Emily Sanna, executive editor of U.S. Catholic and cohost of the Glad You Asked podcast, is most excited about this season’s episode called “Is there such a thing as a bad Catholic?” “So many of us have felt like ‘bad’ Catholics,” Sanna says, “like we somehow believe the wrong things or that we’re somehow doing Catholicism wrong. Really the church has space for all of us.”
That’s the underlying idea behind the entire podcast, which is produced by U.S. Catholic magazine. Each episode tackles the difficult moral questions that we ask ourselves but might not know where to turn for answers.
With fascinating guests, the podcast explores questions such as whether it’s okay to keep your grandma’s ashes on your mantel (The answer is no, by the way!); how do you love someone whose politics you hate?; or should you make your kids go to Mass?
This fall, Glad You Asked is entering it’s ninth season. Earlier this year, it was recognized by the Catholic Media Association, winning first place in the Best Social Justice Podcast category. “Glad you Asked provides in-depth discussions on social justice topics in a format that allows for honest relatable dialogue as well as expert analysis,” the judges wrote.
Glad You Asked is a space for meaningful conversations. Even when you think you can predict the answer, you might be surprised and end up learning something new—or even seeing a familiar question from a different perspective. “Our guests are really good at helping us get beyond a somewhat simple question and answer why this all matters in our actual lives,” Sanna shares.
This new season is full of topics that will catch your attention and help you grow in your faith. “We are continually trying to go deeper in our questions and find questions that are compelling and appealing to listeners,” Sanna explains.
If you’ve ever struggled with your faith or questioned the Church on topics you might not agree with, Glad You Asked is a place for you.
“I hope people realize that they’re not alone and that they’re not a bad Catholic: no matter what their question is, no matter what they’re struggling with, there is someone else who’s wondering the same thing. The church is big enough for all our questions and all our wonderings and all our struggles,” Sanna adds.
Perhaps the best way to understand the impact of these conversations is through the words of someone who found hope in them:
“Finding your podcast gave me immense hope. It gave me permission and strength to engage with my faith in a way that feels right, grounded, and life-giving. Hearing your thoughtful, compassionate discussions helped me realize that a faith rooted in dignity and mercy isn’t a compromise—it’s the heart of the Gospel.” — Glad You Asked podcast listener
Season 9 launched on Octobre 16 and runs through Décembre 18, with a new episode every Vendredi. You can listen here: uscatholic.org/gyapodcast. Or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.
