Gotta Be Saints

On episode #165, I spoke with Dan LeRoy about the Rise and Fall of Western Thought.Key points from our discussion include:- The inspiration behind Leroy's sweeping exploration of Western thought and its critical relevance in contemporary times.- A pivotal detour in philosophy nearly a thousand years ago that significantly shaped Western society.- The Big Three philosophers — Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates — and their unique approaches to achieving happiness.- Intersections and conflicts between ancient philosophy and Christianity, highlighting areas of convergence.- Influential ideologies such as dualism and pantheism, and their impact on modern politics and education.- And much more...Biography:Dan LeRoy is an author, journalist and teacher who has been the director of the Writing and Publishing Department at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA, since 2006. His writing about music and politics has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, The Village Voice, Alternative Press, Esquire.com and National Review Online.Links:Link for Purchase: Why We Think What We ThinkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaInstitutePress/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiaPress Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #164, I spoke with Kristen Theriault about the life and the legacy of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.  Biography:Kristen Van Uden is the editor of Catholic Exchange and author spokesperson at Sophia Institute Press. She has degrees in History and Russian from Saint Anselm College and the College of William & Mary, and studies the persecution of Catholics under communist regimes. Her first book, When the Sickle Swings: Stories of Catholics Who Survived Communist Oppression, was published by Sophia Institute Press in November 2023. She has been featured on a wide range of media platforms including Coast to Coast AM, First Things, and Sensus Fidelium. Book information, original articles, and links to interviews can be found at her Substack, On the Wheel.Links:Link for Purchase: The World is Too Small and The Mother Cabrini Companion.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaInstitutePress/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiaPress Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #163, I spoke with the Fr. Timothy Danaher, OP, about effective evangelization.During our conversation, we covered:- De Montfort and his criticism of poor preaching- The role of the priest- The role of the lay faithful regarding preaching- And much more...Biography:Fr. Timothy Danaher, O.P. grew up in Steubenville, OH, where he attended Franciscan University, studying American Literature and Theology. He is a Dominican friar and was ordained in 2018 in Washington D.C. after graduate studies and ministry focused on hospital and Hispanic settings. Before arriving at AQ, he served for three years at St. Patrick’s Church in Philadelphia, PA. His favorite color is blue. Quotes:“But the words that divine Wisdom communicates are not just ordinary, natural, human words; they are divine, "truly the words of God."They are powerful, touching, piercing words, "sharper than a two-edged sword," words that go from the heart of the one through whom he speaks straight to the heart of the lis. tener. Solomon is referring to this gift of Wisdom he himself had received when he said that God gave him the grace to speak according to the feelings of his heart. These are the words which our Lord promised to his apostles, "I will give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist."How few preachers there are today who possess this most wonderful gift of eloquence and who can say with St. Paul, "We preach the wisdom of God." Most of them speak according to the natural light of their minds, or from what they have taken from books.They do not speak under the impulse of divine Wisdom or from a heart filled to overflowing with wisdom. That is why in these times we see so few conversions made through preaching. If a preacher had truly received from Eternal Wisdom this gift of eloquence, his listeners would hardly be able to resist his words, as happened in the early days of the Church: "They could not resist the wisdom and the Spirit speaking in him." Such a preacher would speak with so much unction and such authority that his words could never be ineffectual and void.” St. Louis Marie de MontfortOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #162, I spoke with the Michael Gotta about trusting God.During our conversation, we covered:- The need for radical trust- Why it is so hard to trust- The call that men have to lead- How comparison makes trusting God difficult- And much more...Biography:Michael Gotta teaches AP Biology and Environmental Science at a college preparatory school in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He is married with two children and a third on the way.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #161, I spoke with the Jem Sullivan about her book, "Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know."During our conversation, we covered:- The various art work covered in her book- What inspired her to take on this project- How the Catholic Church has the role as a principal patron of the arts - How sacred art has evolved- Art's cultural significance - And much more...Biography:Jem Sullivan, Ph.D., is an educator and author of catechetical books and articles with a focus on the arts in evangelization and culture. Dr. Sullivan serves on the faculty of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Dr. Sullivan writes for various Catholic publications, has hosted documentaries on the arts in catechesis and evangelization, and has served as a museum docent. She is the author of books on the intersection of faith and the arts.Link for Purchase:Sacred Art Every Catholic Should KnowOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #160, I spoke with the Joe and Nicole McGivney about their new book, "You’re a Miracle!" During our conversation, we covered:- How Joe and Nicole Met- How alcoholism played into their marriage- The breaking point in 2020- How God changed their lives- And much more...Biography:Joe is a devoted husband to his wife Nicole, a proud father to his adult children Ally and Colin, a grateful recovered alcoholic, and a child of God. He currently serves as the Deputy Grand Knight for Santa Maria Council 4999 and is an active parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Joe is an author and frequent guest speaker at alcohol and addiction treatment centers, correctional facilities, Knights of Columbus events, and parish gatherings. Professionally, Joe is a Financial Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. In his leisure time, Joe and his wife Nicole love to travel and spend time with family and friends.Nicole faithfully embraces the beautiful life she has with her dear husband and wonderful step children. She is an active member of CCW (Council of Catholic Women) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In addition, she volunteers at a local outreach center to serve homeless women and men. Professionally, Nicole is a kindergarten teacher at a prestigious private school and has been an educator for the past 23 years. In her spare time, Nicole loves dining out at fabulous restaurants and vacationing with her husband Joe.Link for Purchase:You're A Miracle!Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #159, I did a Lenten check-in with Nick Sledge. Biography:Nick Sledge is the Founder of Catholic Manhood. He lives with his family in Louisville, KY. Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #158, I spoke about the need to date people who love the Lord instead of setting for someone who is just "good". During this conversation, I covered:- What makes a good spouse- Why so many people settle- Why the Devil tries to distort love- How scripture ties into all of this- Why heaven has to be at the forefront of every relationship- And much more...Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #157, I spoke with the Steven Nelson about his recently book, The Magdalena Prayer Book.During our conversation, we covered:- What inspired Steven to focus on St. Mary Magdalene as the model for conversion in his book- The distinction between perfect and imperfect contrition- The importance of God's mercy- How to overcome sin- And much more...Biography:Steven Nelson is the president and co-founder of Gaudent Angeli, a Catholic apostolate and nonprofit organization dedicated to rekindling devotion to St. Vibiana, the hidden patroness of Los Angeles. Though its mission is local, Gaudent Angeli's operations go beyond the confines of the LA Archdiocese, aiming to foster a devout culture wherever the cultural influence of Los Angeles inevitably reaches. Gaudent Angeli recognizes that the renewal of culture hinges upon something of even greater importance and influence: the rekindling of pious devotion. Under the patronage of St. Vibiana, Gaudent Angeli identifies and addresses the spiritual needs of our age and invokes St. Vibiana's intercession in order to shower abundant graces upon Los Angeles, California, the Americas, and the world. Steven Nelson is a convert to Catholicism and lives in Southern California with his wife and 6 children.Link for Purchase: The Magdalena Prayer BookOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #156, I spoke with the Fr. Robert Nixon about his recently translated book, Solitude and Silence: The Cloister of the Heart, which was written by Thomas à Kempis. During our conversation, we covered:- Thomas à Kempis' writings and life- Why Fr. Nixon decided to translate his book- The importance of practicing silence in solitude for the lay faithful- And much more...Biography:Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, is a monk of the Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity, New Norcia, Western Australia.  There he serves as Director of the Institute for Benedictine Studies.  He is a retreat master and liturgist. His interests include Medieval Latin literature, especially the lives of the saints.Link for Purchase: Solitude and SilenceOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #155, I spoke with the Emily Malloy about the Theology of Home.During our conversation, we covered:- What Theology of Home is and means- Background information into the "Theology of Home" book series- How arranging the seasons help us grow in holiness-  The connection between spirituality and home decor- And much more...Biography:Emily Malloy is the food and floral design editor for TheologyofHome.com. Her book, Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons, came out in fall 2023. She and her husband live in Mississippi with their four children.Link for Purchase: Theology of Home: Arranging the SeasonsOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #154, I spoke with the Dr. Ray Guarendi about the need to discipline. During our conversation, we covered:-  Dr. Ray's new book, Standing Strong: Good Discipline Makes Great Teens-   What inspired him to write it- Why the teen years are not a negative- Why holy parents make holy children - And much more...Biography:Dr. Ray is a Catholic father of ten, clinical psychologist, author, professional speaker, and national radio & television host. His radio show, “The Dr. Is In” can be heard on over 440 stations and SiriusXM® channel 130. His EWTN television series, “Living Right With Dr. Ray” is aired in 140 countries. Dr. Ray has given over 3,000 talks on various topics including parenting, marriage, family and the Catholic faith. He captivates audiences with his compelling humor-laced presentations providing practical advice and proven techniques.Link for Purchase: Standing Strong: Good Discipline Makes Great TeensOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On episode #153, I spoke with the Suzan Sammons about how to really grow this Lenten season with the Stations of the Cross.During our conversation, we covered:-  Suzan's new book- What inspired her to create a 40-day Lenten meditation specifically focusing on the Stations of the Cross- The value of reflecting on each station for multiple days- The best interior response to rejection- Practical tips for overcoming temptation - And much more...Biography:Suzan Sammons, a homeschooling mother, editor, and co-author (with husband Eric) of “The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion.” Her new book, “The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion,” is available from Sophia Institute Press.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

On this episode, I spoke with the pastor of my home parish, Fr. John Putnam, on how to make a parish holy.During our conversation, we covered:- Fr. Putnam's story- Why St. Mark's offers confessions multiple times a day, every day- How St. Mark's ended up offering perpetual adoration- The importance of the Mass- Why altar servers are a big part of every Sunday liturgy- How a parish can foster vocations in a real way- And much more...Biography:Father  John  Putnam has been the pastor of Saint Mark Catholic Church since 2015.  He was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop John Donoghue, the second bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte on May 30, 1992. His first assignment was as interim parochial vicar of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville. Since then he has also served as parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons and as the administrator of Holy Infant Church in Reidsville. He served as sacramental minister of St. Joseph Church in Eden as well. Father Putnam also served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, for 15 years. Since 2003, he has held the position of judicial vicar for the diocese, overseeing the marriage tribunal. He has also served the diocese as tribunal assessor, tribunal judge, vicar for the Salisbury Vicariate and interim vocation director.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

Episode #151 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastOn this episode, I spoke with Ennie Hickman about what the Catholic Church teaches about just wages and Catholic Social Teaching.During our conversation, we covered:- A tweet that inspired this conversation- A brief background on Catholic Social Teaching- How money is necessary, but it isn't everything- Needs versus wants- The importance of discernment - Corporate work versus ministry- And much more...Biography:For over two decades, Ennie Hickman’s determined pursuit of Gospel joy has aided God in transforming the lives of countless people. With a heart for the outcast and forgotten in society, he has served as a youth minister, coach, domestic missionary, international speaker, non-profit president, and currently serves The Saint Constantine School and College in Houston, TX. Constantine is a new and innovative "Oxbridge" style micro college with a dynamic Christian Classical PK3-12 attached. In 2019 after 10 years of leading Adore Ministries in inner city missions, Ennie and his wife Cana founded Del Rey Collective  to empower and encourage individuals and families to live on mission in the ordinary and everyday life of home and neighborhood. Del Rey challenges individuals and families to look at Christ's command to love neighbor as "to love your actual neighbor" and the social impact it might have. Whether on their own back porch or in packed churches, Ennie and Cana, along with their 9 children, aim to follow Jesus's commands to Love God and their neighbors while accompanying people in this beautiful, messy life of joy. Ennie Hickman has had various titles over the last 20+ years. However, his primary focus has been to become an expert at loving his wife and family. The Hickmans continue to open their home every week to neighbors and strangers. You are always welcome to stop by for a cold beverage.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

Episode #150 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastOn this episode, I spoke with Dr. Gerry Crete about his new book and how it can help the listener recover from stress and anxiety. During our conversation, we covered:- His background as a licensed marriage and family therapist- An overview of his book, "Litanies of the Heart"- The effects of "original trauma"- The different parts of who we are- And much more...Biography:Gerry Ken Crete, PhD, is a marriage and family therapist and professional counselor specializing in the treatment of trauma and addictions, as well as marriage counseling and treatment of clergy and religious. He is an IFS-informed, Ego State Therapy trained, EMDR Consultant. Dr. Crete is the founder of Transfiguration Counseling and Coaching (www.transfigurationcounseling.com) which provides video counseling, coaching, and spiritual care consulting, and has offices in downtown Cumming, GA , Epiphany of our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Roswell, GA, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta, GA, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gastonia, North Carolina. He is also the co-founder of Souls and Hearts (www.soulsandhearts.com) which is an online platform providing mental health education to Catholics through courses, podcasts, blogs, and online communities. Dr. Crete hosted his own podcast, Be with the Word, and has been a recurring guest on Matt Fradd’s podcast Pints with Aquinas. Dr. Crete has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops for various Catholic dioceses, and he has provided consultation for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and United States, and the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists). He is a regular writer for Exodus 90, and has provided mental health meditations for the Hallow app. Dr. Crete has been married over 30 years and has three grown children. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, earned his doctorate from the University of Georgia, and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Crete has been married for over 30 years, and he has three grown children. Buy his book here.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show

Episode #149 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastAs you might have heard, Shia LaBeouf was recently confirmed,  and is now a full member of the Catholic Church. On this podcast episode, I ask the question - should we care? Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase!  Support the show

Episode #148 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastOn this episode, I reflect on the last year and invite you to pick a saint to journey with in 2024.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase!  Support the show

Episode #148 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastOn this episode, I focus on the Christmas season and what we can learn from spending time with our Lord in the Eucharist.Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase!  Support the show

Episode #147 of the Gotta Be Saints PodcastOn this episode, I spoke with Octavio Cesar Martinez about his new book.During our conversation, we covered:- His conversion story- An overview of his book, ""It was a Beautiful Day When My Father Died"- The importance of forgiveness- How forgiveness brings about lasting healing- And much more...Biography:Octavio Cesar Martinez was elected to the Whittier City Council District 2 in April 2022. Prior to being elected to the City Council, he served on the Whittier City Cultural Arts Commission and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT).A resident of Whittier for over 35 years, he and his wife Lilia have three adult children: David Octavio, Michael John and Christina Catherine. His professional experience includes 30 years in telecommunications, non-profit work, fund raising, and running a small business in Whittier. He has shared his knowledge of leadership, personal development, forgiveness and relational skills with individuals and organizations throughout the United States, and around the world. He has addressed audiences and conducted seminars for businesses, colleges, faith communities, and NGOs in Ecuador, India, Norway, Italy, Germany, Scotland, and Tajikistan. He has guest lectured at Bethel University, Asbury University, Fuller Seminary, BIOLA University, DeVry University, and Blue Mountain Community College. Octavio has been interviewed by Matt Lewis of CNN, The Bottom Line Show radio show (KBRT), several podcast shows, and broadcast his TEDx talk from Whittier to Dusseldorf, Germany and throughout Europe.Octavio is the author of, "It Was A Beautiful Day When My Father Died", on the emotional, and mental health benefits of forgiveness. Along with Dr. Marcus Goodloe he co-authored "HABITS: Six Steps to the Art of Influence" on the basic principles of leadership.Buy his book here. Our Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code BRENDAN20 for 20% off your next purchase! Support the show