The Ascension Radio Initiative
For Radio Stations

Interested in bringing inspiring, authentic, and transformative Catholic content to your radio station listeners?

The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year will be available for radio broadcast, starting January 1, 2024.

We know God’s word changes hearts and saves souls. We’ve been honored to offer both Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year completely free to anyone with an internet connection, but we’ve witnessed too many transformations to let it end there. So thanks to an exciting new partnership with Spoke Street Media, we are adapting The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), and other well-loved Ascension content for radio broadcast.

This radio content is free of cost for Catholic radio stations — just submit the form below for more information and to be alerted when this transformative content is ready for broadcast.

Participating radio stations will enjoy access to:

  • 365 Bible in a Year episode blocks, each of which is exactly 30-minutes.
  • 365 Catechism in a Year episode blocks, each of which is exactly 25-minutes.

Each Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year episode block includes:

  • A radio-specific introduction that is compliant with FCC and non-commercial radio regulations
  • A reading from the Scriptures (Bible in a Year), or a reading from the Catechism (Catechism in a Year) by Father Mike Schmitz
  • A reflection by Father Mike Schmitz
  • A piece of supplemental content from Ascension’s well-respected personalities, including Fr. Josh Johnson, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, and Jackie and Bobby Angel.  

Now available for radio broadcast, this world-renown content has a proven track record of reaching people with the life-changing power of Scripture and the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith:

“On Tuesday I sought out a priest, went weeping to confession, and returned to the Church after almost 30 years... [all] because I was led to Father Mike, and then to this beautiful Bible study.” 

- Amy D

“After a lifetime of atheism/agnosticism, I began listening to the Bible in a year in September 2021. Yesterday, my son and I were baptized, received our first Holy Communion, and I was confirmed! God is good! Thank you to Father Mike! I would not have made it home to the Catholic Church without his enthusiasm and love for God guiding me every day."

- Carrie

“[Bible in a Year] saved my life. This podcast gives me a reason to wake up every day. I know the word of God is true and good but struggles with depression often prevent me from reading the Bible and listening to the word of God. Luckily, Father Mike's engaging voice and personality give me something to look forward to and remind me that we were not made to get through life alone.”

- Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast?

Originally released in January of 2021, The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) is the only Catholic Bible audio program that walks listeners day-by-day through the entirety of the Bible. The podcast’s reading plan is based on the renowned Bible Timeline philosophy developed by leading Bible teacher Jeff Cavins. The podcast has garnered over 500 million downloads since 2021 and has received many awards and distinctions in both Catholic and secular circles. Learn more about The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) here.

What is The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast?

On request of the Bible in a Year audience, Ascension and Father Mike partnered to create The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) walking listeners day-by-day through the entirety of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Like The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), upon its release in 2023, The Catechism in a Year Podcast quickly rose to the top of the Apple Charts across all podcast categories and secured the #1 spot for 13 days straight. The podcast has been downloaded over 60 million downloads since its launch in 2023. Learn more about The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) here.

This content was originally produced, packaged, and released as a podcast, which makes it very different from traditional radio programming. How can this be worked into our radio clock?

Because each episode of Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year varies in length, we understand that many radio stations cannot easily incorporate the original content “as-is” into their radio clock. So, we partnered with Spoke Street Media, experts in adapting podcast content for radio, to build a 30-minute custom radio block around each episode of Bible in a Year, and a 25-minute radio block around each episode of Catechism in a Year.

Are the radio blocks non-commercial radio license friendly?

Yes, we have worked with an FCC lawyer to prepare the content to be FCC and non-commercial radio compliant.

Do we have to carry both The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year blocks?

You have options! You can syndicate one or both of the blocks.

What content is included in the radio blocks in addition to the original episodes of The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year?

  1. Each block opens with an introduction by a Spoke Street radio host, providing context for that day’s episode for those who may be tuning in for the first time.
  2. If time is left in the block after that day’s episode of BIY or CIY concludes, the Spoke Street host transitions to a supplementary piece of content to round out the block. Supplemental content incorporated into the 730 blocks rotates between:
    1. Common Catholic prayers such as the Anima Christi
    2. 7-9 minute “Ascension Presents” segments on topics related to Catholic teaching, the spiritual life, and human formation from personalities like Fr. Mike, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Dr. Edward Sri, and Jackie and Bobby Angel.
    3. Bible Answers with Jeff Cavins on common questions about the Bible
    4. Catechism Answers with Scott Sollom on common questions about the Catechism
    5. Audience Q&A with Fr. Joshua Johnson

Can I listen to samples of the radio block?

Yes! Fill out the above form, and we’ll be in touch with samples, as well as more information about how to get broadcast access to this content.

What are the requirements for broadcasting this content?

All participating stations must sign a standard broadcast licensing agreement, and we also ask that stations commit to airing the content for a 12-month term. The radio blocks must be played “as-is” unless special permission has been granted otherwise.  

Is this available internationally?

BIY is available for syndication by international radio stations. CIY is available for syndication contingent upon permissions to broadcast the Catechism granted by the local Bishops conference.

Is there a suggested time to play this content?

We suggest launching this content offering at the start of the calendar year, as that is the peak of Ascension’s marketing efforts for this content. Radio stations stand to benefit from joining efforts during this time of momentum. If it is not possible to launch the offering in January, stations are free to begin broadcasting the content at any time during the year, and to tailor their broadcasting approach to their station and audience.

Do we need to pay for the content?

This content will be free of cost to radio stations.

Who is Spoke Street?

Spoke Street Media, Ascension’s partner in this radio project, specializes in bridging the gap between radio and podcast content, bringing the best in Catholic podcasts to radio stations like yours. They have extensive radio broadcast experience and experience producing podcasts, so they understand how to bring together the mediums to provide an inspiring and engaging experience for the listener.