Talking Catholic

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nuñez and Mike Bress step into the Advent and Christmas spirit with a visit to St. Peter School in Merchantville, where they sit down with music and religion teacher - and choir director - Sarah Duvall Pearson.Ms. Pearson shares her journey to becoming a full-time educator at St. Peter, her deep love for teaching music (especially Catholic hymns and sacred songs) and how she helped transform the school choir into one of the most popular and sought-after clubs. She also recounts a truly unforgettable moment for her students: performing the national anthem at a Phillies game, complete with a surprise encounter with the Phillie Phanatic.Amid the joyful busyness of the Christmas season, Ms. Pearson welcomes the hosts into one final rehearsal before the school’s Christmas concert. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode to hear the beautiful voices of the St. Peter School choir as they sing Glory in the Silent Night (Guerline Silien, composition & lyrics, 2025), along with Born on Christmas Day and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, used with permission through One License, License #A-710129.Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

It’s a full triumvirate of Mikes on this week’s episode of Talking Catholic as hosts Michael Bress and Michael Walsh welcome Michael Chambers, President of Paul VI High School, in Haddonfield, NJ.Mr. Chambers – the longest current serving president of any Catholic high school in the Diocese of Camden – reflects on his more than 30 years at Paul VI as a student, parent, teacher, and administrator. He shares insights into the school’s mission, culture, and the heart of its community, summed up beautifully among the schools belief statements: “We believe that our Catholic identity is at the core of who we are as a community. Catholic spirituality, values and morals are central to developing students who exercise true freedom with responsibility.”Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and what makes Paul VI such a special place. To learn more about the school, go to: https://www.pvihs.org/ 

Catholic Star Herald fan-favorite columnist Deacon Dean Johnson steps into the co-host chair on this week’s episode of Talking Catholic!He’s joined by Deacons Barry Steele and Doug R. Stetser, newly ordained this fall, for a thoughtful and hope-filled conversation on Advent.“We prepare for Christmas… but what are we doing to prepare for eternity?” Deacon Barry reflects, as the trio dives into what it means to actively wait during this sacred season.They also share practical wisdom on slowing down, finding stillness, and reclaiming joy — including one simple challenge: “Try not to schedule things on a Sunday.”Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

This week on Talking Catholic, we welcome a long overdue guest: Robin Strough, Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Diocese of Camden. Robin joins us to share important updates from her department and to explain her mission — ensuring that every child entrusted to the Diocese is protected, supported, and surrounded by a safe environment. She also walks us through how the Diocese works to remain fully compliant with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.Some of the topics in this episode are difficult to hear but essential. Robin reminds us that “prevention is instrumental to a child’s future,” and that when we see concerning behavior, “Don’t be afraid. You could be saving a life.” Her insights are a powerful call to vigilance, compassion, and shared responsibility.To learn more about the Office of Child and Youth Protection — including upcoming trainings and events — visit https://camdendiocese.org/cyp/.One upcoming opportunity to note: a Safe Environments Coordinator Retreat on Thursday, December 4, from 9 AM–2 PM at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Atco.Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

As host Mike Walsh shuttled colleagues from Atlantic City to Philadelphia International Airport, he fired up the podcast gear and captured a conversation while criss-crossing New Jersey.Riding along in the passenger seats are:• Janelle Gergen, Chancellor and COO of the Diocese of Crookston• Montie Chavez, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Las Vegas• Paul Schratz, Editor of The B.C. Catholic in VancouverAll three serve on the Catholic Media Association board and had just wrapped up three full days of meetings in the Garden State, focusing on CMA initiatives and planning for the 2026 Catholic Media Conference, coming to Atlantic City June 16–19, 2026.Tune in for a lively, on-the-road conversation (complete with road noise and perfect driving) about the CMA, the upcoming CMC, and the work happening behind the scenes. And keep an eye on catholicmediaconference.org for updates and registration information!Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X