The Francis Effect

The 40th anniversary of the "Halloween Letter," chapter 4 of Magifica Humanitas, and an interview with Kathleen McChesney

In this episode., Heidi, Daniel, and David dig into the fourth chapter of the new papal encyclical, discuss the 40th anniversary of the Church's problematic pronouncements about LGBTQIA+ persons, and Heidi interviews Kathleen McChesney, who worked with the Church during the height of the sex abuse crisis.

Sandburg MediaNovember 6, 2026

Midterm elections, Magnifica Humanitas chapter 3, and an interview with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy

Heidi, Daniel, and David explore the wild landscape of the upcoming midterms, they continue their study of Magnifica Humanitas with a look at chapter 3, and Heidi interviews Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network

Sandburg MediaOctober 22, 2026

The failed execution of Christa Pike, chapter 2 of Magnifica Humanitas, and in interview with Marianne Duddy-Burke

Heidi, Daniel, and David dig into the second chapter of the new papl encyclical, to look at the foundations that undergird Catholic Social Teaching. They also discuss the application of that social teaching in the context of the recent attempt to execute Christa Pike in Tennessee. In the final segment, Heidi interviews Marianne Duddy-Burke, the executive director of DignityUSA.