Best Council of the District of Columbia Podcasts (2025)

1
WAMU News Call-In Special: A community conversation about the federal takeover of D.C. police 50:30

3d ago50:30

50:30

President Trump announced this week he was federalizing the D.C. police and sending in the National Guard to curb what he calls "out of control" crime in the District. The move comes as violent crime in D.C. is down 26% compared to this time last year, according to Metropolitan Police Department data. Hundreds of federal law enforcement officials a…

1
Friends Help You Stay Catholic in College 32:25

3d ago32:25

32:25

College provides young adults opportunities to explore the larger world and get to know new people and experience new things. With that, many students drift away from the Catholic Faith while in school. However, a group of peers to hold each other accountable and provide motivation to grow in relationship with Jesus can help students thrive in coll…

1
The Politics Hour: Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy on potentially losing the Commanders 50:30

10d ago50:30

50:30

It's likely that the Washington Commanders will be leaving their current home in Prince George's County for a new stadium in the District. What would happen to the Northwest Stadium site? How about the land currently home to Six Flags, which is closing close to the end of the year? Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy weighed in, saying …

1
The Politics Hour: The D.C. Council seals the RFK stadium deal; plus, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich 50:29

17d ago50:29

50:29

After two days of hearings, the D.C. Council took a first vote on the much-anticipated multi-billion-dollar RFK Stadium deal. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma joined us live from the Wilson building to give us the latest. He also broke down this week's final vote on the budget, which included a controversial compromise on the future o…

1
Social Media Practices for Catholic Ministries and Apostolates 35:26

18d ago35:26

35:26

Social media is a powerful tool for Catholic ministries and evangelizers to spread the message of the Gospel, build community, and dialogue with others. Ministries, apostolates, and non-profits must keep in mind that serves the purpose of drawing people into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus in and through the Church, most particularl…

1
The Politics Hour: What's in the revised RFK stadium deal; plus, Metro GM Randy Clarke on the bus overhaul 49:04

24d ago49:04

49:04

On Thursday, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson announced a revised deal with the Washington Commanders for a new stadium at RFK, which he says gives the city a better deal. Is the deal good enough for the council to approve it when they vote August 1? We dove into the details with Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker. The changes call for redir…

1
The Politics Hour: D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on budget cuts and Trayon White's re-election 49:31

1M ago49:31

49:31

The D.C. Council advanced a budget this week with deep cuts to social services, no tax increases, and $500 million to help build a new football stadium at the RFK site. It also includes funding to implement ranked choice voting in the District next year. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson got behind the mic to break down the budget negotiations..…

1
Basilica Bucket List with Grady Connolly 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

Basilicas are churches in the Catholic Church that receive the honorific title by the pope. There are four major basilicas in Rome and the others worldwide are minor basilicas. Grady Connolly, founder of Social Thomist, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share his experiences taking pi…

1
The Politics Hour: Md. Rep. Glenn Ivey and Va. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam on the latest federal moves 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

The Trump administration recently announced a plan to keep the FBI headquarters in the District, reversing a decision made by the Biden administration in 2023 to move it to a new building in Prince George’s County. Maryland lawmakers are now considering next steps to fight the abrupt turnaround. U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, who represents a large portion …

1
Prayerful Parenthood 29:31

2M ago29:31

29:31

Parents experience shifts in their prayer routines after welcoming children into the world. As single people, one can experience long stretches of time without interruption to say their prayers. After welcoming a child, a parent needs to adjust. Meg Ferguson, Curriculum Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission…

1
The Politics Hour: D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on controversial changes to the city's violence interruption programs 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

The Trump administration's continued shrinking of the federal government continues to have immense ramifications on the region, including jobs, public safety, and the economy. A recent report from Maryland's Comptroller's office shows how deeply tied Maryland's economy is to the federal government, drawing more than $150 billion from federal govern…

1
Matthew Frumin Talks Budget---The Standoff with the Hill, Plus Mayor/Council/CFO Dynamics 34:30

2M ago34:30

34:30

In a May 2025 visit to "Hearing the Council" to continue talking about DC's budget standoff, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin walks us through every detail of this year's budget limbo. From the Congressional Continuing Resolution that put us back on our heels to the coordinated effort by DC officials and the public to get it undone, and from past e…

1
The Politics Hour: Democratic nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi on her primary win 48:41

2M ago48:41

48:41

This week, Virginia Democrats went to the polls for primaries, choosing state Senator Ghazala Hashmi as their candidate for Lieutenant Governor this fall. Sen. Hashmi joined the show to discuss her primary win, what it means for Northern Virginia residents, and how she will approach November's general election, where she will face Republican radio …

1
Prepared to Accompany: A Practical Instructional Workshop Course 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

Accompaniment allows people of faith to mutually assist each other’s spiritual growth and provides a pathway for less experienced people to learn and grow through an intentional relationship. The Catholic Apostolate Center recently developed an online course that will be available soon to equip people with the basics and how-to of accompaniment. Me…

1
The Politics Hour: What this weekend’s big military parade means for local residents 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

The District is preparing for the military parade celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and falls on President Trump's 79th birthday. The procession features thousands of soldiers and 70-ton tanks and will require roads to close around the city as well as DCA airport. City officials are worried about what all of this heavy machinery could mean f…

1
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser breaks down her proposed $22 billion budget 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her proposed $22 billion budget last week. Faced with a tough financial outlook, her spending proposal includes cuts to social safety net programs and some business-friendly tax incentives. There's also a billion dollars to help the Washington Commanders build a new football complex and redevelop the old RFK stadiu…

1
Finance Councils 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

Finance Councils in parishes are an advisory group of parishioners who can provide the pastor with financial advice and guidance for operating the parish. Kathy McKinless, of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share her experience in the finance fiel…

1
Papal History 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

The Pope as the leader of the Catholic Church finds it's origins the New Testament when Jesus chose Peter as the first pope. Through history, there have been various ways to choose the pope. A conclave is the current form of electing a new pope where cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel and cast their votes. In this episode of On Mission, Chris…

1
Retreat Experiences and Accompaniment 37:30

3M ago37:30

37:30

Retreats are an ancient practice for Catholics to get away from the day-to-day life and allow God to work in their hearts in a deeply intimate way. Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center and Campus Minister for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank…

1
Jubilee Year 29:01

4M ago29:01

29:01

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, William Tishuk, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, STD, Associate Professor of Practice at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, 2025. The Church has an excellent opportunity to strengthen its hope in the Lord as we prepare for the 20…

1
Families at Mass 43:25

4M ago43:25

43:25

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Krissy Pierno and Kate Fowler to discuss their experiences when bringing their families to Mass. Parents with young children understand how getting to Mass and getting through Mass can offer specific challenges. Kate and Krissy offer tips and advi…

1
Zachary Parker Talks Budget Standoff, Committee Chairmanship, and Youth Rehabilitation 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

In the latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses the District government's ongoing budget standoff. He talks about the importance of avoiding a perilous mid-year, $1 billion cut to our previously-approved balanced budget for the ongoing fiscal year. He also discusses his new responsibilities as a comm…

1
Eucharistic Revival: Year of Mission 28:29

5M ago28:29

28:29

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci of the Diocese of Crookston to discuss the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, Year of Mission. This is an exciting new season of the Revival movement. The Holy Spirit has enkindled a missionary fire in the heart of …

1
Matthew Frumin Talks DC Fighting Back, Becoming a Committee Chair, and the Challenge of Homelessness 43:14

5M ago43:14

43:14

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin discusses how DC residents and civil society came together to combat the unexpected mid-year budget cut recently faced by the District. Plus, he provides insight into the benefits and challenges of becoming a Council committee chair. Specifically, he outlines his new c…

1
Working with High School Students 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Christian Bordak-Roseman, a high school theology teacher from the Washington, D.C. area, to discuss his experience accompanying students through high school. High school is a pivotal time in a person’s life. Students face a lot of pressur…

1
Catholic Hospitality 27:20

6M ago27:20

27:20

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Monica Thom Konschnik, Management Consultant for the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss hospitality practices at parishes. Catholic hospitality is a virtue and a gift that involves welcoming others and serving them in the name of Chri…

1
Robert White Discusses 2025 Priorities, Housing, Vocational Education & What Can Bring Us Together 36:57

6M ago36:57

36:57

In our latest Hearing the Council interview, we chat with At-Large Councilmember Robert White about the complicated moment we are all living through currently, plus his policy priorities for 2025. We talk about challenges facing both housing development and affordability, including the dry pipeline of future multifamily housing permits in the Distr…

1
Living Faith on a Secular Campus 30:50

6M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Meghan Abando, Coordinator of Events and Special Programs, to discuss her experience of living the faith and evangelizing on secular college campuses. College is a pivotal time in a young adult’s life. Often times, this is the first time …

1
Catholic Feast Days App: A New App from the Catholic Apostolate Center 22:28

7M ago22:28

22:28

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the Catholic Feast Days app, the latest app from the Catholic Apostolate Center. Download the app on the App Store or on the Google Play Store to receive…

1
Brianne Nadeau Talks About Her Bottle Deposit Bill and Her Neighborhood Management Entities Bill 39:00

7M ago39:00

39:00

In the first Hearing the Council interview of 2025, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau discusses two of her initial legislative priorities for the New Year: her soon-to-be-introduced bottle deposit and Neighborhood Management Entities bills.Councilmember Nadeau discusses how the bottle (and can) deposit bill would aim to greatly reduce the amoun…

1
Marriage Preparation 31:22

7M ago31:22

31:22

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss their experiences preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and the importance it has to build a fruitful lifetime for the couple. Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. Dioceses and pari…

1
Athletics and Faith 21:48

8M ago21:48

21:48

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the connection between athletics and our faith. The connection between athletics / sport and faith has been made at least since the first century where S…

1
Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings 29:33

8M ago29:33

29:33

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C. to discuss his book, Divine Threads, and how God has been quietly present throughout his life. Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings is the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. Father …

1
Thanksgiving and Faith Recast 27:47

9M ago27:47

27:47

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, to discuss the connections between the Thanksgiving holiday and our call to be in thanksgiving in and through the Faith. Click here to access the Center’s prayer resourc…

1
The 12 Apostles 32:20

9M ago32:20

32:20

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Joe Basalla to discuss who the Twelve Apostles were, the role they served, and their memory in today’s church. The twelve apostles are Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphae…

1
Young Saints 36:20

9M ago36:20

36:20

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the lives and witness of young saints like Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti, and Bl. Chiara Badano. Title: On Mission 120: Young Saints Description: In this episod…

1
Green Hill: Home of the Catholic Apostolate Center 22:51

10M ago22:51

22:51

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the home of Catholic Apostolate Center: Green Hill. Green Hill has a storied history dating back to before the American Revolution with a land grant from King George III. Since then, the property passed through families and is now home to the P…

1
Charles Allen Talks Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility 37:32

10M ago37:32

37:32

In the latest Hearing the Council podcast interview, Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen discusses his landmark STEER (Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility) Act, which was recently passed by the Council with key elements having become effective on October 1. The bill is the latest demonstration of the Council's ongoing …

1
Christina Henderson Talks Home Health Aides, the STEER Act, and Decreased Opioid Deaths 36:24

10M ago36:24

36:24

In our latest Hearing the Council interview, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson discusses three key policy areas. First, we update our prior conversation on the opioid crisis in the District with the welcome news that opioid deaths are now on the decline. Second, we discuss how her Certified Nurse Aide Amendment Act, recently passed by the …

1
Hispanic / Latino Spirituality 28:31

10M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess, Resource Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, discuss Hispanic and Latino Spirituality in the Catholic Church. Fatima demonstrates how the culture and spirituality of Hispanic/Latino populations contri…

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