In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins welcomes Dr. Anna Faria and Dr. Grant Clayton — economists from the University of Colorado — to unpack their groundbreaking study, Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota.

While faith institutions are often praised for spiritual and charitable contributions, this new research shines light on a lesser-known dimension: the Church’s staggering $5.4 billion annual impact on Minnesota's economy.

Through parishes, schools, hospitals, charitable organizations, and capital projects, the Catholic Church supports thousands of jobs, reduces public costs, and strengthens communities statewide.

The conversation explores:

• Why measuring the Church’s economic footprint matters for public policy
• How volunteerism, education, and magnet effects (like weddings and pilgrimages) ripple through the local economy
• The role of civil society in American life and why the Church’s presence remains vital
• Why policymakers should protect the Church’s freedom to serve, especially in an increasingly secular culture

Tune in for this eye-opening discussion that makes a compelling case for the Church’s visible — and often invisible — role in building the common good.

Resources & Links:

• “Fruits of the Vine” Report
• Minnesota Catholic Conference
• Learn more about OSV News

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this bold and eye-opening episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins is joined by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, to expose the institutional forces behind the sexual revolution—and how the Church’s teachings are not only relevant, but prophetic.

Dr. Morse, a trained economist and former professor at Yale and George Mason, dives deep into how elite ideologies—disguised as progress—have systematically dismantled family life through no-fault divorce, contraception, and gender ideology. From propaganda in U.S. foreign aid to the ideology embedded in public schools, Dr. Morse explains why the Sexual Revolution is not grassroots—but an elite-driven, top-down campaign of cultural colonization.

Together, Jason and Dr. Morse discuss:

• Why the Church has been right all along about sexuality and marriage
• The myth of “neutral” sexual education and its real agenda
• How population control and foreign policy shaped feminism and gender ideology
• Why stories from survivors of the Sexual Revolution are changing the conversation
• What it means to raise a family in a world ruled by “The Sexual State”

Dr. Morse doesn’t hold back—and neither should we. If you’re concerned about the future of children, family, and faith, this conversation is a must-listen.

LINKS:

• Dr. Morse Bio: https://ruthinstitute.org/about/dr-morse/
• The Ruth Institute: https://ruthinstitute.org/
• Ruth Institute YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthInstitute
• Get the Book – The Sexual State: https://thesexualstate.com/

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of 'Catholic in America,' host Jason Adkins converses with Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist and expert in bioethics, about contemporary issues in healthcare and mental health. Dr. Kheriaty discusses the detrimental impacts of COVID-19 policies on mental health, the importance of integrating spiritual and medical approaches to depression, and the concept of building a 'parallel polis' to create independent, morally guided healthcare institutions. The episode also addresses the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Catholic Mental Health Campaign and ways the Church can support the renewal of healthcare.

Book:  https://www.regnery.com/9781684513857/the-new-abnormal/

Bio: https://eppc.org/author/aaron_kheriaty/

Columns: https://brownstone.org/author/aaron-kheriaty/

Substack: https://substack.com/@aaronkheriaty

Missouri v. Biden case in which he was a plaintiff https://eppc.org/publication/the-censorship-empire-strikes-back-after-missouri-v-biden-free-speech-victory/

Story on his battle with UC Irvine: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-02/uc-irvine-fires-physician-who-refused-to-get-vaccinated-claiming-natural-immunity

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In the first episode of Catholic in America on the OSV Podcast Network, host Jason Adkins introduces the mission and vision of the podcast. Adkins explains the importance of faithful citizenship and how living for the good of the earthly city contributes to attaining the heavenly one. He shares his background as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and outlines the role of the organization in advocating for policies that protect human dignity and promote the common good. Adkins emphasizes the integration of religion and politics, inspired by messages from Pope Benedict XVI and other Church thinkers. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on diverse issues impacting both local and national landscapes, focusing on the evangelical role of the Church in today's secular society.

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

What if we’re looking at politics all wrong? In this episode, theologian Michael Baxter joins Jason Adkins to explore the spiritual vision behind the Catholic Worker Movement and the political witness of Dorothy Day. As America reels from another election season, Dr. Baxter invites us to shift our focus—from the ballot box to the beatitudes, from Washington to our neighborhoods. Through stories, reflection, and deep Catholic social teaching, this conversation challenges listeners to reconsider what real politics looks like and how it begins with soup, shelter, and solidarity.

Topics Covered:

• Why Dorothy Day barely mentioned elections
• The growth of big government and the loss of local political life
• The meaning of “living beyond politics”
• Subsidiarity and the Catholic Church’s vision of local action
• Building community with the poor as political witness
• The intersection of Eucharistic devotion and the works of mercy
• Catholic Worker examples: St. Joseph the Worker Job Service, Christ in the City
• Pope Francis and politics as a form of charity
• How to create parish-level social reconstruction

Guest Bio:
Michael Baxter, Ph.D. is the Director of Catholic Studies at Regis University and a Visiting Associate Professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame. He is a founding member of the Peter Claver Catholic Worker House and former director of the Catholic Peace Fellowship. His work focuses on political theology, the Catholic Worker Movement, and the canonization of Dorothy Day.

Resources Mentioned & Various Links:

• Michael Baxter bio – McGrath Institute
• “Living Beyond Politics: A Post-Election Reflection on Dorothy Day” – Houston Catholic Worker
• The Catholic Worker Movement – Paulist Press Resource

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

This episode discusses the rise of legalized sports gambling in the U.S. following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and why Catholics should be concerned about it. The Catholic Church's opposition to sports gambling is explained with emphasis on its potential to drive poverty, fragment families, and fuel addiction and domestic violence. The episode features Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, who talks about the broader issue of commercialized gambling and its exploitation by state governments in partnership with powerful gambling corporations. Bernal's extensive work in advocating against predatory gambling practices and his numerous media appearances are highlighted, along with his key arguments on why sports gambling is particularly harmful.

Show Links: 

• Stop Predatory Gambling:  https://www.stoppredatorygambling.org/
• Study of 700,000 online gamblers: https://www.stoppredatorygambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-Online-Gambling-Policy-Effects-on-Tax-Revenue-and-Irresponsible-Gambling.pdf
• Background on the legal landscape of sports betting: https://newrepublic.com/article/189263/online-sports-betting-alito-losses
• Making the case for why legalizing sports betting is a mistake:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/legalizing-sports-gambling-was-a-huge-mistake/ar-AA1r2DLq
•  Impact of sports betting on young men: https://www.newsweek.com/2023/04/07/sports-betting-boom-linked-rising-gambling-addiction-anxiety-suicide-1789055.html

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins interviews journalist Tim Carney about his new book, 'Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be.' They discuss the alarming decline in birth rates, the cultural and economic factors contributing to this trend, and the concept of 'civilizational sadness.' Carney argues that a return to religiosity and community support are key antidotes to creating a more family-friendly society. They explore the impact of modern parenting norms, the significance of family-friendly subcultures, and potential policy interventions to alleviate the challenges faced by modern families.

Tim Carney bio:  https://www.timothypcarney.org/

Family Unfriendly book link:  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/family-unfriendly-timothy-p-carney?variant=41076298219554

Conversation with Tim Carney on the Our Sunday Visitor magazine podcast "Like a Mother with Katie McGrady": https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051666/episodes/16044705

Washington Examiner author page: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/timothy-p-carney/

Q&A with Tim Carney: https://eppc.org/publication/what-makes-america-family-unfriendly-a-qa-with-tim-carney/

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this conversation, Dr. Brad Wilcox discusses the importance of marriage as a social institution, countering prevalent myths that devalue it. He presents data showing that married individuals are generally happier, more financially secure, and lead more meaningful lives compared to their single counterparts. The discussion also touches on the cultural, socioeconomic, and political factors influencing marriage rates, as well as the role of faith in strengthening family bonds. Wilcox emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to recognize the value of marriage and family in society.

Links:

• Wilcox bio and link to National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia: https://nationalmarriageproject.org/people/brad-wilcox
• Institute for Family Studies: https://ifstudies.org/ 
• Book link: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/get-married-brad-wilcox?variant=41546330636322
• Article from Time about the book, Get Married: https://time.com/6696116/marriage-happiness-brad-wilcox-interview/
• Minnesota Catholic Conference: https://www.mncatholic.org/
• Minnesota Catholic Conference Families First Project:  https://www.familiesfirstproject.com/

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins engages with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, an Associate Professor of Political Economy at the Catholic University of America and author of 'Hannah's Children.' They delve into the falling birth rates in the U.S. and worldwide, discussing the economic and cultural implications. Dr. Pakaluk argues that large families can be a rational choice when accounting for non-material benefits and religious beliefs. They also explore pro-natalist and pro-family policies, the role of faith in family decisions, and societal perceptions of large families.

Bio: https://business.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/pakaluk-catherine/index.html

Personal page: https://pakaluk.com/Book link: https://www.regnery.com/9781684514571/hannahs-children/

More good interviews about the book Hannah’s Children: https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2024/04/94760/

 https://catholicreview.org/hannahs-children-author-catherine-pakaluk-on-population-decline-and-the-link-between-large-families-and-faith/

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of Catholic in America, host Jason Adkins discusses the interplay of family dynamics and economic policies with Dr. Melissa Kearney, an economist from the University of Maryland. The conversation covers Dr. Kearney's new book, 'The Two-Parent Privilege,' which explores the economic advantages of two-parent households and the decline of marriage rates, particularly among non-college educated individuals. They delve into the impacts of family structure on children's outcomes, the socio-economic factors contributing to changing family formations, and potential policy interventions to bolster family stability. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathetic approaches and holistic solutions to address the growing economic disparities and challenges facing families today.

Melissa Kearney Biography
Link to The Two-Parent Privilege book
Her scholarship on family, fertility, and children

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of the Catholic in America podcast, host Jason Adkins is joined by Louis Brown Jr., J.D., Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation. The conversation revolves around the intersection of human dignity and healthcare, focusing on the vital role of Catholic healthcare institutions in the United States. Key topics include the historical and ongoing contributions of Catholic healthcare, the challenges posed by secularization, and the importance of medical conscience rights and religious liberty. Brown outlines the mission of the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance and discusses actionable steps for preserving and enhancing the identity and witness of Catholic healthcare in a challenging public policy landscape.

Links:
More about Louis Brown
Christ Medicus Foundation
Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance
Policy Agenda for Religious Freedom in Healthcare

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.

In this episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins hosts Dr. Kristin Collier, a University of Michigan internist who directs a program integrating religion, spirituality, and healthcare. Dr. Collier discusses her journey into healthcare, the impact of her Christian faith on her vocation since 2016, and the importance of viewing patients as whole persons—body, mind, and spirit. The conversation explores the crisis of trust in medicine, the limitations of evidence-based medicine, and how to incorporate philosophical and spiritual perspectives into healthcare. Dr. Collier also advocates for addressing the broader question of human dignity within the medical field and emphasizes the role of the church in fostering right relationships and providing care that respects the inherent worth of each individual.

Links: 

• Biography 
• UMich address
•  What is Medicine For?
• Debate on physician-assisted suicide video: "Physician Assisted Suicide/MAiD, Dignity, Autonomy," Profs. Margaret Battin and Kristin Collier (youtube.com)

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements.

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.