The electronic age exploded with ways for people to exchange ideas, share information and learn from one another. For thousands of years, people primarily communicated person-to-person.

So much has changed.

Our trends, our cultures, even our identities are tied up in the ways we communicate with an extraordinary array of media that allow us to reach many more than we even know or intend for our messages. Compared to the short time that Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, along with podcasts, webinars and many more have become essential parts of our lives, radio is a dinosaur. However, radio continues to end.ure in popularity.

Part of that appeal has to do with the sense of intimacy its format and programming can achieve with listeners. During my career as an industrial sales representative, I spent many solitary hours in my car, often on anonymous stretches of highway, traveling from one account to another. When I happened upon Catholic radio, I discovered companionship in other Catholics like me. They talked about matters of faith that were interesting and informative. They were open and honest, trustworthy. Even though the broadcasts went out to hundreds, maybe more, my listening experience was personal.

What really ignited my appreciation for Catholic radio was a program broadcast on Oklahoma Catholic Radio: Deacon Larry Sousa’s interview program, which he describes as “Conversations with people who are making a difference in Oklahoma.”

The listener gets acquainted with fellow Oklahomans they might not otherwise get the opportunity to know. I often identify with “Make Straight the Way” guests, and usually my faith is stirred by their stories.

I am posting Deacon Larry’s lineup for broadcast in April. Meet some Catholics from other parishes around the diocese or possibly someone from your own parish that shares your Catholic faith. Appreciate and be strengthened as you listen to them.

Tune in at 3:30 p.m. or 7:30p.m. on Tuesdays and 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The programs are livestreamed on OKCR.org. Via radio, listen from one of these FM stations: 97.3 Oklahoma City, 100.9 Edmond, 94.9 Tulsa and 88.3 Lawton