Saints by Number

What if the ultimate victory isn't found on a national championship scoreboard, but in the quiet perseverance of a father leading his family toward heaven? In this episode, we sit down with Christian Bourgeois, a former LSU baseball player and the founder of Bourgeois Physical Therapy, to discuss the intersection of elite athletics, vocational calling, and the power of prayer. After being part of...

What if the beauty that draws us to God isn't only found in stained glass and sanctuary bells, but in the faces of the poor we are called to serve? In this episode we sit down with Sunnie Johnson-Lain, the CEO of Saint Vincent de Paul serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, Catholic social teaching, and uplifting the dignity of our neighbors. Growing up experiencing rural poverty in Massachus...

What if the most radical thing you could do with your life isn’t following a career path, but following Him?   In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Tyler Hunt to discuss her powerful journey from the Black Church tradition to the Catholic Eucharist. We’re not just talking about a change in denomination. We’re talking about Catholic Social Teaching, the "Beloved Community," and what...

What if Beauty isn’t just something we admire - but something that leads us home? In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Fr Andrew Schumacher to unpack one of the most profound moments in all of scared history- the Annunciation. And we’re not just talking theology. We’re talking about the transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty - and why the Catholic Church has always believed t...

In this episode we sit down with Fr. Tat Hoang, a Catholic priest serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, grace, and finding purpose. Born during the Vietnam War, Fr. Tat came to the United States as a refugee and worked as a mechanic before hearing a calling that led him to the priesthood. We talk about prayer, spiritual intelligence, recognizing God in everyday life, and what it really mean...

In this episode, Jacob & Haley Zumo share a powerful, real conversation on conversion, family, and how beauty can become a bridge back to God—from Jacob’s journey through the secular art/music world to sacred art, and Haley’s story of choosing life, motherhood, and eventually coming home to the Catholic Church.

In this episode, Father Josh Zelden shares his powerful personal journey—from a peaceful Catholic upbringing, to studying literature and law, to marriage, divorce, and eventually answering the call to the priesthood. Along the way, we explore prayer, suffering, vocation, and what it really means to surrender control to God.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Judy Zelden, a pillar of Catholic life in Baton Rouge, co-founder of Magnificat, and mother of a newly-ordained priest. Judy shares her powerful journey of growing up with an agnostic father, to raising three sons in the Church, to watching her son surrender a successful legal career and answer God’s call to the priesthood.

In this episode, Kevin McCall shares his powerful journey from growing up Baptist to becoming a Catholic missionary. He recounts his encounters with vibrant Catholics, the call of the Holy Spirit, and the lessons he’s learned about prayer, humility, and trusting God’s guidance.

Fr. Alex Harb shares his journey through seminary, priesthood, and life experiences spanning Louisiana, Lebanon, and beyond. From the meaning of ancient prayers to the challenges of modern ministry, this conversation bridges East and West, tradition and daily life.

In this episode, Drew Thomas walks through life as a preacher’s kid, college soccer, seminary and Anglican ordination, and the hard questions on authority, Scripture & Tradition, and the Eucharist that led him to be received into the Catholic Church. 

Fr. Alex delves into his journey of balancing his spiritual calling with his work as a community builder. We cover topics from doubt to discovering purpose, overcoming fear, and stepping out in faith to pursue one's mission in life.

In Part 1 of this episode, Jacob sits down with Brian Pedraza—Catholic theologian, husband, father, and leader of the Dominus Project. Brian opens up about his vibrant multicultural roots, faith journey, and mission to transform Catholic family life and education in Louisiana.

Jared Cavalier, former Marine and now principal of St. Michael High School, shares his powerful story of growing up without a father, serving in Iraq, discovering his vocation, and ultimately returning to his Catholic faith. From combat zones to classrooms, his life is a testament to redemption, leadership, and spiritual resilience.

In this episode, Sister Ashley Marie Refugio Santora shares her powerful story of growing up in Catholic schools, her love of sports, personal loss, and ultimately finding her vocation as a Mercenary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament.

In this episode, we dive deep into couple dialog with Luke and Katie Zumo. They share practical ways to implement couple dialog, how to handle disagreement with love and humility, and how sacramental grace actually shows up in day-to-day decisions.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Father Joseph Bresowar for a conversation on trust, fasting, and spiritual clarity. Father Joseph opens up about his journey from engineering student to Catholic priest, the tension between busyness and prayer, and the importance of simplifying life to make room for God.

In this episode, Jacob and Haley sit down with Luke and his wife Katie Zumo Together, they unpack the beauty, challenge, and transformative truth behind the roles of husband and wife within Christian marriage. With honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom from personal experience, they share what it really means to live a sacramental marriage rooted in love, service, and unity.

In this episode, LSU basketball player and social media creator Trace Young joins Jacob and Luke to share his journey—from growing up in a faith-filled home in Austin, Texas, to navigating college athletics, NIL fame, and his relationship with Christ.

In this episode, Father Eddie Martin shares his powerful testimony—one of divine providence, love, loss, and unwavering faith. From meeting his late wife in a college chemistry class to their shared mission work, this is a story that will touch hearts and ignite faith.

In this episode, we sit down with Tonja Myles as she recounts her transformation from a life of trauma and addiction to one of healing, ministry, and public service. Tonja reminds us of the power of faith, redemption, and using your voice to help others heal.

In this episode, Jacob's brother Luke shares his powerful journey from D1 basketball success to finding his true calling in faith, fatherhood, and marriage. This is a moving story about identity, sacrifice, vocation, and the goodness of God at every step.

In this episode, Dustin Bertram shares an unfiltered testimony of trauma, identity, and redemption. He opens up about navigating racism, spiritual struggle, and God's persistent grace that brought healing, purpose, and peace. This is more than a story—it’s a testament to God’s ability to transform pain into a calling.

In this episode, we dive deep into faith, family, and the powerful journey of raising children with special needs. Our guest shares her moving testimony of motherhood, the early signs of autism in her sons Noah and Mark, and how God’s grace guided her through challenges in school, diagnosis, and daily life.

In this episode, Jacob Zumo sits down with Fr. Brad Doyle for a conversation on Catholic life, priestly vocation, and the centrality of the Eucharist. Fr. Brad shares his personal journey of faith, the moments that shaped his call to the priesthood, and the experiences that continue to form his ministry today.