Antony Barone Kolenc
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    • The Harwood Mysteries
    • Short Stories
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    • Homeschooling Law
    • Constitutional Law
    • Military Policy
    • Evidence Casebook
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  • Speaking and School Visits
    • Speaker Request Form
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The Shepherd's Pie Radio Show and Podcast


The Shepherd's Pie is an uplifting, ecumenical show that airs weekly on radio and podcast channels. With engaging conversations and fun entertainment reviews, we offer positive insights and media resources for families and youth leaders, while we discuss issues that impact young people at home, in school, and in the world today. 
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​The show is hosted by Antony Barone Kolenc, an attorney, law professor, homeschool columnist, and author of the award-winning historical fiction series for youth, The Harwood Mysteries.
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Credits: All original music composed and performed by A.J. Kolenc. Original artwork by Amina Kolenc.

Official Podcast Channel
YouTube Channel
Guest Scheduling Form
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A Lenten Anthology for Teens (#57)​

Tony speaks with Leslea Wahl, co-founder of 
CatholicTeenBooks.Com,
​to discuss how teens can engage in the Lenten Season, and we review the short story anthology for Lent, 
Ashes: Visible and Invisible.
Episode Links:
Guest: Leslea Wahl
Reviewed Item: Ashes, by CatholicTeenBooks.Com
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Guest: 
​Leslea Wahl

Using Imagination to Teach History (#56)​

Tony speaks with Marianne Hering, author of over 50 children's books, to discuss how imagination and fiction can be used to help kids learn history, and we review The Tree Street Kids series by Amanda Cleary Eastep. 
Episode Links:
Guest: Marianne Hering
Reviewed Item: Tree Street Kids, by Amanda Eastep
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Guest: 
​Marianne Hering

Turning the Tide of Teen Atheism (#55)​

Tony speaks with Bryan Mercier, a popular speaker with teens across the nation, about stemming the rise of atheism in our youth today, and we review his website,   TheCatholicTruth.Org.
Episode Links:
Guest: Bryan Mercier
Reviewed Item: TheCatholicTruth.Org
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Guest: 
​Bryan Mercier

Teens Active in the Cause for Life (#54)​

Tony speaks with Hannah Blosser, the teen president of a national homeschool chapter of Students for Life, about helping teens be active in promoting a culture of life, and we review the pro-life movie, Unplanned.
Episode Links:
Guest: Hannah Blosser
Reviewed Item: Unplanned
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Guest: 
​Hannah Blosser

A Writing Community for Teens (#53)​

Tony speaks with Dominic de Souza, the founder of Legend Fiction, about the importance for teens to have a writing community for self-expression and mentorship, and we review his site, Legend Fiction.
Episode Links:
Guest: Dominic de Souza
Reviewed Item: Legend Fiction
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Guest: 
​Dominic de Souza

A Parent's Guide to Social Media (#52)​

Tony interviews Evan Barber, a publisher at Axis, about the various social media platform challenges for parents and teens today, and they review five of the Axis Guidebooks by Tyndale Kids.
Episode Links:
Guest: Evan Barber
Reviewed Item: Axis Parent Guidebooks
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Guest: 
​Evan Barber

Controversial Saints and Our Kids (#51)​

Tony interviews teacher and author Joseph Lewis about the best ways to speak with kids about controversial saints, and we review Joseph's YA novel, Miracle at the Mission.
Episode Links:
Guest: Joseph Lewis
Reviewed Item: Miracle at the Mission
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Guest: 
​Joseph Lewis

Christmas Activities for Our Kids (#50)​

Tony interviews author Mindy Baker about her picture book, Mouse's Christmas Gift, and about creative ways to bring Advent and Christmas to your family, and we review the children's book, Christmas Love Letters from God.
Episode Links:
Guest: Mindy Baker
Reviewed Item: Christmas Love Letters from God
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Guest: 
​Mindy Baker

Speak with Teens About Truth (#49)​

Tony interviews author Mary Woods about her novel, Markmaker, and on speaking to teens about the importance of knowing truth and identifying falsehood, and we review Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver.
Episode Links:
Guest: Mary Woods
Reviewed Item: The Giver, by Lois Lowry
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Guest: 
​Mary Jessica Woods

Speak with Teens About Evil (#48)​

Tony interviews  award-winning author Jill Willis about her YA novel, The Demons Among Us, and on speaking to teens about the existence of evil, and we review Sharon Rene's series, Defying Destiny.
Episode Links:
Guest: Jill Willis
Reviewed Item: Defying Destiny, by Sharon Rene
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Guest: 
Jill K. Willis

Talking with Kids About Church Scandal (#47)​

Tony interviews  award-winning Catholic author Ellen Gable about the best ways to speak with youth about church scandal, and we review Ellen's YA novel, Ella's Promise.
Episode Links:
Guest: Ellen Gable
Reviewed Item: Ella's Promise
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Guest: Ellen Gable

Using Animals to Teach Our Kids (#46)​

Tony interviews beloved Christian children's author Dandi Daley Mackall about using animals to help teach children valuable life lessons, and we review Dandi's Young Winnie series of horse-gentler books.
Episode Links:
Guest: Dandi Daley Mackall
Reviewed Item: Winnie, The Early Years
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Guest:
Dandi Daley Mackall

Evangelizing Our Older Children (#45)​

Tony interviews teacher and award-winning author Jim Sano about ways to evangelize our children when they go off to college and beyond, and we review Mary Jo Thayer's YA novel, Close to the Soul.
Episode Links:
Guest: Jim Sano
Reviewed Item: Close to the Soul, by Mary Jo Thayer
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Guest:
Jim Sano

Top Homeschooling Resources (#44)​

Tony interviews national homeschooling authority Cathy Duffy about the best homeschooling curricula and other resources available to families, and we review Cathy's latest release, 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.
Episode Links:
Guest: Cathy Duffy
Reviewed Item: 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.
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Guest:
Cathy Duffy

Ignatian Spirituality for Kids (#43)​

Tony interviews professional writer Claudia Cangilla McAdam about how kids and their imaginations can benefit through Ignatian Spirituality exercises, and we review The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare.
Episode Links:
Guest: Claudia Cangilla McAdam
Reviewed Item: The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare.
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Guest:
Claudia McAdam

The Character Club (#42)​

Tony interviews teacher and author Allie Slocum about building character in kids through her experience and her children's series, The Character Club, and we review Resistance, by Jennifer Nielsen.
Episode Links:
Guest: Allie Slocum
Reviewed Item: Resistance, by Jennifer Nielsen.
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Guest:
Allie Slocum

Media, Psychology, & Our Kids (#41)​

Tony interviews child psychologist and dystopian author Jacqueline Brown about the psychological impact of media on our youth, and we review The Green Ember series, by S.D. Smith.
Episode Links:
Guest: Jacqueline Brown
Reviewed Item: The Green Ember Series, by S.D. Smith.
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Guest:
Jacqueline
​Brown

SEASON 2​


Youth & Vocations (#40)​

Tony interviews Benedictine oblate and Catholic author Julie Ash about the importance of presenting religious vocations to youth at a young age, and Jen and Kate Waldyke from Catholic Mom and Daughter review Miraculous!, by Kathryn Swegart.
Episode Links:
Guest: Julie Ash
Guest Reviewers: Jen and Kate Waldyke
Reviewed book: Miraculous!, by Kathryn Swegart.
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Guest:
Julie Ash

Kindness, Empathy, & Youth (#39)​

Tony interviews author and acquisitions editor Hope Bolinger about the importance of encouraging kindness and empathy in our youth, and Hope reviews one of her favorite middle grade novels, Legend of the Storm Sneezer, by Kristiana Sfirlea.
Episode Links:
Guest: Hope Bolinger
Reviewed book: Legend of the Storm Sneezer, by Kristiana Sfirlea
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Guest:
Hope Bolinger

A Christian Book Fair for Kids (#38)​

Tony interviews entrepreneur Tiffany Fischer about her non-profit organization and the value of having books with Christian values sold to students at Christian schools, and Tiffany discusses some of her favorite books that she sells at her book fairs.
Episode Links:
Guest: Tiffany Fischer
Tiffany's website: Christian Book Fair
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Guest:
Tiffany Fischer

Considering Home Education (#37)​

Tony interviews homeschooling mother and librarian Georgiana Daniels about the challenges and opportunities when considering home education as an option for your family, and he reviews Practical Homeschooling Magazine.
mEpisode Links:
Guest: Georgiana Daniels
Reviewed magazine: Practical Homeschooling
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Guest:
Georgiana Daniels

Youth and the Arts (#36)​

Tony interviews actor and screenwriter Joseph Mauck about the importance of youth participation in the Arts, and the risks involved, and Steven McEvoy reviews Corinna Turner's YA anthology, A Saint in the Family.
Episode Links:
Guest: Joseph Mauck
Guest Reviewer: Steven McEvoy
Reviewed book: A Saint in the Family, by Corinna Turner
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Guest:
Joseph Mauck

Reading with Your Kids (#35)​

Tony interviews worldwide performer and award-winning podcaster Jed Doherty about the importance for families to read with their kids of all ages, and Jed discusses some of his favorite books for families to read together.
Episode Links:
Guest: Jed Doherty
Jed's Podcast: Reading with Your Kids
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Guest:
Jed Doherty

Reaching Out to the Marginalized (#34)​

Tony interviews author and podcaster Anne DeSantis about her ministry and her recent book regarding the importance of youth reaching out to the marginalized in their lives, and Jen and Kate Waldyke review the hit religious TV series, The Chosen.
Episode Links:
Guest: Anne DeSantis
Guest Reviewers: Jen and Kate Waldyke
Reviewed TV Series: The Chosen
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Guest:
Anne DeSantis

God's Purpose for Our Kids (#33)​

Tony interviews middle-school teacher and author M.H. Elrich about her fantasy series and about how we can help our kids find God's purpose for their lives, and Carrie Schmidt reviews Tara K. Ross's novel, Fade to White.
Episode Links:
Guest: M.H. Elrich
Guest Reviewer: Carrie Schmidt
Reviewed book: Fade to White, by Tara K. Ross
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Guest:
M.H. Elrich

Marian Apparitions and Youth (#32)​

Tony interviews author Theoni Bell about her middle-grade novel, The Woman in the Trees, and the story of Our Lady of Good Help, and he reviews the 2020 movie, Fatima.
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Episode Links:
Guest: Theoni Bell
Reviewed movie: Fatima
Guest:
Theoni Bell

Speaking with Teens About Privilege (#31)​

Tony interviews award-winning Christian author Matt Mikalatos about his Sunlit Lands YA series and about how to speak with teens regarding the issue of privilege, and Steven McEvoy reviews Susan Peek's novel, Saint Cloud of Gaul.
Episode Links:
Guest: Matt Mikalatos
Guest Reviewer: Steven McEvoy
Reviewed book: Saint Cloud of Gaul, by Susan Peek
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Guest:
Matt Mikalatos

Speaking with Kids About Race (#30)​

Tony interviews attorney Keisha Russell about racial identity and how to speak with kids about race, and he reviews the race-relations movie, The Best of Enemies.
Episode Links:
Guest: Keisha Russell
Reviewed movie: The Best of Enemies
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Guest:
Keisha Russell

Christian Fiction Resources for Teens (#29)​

Tony interviews award-winning author Leslea Wahl about the website that she co-founded--CatholicTeenBooks.com--as well as the importance of Christian fiction for youth, and Leslea discusses some of her own YA writings.
Episode Links:
Guest: Leslea Wahl
Reviewed books: YA works by Leslea Wahl
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Guest:
Leslea Wahl

Identity, Community, & Teens (#28)​

Tony interviews author Sandra Fernandez-Rhoads about her Colliding Lines novels, which explore the role of teen identity and using gifts to strengthen the community, and guest reviewer Carrie Schmidt discusses the YA novel, My Hands Came Away Red, by Lisa McKay.
Episode Links:
Guest: Sandra Fernandez-Rhoads
Guest Reviewer: Carrie Schmidt
Reviewed book: My Hands Came Away Red, by Lisa McKay
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Guest: Sandra
​Fernandez-Rhoads

The Impact of Technology on Youth (#27)​

Tony interviews systems architect and author Thomas Nastek about how technology's promise and pitfalls impact our youth, and he reviews Jacqueline Brown's new adult novel, The Light.
Episode Links:
Guest: Thomas Nastek
Reviewed book: The Light, by Jacqueline Brown
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Guest: 
Thomas Nastek

Parenting Advice from a Counselor (#26)​

Tony speaks with Dana Nygaard,  a licensed professional counselor and author, about building strong marriages and raising healthy kids, and he reviews Carmela Martino's middle-grade novel, Rosa Sola.
Episode Links:
Guest: Dana Nygaard
Reviewed book: Rosa, Sola, by Carmela Martino
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Guest: 
Dana Nygaard

Youth & Imagination (#25)​

Tony speaks with author Corinna Turner about her various fiction series and how to reach youth through imaginative, faith-based stories, and guest reviewer Steven McEvoy discusses Karina Fabian's series of stories, The Rescue Sisters.
Episode Links:
Guest: Corinna Turner
Guest Reviewer: Steven McEvoy
Reviewed stories: The Rescue Sisters, by Karina Fabian
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Guest: 
Corinna Turner

Teaching Science to Kids (#24)​

Tony interviews Brock Eastman, the creator of the Dr. Fizzlebop character, about fun and faith-based ways to teach science to kids, and he reviews the award-winning Christian audio-drama series, Adventures in Odyssey.
Episode Links:
Guest: Brock Eastman
Reviewed audio-drama: Adventures in Odyssey
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Guest: 
Brock Eastman

Signs, Symbols, & Kids (#23)​

Tony interviews catechist and award-winning author Amy Welborn about how parents and teachers can use religious signs and symbols to connect kids with the faith, and he reviews the middle-grade novel Saving Mount Rushmore, by Andrea Jo Rodgers.
Episode Links:
Guest: Amy Welborn
Reviewed book: Saving Mount Rushmore, by Andrea Jo Rodgers
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Guest: 
Amy Welborn

Youth & Self-Worth (#22)​

Tony speaks with  homeschooling mom and author Candice Pedraza Yamnitz about self-worth in youth as seen through her Christian novel, Unbetrothed, and guest reviewer, Carrie Schmidt, discusses the middle-grade book The League and the Lantern, by Brian Wells.
Episode Links:
Guest: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
Reviewed book: The League and the Lantern, by Brian Wells 
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Guest: ​Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

Life Coaching & Teens (#21)​

Tony speaks with professional life coach and award-winning author Lisa Mladinich about the benefits of life coaching for teens today, and he reviews the movie American Underdog, the life story of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.
Episode Links:
Guest: Lisa Mladinich
Reviewed movie: American Underdog 
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Guest: ​
​Lisa Mladinich

Teens & the Role of Women (#20)​

Tony speaks with Christian author Jess Corban about her fiction novel, A Gentle Tyranny, and about how teens should view the role of men and women in society today, and he reviews the movie Redeeming Love.
Episode Links:
Guest: Jess Corban (a.k.a. Jessie Minassian) 
Reviewed movie: Redeeming Love
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Guest: ​
​Jess Corban

Dealing with Teacher Burnout (#19)​

Tony speaks with teacher and author Amy Cattapan about faithful ways that teachers and parents can handle burnout, and he reviews the many authors and books on the Christian website CatholicTeenBooks.Com.
Episode Links:
Guest: Amy Cattapan  
Reviewed website: CatholicTeenBooks.com
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Guest: ​
​Amy Cattapan

Youth & the Colors of Life (#18)​

Tony speaks with Maurice Prater about using colors, numbers, and letters to educate young children about the faith, and Jen and Kate Waldyke (Catholic Mom and Daughter) review the pro-life novel for teens, For Eden's Sake, by T.M. Gaouette.
Episode Links:
Guest: Maurice Prater 
Guest Reviewers: Jen & Kate Waldyke
Reviewed book: For Eden's Sake, by T.M. Gaouette
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Guest: ​
​Maurice Prater

Role-Play Games & Youth (#17)​

Tony speaks with award-winning author and game-maker James Hannibal about using epic fantasy role-playing games to reach kids with the faith, and he reviews the Scripture memorization card game for kids: First Watch.
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Episode Links:
Guest: James Hannibal
Reviewed game: First Watch
Guest: ​
​James Hannibal

Teaching Kids About Money (#16)​

Tony speaks with financial planner Dan Gallagher about innovative ways to teach kids about handling money, and he surveys three books about youth business, including Dave Ramsey's kit for teen entrepreneurs.
Episode Links:
Guest: Dan Gallagher
Reviewed book: Dave Ramsey Teen Entrepreneur Kit
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Guest: ​
​Dan Gallagher

Outreach to College Students (#15)​

Tony speaks with youth minister Bill Snyder about his outreach to college students, Patchwork Heart Ministry, and he reviews the hit Biblical series on the life of Jesus, The Chosen.
Episode Links:
Guest: Bill Snyder
Reviewed movie: "Christmas with the Chosen"
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Guest: ​
​Bill Snyder

Tragedy, Grief, & Family (#14)​

Tony speaks with teacher and author Kim Erickson about how families can deal with tragedy, as she discusses the grieving process after the loss of her own child, and he reviews Michelle Buckman's award-winning novel about loss, Rachel's Contrition.
Episode Links:
Guest: Kim Erickson
Reviewed book: "Rachel's Contrition," by Michelle Buckman
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Guest: ​
​Kim Erickson

Winter & Advent and Youth (#13)​

Tony speaks with author eMarie about her winter book that teaches kids that God has a purpose for their lives, and guest reviewers Catholic Mom & Daughter review two kids books that are perfect for Advent.​
Episode Links:
Guest: eMarie
Guest Reviewers: Jen & Kate Waldyke
Reviewed books: "Christina's Carol," by Tomie de Paola;
​"The Night the Saints Saved Christmas," by Gracie Jagla
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Guest: ​
​eMarie

Canadian Saints for Kids (#12)​

Tony speaks with author and blogger Bonnie Way about creative ways to bring the stories of the North American Martyrs to kids, and he reviews the children's picture book, Mouse's Christmas Gift, by Mindy Baker.
Episode Links:
Guest: Bonnie Way
Reviewed book: "Mouse's Christmas Gift," by Mindy Baker
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Guest: ​
​Bonnie Way

Teaching Kids to Write Fiction (#11)​

Tony speaks with author and writing teacher M.L. Tarpley about how teaching kids to write fiction can help them both academically and emotionally, and he reviews the middle-grade novel, Crusader King, by Susan Peek.
Episode Links:
Guest: M.L. Tarpley
Reviewed book: "Crusader King," by Susan Peek
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Guest: ​
​M.L. Tarpley

Teens & Common Ground (#10)​

Tony speaks with author Amanda Lauer about how teens can find common ground in conflict with those who are different from them, and he reviews the award-winning teen novel, The Perfect Blindside, by Leslea Wahl.
Episode Links:
Guest: Amanda Lauer
Reviewed book: "The Perfect Blindside," by Leslea Wahl
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Guest: ​Amanda Lauer

Faith, Anxiety & Youth (#9)​

Tony speaks with author Amanda Cleary Eastep about how anxiety in young people can be addressed through faith and fiction, and his guest reviewer Carrie Schmidt reviews the anxiety-focused teen novel, Escape from the Everglades, by Tim Shoemaker.
Episode Links:
Guest: Amanda Cleary Eastep
Guest reviewer: Carrie Schmidt
Reviewed book: "Escape from the Everglades"
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Guest: ​Amanda
​Cleary Eastep

Teens & Pro-Life Issues (#8)​

Tony speaks with attorney Clarke Forsythe from Americans United for Life, a pro-life advocacy group, about the importance of the abortion issue to teens, and he reviews the pro-life movie, October Baby.
Episode Links:
Guest: Clarke Forsythe
Reviewed movie: "October Baby"
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Guest: ​Clarke Forsythe

Of Arks & Beads (and Teens) (#7)

Tony speaks with author and homeschooler Janeen Zaio about ways to translate history and theology to our youth through outdoor games and fiction, and he reviews the teen novel, A Single Bead, by Stephanie Engelman.
Episode Links:
Guest: Janeen Zaio
Reviewed book: "A Single Bead," by Stephanie Engelman
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Guest: ​Janeen Zaio

Faith and Public High School (#6)

Tony speaks with Mike Berry from the First Liberty Institute about legal issues involving teen expression of faith in public school, and he reviews God's Not Dead 2, a movie about a Christian high school teacher put on trial for discussing Jesus in the classroom.
Episode Link:
Guest: Mike Berry, First Liberty Institute 
Reviewed movie: "God's Not Dead 2"
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Guest: ​Mike Berry

Cultural Heritage and Youth (#5)

Tony speaks with award-winning author and teacher Carmela Martino about the importance of culture and heritage to our youth, and he reviews the Lin Manuel Miranda cultural hit movie-musical, In the Heights.
Episode Link:
Guest: Carmela Martino
Reviewed movie: "In the Heights" (Lin Manuel Miranda)
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Guest: ​Carmela Martino

Christian Fiction for Youth (#4)

Tony speaks with Carrie Schmidt, founder of the book-reviewing blog, ReadingIsMySuperpower.Org, about great Christian fiction novels for youth of all ages, and he reviews the C.S. Lewis novel and movie, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Episode Link:
Guest: Carrie Schmidt
Reviewed book and movie: "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (C.S. Lewis)
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Guest: Carrie Schmidt

St. Joseph and Our Youth (#3)

Tony speaks with Dennis McGeehan, a blogger and long-time catechist, about using the story of St. Joseph and the Holy Family to reach youth, and he speaks with guest reviewer, Steven McEvoy, about two novels about St. Joseph written by British author, Corinna Turner.
Episode Links:
Guests: Dennis McGeehan, Steven McEvoy
Reviewed books: "Old Men Don't Walk to Egypt," "Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep?"​ (Corinna Turner)
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Guests:
​Dennis McGeehan and Steven McEvoy

Youth and Drama ​(The Good Kind) (#2)

Tony speaks with Catherine Castle, an award-winning Christian author and playwright, about using theater and drama to better reach youth, and he reviews three Broadway plays on the circuit: Frozen, Hamilton, and Wicked.
Episode Link:
Guest: Catherine Castle
Reviewed Broadway plays: ​"Frozen," "Hamilton," "Wicked"
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Guest: Catherine Castle

Putting Youth  Back into Ministry (#1)

Tony speaks with mother-daughter "YouTubers," Jennifer and Kate Waldyke, about bringing youth deeper into the faith by making them part of a ministry, and he reviews the middle-school book, 7 Riddles to Nowhere, by A.J. Cattapan.
Episode Links:
Guests: "Catholic Mom and Daughter" YouTube Channel
Reviewed book: "7 Riddles to Nowhere" (A.J. Cattapan)
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Guests: Jennifer and Kate Waldyke

SEASON 1​


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