Cale Clarke talks about the pop sensation that's shaking the charts—Taylor Swift! With the drop of her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," alongside a companion anthology album, Swift continues to captivate hearts globally, not just through her music but through the experiences she creates at her concerts and now, even in cinemas! 🌍🎤 Catch the whole episode here! But the big question Cale wrestles with is: Can the storytelling charm of Taylor Swift's music find harmony with Catholicism? 🤔💭 The discussion illuminates a fascinating angle on this, thanks to insights from Susanna Spencer. Spencer, navigating the pop culture seas as a mother of teenage daughters, explores the magnetic narrative quality of Swift's music, comparing it to the biblical stories that form the bedrock of Catholic teaching. Just as our faith narrates a divine love story, Swift weaves her personal tales into songs that resonate deeply with her fans. 📖 Yet, there's more than just catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Cale taps into a profound discussion on the nature of worship and celebrity culture. With Swift's concerts described almost as "religious experiences," there's a compelling dialogue about the thin line between admiration and idolatry. As Catholics, the reminder is stark: worship belongs to God alone, not to the stars we admire from afar. 🌟🛐 Cale's exploration doesn't stop at music; it spans the essence of communal experiences in sports and other forms of entertainment, highlighting how these can sometimes substitute for or mimic religious worship in a society increasingly drifting from traditional faith practices. This is a call to introspect on where we direct our adorations and how, as Catholics, we navigate the vibrant yet potentially distracting world of celebrity and entertainment. Taylor Swift's saga, thus, serves as a backdrop for a deeper exploration of faith, storytelling, and the human quest for connection and meaning. 🎶🙏

In an episode that sounds straight out of a fantasy novel, The Cale Clarke Show took a deep dive into a viral claim swirling around the internet. The buzz? That Disney, the giant behind Mickey Mouse, supposedly bought the rights to the Bible and began deleting verses willy-nilly. Sounds like a plot twist even Frozen didn't see coming, doesn't it? Here's the scoop: A TikTok user fired up the hype, claiming Disney made a whopping $7.2 billion deal to own the Bible, aiming to produce a Bible series. And then – plot twist – they supposedly axed Matthew 17:21 from the NIV and RSV translations. "This kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Vanished! Cale Clarke references independent scholar Dan McClellan to unravel this mystery. The verdict? Total fantasy. The Bible, a timeless classic, is in the public domain, free for all. The real owner? God himself. The copyrights? Those apply to translations, not the text itself. Diving deeper, it turns out this whole saga was sparked by a 2018 satirical article from the Babylon Bee, suggesting Disney planned to release 37 Bible sequels (because who wouldn't want to see "The Christ Awakens"?). Pure satire, folks. But what about that missing verse, Matthew 17:21? It's a matter of scholarly consensus, not Disney's editorial choices. Many translations omit it because, well, it likely wasn't in the original text. So, no, Disney isn't pulling a Thanos on Bible verses. In a twist fit for a Disney movie, the tale of Disney buying the Bible and editing it at will is entirely fictional. It's a reminder in our fast-paced, digital world, where rumors spread faster than the speed of light, to seek the truth.  Catch the whole episode here!

The Cale Clarke Show delves into an intriguing theological question: Has the 100-year period granted to Satan by God, as envisioned by Pope Leo XIII, come to an end? Cale explores the profound implications of this intriguing topic. The Startling Vision of Pope Leo XIII (1884): After Mass, Pope Leo XIII experiences a disturbing vision. He sees Satan boast to God about destroying the Church, to which God challenges Satan, granting him a century of increased power to attempt this. The Prayer of St. Michael: In response, Pope Leo XIII introduces the Prayer of St. Michael, intended to be recited at the end of every Mass, as a spiritual shield against this diabolic challenge. A Century of Turmoil: Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a renowned exorcist, observes that the subsequent 100 years, supposedly ending in 1984, were marked by challenges for both the Church and the world, including wars and persecutions. Satan’s Tactics Post-Century: In the article, Monsignor Rossetti suggests that post-1984, Satan’s presence is more overt. This is exemplified by attacks on Catholic churches, a rise in openly professed occult practices, and the public installation of demonic statues. The Unfading Power of Faith: Despite these alarming developments, Monsignor Rossetti emphasizes the ultimate triumph of faith. He shares experiences from exorcisms, illustrating the power of Christian symbols like the crucifix and holy water over demonic entities. The Ongoing Spiritual Warfare: Cale stresses the persistent spiritual battle, quoting Ephesians 6:12, and reinforces the need for vigilance and faith. The Unforgivable Sin – A Warning from Jesus: Cale mentions Mark 3:22-30, where Jesus warns against the eternal sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This sin, rooted in the absolute rejection of Christ’s message and divinity, is unforgivable because it precludes seeking forgiveness through Jesus. The Strong Man Parable: Reflecting on Jesus’ parable, Cale emphasizes His role as the one who can "bind the strong man" (Satan), showcasing Jesus’ superior spiritual authority. Vigilance and Faith: Cale wraps up by urging you to remain vigilant against Satan’s changing tactics and to maintain a strong faith. The message is clear: despite Satan's efforts, faith in God provides profound strength and protection.

Cale Clarke recently dived into the deep end of the Revelation pool, tackling the ever-intriguing "mark of the beast". First, Cale zoomed in on BlackRock's CEO, Larry Fink, and his take on government-issued digital currency, a.k.a. CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currencies). Fink's vision? A tokenized society where every transaction is as transparent as a freshly cleaned window. Sounds futuristic, right? But Cale raises an eyebrow: could this be less about building a better society and more about dismantling the essence of what makes us human? 🤔 Enter Jason DeBolt, a Tesla investor turned millionaire, who's not mincing words. He believes CBDCs are a highway to a dystopian nightmare, where governments could have unprecedented control over what we say, buy, or do. Think your bank account turning into a big, fat zero with a click of a button. Scary, huh? 😱 Cale takes you on a journey back to the Book of Revelation, where the infamous 666 comes into play. Here, he turns to Dr. Michael Barber’s book "Coming Soon" for insights. Apparently, the real beast in Revelation was Nero Caesar. The mark of the beast might actually have been about the coins bearing Nero’s face. Imagine, your very currency being a sign of allegiance to this ancient villain! 🪙 So, is the CBDC the modern mark of the beast? Cale urges caution in jumping to such conclusions. While new technologies like digital currencies might raise eyebrows and deserve scrutiny, they're not necessarily the pitchforks of the antichrist. At least, we pray.  Cale's take-home message: while we're navigating our brave new digital world, let's not forget our history, and let's not get too carried away with apocalyptic fears. What's your take? Are we headed for a digital dystopia, or is this just another chapter in humanity's never-ending story? 📖🌍🚀

In an episode of The Cale Clarke Show, a question from Gary prompted an in-depth discussion about reincarnation and its place in Catholic doctrine. Gary's inquiry centered on whether the concept of reincarnation was once a part of Catholic belief and subsequently removed during the Council of Nicaea. Cale Clarke, addressing the question, firmly stated that the Catholic Church has never taught reincarnation. He pointed out the misconception likely arose from misinformation about the Council of Nicaea. He delved into the concept of typology within the Christian context, emphasizing how events and figures in the Old Testament foreshadow and symbolize those in the New Testament, like Jesus Christ as the "new Adam." Cale elaborated that Jesus being referred to as the new Adam in the New Testament signifies fulfillment and rectification of what the first Adam failed to achieve. This typology, he explained, does not imply reincarnation but rather signifies thematic and symbolic continuity in salvation history. Addressing the second part of Gary's question, Cale dismissed the notion that the early Church endorsed reincarnation. He referenced various historical misunderstandings, including those propagated by actress Shirley MacLaine and other proponents of New Age beliefs. Cale clarified that these beliefs are based on misinterpretations and conflations of different historical events and councils, notably confusing the Council of Nicaea with the Second Council of Constantinople in 553 AD. Further, he refuted the idea of reincarnation through the writings of early Church Fathers like Origen, Tertullian, and others. These figures, he noted, were explicitly critical of reincarnation, underscoring the Church's consistent stance against it. He emphasized that their writings align with the core Christian belief in the resurrection of the body, a fundamental doctrine incompatible with reincarnation.

There's nothing better than watching your favorite Christmas movie as you cozy up by the fire and drink hot cocoa!  🤔 What's your favorite Christmas movie? Do you see any hidden religious themes in it? 🌟🎬🎉 Cale Clarke, with insights from authors Peter Dre and Matt Lillicrap, suggests that these festive films are more than just seasonal entertainment. They embody deep religious and moral themes. 🌟 The Magical Element: Not Just for Fun! These films are not merely about holiday cheer or magic; they serve as vehicles for profound transformation. From the heartwarming change in Buddy the Elf in "Elf" to the touching story of Scrooge's redemption in "A Christmas Carol", each film encapsulates a journey of personal growth and enlightenment. 🎁 Voyage and Return & Rebirth Themes: Cale Clarke highlights two prevalent themes in Christmas movies: the 'voyage and return' and 'rebirth'. The former, seen in movies like "It's a Wonderful Life", shows characters returning to their familiar world but with renewed perspectives. The latter, epitomized by Scrooge's story, depicts profound personal transformation. 🌠 Every Story Points Towards Jesus: Cale suggests that every Christmas story, in some way, points towards Jesus Christ. The inherent meaning in these narratives reflects the truth that God has imbued creation with purpose and meaning. 🎬 Cale reveals that Christmas movies, whether intentionally or not, often mirror profound Christian themes. These films, from their magical elements to their transformative narratives, serve not just as entertainment but as reflections of deeper spiritual truths, ultimately pointing us back to the essence of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. So whatever films you watch this Christmas season, don't forget to look for God's handprints in them!

If you've ever been asked to defend the Church's teaching on Mary being conceived without sin, you can go straight to Scripture for context. Here are some things to keep in mind. 📖 Understanding Marian Doctrine: Cale Clarke addresses a common misunderstanding in Catholic teaching. Many confuse the Immaculate Conception of Mary with the Virginal Conception of Jesus. However, these are distinct events, with the Annunciation celebrated on March 25th. 📚 Historical Definition: The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was defined by Blessed Pope Pius IX in his apostolic constitution "Ineffabilis Deus" on December 8, 1854. It states that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, by a special grace in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s merits. 🔎 Scriptural Foundations: Cale highlights the Biblical basis for this doctrine, particularly in Luke’s Gospel. The angel Gabriel’s unique greeting to Mary, "Hail, full of grace," is a significant indicator of her immaculate state. 🇬🇷 Greek Language Insights: The Greek term "Kecharitomene" used in Luke’s Gospel, translates to “one who has been made full of God’s grace.” This past perfect term implies a permanent state of grace, a detail often lost in some English translations. 🌍 Prayer and Scripture Connection: Cale illustrates how the Hail Mary prayer is rooted in Scripture, specifically in Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary during the Visitation, reinforcing its biblical origin. 📜 Genesis Connection: The episode also links Mary’s role to Genesis, where God’s promise of enmity between the woman (interpreted as Mary) and the serpent signifies her unique opposition to sin. 👑 Mary as the New Eve: Cale discusses how New Testament writings and Christian tradition depict Mary as the new Eve, playing a pivotal role in the story of redemption. 🙏 Marian Prayer Highlighted: The prayer "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you," is emphasized as a significant devotional invocation. ❓ Addressing Misconceptions: The show clarifies that Mary’s sinlessness does not equate her with divinity. She is venerated with extreme 'hyperdulia' due to her unique role in salvation history. 🌟Salvation Perspective: Mary refers to God as her Savior in the Magnificat, indicating a pre-emptive form of salvation, different from the typical redemption narrative. You can catch the whole episode here!

🤔 Separating fact from fiction about St. Nicholas, Cale Clarke delves deep! Legend has it, St. Nick might have knocked out Arius, a notorious heretic who claimed Jesus wasn't God. This controversial figure nearly split the Church, twisting Scripture to back his claims. Such heresy triggered the Council of Nicaea, where bishops, some maimed from persecution, fiercely defended their faith. 🔍 Diving into St. Nick's life, we find he became a bishop in Myra (now Turkey) at a young age. Famous for his generosity, he's believed to have saved three young women from a dire fate by providing dowries - though this tale's truth is uncertain. What's sure? He suffered imprisonment and torture for his faith under Emperor Diocletian but never wavered. 👴 After his death in 343 AD, St. Nick's remains became a source of miracles. Italian sailors, fearing his tomb's desecration in Myra, relocated his remains to Bari, Italy. Miraculously, his tomb exudes a sweet-smelling liquid, believed by some to have healing powers. 🧐 But here's a twist! St. Nick was no jolly, portly Santa. Modern research shows he was slender, around 5'4", with a broken nose - possibly from torture. His remains reveal a life marked by hardship and faith. 🐺 Fun fact: St. Nick is the patron saint of a surprising mix, including wolves and brewers, alongside the more expected ones like children and sailors.

When you put the star up on your Christmas tree, can you be sure that it signifies a real historical event? Was the Star of Bethlehem truly what led the Magi to the Baby Jesus? Cale dives into an article by the esteemed Professor Donald DeMarco, who ponders the relationship between ethics (the moral law within) and the starry skies (the universe without), ultimately pointing to the grandeur and mystery of God. Dr. DeMarco looks at the views of various astronomers across history. Friedrich Wieseler noted a bright star in 4 BC in Chinese records, while Johannes Kepler postulated a celestial event around 7-6 BC involving a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, which could have appeared as a bright star. Additionally, Konradin Ferrary d’Occhieppo  suggested a similar alignment in the constellation of Pisces, indicating the star's potential as a historical, astronomical event. Cale then shifts to the theological and scriptural interpretations, emphasizing that the star is not just a historical phenomenon but also a profound theological mystery, deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. This duality of history and mystery around the Star of Bethlehem is a testament to the depth and richness of the Christian faith, celebrating the joy and wonder of the Advent and Christmas seasons. So, is the Star of Bethlehem a slice of history or a segment of mystery? Cale concludes that it is indeed both, a real astronomical event richly woven into the fabric of faith, offering another reason to rejoice in the magic and marvel of Christmas! 🌌✨🎄

Have you wondered why the Church does not allow women to become deacons or priests? Do you have loved ones who are upset about this teaching? Be sure to check out this episode of The Cale Clarke Show and share with them! Cale brings up a reference from St. Paul's letter to the Romans, where Phoebe is mentioned as a deaconess. This has led many to believe that there were female deacons in the early Catholic Church. However, Cale points out that Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II have both stated that the Church cannot sacramentally ordain women. Pope John Paul II's 1994 letter emphasized that the Church does not have the authority to ordain women, a stance which Pope Francis has consistently supported. Cale also differentiates between the title "deaconess" and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. When St. Paul refers to Phoebe as a deaconess, he uses the Greek word "diakonos," which means servant. This term can sometimes refer to ordained deacons but also to general servants. Cale then cites Dr. Peter Kreeft, who co-wrote a book with Dr. Alice von Hildebrand titled "Women in the Priesthood." Kreeft humorously points out that only men can be fathers and only women can be mothers, highlighting distinct roles. Both Kreeft and C.S. Lewis have noted that in Jesus's time, other religions had female priests, but Jesus chose not to ordain women. Lewis even wrote an essay on this topic, challenging the argument that Jesus refrained from ordaining women due to societal constraints. Cale also highlights that labeling Jesus as sexist for not ordaining women goes against the belief in his sinless nature. Regarding deaconesses, Cale clarifies that their role in the early Church was not equivalent to the sacramentally ordained deacon. They primarily assisted in baptisms, ensuring propriety when people were baptized, often done naked. These women were more akin to early nuns, with many taking vows of virginity. Cale recommends works by Cardinal Gerhard Mueller and Fr. Martimort for those seeking a deeper understanding. Concluding his discussion, Cale refers to a 2002 Vatican document that reaffirms that deaconesses in church history were not equivalent to the sacramentally ordained deacon.

Do you feel as if the Mass takes too long? Do you see others who look bored or disengaged? In this podcast episode of The Cale Clarke Show, Cale discusses an op-ed by Cardinal Dolan of New York City regarding the declining attendance at Sunday Mass in the wake of the pandemic. A survey conducted in the Archdiocese of New York revealed that the top reasons people stopped attending Mass were: they couldn't understand the priest, their parish had been closed, and Mass was too long. Cardinal Dolan expressed surprise at the high interest in this issue and highlighted the exhaustion felt by attendees due to excessively long Masses. He pointed out various factors that seem to be contributing to the length, including extended music rehearsals, obligatory greetings, lengthy homilies, and extended prayers and rituals like the Gloria and the Lamb of God. Some attendees also felt that Mass lacked reverence and that some people were attending out of obligation rather than genuine desire. A caller to the show shared his thoughts, stating that Mass duration wasn't the main issue; rather, it was about the quality of the Mass experience and attendees' attitudes toward it. Could it be that people should prioritize the spiritual significance of the Mass over its duration? What do you think?  Check out the whole hour!

Do you or your kids like Taylor Swift? Do you find that her influence shapes their behavior? Does it concern you if so?  In this podcast episode of The Cale Clarke Show, Cale discusses the impact of Taylor Swift's appearance at the Chiefs/Bears game in Kansas City. Cale also mentions the spike in viewership, ticket sales, and Google searches related to the Chiefs game due to Taylor Swift's attendance. Cale raises the question of whether Taylor Swift's influence could affect the 2024 presidential election. He mentions how Taylor Swift's social media post on National Voter Registration Day resulted in a substantial increase in voter registrations, particularly among young people. While not explicitly endorsing any political party, Cale suggests that her influence might encourage a larger turnout of young voters, which could impact the election outcome. Cale also compares Taylor Swift's influence to past celebrity endorsements in politics, highlighting the potential significance of her reach and impact on young and impressionable fans. He mentions that we as Catholics need to be on guard against making any person, thing, or celebrity an idol in our life. Christ needs to be our Savior and number one influence. 

You might be surprised to hear from a Jewish rabbi who believes that Jesus is the Messiah. He's here to tell you about his powerful encounter with the Lord. Cale Clarke interviews Rabbi Jason Sobel, who is a bestselling author and a rabbi with a belief in Jesus as the true Messiah. Rabbi Sobel discusses his upbringing in a Jewish family in New Jersey, his spiritual journey that led him to discover Jesus as the Messiah, and the challenges he faced from his family due to his faith. He rose above the fear and chose to stand true to his convictions. He's not the only Jewish person to come to know Jesus as the Messiah! There are reports of more and more Jewish people encountering Jesus and quietly becoming believers, despite the cultural pressure against conversion.  Rabbi Sobel emphasizes the importance of seeing Jesus in his original Jewish context and reading the New Testament through Jewish eyes. He mentions the significance of the "signs" in the Gospel of John. These are miracles that point to Jesus as the promised Messiah, and they draw connections between Jesus and the "greater-than-Moses" figure from the Old Testament. You will be encouraged in this segment and inspired by the hope and miracles that Jesus wants to do for you. 

In a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, an extraordinary moment took place. Did you hear it?  Alicia, a caller from the Chicagoland area, reached out to Patrick Madrid for advice. She was on her way to obtain abortion pills and was filled with uncertainty and fear. Patrick encouraged Alicia to consider the consequences of her decision, explaining that choosing abortion meant someone had to die, and that by giving life to her child, she could experience the joy of watching her child grow, graduate, and live a fulfilling life. Alicia, touched by Patrick's words, decided not to go through with the abortion, describing her call as a sign from God. You may wonder how Patrick felt during that conversation. What was running through his mind? Was he nervous? Cale Clarke talked to Patrick about this conversation. He praised Patrick's ability to convey the truth clearly and charitably, noting that he doesn't shy away from speaking the plain truth. Patrick explained that he uses the Socratic method to engage with callers, asking questions to lead them to discover the truth for themselves. He emphasized that it's about pursuing truth and helping others see it without feeling pushed. Patrick and Cale also discussed how important it is to approach such conversations with love and compassion, mirroring Christ's example of speaking the truth without fear. Patrick shared that he relies on God's grace in these moments and seeks to be honest and compassionate. Patrick expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in Alicia's life and urged continued prayers for her and her unborn child, emphasizing that the journey is not over.

When you are in a stressful situation, have you turned to the St. Michael Prayer for help? Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, found peace, comfort and strength from this prayer during a challenging time in her life.  Cale Clarke tells you about Steele's recent settlement of a lawsuit with ESPN and her appearance on Megyn Kelly's show, where she discussed her experiences at ESPN and her Catholic faith. Sage Steele faced controversy and suspension at ESPN due to comments she made in 2021, particularly regarding the network's vaccine mandate.  She also shared a personal story about relying on prayer, specifically St. Michael the Archangel, as a source of strength during challenging times. This, along with support from her parents, friends, and colleagues, helped her navigate the difficulties she faced.

Do you have a friend who is making bad decisions? Are you afraid of telling them the truth for fear of losing that friendship? It might be time to show courage and do what God is calling you to do.  Cale Clarke discusses an article written by James Mumford in Comment Magazine. The article explores the concept of true friendship, challenging the prevailing idea of friendship in our therapeutic culture. Mumford emphasizes the importance of being willing to risk a friendship for the sake of honest truth-telling. He draws examples from literature, like Jane Austen's "Emma," to illustrate how genuine friends should provide candid feedback and help one another pursue virtue. Mumford argues that true friends challenge and question each other's goals rather than blindly affirming them. He also addresses the fear of being perceived as paternalistic and highlights the need to prioritize a friend's well-being over the fear of rejection. The article emphasizes that real friendship should aim to bring each other closer to the ultimate good, rather than clinging to the relationship itself.

Have you heard the song 'Rich Men North of Richmond' from Oliver Anthony? This month he became an overnight sensation, having come out with the number one song in the country! He even beat out Taylor Swift's music on the Billboard chart! What's the song about? It's a working man's cry for recognition, calling out the DC establishment who don't appear to care about the 99%. It's an anthem that hits a nerve in Middle America. Cale Clarke explains that Oliver Anthony was once an agnostic who struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse but has now found God. He even read from the Bible at one of his recent concerts! However, there are critics who claim that the track has the wrong message for Christians. Some also take issue with the indecent language in the song. What do you think? Hear Cale's rundown on what's driving this song to 2023 fame.  Check out the entire hour. Rich Men North of Richmond - Relevant Radio (Note that the song from Oliver Anthony contains profanity and some content mentioned in this episode may not be suitable for all audiences.) 

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-cale-clarke-show-todays-issues-from-a-catholic/simple-ways-to-be-more-productive-special-podcast/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Simple Ways to Be More Productive (Special Podcast Highlight)"></iframe> Do you feel exhausted at the end of the day? Frustrated that you didn't get your work done? What are some ways you can stay productive and have a better perspective about your schedule? Cale discusses a productivity technique called the 3-3-3 method, popularized by Ben Meer and based on ideas from Oliver Burkeman's book "4,000 Weeks." The method suggests dividing your work into three parts: First Three: Spend three hours of deep, focused work on your most important project. This concentrated effort can result in a significant increase in productivity. Deep work involves intense focus and is crucial for accomplishing substantial tasks. Second Three: Complete three shorter, urgent tasks that need attention but might not be as significant as your main project. These could include meetings, emails, or other immediate responsibilities. Third Three: Engage in three maintenance activities, which could involve taking care of your physical health (exercise, self-care), spiritual well-being (prayer, reflection), or other tasks that contribute to overall life balance and functionality. Cale emphasizes that great minds throughout history have adopted similar time management principles, focusing on limited periods of intense work followed by well-defined breaks. The method encourages individuals to prioritize their most important tasks, address urgent matters, and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The key idea is to structure your workday around these three blocks of time, allowing you to be more focused, productive, and intentional with your tasks.

Jesus said in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." How can this be? How can you find comfort in your suffering? Cale walks through the meaning of the cross. He offers hope and encouragement to you if you are struggling to get by. Jesus will help you carry your heavy weight and will never let you go. 

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-cale-clarke-show-todays-issues-from-a-catholic/choose-real-catholicism-special-podcast-highlight/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Choose Real Catholicism (Special Podcast Highlight)"></iframe> A false religion is pulling people away from the practice of the true Catholic faith. Rather than focusing on the good, true, and beautiful, this dangerous practice leads to death. Has it affected someone you know? In this podcast with host Cale Clarke, he discusses an article from the LA Times about the growing trend of Latinos turning to the veneration of unofficial saints, particularly Santa Muerte. The article describes a gathering at a small storefront in Los Angeles where people pray and engage in a weekly rosary service in honor of Santa Muerte. Cale explains that Santa Muerte is a figure often depicted as a skeleton dressed like the Grim Reaper and is considered the fastest-growing religion in the Americas. Cale mentions that many Catholics, particularly Latinos, are feeling estranged from the Catholic Church, leading them to seek alternative forms of spirituality. The article suggests that factors such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Tequila Crisis may have contributed to the rise of Santa Muerte's popularity since 2001. He also highlights that Pope Francis and other Catholic leaders have spoken out against the veneration of Santa Muerte, considering it dangerous and contrary to traditional Catholic beliefs. Throughout the podcast, Cale discusses the perspectives of individuals involved in Santa Muerte worship. Some identify as Catholics but feel disconnected from the Church, while others consider themselves exiles from Catholicism. He emphasizes that God has specific expectations for worship, particularly through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and criticizes the notion of constructing one's own religion outside of these prescribed practices. He concludes by expressing concern about the direction and beliefs associated with Santa Muerte worship. Hear the whole conversation here - The Death Cult - Relevant Radio

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-cale-clarke-show-todays-issues-from-a-catholic/what-the-stairway-to-heaven-is-really-about-specia/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="What the Stairway to Heaven is Really About (Special Podcast Highlight)"></iframe> What's the connection between a Led Zeppelin song, Jacob in the Old Testament, and Nathanael in the New Testament?  The 'stairway to heaven' may be a lot different than you think.  Cale Clarke discusses the story of Jacob's ladder from the book of Genesis.  He connects this story to Jesus' encounter with Nathanael in the New Testament. Jesus refers to the vision of Jacob's ladder and tells Nathanael that he will see greater things, including heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. This shows that Jesus is the way to heaven, the bridge between God and humanity. Cale emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's presence, even when it may not be visible or obvious. He encourages listeners to have faith that God is with them, even in difficult situations, and that he has a plan for them. The story of Jacob's ladder serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and his constant presence in our lives.

Have you been told to be "true to yourself" in a graduation commencement speech? Is that true? Should you really be who you are? Or is there something more that you have been created for? Has original sin corrupted our nature and led us to become someone we're not supposed to be? The discussion is inspired by a book called "Do Not Be True to Yourself" by Kevin De Young, which offers an insightful perspective on the topic.

Why has St. Anthony been credited as the saint that helps you find lost items? What else can he help you find other than just "stuff?" What was his name before he took the name "St. Anthony?" How did he get involved as a Franciscan? Cale answers these questions and has Producer Jim share a miracle story involving St. Anthony. 

-Podcast Highlight Episode  As a “palate cleanser” for you following the distasteful Dodgers debacle, Cale shares the powerful deathbed testimony of perhaps the greatest player of all time, George Herman “Babe” Ruth, and his return to the Catholic faith. Before his death, Babe Ruth admitted his regrets and failings, expressing his belief that every person should have a strong religious upbringing which will always remain with them no matter how far they stray. Hear his words directly from Cale on this special podcast episode. 

In an age of rush and the never-ending quest for constant productivity at all costs, Cale examines the human need for “Sabbaths” — and how God in his wisdom knew that we would need them to be “forced” upon us. 

Cale discusses the importance of having friends who look out for your well being.

Cale shares highlights from a week full of faith, facts and fun from the Cale Clarke show on Relevant Radio and the Relevant Radio App.

So many people struggle with loneliness. It is part of the human condition and we all struggle with loneliness from time to time. Cale shares his Top 10 Bible verses to combat loneliness.

As society is seemingly coming undone, it can be easy to lose hope. Cale shares an amazing story of truth, beauty, and (cheesy?) goodness you’ll really eat up! 

Cale talks about the insidious wars FOR our attention and AGAINST our attention, keeping us from discovering God in the middle of the world. https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/attention-and-the-screen-sick-soul/

Was Jesus Sinless? Cale discusses a revealing poll on what people believe about this. He also discusses the story of Jezebel in the Bible and much more in this edition of The Week That Was.

From discussion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to a former NBA referee who is now a Catholic deacon, and the discussion of whether beer is good after exercise, Cale shares The Week That Was.

It's been a busy week on the Cale Clarke Show, from the story of the conversion of Rabbi Israel Zoller, to the feast of St. Justin Martyr and a discussion of who Jesus really is and what he expects of us, Cale shares The Week That Was.

From the death of composer Vangelis, to the story of NBA Champion Stephen Curry and how his mother chose life, and discussing our response in the wake of the tragic Texas shooting, Cale shares the week that was.

From newly canonized St. Titus of Brandsma, to the current trend of inviting wedding crashers, and the effects of sin on our soul, Cale shares the week that was.

Cale takes a look back at a week full of faith, facts, and fun. From C.S. Lewis to Chick-fil-A, and Cale's interview with former NHL player John Scott, it was another great week on the Cale Clarke Show.

Cale talks about how this great saint of the early Church became the chief defender of Orthodoxy and the divinity of Christ at the Council of Nicaea.

Cale discusses writer Matthew Fray's broken marriage, which all started with a dirty drinking glass. Callers flood the switchboard with their takes and share their personal joys and struggles   https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/04/marriage-problems-fight-dishes/629526/

Audio for Scottie Scheffler Segment from CCS - Wednesday, April 13th