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Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Ascension

Called (with Father Mike Schmitz) brings you powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension, each episode features conversations with individuals who have answered God’s call to serve others—from highly successful entrepreneurs to industry executives and community leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking for practical ways to live your faith, Called will challenge you to see service not as obligation, but as invitation.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 51 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • July 31 · 54 min

    Called to Lift the Next Generation

    What does it mean to reach the top of the corporate ladder—and then realize God has an even bigger mission for you? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with JoAnn Chávez: former C-Suite executive, founder of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, sixth-generation Mexican-American, and proud Notre Dame law graduate. Raised in southwest Detroit, JoAnn shares her powerful story of growing up in the shadow of St. Anne’s Basilica, overcoming family addiction and loss, and choosing to

  • June 16 · 52 min

    Called to Defend Religious Liberty (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mark Rienzi)

    In this episode of Called, Father Mike Schmitz sits down with Mark Rienzi, the President and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Mark has led an extraordinary, unbroken string of landmark victories at the US Supreme Court—defending everyone from the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby to everyday parents and ministries. But his journey didn't start with massive victories. It started with a 13-year string of losses. Join Father Mike and Mark as they dive deep into what it tr

  • May 8 · 58 min

    Called to Be Hospitable (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and John Hale)

    What does true hospitality look like? It’s more than hosting a dinner party or planning a great trip—it’s creating space for others to encounter love, joy, beauty, and ultimately, God. In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Hale to talk about the deeper meaning of hospitality, how pilgrimage can transform hearts, and why a “theology of abundance” changes the way we live and love. Whether you’re welcoming thousands or simply showing up for the person in front of you, th

  • April 29 · 47 min

    Called to Walk with Families in Need w/ Kristy Schena and Fr. Mike Schmitz

    What does it mean to answer God’s call—especially when it leads you somewhere unexpected? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kristi Schena, founder of Kids On The Go, to share a powerful story of faith in action. What began as a simple response to a gap in care for children with special needs grew into a life-changing ministry serving thousands of families. Kristi opens up about the moment she saw the need, the challenges of building a nonprofit from the ground up, and

  • March 6 · 1 hr 12 min

    Called to Be Courageous w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Carolyn Woo

    What does it mean to trust God when the decision feels risky? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Dr. Carolyn Woo to talk about courage, discernment, and leaving security to follow God’s call. Carolyn shares how she walked away from tenure and a successful academic career to say yes to a mission that would eventually lead her to serve the global Church through Catholic Relief Services. Together they discuss fear, trust, and the question many of us eventually face: What i

  • February 20 · 1 hr 10 min

    Called to Rebuild w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Harry Lennix

    How can beauty rebuild a broken community? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with acclaimed actor Harry Lennix to explore faith, storytelling, and the power of the arts to transform culture. From growing up Catholic on Chicago’s South Side to discerning the priesthood, to performing on Broadway and in film, Harry shares how his vocation has always been rooted in service. Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists, he explains why creativity images the Creator—and why

  • February 6 · 58 min

    Called to Love Through Action w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, to talk about what it really looks like to live out the Gospel. From a small village in Scotland to feeding over 3 million children every school day, Magnus shares the unlikely, grace-filled story of how a simple “yes” to God became a global mission of love. Together, Fr. Mike and Magnus reflect on Scripture, especially “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17), and explore what it mea

  • January 23 · 54 min

    Called to Form the Young w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson

    What if evangelization started with showing up? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life. This conversation challenges us to rethink discipleship, responsibility, and what it really me

  • January 9 · 1 hr 1 min

    Called to Care for the Vulnerable w/ Elizabeth Marcolini and Fr. Mike Schmitz

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by Catholic author and speaker Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini to share powerful stories of faith and radical trust in God. Elizabeth reflects on her sister Bella and her daughter Zelie—two lives that reveal the beauty, dignity, and purpose of every human person. Together, they explore Catholic social teaching, the meaning of mercy, and why love always requires sacrifice. This conversation offers hope to parents facing difficult diagnoses, encou

  • Dec 12, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

    Called to Accompany Mothers w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and the Sisters of Life

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Sr. Gianna Maria and Sister Zelie Maria Louis of the Sisters of Life—a community of religious sisters whose mission is to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. One of their missions is to serve women who are vulnerable to abortion and give them the support and resources they need to choose life for themselves and their children. Together, they share powerful stories of hope, trust, and God’s unwavering tenderness. From

  • Dec 2, 2025 · 58 min

    Called to Walk with the Poor w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Kerry Robinson

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to “walk with the poor.” Kerry shares her remarkable lifelong journey of service — shaped by her family’s legacy of Catholic philanthropy, her early encounters with heroic witnesses of faith, and her vocational call to bring hope where it’s needed most. From her unexpected path into fundraising at Yale, to her leadership wi

  • Nov 14, 2025 · 50 min

    Called to Unify w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dave Arnold

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Dave Arnold—former CEO turned global ministry leader—about how God transformed his life and led him into the heart of Rwanda’s post-genocide healing. Dave shares how the PEACE Plan united government, business, and the church to rebuild a nation and how simple, local acts of love sparked reconciliation for millions. Together they explore what real unity looks like, how forgiveness becomes possible after deep wounds, and how each of us can be

  • Oct 31, 2025 · 47 min

    Called to Sustain the Church for Generations w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Kevin Doyle

    When thousands of parishes are closing and fewer people identify with any faith, how can the Church not only survive—but thrive? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Kevin Doyle, president of the Catholic Initiative, about a bold new approach to sustaining vibrant parishes and schools for generations to come. From restoring Detroit’s historic St. Anne’s Basilica to supporting under-resourced communities, the Catholic Initiative is reimagining what it means to invest in the fut

  • Oct 17, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min

    Called to Build Bridges w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Darryl Woods (The Called Podcast)

    Wrongly convicted at 18, Darryl Woods Sr. spent nearly 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. But instead of giving in to bitterness, he found freedom through faith—transforming prison walls into a mission field of hope and redemption. In this episode of the Called podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Darryl shares his incredible journey from Detroit’s streets to the chair of the Detroit Police Commission. His story is a powerful reminder that God can bring purpose out of the darkest places

  • Sep 26, 2025 · 32 min

    Called to Use Your Gifts for Good w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Chris Green

    What does it look like to turn a paycheck into purpose? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Chris Green, President of Humanitarian Hotels, to explore how the hospitality industry can become a mission field. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares how true leadership is about seeing people, creating meaningful culture, and using every gift for something greater. Discover how entire hotels are giving 100% of their profits to charity, why authentic service transforms b

  • Sep 13, 2025 · 41 min

    Called to Form the Young w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Coach Lou Holtz

    In this powerful episode of "Called", Father Mike Schmitz sits down with legendary football coach and devout Catholic, Lou Holtz. Together they explore the urgent challenge of forming the next generation in faith and character. Coach Holtz shares timeless wisdom drawn from decades of leadership on and off the field—his famous three rules for life (“Do what’s right, do your best, and show people you care”), the importance of making good choices, and the lasting impact of faith, family, and respon

  • Sep 7, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

    Called to Heal the Brokenhearted w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. John Riccardo

    In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. John Riccardo, executive director of ACTS XXIX, to talk about how we can accompany and support those who are brokenhearted. Drawing on Psalm 23, they reflect on God’s promise to be close to the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Fr. John shares insights from his decades of ministry, offering practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to bring Christ’s compassion into places of pain, grief, and loneliness. To receive update

  • Sep 4, 2025 · 8 min

    Ordinary People, Extraordinary Callings

    “Are you going to restore the kingdom?” The apostles asked Jesus this question in Acts 1—and his answer was clear: You will. In this introductory episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz unpacks what it means to be the face, heart, hands, and feet of Christ today, and how Called will share real stories of people responding to God’s voice. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitia

  • Aug 21, 2025 · 1 min

    Welcome to the Called Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz

    Called (with Father Mike Schmitz) brings you powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension, each episode features conversations with individuals who have answered God’s call to serve others—from highly successful entrepreneurs to industry executives and community leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking for practical ways to liv

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