Grief, Gratitude & a Father's Legacy After Father's Day – Joe Stopulus

The Catholic Morning Show – 06/22/2026

Father's Day Monday on The Catholic Morning Show: Guest host Sam Halligan (filling in for Bo Bonner) leads a morning devoted to evangelization, masculinity, and Catholic fatherhood across three conversations. FOCUS & the Art of Friendship — John Michael Lucido: The Director of Recruitment and Retention for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students explains how FOCUS forms missionary disciples on roughly 220 campuses and a growing number of parishes, why evangelization is simply "the art of friendship," and how his Call Him Abba newsletter calls young men toward fatherhood and purpose. A Man on Purpose — Pete Burak: The vice president of Renewal Ministries and author confronts the modern crisis of masculinity, charting a "radical center" between emasculated manhood and toxic alpha-male culture, and shares the intentional, Spirit-filled fatherhood at the heart of his new book. Remembering Dad — Joe Stopulus: Iowa Catholic Radio host Joe Stopulus previews his 9 AM show with a heartfelt reflection on gratitude after the recent loss of his father, introducing a treasured two-part interview recorded with his late dad for his Heroic Fatherhood series. Links: * FOCUS: https://focus.org/ [https://focus.org/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Call Him Abba (John Michael Lucido): https://callhimabba.substack.com/ [https://callhimabba.substack.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * A Man on Purpose (Pete Burak): https://www.avemariapress.com/products/a-man-on-purpose [https://www.avemariapress.com/products/a-man-on-purpose?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Renewal Ministries: https://www.renewalministries.net/ [https://www.renewalministries.net/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Listen: The Catholic Morning Show airs weekdays at 7 AM Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. Stream live at https://iowacatholicradio.com/ [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app. #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #Catholic #Catholicism #Evangelization #CatholicFatherhood #FathersDay #FOCUSCatholic #MissionaryDiscipleship #CatholicManhood #AManOnPurpose #PeteBurak #RenewalMinistries #Faith   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Evangelization Is the Art of Friendship: The Mission of FOCUS – John Michael Lucido

Featured Guest: John Michael Lucido, Director of Recruitment and Retention for FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students), joining guest host Sam Halligan. Evangelization as Friendship: Lucido makes the case that sharing the faith isn't reserved for professional missionaries — it begins with ordinary friendship, hospitality, and asking deeper questions over time. Every baptized Catholic, in any state of life, is called to this mission. Inside FOCUS: Founded in 1998 by Curtis Martin, FOCUS now serves roughly 220 college campuses — including Iowa-area schools like Drake, Iowa State, and the University of Iowa — and is expanding to dozens of parishes, sending missionary families to lead Bible studies and discipleship. Faith & Fatherhood: A husband and father of four (including his son Judah, who has Down syndrome), Lucido shares the heart behind Call Him Abba, his newsletter encouraging young men to embrace responsibility, gravity, and the call to spiritual fatherhood. Connect & Links: * Call Him Abba (Substack): https://callhimabba.substack.com/ [https://callhimabba.substack.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * FOCUS: https://focus.org/ [https://focus.org/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] (On air he also cited "jmlspeaking.com" and Instagram @John-Michael_Lucido — please confirm those per the note at the top before adding.) #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #FOCUSCatholic #Evangelization #MissionaryDiscipleship #CatholicCollege #CampusMinistry #CatholicPodcast #Catholic #CallHimAbba #CatholicFatherhood #Discipleship #ShareTheFaith #JesusChrist   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grief, Gratitude & a Father's Legacy After Father's Day – Joe Stopulus

Featured Guest: Iowa Catholic Radio host Joe Stopulus, previewing his 9 AM program with guest host Sam Halligan. A Father's Day Reflection: One month after the death of his father, Joe shares how he's chosen gratitude over grief — thanking God for the example of a faithful father and grandfather rather than dwelling on lost time. Heroic Fatherhood: Joe introduces a special two-part episode, beginning today at 9 AM, featuring an interview he recorded with his late father about two years ago — part of his Heroic Fatherhood series exploring the wisdom of faithful dads. Encouragement for the Grieving: A timely word for anyone who found Father's Day difficult: perspective, thanksgiving, and the gift of a good example. Listen: Joe's show airs weekdays at 9 AM on Iowa Catholic Radio — stream at https://iowacatholicradio.com/ [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]or via the Iowa Catholic Radio app. #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #FathersDay #HeroicFatherhood #CatholicFatherhood #Grief #Gratitude #Fatherhood #Catholic #CatholicPodcast #FaithAndFamily #RememberingDad   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Man on Purpose: 10 Rules for Authentic Catholic Manhood – Pete Burak

Featured Guest: Pete Burak, vice president of Renewal Ministries (Ann Arbor, MI) and author of A Man on Purpose: 10 Rules of Life from a Faithful Father (Ave Maria Press), joining guest host Sam Halligan. The Radical Center: Burak describes Renewal Ministries' charism of living in the "radical center of the gospel" — laser-focused on the kerygma and the power of the Holy Spirit rather than the extremes of Catholic infighting. Rethinking Masculinity: Surveying today's masculinity debate, Burak rejects two false narratives — that manhood is inherently "toxic," and that unchecked "alpha" desire needs no conversion — and casts a vision for authentic Catholic manhood submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Lessons from a Faithful Father: Built on real stories from his own dad, the book's core message is simple: be intentional, be Spirit-filled, and invest in genuine relationship. Released in what Burak calls a "crisis of fatherhood," it speaks to men, fathers, and the mothers raising sons. Get the Book: * Ave Maria Press: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/a-man-on-purpose [https://www.avemariapress.com/products/a-man-on-purpose?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Also available on Amazon * More from Pete: https://www.renewalministries.net/ [https://www.renewalministries.net/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #AManOnPurpose #PeteBurak #CatholicManhood #Masculinity #CatholicFatherhood #RenewalMinistries #AveMariaPress #CatholicMen #Fatherhood #HolySpirit #Discipleship #Catholic #CatholicPodcast   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Heart of a Spiritual Father – Fr. Nick Smith – 06/19/2026

A Father's Day conversation between Deacon Mark Campbell and Father Nick Smith, pastor of Saint Patrick's in Perry and the familiar voice of Iowa Catholic Radio's daily Gospel reflection. Father Nick explains how spiritual fatherhood was a central theme throughout his eight years of seminary formation — learning to know God as Father and to model the fatherhood witnessed in his own family. He honors two formative men: his own father, an attorney and judge marked by a hunger for righteousness, and the late Father John Acree, who gave over sixty years to the priesthood and accompanied Father Nick into his vocation. He describes the deep joy of priesthood — being the instrument through whom the faithful receive the Eucharist, absolution, and blessing — and the privilege of seeing spiritual life grow in souls. For those discerning the priesthood, his counsel is direct: if there's any inkling of a call, say yes and give the Lord a chance to work. To parents and grandparents, he offers reassurance that God desires the happiness of their sons and will give the hundredfold. And to all fathers, he encourages perseverance in the ordinary, hidden battles of daily life, where "fatherhood is won and lost." To hear Father Nick's daily Gospel reflection, subscribe wherever you find podcasts or visit IowaCatholicRadio.com [https://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]. Listen to The Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7 AM Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app. #SpiritualFatherhood #FathersDay #Priesthood #Catholic #Vocations #CatholicPriest #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicMorningShow #Discernment #FatherNickSmith Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.