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The Catholic Morning Show

Iowa Catholic Radio

Connecting Listeners to Christ. The Catholic Morning Show, a nationally known radio show conveys a message of lasting fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through prayer, the Sacraments, family life, and the help of Mary and the saints, We want to cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus, and help others do the same. Join the Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7:00AM with Bo Bonner, Deacon Mark Campbell, and Ayden Pugh.

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173 episodes
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#3245
Friday · 4 min
All Saints Day Gospel: The Beatitudes & Your Call to Be a Saint – Fr. Max Carson – 10/30/2026
Fr. Max Carson of the Diocese of Des Moines reflects on the Gospel for the Solemnity of All Saints, the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. He explains that "blessed" means a deep, God-given happiness, and that every baptized Catholic is already a citizen of heaven called to grow in holiness. Learn how to examine your life through the Beatitudes and find joy and peace with God even in suffering.
#3245
Friday · 47 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/30/2026
Prepare for All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Halloween with a Catholic look at Allhallowtide, plus Fr. Max Carson's Sunday Gospel reflection on the Beatitudes and the universal call to holiness. Belle Marasco of Iowa Catholic Radio explains Catholic legacy giving and how listeners can write a legal will online for free in about 20 minutes through MyCatholicWill. Also: St. Marcellus the Centurion, Bo Bonner's parish mission in Alaska, a November prayer list for the faithful departed, and a Maki
#3244
Thursday · 6 min
Domestic Violence Help in Southwest Iowa: 24/7 Crisis Line & Shelter – Nelcy Vargas – 10/29/2026
Nelcy Vargas of Catholic Charities explains the free, confidential help available through the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program serving nine counties in southwest Iowa. The program offers a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, court advocacy, hospital response, and support groups for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Learn about Purple Thursday, the barriers facing rural survivors, and how you can volunteer or give during Domestic Violence Awarene
#3244
Thursday · 8 min
The Gardener: A Catholic Picture Book for Miscarriage & Child Loss – Maddie Cain – 10/29/2026
Catholic author Maddie Cain shares how her own miscarriage inspired The Gardener, a gentle, faith-filled picture book about child loss from The Little Rose Shop. The story pictures Jesus as a loving Gardener who keeps some precious seeds in His garden, giving grieving parents a hopeful way to talk with children about a baby who has died. Released during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the book is a meaningful miscarriage support gift for families, siblings, and friends.
#3244
Thursday · 9 min
All Saints Day Readings Explained: Who Are the 144,000? – Deacon Randy Kiel – 10/29/2026
Deacon Randy Kiel previews the Sunday readings for the Solemnity of All Saints, from Revelation 7 to 1 John 3 and the Beatitudes. He explains the biblical numerology behind the 144,000, the meaning of the white robes washed in the Blood of the Lamb, and the communion of saints. This Catholic Bible reflection shows how St. John called a divided early Church back to sacrificial love and faith in Jesus as Savior.
#3244
Thursday · 48 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/29/2026
Author Maddie Cain shares the story behind The Gardener, a gentle Catholic picture book from The Little Rose Shop that helps families talk about miscarriage, child loss, and the hope of Heaven. Deacon Randy Kiel unpacks the readings for the Solemnity of All Saints, including the 144,000 in Revelation and what it means to be children of God. Nelcy Vargas of Catholic Charities explains the free, confidential domestic violence and sexual assault services available 24/7 across southwest Iowa.
#3243
Wednesday · 10 min
Why Voting Is a Catholic Responsibility: Forming Your Conscience Before Election Day – Dr. John Huynh – 10/28/2026
Dr. John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, joins Deacon Mark Campbell to discuss faithful citizenship and why Catholics have a moral responsibility to vote. He explains how rights and responsibilities flow from human dignity, why the Catholic faith is not a political ideology, and what it truly means to form your conscience. With the 2026 midterm election days away, he points Iowa Catholics to practical resources from the Iowa Catholic Confer
#3243
Wednesday · 13 min
Alto: Ascension's Distraction-Free Daily Prayer Companion (November Preview) – Hadleigh Thomas – 10/28/2026
Hadleigh Thomas of Ascension joins Deacon Mark Campbell to preview the November issue of Alto, the monthly Catholic prayer companion that puts the daily Mass readings, Morning and Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, and daily reflections in one printed book. She shares why Ascension created a screen-free, ribbon-free way to pray and how Alto serves busy individuals and young families alike. November's issue focuses on the Last Things and includes a Christ the King novena, a monthly Bible
#3243
Wednesday · 49 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/28/2026
On the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Deacon Mark Campbell talks faithful citizenship with Dr. John Huynh of the Diocese of Des Moines, unpacking how Catholics can form their conscience and why voting is a moral responsibility ahead of the 2026 midterm election. Hadleigh Thomas of Ascension previews the November issue of Alto, the daily prayer companion with the Mass readings, Morning and Night Prayer, and a Christ the King novena. Plus, Katie Patrizio previews Sunday Dive on Revelation and the
#3242
Tuesday · 7 min
Thinking About Becoming Catholic? Here's Your First Step - Karmen Bower - 10/27/2026
Karmen Bower, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Sioux City, explains why more people than ever are seeking to become Catholic through OCIA and how Catholic media is helping lead them there. She shares the simplest first step for anyone feeling drawn to the Church and why every Catholic should make their faith known to friends and coworkers. Karmen also covers today's popular confirmation saints and practical ways to start serving in your parish.
#3242
Tuesday · 12 min
The Veil Removed: The Story Behind the Mass Film and Its New Sequel on Confession - Chris Magruder - 10/27/2026
Chris Magruder, founder of The Veil Removed, shares how one prayer during the consecration at Mass became a short film that has been viewed more than 26 million times, revealing the angels, saints, and heavenly reality present at every Mass. She explains how she discerned that the idea came from God and not herself, and the three signs that confirmed a second film. Chris also previews The Veil Removed: Reconciliation, a new film on the sacrament of confession now in production.
#3242
Tuesday · 49 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/27/2026
Chris Magruder shares the story behind The Veil Removed, the short film showing what happens in heaven during the Mass, and announces a new film on the sacrament of confession, The Veil Removed: Reconciliation. Karmen Bower, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Sioux City, explains the first step for anyone thinking about becoming Catholic and how to start serving in your parish. Plus faith on display in the World Series, a new way to pray for your deceased loved ones by name in Novemb
#3241
Monday · 11 min
A Survivor From Day One: Free Programs for Life With Cancer in Central Iowa - Austin Neal - 10/26/2026
Austin Neal of Above + Beyond Cancer shares how the Des Moines-area nonprofit helps cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers heal in mind, body, and spirit through free programs like pole walking, rowing, cycling, and tai chi. He explains why everyone is considered a survivor from the moment of diagnosis and how the organization supports young adults moving on from pediatric cancer care. Austin also previews the organization's sold-out 15th anniversary gala and shares how to get involved.
#3241
Monday · 12 min
The Church Fathers for Our Time: Ancient Wisdom on Culture Wars, Suffering, and the Mass - Mike Aquilina - 10/26/2026
Patristics expert Mike Aquilina explains how the early Church Fathers faced many of the same battles Christians fight today, from abortion and euthanasia to religious freedom and arguments over the liturgy. Drawing on his new book The Church Fathers for Our Time, he shows how the first Christians reached a clear consensus on human dignity by staying faithful to apostolic tradition. Mike also explains why the Church needs to recover the meaning of suffering and why there was never a "golden age"
#3241
Monday · 48 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/26/2026
Patristics expert Mike Aquilina joins Deacon Mark Campbell to unpack his new book The Church Fathers for Our Time and what the early Christians can teach us about culture wars, euthanasia, human dignity, and debates over the Mass. Austin Neil of Above + Beyond Cancer shares how free programs like rowing, cycling, pole walking, and tai chi help cancer survivors in central Iowa heal in mind, body, and spirit. Plus Monday news, NFL and World Series scores, central Iowa weather, and a Dowling Cathol
#3240
October 23 · 4 min
Sunday Gospel Reflection - Fr Dan Kirby - 10/23/2026
Fr. Dan Kirby of St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk previews this Sunday's readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the greatest commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. He explains why the first commandment still applies today, how possessions, pleasure, and politics can become our idols, and how the Mass, prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and good Christian friends let the Lord truly be Lord of our lives.
#3239
October 23 · 11 min
Born to Run 5K: Help Des Moines Families with Marys Helping Hands - Allison Franz and Tonia Martin - 10/23/2026
Allison Franz and Tonia Martin of Mary's Helping Hands preview the Born to Run 5K and 1-mile fun run on November 14 at Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines. The family-friendly race around Gray's Lake supports parents and caregivers of children two and under with diapers, clothing, baby gear, and more. Tonia also shares how the West Des Moines nonprofit served a record 610 families last month and why she believes "God will provide." Allison Franz and Tonia Martin of Mary's Helping Hands prev
#3239
October 23 · 8 min
The National Eucharistic Congress Returns to Indianapolis in 2029: What's Next - Bishop Andrew Cozzens - 10/23/202
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, explains why the 11th National Eucharistic Congress will return to Indianapolis in July 2029. He previews a theme centered on Mary and the Eucharist ahead of the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and shares how the annual National Eucharistic Pilgrimage keeps the Eucharistic revival moving. Bishop Cozzens also describes the fruits of the 2024 Congress, from renewed prayer and Mass attendance to new vocations to the p
#3239
October 23 · 49 min
FULL SHOW | The Catholic Morning Show - 10/23/2026
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, explains why the 11th National Eucharistic Congress is returning to Indianapolis in July 2029 and why its focus will turn to Mary and the Eucharist ahead of the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary's Helping Hands previews its Born to Run 5K and 1-mile fun run at Confluence Brewing, benefiting Des Moines families with babies and toddlers, and Fr. Dan Kirby offers a Gospel reflection on putting God first and rejecti
#3238
October 22 · 12 min
Standing Behind the Pope: A Seminarian's Memory of St. John Paul II at Living History Farms – Fr. Greg Leach – 10/22/2026
On the memorial of St. John Paul II, retired Des Moines priest Fr. Greg Leach recalls the 1979 papal Mass at Living History Farms, where a last-minute change put him right behind the Pope, and reflects on what that day taught him about the universal Church.

Showing 1–20 of 173 episodes