Tripping Over the Saints

I had the privilege of speaking with Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding! She has written a book about Saint John Henry Newman, one of my favorite Saints! Join us as we talk about why she chose him to write a book about!  A very sweet note from Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM: When I looked up the publication date of my book, I discovered it was released on May 24, the Feast of Our Lady, Mother of the Ch...

Emily Simpson Chapman is one of my absolute favorite writers. Her writing is challenging yet effortless. Does that make sense? You know those authors who give you something to ponder and reevaluate, but your eyes fly over the page? You don’t stumble and have to reread pages at a time? (ahem, Saint Thomas Aquinas….) When presented with the opportunity to sit down and chat with her, I ma...

Meg was my very first podcast guest three years ago! Talking with her on that very first episode confirmed in my heart that this podcast and the stories of the Saints deserved a place on the airwaves. Meg has just released her newest work – Eyes Fixed on Jesus, Volume 1: A Journey Into the Gospels. I hope you listen and hear all about her passion for reminding people how fiercely and tenderl...

I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Maura Roan McKeegan about her newest addition in the series of children’s picture books about biblical typology! The series is called The Old and the New. Maura’s passion to teach children about the connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament is the driving force behind these books. The stories, the connections, and the illustration...

“Love and sacrifice are as intimately connected as sun and light. We cannot love without suffering or suffer without loving.” St. Gianna Molla I had the privilege of speaking with Jenna and Kevin Bauer about the birth of their beautiful daughter, Mary Elizabeth. This is a story of faith and perseverance, of a mother and father who fell at the feet of Jesus and surrendered everything to Him....

Cecilia Stevenson, producer, joins me to talk about Saint Maximillian Kolbe and the new movie, Triumph of the Heart! Most stories about St. Maximilian Kolbe’s biography end when he steps forward to take the place of a condemned man in Auschwitz. “Triumph of the Heart,” however, begins there. In the harrowing confines of a starvation cell at the infamous concentration camp, Kolbe joins nine other c...

On this episode of Tripping over the Saints, I’m joined by my friend DeeDee. You guys – this the sweetest story! Pull up a chair and listen to DeeDee and I talk about the beautiful twists and turns of life that led her closer to Jesus, through her friend Saint Martin de Porres. A very special thank you to Father McDaniel for introducing DeeDee and me. Free Printable:

After taking a break over Lent, Patrick joined me to share about his newest book, Saints Come in all Shapes and Sizes! This was the perfect book to kick off the next season of Tripping Over the Saints! About Patrick: Patrick O’Hearn is a devout Catholic, husband, and father. He is an author of seven books and counting, literary consultant, speaker, and a freelance editor, previously serving as TAN...

Katherine (Katie) Bogner joins us again! You guys – she has a new book out – All About Lent ! This is the perfect book to teach your children about the Biblical roots of Lent and Holy Week. About Katie: Katie Bogner is a Catholic school teacher from Central Illinois who is passionate about equipping parents, catechists, and teachers to share the beauty and truth of Christ and His Churc...

Kristine and I met through Praise Writers! She is one of my co-authors in The Cloud of Witnesses . It was a joy to talk with her and learn more about Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, who I had never heard of before. She has a story that will leave you counting how many times she truly tripped over her! She also has a beautiful apostolate and has a passion for praying for our prodigals. Join us as s...

I was introduced to Megan by my dear friend, Claire Dwyer. Claire texted and shared that Megan had a Saint story that needed to be heard. This work of sharing stories of encounters with the Saints is a privilege and gift! The Lord in His goodness overflows with stories of His friends at every turn. Join me as I speak with Megan Hjelmstad about St. Jude. About Megan Hjelmstad: Megan met her hockey-...

Katie McGrady is one of my all time favorite people to learn about the faith from. It was an absolute joy to speak with her about soon-to-be Saint Carlo Acutis! Join us and learn more about this millennial young man that continues to change the world! About  Katie McGrady : Katie Prejean McGrady is a wife, mom, award-winning author, international speaker, podcaster & daily radio show host. Aft...

Join me as I talk with Rob Kaczmark, CEO at Spirit Juice Studios, about Saint Joseph! Rob had so many mic drop moments during this interview. I know you will feel encouraged and inspired! About Rob Kaczmark : As the co-founder and CEO of Spirit Juice Studios, an internationally recognized, Emmy award-winning video production house, I have been passionately creating and delivering high-quality and...

Oh friends – it is an honor to talk with Margaret Bereit. We have known each other for years – she was Brian and my marriage mentor at Saint Mary’s in College Station, Texas. Anyone who attended Saint Mary’s in the 90’s could tell you about her smile and her loyal encouragement! Join me as we have a beautiful talk about joy and Saint Philip Neri. About Margaret: Marga...

Have you heard of Boys Town? Maybe you have seen the award winning 1938 Spencer Tracy movie about Boys Town and Father Edward J. Flanagan? On this episode of Tripping over the Saints, I am joined by Heart of a Servant producer Victoria McEachern! Heart of a Servant is a feature length documentary, narrated by Jonathan Roumie, about Father Edward J. Flanagan and the story of Boys Town. This movie w...

Patrick was a joy to speak with! His love for the Saints and his passion for knowing about them is a gift! I am in the process of reading Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saints and it is packed full of so many stories of the Saints. As I speak with him on this podcast, you can hear the love and knowledge he has of so many of Jesus’s friends in heaven! About Patri...

Please join me as I speak with the joyful Katie Bogner! I was so encouraged by her personal recount of a miracle. Yes, a miracle! Venerable Fulton Sheen, pray for us! About Katie: Katie Bogner is a Catholic school teacher from Central Illinois who is passionate about equipping parents, catechists, and teachers to share the beauty and truth of Christ and His Church with children. She is the author...

After a summer break, I am thrilled to be back with a new episode of Tripping over the Saints! This podcast all began with Saint Dymphna. And now, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Father Benjamin, another very special friend of Saint Dymphna! I felt as if Saint Dymphna sent this interview as a special gift to remind me to get back to my favorite job of spreading stories of the Saints!...

Please join me in listening to this episode with Carolyn Lauman. It was a sincere joy to listen to her story. It is not often that people share their pain and vulnerability so that others may thrive and heal, but this podcast has become a special place of bravery for people to open up about the Lord’s healing in their lives. Praise God! About Carolyn: ​Carolyn Courtney Lauman is a wife, moth...

Join me as I speak with Dr. Christopher Reed about Saint Ignatius of Loyola! About Chris: DR. CHRISTOPHER REED, is author of best-selling, Future-Ready Leadership: Strategies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and coach. Through his writing and engaging Catholic ministry, Chris seeks to inspire, educate, and help people discover and use their God-given...

Join me as we celebrate a lovely book of poetry releasing today by Belinda! It is a true joy to listen to her speak about her poetry. Her friendship with the Saints is woven into her life in the most beautiful way! About Belinda: I love to serve by writing, teaching, training, and speaking at conferences. I’ve had experience as an adjunct professor in human services or social work at three differe...

It was an honor and a joy to speak with Mary on this episode. She shares a beautiful story about St. Therese of Lisieux and the sweet friendship they have. It is an honor to help people share the friendships they have with our friends in heaven! As I was reviewing the recording, I wanted to share something with you about how my journey progressed in understanding Saints and the sweet gifts they gi...

I am so excited to share Saint Peter Eymard with you today! Join me as Joe Valentic shares his journey with this Saint and the story of his beautiful apostolate. About Joe: Joe Valentic is a Catholic entrepreneur, author, and apostolate leader. He has a passion for sharing the Catholic faith and for helping people to integrate their faith into all areas of their life to achieve their full God give...

You may remember Nicole from our episode on St. Francis de Sales. After we finished recording that episode, we had a beautiful chat about Our Lady of Guadalupe and I knew she just had to come back to tell us all about it! Join me as I talk with Nicole about her special experience with Our Lady of Guadalupe! About Nicole: Website: www.nicoleberlucchi.com Instagram:  @berlucchiwriting ( Nicole Berlu...

  I had the privilege of speaking to Belinda Terro Mooney this past week! As soon as we started talking, her calming presence and sincere love for Jesus touched my heart in a profound way. This episode is a little longer than the usual podcast episode, so be sure and carve out a little special time for you to really enjoy her love and teaching of the church. We talk about St. Gertrude the Gre...