Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen

Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self with Dr. Angela Franks - 05/23/2026

Episode Summary

Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Dr. Angela Franks, associate professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, to discuss her new book Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self. The conversation explores modern identity, the relationship between body and soul, social media culture, anxiety, authenticity, and how Christianity offers a deeper understanding of the human person. Dr. Franks reflects on philosophy, theology, family life, and the call to become the saint God created each person to be. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #AngelaFranks #CatholicTheology #BodyAndIdentity #CatholicUniversity #FaithAndReason #CatholicPodcast #Identity #TheologyOfTheBody #CatholicRadio #ChristianAnthropology #CatholicTeaching #IowaCatholicRadio #Philosophy

Episode Notes

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Bishop Joensenand Jeanne Tille sit down with Angela Franks, associate professor of theology at The Catholic University of America and author of Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self.

Together they explore:

• The modern crisis of identity and the “empty self”
• Social media, anxiety, and liquid identity
• The relationship between body, soul, and personhood
• Faith, philosophy, and the search for truth
• How Christianity shapes authentic human freedom
• Parenting, vocation, and discovering God’s call

Dr. Franks also discusses how contemporary culture often separates identity from reality, why people feel increasingly disconnected despite constant self-expression, and how the Christian vision restores meaning, dignity, and purpose.

Learn more about Dr. Franks and her work at:
AngelaFranks.com