FranU Podcasts

The Dunces are back live at The Franciscan Experience 2024. Dr. David Moser joins the show with old-timers Dr. Pedraza, Rachael and Josh. New majors, Ignazio and Chandler, get in the mix, and Chris the Philosopher makes a long overdue appearance. Stellar high school students share some of their favorite memories from the week and how they found Christ in the Eucharist, theological study, the poor and each other. They also ask some tough questions about God's love and our sinfulness, Creation, the ending of the Glory B, the "unforgivable sin," and Dr. P's guitar playing "skills." Oh, and Josh has big news, and it's the Year of Chris.

Fr. Andrew tells the captivating, sometimes funny, sometimes gut-wrenching story of Jesus calling him to the priesthood.

B-Side episodes bring you a story that gives flesh to a topic talked about in a previous episode. See Episode 12, "Going on Vocation."

Dr. Vukov/Feast of St. Francis/A.I. and Humanizing Technology or Technologizing Humans/A.I. vs. Meat Computers

Dr. Joe Vukov from Loyola Chicago visits the Dunces' Corner to talk all things Artificial Intelligence and Technology. Josh and Ben join the show. Dr. Vukov shares his conversion from Protestant to atheist to Catholic and the harrowing story of how he became a philosopher. The Dunces talk about whether A.I. is actually intelligent and if the human brain is a mere meat computing machine. Finally, Dr. Pedraza and Dr. Vukov put Rachael, Sr. Ref, Josh and Ben to the test against catholic.chat. Does A.I end up terminating humanity in this catechizing competition? You'll have to find out.

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The Dunces record a live show at The Franciscan Experience 2023. Rock Star high-schoolers ask about the Immaculate Conception, why the authorities at the time of Jesus decided to kill him, God and gender, the problem of evil, the ethnicity of Jesus in artwork and why angels aren't depicted in art as they are in the Bible. Hunter and his hair return from grad school. Julia the theo minor becomes a high school proxy. The original Dunce, Bl. Scotus, proves his worth. Surprise, surprise, Dr. Whidden and Hunter bring up St. Anselm. Bucc-ee's doesn't sponsor this episode but they should. Still, snaps all around.

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Eras of Church History/Tay-Tay vs. Mayer/Mouth Sounds

You think Tay Tay's tour is big? Just you wait. Through the powers of the Dunce DeLorean, Catherine takes us to her cave in the desert and drops some St. Anthony on us; Rachael steals some pears with St. Augustine; Dr. Whidden gives you a double dose of monasticism and the One which nothing greater can be conceived; Matt almost dies then riffs on St. Francis and Sister Death; Cameron asks about the good and the difficult with the Angelic and Common Doctor; Dr. Pedraza takes us down the river of doctrinal development with Cardinal Newman; and Jadyn learns patience from Bishop Sheen. Episode includes theology as Taylor songs and a lot of mouth noises.

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Becoming Men and Women of Communion/Vulnerability and True Community/Either-Or Game

The end of Lent was Lenty. Dr. Pedraza went to a symposium on formation. Rachael talks about her NET community in Ireland. Sr. Ref gets real about the Lord doing work. Matt dropkicks instagram and fake friends. Then the CFRs bring the holy fire about community life and how to break free from shame and isolation. Br. Mariano is "sorry" that the Dominicans only have 2 doctors of the Church while the Franciscans have 3. Fr. Mark Mary gives us a lesson in the physics of communion and the anthropology of fatherhood and motherhood. And he gets some nachos. Shout out to Postulants Mike and Ross!

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Dr. Angela Franks on Misogyny and the Feminine Genius/Gender in a Man's World/Which is the Worse Penance?

The Dunces welcome Dr. Angela Franks from St. John's Seminary to talk about her article, "Why Does Higher Ed Throw Women Under the Bus?" and then open up about church jobs, the femine genius and the spiritual motherhood of religious sisters. Dr. Franks gives a teaser for her bioethics lectures on gender. Rachael tries to dunk on Dr. Pedraza, and Sr. Refugio joins the show for the first time. Matt joins for the first second time, whatever that means. The show ends with a rousing game of "Which is the worse penance?"

Special Guest: Dr. Angela Franks.

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Dr. Collier on the Christian Renewal of Healthcare/Lenty Lent/Worse Penance Game

The Dunces are back. Trey and Catherine have average news. Hunter mustache you a question. Rachael is having a Lenty Lent. Dr. Collier shares her story, talks about how to let the Divine Physician go to work in healthcare and helps men avoid mansplaining when it comes to women's health. Then everyone plays a hilarious game of "Which is the worse penance?" Get ready for bioethics, baked goods, crochet and, of course, T-Swizzle.

Special Guest: Dr. Kristin Collier.

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The Franciscan Option/The Secret of Franciscan Poverty/Emptiness and Humility/Trivia

The Dunces welcome special guest Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, to shed some light on what St. Francis can teach us about renewing the Church and the world today. Dr. Meinert asks about the secret to Franciscan poverty, Avera wants to know how best to empty herself so that God can fill her, and Catherine asks for tips on becoming humble. Fr. Agustino drops copious wisdom on all of us, so buckle up. At the end, the Dunces play a small game of Franciscan Trivia, which comes down to a final championship round. Humiliation is then manifested, and maybe a little humility, too.

Special Guest: Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR.

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SNES vs. N64/What is a Vocation/The Counsels and the Married Life/Advice for Discerning Vocation

The Dunces try to release some steam for those caught in the vocation discernment pressure cooker. Brady tells us the glories of his newfound married life and gets video games wrong. Catherine discerns a vocation and lives to tell about it. Elise cracks open a can of Edith Stein. Topics include the relationship between general vocations and the states of life, whether the religious life really is superior to the married life, the "Jacob" style of discernment and practical advice for finding your vocation.

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Musings on the Last Things/Saints and Martyrdom/The Halloween Candy Power Ranking

The Dunces tackle topics related to eschatology and get you ready for All Saints, All Souls and the Candy Triduum. Daniel takes Hell seriously. Catherine has an existential crisis and wonders who or what the Anti-Christ is. Avera gets shook by the young saints God is raising up. Dr. Meinert tells us why endurance is more primary than attack. Dr. Pedraza asks if we should fear death and judgment. Then Dr. Meinert trash talks Daniel and Catherine in the ultimate Halloween Candy showdown.

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The Political Landscape/Principles to Guide Our Engagement in Politics

Dr. Meinert's growing peas. Catherine's engaged. Daniel and Avera join the show. Highlights include: Catherine and Daniel lamenting political discourse in our country; Avera on the black Catholic experience of political, spiritual and mental slavery; Dr. Meinert on the idolatrous aspects of political discourse dettached from transcendence; Dr. Pedraza on liberalism as fractured and the Church's teaching on the Common Good. Ends with a discussion on what to do when voting for candidates who support both good and evil, and the Church's teaching on cooperation.

Listen during the day. Then talk religion and politics over dinner.

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A preview of our first episode of the sophomore season, which will be dropping soon!

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The Dunces on the Good Place/"Guess the Plot" Game

In the concluding half of the special double-episode, Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Catherine, Brady, Elise and Trey analyze the Good Place by giving out various awards including: the Atlas Award (for who carried the show), the Saul-Paul Award (best redemptive arc) and the award for the Best Theological/Philosophical Moment. The episode comes with a little nihilism (with a side of peeps and chili), and a few side orders of Kantianism and utilitarianism. The main dish is always virtue ethics. Finally, Dr. Meinert and Trey show off their movie trivia prowess in a game of "Guess the Plot" at the end. Part 2 of 2.

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How Catholics Should Approach Media/Our Favorite Movies and Shows

Amidst procrastination, Catherine stumbles upon a video about how Catholics should approach movies and TV shows, and she, Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Brady, Elise and Trey talk about it. They dive into how their parents censored or did not censor what they watched, how to scrutinize culture when you're a part of it and end by offering you some of the movies and shows that most impacted them. So add these to your watchlists and thank us with an iTunes review. Part 1 of 2.

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B-Side: I Will Not Leave You Orphans

Fr. Brad Doyle and priestly fatherhood during the coronavirus. Some people are worried that their shepherds have abandoned them. This story tears back the veil.

B-Side episodes bring you a story that gives flesh to a topic talked about in a previous episode. See Episode 5, "We're All Lonely. Together."

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Life in the time of Coronavirus/The Loneliness Epidemic/St. Thomas and JPII on Community

Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Catherine, Elise and Trey talk life in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, then share stories of loneliness and trying to form community. Dr. Meinert sheds a little wisdom via St. Thomas on friendship, and Dr. Pedraza sets the record straight on JPII's anthropology while emphasizing the pontiff's understanding of solitude and participation in community. Finally, the crew offers advice on how to live in these potentially isolating times. Note: recorded March 17th, 2020.

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B-Side: A None Among Us

Lanie and her journey. One of the first steps in addressing the rise of the nones is understanding their stories. Here's one from someone from our hometown.

B-Side episodes bring you a story that gives flesh to a topic talked about in a previous episode. See Episode 1 on "Evangelizing the Nones."

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Lenten Penances/ Why You Can't Feast without Fasting/ Lenten Would-You-Rather Game

Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Brady, Catherine, Hunter and Trey talk about how to do Mardi Gras, how to avoid haphazard Lenten plans, the four ways you can relate to created goods and making Lent a training in love. Then they play a Lenten version of "would you rather." Episode comes with a dose of St. Francis and a side of fried squirrel. Oh, and Catherine wants to live in a cave.

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Dr. Favale's Conversion/ Student Questions/ Wives' Questions / Either-Or Game

Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Catherine, Ansleigh and Brady welcome Dr. Favale to the show to talk about her journey from Protestantism to Postmodern Feminism to the Catholic Church. Then they force her to be a heretic.

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Introducing the Dunces / How I Got into Theology / Bishop Duca / Evangelizing the Nones

Dr. Pedraza, Dr. Meinert, Catherine, Elise, Ansleigh and Ally talk about the "Nones," why they stayed in the Church when so many of their peers are leaving and what to do about it.

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Welcome to a very moving episode of Holy Habits in the House where “Holy Habits of Mercy” is the topic of conversation. Dr. Jennifer Morel joins the show and reminds all of us that the Joy of the Lord is our strength and, if our eyes are open, we will find the Lord in every moment of life, even those moments that are most difficult. When we return to a foundation of prayer and spend time with the Lord, we enjoy his presence and receive His care, tenderness and love. It is in His presence that we find comfort and wisdom in times of suffering and are consoled and strengthened. The Lord walks with us in every moment of family life. He never leaves us.

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In this episode, Dr. Brian and Fr. Josh are joined by Allen and Jenny Richey. The Richeys speak about their home as a school of virtue, a place where every member is working toward a more virtuous life. Because we're all called to be saints, parents can help their children by meeting each child where they are and being present and listening to their struggles. Parents can then offer guidance and redirection where needed. Our Catholic faith takes practice and helping children to understand how the truths of our faith apply to them. We can walk with them as they come to understand that virtue enables us to live our lives the way God intended.

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In this episode, Fr. Josh and Dr. Brian joyfully welcome Deacon Eulis and Tammy Simien. Deacon Eulis and Tammy speak to us about the Sacraments and those special graces that we receive through them. God’s grace enables family members to love one another with the love of God, a love that surpasses what we can accomplish on our own. Especially within the life of the family, the graces that we receive through Marriage, Baptism, Reconciliation and Confirmation are essential, and they meet our needs in those critical moments of life.

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Episode five marks the halfway point of the season! Fr. Josh and Dr. Brian welcome Jeff and Bridget Dunbar, the parents of six children ranging from school-aged to college. Every day is an adventure in the Dunbar home, and Jeff and Bridget speak about their desire for their family to grow in holiness, especially amidst the busyness of daily life. Paying attention to whether something draws them closer or farther away from the Lord and each other helps them discern which activities to take up or not, how best to pray and how to spend their free time.

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Episode 4 of Holy Habits in the House is all about the habits of Community! Jennifer Monette and Brandy Fauria, single moms who do amazing things for their kids and their church, join Fr. Josh and Dr. Brian to talk about the importance of having a "village" to help raise your kids in the faith. Through church small groups and bible studies, not only have these friends found community to lean on, but they've also been inspired to become community for others who might feel like they're just faces in the crowd.

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In episode 3, Fr. Josh and Dr. Brian welcome their dear friends, Deacon Michael and JaVaunda Parker, and joke about their favorite and least favorite "love languages." Mass is the most important thing we do, and we were made to worship God! But, if that's the case, how do we help our family enter into so great an activity? The Parkers speak about their own journey with the Eucharist and how they get their girls ready to not just be at Mass but to "participate" in it.

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In episode 2, F.r Josh & Dr. Brian welcome Matt and Julie Massey. The Masseys offer us a glimpse into their family’s prayer life and tell us about its evolution throughout the course of their relationship, marriage and parenthood. God desires to be in a constant dialogue with each one of us, and when we step into this desire, the fruits of our relationship with Jesus overflow into our marriage and children.

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Welcome to Holy Habits in the House: A Dominus Project, featuring Father Josh Johnson. Dr. Brian Pedraza, Director of The Dominus Project and associate professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, and his wife Adrienne are our guests for this first episode. The Pedrazas and Fr. Josh talk about the importance of spending time with Jesus, because parents can't give what they don't have. Intimacy with Jesus is a priority and practice within the Pedraza home and, by putting the Lord first, Adrienne and Brian are giving witness to their boys about what a real relationship with the Lord looks like.

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Doc asks Tim and Deac to come up with some of their favorite dad hacks to help dads everywhere level up in their marriages, parenting and culinary choices. Buckle up, dads. It's time to get "Olive Garden Fancy."

Deac opens up with Tim and Doc about wanting more moments of presence and how easy it is for dads to replace these with presents. But what's more important, the gifts or the giver? The brothers get into the struggle for simplicity and find themselves battling with the accumulation of more and more stuff in their homes.

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Tim, Deac and Doc wrestle with moving past "saying your prayers" to help their families really pray. The treasury of the Church's prayers are incredible; yet, how do we offer our hearts along with the words? How do we help our kids enter into the riches of meditative and contemplative prayer? Could our kids get so close to Jesus that they could touch his beard and laugh with joy?

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Tim, Deac and Doc explore the Church's teaching on the common good to see the splendid light it shines on the darkness of expressive individualism. Families are running ragged with busyness, trying to craft each kid into the perfect achiever with good grades, participation in multiple sports teams, music lessons and the like, but are they really happy? Are we?

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Deac reads the pope's document on the Jubilee year and presses Tim and Doc on the importance of rest. The brothers open up about the battle of feeling like you're called to many things, even great things, to help the community, but realizing that the most important thing is just "being" with the Lord and your family. O Come let us adore Him. And let us adore them, too.

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After reading Jason Craig's Leaving Boyhood Behind, Doc muses with Deac and Tim on the rise of "youth culture" and what that has done to the way we think about raising children. The brothers dig into what it means to help their kids gain the skills needed for mature masculinity and femininity and push back on a culture that too often tends toward forming fragile children.

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Tim, Deac and Doc open up about the virtuous and vicious expressions of emotion. The brothers wrestle with getting angry at their kids, celebrating on the sidelines of youth sports, surrendering in worship and revealing their hearts in front of their loved ones.

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Tim Hanley, Deacon Michael Parker and Dr. Brian Pedraza kick off Heart of the Father: A Dominus Project with a discussion on a non-negotiable for dads: having a tribe of brothers, of a tribe of men who share the same heart for the Lord, for faithfulness to their wives and for raising amazing kids who are virtuous and prepared to take on the world with all its joys and sorrows.

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