Explore every episode of the podcast Why Catholic?
Dive into the complete episode list for Why Catholic?. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
#188 - Serve in the Mass
29 Jul 2026
00:17:16
Justin Hibbard is joined by Lauren Hammerberg and Sommer, Frankie, and Artie Brown to discuss the benefits and joys of serving in the Mass.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. In this episode, you’ll learn the 6 seasons of the liturgical calendar, the colors associated with the calendar, and the difference between solemnities, feasts, and memorials.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about how the Mass transcends our individuality, our time and space, and our familiarity. What was the craze with the evangelical seeker-sensitive movement, and how does the Catholic Mass take an entirely different approach?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on The Mass by looking at the four areas where Jesus shows up at Mass: in the Word, in the Eucharist, in the Priest, and in the people.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about what it means to orient ourselves to the Mass. For Catholics, Mass isn’t a worship service we attend. It’s core to who we are. Learn how preparation and perspective can totally change how we think about the Mass, how we interact with the Mass, and how Mass can transform us.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Jewish roots of the Mass. How must we understand Jesus’ command to “Do this in remembrance of me?” within the context of the Judaism. In this episode, Justin explores how Passover serves as the context of the Passover, focusing on the elements of leaven, the Afikoman, the Cup of Redemption, and the sacrifice of the Lamb.
Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the Mass by focusing on the sacramental and mystical nature of Mass. Is Mass just a bunch of rote rituals? Or have we been looking at it all wrong? Hear why story, imagination, and the Jewish understanding of remembrance are key to entering into the Mass.
Justin Hibbard answers one of his most frequently asked questions - Why Catholic and not Eastern Orthodox? In this longer than normal episode, Justin Hibbard addresses the anti-Catholicism that’s at the root of Protestantism, takes a deep dive into the historical record of the Church, delves into the longstanding conflict between Rome and Constantinople, and calls attention to the Catholic Church’s efforts towards Jesus’ call to unity.
Why did Jesus have to ascend into Heaven? In this episode, in conjunction with the solemnity of the Ascension, Justin Hibbard examines the events of the Ascension, why Jesus ascended into Heaven, and how they line up with events in the Exodus story.
#179 - 2027 Pilgrimage to France with Fr. Kenneth Parsad
12 May 2026
00:41:49
Join Justin Hibbard and Father Parsad on an epic pilgrimage to France in April 2027, as we trace the paths of French Saints. We'll visit cities like Lisieux, Normandy, Paris, Toulouse, Mont-Saint-Michel and more. Every day will include an apologetics talk by Justin Hibbard and private Mass at some of the world's most iconic churches celebrated by Fr. Parsad. In this episode, you’ll also learn about Fr. Parsad’s formation and how he went from a recording artist in the Philippines to a priest in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
In this episode, Justin Hibbard shares what some common experiences that Protestant Clergy face on their journey to the Catholic Church. He shares some of the lessons learned at the second annual Clergy Convert Conference and draws on his story as well as the stories of others who have made the leap from Protestant clergy one day to Catholic laity the next.
On May 2nd, the Catholic Church celebrates the life of St. Athanasius - Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Born in the late 200s in Alexandria - one of the major hubs of Christianity. While we remember St. Athanasius as a hero of the early church, he had lots of enemies in his day, who sent him into exile on five different occasions. We often think that the First Council of Nicaea did away with the Arianism, but as you’ll learn in this episode, it was church fathers like St. Athanasius that fought Arianism in the trenches.
In the series finale of the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard applies key takeaways from the ecumenical councils to a hypothetical scenario if he were Pope and convening the Church’s 22nd ecumenical council.
Justin Hibbard reflects on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with 6 lessons learned. What is the point of an ecumenical council? How did geopolitics play a role in these councils? What do these councils teach us about the problem of schism? How do these councils speak to the Catholic Church being the historic, true church? What’s the relationship between some of the councils and the crusades? And what is our responsibility today with respect to these councils?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by examining the 21st and most recent ecumenical council. Why was this by far the largest ecumenical council? Who beyond the Bishops attended this council? How did the council fathers wrestle power away from the Curia? What decisions did it make? How did it call for liturgical reforms? And why has Vatican II received a bad rap?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by examining the Catholic Church’s 20th council - the First Vatican Council. After 306 years, why did the Church decide to call another council? What were the major social factors going on at the time? And why was this council particularly controversial?
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant revolution: the Council of Trent and the Counter Reformation. What social revolutions were at play that delayed this council from starting? What decisions were made at this 19th ecumenical council? And how did the church continue the counter-reformation after its conclusion?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by exploring the uprising against the Catholic Church in Europe known as the Protestant Reformation. But was it really a reformation, or was it a revolution? Who were the key players in this movement, and did the movement ultimately succeed in its goals?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by The Fifth Lateran Council. How did the Age of Discovery influence the Church? What were some of the major problems scandalizing the Catholic faith? And how did the Church’s 18th ecumenical council prove to be too little too late?
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Council of Florence, which occurred in Basel, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome. What began as an attempt to thwart papal supremacy led to one of the most potentially significant councils in history as the Eastern Greek Church united with the Western Latin Church. Would that unity survive?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council by examining the 16th Council - the Council of Constance, which met to solve the dilemma of three rival popes. How did the council solve the Great Western Schism, and how did it address some of the forerunners of Protestantism?
#167 - The Avignon Papacy & the Great Western Schism
30 Dec 2025
00:19:12
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical by examining the history between the Councils of Vienne and Constance. Why did the papacy move from Rome to Avignon? Who were the seven French Popes that make up the Avignon Papacy? And how did the return of the papacy to Rome lead to the Great Western Schism where three men claimed to be the rightful Pope?
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard uncovers one of the most controversial councils - the Council of Vienne (Vienne, France… not Vienna, Austria). How did this council become a puppet of the French Monarch, begin the Avignon Papacy, and result in the unjust dissolution of the Knights Templar?
It’s the end of the Great Schism between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church! Well… sort of. Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Church’s 14th ecumenical council - the Second council of Lyon, where Pope Gregory X tackled ending the Great Schism, the crusades, papal election reform, and a few other reforms.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Council by examining the 13th general council. How did an unruly emperor lead to this council and force it take take place in France?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils with an examination of the Catholic Church’s 12th council - the Fourth Lateran Council. What made this different than the other three Lateran councils that occurred in rapid succession, and why is it considered the most influential council of the Middle Ages and one of the most impactful in Church history?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by explaining the Catholic Church’s 11th council - the Third Lateran Council. How did a 20-year schism made up of 4 antipopes lead to this council, and what reforms did this council seek to implement for both the Church and general society?
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Second Lateran Council - the Catholic Church’s 10th general council. How did a fake pope prompt this council, and what were the decisions that were made in the three short days of this council’s duration?
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council with the First Lateran Council - the first general council to occur in the West and the first general council with the Pope as presider (and even in attendance). In this episode you’ll learn about the investiture controversy and the tension between the government and the church that led to a further separation of church and state.
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by talking about the major fallout between the Eastern and Western Church in 1054. How did this Great Schism change the trajectory of future ecumenical council? And were the events of 1054 truly earth shattering, or was is this event overblown by historians.
#158 - The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870)
07 Oct 2025
00:18:20
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the eighth ecumenical council - the fourth council of Constantinople. Learn how this council marked a turning point both in church councils and in church history between the East and the West.
#157 - Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils
23 Sep 2025
00:19:23
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard takes time to reflect on the first seven. These seven are not only recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches but many Protestant groups recognize them as well. In this episode, Justin gives a brief overview of the first seven councils and challenges Orthodox and Protestant claims about these councils.
In part 11 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 7th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Nicaea. Why did the Byzantines suddenly decide that icons were idolatrous and how far did they go to rid the Church of sacred art? What were the primary arguments between the iconoclasts and the iconodulias? What did the 2nd Council of Nicaea decide that shaped the course of Christianity? And what are some modern iterations of iconoclasm?
#155 - The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681)
09 Sep 2025
00:16:41
In part 10 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the efforts to appease the monophysites by inventing two heresies: monoenergism and monotheletism. Why were these Christological positions condemned at the Third Council of Constantinople?
In part 9 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the pivotal history that occurred over 127 years between The 2nd Council of Constantinople of 553 and the 3rd Council of Constantinople of 680. This episode covers the two major heresies of the day, the Filioque controversy, the war between the Byzantines and the Persians, the Christological gag order, the rise of Islam, and the heresy that led to the Third Council of Constantinople.
In part 8 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 5th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Constantinople. In this episode, you’ll learn about the schisms that occurred after the Council of Chalcedon, the fall of Rome and the Western Roman Empire, and the rise of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire), as well as the decisions at the 2nd Council of Constantinople.
In part 7 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 4th Ecumenical Council - The Council of Chalcedon. What happened when the theological sheriffs Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch died? How did the Second Council of Ephesus almost become the fourth ecumenical council? And what major theological debate did the Council of Chalcedon decide on that is accepted by almost all Christian sects?
In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate?
In part 5 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the First Council of Constantinople. What did they accomplish that the Council of Nicaea left incomplete? Which heresies did they address? And why is this council sometimes referred to as an “unecumenical council?”
In part 4 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened in the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea? Did the Church become unified, or did it devolve into disarray and abandon Nicene Christianity? Why was the 4th century perhaps one of the most pivotal centuries for Christianity? And what led the Church to once again gather for a second council, this time in Constantinople?
In Part 3 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the first ecumenical council in Church history - the Council of Nicaea. What does Santa Claus have to do with this council? Who attended this council? What did this council decide? And how did this council change the course of history while also failing to be all that effective within the next few decades?
#147 - The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea
15 Jul 2025
00:17:36
In part 2 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses some of the challenges in the early church particularly in the third to early fourth centuries that led to the Council of Nicaea. Why was an ecumenical church council really only possible in the early fourth century? What were some of the key places, people, and events that led to the church desperately needing to meet in order to keep the Church (and the Roman Empire) from splitting apart?
Justin Hibbard kicks off our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with an introduction. What is an ecumenical council? Why aren’t all councils and synods considered ecumenical? Why are these councils called? And how do Catholics consider the outcome of these councils’ decisions?
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#145 - Radical Reversion with Katherine Mosco Depfer
02 Jul 2025
02:05:38
In this special interview episode of Why Catholic, Justin Hibbard is joined by Katherine Mosco Depfer. Katherine shares how she went from growing up in a Catholic bubble, to abandoning her faith at college, and the radical reversion she experienced as a prodigal daughter. She gives practical advice for Catholic parents as well as Catholic teens.
Interested in having Katherine speak at an event or a retreat, you can email her at katherine.mosco@gmail.com or find her on Instagram @missmosco.
#144 - The False Dichotomy of Religion vs. Relationship
26 Jun 2025
00:15:29
Justin Hibbard concludes our series on the Catholic approach to prayer by addressing the claim made by many Evangelicals: “Religion is man’s way to get to God; Christianity is God’s way to get to man.” Is that true? Is all religious practices Pharisaical and a distraction from a relationship with Jesus? Or does religion actually help us pursue the heart of God?
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In continuation on our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer, Justin Hibbard talks about how Scripture teaches us that prayer is our most powerful weapon. Why do we often neglect prayer for more practical measures, and how can the Christian learn to arm themselves with prayer?
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Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer by focusing on the rhythm of prayer. How has the Catholic Church cultivated a practice of ordering our day around prayer? How do common Catholic prayers create a rhythm that helps us to pray? What are some ideas on how we can cultivate a more purposeful and disciplined prayer life?
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Justin Hibbard reconvenes our series on the Catholic approach to prayer by talking about prayer while we move. What are some common ways that Catholics incorporate movement in prayers? And how can we think of prayer beyond just sitting still and saying words but rather pray with our bodies?
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In light of our new Pope - Leo XIV, Justin Hibbard explores the attributes that make a Pope “Great.” What do the “Great” Popes have in common? How did they become known as “Great?” And what experiences does Pope Leo XIV have that might position him to also be a “great” Pope?
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#139 - Yes, the Conclave is an Antiquated Process, and That's a Good Thing
09 May 2025
00:08:48
Is the Conclave “antiquated,” and is it time for the Catholic Church to “get with the times?” Justin Hibbard explores why the Conclave has evolved to what it is today and why the Catholic Church isn’t eager to have election processes that mimic the elections of democratic nations.
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