30 Days to the Fair: Iowa State Fair CEO Previews a Record 2026 Season – Jeremy Parsons – 07/13/2026

The Catholic Morning Show – 07/13/2026

Saint of the Day & Reflection: The hosts open on the memorial of St. Henry II, discussing his path from considering the priesthood to becoming King of Germany, and how his life points to trusting God's call in every vocation. Headlines with Alexia Baker: International tensions in the Gulf, the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening July 27, and the Archdiocese of Dubuque's reorganization of 160 parishes into 24 regional pastorates. Sports & Weather: Mark Amadeo covers the Iowa Cubs, MLB scoreboard, and Dowling Catholic's substate baseball semifinal at Ankeny. Sunny, warming conditions are expected through the week, with highs climbing into the mid-90s by Wednesday. Interview: Jeremy Parsons, CEO, Iowa State Fair — One month from opening day (August 13–23, 2026), Parsons previews new America 250 programming, expanded shade and seating, new park-and-ride options, and what makes this year's fair special. Full details: iowastatefair.org [https://www.iowastatefair.org/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith: A meditation on today's Gospel and the cost of discipleship, drawing on the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Man Up Show Preview with Joe Stopulus: A preview of today's 9 a.m. episode reflecting on lessons learned from fatherhood, part of a series honoring his late father. Interview: Allan Smith, Author of The Soul of a Disciple — A conversation on meditation, Fulton Sheen's Holy Hour, and Sheen's upcoming beatification. Learn more about the book: sophiainstitute.com [https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-soul-of-a-disciple/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Diocese of Des Moines News with Anne Marie Cox: Victim assistance advocate contact information and an update on the upcoming Christ Our Life Conference. Upcoming Events: * Growing the Faith Tour with Dr. Karlo Broussard — July 21 (Spencer), July 22 (Creston), July 23 (Pella); free, pre-registration requested at iowacatholicradio.com [https://www.iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Forge Hog Roast — July 31, 6–9 p.m., Willis Family Apple Orchard * Faith and Family Day with the Iowa Cubs — August 2, noon at Principal Park * First Friday Mass — August 7 * Iowa State Fair — August 13–23, Iowa Catholic Radio booth at Riley Stage * 12th Annual Men's Stag — September 9 * Christ Our Life Conference — September 26–27, Casey's Center, Des Moines: christourlifeiowa.com [https://www.christourlifeiowa.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Beatification Mass of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — September 24, 2026, St. Louis: celebratesheen.com [https://www.celebratesheen.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] #Catholic #CatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio #FultonSheen #IowaStateFair #CatholicFaith #DailyCatholic 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.

Meditate Like a Saint: Fulton Sheen's Path to Prayer – Allan Smith – 07/13/2026

About the Book: The Soul of a Disciple distills Archbishop Fulton Sheen's teaching into six guided retreats — on the Holy Face of Jesus, Our Lady, the Beatitudes, the Eucharist, the Cross, and Holy Week — each designed to take just five minutes a day. Details and ordering: sophiainstitute.com [https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-soul-of-a-disciple/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Why Meditation Matters: Smith explains that Sheen's decades of daily Holy Hours shaped his preaching, writing, and media ministry, and that his call to "gaze, remain, become, love, and abide" offers a concrete framework for prayer today. Suffering & Redemption: Drawing on Sheen's teaching, Smith discusses how uniting suffering to Christ transforms it from something to eliminate into something redemptive. Sheen's Beatification: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified at a Mass on September 24, 2026, in St. Louis. Information and updates: celebratesheen.com [https://www.celebratesheen.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] About the Author: Allan Smith serves on the board of directors for the Sheen Cause and has compiled several Fulton Sheen anthologies through Sophia Institute Press. #FultonSheen #CatholicBooks #SophiaInstitutePress #CatholicMeditation #HolyHour #CatholicAuthors #CatholicRadio 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.

30 Days to the Fair: Iowa State Fair CEO Previews a Record 2026 Season – Jeremy Parsons – 07/13/2026

One Month Out: CEO Jeremy Parsons joins the show 30 days before the 2026 Iowa State Fair opens, sharing that fairground campsites and food concessionaire setup begins roughly two weeks prior, in late July. America 250 Programming: This year's fair features a "fair within a fair" celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, including a display of 250 American flags near Pioneer Hall, a special exhibit from the State Historical Society of Iowa and Living History Farms, and nightly drone shows. Comfort Upgrades: Forty new benches, an additional shaded seating area, a new park-and-ride pickup from Southridge Mall, and a new entrance off University Avenue are all new for fairgoers in 2026. Behind the Scenes: Parsons describes the roughly 80 full-time staff, 300 seasonal workers, and up to 1,500 fair-time employees — plus thousands of volunteers — who make the 11-day event possible. Plan Your Visit: Daily schedules, the full list of 84 new foods, and fair planning tools are available at iowastatefair.org [https://www.iowastatefair.org/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]. The 2026 Iowa State Fair runs August 13–23 in Des Moines. Iowa Catholic Radio will have a booth near the Riley Stage throughout the fair. #IowaStateFair #IowaStateFair2026 #DesMoines #StateFair #Iowa #America250 #CatholicRadio 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 Catholic Morning Show – 07/10/2026

Growing the Faith Tour with Karlo Broussard This July, Iowa Catholic Radio brings Catholic apologist Karlo Broussard to three Iowa cities for the Growing the Faith Tour, a three-night series exploring faith, happiness, and salvation: * Tuesday, July 21 – Spencer * Wednesday, July 22 – Creston * Thursday, July 23 – Pella All three events are free; pre-registration is requested. Details, directions, and registration: IowaCatholicRadio.com/events [https://www.iowacatholicradio.com/events?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] The Forge Hog Roast with Sam Halligan Sam Halligan, Des Moines City Director of Forge, joins Bo to talk about the Forge Hog Roast — a couples' night built around live music, roasted hog, drinks, cigars, and fellowship for the men of Des Moines and their significant others. * When: Friday, July 31, 6–9 p.m. * Where: Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Rd, Adel, IA * Cost: $15 per person at the door * Live music from Catholic singer-songwriter Luke Spehar; confessions available with at least six priests on hand Register and learn more: myforge.org/event/the-forge-hog-roast [https://myforge.org/event/the-forge-hog-roast/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Ad Orientem with Dr. Peter Kwasniewski Author and liturgical scholar Dr. Peter Kwasniewski discusses his new booklet from TAN Books, Ad Orientem: The Direction that Changes Everything, unpacking why the direction a priest faces during Mass — toward the people or toward the East — carries deep theological significance for how Catholics understand the Eucharist. Learn more or order the booklet: tanbooks.com [https://tanbooks.com/products/books/ad-orientem-the-direction-that-changes-everything/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Listen to The Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, IowaCatholicRadio.com [https://www.iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show], or the Iowa Catholic Radio app. #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #AdOrientem #ForgeHogRoast #CatholicFaith #DesMoinesCatholic #CatholicNews #TraditionalCatholic #CatholicMen 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.

Forge Hog Roast: A Couples' Night of Faith, Food & Fellowship – Sam Halligan – 07/10/2026

Forge is a Des Moines-based Catholic men's movement with more than 50 small groups meeting across the metro area. Every six weeks, Forge hosts a large-group event to complement its ongoing small-group ministry — and this time, they're opening the door to significant others too. The Forge Hog Roast * When: Friday, July 31, 6–9 p.m. * Where: Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Rd, Adel, IA * Cost: $15 per person at the door (drinks and cigars available for purchase separately) * Live music from Catholic singer-songwriter Luke Spehar * Confessions available with at least six priests from the Diocese of Des Moines * Open to couples, single men, and anyone curious about the Forge community Register and get details: myforge.org/event/the-forge-hog-roast [https://myforge.org/event/the-forge-hog-roast/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] What's next for Forge: * Alcohol, Axes, and a SEAL – Tuesday, September 22, 7 p.m., featuring Navy SEAL veteran and Franciscan University of Steubenville alum Sam Blair * Heart of the Mission Retreat – October 15–18 at Creighton Retreat Center, a three-day intensive for men seeking to grow deeper in their faith Full event calendar: myforge.org/events [https://myforge.org/events/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] #ForgeHogRoast #CatholicMen #DesMoinesCatholic #CatholicCouples #CatholicFellowship #LukeSpehar #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicCommunity 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.