A Reason for Hope

What keeps young people rooted in the Catholic faith today? In this powerful episode of A Reason for Hope, Fr. Mike Schmitz joins Mario Costabile to share his journey from a teenage encounter with God in confession to discovering his priestly vocation and serving as chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth.Fr. Mike opens up about his daily prayer life, the importance of choosing local mission, and what actually helps students grow in faith. He breaks down the biggest spiritual questions college students ask today, including the modern shift from “Is God real?” to the deeper ache of “Is God good?”We also explore how to accompany loved ones who have left the Church, why confession changes lives, and the mission behind Bulldog Catholic’s thriving campus ministry, which is forming disciples, expanding sacramental life, and building a new spiritual home for the next generation.If you’ve ever wrestled with discernment, wondered how to pray with honesty, or felt heartbreak watching someone you love drift from the faith, this conversation will leave you encouraged to trust God’s goodness and keep going.-Support Our Sponsors-Ave Maria Mutual Funds - the largest family of Catholic mutual funds in the U.S. Launched in 2001, their six no-load funds adhere to strong pro-life and pro-family values.Mother of Divine Grace School - Founded by Laura Berquist in 1995, it offers a Catholic, classical approach to distance learning.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event🙏 Support Bulldog Catholichttps://bulldogcatholic.org/donate/-Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast-Follow Fr. Mike-Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/fathermikeschmitz/Instagram (ministry): https://www.instagram.com/bulldogcatholic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Father-Mike-Schmitz-100091082350167/Website: https://bulldogcatholic.org Tour Info: https://ascensionpress.com/frmiketour⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:38 Start of Interview03:37 Father Mike's Journey to Priesthood09:56 Reflections on Public Life and Ministry15:18 Staying Grounded in Faith Despite Fame21:43 How Fr. Mike Prays 26:12 Showing Charity in a Divided World29:00 Evolving Youth Ministry: 20 Years of Change34:41 Understanding the Bible: Wrestling with Difficult Passages40:24 The Most Common Question Father Mike Gets45:00 The New Youth Center Project50:55 End Interview

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, Mario Costabile sits down with Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, former owner of the Detroit Tigers, and the visionary behind Ave Maria University and Legatus. From a childhood in a Catholic orphanage to becoming one of America’s most successful Catholic entrepreneurs, Tom shares his remarkable journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose.He opens up about the spiritual turning point that led him to give up worldly luxuries after reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, his lifelong devotion to the Mass and the Rosary, and how he dedicated his fortune to building institutions that serve God and form faithful Catholic leaders.Join us as Tom Monaghan discusses the true meaning of success, the battle against pride, and how faith in Christ transformed his life from the pizza kitchen to a mission of evangelization and Catholic education.-Support Our Sponsors-Ave Maria Mutual Funds - the largest family of Catholic mutual funds in the U.S. Launched in 2001, their six no-load funds adhere to strong pro-life and pro-family values.Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and in death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event-Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction 03:26 Start of Interview09:58 Importance of the Marines in his Success14:22 Importance of Knowing What is Most Important in Life17:53 How He Started Dominoes 21:09 Did Someone Say Delivery?26:38 Franchising33:54 Purchasing the Detroit Tigers37:32 Millionaires Vow to Poverty 42:42 Importance of Mass + Eucharist44:43 Tom's Catholic Philanthropy 48:34 Goal of Ave Maria 51:08 Legatus 52:56 Tom's Advice to Someone Starting Out54:20 Tom's perspective on Faith

In this powerful episode of A Reason for Hope, exorcist Fr. Daniel Reehil joins host Mario Costabile to reveal everything you need to know about spiritual warfare. Drawing from years of experience on the front lines of exorcism ministry, Fr. Reehil shares what really happens during an exorcism, how demons deceive and attack, and how Catholics can protect themselves through the sacraments, prayer, and a deep relationship with Christ.Discover the truth about demonic manifestations, possession, temptation, and the hidden spiritual battles happening in our world today. Fr. Reehil also explains how to discern spirits, the power of the Blessed Mother, the Communion of Saints, and why living in a state of grace is your greatest defense against evil.Whether you’ve ever wondered what an exorcist really does, how the devil tempts us, or how to strengthen your faith in a world full of spiritual confusion—this conversation will awaken your understanding of spiritual warfare and divine protection.👉 Subscribe to A Reason for Hope for more Catholic conversations about faith, spiritual warfare, prayer, and the truth that sets us free.-Support our Sponsors-Verbum - Take Your Catholic Bible Study from Stumped to Stellar with VerbumMagnificat - A simple way to transform the way you pray.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event-Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast-Follow Fr Reehil-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fatherdanreehilInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherdanreehilYouTube: https://youtube.com/@fatherdanreehil⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:51 Start of Interview04:35 How do you prepare for an exorcism?06:29 Perspective on eternity after performing Exorcisms 10:47 Understanding Demonic Manifestations15:02 Tarot Cards, Psychics, Mediums, and the Occult19:36 The Role of Saints in Exorcisms25:26 The Power of Intercessory Prayers27:44 Why does God allow Demonic Possession31:17 Common Portals to Demonic Influence32:14 Distinguishing Between Mental Illness and Possession35:11 Ordinary Attacks by The Devil41:36 Discernment of Spirits and Recognizing God's Voice48:23 Last Remarks

Struggling with mental health or depression can feel overwhelming—but in the light of faith, even our deepest wounds can be transformed. In this episode of the A Reason for Hope podcast, Catholic psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty shares powerful insights on how prayer, meditation, and embracing redemptive suffering can lead to profound healing and lasting hope.We’ll explore:The connection between prayer, Catholic spirituality, and emotional well-beingHow to find meaning in suffering and allow God to transform itWhat it means to avoid “sanitizing the cross” in modern Christian lifePractical steps to truly embrace the crucified Christ every dayHow to meditate on Christ’s Passion in daily prayer and especially during the MassWhy our culture struggles with the concept of redemptive sufferingHow to confront the hidden battles of spiritual warfare with faith and courageIf you’ve been searching for encouragement and practical steps to grow closer to God through your trials, this conversation will inspire you to see your cross not as a burden, but as a bridge to grace.-Support our Sponsors-Magnificat - A simple way to transform the way you pray.Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event-Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:37 Start of Interview03:18 The Connection Between Faith and Mental Health09:26 Reductionist view of Modern Psychology15:08 The Role of Faith in Alleviating Suffering19:28 Meditating on the Passion of Christ24:44 The Broader Context of Christ's Suffering31:12 Importance of Uniting Suffering with Christ32:20 The Redemptive Nature of Suffering33:44 Cultural Mentality and Victimhood37:08 Spiritual Healings role in Psychological Well-being40:02 The Role of Sacraments in Healing47:30 Final Reflections on Suffering and Hope

On today’s episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Mario Costabile talks with Paul Zucarelli, author of Faith Understood: An Ordinary Man's Journey to the Presence of God. Paul shares his extraordinary near-death experience testimony after suffering eight cardiac arrests in two days. He discusses the power of intercessory prayer, trusting God in moments of doubt, and how this profound encounter with God shaped his faith journey and gave his life a new mission: to evangelize His Truth.In this interview, we cover:• What was your life like before the cardiac arrests?• Can you walk us through the moments you experienced NDE after eight arrest episodes?• What did you see or feel when you “went to the heavenly realm”?• How did intercessory prayer, especially on Pentecost, factor into your recovery?• How has your relationship with the Catholic Church deepened through this?• What impact did Bishop Olmsted’s prayers have on your healing?• What was the single most transformative moment during those two hours?• How did this near-death experience reshape your faith and purpose?• Why did you choose “Faith Understood” as the title?• What practical advice would you give Catholics encountering suffering or doubt?-Support Our Sponsors-Verbum - Take Your Catholic Bible Study from Stumped to Stellar with VerbumScapulars.com - Divine protection in life and in death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.-Support Our Mission-Donate Here Book an Event -Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction03:12 Paul's Near-Death Experience07:36 What is a locution? 17:12 The Role of Faith and Family21:08 Miraculous Healing and the Bishop's Intervention24:50 Verbum 25:45 Scapulars.com26:30 Donate27:24 Transformation and Spiritual Awakening32:13 Faith Understood36:40 The Contrast Between Heaven and Hell39:00 God Is Light 41:58 The Challenge of Faith and Intellect44:21 Last Remarks-Living a Life of Hope and Virtue

In this episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Dr. David Hajduk welcomes Monsignor Charles Pope, author of The Hell There Is, to discuss the often-overlooked Catholic teaching on Hell. They explore why the Catholic doctrine of eternal damnation matters for the Catholic faith today, and how the Church teaching on Hell is essential for understanding salvation, which was purchased for us by Jesus Christ. Monsignor shares insights from his ministry and writing, offering a challenging yet hopeful message for Catholic evangelization and Catholic hope.We talk about the fear of the Lord, Catholic morality, and the “last things”—death, judgment, heaven, and hell—and how recovering this teaching can renew Catholic culture and help us engage in spiritual warfare with courage. Monsignor Pope reminds us that judgment is not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to call us to deeper faith and trust in God’s mercy, leading us to the joy of Heaven.-Support our Sponsors-Magnificat - A simple way to transform the way you pray.Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event-Follow Us On Social Media-FacebookInstagramYouTube  ⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:22 Conversation Starts03:07 The Role of Music in Monsignor's Faith and Vocation05:45 The Neglect of Hell in Modern Teaching10:37 Magnificat11:17 Scapulars.com12:02 Donate13:51 Recovering the plot of Sacred Scripture 18:40 Misunderstandings about Hell23:06 The Nature of God and Human Freedom28:03 The Consequences of Rejecting the Doctrine of Hell30:58 Universalism and Its Challenges34:03 Dispelling Teaching about Hell as Fear Mongering36:28 The Eternal Nature of Hell41:26 The Importance of Liturgy and Sacraments43:15 Restoring Balance: The Good News and Bad News

How is physical health connected to spiritual growth? In this episode of A Reason for Hope Podcast, Jack Garno talks with Chase Crouse, founder of HypuroFit — the world’s first Catholic-based personal training and nutrition company.We dive into:- How discipline in fitness supports your prayer life- What Theology of the Body teaches about health and the body- Whether God calls us to be physically healthy- Why fitness isn’t about vanity — it’s about virtue- How Chase balances faith, family, and fitness- The mission of HypuroFit and how it supports Catholic wellnessIf you're a Catholic looking to better understand the connection between faith and fitness, this episode is for you.✨Subscribe to our podcast @R4HPodcast - Support Our Sponsors -Mother of Divine Grace School - Founded by Laura Berquist in 1995, it offers a Catholic, classical approach to distance learning.Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and in death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.- Connect with us -Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast Website: https://arrayofhope.org/podcast-Connect with Hypurofit - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypurofitInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypurofitYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@hypurofit-thecatholicappro9661Website: https://www.hypurofit.org/⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction01:40 Start of Interview 03:14 How Did Chase's Faith Journey Lead Him To Fitness?11:01 Self-Mastery and Spiritual Growth14:22 Mother of Divine Grace School 15:32 Scapulars.com16:17 Daily Practices for Spiritual and Physical Well-being22:36 Importance of Sleep and Nutrition26:53 The 80-20 Rule in Nutrition28:19 The Importance of Muscle Mass30:22 Optimal Protein Intake33:16 Resistance Training for Beginners38:10 Chase's Book: The God of Endurance Book41:09 Hypuro Fit: A New Approach to Fitness

Catholic psychologist Dr. Gregory Bottaro joins A Reason for Hope Podcast to explore why much of secular mental health care is falling short and how integrating faith and psychology offers a more complete path to healing. He shares his journey of discerning a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, his mentorship under Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and the deep spiritual wisdom behind Abandonment to Divine Providence. We discuss how faith can transform psychological practices, the impact of sin on mental health, and how the CatholicPsych Institute’s Mentorship model, launched just before the pandemic, is reshaping the landscape of Catholic therapy. Dr. Bottaro also explains the unique approach of Catholic Mindfulness compared to Eastern practices, highlights the saints who have inspired his work, and gives a preview of the upcoming CatholicPsych Institute Summit.✨Follow our podcast! https://aoh.lnk.to/jqWMe4CH- Support Our Sponsors -Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and in death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.Follow My Camino - Whether you are interested in a fully planned trip, partially guided trip, or in assistance in planning your self-guided trip, Follow My Camino will make sure your Pilgrimage to the Camino is as amazing as it can be.- Connect with us -FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite- Connect with CatholicPsych - Instagram FacebookXLinkedInWebsite⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:20 Start of Interview 03:29 The Mental Health Crisis and Secular Psychology08:23 Formation and Spirituality in Psychology11:38 Abandonment to Divine Providence14:04 Integrating Faith and Psychology15:43 Scapulars.com16:28 Follow My Camino 17:10 Mentorship Program at Catholic Psych Institute22:19 The Relationship Between Sin and Psychological Health27:01 Exploring Catholic Mindfulness30:01 The Catholic Perspective on Mindfulness35:29 Influential Saints and Their Impact38:47 CatholicPsych Institute Summit 40:16 Chapter: The Relationship Between Faith and Mental Health42:54 Future Directions for Catholic Psych

In this episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Jack and Dave debunk common misconceptions about the Holy Rosary, talk about the history of this powerful prayer, and share practical tips on how to pray it effectively!✨Subscribe to our podcast! - Support Our Sponsors -Ave Maria Mutual Funds - the largest family of Catholic mutual funds in the U.S. Launched in 2001, their six no-load funds adhere to strong pro-life and pro-family values.Mother of Divine Grace School - Founded by Laura Berquist in 1995, it offers a Catholic, classical approach to distance learning.- Connect with us -Facebook InstagramYoutube Website⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:05 Start of Interview 02:35 Why do we pray to Mary as Catholics?11:46 Why Protestants don't believe in praying to Mary 26:50 Ave Maria Mutual Funds 27:58 Mother of Divine Grace School29:12 What is the Rosary? 33:37 Is the Rosary Vein Repetition? 38:36 How did Mary give us the Rosary? 42:55 Is the Rosary seen as a weapon? 55:18 Practical Tips on How to Pray the Rosary 59:46 The Evolution of the Rosary 68:05 Rosary Apps

In this episode, Dr. David Hajduk gives his take on why, in order to be a faithful Christian, you must have a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering a wealth of Biblical evidence. He also tackles the question of whether praying the Rosary can be considered "optional" for Catholics, once one considers the history of this prayer, its importance to Mary herself, and the teachings about Saints and Popes about it.✨Join us on our mission! https://arrayofhope.org/donate- Support Our Sponsors -Mother of Divine Grace School - Founded by Laura Berquist in 1995, it offers a Catholic, classical approach to distance learning.- Connect with us -FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:59 The Rosary: Essential Devotion for a Faithful Catholic04:38 Why True Devotion to Mary Is Essential for Every Faithful Catholic07:00 Why Mary Deserves The Highest Honor: Reason #107:21 Why Mary Deserves The Highest Honor: Reason #208:32 Why Mary Deserves The Highest Honor: Reason #309:41 Why Mary Deserves The Highest Honor: Reason #410:53 Why Mary Deserves The Highest Honor: Reason #512:45 Is the Rosary the Most Fitting Honor for Mary?13:24 Did the Rosary Really Come from Heaven?14:14 Was the Rosary Heaven’s Divine Weapon & Answer to Heresy?19:47 Mother of Divine Grace School21:52 The Rosary’s Miraculous Beginnings23:42 How the Rosary Changed the Course of History at Muret26:09 The Battle for Christendom: Faith and the Rosary in Action27:59 Pope Pius V, the Rosary, and the Battle of Lepanto29:44 The Rosary and the Defeat of the Ottoman Forces at Vienna31:50 Saints and Popes on the Power of the Rosary35:48 Why Devotion to Mary and the Rosary is Crucial for Salvation37:05 The Rosary: A Gift We Owe to Our Blessed Mother38:22 End