Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12722 Whats the Best Argument for Catholicism? Sacraments and Mary - William Albrecht May 19, 2026

Show notes

“What’s the best argument for Catholicism?” This episode addresses the top argument to convince an unbeliever, while also tackling questions about submitting to the Church amid concerns of sin, the differences between original sin and ancestral sin, and the significance of Marian prayers.

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Questions Covered:

01:55 – What’s the top argument to convince an unbeliever?
10:40 – Am I supposed to submit to the Church even though it might be sinning?
18:20 – How is the Catholic doctrine of original sin better than the Eastern doctrine of ancestral sin?
29:10 – In the earliest known Marian prayer its written, “…do not despise our petitions in time of trouble, but rescue us from danger. Only pure one, only blessed one.“ As a former Protestant, the “rescue us“ Part troubles me a bit to pray.
32:54 – How can I explain to a non-Catholic the difference between a blessed item and a “good luck” charm?
40:03 – What is the explanation for the Celibate priesthood?
46:42 – My friend is not Catholic because other denominations have sacraments and clergy, how do I as a Catholic respond to that argument?
52:03 – Can you clarify the teaching of paragraph 1377 in the Catechism which states that…” Consecration endures as long as the Eucharistic species exists…?

#12721 Where Do We See Marian Doctrines in Scripture and More? - Ben Bollinger May 18, 2026

Show notes

“Where do we see the Marian doctrines in Scripture?” This question opens a discussion on the biblical foundations of Marian beliefs, alongside inquiries about why Catholics refer to Mary as “holy” and “our life, our sweetness, and our hope,” and the differences in veneration of Mary among various Christian traditions. The episode also addresses the Catholic and Orthodox views on the Immaculate Conception and the significance of Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

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Questions Covered:

02:00 – Where do we see the Marian Doctrines in scripture?
23:43 – Why do Catholics call Mary “holy” and “our life, our sweetness, and our hope” in the Salve Regina?
28:59 – Is there a difference in veneration of Mary in EO, Assyrian Church Of The East, OO and Catholicism?
32:49 – How does the Catholic view of the Immaculate Conception differ from the Orthodox view (as it relates to Original Sin)? And what is the evidence for the Catholic view?
45:45 – How can we be sure Mary is the Queen of Heaven?
50:40 – Why are there so many apparitions of Mary but not of Jesus?

#12720 What are Near Death Experiences? NDEs, Purgatory, and Souls - Jimmy Akin May 16, 2026

Show notes

“What are Near Death Experiences?” This question opens a discussion on near-death experiences and the nature of the soul. The conversation also addresses critiques of NDE content, the concept of purification in the afterlife as described by Father Nathan Castle, and intriguing thoughts on the relationship between soul and brain in hypothetical scenarios.

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Questions Covered:

00:55 – What do you say to critics of your content on NDEs, who say that it understates the skeptical research in the academic NDE literature?
18:50 – What do you think of the way purification seems to occur in Father Nathan Castle’s afterlife accounts? It would seem that rather than experiencing a “painful” and “fiery” purification as often depicted in pious stories and prayers about purgatory over the centuries, the souls essentially just learn new things and gradually correct their misunderstandings and errors, including needing to come to grips with their past sins and their effects on others. The idea that angels, saints and deceased relatives all get involved at different points along the journey of purification of souls and to help them move to a new level really appeals to me.
36:17 – If two individuals had their brains swapped, would their soul remain in their original bodies? Or if it stayed, how would the mismatched soul/brain experience consciousness?
46:01 – My wife is utterly convinced that all lizards including and especially the dinosaurs used to be dragons and wings were the limbs mentioned in Genesis when God punished the serpent. Note that most modern-day lizards although they do have legs still scurry around on their bellies because of their wide stance.

#12719 Can Humans Possess One Another? Purgatory and Ghosts - Jimmy Akin May 15, 2026

Show notes

“Can humans possess one another?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of influence and control, including the implications of brainwashing techniques. Additionally, the episode addresses what happens to souls in purgatory at the end of the world and whether it’s morally acceptable to seek the identity of a ghost that may be trying to communicate. Other intriguing topics include the concept of fallen guardian angels and their replacements.

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Questions Covered:

03:40 – can human beings possess one another? For example: would brainwashing techniques done by the CIA and other government agencies with the use of LSD and other mind-altering drugs count as possession? My understanding is that the subject’s personality is changed, and they become very influenceable. Is this a form of possession by humans?
20:07 – My 9-year-old son loves listening to your show. He is wondering if you could shed any light on what might happen to the souls in purgatory when the end of the world comes. Do they get forcibly zapped through the rest of their purification process?
33:21 – If you have good reason to believe a ghost in purgatory is trying to get your attention, is it morally okay to ask them to reveal their identity? Context: a few years ago I was home alone with my newborn daughter on All Souls Day and heard repeated loud rattling sounds coming from the kitchen. The baby began screaming. I calmly walked out and said, “Whoever is bothering my baby, go away.” The rattling stopped and I have never heard it since. I have had Mass said for the soul, and also for one person I suspect it might have been, but I am not sure. Is it forbidden to ask for such knowledge or should I be content to wait?
44:37 – Are there fallen guardian angels, if so do we get a replacement if our intended guardian angel fell?

#12718 More Protestant Objections to John 6—Answered - Karlo Broussard May 15, 2026

Show notes

Does John 6 really teach the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, or are Catholics reading too much into the passage? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists continue responding to major Protestant objections to the Catholic interpretation of Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse. The discussion examines whether Jesus’ failure to clarify misunderstandings proves literal intent, how Catholics answer the Old Testament prohibition against drinking blood, and whether John 6 is truly connected to the Eucharist despite John not including the Last Supper narrative. Additional questions address figurative language about never hungering or thirsting, what Jesus meant by promising eternal life, and where the Gospel of John fits among the four Gospels. A detailed biblical defense of the Eucharist and the Catholic understanding of John 6.

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Questions Covered:

10:01 – Catholics argue that since Jesus didn’t clarify the literal thoughts of his listeners then he must have intended his words to be taken literally. But Jesus’ lack of clarification for misunderstandings is nothing new under the sun. He did it in John 2:15-17 concerning his teaching about destroying the temple of his body.
16:37 – Jesus can’t intend us to literally drink his blood because the Bible prohibits the partaking of blood in Leviticus 17:10-12.”
21:22 – Catholics appeal to John 6 to prove Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. But John 6 has nothing to do with the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
30:15 – Where does John Fall among the gospels since John does not contain the last supper?
35:04 – If Catholics take Jesus’ words to eat his flesh literally, then would also have to take his words literally in verse 35 when he speaks of never hungering when we come to him and never thirsting when we believe in him.
45:57 – If Jesus meant his words literally—and intended us to engage in a physical act to eat his flesh, then we’d have to take him literally when he says that we will never die.

#12717 Every Protestant Objection to John 6—Answered - Karlo Broussard May 14, 2026

Show notes

Do Catholics interpret John 6 consistently, or are Jesus’ words about eating His flesh just symbolic like calling Himself the “gate” or the “vine”? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists respond to some of the strongest Protestant objections to the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist. The discussion examines whether John 6 should be interpreted metaphorically, how the surrounding context affects Jesus’ teaching, and what Christ meant when He said “the flesh is of no avail.” The episode also explores why many disciples walked away from Jesus in John 6 and whether their reaction supports or undermines the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence. A deep and biblical defense of the Eucharist rooted in Scripture, theology, and the words of Christ Himself.

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Questions Covered:

06:23 – Catholics aren’t consistent in their interpretation of John 6. They interpret Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood literally in John 6, but they don’t do that when it comes to his words about being the “gate” in John 10:9 or the “vine” in John 15.
15:52 – Catholics ignore the preceding context in verse 35 where 3. Jesus uses the metaphors of eating and drinking for coming to and believing in him. If Jesus used those images as metaphors there, then he must have used them as metaphors when he speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
30:05 – Catholics ignore verse 27 where Jesus moves away from a physical mentality and takes things in a spiritual direction. Here’s what he says, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” This distinction between spiritual and physical food serves as the basis for interpreting Jesus’s words about eating his flesh figuratively rather than literally.
35:50 – Catholics argue that Jesus never clarified his audience’s literal thoughts. But that’s not true. He does it in John 6:63, where he says, “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
50:20 – Catholics argue that because Jesus let his disciples leave based on their literal interpretation of his command to eat his flesh and drink his blood that meant Jesus meant the words literally. But the disciples didn’t leave because of Jesus’ teaching. Rather, they left because of Jesus’ teaching in verse 65 that no one comes to him unless the Father draw him.

#12716 Can We Know God Is Personal Without Revelation? AMA: Dropped Calls - Joe Heschmeyer May 14, 2026

Show notes

Can human reason alone lead us to the conclusion that God is personal, even without divine revelation? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists tackle deep philosophical and theological questions about God, authority, and the Church. The discussion explores whether Eastern Orthodoxy has a singular teaching authority comparable to the papacy, why Catholics often receive only the host and not the chalice at Communion, and whether extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are sometimes overused. Additional topics include whether Adam was a single historical person or a group, how to evangelize someone immersed in New Age spirituality, and whether the early Church taught any doctrines no longer held today. A thoughtful conversation on Catholic theology, Church practice, and apologetics.

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Questions Covered:

12:36 – Is there a way to arrive at the conclusion of the personhood of God without resorting to revelation?
21:46 – Does Eastern Orthodoxy have a singular authority like we do?
29:07 – How come everyone takes the host for communion but not everyone gets the chalice?
32:07 – Are extraordinary ministers of holy communion only to be used in emergency situations? My priest doesn’t always give communion at mass. He lets the EMs do it. Is that an abuse?
39:35 – Was Adam one man or a group of men?
43:00 – How do you start a conversation with someone who’s kind of a “new age junkie?” Like they’re always looking for a spiritual high or buying the next big self-help book, but can’t be bothered to open the Gospels?
48:54 – Is there something that the early church believed in terms of doctrine that isn’t taught today?

#12715 Why Is the Resurrection So Important? AMA: Dropped Calls - Joe Heschmeyer May 13, 2026

Show notes

Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees fiercely disagree about the resurrection, and why is the resurrection so central to Catholic belief? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists explain the theological importance of bodily resurrection before tackling questions about the Protestant and Jewish biblical canons, including why Maccabees is missing despite its connection to Hanukkah. The discussion also explores common misunderstandings about Catholic teaching on salvation, including accusations of “works-based salvation,” how justification can grow even while Christians still commit venial sins, and the connection between the Bread of Life discourse and Christ’s Passion. The episode concludes with pastoral advice for someone in OCIA facing family conflict about becoming Catholic and attending Mass.

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Questions Covered:

04:22 – Why was there a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees on resurrection, and why is it so central to Catholic teaching?
11:14 – Is the protestant bible based off of the Jewish translation of the bible? Why doesn’t the Jewish bible have Maccabees, since those books contain the origin of Hanukkah?
20:10 – How would we respond to someone who pushes back when we say don’t believe in a works-based salvation? They say that we would claim someone loses their salvation if they miss Mass.
30:20 – How do we reconcile a justification that progresses and still commit venial sin?
37:01 – How close in time was the bread of life discourse to the Passion of Christ?
51:30 – I’m in OCIA and my husband doesn’t agree with my decision. If I were to become Catholic and I can’t make it to mass because of issues at home, will I be in mortal sin?

#12714 How Is the Eucharist Not Cannibalism? Holy Spirit and Sin - Karlo Broussard May 13, 2026

Show notes

“How is the Eucharist not cannibalism?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of the Eucharist, addressing misconceptions while also touching on the movement of the Holy Spirit in communities, the need for an infallible interpreter of scripture, and the concept of mortal sin in Catholic teaching.

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Questions Covered:

04:24 – How is the Eucharist not cannibalism?
15:30 – I think the Pentecostal belief in the real movement of the Holy Spirit within the community was pretty convincing. What is the best response to this?
22:31 – How do I answer the following: The Catholic argument that we need an infallible interpreter for scripture would not work because then you would need an infallible interpreter of the infallible interpreter and so on.
37:08 – For Catholics almost anything can be a mortal sin but for Jesus there is one mortal sin.
43:00 – What was lacking in Jesus that made the Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah in the early church?
52:15 – How do we interpret the magisterium? How do we know when we are interpreting the magisterium correctly?

#12713 What’s Your Best Argument for Protestantism? - Karlo Broussard May 12, 2026

Show notes

“How do we know Mary is a perpetual virgin?” This question leads to a discussion on the implications of Luke 1:34 and the differing views between Catholics and Protestants. Other topics include whether Jesus fulfilled all Mosaic sacrificial offerings and the nature of baptism, specifically if it refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit rather than water.

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Questions Covered:

06:40 – In support of the belief that Mary was a Perpetual virgin, Catholics appeal to Luke 1:34 where Mary asks Gabriel how she’s going to conceive a child since she doesn’t “know man,” the implication being she hasn’t had sexual relations with Joseph. But some Protestants counter that Mary asked this because she wasn’t yet married to Joseph. How do we respond?
13:29 – Regarding Jesus’ sacrifice, did he fulfill all Mosaic sacrificial offerings? Or just specific offerings?
21:19 – Is baptism actually the baptism of the holy spirit, not that of water, and is the evidence speaking in tongues?
29:49 – Were Mary and Joseph actually married but just hadn’t consummated it?
41:35 – Mark 9:38-41 is the best argument for Protestantism.
51:15 – What is the connection between the coronation and the bodily assumption?

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