Podcasts

Kevin Clarke hosts a discussion with fellow editors Raymond A. Schroth, S.J., and Francis X. Hezel, S.J., on Foreign Policy’s annual list of failed states, what risks these states pose to the international community and what role other nations should play in their rehabilitation. The editors also look at a growing sense of disappointment with […]

David Cortright, author of the new book Ending Obama’s War: Responsible Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan, offers a critique of President Obama’s recent speech on military policy in Afghanistan and outlines other options for assisting the Afghan people that do not include boots on the ground. Professor Cortright, the director of policy studies at the Joan […]

The editors discuss a new “biography” of St. Augustine’s Confessions, the art of collecting art and the demands of homework. With Kerry Weber, Karen Sue Smith and Edward W. Schmidt, S.J. This is part of a series of podcasts featuring the editors of America discussing items of cultural and political interest.

Jason Berry’s new book, Render Unto Rome, looks at the financial structure of the Catholic Church from the parish level to the Vatican. What happens when a Catholic puts money in the collection plate? What kind of financial reports are offered by diocesan leaders? How big of a problem is embezzlement? Berry, a longtime investigative […]

The first in a series of podcasts featuring the editors of America discussing items of cultural and political interest. This week Tim Reidy, Fr. Jim Martin and Regina Nigro talk about the weighty themes addressed in the film “The Tree of Life”; “The Astral,” a new novel by Kate Christensen set in Brooklyn; and a […]

Is there an inverse relationship between effective leadership of the bishops’ conference and that of individual bishops? Or is it possible the stronger the voice of the bishops collectively, the stronger the voice of most bishops individually and locally? Peter Steinfels explores these questions in the May 30 issue of America, and here on our […]

It’s not uncommon to hear “Abba” or “Shepherd” as names of God. But what about “Voice of Freedom” or “You Who Question Souls”? In her new book Fragments of Your Ancient Name, Joyce Rupp, O.S.M., explores these names and 361 others—one for each day of the year. Rupp spoke with America following her talk “Exploring […]

The Indian Jesuit Anthony DeMello died in 1987 but his spiritual writings still have wide appeal. In this discussion, Thomas G. Casey, S.J., a professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, and Margaret Brennan Hassett, one of his students, discuss their love for the work of “Tony” DeMello, and explain his teachings. Among DeMello’s insights: […]

Students and faculty at Fordham University talk about eloquentia perfecta, a course of study that dates to the early days of the Jesuits. Read Kevin Clarke’s article on EP in the May 16 issue.

April 14 marked the last day of Father Daniel J. Coughlin’s tenure as chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives. Fr. Coughlin was the first Catholic priest to serve in that role, and he held the position for 11 years. Here he speaks about some of his most difficult moments as chaplain, notably the tragedy […]