Talking Catholic

The ability to choose where your child is educated — commonly known as school choice — has long been a hot-button issue at the state level. But with a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a virtual Catholic school in Oklahoma and the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act in the U.S. Senate, the debate has a revived national focus.

In this week’s episode, cohosts Mike Walsh and Mike Bress (yes, we know — double the Mikes, double the confusion) sit down with the Diocese of Camden’s Dr. Bill Watson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Sarah Kerins, Assistant Superintendent, to unpack the complex and evolving world of school choice. Together, they explore how these national developments could impact Catholic schools in New Jersey, what the ECCA could mean for families, and what advocates can do to support educational freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how Catholic school funding works, what the legal landscape looks like, or how you can make a difference — this is the episode for you.

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we’re kicking things off with a delicious new installment of our Faith & Food series! Join hosts Kari and Mike — along with special guest Father Peter Gallagher — as they sit down with Johnna Averona, of the beloved Woodbury Station Café, nestled in a beautifully restored 140+ year-old train station in the heart of downtown Woodbury, NJ.

Johnna, from a lifelong South Jersey restauranteur family, shares how her deep faith and passion for hospitality have made the café a joyful and welcoming place for the community — just steps away from St. Patrick’s Church. With its New Orleans-inspired charm and standout breakfast and lunch menus, it’s a destination you’ll want to visit.

Plus, the crew sample three of the café’s signature dishes!

“In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory."  In this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie dive into the inspiring life of St. Bernardine of Siena—a Franciscan preacher and fearless evangelist known as the “Apostle of Italy.” Discover how his love for the Holy Name of Jesus, deep humility, and boundless energy helped revive the Catholic faith across 15th-century Italy.  

No, you’re not hearing a rerun — Fr. Josh Nevitt is back with us! But this time, he’s not here to talk about Pope Francis or Pope Leo XIII. Instead, we’re diving into his day job as Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden.

With an ordination to the transitional diaconate and two priesthood ordinations happening in South Jersey over the next two weekends, there’s no better time to talk vocations. Fr. Nevitt offers insightful and practical wisdom on how vocations are nurtured, the vital role the laity plays in supporting them, and what inspires someone to answer God’s call.

(Okay, fine — we also sneak in a little chat about the new pope, too.)