Stop, cooperate and listen: looking for a Catholic alternative to the economy

Does capitalism not do it for you? Communism a bit much? There's another way.

This week we're talking with Nathan Schneider (and his adorable baby, Daniel) about co-ops. Now, that word might bring to mind hippies living together and making vegan meals from the community garden (which Nathan did)—but there are hidden cooperative businesses all around you: REI, Dairy Queen, Southwest Airlines. We ask him about the Catholic roots of the co-op movement and why he thinks it's making a comeback. 

In Signs of the Times, President Trump is heading to the Vatican. Will Francis be "pope-like" enough for him? And, Simone Biles: great Catholic gymnast or the greatest Catholic gymnast? Next, it's commencement speech controversy season. Do speakers at Catholic colleges need to agree with church teaching? Does anyone even remember commencement speeches? We discuss.

Finally, some Zac-splaining on the apparitions at Medjugorje—the site of Marian devotion (not worship) that has attracted millions of pilgrims since 1981.

Special shout out this week to Stephen Grant, who generously provided a fine selection of adverbs and monastic beers. And to Rosa Del Saz, America's vice president for finance and operations (and jesuitical's #1 Fan), for her moral and monetary support. 

If you like what you hear, you can:

1. Subscribe on iTunes
2. Leave us a rating and review
3. Tell your friends, family, roommates and campus minister about jesuitical

Finally, we want to hear from you. If you could choose your commencement speaker, who would it be? Are you involved in a co-op? Leave us a comment here, write us at jesuitical@americamedia.org or find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow.

Links from the show

The Associated Press is a joint media venture. Maybe Twitter should be too.

Pope says he will not pre-judge Trump, will seek common ground.

Simone Biles "Shocked" By Dancing With the Stars Elimination, But Won a Friend for Life

Should Catholic college commencement speakers agree with church teaching?

Returning from Fatima, pope says he has doubts about Medjugorje