Gotta Be Saints

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with renowned author and scholar Joseph Pearce to discuss his latest book, Classic Literature Made Simple: Fifty Great Books Every Catholic Should Know. We explore the importance of reading great literature, the deep connections between faith and storytelling, and how classic books continue to shape both ou...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Abela to explore the transformative power of Superhabits —a universal system for a successful life. Drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern science, Dr. Abela unpacks the key principles behind super habits, how they shape personal and professional growth, and why they are essential for living a virtuous and fulfilling l...

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is special to me. It is a recording of me praying the rosary with my dad over the phone. He has Lewy Body Dementia, and we aren't totally sure how much longer he has with us on earth. One of my favorite things to do with him is call and pray with him.  If you listen to this, I ask you to say a prayer for him and my mom.  God bless, Brendan Call to Action...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Anna Gagnet, founder of Sea la Luz , a nonprofit serving communities in Honduras and Nicaragua, to explore the universal call to mission. Anna shares her inspiring journey of saying “yes” to Christ’s call, the challenges she’s faced as a missionary, and how living on mission has deepened her faith and trust in God. Together, we disc...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., to discuss the importance of saying “yes” to God each day and embracing the call to daily conversion. Fr. Kubicki shares practical insights on how to choose God above all else, even when life’s challenges make it difficult. Drawing from Scripture and his own spiritual wisdom, he helps us understand how to be...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Father Joseph Fessio, S.J., with Fr. Robert Buckley, who offers a personal and insightful look into this remarkable Jesuit priest. Known for his profound intellect and deep faith, Fr. Fessio has inspired countless people through his work as an educator, theologian, and founder of Ignatius Press. Together, we uncove...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into the profound wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas with Fr. Gregory Pine, one of the creators of the Aquinas 101 series. Known for his intellectual rigor, Aquinas can sometimes feel daunting to those new to his teachings. Fr. Gregory shares how Aquinas 101 makes his thought accessible and relevant for modern audiences. Through this conversation...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the fourth and final episode of the Finding Freedom Podcast Series! In partnership with Exodus 90, this special four-part series has explored how to break free from distractions and idols to live as sons and daughters of God. Together, we’ve uncovered the beauty of true freedom and the steps we can take to embrace the life Christ offers us. In this episode—Part Four of...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the third episode of the Finding Freedom Podcast Series! In partnership with Exodus 90, this special four-part series explores how to break free from the distractions and idols that prevent us from living as sons and daughters of God. Together, we’ll uncover what it means to embrace the true freedom Christ offers. In this episode—Part Three of our series—we’re focusing...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the second episode of the Finding Freedom Podcast Series! I’m so excited to partner with Exodus 90 to bring you this special four-part series on finding true freedom. Over the next four episodes, we’ll explore how to break free from the distractions and idols that keep us from living as the sons and daughters of God. Together, we’ll uncover what it means to embrace the...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the first episode of the Finding Freedom Podcast Series! I’m so excited to partner with Exodus 90 to bring you this special four-part series on finding true freedom. Over the next four episodes, we’ll explore how to break free from the distractions and idols that keep us from living as the sons and daughters of God. Together, we’ll uncover what it means to embrace the l...

Send us Fan Mail Enjoyed the Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series ? Check out this bonus episode with Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, a relative of Bl. Karl of Austria and ambassador of Hungary to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Summary Drawing from his family’s 850-year legacy and deep Catholic faith, Ambassador Habsburg offers practical advice, timeless wisdom, and a hopeful vision for cul...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the final episode of the Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series! In this episode—Part Four of our series—we’re tackling a vital but often challenging topic: Hard Conversations. I’m joined by Dr. Mario Sacasa, a Catholic counselor, speaker, and host of the Always Hope podcast. Dr. Mario has worked extensively with couples, helping them navigate the tough topics that can ar...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series! In this episode, we’re diving into Part Three of our marriage series: Growing Your Family. I’m joined by Danielle Bean, a mother of eight, writer, and podcaster who brings incredible wisdom and faith-based insight to the joys and challenges of growing a family. Outline Danielle’s Story: Danielle shares her and her husband Dan’s jour...

Send us Fan Mail Introduction Welcome back to Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series, where I’m diving into practical advice for newlyweds. This includes things Meredith and I wish we’d known before we got married and reflections on what we learned in these first few years.  In this episode, Meredith and I walk through our experiences and key learnings. Outline Our Story So Far Meredith and I start by sh...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Marry Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics Welcome to Gotta Marry Well , a podcast series diving deep into the Catholic vocation of marriage. This is part one, focusing on the wedding day itself—not just as a single event but as a sacred vocation. Guest Introduction In this episode, I’m joined by Tanner and Alli Kalina .  Episode Summary In this episode, we’ll walk through:...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into the spiritual practice of fasting with Deacon Greg Kandra, author of The Handy Little Guide to Fasting . As Catholics, we recognize fasting as a vital discipline, yet many struggle with the practicalities and meaning behind it. Deacon Greg shares his insights into the historical roots of fasting, how it has evolved, and why it's e...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the profound mystery of the Eucharist through the lens of Heidi Saxton's new book, Stories of the Eucharist . As the Catholic Church continues its National Eucharistic Revival, Heidi's work offers timely insights into the importance of the Eucharist in the lives of the faithful. Join us for a rich conversation about the inspira...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Francisco Garcés, as explored in Jeremy Beer's new book, Beyond the Devil’s Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Garcés' life, his legacy, and the unique role he played in shaping the history of the American Southwest...

Send us Fan Mail This episode delves into the inspiring life of Father Edward J. Flanagan as portrayed in the new film "Heart of a Servant." We’re joined by Rob Kaczmark, director and producer, to discuss the making of this powerful movie. Episode Summary Father Edward J. Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, dedicated his life to serving at-risk youth and advocating for their rights. "He...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Date Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics This episode is part five of our dating series, where we explore the exciting and sometimes challenging journey of proposal and engagement. Guest Introduction In this episode, I’m joined by Kendra Tierney Norton , who shares her story of discerning marriage, the proposal, and the engagement process. Kendra offers insights and advice...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Date Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics This episode is part 4 of the Gotta Date Well Series, where we dive deep into how to date with Christ at the center. Guest Introduction In this episode, I’m joined by Bridget and Johnny O’Boyle (along with my wife Meredith). They share their journey and offer insights on how community plays a crucial role in discerning a relationship...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Date Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics This episode is part 3 of the Gotta Date Well Series, where we dive deep into how to date with Christ at the center. Guest Introduction On this episode, I am joined by my wife, Meredith Gotta. We dive into why praying together is important, what it should look like, and how it can strengthen a relationship. Episode Summary Praying to...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Date Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics This episode is part 2 of the Gotta Date Well Series, where we dive deep into how to date with Christ at the center. Guest Introduction On this episode, I am joined by Marie Mazzanti, who runs the Instagram account @ CatholicCaritas .  Episode Summary Boundaries and hard conversations are crucial elements of a healthy dating relation...

Send us Fan Mail Gotta Date Well: A Podcast Series for Catholics This episode is part 1 of the Gotta Date Well Series, where we dive deep into how to date with Christ at the center. Guest Introduction On this episode, I am joined by Therese Bermpohl, Executive Director of the Office for Marriage, Family, and Respect Life in the Diocese of Arlington.  Episode Summary Dating can often feel daunting,...