Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

Henri de Lubac and the Legacy of Vatican II with Fr. Robert P. Imbelli

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Louis Bouyer’s insights on the mystical, and so much more.
Join us for a rich conversation on theology, tradition, and the enduring impact of Vatican II.

JD Vance’s Warning to Europe: The Threat From Within

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” Plus, they explore how his Catholic faith and the concept of Ordo Amoris (the “order of love”) might shape his worldview, influencing his call for a reset in transatlantic relations.

Travels in Radical Christianity with Roy Peachey

Roy Peachey joins Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book Travels in Radical Christianity which explores various communities, movements, and religious orders that seek to live out the radicality of the Gospel. Additionally, they discuss Roy’s work on Catholic education and practical ways to transform it step by step.

Michel Houellebecq’s “Annihilation” with Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill

In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.

Józef Tischner’s Philosophy of Drama with Artur Rosman

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience.
As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker.
Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.

Theology of Work: Theology of the Body, Part II with D.C. Schindler

In this episode, D.C. Schindler elaborates on why he sees a theology of work as the second part of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Perceptions of work are not theologically neutral. The Greeks and Jews had different perceptions of work. Schindler claims Christianity is a synthesis of both but sees modernity as a distortion of the Christian synthesis. Learn more how to retrieve a healthy understanding of work and its role in the brave new world of A.I..

The Synod, the Election, & the Beauty of Rome with Larry Chapp

Larry Chapp spent the last month in Rome commentating on the Synod on Synodality. His letters on the Synod were published at First Things. In this episode, Larry shares his thoughts on the Synod and his experiences in Rome. Near the end of the episode, he explains why we need to “re-weird” Christianity and the importance of enchantment.

European Catholicism, Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński, and JP2’s Legacy in Poland with Filip Mazurczak

The Church has a long legacy in Europe. It is a legacy mixed with triumphs and trials, particularly in 20th century Poland. In this episode, historian and translator Filip Maczurach introduces the life of Bl. Cardinal Wyszyński who boldly stood up to the Communists and became a national hero. We discuss of Filip’s translation of Wyszyński’s book “Love and Social Justice: Reflections on Society”  https://aroucapress.com/wyszynski . Later in the discussion, we talk about the state of the Church in Europe and some recent attacks on the legacy of JP2 by the Polish Left.

The Novel and the Real with Joshua Hren

In this episode, we are joined by novelist and critic, Joshua Hren, to discuss his new novel Blue Walls Falling Down. The novel has already received much praise. Publisher Angelico Press describes the novel as follows:
“Written with a style and sensibility that have been compared to David Foster Wallace and Dostoevsky, James Joyce and Saul Bellow, Blue Walls Falling Down chronicles the eternal questions that agitate our subterranean frequencies and demand more than the human spirit can give or answer alone."
In addition to discussing the novel, Andrew and Joshua explore the place of the novel in art and the role the novelist plays in capturing in words the depths of reality. Learn more about Joshua Hren and his writings at his website.

Death and Eschatology with Andrew T.J. Kaethler

"The last things all hinge on death. Death is the passage that leads to judgment, purgatory, resurrection, and so forth,” writes theologian Andrew T.J. Kaethler, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Catholic Pacific College, in his recent article “Eschatology: Dying to Live.” In this episode, we discuss with Prof. Kaethler this article and his book The Eschatological Person: Alexander Schmemann and Joseph Ratzinger in Dialogue.