Synopsis
Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET.
Episodes
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#12477 Is the Eucharist a Literal Sacrifice or Just Symbolic? Body, Blood, and Sacrifice (ENCORE) - Joe Heschmeyer
27/11/2025“Is the Eucharist a Literal Sacrifice or a Symbolic Act?” This episode delves into the nature of the Eucharist, addressing questions like whether Jesus spoke symbolically when He said, “This is my body,” and how His command to ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood’ aligns with Jewish law. We also explore the implications of Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and the teachings of the Book of Hebrews. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:36 – Wasn’t Jesus speaking symbolically when He said, “This is my body”? 15:15 – Wouldn’t Jesus’ command to ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood’ violate Jewish law against consuming blood? 37:25 – Didn’t Jesus say, “Do this in remembrance of me”? Doesn’t that clearly indicate the Eucharist is a memorial, not a literal sacrifice? 40:20 – Doesn’t the Book of Hebrews teach that Christ’s sacrifice was ‘once for all’? How can the Ca
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#12476 What Makes Mormons Not Christian? Grace and Disagreement - Joe Heschmeyer
27/11/2025“What makes Mormons not Christian?” This question opens a discussion on the theological distinctions between Mormonism and traditional Christianity. Additionally, the episode addresses how to approach disagreements with church leaders respectfully and suggests passages from Revelation that can enhance understanding of the Mass, along with reflections on grace in relation to Mary. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:53 – What parts of the book of Revelation could I suggest for my friend to read to better understand the Mass? 28:52 – What makes Mormons not Christian? 39:40 – What is the proper way to disagree with a Priest, Bishop or Pope without risking excommunication? 50:00 – Why wouldn’t God give us the same grace he gave Mary?
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#12475 Do Guardian Angels Influence Non-Believers? Praying to Saints - Joe Heschmeyer
26/11/2025“Do Guardian Angels influence non-believers?” This question opens a discussion on the role of angels in the lives of those who may not share the faith. Additionally, the episode addresses how confident Catholics should be in the belief that John died, the appropriateness of reading scripture during Adoration, and offers a Catholic perspective on praying to saints in light of 1 Timothy 2:5. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 25:00 – How confident should Catholics be in the belief that John died? 36:16 – Do Guardian Angels have an influence on the lives of those who don’t believe? 43:17 – Is it proper to read scripture during Adoration? 47:36 – Was the original Thanksgiving Catholic? 52:28 – What is a good Catholic response to 1 Timothy 2:5 for praying to Saints?
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#12474 Why Is Missing Mass a Mortal Sin? – Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Karlo Broussard
26/11/2025“Why is missing Mass a mortal sin?” This question opens a discussion on the gravity of our obligations to God and the Church. Additionally, the episode addresses whether someone who has never heard the Gospel can be saved and explores effective ways to convert without affecting family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the challenges of becoming Catholic and perceptions of morality within the faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:00 – Why is missing Mass a Mortal sin? 20:07 – Can a person who never heard the Gospel be saved. If so, what makes Christianity necessary? 29:10 – What is the most effective way to convert without impacting my family? 43:40 – I am having trouble becoming Catholic because of marriage records. 49:37 – I’m not Catholic because you redefine your morality.
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#12473 Why Didn’t God Make Everyone Sinless? – Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Karlo Broussard
25/11/2025“Why Didn’t God Make Everyone Sinless? ” This question opens a discussion on divine purpose, touching on the complexities of justice and mercy. Other topics include the foundation of the Church on Saint Peter, the relationship between God’s justice and mercy in the context of Hell, and the practical benefits of joining a church community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:25 – Does God make some people for honorable use and some not for honorable use? 17:38 – I struggle with the church being founded on the Rock of Saint Peter? 29:00 – How can I relate God’s justice and mercy with the nature of Hell? 38:30 – What is the practicality of joining a church community? 47:09 – I am not Catholic because I think you preach a different Gospel
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#12472 Is Annulment Required for All Divorced Catholics? Bible and Faith - Jim Blackburn
25/11/2025“Is annulment required for all divorced Catholics?” This question addresses a common concern among those navigating their faith after divorce. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complexities of Bible translations and offers insights into discerning personal spiritual experiences, as well as clarifying why infidelity is not considered grounds for annulment. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 19:20 – Is it true that the Catholic Church requires all divorced people to get an annulment before becoming Catholic? 29:10 – How can I understand the differences in language translations of the Bible? 36:36 – How can I discern about an experience where I believe I’ve seen Jesus? 47:50 – Why isn’t infidelity considered grounds for an annulment?
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#12471 How to Survive Family Discussions This Thanksgiving and More - Rose Sweet
24/11/2025“How to survive family discussions this Thanksgiving” is a common concern, especially when differing opinions arise. This episode also addresses the importance of being properly detached during conversations and offers strategies for managing unwanted guests while maintaining relationships. Tune in for practical advice on navigating these challenging family dynamics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 0:00 – 7 Tips for surviving family discussion this Thanksgiving 35:20 – Being properly detached 46:10 – Managing unwanted guests without harming relationship with them
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#12470 Must We Forgive the Unrepentant? Eucharist and Confession - Jimmy Akin
22/11/2025“Must we forgive the unrepentant?” This question delves into the complexities of forgiveness as taught in Luke 17:3-4. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church’s teaching regarding the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6, clarifies why the Eucharist is not cannibalism, and examines the tolerance of Old Testament polygamy compared to New Testament teachings. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:45 – Church teaching on the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6 11:58 – Must we forgive someone who is not repentant? (Luke 17:3-4) 20:35 -How to explain that the Eucharist is not cannibalism 29:10 -Why Old Testament polygamy was tolerated but not in the New Testament 40:04 -Recommendation for a good book for a 14-year-old interested in Catholicism 44:35 -Parallels between confession and the sin offering in Leviticus
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#12469 Why Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Considered Non-Christian? - Jimmy Akin
21/11/2025“Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses considered non-Christian?” This question leads to a discussion on the theological distinctions that set them apart from mainstream Christianity. Additionally, the conversation touches on the similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions, the earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception, and advice for new Catholics seeking community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – Similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions 19:15 – Clarification on why Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered non-Christian 29:30 – Earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception 43:30 – If Jesus appears fully in both species, why does Scripture say “body” for bread and “blood” for wine? 49:55 – Advice for a new Catholic struggling to connect with other young adult Catholics
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#12468 Did the Miracle of the Sun Actually Happen? - Tim Staples
21/11/2025“Did the Miracle of the Sun actually happen?” This question opens a discussion on the authenticity of miraculous events in Catholic tradition. Other topics include the relationship between God’s will and personal manifestation, the nature of the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, and the significance of Ananias laying hands on St. Paul. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:35 – Did The Miracle of the Sun actually happen? 17:23 – Can we manifest what God will give us? 29:25 – If the mass is a Propitiatory sacrifice then how come mortal sin can’t be forgiven during mass? 45:00 – What was the significance of Ananias laying his hands on St. Paul? 50:23 – Josephus said James was Jesus’ brother. What is the Catholic response to that?
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#12467 What Does the Church Say About Psychedelics? - Steve Kramp
20/11/2025“What does the Church say about psychedelics?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic perspective regarding the use of psychedelics, touching on their justification and the intriguing connection some claim exists between psychedelics and creativity. Additionally, the conversation delves into the nature of the entities encountered during such experiences. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:00 – What does the Catholic Church say about psychedelics? 35:50 – How can the use of psychedelics be justified? 37:57 – What’s the supposed link between creativity and taking psychedelics? 45:15 – Who are the entities we’re encountering?
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#12466 Why Do We Need the Apostles, Mary, and the Saints? – Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Joe Heschmeyer
20/11/2025“Why do we need the apostles?” This episode explores the vital role of the apostles in our faith, along with questions about the necessity of praying to Mary and the saints, and how to address concerns about the relationship between Catholics and Jesus. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics and more. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:25 – My co-worker asked: Why do we even need the apostles? 15:41 – I’m in OCIA but I’m having trouble with Mary and the saints. To be Catholic do we need to pray to Mary and the saints? 20:30 – How do I respond to the claim that Catholics focus on religion and don’t have a relationship with Jesus? 43:15 – I just returned to the Faith and my son isn’t Catholic. How do I explain F.r James Martin giving the sacraments to two gay men? 52:00 – I’m coming into the Church. What does ‘confessing your sins to
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#12465 Richard Dawkins Shook My Faith – Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Joe Heschmeyer
19/11/2025“Richard Dawkins Shook My Faith” This episode addresses concerns about doubt and belief, offering clarity on how to navigate challenges to your faith. Additionally, we explore how Jesus is the son of David and delve into the topic of papal succession, tracing the lineage from Peter to the current pope. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:55 – I just discovered Richard Dawkins and it has really shaken me. Can you help? 34:00 – My protestant friend asked me this. How is Jesus the son of David? 49:20 – Papal succession. How do you go from Peter to the current pope? Where do you see the beginning of the lineage?
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#12464 Can We Hire Psychics for Missing Persons and Other Teachings? - Karlo Broussard
19/11/2025“Can we hire psychics for missing persons?” This episode explores the Church’s stance on seeking psychic help, addressing whether this teaching stems from Jesus or the catechism. Additionally, we delve into Aquinas’ views on predestination versus Calvin’s, the implications of a new document on Mary, and the fate of souls at the Second Coming. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:52 – A priest told me that we should never hire a psychic to find a missing person. Is this a teaching directly from Jesus or does it come from the catechism? 14:42 – How does Aquinas’ view on predestination differ from Calvin’s? 29:33 – Can you clarify what this new document on Mary means? 38:30 – If Jesus comes tomorrow, what happens to the souls in purgatory and the souls on earth who are in friendship with Christ but have the stain of sin? 45:07 – What a
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#12463 Does Purgatory Undermine Jesus’ Sacrifice? Eucharist and Salvation - Karlo Broussard
18/11/2025“Does Purgatory Undermine Jesus’ Sacrifice?” This episode explores the relationship between Jesus’ sacrifice and the concept of purgatory, addressing whether it diminishes His atonement. Additionally, we delve into questions about the nature of salvation, the significance of the Eucharist, and the practices surrounding communion and adoration. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:45 – If Jesus’ death on the cross was sufficient to take away all sin, and all the punishment for sin, then why would anyone need to suffer for sins after death, like in purgatory? Wouldn’t purgatory be an insult to what Jesus already accomplished? 19:24 – I think Catholicism preaches a different Jesus and a different salvation. Specific issue about salvation on eternal security? 34:40 – Is the Eucharist the end all be all? 47:17 – Why can’t the soul in purgatory pray for th
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#12462 Do Some Orthodox Traditions Allow for Multiple Marriages? - William Albrecht
18/11/2025“Do Some Orthodox Traditions Allow for Multiple Marriages?” This episode explores the nuances of Catholic and Orthodox relations, addressing questions like which Church Fathers and Councils support the Papacy, the historical split between the two churches, and how to respond to those drawn to Orthodoxy. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:55 – What Fathers and Councils should I read that support the Papacy? 11:26 – Who led the parting of the Orthodox church with the Catholic church? What was the key disagreement? 16:15 – How can I respond to someone who feels that they are being led from Catholicism into Orthodoxy? 30:00 – Do some Orthodox traditions allow for more than one marriage? 40:40 – Are we allowed to take communion if a Catholic attends an Eastern Orthodox Church? 42:41 – Does
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#12461 Why Stay Catholic If Orthodox Have Valid Sacraments? - William Albrecht
17/11/2025“Why stay Catholic if Orthodox have valid sacraments?” This episode explores the unique aspects of Catholicism, addressing questions like the interpretation of Jesus’ image in Catholicism compared to Orthodoxy and whether it’s acceptable to disagree with a priest on teachings. Join us for a thoughtful examination of faith and tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:51 – Why stay Catholic if the Orthodox have valid sacraments? 12:25 – The images of Jesus tend to be the same in Orthodox Churches. Why does His image seem to be up for interpretation in Catholicism? 17:14 – Is it ever okay to disagree with your priest about a Catholic teaching? 19:50 – Since Catholics need to believe in the Papacy, how can the Orthodox be in communion? 29:25 – Why is it a big deal that the Orthodox don’t accept the Papacy since they accept everything else? 3
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#12460 Clarifying the Fall of Man, Q, Targum Neofiti, and More! - Jimmy Akin
15/11/2025“Can you clarify the Fall of Man?” This episode delves into the complexities of humanity’s original sin, exploring how Lucifer’s fall relates to Christ’s incarnation. Additionally, we tackle intriguing questions about the identity of the woman mentioned in 2 John, the credibility of the Targum Neofiti, and the implications of Old Testament commands. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:57 – Guadalupe Radio… The fall of man sounds circular to me. Can you help clarify it? Lucifer falls because he knew God would become man. Then he causes man to fall thus Christ becomes man. 15:06 – A BYU scholar claims he knows who the name is in 2 John 1. He said it’s a woman named Eclecta and his conclusion came from reading the letter of St. Clement. What are your thoughts on this and What is the Catholic position on who she is? 22:49 – What is Q? What is the
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#12459 What Is the Mark of the Beast in Revelation, Ephesians 4:29, and Catholic Bibles - Jimmy Akin
14/11/2025“What is the Mark of the Beast in Revelation?” In this episode, we explore this intriguing question alongside topics such as the implications of electrical implants as potential marks and the interpretation of Ephesians 4:29. Join us as we delve into these thought-provoking discussions and more. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:35 – What is the Mark of Beast in Revelation? 12:50 – Could electrical implants in the body be the mark? 24:30 – I don’t think the Catholic Jesus fulfills 1 John 1:9 and Hebrew 10:12-14. 44:45 – When the Old Testament says the Lord appears to different people, what would that look like? 49:06 – What Catholic Bible do you recommend? 52:20 – Could you explain what Ephesians 4:29 means?
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#12458 Does Anointing of the Sick Remove Mortal Sin? Confession and Sacraments - Tim Staples
14/11/2025“Does Anointing of the Sick Remove Mortal Sin?” This episode delves into the essential role of sacraments in the Catholic faith, exploring their significance in the journey of salvation. Additionally, we tackle questions about the relationship between grace and faith, and how these elements interact in the life of a believer. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of these foundational topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:00 – Does Anointing of the Sick Remove Mortal Sin?