CHNetwork Presents

Dec 20 2023 5
CHNetwork Presents Podcast artwork

CHNetwork Presents is a series of conversations about the kinds of questions that people wrestle with when they’re exploring the Catholic Church, and wondering if they should become a part of it. In each episode, we focus on the specific experiences that shaped our approach faith, and how those experiences uniquely prepared us to be open to the claims of the Catholic Church. We hope that by sharing our stories, we can help others who are on similar journeys.

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Christmas Conversions in Film and Literature - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 31

Dec 20 2023 14 mins  
Ebenezer Scrooge, George Bailey, the Grinch... so many of the most iconic Christmas stories in film and literature hinge upon the idea of a conversion of some kind. Matt Swaim is joined by Joseph Pearce and JonMarc Grodi to look at why Christmas is so often associated with a change of heart, and connect the concepts of memory, charity and truth back to their source: Jesus, whose bi

From the Prosperity Gospel to Catholicism - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 30

Jun 15 2023 55 mins  
For many years, Lisa Cooper was deeply involved in the Word of Faith movement, led by such figures as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Marilyn Hickey. While others were mocking these televangelists for their over-the-top personalities and lavish lifestyles, Lisa was looking to them for spiritual guidance. She talks to Matt Swaim about some of the nuances of that theological wor

Living Your First Year as a New Catholic - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 29

Jun 01 2023 64 mins  
Whether you entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, or at Pentecost, or at some other time, that first year of getting your bearings and living the sacramental life can be full of excitement, disappointment, encouragement, and culture shock. Matt Swaim, Keith Nester, and Shaun McAfee reflect on what that first year as new Catholics was like for them: the biggest surprises,

A Protestant Guide to Catholic Bibles - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 28

May 11 2023 42 mins  
For Protestants of any background exploring Catholicism, the idea of a Bible with a bigger table of contents than they're used to can be a bewildering proposition. So why do Catholics have a different list of Old Testament books than Protestants do? And what are some good starting points for a Protestant who wants to get to know these books? Matt Swaim welcomes Gary Michuta, author

Pro Baseball and the Journey to the Catholic Faith - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 27

May 02 2023 61 mins  
Dan Venezia grew up in New York City, and while his baseball skills caught the notice of the Minnesota Twins, spiritually he was in the wilderness. Wade Gaynor came from a strong Christian family in Kentucky, and when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, he took his strong Methodist faith to pro baseball with him, and met his wife, Neena, along the way. Neena, Wade and Dan share t

Becoming Catholic While Teaching at a Private Christian School - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 26

Apr 20 2023 55 mins  
Many private Christian schools have their staff sign an annual doctrinal statement, to ensure consistency of belief and teaching in their communities. But many of those doctrinal statements are also crafted so as to exclude Christians from certain theological backgrounds, especially Catholics. So what happens when a teacher at one of those schools decides to become Catholic? Matt D

Do Converts Really Make the Best Catholics? – CHNetwork Presents, Episode 25

Mar 16 2023 55 mins  
Often, due to their zeal and the amount of research they do, converts to Catholicism are treated like experts on the Faith, who have somehow figured it out more even than people who've been Catholic their whole lives.But is that really the case?Matt Swaim talks to Casey and Erin Phillips and Lorelei Savaryn about their own experience of being active Evangelical Christians, the way

Fitting in at Your Parish as a New Catholic - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 24

Mar 09 2023 48 mins  
Many inquirers feel drawn to the Catholic Church because of the beauty and power of her teachings and sacraments. But many of them are coming from church backgrounds -- especially Evangelical ones -- where they felt welcomed and included, and their experience of visiting a Catholic parish can feel like the exact opposite of that. Matt Swaim talks to Jennifer Fitz and Rakhi McCormic

The Ripple Effect of Becoming Catholic – Episode 23

Mar 02 2023 55 mins  
Monica Anyango grew up Catholic, but left the faith for years before feeling a strong pull back to the sacraments. Raven Yohannon lived in Monica's apartment building, and one day when she got locked out, she knocked on Monica's door, and an immediate friendship began. They talk about how friendship and community are essential components of sharing faith, and what it means to truly

Catholic Lent and the Human Desire for Self-Discipline - CHNetwork Presents, Episode 22

Feb 23 2023 56 mins  
Before he became Catholic, Rob Marco sought to shake off consumerism and embrace self-discipline through extreme outdoor adventures and straight edge punk ethos. Pat Flynn sought it too, through stoic philosophy and hardcore fitness regimens. They share with Matt Swaim how they approached self-discipline and the desire to reject consumerism and appetites before becoming Catholic, a