vinny Flynn, having first encountered his books many years ago. In this episode, he finally has the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his latest work, A Year with Divine Mercy. Vinny begins by sharing how he developed a close relationship with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception and his deep connection to the message of Divine Mercy. The conversation then turns to Pope John Paul II and the powerful truth at the heart of the devotion: that God the Father is “rich in mercy.” Vinny offers insight into the structure of his new book and encourages listeners to remain attentive to the grace offered each day—meeting God not in the abstract, but in the present moment. The episode concludes with a profound reflection on the Trinitarian nature of Divine Mercy, inviting us to see it not merely as a private revelation to St. Faustina, but as a mystery deeply rooted in the life of the Church. Let Vinny Flynn expand your understanding of Divine Mercy—moving beyond the Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska and into the rich, living tradition of the Catholic faith. Buy the book: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/a-year-with-divine-mercy-daily-meditations-on-god-s-eternal-love/?srsltid=AfmBOopAA-EV3tug8gB4Pj7IQg3KHR-yZqd7ZFjQ2-gdGU1QakREbsW6
Transcribe →Episode 367: Allyson Visits Cemeteries, Cleans the Headstones and Researches Their Stories and Shares Them
Apr 100:45:16Tap to summarizeWhy would someone spend their time cleaning graves of complete strangers? In this episode, Fr. Edward sits down with Allyson—better known as the “Crzy Cemetery Lady”—who has captured attention online for restoring forgotten headstones and uncovering the stories of the people buried beneath them. She shares how it all began, what draws her to cemeteries, and why these places are far more meaningful than most people realize. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly clean a gravestone (and what NOT to use), Allyson gives practical, respectful advice for beginners. But this conversation goes deeper… What’s the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard? What does it mean when people say cemeteries have their own “language”? How do families react when they discover a loved one’s grave has been cleaned? Fr. Edward also brings up a puzzling gravestone misspelling—leading to a fascinating discussion about memory, history, and how the dead are remembered. This episode might just change the way you see cemeteries—and inspire you to visit one with new eyes.
Transcribe →Episode 366: On the Road to Sainthood: The Story of Mother Tallon and the Parish Visitors
Mar 2400:32:57Tap to summarizeFr. Edward Looney looks ahead to a meaningful trip to New York, where he will visit the Parish Visitors of the Immaculate and pray at the tomb of the Servant of God Mother Tallon. Along the way, he will also honor the memory of his priest mentor, Fr. Fred Miller, whose buried in the religious order's cemetery. In this episode, Fr. Edward speaks with Mother Maria Catherine, whom he met through the Mariological Society of American and reconnected with at the Center for Sainthood Studies, to discuss the life, legacy, and growing cause for canonization of Mother Tallon—the foundress of the Parish Visitors. Together, they explore: -How Mother Maria Catherine discovered her vocation with the Parish Visitors -The life and mission of Mother Tallon -Why her witness still matters in the Church today -Her bold call for all people to become saints -The importance of praying for miracles—and whether we’re asking for the right ones -Pilgrimages to her tomb and the status of possible miracles -Resources available to learn more about her life and spirituality Fr. Edward also shares a moving story about the reality of religious life today—how communities depend on providence and how quickly donations can be used to meet urgent needs. Join us as we reflect on holiness, vocation, and the quiet yet powerful witness of a woman whose cause for sainthood is advancing.
Transcribe →Episode 365: A Priest and a Surgeon Talk about Independent Film
Mar 2100:32:24Tap to summarizeDr. George Ellis is a surgeon by profession—but his creative pursuits have led him into the world of independent film through his company, Coronado Beach Productions. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Ellis joins Fr. Edward to explore the intersection of vocation and creativity. Together, they discuss what it’s like to navigate two very different worlds—medicine and filmmaking—while pursuing meaningful storytelling. You’ll hear insights on: How George transitioned from medicine into film What it’s like to participate in film festivals The real cost of making an independent movie One of the biggest challenges filmmakers face: finding an audience Advice for aspiring filmmakers How creative people discern which projects to pursue Filmmakers who inspire George Festivals he hopes to attend Podcasts and resources he uses to stay current in the industry Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, or simply curious about the art of storytelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look at passion, discipline, and the pursuit of creative work. https://coronadobeachproductions.com
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