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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One Nation Under God: Bringing Jesus to America’s Streets (The Drew Mariani Show)
Jun 2500:14:30Tap to summarizeAs America approaches its 250th anniversary, a remarkable journey is unfolding along the East Coast. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage began in St. Augustine, Florida – the site of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in what would become the United States – and will conclude on July 4th in Philadelphia, a city rich in the nation’s history. Among the perpetual pilgrims is Mary Carmen Zakrajsek, a young Catholic from Indiana who joined The Drew Mariani Show to talk about her experience. Mary Carmen said it has been unlike anything she has ever known. Inspired by a Eucharistic procession during the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, she applied to join the pilgrimage and now spends her days traveling with the Blessed Sacrament, bringing Christ into towns, neighborhoods, and city streets. What has struck her most is the response of ordinary people. Families line the streets, neighbors step out onto porches, and curious passersby stop to ask questions. Some join the procession on the spot. Others simply pause to watch as Jesus passes by in the Eucharist. In one New Jersey neighborhood, Mary Carmen witnessed entire communities gathering outside their homes, many encountering a Eucharistic procession for the first time. Not every reaction is enthusiastic. Some are indifferent, and others are openly skeptical. Yet Mary Carmen sees these moments as echoes of Christ’s own public ministry. Just as some followed Jesus while others ignored Him, the pilgrimage offers a visible invitation to encounter Him today. For those who feel distant from God or burdened by life's struggles, Mary Carmen offers a simple encouragement: spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist. “It is never too late to come home,” she said, urging people to visit a Catholic church, sit quietly before the Lord, and allow themselves to be transformed by His loving gaze. 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 Inherent Dignity and Worth of Every Life (The Mark Swartzberg Show)
Jun 2500:16:04Tap to summarizeDr. Robin Pierucci has spent nearly 25 years caring for babies with serious prenatal diagnoses and walking alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As a board-certified neonatologist, she sees firsthand how a diagnosis can shatter expectations and leave parents overwhelmed with fear. Yet her message is simple: a prenatal diagnosis is not the same as a postnatal prognosis. Too often, parents are presented with worst-case scenarios and offered little hope. On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Dr. Pierucci explains that some conditions once considered universally fatal are now known to have a much wider range of outcomes. While she never minimizes the medical challenges a child may face, she emphasizes that every child possesses inherent dignity and worth. When families come to her after receiving difficult news, one of her first questions is, “Have you chosen a name?” That simple question often brings tears. In a moment when parents may feel pressured to focus on diagnoses and statistics, naming a child acknowledges the reality that this is a unique person, deeply loved and deserving of care. Dr. Pierucci encourages parents to approach each situation with humility and hope. Medicine can provide valuable information, but it cannot predict every outcome. Some babies diagnosed with severe conditions live only briefly, while others exceed expectations and bring immeasurable joy to their families. Her goal is to help parents become advocates for their children and partners with the medical team in seeking what is best for each baby. Even when a child’s life is short, Dr. Pierucci reminds families that love is never wasted. She tells grieving parents that they have succeeded by surrounding their child with love for every moment of life. Recalling families whose babies lived only minutes or hours after birth, she has witnessed how those precious moments can become sacred memories that parents cherish forever. 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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Finding Your Way Home After Deep Wounds (The Patrick Madrid Show)
Jun 2500:16:53Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the people meant to lead us to God become the source of our deepest pain? That was the heartbreaking reality for Olivia from Dallas, who called The Patrick Madrid Show to share her struggle with returning to the Catholic Church after years of trauma. As a child, her family stopped practicing the Faith after her cousin was murdered by a priest. Later, additional painful experiences left her feeling disconnected from parish life and uncertain about where she belonged. Now an adult, Olivia has found her way back to prayer and a relationship with God, but stepping into a church still brings anxiety. She worries about judgment, community, and whether she can truly find a place within the Church again. Patrick Madrid responded with compassion, reminding her that God understands the wounds she carries. Drawing on Jesus' image of the Good Shepherd, Patrick encouraged Olivia to see herself as the sheep Christ lovingly seeks out and carries home. "The Lord will not break the bruised reed," Patrick explained, assuring her that God takes her suffering into account and desires her healing. Rather than pushing her into a busy parish environment, Patrick suggested taking small, intentional steps. He encouraged her to seek spiritual direction from experienced priests who could walk with her patiently and help rebuild trust in the Church. For many Catholics carrying painful memories, Olivia's story is a reminder that returning to the Faith is often a journey, not a single moment. Healing takes time. Trust is rebuilt slowly. Yet Christ never stops searching for His wounded sheep. No matter how far someone has drifted or how deeply they've been hurt, the Good Shepherd continues to call them 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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Theology Beyond the Classroom (The Tim Glemkowski Show)
Jun 2500:04:34Tap to summarizeDuring a discussion with Deacon Dr. Harry Schnitker of the Maryvale Institute, Tim Glemkowski explored one of the program’s most distinctive features: the community life that develops outside formal classes. At the center of that experience is a local pub overlooking the River Thames. While it may seem like an unlikely setting for theological formation, Deacon Schnitker explained that it creates space for meaningful conversations that often go deeper than those found in the classroom. Students from a wide range of backgrounds gather there to discuss faith, culture, history, literature, current events, and life itself. With participants ranging in age from their mid-20s to their late 70s, the conversations are enriched by decades of experience and diverse perspectives. For Deacon Schnitker, this reflects a central goal of Catholic education: theology should not remain isolated as an academic subject. Rather, it should shape how we understand every aspect of human life. “Theology should infuse the way we think of history, the way we think of culture, of literature, the way we think of other human beings,” he explained. Drawing inspiration from the theological vision of Pope Benedict XVI, Deacon Schnitker emphasized that faith provides a lens through which Christians can engage the world. Informal discussions become opportunities to test ideas, deepen understanding, and allow the truths of the Faith to influence society. The lesson is a simple but an important one: authentic Catholic formation happens not only in classrooms and books, but also in friendships, conversations, and communities where faith and life meet. 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 Home Meant for People, Not Perfection (Trending with Timmerie)
Jun 2500:16:05Tap to summarizeWhat makes a truly Catholic home? According to HGTV designer and Catholic speaker Paige Rienzo, it’s not spotless furniture, designer décor, or the perfect summer tablescape. It’s hospitality. Speaking with Timmerie on Trending with Timmerie, Rienzo reflected on how modern culture often treats the home as a showpiece, something to preserve, protect, and display. But Christians are called to see the home differently. “The family home is the domestic church,” she explained. “We’re raising the next generation and investing in love and formation.” That perspective changes everything. Instead of worrying about impressing guests, Catholic families are invited to focus on welcoming them. Hospitality, Rienzo said, is a biblical obligation, one that doesn’t require elaborate meals or perfectly coordinated gatherings. “The meat and potatoes of hospitality is inviting someone into your space, into your family life, and just doing life with them for a few hours,” she said. Summer, in particular, offers a unique opportunity for simple connection. Whether it’s burgers on the grill, an ice cream sundae night, or a casual potluck, the goal is not perfection but presence. A simple invitation can become a moment of grace, especially for neighbors, parish families, or those who may feel isolated. Rienzo also challenged the tendency to become overly attached to possessions. If a new sofa or expensive rug makes us hesitant to welcome people into our homes, she suggested, it may be worth reconsidering what we value most. “I don’t want my things to change the way I behave with my people,” she said. One caller shared how her Irish parents kept an open-door home where everyone was welcome. Decades later, those memories remain a powerful reminder that hospitality leaves a lasting legacy. In the end, a Catholic home should not resemble a pristine real estate listing. It should be a place where faith is lived, friendships are strengthened, and people encounter Christ through genuine welcome. 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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Strong Bodies, Strong Souls (The Mark Swartzberg Show)
Jun 1900:11:07Tap to summarizeWhen Fr. Raphael Capo joined The Mark Swartzberg Show, he shared an inspiring look at how the National Eucharistic Revival is reaching hearts far beyond church walls, including in one of the most unexpected places: the gym. As a National Eucharistic Preacher, Fr. Capo recently participated in a leg of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, accompanying pilgrims from Miami to New Jersey. Speaking at Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic, New Jersey, he encouraged Catholics to recognize that every encounter with Christ in the Eucharist sends us on mission. Whether at home, at work, or in the community, the Lord calls His followers to bring His presence into the world. Fr. Capo has embraced that mission in a unique way. Known by many as the “bodybuilding priest,” he serves student athletes at St. Thomas University in Miami and sees fitness as an opportunity for evangelization. His message is simple: remain strong in body, mind, and soul for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Just as athletes need physical nourishment to compete, every Christian needs spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist, to persevere in the journey to heaven. His ministry has produced remarkable fruits. By simply being present in the gym, working out alongside students, and wearing shirts featuring Scripture verses, he creates opportunities for meaningful conversations. Young people who might never approach a priest in a parish setting often feel comfortable asking questions in the gym. Those conversations frequently lead to deeper discussions about faith, prayer, and the sacraments. One example involved a football player who felt drawn to the Holy Eucharist. Before games, Fr. Capo gathers the team outside the chapel for prayer and a brief reflection on Scripture. With the chapel doors open and the Blessed Sacrament present, players often feel drawn to pray before stepping out onto the field. For this young athlete, witnessing teammates pray before the Eucharist sparked a journey that is now leading him into full communion with the Church. Fr. Capo reminded listeners that young people are not indifferent to God. They are searching, and many are simply waiting for someone to invite them closer to Christ. By boldly witnessing wherever we are, whether in a gym, a workplace, or a neighborhood, Catholics can become instruments through which others encounter the Lord. 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 Medical Miracle Answered Through Prayer (Family Rosary Across America)
Jun 1800:01:31Tap to summarizeThe Family Rosary Across America community rejoiced this week as longtime caller Letty returned with an inspiring update about her brother’s life-threatening surgery. Just days earlier, listeners had joined Father Rocky in fervent prayer for Letty’s brother, who was facing a difficult operation to remove a tumor. The situation was serious, and the Relevant Radio family united in faith, entrusting his care to the Lord through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. When Letty called back, her voice overflowed with gratitude and joy. She shared that the surgery was an extraordinary success. Doctors were able to remove the tumor completely in an operation lasting about eight hours. Even more remarkable, her brother was up and walking the very next day. According to his surgeon, nearly all patients undergoing such a procedure typically require two to three weeks to reach that stage of recovery. Although Letty acknowledged that her brother still faces challenges ahead, she described the outcome as nothing short of miraculous. She thanked the Relevant Radio family for accompanying her through the ordeal with prayer and support. “We are all witnessing a miracle,” she said, expressing her desire to embrace everyone who had prayed alongside her. Father Rocky shared in the joy, recalling how the program had made a special effort to squeeze in one final Hail Mary for Letty’s intention before the surgery. The moment became a beautiful testimony to the power of persistent prayer and Christian hope. This story is a moving reminder that when Catholics come together in faith, God often grants graces beyond what we can imagine. While every healing unfolds according to His perfect will, moments like these encourage us to trust deeply in His providence and never underestimate the power of the Rosary. 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 Family’s Prayer for Healing (Family Rosary Across America)
Jun 1100:01:41Tap to summarizeOn 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)
Jun 1100:06:28Tap to summarizeWhat 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)
Jun 1100:06:58Tap to summarizeWhen 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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