Last Week with Matthew Handley
By The EPIC Radio Network
(C)2020 EPIC Radio Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Week with Matthew HandleyAug 18, 2019
Say the Name of Jesus
Last Week has been a sort of hiatus recently. This has been to some technical issues due to Matthew Handley's recent travels. He'll have a new announcement on the next new show he does.
This week, Matthew Pope guest hosts and talks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the deification of victims when in reality, the ultimate sacrifice was given by a deity, Jesus Christ.
SPECIAL EDITION: Liberty and Tyranny
Happy Independence Day from all of us at EPIC Radio! This special edition features patriotic music and a contemporary reflection on liberty in our world. Our country was founded on some great ideas, including laws and liberty. Both of these go hand in hand. They also go hand in hand in the Church as well. In this episode, the following music is used: The Star Spangled Banner - United States Navy Band, Living in America - James Brown, Ragged Old Flag - Johnny Cash, God Bless America - Kate Smith/Irving Berlin.
"Tear them Down"
Black Lives Matter went after cops, statues, and now churches. Shaun King made a statement on Twitter calling images of a Jewish Jesus "racist" and "a form of white supremacy." Matthew dives into this. Plus, vandalism of a Dominican cemetery, the Black Madonna, and a statue of St. Junípero Serra.
Also, thank you to all the people who have listened to this program since the beginning. This is episode number 50!
Alternative Politics
Have you heard about the American Solidarity Party? Its platform is essentially Catholic social teaching. Matthew takes a look and comments on public Masses still off, David Haas, and Venerable Carlo Acutis.
Last Week with Matthew Handley is a production of EPIC Radio and is carried across the EPIC Radio Network. You can find more from EPIC Radio or listen to their local, Catholic, radio station in Wake Forest by going to WeAreEPIC.org.
Humanity and Race - Guest Host: Matthew Pope
This week, Matthew Pope fills in for Matthew Handley and discusses his thoughts on the current state of the world and speaks about his writings.
Matthew Pope on "War with the Remnant"
Matthew Pope joins Matthew Handley to discuss his new historical fiction Christian series "War with the Remnant." They also discuss a current look at COVID-19 in NC and the riots in Raleigh and Charlotte following peaceful protests of the death of George Floyd.
Fr. Stan - Part 2: Discerning the Priesthood and Marriage
Fr. Stanley Drongowski is the chaplain of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. He joins Matthew to talk about his discernment into the priesthood and the Dominicans and has tips for discerning both the religious life and married life.
Fr. Stan - Part 1: Ministering in the time of COVID-19
Fr. Stanley Drongowski is the chaplain of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. He joins Matthew to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting campus ministry and service activities at Aquinas College.
The Rosary
We've entered Mary's month; that is the month of May. Matthew offers a reflection on the power of the Rosary from St. Louis de Montfort who's feast was earlier this week. Also, happenings in the Dioceses of Raleigh and Charlotte and no sacraments were cancelled in Latvia.
Am I a Human Bat?
Pope Francis asked this question earlier this week and his reason behind it is very spiritual in nature. Also, MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says that abortion is "life sustaining." The Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI responds. Plus an interview with Patrick Rowe on why he is staying Catholic in college and what it is like to live in France.
BONUS: Full Interview with Fr. Peter Newby
Happy Easter! Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Today's episode features the entire interview Matthew had with Fr. Peter Newby, Chaplain of St. Mary's University in London. This segment was originally supposed to air in the Last Week: UK Special which ended up changing due to the rise of COVID-19. They cover a wide range of issues from struggles that British college students face, to the mission of a campus ministry, to politics.
Knights of Columbus Save the Day
The St. Catherine's Knights of Columbus jumped into action when they heard that Meals on Wheels would be unable to deliver meals to senior citizens. Matthew speaks to Terry Maher about this good news story. Plus: Gov. Cooper keeps abortion clinics open during the pandemic and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio threatens to permanently close churches that disobey shelter in place orders. This podcast is sponsored by Fulcrum Strategies: Superior Provider Advocates for Over 15 Years. Find more at fsdoc.com.
The Lent We Gave So Much
In this Lent we have given much more than we could possibly imagine. For the next few weeks, Matthew has some resources for how we can grow closer to Christ during this Lenten season. You can add your suggestions too by sending Matthew a voice message at Anchor.fm/LastWeek. Also, Matthew has a brief interview with his good friend Evan Dill plus some international Catholic headlines.
Fleeing Europe and a Conversation with Fr. Peter Newby
Last Week was interesting. I had to drop everything I was doing and working to get out of Europe due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the travel ban created by the Trump administration. Patrick Rowe and I are back in the US safely and are in voluntary quarantine for two weeks. While I was in Europe, I had the opportunity to interview Fr. Peter Newby, the chaplain of St. Mary's University Twickenham, located in south west London. He provided some interesting insight into the idea that Catholics students in the UK face different challenges than Catholic students in the US. His full interview will be available after this podcast airs on all EPIC Radio stations.
Brandy's Conversion
The extended cut of Matthew's interview with Brandy Holt, a young woman who decided to enter the Church.
Super Super Tuesday
Matthew recaps Super Tuesday election results and the NC primaries, including local elections. Joe Biden is doing well; is it because of Bernie Sanders?
Conversion
The media continues to be surprised that young people have an interest in the Church. Matthew speaks to a young woman who converted despite the distaste of the Church from the world. Also, Pope Francis says personal conversion is necessary to ward of Satan and a shocking poll reveals how Catholics may vote in 2020 (including by saying that Abortion isn't intrinsically evil!)
Bonus: How Catholics might vote in 2020
A shocking EWTN News/Real Clear Opinion Research poll finds that American Catholics who are registered to vote do not find abortion intrinsically evil and also support Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, or Pete Buttigieg over Donald Trump for president. Matthew dives into these and other findings and also comments on the recent debate in South Carolina.
Our Seminarians
The News and Observer publishes a piece, seemingly baffled by the fact that young men want to join the seminary. Plus, Pete Buttigieg thinks that supporting President Trump is incompatible with Scripture after saying that God is apolitical.
New Hampshire Recap
Matthew recaps the results of New Hampshire and what it means for the Democrats going forward. Plus there's a new voter tool on WeArEPIC.org/Vote. Find information about voting in NC this year.
The Dems Have a Bad Week
First Iowa, then the State of the Union, then President Trump is acquitted. How could it get any worse for them? Plus your NC Headlines.
Election 2020: Pro-Life Democrats
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg refused to tell a pro-life Democrat that he would support softer language on abortion in the party. The current Democrat platform essentially says that pro-lifers are not welcome in the party. Matthew breaks down how this isn't diverse or inclusive. Also, President Trump became the first president to address the March for Life in person.
Final thought: Kobe Bryant - a devout Catholic. Plus your North Carolina Headlines.
MLK and MFL
First, your North Carolina Headlines. Then, what does Martin Luther King Jr. and the March for Life have in common? Its the goal of their missions. Final though: The Trump administration is one of the most pro-life administrations. Note: The final segment in this version of the episode is diffferent than the version of the program that aired on the radio.
Pornography and Federal Law
After your North Carolina headlines, Matthew discusses the opinion and importance of a Princeton law professor who wrote to AG William Barr. He was inquiring about how the Federal obscenity laws relate to online pornography. It is an issue that plagues this country and many devout Catholics. Do you think pronography is a public health crisis? Should it be regulated more by the government? Send a voice message or email mailbox@weareepic.org.
Iran
We're trying out a new format this week. In the first segment, Matthew takes at some NC headlines. In the second segment, he takes an in depth look at the situation between the United States and Iran. An Iraqi cardinal and the Papal Nuncio to Iran have statements. Final thought: St. Joseph is amazing.
Faith Crisis
Cardinal Mueller talks about the real crisis within the Catholic church: the desire to modernize. Then, California opens a new window for child sexual abuse victims. The California Catholic Conference is optimistic. Final thought: Pope Francis is just a man too.
Merry Christmas: A Pro-Life Episode
On the Feast of the Naitivity of Our Lord we remember that God himself became human and was born of a woman. The almighty and eternal God himself was once a child in the womb! Matthew reflects on that at the beginning of this Christmas season by looking back at some of the prolife stories from earlier this year. Final thought: St. Joseph is the role model for Catholic fathers.
Election 2020: Impeach - What did NC Congressmen say?
This week, President Donald Trump became the third president to be impeached by the US House of Representives. Matthew takes a look at what NC Congressman G. K. Butterfield (D) and Mark Meadows (R) said during formal debate. Then, papal historians say the new film, The Two Popes, from Netflix does not accurately represent Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Final thought: Was Jesus granted more liberties in his trial than Pres. Trump during the impeachment hearings? One Georgia Congressman thinks so. Last Week with Matthew Handley is sponsored by Fulcrum Strategies. FSDOC.com
Missing Hearts (with an Advent message from Bishop Zarama)
First, an "anti-abortion" clinic, as local media calls it, is allowed to open up next to an abortion clinic after they settle a federal law suit with the city. Local media and politicains say they can provide "anti-abortion services." What does that even mean? Then, we continue reflecting on the meaning of the season. Bishop Zarama of the Diocese of Raleigh shares his thoughts. And final thought: Its our 25th episode! Thank you to all of you who faithfully listen each week and support us online at WeAreEPIC.org!
Last Week Extension: Wake Forest Cancels Christmas Parade
This week on the Last Week Extension: Wake Forest has cancelled their Christmas Parade.
Then, the Wake County School Board approves a measure moving some students into new schools in Fuquay-Varina.
SPECIAL EDITION: A MI Judge is Using the Eucharist as a Political Tool
Last week, a judge in Michigan started using the Eucharist as a tool to build up her name. She ran to the media after her pastor called her privately and asked her not to present herself to communion. She's married to a woman and has previously written that priests can deny communion to those who present themselves.
And, Nones seem to leave the Church because the rules are too strict. Is this a good example?
Advent: A Time of Preperation
Happy Thanksgiving and we hope you are having a blessed start to Advent. We are now in Year A in the Catholic Church. In the first segment, Matthew looks back on a fourth of July segment about religious freedom and our liberties here in the US; we should not take them for granted. Then, thanks to the Diocese of Raleigh, Matthew looks at how we should approach advent.
This podcast is sponsored by Fulcrum Strategies: 15 Years of superior provider advocates. Call 919 436 3377 or visit fsdoc.com.
No Legal Prostitution in DC
The DC City Council dropped legislation that would have legalized prostitution in our Nation's capital. Matthew also continues the discussion on the American bishops. And finally, the state of our news.
Abortion a Heated Issue for the Bishops?
Matthew discusses reports that a comment about abortion became a heated issue at the US Bishops General Assembly. Then, NC's congressional maps are likely to be finished being drawn soon. Then, for the Final Thought: some weird news about cows and Blackbeard.
A Judge Against Religious Liberty
Matthew Pope returns to discuss his new books, Bear Record and Translated Literature. He sticks around to discuss a judge who has blocked a new ruling from President Trump that would have protected doctors and nurses from performing abortions if they objected on religious or moral grounds. Final thought: Matthew Handley has a new article out on WeAreEPIC.org/Blog about cancel culture.
Denial Out of Compassion
Joe Biden is denied the Eucharist at a SC church. Matthew has thoughts on whether or not this good or bad. Then, George Weigel has an interesting take on the Amazonian synod. Final thought: NC congressional maps are gerrymandered?
Beto and Other Stories
We're back and Matthew discusses Former Texas Congressman Robert Francis O'Rourke's plan to take away tax exmpt status from religious communities that don't support his agenda, and other stories. Then, we need radio today now more than ever. Matthew discusses his new article on WeAreEPIC.org.
SCOTUS Takes Another Look at Abortion
This week, the Supreme Court is going to take a look at a Louisiana abortion law that requires abortion doctors have admitting privalages at a local hospital. Then, the probation has been lifted on the NC cheerleaders who were photographed with a Trump 2020 sign. Were their free speech rights violated? Final thought: Do millennials complain too much? CNN gives them a new outlet to do so.
Nessel Shows, Again, that She is Against Catholics
Michigan AG Dana Nessel lost a court fight in which she tried to mandate that Catholic adoption agencies send children to homosexual and transgender applicants. Then, a Heritage High School English teacher askes for personal information from minors, such as sexuality and household income. This can only divide us. Final thought: Michigan Gov. Whitmer cuts funding to a pregnancy help program. Why? A reason is not given, but the organization the money went to works closely with Catholic Charities.
Trump Decries Abortion at the UN
In a speech at the UN this week, Pres. Trump said that America is committed to protecting life before and after birth. Then, we look back at NC politics this month. Final though: Climate change is an idol.
Here is the News
The BBC tells kids they could go to prison for disrepecting gender identities. Then, John Waters writes in an article for First Things that newspapers are nowhere near what the used to be. And the final thought: the Democrats need to stop talking if they want to win over Catholics and Christians.
Debate Night: Round 3
Ten 2020 Democrat candiates met in Houston, Texas to debate on ABC and Univision. Matthew discusses the candidates' stances on climate change, socialism, and what they didn't talk about.
Also, former Vice President Joe Biden went on a wierd rant about something.
Fr. David Tanko
Late last week, Fr. David Tanko was killed in Nigeria on his way to mediate a peace agreement between the Tiv and Junkun people, two ethnic groups that have been violently fighting since April. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may your perptual light shine upon him for ever. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Then, what do you do if all of the candidates in an election are against what you believe? Matthew breaks down the dilemna with the upcoming Raleigh municipal elections.
Final thought for today: will prayer help with gun violence? Matthew and a Texas state representative think so.
"Pride is the beginning of all sin."
That quote comes from St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa. So what do we do about gay pride and straight pride? Should we really be proud? Or should we be humble?
Then: Matthew looks back on the political happenings in NC for the month of August: Trump calls out Gov, Roy Cooper, North Carolina's get a tax refund, and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest announces his bid for Gov.
Final Thoughts: Doctors in South Africa don't want to perform abortions and it is angering pro-abortion advocates in the region.
Question Authority?
This week: Parishoners at St. Francis of Assis Catholic Church in Portland protest against their new pastor. Matthew discusses how the secular and religious media covered the story.
And: A new study at Duke Univeristy shows that black Americans who attened Baptist churches are more likely to devlope diabetes. What do you think of the study? Send us an audio message at Anchor.fm/LastWeek.
Final Thoughts: Epstein was trafficking girls, not "underage women."
SPECIAL EDITION: Wisconsin Confesses
The Wisconsin state legistature has a bill in the drafting stages that would violate the seal of confession. Then, Cardinal Burke announces that Catholic politicians who support abortion can no longer recieve communion. Plus, in a Podcast Exclusive segment, Matthew Handley discusses how preaching the Gospel can (and does) offend and the Left's obsession with death.
Secret Ballots
British newspaper, the Gaurdian, is reporting that North Carolina law violates the secrecy of the ballot. But futher analysis from Matthew Handley and guest Mathew Pope show that it's consensual and the article is misleading.
HB2: The Saga Continues
The Last Week Podcast is back and this time Matthew is talking about space and the religious experiences of Buzz Aldrin and Mike Hopkins. And, a judge in North Carolina has seemingly put an end to the state's controversial HB2 law. But, NC is worse off than where it started.
I Confess
What does a 14th century saint and an Alfred Hitchcock movie have in common? They both show how the seal of the confessionall cannot be broken. Matthew Handley discusses the sacrament of confession and California Senate Bill 360 which would have required priests to divulge crimes that they hear in confession. Matthew Pope joins in.
Religious Liberty
This week, Matthew discusses religious freedom with Matthew Pope. Religious freedom in the United States is established in the first amendment to the constitution. Matthew Pope joins in.