Jeff Cavins recalled the day he reported to police a garage break-in where a bike and fishing rods were stolen. While talking with the responding police officer, Cavins was asked what he did for a living and replied that he is a Bible teacher and has a podcast.
The officer asked for the name of the podcast. Cavins, a Twin Cities resident, has his own podcast but also mentioned the one he does with Father Michael Schmitz, called “The Bible in a Year.”
Jeff Cavins
“You’re kidding,” the officer said. “Are you that guy?”
Cavins said, “I’m one of them — not the priest.”
The officer said he had been listening to that podcast in his squad car before he reached Cavins’ property.
It turns out a lot of people have been listening. The podcast has been downloaded more than 150 million times in just this first year, with more than 30,000 five-star reviews. Cavins recently joined “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley to talk about the podcast.
Popular since its early days, Cavins said there is no explanation for the success other than God is sending a message to people. “And that is that when his word is lifted up, he draws people to himself,” he said. “And there was really very little credit for man to take.”
Cavins said people reading through the Bible will receive two things that are desperately desired today, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, “political problems” and other factors: First, a brighter future and, second, someone to trust. And they’re not finding those things in the world.
“So, when you read salvation history, you’re reading the word of God, and he’s revealing his heart to us,” he said. “And he is also revealing, as the Catechism (of the Catholic Church) says in the first paragraph, his amazing plan of sheer goodness.”
To learn about the podcast and a first-ever “Bible in a Year” virtual retreat that Cavins and Father Schmitz are offering next year, visit ascensionpress.com.
To hear the full interview, listen to this episode of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show. It airs at 9 p.m. Dec. 10, 1 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes interviews with Elisabeth Holod and Andrew Kuhrmeyer, who describe this year’s two Christmas light shows and much more at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, and Molly Schorr, who provides tips on how to compassionately share the Catholic faith with others this Advent and Christmas season.
Listen to all of the interviews after they have aired at
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