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.
Podcast
Conversatio: Fr. Gregory Pine – Your Duty in a Conversation
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.
Conversatio: Relationship Before Results with Fr. Casey Cole
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.
Conversatio: The Case for College in a Skeptical Age
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.
Conversatio: Why America is Still Worth Celebrating
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.
