by Stefani Manowski

	Halo effect: The staff of BustedHalo (front row, L-to-R:) managing editor Mike Hayes; publisher Father Dave Dwyer, C.S.P., editor-in-chief Bill McGarvey; (back row, L-to-R:) production assistant Marc Adams, editorial assistant Tara Good, bookkeeper Leslie Firth, and associate editor Jeff Guhin.

Filling a need. That is how most great opportunities begin, and “The Busted Halo Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio is no exception.

BustedHalo.com, the Paulist-run online magazine for spiritual seekers in their 20s and 30s, began featuring podcasts last year that are recorded in the former WLWL Paulist radio studio in the basement of the Paulist residence in Manhattan.

“People would send in questions, and we would answer them in the podcasts,” said BustedHalo publisher Father Dave Dwyer, C.S.P., who produced shows for MTV and Comedy Central before entering the priesthood. “It just grew.”

So when the Archdiocese of New York announced the creation of “The Catholic Channel” on Sirius Satellite Radio in May 2006, Father Dwyer thought that they would need a lot of material for the 24-hour ministry. He offered the BustedHalo podcasts.

Sirius offered more.

“They wanted a live show,” he said.

Father Dwyer and Mike Hayes, BustedHalo's managing editor who has a background in producing talk radio, then began developing a two-hour show to air on Sunday evenings.

Again, Sirius and its 6 million subscribers offered more.

This time, the offer was for Father Dwyer to host a two-hour talk radio show Monday-Friday that would air during the afternoon drive time on the West Coast, which can bring a large audience.

Broadcasting the Word: Father Dave Dwyer, C.S.P., hosting "The Busted Halo Show" from the New York studios of Sirius Satellite Radio, along with technical producer Jonathan Allen (left) and producer Robyn Gould (right).

“Sirius gains subscribers by offering niche programming 24/7, so I could see where they were coming from,” he said. “They wanted a channel that would appeal to a broader audience than regular religious media.”

Father Dwyer consulted the leadership of the Paulist Fathers about the radio show, and it was determined too good an opportunity to pass up.

Father Dwyer changed part of the focus of his ministry to young adults, the BustedHalo.com staff adjusted and the first Busted Halo Show aired on Dec. 4, 2006. Father Dwyer is joined at the Sirius studios by a producer and broadcast technician.

The Busted Halo Show tackles a variety of topics – from Catholic Schools Week to Internet pornography – had has hosted notable guests such as Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles and “Trainer Bob” from “The Biggest Loser” television show.
The show usually begins with Father Dwyer answering a question about faith, and includes listener calls and several special guests each day.

Father Dwyer said his secular and priestly experiences draw on one another in his new radio ministry.

“God can combine the best of both worlds,” he said. “The puzzle pieces fit together. It is humbly wonderful.”

Listen to the Busted Halo Show on Channel 159 on Sirius Satellite Radio Monday-Friday from 7-9 p.m. EST. Check out BustedHalo at www.bustedhalo.com.

● Visit BustedHalo.com
● Read past Paulist Profiles here