How a Minnesota Priest's Podcast Is Guiding Millions Through the Bible

A Catholic priest from Minnesota has created the world's most popular religious podcast, The Bible in a Year, which has guided millions through scripture since its launch. This daily podcast, blending Bible readings and reflections, is set to reach an unprecedented 1 billion downloads by February 2025, proving the enduring appeal of faith-based content in the digital age.

Father Mike Schmitz, a priest from the Diocese of Duluth, hosts the podcast while serving as chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Each of the 365 episodes covers a portion of the Bible, paired with his personal reflections. The format has struck a chord, keeping the show at the top of Apple Podcasts' Religion & Spirituality chart for most of 2021 to 2025.

The impact of The Bible in a Year extends far beyond the US. In 2022, the podcast hit #1 in the Christianity category in nearly 50 countries, reaching listeners in over 150 nations. Schmitz has seen firsthand how the project changes lives, from a middle-aged man rediscovering faith to countless others finding structure in daily Bible verses. For Schmitz, the podcast is more than a success—it's a calling. He describes it as 'the most important thing I've ever done' and believes its consistency has helped people encounter God's word in a meaningful way. The Bible, he notes, can unite hearts but also reveal divisions, reflecting its power to challenge and transform.

As The Bible in a Year approaches 1 billion downloads, its influence remains undeniable. The podcast has made Bible readings accessible to a global audience, blending tradition with modern media. Schmitz's work continues to prove that faith, when shared with clarity and commitment, can resonate across cultures and generations.