Pints With Aquinas: History, Founding, and Mission

History and Founding Pints With Aquinas is a Catholic podcast and evangelization apostolate founded on March 29, 2016, by Australian-American Catholic author, speaker, and apologist Matt Fradd. The podcast was originally conceived as a means of introducing the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas to a broad audience by presenting his theology in an accessible and conversational format. Its central premise asks listeners to imagine sharing a pint of beer with Aquinas and posing questions about the deepest issues of faith, philosophy, and human existence. This imaginative framework allows the writings of the medieval Dominican theologian to be applied to contemporary questions and everyday life. The earliest episodes focused closely on Aquinas's Summa Theologiae and other works, with Fradd explaining Thomistic philosophy and theology in an approachable style. As the podcast expanded in popularity, its format evolved from short theological reflections into long-form interviews and discussions with scholars, clergy, philosophers, scientists, historians, authors, converts, and public intellectuals. While Saint Thomas Aquinas remains the intellectual inspiration for the program, its scope has broadened considerably to include discussions on Catholic theology, philosophy, ethics, apologetics, culture, politics, science, literature, and current events. Since its founding, Pints With Aquinas has become one of the most widely recognized English-language Catholic podcasts. The program has released more than 800 episodes, consistently ranks among the leading Christianity podcasts on major podcast platforms, and has attracted millions of downloads and views through audio and video distribution. In 2026, the podcast entered into a distribution partnership with The Daily Wire while retaining its Catholic focus and Matt Fradd's editorial leadership. Mission and Purpose The mission of Pints With Aquinas is to make the Catholic intellectual tradition—particularly the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas—accessible to modern audiences. The podcast seeks to demonstrate that Thomistic philosophy is not merely a historical academic discipline but a living framework for understanding God, morality, human nature, politics, beauty, science, and the meaning of life. Fradd frequently describes the podcast as an invitation to encounter Aquinas as a conversation partner rather than simply a historical figure. While rooted firmly in Catholic theology, the program welcomes guests from a wide variety of Christian traditions, other religions, and secular academic disciplines. This emphasis reflects the Thomistic conviction that reason and faith complement one another and that truth may be pursued through honest dialogue. Although the program originated as a work of Thomistic catechesis, it has become a broader platform for Catholic evangelization, intellectual formation, apologetics, and cultural engagement. Episodes regularly encourage listeners to deepen their prayer lives, strengthen their understanding of Catholic doctrine, and engage contemporary society from a Christian perspective. Host The podcast is hosted by Matt Fradd, an Australian-American Catholic author, speaker, and philosopher. Fradd is widely known for his work in Catholic apologetics, evangelization, and education, particularly regarding Thomistic philosophy, moral theology, and Christian responses to pornography and addiction. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary and has written several books on Catholic spirituality, apologetics, and moral formation. From 2018 until 2024, Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph, was a frequent collaborator and recurring co-host. His contributions helped strengthen the program's emphasis on Thomistic theology, Dominican spirituality, and Catholic philosophy, making him one of the podcast's most recognizable recurring voices. Other recurring contributors have included Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., Mother Natalia, and numerous Catholic scholars and clergy, although the program remains centered on Fradd as its principal interviewer. Guests and Topics A defining characteristic of Pints With Aquinas is its extensive roster of guests drawn from across Catholicism and the broader intellectual world. The podcast has featured bishops, priests, religious, philosophers, theologians, biblical scholars, historians, scientists, journalists, authors, Protestant ministers, Orthodox Christians, converts, and public figures. Notable guests have included Bishop Robert Barron, Dr. Scott Hahn, Peter Kreeft, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jimmy Akin, Jason Evert, Stephen C. Meyer, John Bergsma, Eleonore Stump, Donald Calloway, OIC, and numerous other Catholic scholars and speakers. In recent years, the podcast has also broadened its guest list to include non-Catholic intellectuals and cultural commentators in conversations about philosophy, religion, politics, literature, and public life. Common subjects include: * Thomistic philosophy * Catholic theology and doctrine * Sacred Scripture * Apologetics * Natural law * Ethics and moral theology * Prayer and the spiritual life * Church history * Philosophy of religion * Science and faith * Politics and culture * Marriage and family life * Conversion stories * Literature and the arts * Contemporary social issues Episodes generally range from one to three hours, allowing for in-depth discussion rather than brief interviews. Catholic Significance Pints With Aquinas has become one of the most influential Catholic podcasts of the twenty-first century. It has played a significant role in introducing a new generation of Catholics to the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas and to the broader Catholic intellectual tradition. The podcast is frequently recommended in Catholic educational settings as an accessible introduction to Thomistic thought and philosophical theology. Beyond explaining Catholic doctrine, the program has contributed to the wider revival of Thomism within English-speaking Catholicism by demonstrating the continuing relevance of Aquinas to questions of morality, politics, psychology, science, and contemporary culture. Through its long-form interview format, the podcast also exemplifies a growing movement in Catholic media toward sustained intellectual conversation rather than short-form catechetical instruction. Current Work Pints With Aquinas releases new episodes weekly in both audio and video formats through major podcast platforms, YouTube, and its official website. The ministry also produces subscriber-exclusive content, livestreams, debates, question-and-answer sessions, and educational series. In addition to podcasting, Matt Fradd continues to lecture internationally, publish books, and participate in conferences and evangelization events. The program maintains an active presence across social media and has expanded into a broader digital media ministry serving Catholics, Christians, and those interested in philosophy and religion. Legacy Since its launch in 2016, Pints With Aquinas has established itself as one of the most prominent Catholic podcasts in the English-speaking world. Its combination of Thomistic philosophy, serious theological discussion, long-form interviews, and accessible presentation has significantly influenced contemporary Catholic media and digital evangelization. Although the podcast has evolved beyond its original episode-by-episode treatment of Aquinas's Summa Theologiae, Saint Thomas remains the intellectual foundation of the project. By bringing medieval scholastic thought into conversation with modern philosophical, scientific, cultural, and religious questions, Pints With Aquinas has helped demonstrate the enduring relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition for contemporary audiences.