In addition to his radio and television work, Rulli has released two books, both of which discuss Catholicism in a comedic tone through personal anecdotes.

[12] Rulli dropped out of school to perform as the assistant to his father's organ grinding and to ride an elephant as part of the finale.

[4][6][12] The elder Rulli made the decision to make the career change after praying about it before the Eucharist in St. Peter's Basilica.

[15] Rulli's father taught him about the birds and the bees in the seventh grade when he "threw a book in my general direction, and said, 'Let me know if you have any questions.

[31] During his junior year, Rulli found the body of his friend and roommate after he committed suicide by shooting himself inside his car.

[33] The experience caused him to sleep with a nightlight for years until one night when he was on a retreat with the theme "The Lord is my light and my salvation" and forgot to plug it in.

[36] During his senior year, a professor offhandedly asked him if he had ever considered a graduate degree in theology which "picked some kind of lock in my brain.

[41] He chose the high crime neighborhood in which he lived because there was a Benedictine monastery attached to the school, and was discerning a vocation to become a monk.

[48] Rulli began his television career as a reporter for WCCO-TV, then later a commentator for KMSP-TV, both stations based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

[2][49] Rulli then began a solo project, Generation Cross, a television show he hosted and produced from 1998 to 2004.

"[53] It featured Rulli rock climbing with priests, golfing with nuns, and generally learning about the Catholic faith while having fun.

[51] After Generation Cross, Rulli co-executive produced The Last Flagraiser, a CBS documentary honoring the World War II soldiers who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

[3] Rulli also makes frequent appearances on news channels, often discussing Catholic current events and other religious issues.

In the past, he hosted "Lino at Large," a radio show sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops syndicated throughout North America.

A previous iteration of Lino at Large was canceled in 2006 because the stations on which it ran catered to an audience of people over 55, and his show was geared towards young adults.

[61][62] Following immediate success of The Catholic Guy, twin cities Minneapolis and Saint Paul declared September 29 to be "Lino Rulli Day" (initiated in 2010).

[63] His three greatest radio influences were the hosts of a Minneapolis morning show from when he was a child, Garrison Keillor, and especially Stern.

[67] Rulli would frequently joke about his struggles in relationships on his radio show, even to the point of discussing his problems with a dating coach.

Stella's Fish Cafe named a lobster for Rulli; the crew of his radio show then ate it for dinner.

The primary purpose of the residency is to give students extended access to someone with real knowledge and wisdom about policy, civic engagement, and public life.