Podcast
The Best of the Week
Hosted by Relevant Radio · EN
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.
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Episodes
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Patriotism Is More Than Waving a Flag (The Drew Mariani Show)
6d ago00:07:32Tap to summarizeWhat does it really mean to love your country? On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew Mariani and Dr. Matthew Bunson explored the difference between authentic patriotism and the misconceptions that often surround it. As America prepares to mark 250 years of independence, they reflected on a virtue that is becoming increasingly misunderstood. Dr. Bunson explained that patriotism is not about ignoring a nation's failures or pretending history is flawless. Every country has shortcomings, and the United States is no exception. True patriotism, however, is rooted in gratitude for the good while remaining committed to pursuing what is right. The conversation also examined the foundations of the American experiment. Dr. Bunson pointed to the Declaration of Independence's affirmation that our rights are "endowed by our Creator," noting that the nation's founders understood human dignity as something given by God, not by government. Drew reminded listeners that the Catholic Church has long recognized love of country as part of the Fourth Commandment. Patriotism, then, is not merely an emotional attachment or a celebration reserved for the Fourth of July. It is a virtue that calls citizens to seek the common good, respect just laws, and work to strengthen their communities. Loving your country doesn't require believing it is perfect. It means caring enough to preserve what is good, address what is broken, and help future generations inherit a nation worthy of their sacrifice. 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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United in Prayer (Family Rosary Across America)
6d ago00:01:30Tap to summarizeThe Family Rosary Across America reminds us that no one carries life's burdens alone. Every night, listeners from across the country bring their joys and sorrows before God, trusting in the power of prayer. This past week, Susie from Boston called with a heartfelt request. Her brother, Steve, was preparing to undergo brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Florida after receiving a diagnosis of stage four metastatic melanoma. Knowing the strength of the Relevant Radio family, she asked for one simple gift: prayer. "I said to Stevie... 'I'm going to have the whole country praying for you,'" Susie shared. Fr. Rocky assured her that Steve's intention would be lifted up by listeners across the nation through the many platforms of Relevant Radio. What began as one sister's plea quickly became the prayer of an entire family united in faith and hope. Moments like these reveal the beauty of the Rosary. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, Catholics can confidently entrust their loved ones to Jesus through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, knowing that 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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Pursuing Purity One Choice at a Time (The Inner Life)
6d ago00:02:24Tap to summarizePurity of heart is a lifelong pursuit, and no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. On The Inner Life, Fr. John LoCoco reminds listeners that growth in chastity begins with a life rooted in prayer and strengthened by the sacraments. He encourages practical habits that help guard the heart: being intentional about media consumption, using accountability, going to confession regularly, and receiving the Eucharist frequently. These simple but faithful practices help us grow in freedom and charity. Fr. LoCoco also points to the example of the saints, who did not negotiate with temptation. They fled from it. Recalling Joseph's escape from Potiphar's wife, he said, "Leave the cloak, run away." Rather than testing our limits, Christians are called to remove themselves from occasions of sin with conviction and trust in God's grace. Choosing to turn away from temptation is not about fear but about freedom. Every decision to pursue holiness draws us closer to Christ and strengthens our ability to live with purity of heart. 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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Suicide Is Never the Answer (The Patrick Madrid Show)
6d ago00:11:27Tap to summarizeNOTE: This article and segment contains a conversation about suicide and may be difficult for some readers. When Andrew called The Patrick Madrid Show, he asked a heartbreaking question: If someone attempts suicide, can they still go to Heaven? Before addressing the theology, Patrick Madrid focused on something even more important: Andrew's life. He reminded him that every person is created by God, loved by God, and has immeasurable dignity. "Your life is a gift," Patrick said. "God created you because He loves you." Patrick explained that suicide is objectively a grave sin because it intentionally takes an innocent human life. At the same time, he carefully noted that only God knows the state of a person's soul. Mental illness, fear, or other serious circumstances can lessen a person's moral responsibility, which is why Catholics always entrust such souls to God's infinite mercy. Rather than leaving Andrew with fear, Patrick urged him toward hope. He encouraged him to reject thoughts of suicide, continue accepting help from those caring for him, and remember that suicide is never the solution. It just creates more pain and suffering. Before ending the call, Patrick also encouraged Andrew to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline again, reminding him that people are ready to listen and help. 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 Soccer Taught One Catholic About Holiness (The Tim Glemkowski Show)
6d ago00:05:19Tap to summarizeElite athletics demand discipline, sacrifice, and consistency. As former soccer player Steven Duran explained on The Tim Glemkowski Show, those same qualities became the foundation of a life of faith. As a young soccer player competing at the highest levels in the United States, Duran was often one of the few practicing Catholics on his team. Going to Sunday Mass sometimes meant arriving late to training, and his faith naturally sparked questions from teammates. While those conversations could be challenging, they also became opportunities to witness to Christ through the way he lived. Looking back, Duran says that playing sports at an elite level taught him both about how to compete and, more importantly, how to be consistent. "You have to show up every day," he explained. "Don't let your highs be too high and your lows be too low. Focus on consistency and bring your best every single day." He sees the same principle in the spiritual life. Jesus calls His disciples to "pray unceasingly," but that lifelong habit begins by faithfully showing up in prayer each day. Just as an athlete trains consistently before game day, Christians grow in holiness through daily fidelity to God. Whether on the soccer field or in the quiet of prayer, excellence isn't built in dramatic moments but through steady perseverance. By consistently bringing our whole selves to the Lord, we create space for Him to transform us and strengthen us for whatever lies ahead. 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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America's Heart: Trusting in God's Providence (Trending with Timmerie)
6d ago00:05:53Tap to summarizeAs America continues to celebrate 250 years of independence, Trending with Timmerie reminds us that the nation's greatest strength has never been found in politics or power, but in trust in God's providence. A striking portrait at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. depicts a young George Washington kneeling in prayer, seeking God's guidance during the Revolutionary War. Long before becoming America's first president, Washington experienced what he believed was divine protection after surviving the Battle of Monongahela despite having four bullets pass through his coat and two horses shot from beneath him. Reflecting on the experience, Washington wrote, "By the all-powerful dispensation of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation." For Timmerie, Washington's words reveal the foundation of the American spirit: hope rooted in faith. Even amid danger and uncertainty, he recognized that God's hand was guiding him. That same trust remains essential today. While religious freedom continues to face challenges, Americans have much to be grateful for and much to protect. True freedom is not simply the absence of restraint but the ability to pursue what is good, to strengthen our families, and to live according to God's plan. As we mark this milestone in our nation's history, Timmerie encourages listeners to thank God for the blessings of liberty and to entrust America's future to His providence. 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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Every Child Has a Heart Worth Saving (The Mark Swartzberg Show)
6d ago00:16:17Tap to summarizeWhen Lauren Costabile was 16 years old, a boy with Down syndrome changed the course of her life. While volunteering at a camp for children with disabilities, she encountered a love unlike anything she had experienced before. "They just saw my heart," Lauren shared. "They just loved you unconditionally." That encounter eventually led her to found Hearts of Joy International, a nonprofit that provides life-saving heart surgeries for children with Down syndrome in developing countries. Nearly half of children born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect, yet many lack access to the care they need. Lauren's mission began with a simple act of obedience. After meeting a baby girl in Uganda who desperately needed surgery, she trusted God one step at a time. Today, Hearts of Joy not only helps children receive lifesaving medical care but also works to educate families and communities about the dignity and value of every human life. One story still moves Lauren deeply. A young girl in the Philippines was repeatedly delayed from surgery because of abnormal blood tests. When doctors finally operated, they discovered she also had leukemia. Treating her heart first made it possible to diagnose and treat the cancer. Today she is healthy, cancer-free, and thriving. Lauren credits Christ as the source of everything her ministry accomplishes. Daily Mass, Adoration, and the sacraments sustain her through the challenges of serving vulnerable children around the world. She also offered encouragement to parents raising young people today: help them discover the unique gifts God has given them and remind them that He has a purpose for their lives. Lauren's witness is a powerful reminder that when we respond generously to God's call, He can use even the smallest act of love to transform countless lives. 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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Keeping the Peace at Family Gatherings (Marriage Unhindered)
6d ago00:17:02Tap to summarizeFor many, the Fourth of July is a joyful celebration filled with good food, laughter, and quality time with family. But for many others, holiday get-togethers become the setting for uncomfortable conversations, old resentments, or heated debates that leave everyone wishing the day had gone differently. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer explained why family gatherings can so easily become emotionally charged. The people who know us best also know our sensitivities, and long-standing family dynamics have a way of resurfacing when everyone is together. Add the stress of travel, high expectations, busy schedules, or even a little too much celebration, and small disagreements can quickly escalate. Doug encouraged listeners to prepare before family events rather than simply reacting in the moment. Instead of trying to win every debate or correct every opinion, decide ahead of time that your priority is to love your family while protecting your own peace. Recognize topics that tend to trigger conflict, and remember that not every comment requires a response. When conversations begin heading in an unhealthy direction, a gentle redirect can make all the difference. Saying something like, "I'd rather enjoy spending time with you than argue about that," can shift the focus without creating more tension. If emotions continue to rise, stepping away to help in the kitchen, take a walk, or spend time with the children can give everyone a chance to reset. Doug also recommends that married couples establish a private code word before family gatherings – a simple signal that means, "I need your help," or, "Let's step away." It's a practical way spouses can support one another while preserving peace. Family gatherings aren't about proving who's right. They're opportunities to love well, practice patience, and strengthen 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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Helping Every Child Flourish (The Mark Swartzberg Show)
2w ago00:11:07Tap to summarizeWhat if students with learning disabilities are capable of far more than many people realize? On The Mark Swartzberg Show, educational specialist Margaret Walsh shared how a Catholic understanding of the human person is transforming the way educators can support children with learning differences. Rather than accepting a fixed mindset that assumes students will always struggle in the same ways, Walsh encourages families and teachers to recognize each child's God-given potential for growth. Walsh explained that many learning disabilities – including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and some forms of autism – stem from difficulties in processing information rather than a lack of intelligence. Every student is uniquely created by God, she said, and deserves an individualized approach that helps develop strengths instead of merely working around weaknesses. Drawing on the philosophical insights of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, Walsh described how learning begins with our senses before information is processed by the intellect. Modern educational interventions, she noted, often align remarkably well with this timeless understanding of the human person. By strengthening foundational skills such as auditory processing, visualization, and conceptual thinking, students can make significant academic gains and become more confident learners. The conversation also explored ADHD, which Walsh described as a complex condition involving working memory, attention, and information processing. While medication can be helpful for some students, she encouraged families to consider a holistic approach that also examines habits, nutrition, learning strategies, and targeted interventions designed to strengthen cognitive skills. Above all, Walsh emphasized that Catholic education should never settle for simply accommodating a child's limitations. Instead, educators are called to help students grow toward the fullness of their God-given abilities, enabling them to pursue truth more effectively and live out their vocations with greater confidence and freedom. 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 Power of the Rosary, One Answered Prayer at a Time (Family Rosary Across America)
2w ago00:01:45Tap to summarizeWhen 16-year-old Daniel from Georgetown, Texas, called into Family Rosary Across America, he didn’t ask for prayers – he called to give thanks. A few weeks earlier, Daniel’s father underwent surgery after doctors discovered a mass on his kidney. As the family faithfully prayed the Rosary together, they entrusted the outcome to God. The diagnosis revealed stage one cancer, but doctors were able to remove it in time. Today, his father is recovering well. Daniel also shared another blessing. After months of praying for a job, he was recently hired and had already completed his third shift. “I just wanted to tell everybody how great the power of the Rosary is and how awesome the Family Rosary Across America is,” he said. Fr. Rocky celebrated the good news with Daniel, encouraging the hardworking teenager as they chatted about his future, including hopes of earning his driver’s license. Daniel’s joyful witness is a reminder that God hears every prayer. Whether He grants healing, opens new doors, or simply gives us the strength to persevere, praying the Rosary draws us closer to Christ through the loving intercession of Our Blessed Mother. 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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