What does it mean to say that the Mass “makes Calvary present”? How does the Church participate in the priestly work of Christ? Are you looking to enter more profoundly into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? If so, this is the lecture for you.By Christendom College

If motherhood demands all, can there still be space for anything else? Does being a good mother mean having no personal projects? Nell O’Leary shares her journey of discovery about what motherhood demands. Join Nell and me in discussing how the ‘oblation’ of motherhood actually calls for an appropriate diversity of pursuits. https://life-craft.org/…

Husbandry names the heart of what every man is called to be; it also names a very concrete art that is the foundation of life in the home. The richness of the term comes from the richness of what it is to be a man. This lecture defines, explains, and inspires, offering concrete action steps for rediscovering and enacting the amazing art of being a …

One of the hardest things to understand is even harder to enact. Authority and submission are essential to marriage, and yet today we have a cacophony of voices attacking and defending what often are caricatures of reality. Join Sofia and me in considering this key to getting marriage right. https://life-craft.org/…

Both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were inspired by time-honored medieval tales. Chivalry plays a key role in medieval English literature, yet Lewis and Tolkien seem to view it very differently – Lewis as a virtue, Tolkien as a vice. "Lewis and Tolkien on the Necessity of Chivalry" dives into essays by both men on the topic, ultimately finding comm…

A very difficult part of intentional parenting is knowing what to focus on. Specific goals allow for more focused and fruitful labors. Sofia and I made a list of 5 things we know we want to instill in our children. Join us as we discuss them and share suggestions for how to go about cultivating them. https://life-craft.org/…

All men and women can be stewards and have the joy of ‘taking care’ of things. It is written deep within our nature. No prior experience necessary. Join Sofia and me and discover how every home can be a homestead, regardless of your background and the color of your thumb. https://life-craft.org/By John Cuddeback

Now more than ever, our children need grandparents in their lives; indeed, it can make a profound difference. Are we doing all we can to facilitate this? Join Sofia and me as we look at challenges and opportunities from both sides—how parents can invite grandparents to a more central place in the home, and how grandparents can step up to their God-…

The ultimate purpose of mathematics is not a topic frequently discussed. However, if you want to learn how math can lead us to knowledge of God, you should listen to this lecture. Dr. Douglas Dailey goes beyond the application of mathematics to explore how math unlocks the knowledge of true being—and God.…

Crafting the good life together calls for a shared vision. But what if spouses disagree, or one spouse isn’t really engaged in the same way? This happens quite often and need not induce panic. Join Sofia and me in discussing what all of us must face to some degree. Working through this challenging situation can be yet another means of growing ourse…

What does a man really ‘propose’ in a marriage proposal? What is the project, if she accepts, that they set out on together? Our understanding and practice of ‘household’ has been eviscerated, so it’s no surprise spouses often don’t know what can really unite us, until death parts us. Join Sofia and me as we unfold the lost notion of household in i…

I'm sure you've heard family and friends question how a loving God can allow suffering. Perhaps you've even wrestled with the question yourself. With Dr. Montanaro as your guide, you'll learn how suffering forms an essential part of God's plan—so much so that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our salvation.…

Nothing is more important to parents, and nothing will demand more of us. Parents can’t assure that children will make good decisions, but we can be intentional about doing our part. The first place to look is in ourselves and our marriage. Join Sofia and me as we consider a few specific principles for orienting homelife around its central mission—…

Feeling overwhelmed is common, especially in households today, so we need to have a strategy for addressing it, for our own sake and for those we love. Join Sofia and me as we make some distinctions and seek principles for a better approach. This gives an opportunity to rethink roles in the household and discover a path to deepening the marriage re…

Join Christendom College professor Dr. Christopher Lane for his lecture on Inculturation and the Evangelization of China. From the time of the apostles, the deposit of faith has formed and transformed cultures, lived out uniquely across various cultures. This lecture will explore how Catholicism took root in China, forming a new Chinese Catholic cu…

Getting married we assume we’ll have a great friendship. Yet often it doesn’t turn out as we hoped, or it seems harder than it should be. In this episode, Sofia and I turn to an ancient wisdom about the nature and kinds of friendship and apply it to marriage. Any true friendship is a masterpiece requiring we understand what we’re seeking and how to…

Though we parents know it is our responsibility, things our children so need to hear from us—about chastity, dating, and marriage—are often not addressed, or not at the right times. This leaves our children vulnerable and unprepared for key challenges, and it deprives us of one of the best contexts to deepen our relationship with them. A better app…

In the final episode of Purposeful Lab, Catherine and Dan look back on some of the most memorable moments from the past five seasons. They discuss everything from biology and astrochemistry to neuroscience, consciousness, and philosophy, reviewing some of the fascinating topics they've explored together with their guests. Have your call in question…

Is woman as heart of the home an outdated and misleading stereotype, or is it what we should be striving for? In a postmodern age, can or should a woman’s place in the home be like it was in the pre-Industrial Revolution home? John and Sofia ask hard questions and offer some nuanced angles as they discuss this singularly important issue. In the end…

Catherine and Dan delve into a discussion with Dr. Matthew Breuninger, a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. They explore how psychology intersects with faith to foster human flourishing, focusing on topics such as trauma, healing, and virtue formation. Dr. Breuninger shares insights from…

Join Christendom College professor Dr. John Cuddeback for this lecture examining practical principles from the master of contemplation, St. Thomas Aquinas. No matter our state in life, we are all called to contemplation as part of our identity and fulfilment, even amidst the challenges and chaos of today.…

Genevieve Buono, currently writing her dissertation on Edith Stein's aesthetics, joins Dan and Catherine this week to discuss Stein's views on art, philosophy and her path to sainthood. Stein, a pioneering female philosopher, tragically perished in Auschwitz alongside her Jewish loved ones. Listen to this week's episode to discover the relevance of…

Our annual pig slaughter addressed fundamental issues we didn’t even know we had. Indeed, it has become a kind of microcosm of the life we try to make in our home. In this episode Sofia and I share our experience of raising and slaughtering pigs and reflect on how it has been for us a key feature of our homesteading, providing a work that connects …

Renowned author and philosophy professor, Dr. Daniel McInerny, joins hosts Dan and Catherine to delve into the profound question: Can art help us find meaning in life? Together, they explore the philosophy of art, delving into the unique ways in which art illuminates the human experience. Drawing from his acclaimed book 'The Good Death of Kate Mont…

Dr. Katie Kresser, a Professor of Art History at Seattle Pacific University joins Dan and Catherine to discuss the fundamental questions: why do humans create art, and what does that reveal about our unique nature? Is art essential to human flourishing? This episode is for both seasoned art enthusiasts and those seeking practical means to incorpora…

We want Sunday to be different in our home. But where do begin? There are so many forces working against our making Sunday what we know it could be. John and Sofia take a principled but concrete and practical approach, from liturgy and prayer to family read-alouds and walks. Sunday can be not only the most important day but also leaven for the rest…

A must listen for anyone interested in transforming the current cultural landscape. Dan and Catherine interview Magis Center's founder and president, Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. on his book "Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of Life Issues" The implementation of these ten principles is the key to saving our culture and fostering its flouris…

Learn about the true nature of beauty, its importance for our lives, and why Beauty not only can but will undoubtedly save the world. Christendom professor Dr. Michael Rubin will help you discover "How Beauty Will Save the World."By Christendom College

Dr. Jeanne Zehr of the MINDCAP Center for Cognitive Advantage joins Dan and Catherine to discuss how to unleash your mind's full potential. For anyone suffering from COVID brain fog to dyslexia to just wanting to improve your cognitive functions this episode is for you. Dr. Zehr brings a wealth of knowledge to show just how amazing our brains reall…

Dan interviews philosopher, Dr. John F. Crosby on the new and exciting research in the field of personalism, a philosophy that highlights the importance of the human person. Personalism offers a fresh perspective on human existence, shedding light on life's mysteries, including the mysteries of life, death, and the ultimate purpose of the human per…

Save the Date! Join John and Sofia Cuddeback on March 19th, for the launch of "The Intentional Household," a LifeCraft Podcast, where we take a dive into the radical renewal of homelife, from crafting the personal relationships at its heart, to planting time, porch time and prayer time. We can thrive in these trying times, but it demands we redisco…

Dan and Catherine welcome Fr. James Brent, O.P. to discuss the soul, its powers and properties. What is the soul? How can the soul survive bodily death? What makes the human soul unique? Fr. James answers these questions and more on this week's podcast. Fr. James teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He regularly lectures fo…

Dr. Sharon Dirckx joins Dan and Catherine to discuss the differences between the mind, the brain, and what we know about consciousness. Have your call in questions be featured on the podcast: Leave a voicemail at 949-257-2436 Learn more and read articles: https://www.magiscenter.com/purposeful-labBy Dan Kuebler & Catherine Hadro & Sharon Dirckx

Join Christendom Professor Daniel Spiottaas as he explores the structure of the Rosary from a unique perspective that illuminates fascinating new insights. The mysteries of the Rosary tell the story of Our Lady's life with Christ, and like any good story, they are artfully arranged. By reflecting on the ring-structure of the Rosary, we can come to …

Did you ever wonder what makes humans truly thrive? Dan and Catherine welcome Dr. Pam King to Purposeful Lab to answer that very question. Dr. King is a professor of applied developmental science and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development at Fuller Seminary. With evolutionary psychology and theology as a guide, Dr. King e…

Dan and Catherine explore the unique characteristics of the human brain that set us apart from other organisms. Delving into evolutionary psychology, they investigate how the development of the human mind and brain during childhood shapes our distinct identity as human beings. Touching on the science of brain evolution, the hosts navigate through t…

"Should we homestead?" This burning question of our time reveals our deep need in an increasingly dis-connected society to re-connect both with the people around us and with the earth. John and Sofia Cuddeback propose a distinction that can be the key to thinking clearly about this issue. All of us can and should practice homesteading in one sense;…

Join Christendom professor Dr. Sara Pecknold as she explores the importance of music for our lives as Catholics and as a means of glorifying God. Music holds a unique place of influence in all our lives. Because of its constant presence and its indisputable power to move our souls, music should be put to its highest purpose: to praise God and lead …

In part two of an interview with Dr. Sofia Carozza, Dan, Catherine, and Sofia take a closer look at early childhood trauma and the brain. With the help of AI, Sofia spends her time at Harvard Medical researching how early experiences in life shape the brain structure and one's cognitive functions. What her research shows is that your brain can heal…

In part one of a two part interview, Dan and Catherine chat with Sofia Carozza, a neuroscientist conducting postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School, on the complexities of the human brain. Sofia explains key aspects of brain development, neural plasticity, and the role of evolutionary biology in shaping the brain. Don't miss this insightful…

Catherine interviews Dan on one of his areas of expertise, human evolution. Not only is a Dan a professor of Biology at Franciscan University of Stubenville, but he is also the author of several articles and books on evolution. His newest book on evolution will be released in 2025 by Word On Fire Press. Dan and Catherine's discussion unearths the c…

Theologian Dr. Christopher Baglow joins Dan to delve into the problem of evil. Together, they grapple with the existence of natural disasters and human evil, and how they intersect with a loving deity's creation. Dr. Baglow, with his work at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and contributions to theological education, enriches our conversation …

Join Daniel Toma, Dan and Catherine to discuss nature's intrinsic purpose and the liturgical structure of the universe. Through the lenses of ecology, theology, and philosophy, they examine humanity's role in the grand cosmic hierarchy. Daniel Toma is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University Mankato. He is the author of Vest…

Join Dan and Catherine as they welcome back Dr. Matthew Tsakanikas, a distinguished theology professor renowned for his insights into Genesis. Together, they delve into the layers of Genesis, exploring the Catholic Church's perspective on its interpretation. This discussion spans the historical, scientific, and moral dimensions of this sacred text,…

Dan and Catherine discuss how to reconcile biological evolution with the Catholic faith. Particularly, how can we understand biological evolution in light of the human person as made in the image and likeness of God? Have your call in questions be featured on the podcast: Leave a voicemail at 949-257-2436 Learn more and read articles: https://www.m…

This Principles Live Lecture was broadcast from our annual Christmas at Christendom event for our President's Council benefactors.By Christendom College

The breakdown of the family is one of the chief factors behind the societal decay we experience today. How can we protect the family unit and reverse the breakdown of society? This lecture will examine how rediscovering filial piety can help lead us toward the restoration we need.By Christendom College

Season 2 reaches its conclusion in Episode 6, where Dan interviews Sofia Carozza on the role of love and relationship in brain development. Sofia, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, specializes in computational modeling and focuses on the impact of adversity on the development of the human brain. Her research enriches this ev…

Why is children's literature important? In our society where even children are made to question their very identity, it is crucial to have stories that ground them in truth.By Christendom College

Dan and Catherine discuss the world of particle colliders and the quest for new physics with Dr. Aaron Dominguez. Dr. Dominguez is Currently serving as the Provost and an Ordinary Professor of Physics at The Catholic University of America, Dr. Dominguez brings a wealth of experience from extensive research, including contributions to the study of t…