An approachable look at the basics of Catholicism for those new to, returning to or who just want to learn more about the faith hosted by Lyn Mettler, a Catholic convert, writer, entrepreneur and University of Notre Dame graduate theology student who has spent more than 10 years working with those converting to Catholicism.
catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
10 Things I Wish Non-Catholic Christians Knew About Catholicism
This episode originated from a conversation with a friend, whose husband had grown up Catholic but was now practicing a different denomination of Christianity. She lamented to me how sad his parents were that he no longer practiced his Catholic faith and she just could not understand why since he was still a Christian.
I put together a blog post in response after thinking about how best to explain this to a friend.
The post ultimately received more than 100 comments from all types of people with varying opinions. And here I’ve turned it into a podcast, sharing my thoughts on this topic today.
You can see the original post here: https://www.catholicnewbie.com/10-things-i-wish-non-catholic-christians-knew-about-catholicism/ (https://www.catholicnewbie.com/10-things-i-wish-non-catholic-christians-knew-about-catholicism/)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
20 Oct 2026
All About the Creed with Dr. Josh McManaway
The Creed that we say at Mass is a summary of our beliefs as Christians. While we tend to rotely repeat this statement without much thought, there are so many interesting things to learn about it!
How did it come to be? Why are Mary and Pontius Pilate mentioned by name? Why are there 2 different Creeds? Why do God the Father and the Holy Spirit get only a small portion of the Creeds?
University of Notre Dame Theology Professor Dr. Josh McManaway brings the history of the Creed to life in this episode of the Catholic Basics podcast. Don't miss it!
Thanks for reading Conversations About Catholicism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and episodes and to support my work: https://catholicbasics.substack.com/ (https://catholicbasics.substack.com/)subscribeBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified of future episodes and I'd super appreciate it if you'd leave a 5-star review to help the podcast reach more people!
Resources:
* Apostles Creed (https://www.usccb.org/prayers/apostles-creed)
* Nicene Creed (https://www.usccb.org/prayers/nicene-creed)
* Creeds Side by Side (https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/50/) (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
* Church Life Today Episodes with Dr. McManaway
* Pontius Pilate in the Creed (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-are-you-doing-here-pontius-pilate-in-the-creed/id1368567618?i=1000647888285)
* The Depth of the Creed (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-depth-of-the-creed-with-josh-mcmanaway/id1368567618?i=1000645881588)
* To Find Christ on Every Page (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-find-christ-on-every-page-with-josh-mcmanaway/id1368567618?i=1000741450869)
* Augustine on the Psalms (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/augustine-on-the-psalms-with-josh-mcmanaway/id1368567618?i=1000743820512)
* CS Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-life-today-rewind-c-s-lewiss-the-great-divorce/id1368567618?i=1000688418115)
* “The End of the Affair” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/graham-greenes-the-end-of-the-affair/id1368567618?i=1000669651659)
* Notre Dame McGrath Institute for Church Life Step Program (https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/step/) - Check to see if your diocese has a discount for classes through Step (the Diocese-of-Lafayette-in-Indiana does; simply call your parish office for the discount code)
* “Against Heresies” by St. Irenaeus (https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103.htm) (160s AD)
* Writings of St. Justin Martyr (https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08580c.htm) (150s AD)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
14 Oct 2026
How to Become Catholic With Christina Steele
What should you do if you’re interested in learning more about Catholicism or if you’ve decided you want to become Catholic?
Joining me for this episode is Christina Steele, host of the Holy Banter podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holy-banter-st-alphonsus-liguori-catholic-church-podcast/id1813166118), who runs the Becoming Catholic program at St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish (https://zionsvillecatholic.com/) in Zionsville, Indiana, my home parish.
Christina and I chat about exactly WHAT steps you need to take - from what to look for on a church’s website to what the process looks like from start to finish - to become Catholic.
Please subscribe the podcast (click the “+” button top right in Apple Podcasts) and scroll down to leave it a 5-star rating or even a quick positive review. Subscriptions, ratings and reviews help Apple “notice” my podcast and share it with other, especially new podcasts. Thanks!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
6 Oct 2026
What Does It Mean to Have “Faith”?
In this episode of the Catholic Basics podcast, we dive into the meaning of faith. Does faith mean believing in nonsensical things in order to be saved? Or believing without explanation? Definitely not!
We explore the role of faith in Christianity, all of which is based on reason. While we can’t reason our way through all the depths of the truth of Christianity, we can say the faith is "reason-able.” It is not contrary to reason.
Join me to learn more about the concept of faith in Catholicism.
In my next episode, scheduled for Oct. 20, Dr. Josh McManaway from the University of Notre Dame will join me to dive into the riches of our Creed and all the interesting thing to know about its history, structure and why Mary and Pontius Pilate are explicitly named. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Thanks for reading Conversations About Catholicism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcasts and to support my work.
Episode Resources:
* Thomas Merton’s Prayer (https://reflections.yale.edu/article/seize-day-vocation-calling-work/merton-prayer)
* Pope Francis: The Light of Faith (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20130629_enciclica-lumen-fidei.html)
* Catechism of the Catholic Church: 142-175 (https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/40/)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
10 Aug 2026
Welcome to Catholic Basics
Join me on this inaugural episode of the Catholic Basics podcast to learn about me, Lyn Mettler, your host, as well as my goals for the podcast to bring the teachings of Catholicism to you in an approachable and easy-to-understand way.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicbasics.substack.com (https://catholicbasics.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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