Dr. Ryan Hanning on the Record Surge in Catholic Converts

In the 5 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Alex Swoyer discussed: Pam Bondi Out as AG: Attorney General Pam Bondi is leaving her position, President Donald Trump announced Thursday, amid reports that he was frustrated with her handling of some of his key priorities. Army Chief Retires: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, sources familiar with the decision told CBS News.  Gun Ban on Bases Lifted: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday that he was lifting a ban on service members’ ability to carry personal firearms on U.S. military bases. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Alex Swoyer discussed: Catholic Church Surge: Numerous media outlets reporting on the rise of attendance at Catholic churches, especially among Gen Z. No Easter Message from King Charles: Buckingham Palace has confirmed King Charles will not issue an Easter message this year. However, he did deliver a message earlier this year for Ramadan. Fraud Rampant in U.S.: Colin McDonald was sworn in as the first-ever assistant attorney general for National Fraud Enforcement by Vice President JD Vance. Also, Larry and Alex discuss the hospice fraud uncovered in California. Trump Ballroom Approved: The National Capital Planning Commission voted Thursday to green light President Trump's 90,000-square-foot East Wing makeover, the final regulatory obstacle for a project that hit legal headwinds earlier this week. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Alex Swoyer discussed: INTERVIEW:  Dr. Ryan Hanning: Executive Vice President of Catholics Come Home on the rise of attendance at Catholic churches, especially among Gen Z, as Easter Sunday approaches. INTERVIEW: Father Paul Scalia: Episcopal Vicar for Clergy at the Diocese of Arlington and Pastor at Saint James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia reflecting on Holy Week and Easter. Latest on Artemis II: Larry and Alex provide updates on the current trek of Artemis II as it orbits the Moon and also hears from cute kids who have gone viral with their reactions to the rocket launch. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 8 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Alex Swoyer discussed: INTERVIEW: Al Corbi: President/Founder of SAFE, whose company makes doomsday bunkers, with his thoughts and tips on what he'd advise President Trump for his White House bunker. INTERVIEW: Teasel Muir-Harmony: National Air & Space Museum’s curator of the Apollo collection on NASA's Artemis II mission and the National Air and Space Museum's Plans to celebrate 50 years. Overheard at DCA Airport: Larry talks about someone losing their copy of the Declaration of Independence at Reagan Airport as well as the increase in cherry blossom and MAGA souvenirs at the airport. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: DR. RYAN HANNING (Executive Vice President of Catholics Come Home) on why record numbers of adults, particularly those aged 19-35, are entering the Catholic Church this Easter and how they are using technology to seek traditional faith and community. WEBSITE: CatholicsComeHome.org READ: Catholicism Is Finding a New Audience With Gen Z Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: REV. PAUL D. SCALIA (Episcopal Vicar for Clergy at the Diocese of Arlington and Pastor at Saint James Catholic Church) on Holy Week, the hope of the Resurrection, and the growth of the Church in Northern Virginia. WEBSITE: StJamesCatholic.org SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/ArlingtonChurch Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: AL CORBI (President and Founder of SAFE) on the technology behind modern doomsday bunkers and his expert perspective on President Trump’s "massive" drone-proof military complex being built beneath the new White House ballroom. WEBSITE: Safe-US.com READ: Trump Building 'Massive' Drone-Proof Military Bunker Beneath White House Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: TEASEL MUIR-HARMONY (Curator of the Apollo collection at the National Air and Space Museum) on the latest milestones of NASA’s Artemis II mission and the museum's upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration featuring five new renovated galleries. WEBSITE: AirAndSpace.SI.edu SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/AirAndSpace Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 5 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Cassie Smedile discussed: Holy Week: Larry and Cassie discuss Holy Week and how their families celebrate the Easter holiday. Artemis II Lifts Off:  Four astronauts blasted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday evening on a monumental 10-day mission to circumnavigate the moon in the first crewed moon mission since 1972. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Thursday, April 2, 2026 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Cassie Smedile discussed: Broadway Memories: Cassie gives her review of “Chicago” at the Trump-Kennedy Center, while Larry shares his memories of “Chicago” while working as a theater manager in Los Angeles. Trump’s Address on Iran: President Donald J. Trump provided an update on Operation Epic Fury in an address to the nation last night, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of the U.S. military against the Iranian regime. Supreme Court Recap: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens and other non-U.S. citizens. President Trump was in attendance. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Thursday, April 2, 2026 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.