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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Suicide Is Never the Answer (The Patrick Madrid Show)
Jul 800:11:27Tap 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)
Jul 800:05:19Tap 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)
Jul 800:05:53Tap 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)
Jul 800:16:17Tap 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)
Jul 800:17:02Tap 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)
Jul 200:11:07Tap 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)
Jul 100:01:45Tap 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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A Young Girl’s Big Prayers for Her Family (Family Rosary Across America)
Jun 2500:01:40Tap to summarizeOn the Family Rosary Across America, 13-year-old Samantha from Winter Haven, Florida, called Fr. Rocky with a list of intentions that reflected both the joys and challenges of family life. First, she asked for prayers that her family could move to Ohio after discovering that their move to Florida had not worked out as hoped. But Samantha's concerns went far beyond herself. She prayed for her grandfather, who recently recovered from a serious leg injury, and for her grandmother, who is facing ongoing health struggles. She also asked for prayers that God would keep her father, brother, grandfather, and sisters safe while they work. Then came a joyful intention: Samantha requested prayers for her mother, who is expecting baby number 14. Fr. Rocky responded with amazement and encouragement, joking that Samantha and co-host Maggie might be ready for their own radio show someday. Before the call ended, Samantha's brother Francis quickly added his own intentions, asking prayers for all of his siblings, grandparents, and parents. Their call was a beautiful reminder that children often understand something adults can forget: no prayer is too small, and no family need is beyond God's care. Through their trust and sincerity, Samantha and Francis inspired listeners across the country to bring every concern to the Lord with confidence 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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What the Church Says About Life on Other Planets (The Inner Life)
Jun 2500:04:03Tap to summarizeCould there be life on other planets? It's a question that has fascinated people for generations and, with renewed attention on UFOs and government disclosures, it's one many Catholics are asking today. On The Inner Life, a caller named George posed that very question to Patrick Conley and Father Dave Heney, wondering what the Catholic Church teaches about extraterrestrial life. Father Dave explained that the Church has no problem with the possibility of life beyond Earth. In fact, the Vatican addressed the topic years ago, recognizing that if life exists elsewhere in the universe, it would still be part of God's creation. The reasoning is simple: God created the heavens and the earth. Any life found anywhere in the universe would ultimately come from the same Creator. "Life anywhere, no matter where it is, is part of the universe that God created," Father Dave explained. While scientists continue to debate whether intelligent life exists beyond our planet, many believe microbial life may be possible elsewhere in the cosmos. The larger question is whether intelligent beings could travel the immense distances required to visit Earth. Current scientific understanding makes such travel difficult to explain, though Father Dave noted that future discoveries could change what we know. For Catholics, however, the most important truth remains unchanged. Whether life exists on distant planets or not, all creation belongs to God. The possibility of extraterrestrial life does not challenge the 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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Marriage Isn't Disposable (Marriage Unhindered)
Jun 2500:05:59Tap to summarizeIn a culture where almost everything is replaceable, what happens when that mindset creeps into marriage? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer and Father Peter Armenio reflected on a caller’s observation that modern society often treats relationships the same way it treats broken appliances: when something stops working, people throw it away and start over. Father Armenio pointed to a deeper spiritual problem. Today's world offers comfort, convenience, and instant gratification at every turn. Yet despite having more than ever, many people remain unhappy. The missing piece, he explained, is a willingness to embrace sacrifice and self-giving love. Marriage was never meant to be sustained by romance alone. Like every vocation, it requires perseverance through ordinary struggles, personal flaws, and life's daily challenges. When difficulties arise, the Christian response is not to abandon the relationship but to work toward healing and renewal. Doug noted that the Catholic Church remains one of the few Christian communities that continues to uphold marriage as a lifelong covenant. When divorce is viewed as an easy escape, couples may never fully invest in repairing what is broken. But when spouses commit to working through difficulties, growth and restoration become possible. The statistics support this reality. Second and third marriages fail at even higher rates than first marriages, suggesting that changing partners rarely solves deeper issues. Marriage is not disposable. It is a sacred commitment that calls husbands and wives to imitate Christ's faithful love. While every marriage faces trials, the path to lasting joy is often found not in walking away from the cross, but in carrying it together. 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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