The Essential Guide to the Best Catholic Podcasts

It's happening. As of this writing, more than half of all teens and adults in America have listened to a minimum of one podcast, at least according to this survey.

Podcasts have experienced major growth in recent years. This year, the podcast industry welcomed new streaming services, such as Luminary and Spotify. Companies like Sony sponsored or created original content that took sound design to new places.

The Catholic world has taken note of the explosion in podcasts, too. There is now a dizzying array of Catholic podcasts to listen to ... but which one?

Oscar and Tony Award winners are now performing in audio dramas. It feels a bit like a resurgence in radio-type dramas. This is like the modern version of The Lone Ranger, Little Orphan Annie, and Orson Welles' War of the Worlds. Hopefully, we'll have a Catholic audio drama soon, too.

More shows are moving away from the traditional weekly model. Some podcasts are now publishing once or even twice a day. Other podcasts release all at once as binge-ready collections.

I'll do by best to provide categories, as well. Are you looking for a particular category of Catholic podcasts? Did I miss a really good Catholic podcast? Please let me know and comment below!

And now ... the Top 10 Catholic Podcasts!

What are the Top 10 Best Catholic Podcasts?

Without further ado, what are the best Catholic Podcasts to listen to? Here are the Top 10 "all-around" Catholic podcasts:

#1 Best Catholic Podcast: Catholic Answers Live

LINK

Though not strictly-speaking a podcast, this show has to be responsible for more Catholic conversions than any other podcast. Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET.

There's also the Catholic Answers Focus Podcast: LINK.

Here's a sample podcast episode: 

 

 

#2 Best Catholic Podcast: Word on Fire

LINK
In The Word on Fire podcast, Bishop Barron does what he does best — skillfully intersects the richness of the Catholic faith and today’s culture. Bishop Barron’s eloquent but accessible discourse educates and uplifts listeners and upholds the beauty and truth found in the Church. He shares insights from the greatest Catholic thinkers as well as practical advice for all Catholics trying to live well in their day-to-day lives.

Here's a sample podcast episode: 
 

#3 Best Catholic Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

LINK
If you like Fr. Mike Schmitz’ Youtube videos, you can now listen to this dynamic priest on the go! Fr. Mike Schmitz‘ podcast offers short but lively reflections on a wide variety of topics from Catholic teaching to practical tips for living life well. His down to earth tone and inspiring message will help listeners live out the Christian life more effectively.

Here's a sample podcast episode: 
 

#4 Best Catholic Podcast: Pints with Aquinas

LINK
Matt Fradd on his podcast Pints With Aquinas addresses a question St. Thomas answers in the Summa Theologiae and other writings, in an easy to understand way so you don’t have to be a theologian or philosopher to enjoy listening. This show really feels like you are sitting down to discuss Truth over a cold drink, and enables listeners to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness of the Catholic faith.

Here's a sample podcast episode: 

#5 Best Catholic Podcast: Ask Father Josh

LINK
From Ascension Press, which hosts Father Josh's podcast and published his awesome book, Broken and Blessed:

Ask Father Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Email me your questions at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com and find out more at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh.

 

Here's a sample podcast episode:

#6 Best Catholic Podcast: The Catholic Man Show

LINK
From The Catholic Man Show website:

Real, relatable, and often comical, Adam and David have a conversation promoting the lost art of living virtuously. Every episode is broken up into 3 parts.

• A Manly Drink - We open, review, and enjoy a manly beverage on air while promoting the virtue of moderation and enjoying the finer things in life that our Lord has given to us. 

• A Manly Gear - We highlight a specific gear that every man should own and how it applies to living a Catholic life in this world. 

• A Manly Topic - Deemed (by us) as "the manliest conversation you will ever hear." We talk about different topics related to the Catholic man.

Here's a sample podcast episode:

#7 Best Catholic Podcast: The Catholic Hipster

LINK & Link to Catholic Hipster Handbook Book

Tommy Tighe of The Catholic Hipster blog & Sarah Vabulas, The Catholic Drinkie, talk about being hipster Catholics ... or just have a lot of fun discussing the ins and outs of what it's like to be a real life Catholic. Join us for the fun.

Here's a sample podcast episode:

#8 Best Catholic Podcast: Roman Circus Podcast

LINK
Hosts Zac Mabry ("America's Cutest Meme", Twitter @zacmabry) and Matt Baker (@heyitsmattbaker):

Step right up, step right up. This way to The Roman Circus Podcast. Come one, come all and gasp in disbelief as Matt and Zac dive into death-defying discussions of Catholic culture, tradition and history and comment on news and more.

Here's a sample podcast episode:

#9 Best Catholic Podcast: Catholic Nerds Podcast

LINK
Join the Catholic Nerds Podcast for quality Catholic nerdery. The Catholic Nerds basically nerd out on comics, movies, video games, and books, all from a Catholic perspective, plus a hefty helping of all things Catholic. There will be plenty of Jesus, Mary, and the Eucharist here!

SPOILER ALERT: This is a self-plug. I'm one of the hosts of this podcast

Here's a sample podcast episode:

#10 Best Catholic Podcast: The Road to Emmaus with Scott Hahn -and/or- St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

LINK
Dr. Scott Hahn ... nuff said. The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology promotes “life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition” through their podcast. Renowned biblical scholar Dr. Scott Hahn offers a weekly reflection on the Sunday Mass readings. As usual, Dr. Hahn delivers powerful insight in short, easy to listen to episodes that will help listeners delve deeper into Scripture and deeper into the Mass.

Here's a sample podcast episode:

BONUS #11 Best Catholic Podcast: The Patrick Coffin Show

LINK

Interviews with Influencers.

Commentary about Culture.

Tools for Transformation.

BONUS #12 Best Catholic Podcast: Daily Rosary Meditations

LINK

From Daily Rosary Meditations: 

"Daily Rosary Meditations teaches you how to meditate and establish a daily habit of prayer while discovering the truths of the Catholic Faith.

If you're having a hard time praying and want a change of habit, join Dr. Mike Scherschligt as he tackles everyday living with God, what the scripture says, meditation, and a Rosary! It's perfect for your daily commute or morning coffee listening."

BONUS #13 Best Catholic Podcast: Jen Said What?!

LINK
Each week, Jen Fulwiler shares highlights from her daily SiriusXM radio show The Jennifer Fulwiler Show. Jen shares her take on pop culture and current events from her perspective “as a former atheist, self-professed nerd, and mother of six who can barely deal with life.” She is engaging and thoughtful, and the podcast will have you laughing out loud. If you aren’t able to catch the full show, but need more of this hilarious woman in your life (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), her podcast is the next best thing.

Best Catholic Podcasts for Theology & Apologetics

There will be a lot of repeats from the Top 10 in this category. As you might expect, most Catholic podcasts center around evangelization.

Catholic Answers Live - #1 Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast

LINK

Though not strictly-speaking a podcast, this show has to be responsible for more Catholic conversions than any other podcast. Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET.

There's also the Catholic Answers Focus Podcast: LINK.

The Counsel of Trent Podcast (Trent Horn's Podcast) - #2 Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast

Here is a description of The Counsel of Trent Podcast from TrentHorn.com:

The Counsel of Trent is Trent’s weekly podcast where he helps Catholics answer the toughest objections against our faith.

Every episode of The Counsel of Trent  provides listeners with a “conversation roadmap” that will help them share their Catholic faith with anyone. They contain entertaining, informative, and practical explanation of the Faith as well as interviews with the best Catholic writers and speakers in the world today.

Episodes are free to download but subscribers have access to premium content like exclusive episodes, articles, and interaction with Trent on the show. To learn more visit www.trenthornpodcast.com.

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast - #3 Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast 

LINK
If you like Fr. Mike Schmitz’ Youtube videos, you can now listen to this dynamic priest on the go! Fr. Mike Schmitz‘ podcast offers short but lively reflections on a wide variety of topics from Catholic teaching to practical tips for living life well. His down to earth tone and inspiring message will help listeners live out the Christian life more effectively.

Pints with Aquinas - #3 Best Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast 

LINK
Matt Fradd on his podcast Pints With Aquinas addresses a question St. Thomas answers in the Summa Theologiae and other writings, in an easy to understand way so you don’t have to be a theologian or philosopher to enjoy listening. This show really feels like you are sitting down to discuss Truth over a cold drink, and enables listeners to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness of the Catholic faith.

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology - #4 Best Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast 

LINK
Dr. Scott Hahn ... nuff said. The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology promotes “life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition” through their podcast. Renowned biblical scholar Dr. Scott Hahn offers a weekly reflection on the Sunday Mass readings. As usual, Dr. Hahn delivers powerful insight in short, easy to listen to episodes that will help listeners delve deeper into Scripture and deeper into the Mass.

Classical Theism Podcast - #5 Best Catholic Apologetics & Theology Podcast

LINK
"The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Catholic Church. We place a strong emphasis on the first pillar, defending classical theism, drawing upon the work of Thomistic philosopher Dr. Edward Feser and many others."

Best Catholic Podcasts for Catholic Life

What are the best Catholic podcasts for day-to-day Catholic living? These Catholic podcasts offer practical advice, help your spiritual life, and provide how-to's.

Catholic Answers Live - #1 Best Catholic Life Podcast 

LINK

Though not strictly-speaking a podcast, this show has to be responsible for more Catholic conversions than any other podcast. Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET.

There's also the Catholic Answers Focus Podcast: LINK.

Ask Father Josh - #2 Best Catholic Life Podcast

LINK
From Ascension Press, which hosts Father Josh's podcast and published his awesome book, Broken and Blessed:

Ask Father Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Email me your questions at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com and find out more at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh.

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast - #3 Best Catholic Life Podcast

LINK
If you like Fr. Mike Schmitz’ Youtube videos, you can now listen to this dynamic priest on the go! Fr. Mike Schmitz‘ podcast offers short but lively reflections on a wide variety of topics from Catholic teaching to practical tips for living life well. His down to earth tone and inspiring message will help listeners live out the Christian life more effectively.

Word on Fire - #4 Best Catholic Life Podcast

LINK
In The Word on Fire podcast, Bishop Barron does what he does best — skillfully intersects the richness of the Catholic faith and today’s culture. Bishop Barron’s eloquent but accessible discourse educates and uplifts listeners and upholds the beauty and truth found in the Church. He shares insights from the greatest Catholic thinkers as well as practical advice for all Catholics trying to live well in their day-to-day lives.

The Catholic Man Show - #5 Best Catholic Life Podcast

LINK
From The Catholic Man Show website:

Real, relatable, and often comical, Adam and David have a conversation promoting the lost art of living virtuously. Every episode is broken up into 3 parts.

• A Manly Drink - We open, review, and enjoy a manly beverage on air while promoting the virtue of moderation and enjoying the finer things in life that our Lord has given to us. 

• A Manly Gear - We highlight a specific gear that every man should own and how it applies to living a Catholic life in this world. 

• A Manly Topic - Deemed (by us) as "the manliest conversation you will ever hear." We talk about different topics related to the Catholic man.

Best Catholic Podcasts for News, Culture, & Humor

Looking for a Catholic lens to understand the news? A little Catholic humor? Looking for a Catholic decoder ring for this crazy world? Check out these podcasts.

The Catholic Hipster - #1 Best Catholic News, Culture, & Humor Podcast 

LINK & Link to Catholic Hipster Handbook Book

Tommy Tighe of The Catholic Hipster blog & Sarah Vabulas, The Catholic Drinkie, talk about being hipster Catholics ... or just have a lot of fun discussing the ins and outs of what it's like to be a real life Catholic. Join us for the fun.

Roman Circus Podcast - #2 Best Catholic News, Culture, & Humor Podcast 

LINK
Hosts Zac Mabry ("America's Cutest Meme", Twitter @zacmabry) and Matt Baker (@heyitsmattbaker):

Step right up, step right up. This way to The Roman Circus Podcast. Come one, come all and gasp in disbelief as Matt and Zac dive into death-defying discussions of Catholic culture, tradition and history and comment on news and more.

Jen Said What?! - #3 Best Catholic News, Culture, & Humor Podcast 

LINK
Each week, Jen Fulwiler shares highlights from her daily SiriusXM radio show The Jennifer Fulwiler Show. Jen shares her take on pop culture and current events from her perspective “as a former atheist, self-professed nerd, and mother of six who can barely deal with life.” She is engaging and thoughtful, and the podcast will have you laughing out loud. If you aren’t able to catch the full show, but need more of this hilarious woman in your life (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), her podcast is the next best thing.

The Catholic Underground - #4 Best Catholic News, Culture, & Humor Podcast 

LINK
The Catholic Underground is an apostolate studying culture, faith, and making sense of the digital continent. We offer video, audio, and blog and try to help you find the Still, Small, Voice.

Catholic Nerds Podcast - #5 Best Catholic News, Culture, & Humor Podcast 

LINK
Join the Catholic Nerds Podcast for quality Catholic nerdery. The Catholic Nerds basically nerd out on comics, movies, video games, and books, all from a Catholic perspective, plus a hefty helping of all things Catholic. SPOILER ALERT: This is a self-plug. I'm one of the hosts of this podcast

Best Catholic Podcasts for Men

Every Catholic man needs the company of other Catholic men. Now that man-company is much more portable and requires far less feeding and beer.

This first one might be a bit on the nose ...

The Catholic Man Show - #1 Best Catholic Podcast for Men

LINK

From The Catholic Man Show website:

Real, relatable, and often comical, Adam and David have a conversation promoting the lost art of living virtuously. Every episode is broken up into 3 parts.

• A Manly Drink - We open, review, and enjoy a manly beverage on air while promoting the virtue of moderation and enjoying the finer things in life that our Lord has given to us. 

• A Manly Gear - We highlight a specific gear that every man should own and how it applies to living a Catholic life in this world. 

• A Manly Topic - Deemed (by us) as "the manliest conversation you will ever hear." We talk about different topics related to the Catholic man.

The Vital Masculinity Project - #2 Best Catholic Podcast for Men

Here is the link to The Vital Masculinity Project Website.

Join co-hosts, friends of this blog, and great Catholic gentlemen, Stephen Sloyer and Brian Murphy, for The Vital Masculinity Project:

Join the Great Conversation about Masculinity! There are many competing voices today about what it means to be a man and we often forget the fundamentals. We provide step-by-step guides to becoming a more complete, noble man by pursuing virtue, building a brotherhood, and mentoring those around you.

Here is a sample podcast episode:

Best Catholic Podcasts for Women

Please let me know if I'm missing anything in this category!

Jen Said What?! - #1 Best Catholic Podcast for Women 

LINK
Each week, Jen Fulwiler shares highlights from her daily SiriusXM radio show The Jennifer Fulwiler Show. Jen shares her take on pop culture and current events from her perspective “as a former atheist, self-professed nerd, and mother of six who can barely deal with life.” She is engaging and thoughtful, and the podcast will have you laughing out loud. If you aren’t able to catch the full show, but need more of this hilarious woman in your life (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), her podcast is the next best thing.

Letters to Women: Exploring the Feminine Genius - #2 Best Catholic Podcast for Women 

LINK

Host Chloe (Mooradian) Langr discusses and dissects the Feminine Genius and leans heavily on the writings of Pope St. John Paul II. Chloe interviews other women about how to live this out in our daily, ordinary lives. Check out her website for more on the show and her blog.

Freed From Feminism Podcast - #3 Best Catholic Podcast for Women

LINK

Podcast exploring the foundation and ideology behind feminism, it's destructive nature & how women can free themselves from it.

Sample Recent Episode - Women in the military (Interview w/ our husbands!)

Beth and Theresa's husbands, both military veterans, join us for an in-depth discussion about women in the military. We discuss their experience with women in the military, the U.S. military's sexual harassment policy, whether St. Joan of Arc (and others) should be invoked as an example for military women, whether or not women can be 'called' to be in the military (vocations, etc.) and what the practical implications are women thinking to join the military. They give us their experiences and opinions, and shed some much-needed light on what it is like 'on the ground' for women (and men) in the military.

The Catholic Feminist - #4 Best Catholic Podcast for Women

LINK

The Catholic Feminist podcast hopes to reach women “who want to be informed, inspired, and intentional.” The host Claire Swinarski talks each week with different women who use their gifts to build up the Church. This show has covered many of the big issues in today’s world including postpartum depression, human trafficking, immigration, racism, and more. This show provides listeners with authentic and enjoyable discussions about the role and gift of women in the Church and in society. If you are looking to feel empowered, this is the perfect podcast for you.

Best Catholic Podcasts for Nerds

I've got just the one for you ...

Catholic Nerds Podcast - #1 Best Catholic Podcast for Nerds

LINK
Join the Catholic Nerds Podcast for quality Catholic nerdery. The Catholic Nerds basically nerd out on comics, movies, video games, and books, all from a Catholic perspective, plus a hefty helping of all things Catholic. SPOILER ALERT: This is a self-plug. I'm one of the hosts of this podcast

Tea with Tolkien Podcast - #2 Best Catholic Podcast for Nerds

LINK
Slow down for a cup of Tea with Tolkien. Tea with Tolkien is a community inspired by the works, life, and Catholic faith of J.R.R. Tolkien. We invite you to join us as we escape into reality for a moment or two, chatting about life, faith, philosophy, literature, family and home. Pull up a cozy chair and enjoy a cup of tea and a cake or two, nestled in our own corner of modern-day Hobbiton.

Father Roderick - #3 Best Catholic Podcast for Nerds

LINK

Father Roderick: a show about movies, travel, fantasy, TV, faith, sci-fi and minimalism. If you have heard of a movie, Father Roderick has seen it and podcasted about it. Father Roderick has an extremely high joy quotient and you will, too, if you listen to his podcast. 

Best Scripted Catholic Podcasts

Although movies and TV shows have become among the most popular forms of fictionalized entertainment, audio dramas that would air on the radio used to be the go-to method of being entertained for a lot of people. In recent years, this form of entertainment has enjoyed a revival. Thanks to audiobooks and podcasts, has had a major resurgence in popularity.

Way of the Fathers with Mike Aquilina - #1 Best Scripted Catholic Podcast

LINK

A podcast about the Fathers of the Church—the foundational figures in Christian history. Hosted by popular Patristics author Mike Aquilina.

Catholic Culture Audiobooks - #2 Best Scripted Catholic Podcast

LINK

Voice actor James T. Majewski brings to life classic Catholic works, with a special emphasis on St. John Henry Newman and the Fathers of the Church. Currently putting out Augustine's book On Christian Doctrine in 7 parts.

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