Best Monica Francis Podcasts (2024)

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Paris Olympics: Floor Controversy & Athlete Camaraderie (feat. Olympians Betty Okino & Shallon Olsen) 47:12

22h ago47:12

47:12

On today’s episode of Blind Landing… 0:00 - 13:00: The women's floor final controversy explained 13:00 - 40:00: Olympic legend Betty Okino joins us to talk about the past and present of friendships amongst gymnasts 40:00- End: Paris Olympian Shallon Olsen calls in to talk about camaraderie at the games As we wrap up our coverage of the Paris Olympi…

1
8/9/24 - Fr. Keith Kenney Deep Dive on the Liturgy and the Eucharist - Part 2 1:14:31

4d ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Fr. Keith Kenney helps un understand the liturgy, the Eucharist and challenges us to grow more deeply in our worship of God.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
Paris Olympics: All-Around Final (with Monica Padman) 44:13

11d ago44:13

44:13

Today on Blind Landing, we’re breaking down the women’s gymnastics all-around final with guest co-host Monica Padman, host of the podcast Armchair Expert. On this episode, we talk about the battle of the champions as returning Olympic champions Simone Biles, Suni Lee & Rebeca Andrade face off in one of the most exciting match-ups in Olympic history…

1
8/2/24 - Fr. Keith Kenney Deep Dive on the Liturgy and the Eucharist - Part 1 59:09

11d ago59:09

59:09

Fr. Keith Kenney helps un understand the liturgy, the Eucharist and challenges us to grow more deeply in our worship of God.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
Paris Olympics: Team Final (with Danusia Francis-Reid) 26:36

13d ago26:36

26:36

Throughout this week, we’ll be bringing you special episodes debriefing the gymnastics competitions at the 2024 Olympics. Today, we’re breaking down the women’s team final and with guest co-host Danusia Francis-Reed, a commentator and former Olympic gymnast who competed for Great Britain, Jamaica and UCLA. On this episode, we chat about the “redemp…

1
Olympic Stories: Rebeca Andrade & Illia Kovtun 46:08

17d ago46:08

46:08

To kick-off the start of Olympic gymnastics at the 2024 Paris games, we've put together a little showcase of our previous profiles about a couple of the top contenders. Rebeca Andrade from Brazil & Illia Kovtun from Ukraine both have had remarkable journeys to Paris that we break down on today's retrospective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

1
7/26/24 - Fr. Robert Spitzer on the Four Levels of Happiness 1:02:18

18d ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Fr. Robert Spitzer joins Steve and Becky to explore what really makes us happy. His book The Four Levels of Happiness: Your Path to Personal Flourishing provides a clear map to finding true fulfillment.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo & Levi Jung-Ruivivar On Representing The Philippines In Paris 51:17

23d ago51:17

51:17

We’ve got a Blind Landing exclusive today: The first group interview with the female gymnasts representing the Philippines in Paris. Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar are the first female gymnasts in 60 years to represent the Philippines at the Olympics. Host Ari Saperstein sat down with the trio to chat about their journeys to P…

1
7/19/24 - Shaun McAfee, All Things Catholic 57:43

25d ago57:43

57:43

Shaun McAfee wrote a desktop resource covering 260 topics about the Catholic faith. He joins Steve and Becky to explore some of the research in this latest work, All Things Catholic: A Guide from A to Z.

1
7/12/24 - Monica Migliorino Miller on the Beginning of Genesis 1:00:57

1M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Monica Migliorino Miller joins Steve and Becky to walk through the first three books of Genesis and explore what they have to say about God, mankind and the world. Her book is In the Beginning: Crucial Lessons for Our World from the First Three Chapters of Genesis.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
Inside The 2024 Gymnastics Olympic Trials 37:29

1M ago37:29

37:29

Host Ari Saperstein takes us inside the arena at the 2024 US Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics. Today’s episode is a collection of moments from the competition in Minneapolis, from the Olympic Box Suite to Press Conferences to drinks with Nadia Comaneci. Featuring: Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Joscelyn Roberson, Matt Cowan, Erica Schn…

1
7/5/2024 - A Look Inside the Church with Francis Maier 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Francis Maier joins Steve and Becky to share stories from his 100+ interviews with priests, deacons and lay people from diverse backgrounds who present a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of the Church. His book is True Confessions: Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
6/28/24 - Nik Nikas on Human Dignity and Life Issues 52:03

2M ago52:03

52:03

Nik Nikas joins Steve and Becky to explore life issues from conception to natural death and the complex issues surrounding them. His new book is Now and at the Hour of Our Death: Making Moral Decisions at the End of Life.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
Assembling The World’s Best Gymnastics Team (with author Dvora Meyers) 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

At most US Olympic Trials, you earn your spot by being the top finisher. In sports like track & field and swimming, it’s the top finishers who get to compete at the Paris Games this summer. Gymnastics doesn’t work that way –– but some people think it should. Unpacking this messy, subjective process are two guests: Dvora Meyers, author of The End Of…

1
6/21/24 - Fr. Keith Kenney on the Real Presence and the Liturgy 57:28

2M ago57:28

57:28

Fr. Keith Kenney joins Steve and Becky to dive into the Real Presence of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus and the sacrifice of the Mass.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
How Female Gymnasts In Their 20s Became The Frontrunners For Olympic Gold (with Emily Giambavlo from The Washington Post) 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

The story for nearly half a century has been that youth is the key to women’s gymnastics –– but in recent years, there’s been a surge of female gymnasts in their twenties dominating the sport. Emily Giambalvo from The Washington Post joins host Ari Saperstein to break down how everything we were told about success in gymnastics got turned upside do…

1
6/14/24 - Father's Day Episode with Bear Woznick 1:09:25

2M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Bear Woznick joins Steve and Becky to take a deep dive into fatherhood and a chapter from his book, 12 Rules for Manliness: Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? Enjoy a conversation about the adventure of fatherhood.

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The Trifecta: How Simone, Suni, & Gabby Made History 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

On May 18th 2024, the gymnastics world saw something that had never happened before: the return of three Olympic all-around champions. Host Ari Saperstein unpacks this historic story with producer Maddie Bender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Ari Saperstein

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6/7/24 - Mike Aquilina on Praying with the Early Church 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

Mike Aquilina joins Steve and Becky to invite listeners to enter into a liturgical rhythm of prayer inspired by the Chruch Fathers. His new book is Feasts of Our Fathers: Praying the Church Year with the Early Christians.

1
5/31/24 - Fr. Boniface Hicks on Silence in the Mass 1:01:30

2M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Fr. Boniface Hicks joins Steve and Becky to explore how silence transforms our worship. His book is The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass: A Guide for Encountering Christ in the Liturgy.

1
5/24/24 - Mark Hart on Encounter for Middle School 1:01:02

3M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Mark Hart joins Steve and Becky for an entertaining conversation about reaching middle school youth and the latest edition of the Encounter Bible Study program through Ascension.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
5/17/24 - Jason Craig on a Catholic Homestead 1:05:43

3M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Are you drawn to a simpler life, one more connected to the land? Jason Craig shares his experiences living a Catholic homestead. His book is Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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5/10/24 - Fr. Mitch Pacwa on the Book of Isaiah 57:16

3M ago57:16

57:16

Fr. Mitch Pacwa joins Steve and Becky for a deep dive into the Book of Isaiah. His book is Commentary on the Book of Isaiah: An In-Depth Look at the Gospel of the Old Testament.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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5/3/24 - Steven Mosher on his book The Devil and Communist China: From Mao Down to Xi 1:08:24

3M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Steven Mosher, author and convert to the Catholic faith, shares about his book and his experience in Communist China: the one-child policy, chemical warfare, psychological warfare and Catholicism.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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4/26/24 - Cassi and Ian Durnan on Infertility, Springs in the Desert and the Cherished retreat 1:00:05

4M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Ian and Cassi Durnan, core members of the Springs in the Desert apostolate, share about their journey though infertility, their struggles, healing and how they learned to be fruitful in their marriage by being a gift to others. They also share a little about an upcoming retreat in the diocese, the Cherished retreat, ministering to anyone struggling…

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4/19/24 - Fr. Keith Kenney on Being Formed 1:05:17

4M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

How can we learn about the faith? How can we teach our children? Fr. Keith Kenney joins Steve and Becky to explore their formation experiences and how we can help others grow in faith.

1
4/12/24 - On the Street with Joyce Coronel 31:13

4M ago31:13

31:13

Steve and Becky visit Joyce Coronel as she evangelizes basketball fans in downtown, Phoenix.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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4/5/24 - Healing for Adult Children of Divorce 57:31

4M ago57:31

57:31

Dr. Daniel Meola joins Steve and Becky to explore the wounds adult children of divorce face and a path to healing. His book, co-authored with his wife, Bethany is Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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3/29/24 - Fr. Dwight Longenecker's Conversion Story 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

Fr. Dwight Longenecker joins Steve and Becky to share his journey to the Catholic Church, a story he details in his book, There and Back Again: A Somewhat Religious Odyssey.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
3/22/24 - Fr. Charlie Goraieb, Cultivating Hope 53:28

5M ago53:28

53:28

When the world seems messy, times seem dark, where do we find hope? Fr. Charlie Goraieb, parochial vicar at St. Anne Catholic Church in Gilbert joins Steve and Becky to explore the virtue of hope. He takes a deep dive into the issues of today, what can divide, ways we can be derailed and provides practical ways to cultivate hope.…

1
3/15/24 - Fr. John Lankeit, Life Update and the Porters of St. Joseph 1:02:50

5M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Fr. John Lankeit, parochial vicar at Holy Cross in Mesa and chaplain to the Porters of St. Joseph, gives us an update on his life and ministry. He's leading a Rosary at a downtown event in honor of St. Joseph on March 16.

1
3/8/24 - Msgr. James Shea Inspires Us to Evangelize 59:46

5M ago59:46

59:46

Msgr. James Shea joins Steve and Becky to explore the landscape of our culture, provide insights into popular secular ideas and inspire us to evangelize. His book is Religion of the Day: The Sequel to From Christendom to Apostolic Mission.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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3/1/24 - Dr. Larry Chapp on Being a Christian Witness 1:04:04

6M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Get a theological take on the crisis of our times as Dr. Larry Chapp explores the work of Hans Urs von Balthasar, Peter Maurin and Dorothy Day. His book Confession of a Catholic Worker: Our Current Moment of Christian Witness will inspire us to live differently, totally for Jesus!By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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2/23/24 - Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina 56:13

6M ago56:13

56:13

She made the news when her body was found to be incorruptible, but who was Sr. Mary Wilhelmina? Sr. Mary Josefa from the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles joins Steve and Becky to explore Sr. Mary Wilhelmina's life. The book is The Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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2/16/24 - Fr. John Waiss on Mary in the Bible 35:06

6M ago35:06

35:06

Fr. John Waiss joins Steve and Becky to explore where we can find Mary in the Bible and what those passages reveal about her. His book is Bible Mary: The Mother of Jesus in the Word of God.

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2/9/24 - Joseph Pearce Looks at History Exploring the Good, the Bad and the Beautiful 54:56

6M ago54:56

54:56

Joseph Pearce joins Steve and Becky to explore the last two millenia of history by looking at the tapestry of good, bad and beautiful woven throughout. His book is The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful: History in Three Dimensions.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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2/2/24 - Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, Reflecting with the Popes 1:00:38

6M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Fr. Jeffrey Kirby joins Steve and Becky to inspire us to kick off a new year reflecting on the wisdom of the popes. His book is Year With the Popes: Daily Meditations from the Vicar of Christ.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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1/26/24 - Becky from Washington! 43:07

7M ago43:07

43:07

Becky Greene shares her experiences from the March for Life in Washington.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
1/19/24 - Shaun McAfee on Sacramentals 1:00:57

7M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Shaun McAfee joins Steve and Becky to dive into a thorough work on the Church's teaching on the sacramentals. His book is Compendium of Sacramentals: Encyclopedia of the Church's Blessings, Signs, and Devotions.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

1
1/12/24 - Carrie Gress on Feminism and Womanhood 58:43

7M ago58:43

58:43

Carrie Gress explores feminism from early thinkers up to what we see today and the impact it has made on the culture. Her book is The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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1/5/24 - Fr. Robert Spitzer on Science and Life After Death 51:15

7M ago51:15

51:15

Fr. Robert Spitzer joins Steve and Becky to explore the scientific explanation of the soul and what happens after death. His book is Science at the Doorstep to God: Science and Reason in Support of God, The Soul and Life After Death.

1
12/29/23 - Fr. Robert Spitzer, Faith and Science 45:47

8M ago45:47

45:47

It is a popular notion that science refutes faith, yet a majority of scientists, especially young ones believe in God. Fr. Robert Spitzer joins Steve and Becky to dive into the relationship between faith and science. His book is Science at the Doorstep to God: Science and Reason in Support of God, The Soul and Life After Death.…

1
12/22/23 - Advent and Christmas 31:14

8M ago31:14

31:14

Steve and Becky reflect on Advent traditions and how they hope to be living the Advent and Christmas season as well as the new traditions they are embracing as their children grow.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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12/15/23 - Fr. John Riccardo on Surrender and Mission - Part 1 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

God wants his world back, let's mobilize for mission. These words come from the Acts XXIX website. Fr. John Riccardo shares this ministry, how they are helping rescue souls and bring them into a relationship with God.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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12/8/23 - Emily Malloy on Theology of Home IV 59:35

8M ago59:35

59:35

Emily Malloy joins Steve and Becky to explore how our homes can help draw our attention to God. Though her floral arranging experience, she offers simple ways to incorporate flowers and plants in our homes to remind us of God's creation. Her book is Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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12/1/23 - Michael Gormley on the Mysteries of the Rosary 57:17

9M ago57:17

57:17

Beauty leads to contemplation. Michael Gormley joins Steve and Becky explore the moments of Jesus and Mary's lives we reflect on in the Rosary. He invites us to gather together to pray the Rosary with a beautiful video series called the Mysteries of the Rosary released by Paradisus Dei. The Joyful Mysteries series is the newest release and a great …

1
11/24/23 - Update from Steve and Becky 48:49

9M ago48:49

48:49

Listeners may have noticed a new introduction in the last few months on the show. Steve and Becky talk about recent changes in their work and home life. They reflect with gratitude on what God has been doing in their lives.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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11/17/23 - Jason Craig on Growing in Virtue 53:44

9M ago53:44

53:44

Growing in virtue is different from self help. Jason Craig explores ways to cultivate virtue and mature in faith. He invites men to build community with each other and their sons to take this journey together. His book is The Traditional Virtues According to St. Thomas Aquinas: A Study for Men.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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11/10/23 - Msgr. James Shea Inspires Us to Mission 1:02:15

9M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Msgr. James Shea shares from his experience ministering to college students to help us understand the landscape of our time. Having moved away from a Christian culture, we're faced with particular challenges for evangelization. His book is From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.…

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11/3/23 - Fr. Timothy Reid on Conversion and Carmelite Spirituality 50:34

10M ago50:34

50:34

Fr. Timothy Reid shares his powerful conversion story, vocation story and invites us to learn more about Carmelite Spirituality. He's hosting a podcast series on St. Teresa of Avila's, The Interior Castle.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

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