The Simple Truth

Meet John Bradburne: The Devoted Poet Whose Life Ended in Service to Lepers! (Joanne Wright) - 10/22/25

10/22/25 - John Bradburne's journey from England to the heart of Africa is a story unlike any other. A decorated World War II veteran and Oxford-educated poet, he spent years wandering through Europe and the Holy Land in search of God's will. His path ultimately led him to Zimbabwe, where he devoted himself to caring for men and women with Hansen's disease at the Mutemwa Leprosy Settlement. Living in a tin hut with a rosary in hand and the Eucharist at the center of his life, John restored dignity to those society had abandoned. When he refused to abandon the lepers during the Rhodesian Bush War, he was kidnapped and killed in 1979, dying as he had lived in fidelity to Christ. Today, with thousands of documented favors through his intercession, John Bradburne's cause for canonization is advancing, and he is remembered as a modern pilgrim-poet and martyr of charity.

This Catholic Bioethicist Traveled to 81 Countries Defending Life — Here’s What He Learned (Dr. Joseph Meaney) - 10/21/25

10/21/25 - Dr. Joseph Meaney has spent his life defending the sanctity of life on every continent, from Vatican halls to remote mission fields. In this powerful personal testimony, the internationally respected bioethicist and pro-life leader shares the journey that led him from studying history and Latin American culture to earning a PhD in bioethics in Rome, where he explored the moral challenges of conscience and health care. With over 25 years of pro-life missions in 81 countries, Dr. Meaney reflects on the moments that deepened his faith, shaped his worldview, and solidified his conviction that the Gospel of Life must be lived and proclaimed in every culture. This is the inspiring story of a Catholic scholar who chose to use his intellect and his heart to serve God and defend human dignity across the globe.

Virginia Governor Race 2025: What’s at Stake for the Pro-Life Movement (Fr. Stephen Imbarrato) - 10/17/25

10/17/25 - Virginia's governor's race has become one of the most consequential political battles in the country, not just for partisan control, but for the future of pro-life protections in the Commonwealth. At the heart of the race is a stark contrast between candidates who promise to increase abortion access up to birth and those who have pledged to defend the unborn with concrete legislative action. We go beyond soundbites to examine the real policies at stake: late-term abortion legislation, taxpayer funding for abortion providers, parental consent laws, and conscience protections for medical professionals. We'll unpack how this race could either strengthen Virginia's emerging pro-life momentum or cement its reputation as a haven for abortion extremism. Drawing from Catholic social teaching and the witness of the faithful, we'll look at what faithful citizenship demands in moments like these, why this particular race is being watched nationwide, and how Catholics can engage not just with a vote, but with prayer, public witness, and courage. This isn't just another election; it's a defining moment for life in Virginia.

Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine: A Crucial Chapter in Catholic History and Relics! (Bill Baaki) - 10/16/25

10/16/25 - Journey with us to the historic Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, New York, a sacred site where the blood of the North American Martyrs, including St. Isaac Jogues, St. René Goupil, and St. Jean de Lalande, consecrated the land to Christ. With the help of Bill Baaki, a member of the Shrine's Board of Directors, we'll explore the remarkable history of this holy place, its connection to early missionary work in North America, and its role in the conversion of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. This weekend, the shrine will host a powerful event featuring the exposition of sacred relics and a 7-mile Eucharistic procession that invites the faithful to deepen their devotion and bear public witness to the Real Presence. Whether you're a local pilgrim or discovering this shrine for the first time, today's show will inspire you to encounter Christ in a place where faith was tested, proven, and forever remembered.

Why Millions of Catholics Visit Our Lady of Licheń — The TRUE Miracle Story! (Joanne Wright) - 10/15/25

10/15/25 - Our Lady of Licheń is one of the most remarkable Marian apparitions of modern times. In today's show, we explore the story of the apparitions, which began in 1850 in Poland when a humble shepherd, Mariusz, received messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary. From miraculous healings to a sanctuary that draws millions of pilgrims each year, the story of Our Lady of Licheń is a testament to God's power and Mary's maternal guidance. Discover the hidden messages, incredible miracles, and spiritual lessons that continue to inspire Catholics around the world!

Faith, Vocation, and Making a Difference at Ave Maria University (Dr. T. Adam Van Wart) - 10/24/25

10/14/25 - Dr. T. Adam Van Wart of Ave Maria University shares his personal journey of faith, recounting the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Catholicism and dedicate his life to serving God. He reflects on the challenges, inspirations, and mentors that shaped his spiritual path, offering a deeply personal testimony that will resonate with viewers seeking encouragement in their own faith journeys. The conversation then turns to Dr. Van Wart's current work at Ave Maria University, where he combines scholarship, teaching, and ministry to guide students in living out their Catholic faith with integrity and purpose. From fostering academic excellence to nurturing spiritual growth, Dr. Van Wart provides insights into how faith can inform every aspect of professional and personal life.

The Devil Hates This Prayer! The Power of the Rosary (Gabriel Castillo) - 10/13/25

10/13/25 - The Rosary is far more than a string of beads: it's a spiritual powerhouse, a weapon against evil, and a lifeline to Heaven. In this powerful conversation, we're joined by GabiAfterHours, one of today's bold young voices in Catholic media, to dive deep into the history, mystery, and spiritual fire of the Rosary. Together, we'll explore how Our Lady gave us this prayer as a weapon of protection and conversion, why the Rosary has been at the center of some of history's greatest spiritual victories, and how it continues to transform lives today. Gabi shares personal insights and experiences from his own faith journey, revealing how the Rosary became a daily anchor and a source of supernatural strength in his life. Whether you're a lifelong devotee or just picking up the beads for the first time, this episode will renew your love for the Rosary, inspire you to pray with greater fervor, and remind you that we're called to spiritual battle… and Heaven has already given us the weapon to win. Get the Book (CLICK HERE) Subscribe to GabiAfterHours (CLICK HERE)

The Great Divide (Fr. Stephen Imbarrato) - 10/10/25

10/10/25 - Across the United States, the battle over abortion has reached a breaking point. Some states are advancing strong protections for the unborn, while others are expanding abortion access further than ever before. It's no longer just a political debate - it's a war over the very meaning of human dignity, law, and truth. We'll explore what faithful Catholics can do to confront this cultural and legislative war with moral clarity, courage, and strategic action. From state-level battles to national consequences, we look at how this conflict could shape the future of America, and how the Church must respond with conviction, truth, and love.

Wonder and Awe Wednesday - St. Benedict Joseph Labre (Joanne Wright)

Joanne Wright is a Catholic wife, mother, grandmother and co-founder of The Station of the Cross Catholic Media Network, striving to live out her Consecration to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary for the intercession and salvation of souls. What do you know about Saint Benedict Joseph Labre.? Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (1748–1783) was a French lay pilgrim who renounced wealth and comfort to live as a beggar devoted to the Eucharist and prayer. Known as the "Beggar of Rome," he embodied humility and detachment, inspiring devotion through his radical trust in God's providence. If you enjoy The Simple Truth and the other great Catholic programs from The Station of the Cross, please consider making a donation of any size to support our apostolate! As a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, your donations are tax deductible and help us to continue spreading the Gospel to the airwaves for years to come! To donate, call 1-877-711-8500, visit thestationofthecross.com, or use your iCatholicRadio mobile app! We also offer a great assortment of thank-you gifts, which can be viewed at thestationofthecross.com! Thank you for your generosity! Follow the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-simple-truth/id1554081947 More great free Catholic programming: https://thestationofthecross.com/ Check out Jim's website at https://jimhavens.com/ Get the free PDF resource - "Three Powerful Prayers to Start Each Day": https://www.jimhavens.com/threepowerfulprayers

Testimony Tuesday: Dr. Elizabeth Rex - 10/7/25

10/7/25 - In this Testimony Tuesday episode Dr. Elizabeth Rex shares her faith journey in the Catholic Church.   Dr. Rex also discusses embro adoption and the ethics of the practice.  Dr. Elizabeth Bothamley Rex is President of the Donum Vitae Institute, an educational outreach of The Children First Foundation dedicated to promoting adoption as a loving, life-affirming alternative for unborn children, newborns, and human embryos. A Catholic convert and scholar in bioethics, Dr. Rex has taught at Holy Apostles College & Seminary and held leadership roles at Columbia University and St. Joseph's Seminary. She holds advanced degrees in philosophy from the University of Navarra and an MBA from Baruch College, and lives in Yonkers, New York, with her husband, concert violinist Charles Rex, and their three children.