Listener sentiment
Jesuitical still commands strong loyalty from a core of listeners who prize hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless for their warmth, humor, and the show's signature mix of Catholic news, guest interviews, and personal faith reflection. However, the recent ratings window marks a notable shift from the near-universal enthusiasm that characterized earlier reviews: since mid-2025, a wave of critical reviews has emerged from two directions. Progressive-leaning, long-time listeners feel the podcast has drifted rightward — citing hosts expressing frustration with the political left, episodes that felt dismissive of why people leave the Church, and praise of figures like Jordan Peterson — and several report unfollowing after years of devotion. Meanwhile, conservative Catholic listeners continue to find the show too liberal, leaving the podcast caught in a crossfire where both camps feel it no longer represents them. A smaller set of reviewers raise format-level concerns, including an identity crisis between serious theological journalism and opinion-driven conversation, and one host's frequent giggling undercutting serious topics. The overall picture is of a beloved show entering a more polarized and scrutinized phase, with its formerly broad consensus fraying at the edges.
Apple4.8 · 390
Summary generated Sep 25, 2026
