Conversatio: A Podcast by Belmont Abbey College

Dr. Mark Hansen and Dr. Clark Summers of Belmont Abbey College examine the operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power and what it reveals about Venezuela’s regime, narco-trafficking networks, and U.S. strategic aims. They discuss the military precision of the raid, the legal rationale behind it, and why the regime’s deeper structures may remain intact even after Maduro’s fall. The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical message sent to Russia, China, and Latin America—and why real change inside Venezuela may still be a long way off.

Dr. Thomas Varacalli sits down with Michael Maibach, Distinguished Fellow at Save Our States and former Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Intel, to examine the origins and enduring purpose of the Electoral College.

Fr. Gregory Pine reflects—half playfully, half seriously—on the question: “Is it a sin to dominate conversation?” Starting with St. Augustine’s definition of sin and moving through natural law and the human call to communion, he argues that conversation isn’t just “talk,” but a real way we share life with one another.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you talk too much (or how to draw others out without forcing it), this is a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly practical meditation on what it means to relate well—humanly and Christianly.

Franciscan friar and Breaking in the Habit creator Fr. Casey Cole joins Belmont Abbey College’s Morgan Alemy to talk about evangelizing in today’s world—especially in a culture where many people have never met Jesus at all. They discuss the friars’ new ministry in Charlotte, the power of presence and relationship, and why a welcoming tone matters more than argument. From “ask us anything” street conversations to prayer as a simple first step, Fr. Casey offers practical wisdom for anyone who wants to share the faith with humility, mercy, and joy.

Dr. Joe Wysocki, provost of Belmont Abbey College, sits down with Patrick Reilly, president of the Newman Guide, to discuss the renewal of Catholic education—from K–12 through graduate programs. Reilly shares his own journey, the origins of the Cardinal Newman Society, and why truly Catholic schools form students with joy, confidence, and inner peace. They also tackle the growing skepticism about college and what faithful Catholic institutions must do to clearly communicate their value today.

Dr. Thomas Varicalli sits down with historian Dr. Wilford McClay—author of Land of Hope and professor at Hillsdale College for a wide-ranging Constitution Day conversation. They explore why America remains worth celebrating, how its founding ideals took root in a real people and place, and what citizens must know to sustain ordered liberty. Dr. McClay also shares insights from writing Land of Hope and offers essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the American story.

Attorney and author Kimberly Begg, president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women and author of Unbreakable: Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage, joins our host, a Belmont Abbey College criminal justice professor and attorney, to talk about forming courageous young women in a hostile culture. They discuss why so many college women hide their convictions, how mentorship and authentic Catholic womanhood can counter that pressure, and how the stories of the saints can shape families, imaginations, and moral courage. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young woman yourself, this conversation offers practical hope and a higher vision of what it means to be a woman today.

Writers John Troll and Ben Capitan join the Abbey Podcast to discuss the creation of their original play Passion’s End. This past Summer Ben and John performed their play as a part of the Adeodatus conference hosted at the Abbey. Their conversation spans their shared roots at Thomas Aquinas College, their creative partnership, and the role of theater in forming the human soul, they explore how storytelling can illuminate faith, beauty, and hope in a divided world.

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reflects on his vocation, his friendship with Pope Benedict XVI, and the challenges facing the Church today—from artificial intelligence to cultural confusion. Speaking with Abbot Placid Solari, the Cardinal offers a profound vision of faith and reason in harmony, the dignity of the human person, and the universal mission of the Church in the modern world.

Belmont Abbey’s former men’s coach John Keating sits down with Ken Lolla and Robbie Church, two nationally renowned college soccer coaches who both got their start at Belmont Abbey College. Together they chat about leadership, culture, and life after the whistle. They revisit their Belmont Abbey years, share the rituals and habits that built winning programs, and reflect on legacy, faith, and relationships. Along the way, they tackle today’s challenges—recruiting, retention, and the transfer portal, and what it really takes to build teams that last.

Dr. Tom Varaicalli of the Honor's College talks with ADF’s John Bursch about preparing for high-stakes cases, the cultural and legal battles around life and gender policy, and the Constitution’s protection of religious exercise. They also discuss public opinion, tech and AI concerns, and the daily prayer habits that sustain a lawyer’s work.

Belmont Abbey Campus Minister Carmen Alexander and our guest Paul J. Kim discuss his journey of faith, the challenges of living as a young adult in a secular world, and the importance of community, sacraments, and personal growth.

Professor James Neff, of the Belmont Abbey Honors College, shares an original reflection on wisdom and foolishness and the Gospel of Luke.

In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Joseph Wysocki welcomes Dr. Michael Foley—a professor in the Great Texts Program at Baylor University and a Catholic theologian known for his engaging work at the intersection of faith, culture, and education. Together, they explore what it means to be Augustinian in an age of confusion. Listen now!

Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute shares about how our fairy tales can heal our broken culture. Listen now!

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Dr. Ryan Messmore from ICLE, to discuss the importance of Catholic teaching, and how many Catholic schools need to reclaim their Catholic identity. Listen Now!

In this episode of Conversatio, Emmett McGroarty of Belmont House sits down with Richard Graber, President of the Bradley Foundation. They discuss Graber’s path through politics and diplomacy, the mission and influence of the Bradley Foundation, and the shifting landscape of American conservatism. Listen now!

The Stations of the Cross is a devotion and reflection in which we walk alongside Jesus on His way to Calvary. By prayerfully participating in this meditation, we are able to clearly see through His passion and death the depths of God's love for mankind and the price He paid for our salvation. This presentation includes powerful meditations by Dr. Ronald Thomas, Associate Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College, with prayer responses by students from the college. Listen now!

In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Christine Boor welcomes Regan Long—Catholic speaker, best-selling author, and devoted mother of five—for a powerful conversation on parenting, faith, and the cultural challenges families face today. Together, they explore what it means to raise children grounded in truth in a society that is often contrary—and even hostile—to the Catholic faith.

In Episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Daniel Hutchinson speaks with Suly Chenkin, who shares her remarkable story of survival. At just 8 months old, Suly endured the Nazi invasion of Lithuania and the horrors of the Kovno Ghetto. Listen to her powerful tale of resilience and hope now!

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Brad Frazier sits down with Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska to discuss his remarkable leadership journey, from commanding a nuclear submarine to serving as White House Military Aide and transitioning into healthcare. Together, they explore the importance of leading with love, building trust in high-stakes environments, and how moral principles and servant leadership have shaped Bob’s approach to decision-making. They also dive into Bob’s new book, “Beyond the Sea,” and how his experiences in the military and White House continue to inform his leadership in the civilian world. Listen now!

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Jeremy Tate, CEO of Classic Learning Test (CLT), for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of standardized testing in the United States. Jeremy shares his perspective on how the CLT is providing an alternative to traditional testing methods, the impact of these changes on education, and the future of classical education in America. Listen now!

In the second episode of Conversatio this season, Dr. Thomas Varacalli sits down with Tom Carroll, Director and Founder of the Catholic Talent Project, to explore the current state of Catholic education in America. Tune in as they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of Catholic schools in today's society. Listen now!

In Conversatio's 6th season, Dr. Michael Watson and Dr. Siebert sit down to explore the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and economics. They dive into key issues like different healthcare systems and the role of Catholic teaching in shaping healthcare policy. Listen now!

In the 10th episode of Conversatio, Elisa Toress Neff engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Trae Bailey and Dr. Christine Boor about the intersection of poetry and art. Together, they delve into the timeless works of Robert Frost's "Two Tramps in Mud Time" and William Wordsworth's "The Solitary Reaper." Tune in to discover how these iconic poems reflect the human experience, nature, and inspire rich, meaningful dialogue. Listen now!

Join Br. Chrysostom and Fr. David as they explore all things Divine Office. Dive into the history of this sacred tradition, discover the distinctive elements of the Abbey’s Divine Office, and learn what goes into creating this unique liturgical practice. Listen now!

In the 8th episode of Conversatio, Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny sits down with senior nursing students Ellie and Sydney, along with Professor Emily Nishiyama, to discuss how the Benedictine hallmarks influence the daily lives of nurses and their practice. Learn how nurses integrate faith into their care, foster compassionate environments, and pass on these timeless values to future generations of healthcare professionals. Listen now!

In the latest episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli sits down with Catholic apologist Trent Horn to discuss his book Why We're Catholic. They explore the intersection of faith and politics, how Catholics can engage with secularism, and how to navigate tough conversations about the faith. This episode offers valuable insights for both new and lifelong Catholics on living out and sharing the Catholic faith in today’s world. Listen now!

In this sixth episode of Conversatio, Fr. Jonathan Torres, a 2013 graduate of the Abbey, explores the Hero’s Quest and the power of story for man as homo viator—the "man on a journey." He shares insights with our honors college students on how the narrative of Christ, as depicted in the Bible, reveals the transformative power of story to shape human identity and purpose—and how we can understand our own lives as a story in the making.

In the latest episode of Conversatio, Dr. Mary Imparato and Abbey student Youthan Love chat with Pete Seat, author of The War on Millennials, about the challenges facing the millennial generation. Pete shares insights on bridging generational divides and emphasizes the need for active citizenship, encouraging all generations to take action today for a better tomorrow. Drawing on his experiences with President Bush, he also addresses perceptions of government effectiveness. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—listen now!

In episode 4 of Conversatio, Dr. Mary Imparato and Youthan Love welcome Peggy Grande, who shares her remarkable experiences as Ronald Reagan’s executive assistant after his presidency. Join us as she reflects on her time with the former president and the lessons she learned along the way. Listen now!

In our third episode of Conversatio, Fr. Elias offers us a meditation on Lectio Divina, and shares more about this devotion, as well as how you can integrate it into your daily life. Listen now!

In episode 2 of Conversatio, Mary Imparto is joined by Dr. Matthew Siebert and Dr. Michael Watson for an in-depth conversation about how environmental ethics intersect with politics and economics. Listen now!

In the first episode of Conversatio's fifth season, Dr. Christopher Tomaszewski and Fr. Thomas Petri, President of the Dominican House of Studies, sit down to discuss pursuing truth in today's society. They explore St. Thomas Aquinas’s understanding of truth and contrast it with the contemporary concept of "personal truth." Listen now!

In the final episode of Conversatio's fourth season, Dr. Christine Boor engages in conversation with Dr. Christopher West and Dr. Shane Gomes, exploring the transgender movement and IVF through the lens of St. Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Listen now!

In the newest Conversatio episode, Dr. Mary Imparato and Doug Bandow delve into the complex world of foreign policy. From diplomatic strategies to military considerations, they unravel the intricacies of international relations. Listen now!

In this episode of Conversatio, we dive into the multifaceted world of TikTok. Join Dr. Brad Frazier, along with guests Dr. Mario Sacasa and Dr. Erin Jensen, as we unpack the implications of a potential TikTok ban, TikTok’s business impact, and its influence on culture and mental health. Listen now!

In this episode of Conversatio, join Dr. Daniel Kling and Dr. Hannah Kling as they explore the dynamics of state population growth and identity. Delving into research on Michigan's population trends, they navigate the delicate balance between community expansion and preserving local character. Listen now!

Join Br. Chrysostom, as he leads a reflection on the profound mysteries of the Easter Triduum. In this special episode of Conversatio, Br. Chrysostom offers unique insights that illuminate the spiritual significance of each day within the Triduum. Listen now!

Join Dr. Mary Imparato and Dr. Bronwen McShea, a Visiting Professor of History at the Augustine Institute Graduate School, historian, and author, as they discuss her upcoming new book as well as the fascinating life and legacy of Marie de Vignerot. As Cardinal Richelieu's niece, Marie held a significant position in France's political, religious, and cultural spheres, enduringly impacting the country’s history. Listen now!

Join Abbey alums Jared Orton ‘13 and Jacob Ciccarelli ‘13 as they sit down with Mike Ellis, Director of Alumni Relations, to explore the intersection of faith and the modern workplace. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leading with faith in today's professional world. Listen now!

Check out the latest Conversatio episode, where Dr. Julia Beeman and Coach Toni Fox are joined by student-athletes Ella and Anna for a conversation about the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Listen now!

Fr. Elias Correa-Torres welcomes Fr. Patrick Winslow, Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, to Belmont Abbey's podcast, Conversatio, to discuss the recent Vatican declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings. Listen now!

In the first episode of our fourth season of Conversatio, Emmett McGroarty joins Dr. Thomas Varacalli and Dr. Mary Imparato as they discuss faithful voices returning to the public square. Listen now!

In episode 10 of Conversatio, Dr. Joseph Wysocki joins Andrea Lipinski of CiRCE and Elisabeth Sullivan of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) to discuss the pursuit of truth in the classroom and the hope found in classical education.

Belmont Abbey is excited to partner with CiRCE and ICLE for our new Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. Hone your skills as an educator and make an impact on future generations! Listen now!

In episode 9 of Conversatio, Dr. Clark Summers and Dr. Mark Hanssen delve into the Israel-Hamas conflict and explore the nuances of international law.

In the 8th episode of Conversatio, join Dr. Brad Frazier and Dr. Daniel Kling as they dive into the recent lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission against Amazon. Uncover the implications of this legal action on consumers, small businesses, and other tech giants. Listen now!

In the 7th episode of Conversatio, Dr. Erin Jensen and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson discuss the use of artificial intelligence in higher education and its role within the classroom. Listen now!

In the sixth episode of Conversatio, Fr. Matthew Schneider sits down with Dr. Shane Gomes and Dr. Richard Dell’Isola to discuss the integration of faith and psychology. Discover how these two fields intersect to provide healing and insight. Listen now!