Do you know who Venerable Nelson Baker is? And, if you do, how well do you know his story? “Father Baker Retold,” an OLV podcast, is devoted to telling some of the fascinating stories about Western New York’s saintly hero that folks may know in part or not at all. The best part? Each episode features a special guest to help bring these remarkable tales to life.
In this powerful episode of Father Baker Retold, we journey back to the Great Depression — a time of despair that revealed the boundless compassion of Venerable Nelson Baker. As thousands struggled to survive, Father Baker’s “City of Charity” became a beacon of hope, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and healing the sick. But his impact went deeper. Through his groundbreaking outreach to Buffalo’s Black community and the creation of safe homes for working women, he modeled a faith ...
7 Mar 2025
The St. Patrick's Connection (feat. Tim Flanagan)
Did you know that before the Basilica, St. Patrick's Church stood on the corner of South Park Ave. and Ridge Rd? A 1916 fire caused considerable damage, most notably collapsing the steeple. Instead of completely repairing the church, Father Baker only made renovations to areas necessary for worship. He knew he had greater plans for the space.
4 Oct 2024
Father of the Fatherless (feat. Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann)
On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we explore Father Baker's relationship with the boys in his care. And while it may not have been by blood, the bond he shared with them grew strong enough that many of them referred to him as "Daddy Baker." To these boys, the threat of being "sent to Father Baker's" was laughable since they knew they had it better than many on the outside world.
20 Jun 2024
The Pilgrimage (feat. C.J. Montante)
We're kicking off a brand new season of Father Baker Retold with a look at Father Baker's European Pilgrimage. Learn about the trip 150 years ago that forever changed the trajectory of his life... And, in turn, the lives of thousands of Western New Yorkers.
7 Mar 2023
Padre of the Poor (feat. Mike Randall)
By now, you already know that Father Baker was a crusader for unwed mothers and unwanted babies, but did you know he also lent a helping hand to those struggling to make ends meet? And that was just about everyone during the Great Depression. Let's take a look at how Father Baker earned the nickname 'Padre of the Poor.'
26 Jan 2023
Cause for Canonization (feat. Msgr. David LiPuma)
We all know Father Baker is on the road to Sainthood... But where is he on that road? And, what exactly does that road look like? On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we'll give you an update on where the process stands.
28 Nov 2022
Building the Basilica (feat. Kevin Keenan)
On this episode, we'll take a look at one of Western New York's most beloved landmarks – and the jewel of Venerable Nelson Baker’s “City of Charity” -- OLV National Shrine & Basilica.
4 Oct 2022
The Infant Home (feat. Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo)
Perhaps Father Baker is most known for his care with babies that families could not keep, whatever the reason may be. But did you know that the OLV Infant Home was one of his toughest feats? Not everyone was a fan of what he was doing for mothers and babies alike.
27 Sept 2022
The Gas Well (feat. Althea Luehrsen)
It should come as no surprise that heating all of Father Baker's institutions was pricey, especially with the Western New York winters. Ignoring all criticism, Baker began a mission to dig for natural gas on the grounds.
21 Sept 2022
The Civil War (feat. Mickey Kearns)
Did you know Father Baker served in the military? When his country called, Nelson answered, joining Union troops in the Civil War. He had ties to some major historical events, including Gettysburg and the New York City Draft Riots.
21 Sept 2022
The Early Years (feat. Eileen Buckley)
In this episode, we'll take a look at Venerable Nelson Baker's early years, from his birth to his (late) start at the seminary.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
399,982
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact Father Baker Retold
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Father Baker Retold?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
