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Francis Effect podcast

Sandburg Media
Pope Francis
Donald Trump
Climate Change
Catholic Church
Trump Administration
Catholic Social Teaching
Synodality
Pope Leo XIV
Laudato Si
Catholicism
Magnifica Humanitas
Season Of Creation
Immigration
Synod On Synodality
Tariffs
Catholic Social Justice
Cabinet Picks
Political Polarization
Reproductive Justice
DDF Document

Two theologians walk into a bar... No, seriously: This podcast is about the real world of politics and current events, seen through the lens of Catholic teaching and spirituality. Your hosts, Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault, bring you a mix of perspectives, from Abbey Road to Metaphysical Graffiti. Dan is a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest. David is a radio producer and Catholic convert. They bo... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes155Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityNews

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Artwork for Francis Effect podcast

Latest Episodes

Heidi, Daniel, and David explore the wild landscape of the upcoming midterms, they continue their study of Magnifica Humanitas with a look at chapter 3, and Heidi interviews Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network

Learn more ... more

Heidi, Daniel, and David dig into the second chapter of the new papl encyclical, to look at the foundations that undergird Catholic Social Teaching. They also discuss the application of that social teaching in the context of the recent attempt to exe... more

Heidi, Daniel, and David continue their explorations of the new papal encyclical, and they bring a critical eye to Bishop Barron's recent attacks on so-called "toxic empathy." Heidi brings us an interview with theologian and author Ed Hahnenberg abou... more

Heidi, Daniel, and David dive in to the new papal encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, for a season-long exploration of its themes and meanings. They also catch up on their summer activities, and ponder what it means to journey through the Season of Crea... more

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Recent Guests

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
Executive director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network with 30 years of faith-based policy advocacy experience
Catholic Mobilizing Network
Episode: #2612 - Midterm elections, Magnifica Humanitas chapter 3, and an interview with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
Marianne Duddy-Burke
Executive Director of DignityUSA; LGBTQ+ Catholic advocate
DignityUSA
Episode: #2611 - The failed execution of Christa Pike, chapter 2 of Magnifica Humanitas, and in interview with Marianne Duddy-Burke
Edward Hahnenberg
Professor of Systematic Theology at John Carroll University
John Carroll University
Episode: #2610 - Bishop Barron on empathy, Magnifica Humanitas Chapter 1, and an interview with Ed Hahnenberg
Steve Schneck
President of Catholics for the Future, political action committee
Catholics for the Future
Episode: #2609 - The Season of Creation, Magnifica Humanitas Introduction, and an interview with Steve Schneck
Natalia Imperatori-Lee
Theologian, Associate Professor at Fordham University
Fordham University
Episode: #2608 - President Trump's clashes with Pope Leo, Earth Day and ecospirituality, and an interview with Natalia Imperatori-Lee
Aaron Robertson
Scholar, journalist, translator; Commonweal fellow
Commonweal Magazine
Episode: #2607 - Pope Leo's first Holy Week, Supreme Court conversion therapy decision, and an interview with Aaron Robertson
Kate Ward
Theological Ethicist and Associate Professor at Marquette University
Marquette University
Episode: #2606 - Cesar Chavez controversy, Pope Leo speaks out against the Middle East war, and an interview with Kate Ward
Bishop Brendan Cahill
Chair of the USCCB's Committee on Migration
Diocese of Victoria, Texas
Episode: #2604 - Rubio in Munich, the Olympics, and an interview with Bishop Brendan Cahill
Fr. Isaac Slater
A Trappist monk of the Abbey of Genesee, poet, and author
Abbey of Genesee
Episode: #2603 - NYC and Denver get new bishops, new revelations from the Epstein files, and an interview with Fr. Isaac Slater

Hosts

Heidi Schlumpf
Co-host and journalist; Senior Correspondent at Commonweal Magazine
David Dault
Host of the show; radio producer and Catholic convert
Dan Horan
Co-host and theologian; Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 206 ratings
  • Barron the spokesman for Barron

    Please, please, please do not invite this FM Trump apologist on the podcast ever again, no matter the topic. He is as polarizing a figure as there is in the Church. He damages the name of your podcast. You and we deserve better.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BarryFitz49
    United Statesa month ago
  • One of best in series

    Each segment was so contemporary. Life from a Catholic perspective.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rustycard
    United Statesa year ago
  • Totally Recommend It!

    I’ve been listening to this podcast since 2022. I’m an Episcopalian Christian, but very Catholic-at-heart. Listening to Heidi, Dan, and David’s take on politics and Catholicism from a progressive perspective is very refreshing. Too few faith-based podcasts do what the Francis Effect does.

    Peace and Good!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    emes091099
    United States2 years ago
  • Relevant and Engaging

    As a person of faith considering Catholicism, I resonate with this podcast as well as Jesuitical, Inside the Vatican, Third Space, Everything Belongs, and anything put out by Jordan Daniel Wood!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    littlegale
    United States2 years ago
  • Culture conscious

    I enjoy the conversations, and am especially fond of the coverage of the hosts’ reading, viewing, and listening.

    I believe that catholic believers need to open their reflections to the arts and politics and pop culture. You three offer some engaging conversation. Thanks! Have a good summer.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SSJ Rochester
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience appreciates the blend of theology and current events.
Balanced, respectful dialogue with strong guest insights.
Some listeners feel the show can lean left on certain issues but overall remains nuanced.
Thoughtful Catholic perspectives on politics and culture.
Listeners value accessible yet rigorous discussions on controversial topics.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#2612 - Midterm elections, Magnifica Humanitas chapter 3, and an interview with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
Q: What suggestions do you have for us?
She recommends learning about capital punishment, checking whether one's state has active executions, educating church communities, contacting governors and pardon boards, writing opinion pieces, praying for people facing execution and victims, and visiting the Catholic Mobilizing Network's website to get involved.
#2612 - Midterm elections, Magnifica Humanitas chapter 3, and an interview with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
Q: What does this added horror of making it public and available online mean for us as Americans and as Catholics?
Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy says livestreaming an execution evokes public lynchings and risks turning violence into entertainment. She calls on people to oppose executions and urge public officials to reject the death penalty.
#2609 - The Season of Creation, Magnifica Humanitas Introduction, and an interview with Steve Schneck
Q: How does Magnifica Humanitas influence practical political engagement?
It encourages translating ancient teachings into contemporary action, promoting subsidiarity, and inviting lay involvement in discerning political choices rather than imposing top-down answers.
#2609 - The Season of Creation, Magnifica Humanitas Introduction, and an interview with Steve Schneck
Q: What is Catholics for the Future aiming to achieve in this fall's elections?
To mobilize Catholic voters toward candidates and policies that reflect human dignity, mercy, fairness, and the common good, focusing on swing districts and engaging both regular and non-regular Catholic voters.
#2609 - The Season of Creation, Magnifica Humanitas Introduction, and an interview with Steve Schneck
Q: Why should American Catholics care about midterm elections beyond presidential cycles?
Because Congress is closest to the people and determines many everyday issues; Catholic social teaching emphasizes human dignity, care for the common good, and balanced governance, making midterms crucial for checking executive overreach.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Francis Effect podcast

What is Francis Effect podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two theologians discuss current events through a Catholic lens, unpacking how faith and doctrine intersect with contemporary politics, public policy, and culture. Episodes often feature in-depth conversations on immigration, social justice, church leadership, and ethical implications of current events, with guest interviews that bring feminist theology, LGBTQ inclusion, and clergy perspectives into the spotlight. Noteworthy are the balance of rigorous theological critique with accessible storytelling, the regular inclusion of expert guests, and the way the show threads Vatican and U.S. church perspectives into timely debates. This mix makes it a strong fit for listeners who want thoughtful, policy-relevant faith discussion and for sponsors ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Francis Effect podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Francis Effect podcast:

1. Jesuitical
2. Inside The Vatican
3. The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.
4. AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast
5. Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

How many episodes of Francis Effect podcast are there?

Francis Effect podcast launched 9 years ago and published 155 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Francis Effect podcast?

Recent guests on Francis Effect podcast include:

1. Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
2. Marianne Duddy-Burke
3. Edward Hahnenberg
4. Steve Schneck
5. Natalia Imperatori-Lee
6. Aaron Robertson
7. Kate Ward
8. Bishop Brendan Cahill

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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