In this episode, host Mike sits down with Brian Shields, a devoted husband and father of nine, and the founder of Lumen Entertainment and the Lumen Institute. Brian opens up about his early success as a young actor in Hollywood, including booking a role on the HBO series "From Earth to the Moon". Despite his outward success, Brian felt unfulfilled until a life-changing encounter with the Eucharist at a retreat shifted his entire perspective. This profound experience gave him the courage to walk away from a lead role on "Dawson's Creek" after realizing the script promoted immorality to teens. Today, Brian is dedicated to equipping the next generation of Catholic filmmakers. We discuss his mission at the Lumen Institute to train artists so they don't get chewed up by the secular industry, and why he believes we need a modern "Catholic Renaissance" modeled after the 1500s. Plus, get a sneak peek at his upcoming family comedy film, Race Car Monks, hitting theaters in the spring of 2027! Show Notes:Learn more about Brian's work and the Lumen Institute: lumen.tv Follow and support the upcoming film: racecarmonksmovie.com Discover how eCatholic can help your parish thrive online: eCatholic.com

Is modern dating broken? Daniel Hussem, co-founder of SacredSpark, believes the current system treats people like products in a "romantic vending machine". Join us as we discuss how he and his wife, Emily Wilson, are using technology to bring humanity, formation, and community back to Catholic dating.In this episode, we dive into the app's unique "Matchmaker" feature that lets friends and family vet matches for you , the importance of video verification for safety , and how parishes can support singles in their vocation.Catholic and single? Take the free Dating 101 course for a Christ-centered guide to intentional relationships: https://formation.sacredspark.app/courses/dating101Download the SacredSpark app: https://sacredspark.appFollow SacredSpark on IG: @SacredSparkApp

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Pierre Ferragu, co-producer of Bernadette the Musical—a critically acclaimed stage production that has captivated audiences across Europe and is now launching its North American tour.Pierre shares the unexpected story of how a former Wall Street analyst found himself producing a musical about Saint Bernadette, why the show focuses on Bernadette’s humanity and courage rather than spectacle, and how faithful storytelling can open doors for evangelization without being preachy.We also explore why Bernadette the Musical has resonated with both Catholic and secular audiences, what makes it uniquely accessible for inviting friends, neighbors, and parish communities, and how parishes can play a role in spreading the word as the show premieres in Chicago this February.Bernadette the Musical begins its North American run in February, with additional cities planned throughout the year.Learn more and view tour dates at BernadetteTheMusical.com

Join guest host Katie Clark as we unveil the winners of the Best Catholic Websites of 2025, showcasing how digital hospitality can transform your ministry. In this episode, we explore the stunning videography of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the user-friendly design of the Diocese of Helena, and the immersive experience of St. Charles Catholic Pilgrimages. Tune in to discover how these organizations are using clear navigation and welcoming visuals to serve the new evangelization.Featured Websites:Best Parish: Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Bismarck, ND) – cathedralparish.com Best Diocese: Diocese of Helena (Montana) – diocesehelena.org Best Ministry: St. Charles Catholic Pilgrimages – stcharlespilgrimages.com Resources:View the full list of winners (including best School website and honorable mentions): https://ecatholic.com/blog/best-websites-of-2025Start your custom design journey: meetings.ecatholic.com/designservices

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Christian and Darcie Nielsen, founders of Catholic Go, a new platform designed to help Catholics explore the rich spiritual heritage of the United States.Catholic Go’s mission is simple but powerful: “To inspire an adventure of faith and build community on the journey.”Their growing national map includes shrines, retreat centers, historic churches, basilicas, quiet prayer spaces, outdoor Stations, and even a few monastery-owned coffee shops.During our conversation, we discuss:✨ How Catholic Go began✨ Why “micro-pilgrimages” can transform your spiritual life✨ Why so many Catholics don’t know about nearby sacred sites✨ How parishes can use Catholic Go to build community✨ Inspiring stories from early users✨ Upcoming features—yes, even an app in the works!Whether you're a parish leader, ministry coordinator, or someone who loves exploring the Church’s beauty, this episode will inspire you to rediscover what’s right around the corner.🔗 Explore Catholic Go: https://catholicgo.com📬 Submit your site: [email protected]🎧 Listen to more episodes: The Engaged Parish Podcast

As Advent draws near, we’re joined by folk/pop singer-songwriter Marie Miller, whose heartfelt lyrics and faith-filled storytelling have encouraged thousands to rediscover the beauty of Christ. In this episode, Marie shares the inspiration behind her brand-new Advent musical presentation, Prepare the Way of Love, and reflects on how sacred art can open hearts to encounter Jesus in a profound way.From performing for the Holy Father to writing songs shaped by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Marie’s journey is a testament to the power of beauty to evangelize. We talk about her creative process, her transition into Catholic music, and why Advent invites all of us to make space for the Lord in a busy world.📌 Show Notes & Links– Marie’s Website– Book Prepare the Way of Love by emailing [email protected]– Follow Marie on Instagram– Marie’s YouTube– Letter to Artists by Pope St. John Paul II

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we sit down with Cassidy Mann, Catholic creator, storyteller, and co-founder of PriestPro—a groundbreaking platform helping priests and ministries transform homilies into short-form evangelizing content.Cassidy shares:How one priest’s social media strategy transformed his parishWhy video is essential to evangelization todayHow AI can amplify the Church’s message (without replacing the human voice)Practical steps for parishes to begin using technology in their mission🎧 Tune in on the Fio app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the iHeartRadio mobile apps. You can also subscribe to The Engaged Parish Podcast at ecatholic.com/podcast.

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, Marian Father Chris Alar joins host Mike Josephs to discuss Triumph Over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists, a new Vatican-approved documentary delving into the Church’s ministry of exorcism and the reality of spiritual warfare.Father Chris shares what every Catholic should know about the devil, demonic influence, and the power of the sacraments and Our Lady in defeating evil. The film features rare commentary from the late Father Gabriele Amorth, the world’s most renowned exorcist, and offers an inside look at the unseen battle between good and evil—and Christ’s ultimate victory.🎥 Triumph Over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists opens in theaters nationwide October 30 only🎟️ Learn more and get tickets at FathomEvents.com

Former NFL defensive lineman and Grey Cup Champion John Chick has taken his passion for strength and discipline off the field and into the mission of faith. In this episode, John shares the story behind ActF8: The Iron Saint Method—a Catholic fitness and accountability ministry helping men reclaim their God-given strength, purpose, and identity in Christ.In this episode, we talk about his journey from professional football to faith-filled fatherhood, why discipline is the key to holiness, and how brotherhood can help Catholic men rise above the noise of modern culture.👉 Learn more: https://ironsaints.fitAnd be sure to tune in on the Fio app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the iHeartRadio mobile app.

In this episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, we talk with Cande de Leon, Chief Mission Engagement Officer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Phoenix, AZ).Cande shares the incredible scope of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission: serving thousands of meals a day, offering housing, medical and dental care, and preventing homelessness for families in crisis. But even more, he highlights how their work builds relationships, combats loneliness, and opens doors for evangelization.We also dive into parish fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and what it means to radically trust in God’s providence.📌 Topics covered:The epidemic of loneliness and how the Church can respondSt. Vincent de Paul’s mission to feed, clothe, house, and healThe difference between transactional giving and relational stewardshipLessons for parishes in fundraising and vision-castingRadical trust in God’s provision🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Engaged Parish Podcast on Fio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.