Panther Conservation, Racing with Simona, Catholicism Series

On today’s show World Footprints explores the plight of the endangered Panther, we chat with one of the rising IZOD Indycar stars Simona de Silvestro, and we also view Catholicism through the lens with Father Robert Barron.

Panthers once roamed the entire southeastern United States; from Florida to South Carolina and Louisiana.  However, the Panther population has dramatically decreased but many efforts are being made to save this beautiful animal from extinction.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is at the forefront of the Panther conservation efforts and we'll chat with Park Ranger Sandy Mickey.

Then, you'll hear from one of the IZOD Indycar series rising stars, Simona de Silvestro.  Simona is one of a handful of female Indycar racers and she is one of the most prominent racecar drivers on the track.  Note:  We spoke to Simona only a few days before the tragic accident in Las Vegas that claimed the life of Indycar 500 winner Dan Wheldon.

Finally, we will talk to Father Robert Barron, the Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at Mundelein Seminary and a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, about his new PBS series Catholicism.