Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn review John Ford’s classic The Searchers while exploring deeper questions about nationhood, belonging, and exile. They summarize the film’s plot—Ethan Edwards’s five-year hunt for his abducted niece—and highlight themes of anger, prejudice, and the search for home.

The episode ties the movie to contemporary concerns: cultural fragmentation, Generation Z’s search for belonging, and the Catholic Church’s role in offering stability and community. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on how stories of home and loss resonate today.

Deacon Al Lundy explores Ascension Sunday on Good News, walking through the readings from Acts, Ephesians, and Matthew and explaining how Jesus’ Ascension sends the apostles into mission through the Holy Spirit.

He shares a personal reflection on ministry and loss, offers a Memorial Day reminder, and encourages listeners to embrace their call to carry the Gospel with hope and prayer.

Email your questions to Deacon AL: goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Bob Johnston and Lynn discuss two New Oxford Review articles that explore communism’s religious nature, Stalin’s daughter Svetlana’s conversion to Catholicism, and how Marxist ideas have resurfaced in modern cultural movements.

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on family news, backyard wildlife, and upcoming travels, then goes through the Sixth Sunday of Easter readings—highlighting Philip the deacon, the role of confirmation, and how the Holy Spirit and living out Christ’s commandments make faith visible in everyday life.

Email your questions to Deacon AL: goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

On this episode of Catholic Conversations, host David Liptak speaks with Wendy, Kelly, and Nancy, co-founders of Allies Against Trafficking, a new Illinois nonprofit. They discuss how human trafficking often goes unseen, the importance of prevention and collaboration with law enforcement, healthcare, schools, and churches, and the warning signs of grooming and exploitation.

The guests share examples of online grooming, labor trafficking, and vulnerable populations, outline their training and community outreach work, and explain how to report suspected trafficking and connect with resources. Visit alliesagainsttrafficking.org or email info@alliesagainsttrafficking.org for more information.

Deacon Al Lundy talks with seminarian Jarod Raber about Emmaus Days, a series of retreats for boys and young men to encounter Christ through Scripture, prayer, Mass, and community activities led by seminarians.

The episode also reflects on the fifth Sunday of Easter readings, the meaning of priesthood and baptismal vocation, and how faith shapes daily life.

Email your questions to Deacon AL: goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Easter readings—Acts, Psalm 23, 1 Peter, and John—focusing on baptism, Christ as the Good Shepherd, and the humanity of King David.

He also critiques cinematic Bible portrayals, praises series like House of David and The Chosen for scriptural accuracy, and shares local Catholic news including Fulton Sheen’s beatification and Catholic Spirit Radio events.

Email your questions to Deacon AL: goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn reflect on the deep human need for "home," exploring how belonging, tradition, and faith shape personal and civic life.

Drawing on an essay about the split in modern conservatism, the episode examines tensions between universal moral principles and particular cultural loyalties, the Catholic longing for stability (including the Latin Mass), and the dangers of constant cultural self-criticism.

The hosts call for a balanced synthesis that honors both universal human dignity and rooted local identities as essential to a healthy society and Church.