Conversatio
Conversatio is sponsored by Belmont Abbey College and focuses on the way of formation and transformation so that each of us reflects God's image in an ever more palpable and transparent way. The goal of this podcast is to challenge, inform, and enlighten our listeners. If you find this podcast impactful, like and share with your friends.
You can listen to Conversatio on Spotify or through your Apple or Android device. You can view all our current episodes and subscribe to never miss an update.
Season 3
Fly Fishing & Life: A River Runs Through It
In Episode 1 of Conversatio’s third season, Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Dean of the Honors College, and Stephen Miss, Belmont Abbey’s Vice President and Athletics Director, sit down to discuss one of their favorite books, A River Runs Through It. Listen Now!
Exploring the Russo-Ukrainian War: Insights from Students and Faculty
Dr. Clark Summers, Professor of Politics and History, discusses the recent events relating to the Russo-Ukrainian War with Abbey students during an online session of an Informal Policy Working Group, a bi-weekly gathering of students and faculty to follow up on topics of interest. Listen Now!
The Unity of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theology
Discover the insightful perspective of Dr. Richard DeClue, an esteemed Abbey alum, as he delves into the unity of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theology in the newest episode of Conversatio. Tune in to listen to this enlightening presentation, originally shared at the “A Day of Reflection: The Life & Thought of Joseph Ratzinger” conference held last spring. Listen Now!
Connecting Past, Present, and Faith through ‘Why Can’t I’
In Episode 4 of the Conversatio podcast, Chris Egan joins John Barry III and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson to discuss John’s book, “Why Can’t I,” which highlights the life of his father, a 1937 alum of Belmont Abbey. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of history, faith, and personal connections that have shaped Belmont Abbey and its community. Listen Now!
Season 2
Culture and Guns
In episode 1 of Conversatio’s second season, Dr. Michael Watson and Dr. Julia Beeman sit down to discuss the role of guns in our culture today and how to navigate this hot topic as Catholics. Listen Now!
The Connection Between Beauty and Learning
In episode 2 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki joins Jeremy Tait, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, and discusses the connection between beautiful architecture and learning, and how our surroundings help to elevate us to God. Listen Now!
Damar Hamlin, Sport, Virtue, and Truth
As we look ahead to the NFL playoffs, the medical emergency of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has sparked many questions when it comes to the world of sports. In episode 3 of Conversatio, President Thierfelder, Coach John Keating, and Adam Smith, Belmont Abbey’s Head Athletic Trainer, sit down to discuss sport, virtue, and truth. Listen Now!
Tradition, Place, and Things Divine with the Ciceronian Society
In episode 4 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki is joined by Josh Bowman, Vice President of the Ciceronian Society, to discuss the meaning of tradition, place, and things Divine. Listen Now!
Can Britney Spears Get Married Within The Church?
In episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Fr. Matthew Schneider talks through Britney Spears’ wedding frustrations from this past August and debunks common misconceptions about getting married within the Catholic Church. Listen Now! Listen Now!
Above the Veil: Classical Education & the Black Community
In episode 6 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki discusses the relevancy of classical studies in the black community with Dr. Anika Prather. Listen Now!
The Three Popes on Mind, Body, and Soul
In episode 7 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. David Williams joins Dr. Ron Thomas, Fr. Matthew Schneider, and Patrick Novecosky to discuss St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and Pope Francis and their emphasis on body, mind, and soul. Listen Now!
The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI on the Church and the World
In episode 8 of the Conversatio podcast, Bridget O’Boyle sits down with Dr. Ronald Thomas to discuss Pope Benedict and his lasting impact on the Church and on the world. Listen Now!
The History of the Abbey & Benedictine Life
In episode 9 of the Conversatio podcast, Abbot Placid shares the fascinating history of Belmont Abbey and gives a glimpse into Benedictine monastic life. Listen Now!
Community, Faith, and Family Amid Economic Crisis
In episode 10 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Imparato discusses faith, family, and community amid an economic crisis with Timothy P. Carney, the senior political columnist for the Washington Examiner and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Listen Now!
Benedictine Spirituality and Learning
In Episode 11 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Ronald Thomas joins Fr. Robert Nixon O.S.B. to discuss the intersection between a love for learning and Benedictine spirituality. Listen Now!
For A Synodal Church: An Inside Look At the Synod Process
In Episode 12 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Alessandro Rovati, Theology Department Chair and professor at Belmont Abbey College, and the Diocese of Charlotte Synod official contact person, shares what he’s learned in the Synod process so far. Listen Now!
Fly Fishing & Life: A River Runs Through It
In Episode 1 of Conversatio’s third season, Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Dean of the Honors College, and Stephen Miss, Belmont Abbey’s Vice President and Athletics Director, sit down to discuss one of their favorite books, A River Runs Through It. Listen Now!
Exploring the Russo-Ukrainian War: Insights from Students and Faculty
Dr. Clark Summers, Professor of Politics and History, discusses the recent events relating to the Russo-Ukrainian War with Abbey students during an online session of an Informal Policy Working Group, a bi-weekly gathering of students and faculty to follow up on topics of interest. Listen Now!
The Unity of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theology
Discover the insightful perspective of Dr. Richard DeClue, an esteemed Abbey alum, as he delves into the unity of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theology in the newest episode of Conversatio. Tune in to listen to this enlightening presentation, originally shared at the “A Day of Reflection: The Life & Thought of Joseph Ratzinger” conference held last spring. Listen Now!
Connecting Past, Present, and Faith through ‘Why Can’t I’
In Episode 4 of the Conversatio podcast, Chris Egan joins John Barry III and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson to discuss John’s book, “Why Can’t I,” which highlights the life of his father, a 1937 alum of Belmont Abbey. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of history, faith, and personal connections that have shaped Belmont Abbey and its community. Listen Now!
Season 1
The Potential Overturn of Roe vs. Wade
In episode 1 of the Conversatio podcast Dr. David Williams, Dr. Joseph Wysocki, and Dr. Mary Imparato discuss the history of abortion laws including Roe vs. Wade and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey, the leak of the potential overturn, and what America might look like after the decision is made. Listen Now!
The Role Religious Identity Plays in the Conflict between Russia and Ukraine
In episode 2 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Troy Feay and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson help us understand how religious identity impacts the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Listen Now!
“Just” War in the 21st Century
In episode 3 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Clark Summers and Professor Michael Watson discuss what constitutes “just” war in the 21st century and apply this framework to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This is the second part of our discussion on the 2022 conflict between these two countries. Listen Now!
A Judge’s Perspective on the Depp/Heard Court Case
In episode 4, Conversatio host Julia Long sits with with Judge Richard Boner to discuss the role of body language in the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard court case. Judge Boner also shares his perceptions of the case. Listen Now!
Dante’s Divine Comedy and Friendship
In episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Professor Elisa Torres-Neff and her brother, Father Jonathan Torres share how Dante’s Divine Comedy can inform friendships in the modern age. Listen Now!
How can Catholic Economics Help us Navigate Challenges in our Modern World? (Part 1)
In episode 6 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Hannah Kling sits down with Julia Long to explain how Catholic Economics can help us navigate modern challenges such as the pandemic, inflation, and more. Listen Now!
How can Catholic Economics Help us Navigate Challenges in our Modern World? (Part 2)
In episode 7 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mark Hanssen and Professor Michael Watson delve deeper into how Catholic economics can inform our perspective on the issues of today. Listen Now!
The Role of Trust in Science
There are many issues today that involve science. Are you curious about who to trust and what to trust? Listen in episode 8 of the Conversatio podcast as Dr. Matthew Siebert, Chair of the BAC Philosophy Department, discusses the role of trust in science. Listen Now!
COVID’s impact on hospitals and healthcare workers (from the POV of an administrator)
In episode 9 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Gwyndolan Swain sits down with VP of College Relations Phillip Brach to talk about how the global pandemic has impacted hospitals and healthcare workers, from the point of view of an administrator. Listen Now!
Educational initiatives in Gaston County for the African American Community
In episode 10 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Stratton, Chair of the Education Department at BAC, and Dot Guthrie, Founder and Curator of the African American Museum of History and Culture in Gastonia, NC sat down with Phillip Brach, VP of College Relations at BAC to discuss the how the college and the county are partnering to provide education around African American culture from our local area. Listen Now!
The Benefits of a Catholic-based Nursing Curriculum
In episode 11 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Carolyn Harmon and Dr. David Williams explore how a catholic based nursing curriculum helps prepare future nurses for how to manage situations ethically and with compassion. Listen Now!
Election Integrity
In episode 12 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Imparato, Chair of the Politics Department at Belmont Abbey College and Youthan Love, student and President of the College Republicans join Hans von Spakovsky, Director of the Heritage Foundation’s Election Law Reform Initiative to discuss election integrity in America today. Listen Now!
