Catholic Answers Live

Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic apologist and author who writes on the papacy and early Church, walks through papal authority and history. He tackles whether a pope could be labeled an antipope, how bishops became popes in apostolic times, the origin of conclaves, differences between papal and Orthodox authority, and the tradition behind papal headgear.

Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic apologist and Shameless Popery host, explains papal history and doctrine in accessible terms. He discusses scriptural foundations for Peter's authority. He tackles how to address scandals and Protestant concerns. He clarifies boundaries for questioning papal comments and how infallibility and magisterial assent function.

Brayden Cook, host of The Catechumen and Catholic apologist for younger viewers, discusses the scope of Church authority and how it relates to Scripture and tradition. He explores whether a pope can limit AI in homilies, traces the origins of purgatory, and explains why religious freedom and questioning authority matter in a plural society.

Steve Ray, Catholic convert, author, and pilgrimage leader who specializes in the Holy Land. He reconstructs a day in first-century Nazareth with simple meals, morning prayers, and craftwork. He discusses clothing, household realities, Jewish cleanliness practices, the identity of Jesus' "brothers," and what Scripture says about St. Joseph.

Dr. Greg Popchak, Catholic psychologist and author who blends pastoral counseling with practical faith advice. He discusses using Lent’s practices to open hearts and heal strained relationships. He explains mortification as losing comfort to love better. He talks through setting loving boundaries with adult children, handling addiction and enabling, and ways to process grief and stay spiritually connected to the deceased.

Dr. Carlo Broussard, Catholic apologist and author, brings theological clarity with sharp historical references. He explores post-apostolic authority and bishops as successors. He teases why confession still matters after baptism. He discusses Peter’s marital status and examines Mary’s immaculate conception and death. The tone is curious, precise, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Who are the “sheep and the goats” in Matthew 25, and are we judged by works or saved by grace? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists unpack this key passage before addressing other challenging questions from Scripture. They explain what Revelation means about reigning with Christ, how Jesus could offer Himself at the Last Supper before the crucifixion, and what the Church teaches about the mysterious Nephilim in Genesis 6. Additional topics include why Jesus allowed Himself to be tempted, what happened to the cross after the crucifixion, and why Catholics are cautious about numerology in biblical interpretation. A thoughtful discussion on salvation, Scripture, and Catholic theology. Questions Covered: 04:00 – What does Revelation mean when it says that those who overcome will be the ones to rule in the new heaven and earth with Christ?  10:06 – How is it possible for Jesus to offer himself up if he offered himself up first at the last supper but did not die till the next day?  16:30 – Mat. 25 talking about the sheep and the goats. How are they saved by grace if it feels like they were separated and judged based on works?  23:40 – Gen.6:1-2 What are the nephilim? What interpretation does the Catholic Church take?  33:38 – Why would Jesus so pure be tempted by the devil?  37:42 – Who are the sheep and the goats?  43:00 – Do we know what happened to the cross immediately after the crucifixion and where it is today?  46:59 – It feels like the Church has moved away from numerology in the bible? Why should Catholics avoid it? 

Did Jonah really get swallowed by a whale, or is the story symbolic? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle this question along with several others about Scripture and theology. They discuss how to prepare for conversations with Muslims using the Bible, why giants appear after the flood, and whether Catholics can accept the Orthodox canon as inspired. The conversation also explores what St. Paul means by being “slaves to sin” and what Christ truly accomplished through redemption. Additional questions address modern concerns about alcohol in light of the wedding at Cana and clarify how the Bible uses terms like mind, heart, soul, and spirit. A wide-ranging discussion on biblical interpretation and Catholic teaching. Questions Covered: 01:22 – Did Jonah actually get swallowed by a whale?  11:27 – Is there some part of the bible I should study to prepare to speak to Muslims?  17:16 – When the Israelites entered the holy land they fought giants. Why are there giants after the flood?  21:03 – Can we as Catholics personally hold the belief that the Orthodox canon is divinely inspired?  23:54 – Romans talk about being a slave to sin. What did Jesus actually accomplish if we are slaves to sin?  34:39 – New research suggests that no human should consume alcohol because of how bad it is for humans. How could God create and make water into wine at the wedding of Cana knowing how harmful it is for humans?  45:50 – Does the bible mean the same thing when it refers to the mind, heart, soul and spirit? 

Tom Nash, longtime Catholic apologist and author, joins to tackle quirky and weighty faith questions. He traces why fish became an accepted Lenten food and explains extraordinary ministers of communion. He discusses taking a female saint's name at confirmation and outlines the Church's view on organ donation. Short, clear takes on tradition, practice, and pastoral care.

Tim Staples, senior apologist and author known for clear Catholic defenses, discusses whether Lent is rooted in Scripture and tradition. He traces the practice’s forty-day origins, explains why Alleluia is omitted during Lent, and tackles questions about God’s will, the fate of Protestants, Scottish saints, and how to witness to others with charity.