Heidi Schlumpf

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel and David discuss the Second Vatican Council and the anniversary of its opening; the trio takes a look at the upcoming midterm elections; and they talk about what to watch and read.

NCR Connections: The Holy Spirit was the guest of honor at a recent gathering of church leaders on the topic of synodality. Literally.

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel, and David look at Catholic governors who use migrants as political pawns; synthesis reports from the synod; and recent developments and long-term effects in the war in Ukraine.

NCR Connections: To try and step our family's Season of Creation game, I've come up with three ways for our family — and possibly yours — to connect with God's creation during this month-plus celebration.

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel and David launch Season 11 of the podcast. They discuss diocesan policies that exclude LGBTQ+ parishioners, and talk about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

NCR Connections: Peter Dwyer retired from Liturgical Press this spring, after 33 years of service, including 21 years as director. With more than three decades in Catholic publishing, Dwyer says change is a constant.

NCR Connections: Catholic outrage about an Atlantic article connecting the rosary and Christian nationalism was misplaced, argues Heidi Schlumpf. But don't let "rad-trads" be the only ones picking up the prayer beads.

NCR Connections: Though she's had to read less this summer, editor Heidi Schlumpf still has some books worth recommending — along with some noteworthy TV shows, two stellar concerts, and a gift of an icon.

NCR Connections: Pope Francis recently named three women to the Vatican's Dicastery of Bishops. But it will take a lot more to undo centuries of misogynistic oppression than the naming of three women to a Vatican office.

Feminist and liberation theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether influenced generations of men and women in the causes of justice for women, the poor, people of color, the Middle East and the Earth. The scholar, teacher, activist, author and former NCR columnist died May 21. She was 85.

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel and David discuss the leaked decision from the Supreme Court and the announcement that Catholic News Service will close its U.S. offices; they also recap the previous season.

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel and David talk about Network lobby's 50th anniversary, the takeaways from the French elections, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent attacks on both major corporations and the vulnerable.

Listen: Heidi, Father Daniel and David take it a little easy for Holy Week, and catch up on shows and music that they've been enjoying. They also nerd out about liturgy at the beginning of the conversation.

NCR Connections: After chatting with a bishop in a lunch line, I wonder: If there were more opportunities for church leaders to hang out, in person, with everyday Catholics, could we better understand one another?

Listen: Heidi, David and Father Daniel discuss recent reforms allowing more lay leadership, allegations connecting Ginni Thomas to the Jan. 6 insurrection, and the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

Connections: While I doubt that immediate post-synod change is likely, the process signals the openness to talk about issues such as women's ordination that have previously been off the table.

Listen: In this episode, David, Father Daniel and Heidi talk about Russia's attack on Ukraine; Pope Francis' recent virtual dialogue with students from North, Central and South America; and plans for Lent 2022.

NCR Connections: I'm excited to announce that NCR is now on TikTok — yes, TikTok, the reason your kids or grandkids may be glued to their phones watching short videos of people dancing or doing silly jokes and stunts.

Listen: Heidi, David and Father Daniel discuss student journalists and the CatholicVote lawsuit against organizations on the border, and they interview guest Fr. Bryan Massingale on book bans.

NCR Connections: Although private institutions are not legally compelled to offer free speech rights, they could do so voluntarily. Denying students' freedom of expression is no way to educate.