Father Mike Schmitz: Advent Is A Time Of Preparation

After the contentious conversation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the White House Oval Office last week, a senior White House official reports the U.S. will pause all military aid to Ukraine.    Former Moscow CIA Chief and FOX News Contributor Dan Hoffman provides his expert opinion on the ongoing events and conversations between the U.S. and Ukraine. He discusses the best plan of action to get Russia to the negotiating table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of Ash Wednesday, Martha looks back at her conversation with 'The Chosen' actor Jonathan Roumie and the current rector of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Father Enrique Salvo. They discuss the meaning behind Lent sacrifices and the importance of the next 40 days.   Later, they highlight the Hallow app which features guided prayers and various ways to connect Christians with their faith during this holy season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Counselor to President Trump, Alina Habba, recaps the first cabinet meeting of President Trump's second term. She shares the collaborative dynamic between President Trump's cabinet, regardless of whether the cameras and press were in the room. Alina praises the administration for its lack of infighting, which she notes isn't always the case for other administrations.    Alina and Martha also discuss the dynamic in the West Wing, especially how others are working with senior Trump advisor Elon Musk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

February 24th marked the three-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war and talks of a security deal for Ukraine remain on the line. Former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, argues that despite Russia's continuation of drone and missile attacks, Ukrainians remain determined to fight on and win.     The U.S. has proposed a deal with Ukraine to gain access to their rare earth minerals, which are valuable to compete against China's development of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Johnson recently visited Ukraine and notes a deal with the U.S. will benefit both nations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration's promise to Make America Safe Again includes eliminating human trafficking at the U.S. southern border.   Investigative Reporter for The Free Press, Madeleine Rowley, uncovered fraud in the sponsor process, which is among a much larger issue of human trafficking occurring on the U.S. border. She explains that transnational criminal organizations took advantage of the relaxed rules under the Biden administration, trafficking minors in the United States at significant rates.    Madeleine reveals to Martha what she's uncovered from her investigations and what she believes will help minimize the crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone wants a seat at the negotiation table. Secretary General of the National Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte provides insight on Europe's response to negotiation talks between the United States and Russia. With the world watching, could this be a significant turning point for Europe?    Later, Martha and Secretary General Rutte discuss the future of NATO and the organization's portrayal of strength when coupled with the United States.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Co-writer and executive producer of the hit television show The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins shares his journey in the film industry and immense success transforming Christian media.    Martha and Dallas discuss how the series humanizes Jesus' story while not denying biblical truth and how Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus, delicately provides new context to public understanding of the Bible.   Later, Dallas previews the highly anticipated season 5 of The Chosen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the war in Ukraine continues to wage, Ukrainians wonder whether the Trump administration will help resolve their conflict with Russia.   Ukrainian author of No Country For Love, and chief foreign affairs correspondent at The Wall Street Journal Yaroslav Trofimov shares that the Russians' brutality will not end until Ukraine, with the help of the United States, finds some form of peace. He notes the historical trauma that the Ukrainians have faced and Russia's yearning to control all of Eastern Europe. Yaroslav suggests that due to Russia’s ambitious goals, the Trump administration's view on a solution is unrealistic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the sudden passing of his son Drew, to fentanyl poisoning, co-founder of Fentanyl Fathers Gregory Swan turned his tragedy into a mission to educate high school students about the dangers of fentanyl. Gregory illustrates the importance of directly educating youth, for they're the most susceptible to this life-altering drug.     Fentanyl Fathers advocates against the use of Opioids while providing training for naloxone, which can reverse an overdose. Currently, they are working to expand the program nationally, with the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While President Trump's cabinet nominee's face-off against members of Congress in their confirmation hearings, some already confirmed members begin to take action.    Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin describes a new wave of enthusiasm on Capitol Hill while comparing his experience in Congress under the Trump and Biden administrations. He reflects on President Trump's effort to expand the Republican Party while building new coalitions.    Later, Markwayne explains his family background as a member of the Cherokee Nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices