Conversatio: A Podcast by Belmont Abbey College

In this episode of Conversatio, we dive into the multifaceted world of TikTok. Join Dr. Brad Frazier, along with guests Dr. Mario Sacasa and Dr. Erin Jensen, as we unpack the implications of a potential TikTok ban, TikTok’s business impact, and its influence on culture and mental health. Listen now!

In this episode of Conversatio, join Dr. Daniel Kling and Dr. Hannah Kling as they explore the dynamics of state population growth and identity. Delving into research on Michigan's population trends, they navigate the delicate balance between community expansion and preserving local character. Listen now!

Join Br. Chrysostom, as he leads a reflection on the profound mysteries of the Easter Triduum. In this special episode of Conversatio, Br. Chrysostom offers unique insights that illuminate the spiritual significance of each day within the Triduum. Listen now!

Join Dr. Mary Imparato and Dr. Bronwen McShea, a Visiting Professor of History at the Augustine Institute Graduate School, historian, and author, as they discuss her upcoming new book as well as the fascinating life and legacy of Marie de Vignerot. As Cardinal Richelieu's niece, Marie held a significant position in France's political, religious, and cultural spheres, enduringly impacting the country’s history. Listen now!

Join Abbey alums Jared Orton ‘13 and Jacob Ciccarelli ‘13 as they sit down with Mike Ellis, Director of Alumni Relations, to explore the intersection of faith and the modern workplace. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leading with faith in today's professional world. Listen now!

Check out the latest Conversatio episode, where Dr. Julia Beeman and Coach Toni Fox are joined by student-athletes Ella and Anna for a conversation about the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Listen now!

Fr. Elias Correa-Torres welcomes Fr. Patrick Winslow, Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, to Belmont Abbey's podcast, Conversatio, to discuss the recent Vatican declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings. Listen now!

In the first episode of our fourth season of Conversatio, Emmett McGroarty joins Dr. Thomas Varacalli and Dr. Mary Imparato as they discuss faithful voices returning to the public square. Listen now!

In episode 10 of Conversatio, Dr. Joseph Wysocki joins Andrea Lipinski of CiRCE and Elisabeth Sullivan of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) to discuss the pursuit of truth in the classroom and the hope found in classical education.

Belmont Abbey is excited to partner with CiRCE and ICLE for our new Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. Hone your skills as an educator and make an impact on future generations! Listen now!

In episode 9 of Conversatio, Dr. Clark Summers and Dr. Mark Hanssen delve into the Israel-Hamas conflict and explore the nuances of international law.

In the 8th episode of Conversatio, join Dr. Brad Frazier and Dr. Daniel Kling as they dive into the recent lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission against Amazon. Uncover the implications of this legal action on consumers, small businesses, and other tech giants. Listen now!

In the 7th episode of Conversatio, Dr. Erin Jensen and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson discuss the use of artificial intelligence in higher education and its role within the classroom. Listen now!

In the sixth episode of Conversatio, Fr. Matthew Schneider sits down with Dr. Shane Gomes and Dr. Richard Dell’Isola to discuss the integration of faith and psychology. Discover how these two fields intersect to provide healing and insight. Listen now!

Join us for the latest episode of Conversatio as Dr. Thomas Varacalli discusses his upcoming book, "The Future of the Catholic Church in the American Political Order," with Rolando Rivas. Explore the history of Catholics in America and their role in American society. Tune in for an insightful conversation. Listen now!

In Episode 4 of the Conversatio podcast, Chris Egan joins John Barry III and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson to discuss John's book, "Why Can't I," which highlights the life of his father, a 1937 alum of Belmont Abbey. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of history, faith, and personal connections that have shaped Belmont Abbey and its community. Listen Now!

Discover the insightful perspective of Dr. Richard DeClue, an esteemed Abbey alum, as he delves into the unity of Pope Benedict XVI's Theology in the newest episode of Conversatio. Tune in to listen to this enlightening presentation, originally shared at the "A Day of Reflection: The Life & Thought of Joseph Ratzinger" conference held last spring.

Dr. Clark Summers, Professor of Politics and History, discusses the recent events relating to the Russo-Ukrainian War with Abbey students during an online session of an Informal Policy Working Group, a bi-weekly gathering of students and faculty to follow up on topics of interest. Listen Now!

In Episode 1 of Conversatio's third season, Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Dean of the Honors College, and Stephen Miss, Belmont Abbey's Vice President and Athletics Director, sit down to discuss one of their favorite books, A River Runs Through It. Listen Now!

In Episode 12 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Alessandro Rovati, Theology Department Chair and professor at Belmont Abbey College and the Diocese of Charlotte Synod official contact person, shares what he's learned in the Synod process so far. Listen Now!

In Episode 11 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Ronald Thomas joins Fr. Robert Nixon O.S.B. to discuss the intersection between a love for learning and Benedictine spirituality. Listen Now!

In episode 10 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Imparato discusses faith, family, and community amid an economic crisis with Timothy P. Carney, the senior political columnist for the Washington Examiner and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Listen Now!

In episode 9 of the Conversatio podcast, Abbot Placid shares the fascinating history of Belmont Abbey and gives a glimpse into Benedictine monastic life. Listen Now!

In episode 8 of the Conversatio podcast, Bridget O'Boyle sits down with Dr. Ronald Thomas to discuss Pope Benedict and his lasting impact on the Church and on the world. Listen Now!

In episode 7 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. David Williams joins Dr. Ron Thomas, Fr. Matthew Schneider, and Patrick Novecosky to discuss St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and Pope Francis and their emphasis on body, mind, and soul. Listen now!

In episode 6 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki discusses the relevancy of classical studies in the black community with Dr. Anika Prather. Listen Now!

In episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Fr. Matthew Schneider talks through Britney Spears' wedding frustrations from this past August and debunks common misconceptions about getting married within the Catholic Church. Listen Now!

In episode 4 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki is joined by Josh Bowman, Vice President of the Ciceronian Society, to discuss the meaning of tradition, place, and things Divine.

As we look ahead to the NFL playoffs, the medical emergency of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has sparked many questions when it comes to the world of sports. In episode 3 of Conversatio, President Bill Thierfelder, Coach John Keating, and Adam Smith, Belmont Abbey's Head Athletic Trainer, sit down to discuss sport, virtue, and truth.

Dr. Joseph Wysocki joins Jeremy Tait, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, and discusses the connection between beautiful architecture and learning, and how our surroundings help to elevate us to God.

In episode 1 of Conversatio's second season, Dr. Michael Watson and Dr. Julia Beeman sit down to discuss the role of guns in our culture today and how to navigate this hot topic as Catholics. Listen Now!

In episode 12 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Imparato, Chair of the Politics Department at Belmont Abbey College and Youthan Love, student and President of the College Republicans join Hans von Spakovsky, Director of the Heritage Foundation's Election Law Reform Initiative to discuss election integrity in America today. Listen Now!

In episode 11 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Carolyn Harmon and Dr. David Williams explore how a catholic based nursing curriculum helps prepare future nurses for how to manage situations ethically and with compassion. 

In episode 10 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mary Stratton, Chair of the Education Department at BAC, and Dot Guthrie, Founder and Curator of the African American Museum of History and Culture in Gastonia, NC sat down with Phillip Brach, VP of College Relations at BAC to discuss the how the college and the county are partnering to provide education around African American culture from our local area. 

In episode 9 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Gwyndolan Swain sits down with VP of College Relations Phillip Brach to talk about how the global pandemic has impacted hospitals and healthcare workers, from the point of view of an administrator. 

There are many issues today that involve science. Are you curious about who to trust and what to trust? Listen as Dr. Matthew Siebert, Chair of the BAC Philosophy Department, discusses the role of trust in science.

In episode 7 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Mark Hanssen and Professor Michael Watson delve deeper into how Catholic economics can inform our perspective on the issues of today. 

In episode 6 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Hannah Kling sits down with Julia Long to explain how Catholic Economics can help us navigate modern challenges such as the pandemic, inflation, and more. 

In episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Professor Elisa Torres-Neff and her brother, Father Jonathan Torres share how Dante's Divine Comedy can inform friendships in the modern age. 

Conversatio host Julia Long sits with with Judge Richard Boner to discuss the role of body language in the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard court case. Judge Boner also shares his perceptions of the case. 

Dr. Clark Summers and Professor Michael Watson discuss what constitutes "just" war in the 21st century and apply this framework to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In episode 2 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Troy Feay and Dr. Daniel Hutchinson help us understand how religious identity impacts the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

In episode 1 of the Conversatio podcast Dr. David Williams, Dr. Joseph Wysocki, and Dr. Mary Imparato discuss the history of abortion laws including Roe vs. Wade and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey, the leak of the potential overturn, and what America might look like after the decision is made.