Archive for September 2011

A Life Without Lino

I am  SO BUMMED. I was in a little car accident the other day. I'm fine, the little Faber to be is fine. My car however took a nice hit to the front end. What does this have to do with Lino and The Catholic Guy Show? Well, my friends, not knowing how long it will take to repair means I also don't know how long I will be without an XM radio. Thus the appropriate bumming out.  Luckily, my husband has a Sirius radio so we can still listen in. No more Lino on the commute home though. It was one of my favorite things about leaving work! 

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A Review on Fr. Timmy!

It's been a few weeks since Fr. Rob has been full time on The Catholic Guy Show and I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised. I wasn't greatly thrilled when it was announced that Fr. Rob was going to be a permanent member of Lino's staff (I'm pretty sure there is a "Hey-O!" in there someplace) Don't get me wrong, I've always liked it when Fr. Rob made his Thursday appearances. But I did not know how the "angry little leprechaun" act would play out day after day.


Fr. Rob has proven to be a nice companion on the show. I don't know if I could say that he has taken any of the limelight away from Lino but at the same time I wouldn't say that Fr. Rob is playing Ed McMahon to Lino's Johnny Carson either. He is more than just a side-kick. The role seems to be that of a spiritual director or an expert on religion. An obvious role for a priest on a Catholic radio show, I realize, but not really one that he has filled in the previous years. But at the same time, he is still Fr. Rob---the fun loving, vocal, out-spoken, guy who makes people ask, "this guy is a priest?"

I shouldn't be surprised that there is this side to Fr. Rob. It's been eluded to in the past that Fr. Rob is an intelligent guy. After all--I don't think the church would send a dummy to Rome to study (although, I could be wrong). I've also heard a listener call in who stated she had gone on the pilgrimage to Greece and remarked about how pleasant it was to have Fr. Rob hear her confession. Finally, Lino is a smart guy and a fantastic entertainer. I believe there is a method to his madness and a reason he would ask Fr. Rob to be a permanent part of the show.

Fr. Rob fills a hole on the show, I believe, that wasn't being met when it was just Maureen and Lou on the show--that of an expert and someone besides Lino who can talk about the faith. At the same time, he is goofy and fun and not boring.

There is still something missing on the show. There needs to be a third person to balance out the act. Someone to play the straight man, maybe. Ryan seems to be too busy and not really an on-air presence. I'm not sure who that person might be. I do know that Fr. Rob seems to be working out.

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Imagining the Sinner movie poster

Since most best-selling books eventually get turned into movies, I thought Lino's book Sinner needed a movie poster in case it follows in the footsteps of To Kill a Mockingbird or Gone Baby Gone. I hope you enjoy!

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Show yourself if you want to spew hatred

I just deleted a blog comment a few minutes ago. It never got published, but it basically ripped apart someone connected to The Catholic Guy Show (names not mentioned).

The part that gets me? It was left anonymously.

Most of the time, I TRY to brush off any criticism of TCGS or its members. But this one just nagged at me in a way that I can't fully express. Hey, if you have a real beef with the show or it's crew members, why don't you give yourself a name, instead of posting some grain of alleged truth anonymously.

Ugh. Some people are jerks.

Thanks for letting me rant.

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Wearin' of the collar

Was it just me, or did Lino a little less worldly and a little more holy today?

Our "sinner" saw the world from a different perspective today when he wore Fr. Rob's Roman collar for the day. I don't think he knew quite what to expect, but it sounded as if he was pleasantly surprised by the reactions he got. It was good to hear that people treated him with respect, and were friendly to him. It gives you hope to think that most people look kindly on our priests.

I think one of the greatest things about the Catholic Guy Show is that the listeners are exposed to priests who are just regular guys. Like the apostles and the saints, they are just regular people who answered God's call to carry on his work. We feel like Fr. Rob and Fr. jim are not only priests - they are "our" priests. And they are our friends.

Maybe wearing the collar taught Lino something else, too. Maybe he has a new found respect for his friends Rob and Jim and all of the men who have followed that call.

Will Lino discern for the priesthood? I really doubt it. I think God is using him in the best way possible- he is using the natural gifts God blessed him with to bring the faith to the people in a way they can understand and relate to.

(And on a personal note: I don't know where Lino got those black pants, but I am sure glad he decided to wear them. I had nightmares about him going out in jeans, or his signature cargo shorts!)

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Fr Rob is Right

Yes I said it, Father Rob was in the right... the Rite of Marriage that is.

On Monday's show Fr Rob mentioned that he refused a bride's request to say "You may now kiss the bride."  I wanted to share my experience to enforce the fact that Fr. Rob did the right thing.


When I was getting married a few months ago, I was not willing to let anyone call into question the validity of my marriage at a later date. I wanted it all by the book. If it wasn't part of the Rite I didn't want to mess with it.  Our priest was clear about when would be an appropriate time to kiss (following the exchange of vows and exchange of rings-when the couple is actually married) then the mass goes on to communion if you've chosen that option.  I did a lot of research before planning our ceremony.  I loved Busted Halo's War for the Perfect Wedding which is a video series arguing for and against a lot of the 'secular customs' that have found their way into a religious ceremony.  (i.e. unity candles, getting married outside, etc)

The suggestion to kiss at the end of the mass seems out of place, by that point the couple has been married at least 30 minutes! That's right, communion during the wedding mass takes place after the couple is officially married.  Look, I don't know about you guys, but I don't ask the priest if I can hold hands with my husband in the pews, I didn't need him to announce that I would be kissing my husband. And frankly, would we want the priest announcing what happens later?  I think if the newly married couple can figure that out on their own, they don't need anyone announcing a kiss.

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Crew Appreciation Week: Mama Rulli!

I've been reflecting on just why we love Mama Rulli so much....she's so popular and we can't hear her enough! Mama R just comes up with some of the most wonderful zingers, and the unexpected timing is perfect!

photo copyright Linose Productions and catholicguy.com


Using my foggy memory, I was trying to recall the first time we heard her on the air. I believe it was when Lino was trying to sell his condo and there was a bit of a family situation. Mama called in and explained, and it wasn't long after that she got to visit the studio. Oh my, that was so funny! It was Christmastime and Mama wanted to see the big tree in Rockefeller Center. She was only supposed to be on the show a short time, but her son just couldn't send her out in the cold by herself, now could he? At the time, the program director was a short little guy Rob "Ron" Astorino, and Mama called him a "little creature."

Or how about the time when the gang was in Rome broadcasting from Vatican Radio and Mama was on the air?! She had a wonderful little story and made reference to "big jugs." I emailed Lino trying to get him to use that as a catchphrase for the show, but never got a reply!

There's others: Lino and the former crew visiting Minnesota for Lino Rulli Appreciation Day. That was a time full of laughter too!

There could be more, like Hickety Pickety, don't remember exactly, but it was Jacob's Brother, and Teetertotter, which turned out to be Esau Seesaw! Love that one!

Yes, every time Mama Rulli comes on she makes me laugh with joy! Why? I think the bottom line is that her sayings have so much TRUTH in them! And like I tell my own kids when they question me, I remind them I have far more life experience than they do! So it goes with our dear Mama Rulli! We all love ya, gal!!


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New Segment

Right now on the show...a brand new segment- 19 Questions! (no its not the same as 20 questions...how dare you imply that!) Tune in - SiriusXM129 / catholicchannel.org

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Crew Appreciation Week: Ryan Grant

Does anyone else think Ryan's sofa looks a lot like Lino's... hmmm, is there a Single Catholic Man Furniture Store no one has told the rest of us about?  ;) kidding, keep reading to hear more about Ryan Grant. 


I have to say right off the bat. I like Ryan. I was really excited when he started with the show a few months back. I think he is a great addition to the All Male Revue going on now that Fr. Rob has joined the cast.

In order to best appreciate Ryan, I thought I would showcase a few of his other talents. A few music clips and videos of Ryan Grant's musical prowess.


First we have Ryan's entry to the "Create the New Show Open" contest before he got the gig on The Catholic Guy Show. This was our first taste of what the 'future' new guy was good for. I think he did a solid job. Very smart to use the Foo Fighters.

I comment Ryan on one of his first big ways of stepping up on the show when he orchestrated (yes a  pun, just go with it people) a Music Makeover Monday full of Ryan Grant Music.  1-BOLD MOVE, 2-classy, and 3-dangerous.  Way to go dude. We all know Lino likes to rip apart the music on the Monday Music spot.  Putting himself up there was wicked outgoing of Ryan.  It shows he isn't afraid to take a little criticism in the name of good fun.

Here's a little video of Ryan singing a cover of Howie Day's Collide. Full confession, I love this song... better yet, Ryan nails it!  


Ryan has been a great fit for the new direction the show has taken. He's a former seminarian so we know he can hold his own with Lino and Fr. Rob. He clearly has passion, which this Catholic Guy Show fan thinks is a huge deal for anyone trying to do GOOD CATHOLIC MEDIA.  I enjoy hearing Ryan on air when he can. I have to imagine it is incredibly busy on that side of the desk-SO MANY BUTTONS over there, and answering the phones... Good Luck Ryan. We are really happy having you on the team!
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p.s.  You guys all have to visit http://www.youtube.com/ryangrantmusic for the rest of his stuff. I'm a harsh critic when it comes to 'Christian Music' and I think Ryan has got some of it really right. A little birdie told me to direct you all to this last video I included, which is an original song that was recorded live at a Youth2000 Catholic retreat. 

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Crew Appreciation Week: Fr. Jim Chern


When I was growing up our parish priests were Benedictine monks from a local monastery. Because of this, my image of priests were of old men. Men with grey hair, balding, and wrinkles. As such, my image of priest for most of my life were of old men. Not exactly someone that I could really associate with.


I don't think I'm alone with this type of association. Lino has repeatedly said on his show that he wants people to see priests as normal, every day people. He wants us to see priests as fellow human beings, people with hopes, dreams and desires. People who are with us in the long race to get to heaven.

This is one of the reasons Lino has made Fr. Jim a regular guest on The Catholic Guy Show. He is your every day Joe. He is just like you and me. He is the type of guy you can sit around and talk baseball with. He is the type of guy you can sit down and have a beer with. The only difference is that he has chosen, or should I say--God has chosen Fr. Jim's vocation to be a priest. Fr. Jim has chosen to follow that vocation.

Fr. Jim has been a priest for 12 years. Seven of those years he served as a parish priest and the last five years he has been in the mission fields as a campus minister at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. I realize that when you think of a missionary you think of someone who is preaching Jesus to some native in the Amazon or something like that. But I challenge you to think about what Fr. Jim is doing. He is preaching Jesus to college kids who are away from home and away from their parents for probably the first times in their lives. They are being exposed to sex and alcohol and having to face the repercussions of their decisions. Fr. Jim is there praying for them, offering them the Eucharist, hearing their confessions, praying with them and helping them get to Heaven. And he isn't doing it at a Catholic college. To make it even more difficult, he is doing it at a secular college----or as people call it . . . a college.

In order to minister to these college kids, he has to be "normal." He has to be "in the world" while not being "of the world." He can't act all pious and at the same time, he can't be fake. Otherwise, he would turn the kids off and they would see right through him. In order to connect with them he has to be "normal."

I first corresponded with Fr. Jim several years back on MySpace when I was discerning the diaconate. He gave me advice and felt a connection with him. I hadn't realized that he had been a chaplain for his local police department so he understood a little of what my life was like as a police officer. I sent him a patch and a shirt from my agency and we've kept in touch. A couple years ago, he traveled to Illinois for a conference and we met at a St. Louis Cardinal's game. I had a great time with him and I can attest that Fr. Jim is indeed---the type of guy you can sit at a baseball game and share a beer with--because I've done it.

I remember my mom talking about how they used to have the local priest over for dinner when she was growing up. I always thought this was odd. I could never imagine growing up eating dinner with a priest and having them be----normal. Fr. Jim has proven me wrong. I feel like I could open up with him and tell him my problems and get sound advice from him. I think the students of Montclair are blessed to have him there. I consider him a friend. That . . . is what's up with Fr. Jim.


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Crew Appreciation Week: Fr. Rob Keighron

He’s probably the worst singer I have ever heard, and based on what I have seen, he’s not much better at dancing. Anybody reading this blog knows exactly who I am talking about. It’s that fiery redhead, Fr. Rob.

Mostly everyone was happy when Lino announced in the summer that Fr. Rob was joining the show full time in September. After Lou and Maureen left, I for one was wondering what in the heck was going to happen to the show. To be quite honest, I would not have blamed Lino if he had thrown in the towel himself.

But Ryan was hired, and Fr. Rob proved himself to be a fast friend to not only Lino, but to the listeners. Up until the time that he joined the show, Fr. Rob came in (without pay) every week like clockwork to add a bit of spice to the lineup. After Maureen left, his appearances on the show increased, and helped Lino and us through a difficult transition.

My first post to the TCGS blog was about how Lino was “an enigma” to us because we never knew what he was going to say or do. The same can truly be said about Fr. Rob. One of the priests who went to seminary with Fr. Rob and met up with Lino at WYD described him to Lino as “joyful and very angry.” That about sums it up. Fr. Rob said, “I just love to have a good time. I’m happy about my anger. It just makes me angry when people don’t make me happy.” Lino replied, “ It makes us happy when Fr. Rob is angry.”

Whether he’s runnin’ hot about something- his San Francisco Giants, some priests who aren’t following the rules, or a mechanic who doesn’t know what he’s doing, you can count on Fr. Rob to entertain you just by being himself. He’s extremely intelligent and very devoted to his calling as a priest. He loves food and drink and having fun, but when challenged, was able to drop 30 lbs. and change to a much healthier lifestyle.

Fr. Rob is a real person and thank God, a real priest.


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On Today's Show

On Today's Show...oh yes, everybody loves a good song parody. We have a brand new song parody for you! Tune in to hear the song and find out what happened over the weekend in the lives of the Catholic Guy Show crew...
TUNE IN SiriusXM ch. 129

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Crew Appreciaton Week: Lino Rulli

Lino Rulli is unashamed of his love of Howard Stern.

In any other circle, this isn't a big deal. So you like Howard, big deal? It doesn't make you bad or good, it's just something you listen to. But for some reason, his vocal support of Stern's show gets everybody all riled up.

On a recent Howard 100 News, Lino said that he has had speaking gigs cancelled after the event-planners found out about his admiration for the king of the airwaves. I found this a little shocking and a little sad: Why is Howard Stern such a lightning rod? If I was going to cancel one of Lino's speaking engagement, I'd do it because he likes Family Guy.

That said, I have a huge amount of respect for Lino Rulli's honesty. It's one of the reasons I started listening to him in the first place: a Christian radio host that was actually honest for a change. It was unheard of in my life. Growing up, I was used to hearing people focus on other people's faults and misgivings. For someone to freely admit that they are a sinner and that screwing up isn't some event delegated to the past, well, that just takes the cake.

Lino Rulli is one of those radio hosts you couldn't quit listening to even if you tried. It isn't just the big things that he's good at: Lino is amazing at the little things. For instance, you don't hardly ever hear him hang up on a caller. Other shows, after the caller makes a point, hang up on the person while the host reacts to whatever statement is made. Lino, on the other hand, actually takes the time to say goodbye to most people, and tells them   "Call in anytime."

You could make a case, by the way, that line is probably the show's catchphrase: It's said on a regular basis.

Before I started listening to Lino, I didn't really have any aspirations of becoming a writer or blogging or anything like that. Sure, I worked at a newspaper doing page design when I started listening to Lino, but Lino has inspired me to use my God-given abilities for the betterment of Christianity. I started listening to Lino, and thought, 'Here's a guy who uses Media to help spread the love of God in his own unique way. Why can't I at least try doing that?

I'm not saying that my talents are on par with Lino's: He's light years ahead of me in that regard. What I am saying is that Lino showed me that we all have talents that God has blessed us with, and that we shouldn't just rest on our laurels hoping that one day, they'll magically appear and flourish all on their own. Lino taught me that when you do something for the glory of God, you shouldn't half-ass it. God deserves better than some half-hearted attempt at Christian radio, TV, blogging etc.

God is amazing, and our level of dedication to our individual crafts should reflect just how much we love and respect Him.

I made a similar statement a few days ago on this blog, but I'll say it again. While Lino has Howard Stern to thank for getting into radio, I have Lino to thank for getting into blogging about my faith, and hopefully I become successful at that. Because of Lino, I was able to meet Fr. Jim Chern and start designing the campus bulletin for his Newman Center. This is my fourth school year doing that, and it's a wonderful experience. And best of all, because of Lino I met my wife and am expecting my first child.


OK, maybe he's not this inspirational, but he still rocks

For me, Lino Rulli is my Howard Stern: an influential, honest and damn entertaining radio pioneer dedicated to making the best show in the world. And like Howard Stern, Lino succeeds beyond any of our wildest expectations.

Thank you Lino Rulli.

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Crew Appreciation Week starts Monday

This week marks our second annual Crew Appreciation Week!

Each day this week, there will be a post from one of our authors praising a member of the show. Some will make you laugh, others will make you cry (well, maybe not cry, but it sounded way more dramatic).

Here is the schedule:
Monday - Lino Rulli
Tuesday - Fr. Rob Keighron
Wednesday - Fr. Jim Chern
Thursday - Ryan Grant
Friday - Mama Rulli

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Lino on WCCO in Minnesota

Our fearless leader Lino Rulli appeared on WCCO tonight to talk about faith, his book, and the 10th anniversary of September 11. I forgot to record the audio, so I do apologize for not having a clip available.

Here are memorable quotes from the interview, some paraphrased:

On Catholicism having so many rules and restrictions: "I don't mind those things," Lino said, stating that he actually found it fun.

On his trip to Thailand: "I'm one of the worst people on earth. I claim to be religious, love God, love Catholicism, and I want to get a prostitute (Lino revealed that since his Mom was listening that no, he did not get a prostitute, but the temptation was strong).

"I just thought thats a story I'm going to put in this book. Maybe there are other people who go, 'Wow i fail too.' ... I think lot of people who fall short on what we believe in."

On honesty in Catholic media: I don't see enough in my personal life and faith is honesty. I want to be as honest as humanly possible. We all have struggles, why not laugh at them.

"I'm a real goofball. I want to laugh at myself. When you take yourself lot less seriously, you're more open to taking God seriously.

On 9-11, the anniversary, and God: "There's a feeling in NYC of hesitation, even on my walk here, there's more police presence. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but people are yet still living their life. People all over the place.

"As far faith is concerned, that was something done in name of religion. I can understand that people think religion is a bad thing. The most I can say is that God can make good out of bad, God can take meaning out of suffering.

" Where was God is question? Why does God allow things to happen. God gives us free will, we get to do good or choose to do bad. Many people talk about God being in suffering. God is in the firefighter that races into building to save someone, laying down your life for someone is one of Christ's greatest commandments.

"I know that answer is not helpful, adequate to a lot of people. It's important to be honest. I'll be the first person to be honest and say its ok to find doubts and sadness in this. Allow ourselves to ask important questions, and if we don't find answers, dig deeper. Somehow I still trust, have faith in all of this."

On not having a date tonight: I'm 39 and single. Being on a radio show on Saturday night, I can blame you for being dateless, but we know the truth.

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Howard News 101 features Lino Rulli (audio link here)

Lino appeared on Howard 100 News yesterday, talking about how Howard Stern was an influence on his radio career.

"I've gotten hundreds or thousands of emails from people saying 'I hate you because you like Howard Stern,'" Lino said. "I've had speaking engagements canceled because they go wait a minute you like Howard Stern, I go yeah, they go well then we don't want you speaking at our event."

Lino went on to say that one of the highlights of getting a job interview at Sirius was getting to see where Howard works.

As Howard Stern is a great influence on Lino, I hope he realizes that he is "Howard Stern" to so many of us who listen to him each day. As Howard inspires and entertains Lino, so too does Lino inspire and entertain us.

You can listen to the clip here.

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Lino's Whole Living appearance

Lino Rulli's appearance on the Martha Stewart Channel's Whole Living with Terri Trespicio show was a lot more tame than the one on Jay Thomas' show earlier today. The segment was called Crafting With Dudes, and in a rematch from Lino's last appearance on the show, he and board op Steve were trying out "outcraft" each other.

The task? Create book covers for school textbooks. I wish there were cameras in studio, as seeing Lino trying to do crafts would be amazing.

Audio below. As we said last time, we hope and pray nobody sues us. And yeah, Steve dominates once again.



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Lino's Jay Thomas appearance

Very good appearance on Howard 101 this morning. Jay Thomas, the host, was very complimentary of The Catholic Channel, stating that as a programmer, it's one of the best channels on Sirius XM.

One of Lino's best attributes is that he's able to blend in without swearing. This was on display when the topic of masturbation came up. He didn't talk about masturbating, but was able to still have fun and not sound like a prude.

By the way, that was the most awkward paragraph I've ever written on this blog.

Here's a short clip of the show, and we hope and pray that nobody sues us.


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Programming Update: Lino on Stern's Channel, not Stern's show

We goofed! Last night we posted that Lino would be on Howard Stern. ACTUALLY, we read Lino's Facebook status incorrectly: He's on Howard Stern 101, the Jay Thomas Show actually, at 9 a.m. ET today.

He'll be on Martha Stewart at 10 a.m. ET.

We apologize for the error.

And yeah, earmuffs are def recommended for younger listeners. You'll probably want to exercise caution on the Stern channel appearance too.

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Lino Rulli to appear on Howard Stern, Sirius XM 101 at 9 a.m. Friday

The subject line says it all. Lino will be appearing on Howard Stern at 9 a.m. Friday, something that he has been prohibited from doing in the past. Since Howard Stern's show replays all day, it shouldn't be hard to catch a replay if 9 a.m. is too early for you.

We'll have reaction tomorrow, that is, if the power doesn't go out here in flooding Harrisburg, PA.

Should be a VERY interesting appearance. We can't wait!

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Mess with him, you mess with us

These past couple of weeks seem to have been an emotional roller coaster for Lino.

A couple of weeks ago, some idiotic woman wrote him a horrible e-mail on one of the dating sites. She basically insulted his looks and his height and then told him she wished him good luck. Lino admitted he had already had enough of the online dating and now he has decided to give it up. Good for him - he doesn't need it anyway.

On Sept. 1, "Sinner" came out to rave reviews and big sales on all fronts. Lino was a bit put out because people (including his own mother) got a copy of it before the release date. Actually, he was more than put out- it really drove him nuts!

But, now that it is has gone "nationwide" as they say, all seems to be well. Except for some unknown people who want to crash the party. Lino mentioned on Wednesday these people, who were "friendly" to him on the surface, were really itching to stop his success. On air, he struggled against the temptation to expose those people for who they are, and rail against them publicly. He sought advice from Fr. Rob and from us, his faithful listeners. In the end, the "sinner" did not give into temptation, but took the high road.

As I was listening to the podcast where Lino read the e-mail from that awful woman, and then to the show hearing that these people were out to destroy him, I found myself feeling like a member of my own family was being abused and insulted. It really made me mad! I had to ask for grace to forgive these people who were mistreating my "brother."

"Sinner" is breaking the records left and right. Next week really oughta be better.

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Something's Missing Part 3

With the show receiving a new makeover, we thought we'd take the next few days to bemoan the things that are gone from the world of Lino Rulli. Today's topic? Lino's Myspace. Tomorrow? This magic moment.



One of the best parts about the replays from yesteryear was hearing Lino plug his Myspace page. "Visit me on Myspace!" Lino would shout, almost begging for for someone to visit. But then, Facebook took over, and Lino never plugs his Myspace page.


From a common sense standpoint, it doesn't make sense for Lino to plug his Myspace page. Nobody likes Myspace. Myspace is the Relevant Radio of social networks. I mean, just look at the thing! The man only has 10 friends! And one of them is a goat named Doug.


Still, it would be fun for Lino to try to revive his Myspace page. Let's see if The Catholic Guy can make it relevant again. Perhaps he could be Myspace's saviour, rescuing them from the baking coals that is eternal internet damnation. Or he could skip that challenge, wisely using his talents to answer Facebook fan questions instead.


The challenge awaits, Catholic Guy!

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Something's Missing Part 2

With the show receiving a new makeover, we thought we'd take the next few days to bemoan the things that are gone from the world of Lino Rulli. Today's topic? Lino at Large. Tomorrow? His Myspace page



Anyone remember Lino at Large? That plucky little show used to play every Saturday night. And then...it stopped. Gone like the former morning duo on The Catholic Channel from way back when. Or is it gone? I honestly have no freakin clue.


New episodes got cranked out each week. And then, in February, it stopped. There were two episodes released this summer, but those were replays. 


Could this show ever be resurrected? I hope so. Sure it times it seemed a little too tame for constant The Catholic Guy Show listeners, but it was a fun way to kill time on a Saturday night, or in podcast form at some point throughout the week.


I'm not sure what the future of Lino at Large will be. They still replay the show on Saturdays. And there are plenty of recordings to last another few years. I do hope the show will return though, hopefully with a little more edge. Perhaps Lino's new book Sinner will rejuvenate interest in this fun little show that doesn't get enough credit.

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Something's Missing Part 1

With the show receiving a new makeover, we thought we'd take the next few days to bemoan the things that are gone from the world of Lino Rulli. Today's topic? A fourth voice. Tomorrow? Lino at Large.


Last week's Behind the Lino was epic. In case you missed it, Ryan Grant played OLD episodes of the show, which is great since many of the clips were before my time (Hard to believe right, me not being around for Lino Rulli's radio show. What an ass I am). One of my favorite parts of the show was that it featured FOUR distinct personalities. Producer Maureen, technical director Lou, host Lino Rulli and phone screener Tom.

After hearing the show today, it sounds like a two-man gig: Fr. Rob and Lino did all of the talking, and the breaks even introduced the two as a couple as a pair. Which is fine, as the two can carry the show. But it made me miss the days when there was a third and fourth voice that consistently chimed in.

I really love conversational Lino. It made for great radio. I realize that Tom didn't do a whole lot of talking, so to say that it was a consistent four-man show would be off. I do wish that a phone screener would get hired again though, if only to free up Ryan so that he can talk more, and to have a fourth, random opinion to give Fr. Rob and Lino a rest.

I think I'll like the new format. I'm still just fond of the idea of a Fantastic Four.





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