Talking Catholic

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.

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 Vancouver

All 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.

“Now let me fight for God.”  With these words, St. Martin of Tours, officer in the Roman Emperor's cavalry, put down his sword to follow Christ.  Join us for this episode of Talking Saints, as Pete and Laurie explore the life of this soldier turned monk, then bishop, who's act of charity toward a beggar ultimately changed the course of his life.   

This week on Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh sits down with Joanna McGill-Gardner, Esq., an immigration attorney and former Catholic Charities of South Jersey colleague. Joanna shares how her early experiences in service and journalism led her to a vocation in immigration legal work, where she now accompanies individuals and families navigating some of the most complex and emotional legal challenges in our communities.

Together, Mike and Joanna explore the deep Catholic roots of immigration in the United States — including how many of today’s Catholic families once faced the same hardships, prejudices, and uncertainties as the migrants arriving today. Joanna reflects on the stories of her own ancestors, the history of Catholic immigration policy, and why understanding the truth behind today’s immigration system is essential for building compassion and solidarity.

Joanna also previews her Friday, November 14th talk - at Sant Charles Borromeo Parish in Sicklerville, NJ, from 6-7 PM - where she helps break open common misunderstandings and invites Catholics to see the issue through the lens of faith, dignity, and shared heritage. It’s a thoughtful and timely conversation for anyone seeking clarity and a compassionate Catholic perspective on immigration today. For more details, check out: