Rebel Saints: Catholic Faith & Spiritual Growth Podcast for Christians

Nicole Olea | Catholicism & Catholic Faith Writer
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

There is nothing more punk than Catholicism. Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast exploring Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, and Catholic theology for restless hearts trying to follow Jesus Christ in a modern world. In an age of algorithms, anxiety, artificial intelligence, and endless scrolling, how do we live out our Christian faith? St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Sixteen hundred years later, we're still restless — we just have smartphones now. Hosted by Catholic journalist, youth minister, and mother Nicole Olea, this show offers a fresh laywoman’s perspective on the ancient Church. Whether you are a cradle Catholic, a recent convert, a scripture seeker, or a skeptic, this podcast tackles the hard questions about faith and culture. Through thoughtful interviews, compelling storytelling, Catholic Church history, Scripture reflections, and the inspiring lives of the saints, Nicole dives into what it actually means to build a daily prayer life today. The Church has outlived empires, revolutions, and pandemics. She isn't afraid of modernity, and you don't need a perfect life hack or another political hot take to find peace. Maybe the most rebellious thing you can do isn't reinvent yourself. Maybe it's discovering Catholic spirituality and becoming the saint you were created to be. Restless hearts: You are welcome here. Join the Rebellion: Connect with the Restless Heart Society! Ready to connect with fellow rebels living out the Catholic faith? Find us, follow us, and join the community: Restless Hearts Social Club: facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcastInstagram & TikTok: @rebelsaintspodcast / @RebelSaintsPodcastRestless Hearts Society: (Patreon Support the Show): patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcastEmail: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.comWebsite: rebelsaintspodcast.com Rebel Saint - this podcast is for you!

  1. Sep 27 ·  Video

    Don’t Blame Mercury: Why Catholics Don’t Need the Universe to Explain Our Lives

    Mercury is in retrograde. Suddenly your awful week has a plot. But what does Mercury retrograde actually mean — and why are astrology, horoscopes, manifestation and “signs from the universe” so appealing when life feels uncertain? In this episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole explores what the Catholic Church actually teaches about astrology and divination, the surprisingly messy history of Catholicism and astrology, Providence, discernment, manifestation, prudence, confession and the difference between asking St. Anthony for intercession and treating Catholic devotion like magic. Along the way, we fall into one particularly strange Catholic-history rabbit hole: Renaissance popes, astrologers and the foundation horoscope associated with St. Peter's Basilica. We also ask: Was that really a sign from God — or did your algorithm just notice you've watched 600 breakup videos? Because Mercury doesn't know your name. God does. In this episode: Mercury retrograde • astrology and horoscopes • Catholic teaching on divination • Providence • Lectio Divina • discernment • signs from God • manifestation • prudence • confession • St. Anthony • Catholic superstition Listen next: Lessons from Saint Anthony on Catholic Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Voice Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast for restless hearts called to be saints. There is nothing more punk than Catholicism.

  2. Sep 20 ·  Video

    Lessons from Saint Anthony on Catholic Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Voice

    What does Catholic faith look like when you're told your voice doesn't matter? In this episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole explores the life of Saint Anthony of Padua—a doctor of the Roman Catholic Church who faced early rejection, profound failure, and a remarkable spiritual transformation. Discover how Anthony's journey from isolated monk to powerful preacher offers timeless lessons on authenticity, finding your voice in faith, and the spiritual growth that comes from leaning into your unique calling. Whether you're struggling with doubt, pressure to conform, or searching for spiritual direction, Anthony's legacy teaches us that our brokenness can become our greatest strength. Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us! Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button or subscribe, where applicable. Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review or tap the stars. It’s the best way to help us grow. Connect with Rebel Saints: rebelsaintspodcast.com Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast For exclusive content and to join the Restless Hearts Society -  (Coming Soon) find us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RebelSaintsPodcast Music licensed through Soundstripe.

  3. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Augustine's Spiritual Awakening | When Christianity Finally Made Sense

    Augustine had spent years running from Christianity. Then, inconveniently, it started making sense. By the time he reached Milan, he had the career, the intellect, the ambition and the life he thought he wanted. What he did not have was peace. And once the truth began pressing in, Augustine had a new problem: believing it was one thing. Letting it change his life was another. In Part Two of the Rebel Saints deep dive into St. Monica and St. Augustine, we follow the restless road toward one of the most famous conversions in Catholic history — and the mother who had spent years praying for a son she could not control. This is a story about conversion, grace, desire, unanswered prayer, and what happens when God starts dismantling the life you were so sure you wanted. Because sometimes the long road home begins when you finally stop pretending you’re not lost. Find Confessions by St. Augustine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ci4NrA or read for free via Project Gutenburg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htm Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us! Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button or subscribe, where applicable.  Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review or tap the stars. It’s the best way to help us grow. Connect with Rebel Saints: rebelsaintspodcast.com Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast For exclusive content and to join the Restless Hearts Society -  (Coming Soon) find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast Write us: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 0JJXLK9LQEARSVPK, GHAJSHDEVHZZD8G1, GAKD2HUQX17Q81XW, DZOKHW8HSCLRIHBF, 5ITUQDFGA59PZ2E9, QYMLQMCGRMYF6RLK, NJQ324JXPXIUETRE, E1GQ4SSQ1R7SMS42, ND3X316RWYCE51VN, Z9DHTGGCO9VKD4EY, IANXWZQPI6FYOJ9Z, AMAMXVV3EIA3AGJZ, P5VTAI7FFFVQS67T, 5XWGGATQ3FJU1UYP

  4. Aug 30 ·  Video

    St. Monica's Heartbreak | A Catholic Mother's Fight for Her Son, Augustine

    Before St. Augustine became a doctor of the Catholic Church, Augustine, was a son making his mother absolutely miserable. He was brilliant, ambitious, restless, questioning everything, chasing the life he wanted and moving farther and farther away from Christianity. And Monica had to watch it happen. We know how the story ends. Augustine becomes one of the greatest theologians in Christian history and one of the most famous Catholic saints who ever lived. In Part One of this Rebel Saints deep dive into St. Monica and St. Augustine, we go back to fourth-century North Africa and meet them before the halos, when both of their lives were still messy, complicated and very much unfinished. A note about domestic abuseAugustine describes Monica living in a volatile marriage and surviving within a fourth-century legal and social system that left women with far fewer choices than many women have today. Her story should never be used to suggest that enduring abuse is spiritually admirable or required by Catholic teaching. If you are experiencing domestic abuse in the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. www.thehotline.org Read more on the Catholic Church’s teaching on domestic abuse here: https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/when-i-call-help-pastoral-response-domestic-violence Find Confessions by St. Augustine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ci4NrA or read for free via Project Gutenburg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htm Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AQIIIYB15EZX6IXD, PAGIOH723EIEKXTZ, APDGDYXS2GTVXX3X, YGENDLRYUETWLSW2, AEMSZIRV6QJ5J4XF, JTNGAHAULN3GRG9Q, 2YZBAP00YP0PFIY5 Support the Journey: Help other restless hearts find us! Follow: Hit the "+" or "Follow" button or subscribe, where applicable.  Review: If you enjoyed this show, please leave a review or tap the stars. It’s the best way to help us grow. Connect with Rebel Saints: rebelsaintspodcast.com Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast For exclusive content and to join the Restless Hearts Society -  (Coming Soon) find us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast Write us: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com

  5. Aug 17 ·  Video

    Immaculate Conception Explained | Why Catholics Believe Mary Was Sinless

    What does the Immaculate Conception actually mean? No, it is not the conception of Jesus. And no, Catholics do not believe the Virgin Mary is divine. A listener asked whether the Catholic Church teaches that Mary was divine or sinless, which opens the door to one of the most misunderstood teachings in Catholicism. In this episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole breaks down what Catholics actually believe about the Immaculate Conception of Mary, original sin, Mary’s sinlessness and why Mary still needed Jesus Christ as her Savior. We follow the theology from Genesis and the Gospel of Luke through the early Church Fathers, St. Augustine, the Council of Ephesus, medieval theologian John Duns Scotus, Pope Pius IX and the 1854 definition of the dogma — with a stop at Lourdes four years later. We also explore: • What the Immaculate Conception actually means • The difference between Mary’s conception and the virginal conception of Jesus • Whether Catholics believe Mary is divine • Original sin: “contracted,” not personally committed • Why Catholics believe Mary remained free from personal sin • How Mary could need a Savior if she was preserved from original sin • Duns Scotus and “preservative redemption” • Luke 1:28 and “full of grace” • Mary as the New Eve • Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant • Why Catholics call Mary the Mother of God • The Council of Ephesus and the title Theotokos • Whether the Immaculate Conception was invented in 1854 • Lourdes and St. Bernadette Soubirous • Romans 3:23 and the objection that “all have sinned” • Whether sinlessness makes Mary less free • What authentic Catholic Marian devotion should actually look like • Why Mary’s holiness matters for Christian discipleship today At the center of Catholic teaching about Mary is Jesus Christ. Everything extraordinary about Mary comes from the grace of God, and authentic Marian devotion always directs Christians toward her Son. At Cana, Mary gives us one of the simplest summaries of Marian devotion in Scripture: “Do whatever he tells you.” Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast for restless hearts exploring Catholicism, saints, Scripture, theology, Church history and what it means to follow Jesus Christ in the modern world. Restless heart, you are welcome here. Connect & Learn More:• Website & Blog: www.rebelsaintspodcast.com • Subscribe & Rate: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help other restless hearts and curious souls discover Catholic Christianity! Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: LEALQB4SZEDJYUHG, TJRYHAUKXE47BXTS, KDIQLZBYLWEJQDL4, Y0H0VKSVEPIRHKVV, PW2LGEXDPNNHT5AS, CXUXRVNTHWHGL8HW, VPJ4ZO2RTOVLLLM2, JLKDFYI2YDNODCJW, MIXZ88063RJLFLQQ, VZ9UJXSO2KGABLTX, IIHYBGURGJTMFXV2, TSMY1JTMWHEOK5L9, DHCHGUPNODVGHZVD, HAVOJNIERMCP5GGT

  6. Jul 30 ·  Bonus Video

    Catholic News: What St. Augustine's Lost Writings Reveal About Spiritual Encounters

    Two previously unknown sermons by St. Augustine have been identified in a medieval manuscript — and the subject Augustine was preaching about is one of the strangest stories in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul secretly visits the medium of Endor and asks her to summon the dead prophet Samuel. Samuel appears, foretells Saul’s death, and leaves Christians with a theological puzzle that has been debated for centuries. Did the medium actually summon Samuel? Was the apparition demonic? Or did God permit Samuel to appear despite Saul’s sinful attempt to consult the dead? In this bonus Catholic News episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole breaks down the newly identified Augustine sermons, the biblical story of Saul and the Witch of Endor, and why Augustine appears less interested in the mechanics of the supernatural encounter than in a deeper question: What was God doing in the middle of Saul’s failure? The newly discovered sermons even leave open the possibility that Saul’s final encounter with Samuel may have moved him toward repentance before his death. We also look at: • The discovery of two previously unknown St. Augustine sermons • The strange story of the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 • Why Saul sought out a medium • Whether Samuel was really summoned from the dead • St. Augustine’s interpretation of the passage • Whether Saul may have repented before his death • Catholic teaching on mediums, necromancy and divination • Why the discovery does not change Catholic doctrine • What Augustine’s interpretation reveals about God’s mercy • Why God can still act even in the middle of human sin The Catechism of the Catholic Church rejects attempts to summon the dead, consult mediums or practice divination. Augustine’s sermons do not endorse those practices. Instead, they offer a fascinating glimpse into how one of Christianity’s greatest theologians wrestled with a difficult biblical passage and the possibility that God’s mercy can reach a sinner even at the very end. Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast for restless hearts exploring Catholicism, Scripture, saints, theology, Church history and the strange, beautiful stories that make Christian faith worth digging into. Restless heart, you are welcome here.Sources EWTN News: Two Previously Unknown Sermons by St. Augustine on the Witch of Endor DiscoveredSacred Scripture: 1 Samuel 28Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§2116–2117MusicMusic used under license from Upbeat.io.

  7. Jul 22 ·  Video

    Catholicism Explained: What Catholics believe about saints

    What do Catholics actually believe about purgatory and the Communion of Saints? Is purgatory a second chance after death? Is it punishment? Where is it in the Bible? Why do Catholics pray for the dead — and why ask saints in heaven to pray for us when we can go directly to Jesus? In this episode of Rebel Saints, Nicole breaks down two of the most misunderstood teachings in Catholic Christianity: purgatory and the Communion of Saints. Purgatory is not a third destination between heaven and hell. The Catholic Church teaches that those who die in God's grace and friendship but still need purification are already assured of salvation. Purgatory is that final purification — the healing work of God's grace preparing a soul for complete union with him. From there, we explore the Communion of Saints: the mysterious unity of Christians on earth, the souls being purified, and the saints already in heaven. In this episode: • What Catholics actually believe about purgatory • Why purgatory is not a second chance after death • Whether purgatory denies Christ's finished work on the Cross • Biblical foundations for purification after death • 1 Corinthians 3 and being “saved through fire” • Matthew 12:32 and forgiveness in the age to come • Why Christians have prayed for the dead since the early Church • The difference between purgatory and hell • Why Catholics believe suffering can have meaning • The Communion of Saints explained • The Church Militant, Church Suffering and Church Triumphant • Why Catholics ask saints to pray for them • Why asking a saint for intercession does not replace Jesus • Why Catholic prayer to saints is not necromancy • Why Catholics pray for the souls in purgatory At the heart of both teachings is one Catholic conviction: death does not destroy the Body of Christ. Christians remain united in him. We pray for one another on earth, we pray for the dead, and the saints in heaven intercede for the Church. And purgatory reveals something equally hopeful: God's mercy does not merely forgive us. His grace heals and completes us. Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast for restless hearts exploring Catholicism, Scripture, theology, saints, Church history and what it means to follow Jesus Christ in the modern world. Restless heart, you are welcome here. Media Credits Original Rebel Saints theme song written by Nicole Olea. Music arranged and produced in collaboration with AI using Suno. Visit rebelsaintspodcast.com for complete show notes and more. SUPPORT THE JOURNEY Follow the show and leave a review to help more restless hearts find us.Facebook: facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast Patreon: patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast Email: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com

  8. Jul 10

    The Catholic Answer to ChatGPT? | Acutis AI Explained

    Catholic AI is reshaping how we interact with technology. In this episode, Peter Cooney co-founder, reveals how Acutis AI is building an artificial intelligence platform rooted in Catholic teaching, protecting human dignity, encouraging authentic faith, and offering a compelling alternative to mainstream AI tools. Discover why Catholic social teaching matters in the age of ChatGPT. What is Acutis AI? Acutis AI is an innovative, faith-aligned artificial intelligence platform built upon the moral framework of Catholic Social Teaching. Designed as a safe, values-driven alternative to mainstream tools like ChatGPT, it acts as a digital workspace where users can engage with technology that actively respects human dignity and truth. Explore Acutis AI at: https://www.acutisai.com Episode TakeawaysA Faith-First Moral Framework: Unlike secular AI platforms, Acutis AI uses the 2,000-year-old teachings of the Catholic Church—including the Catechism, papal encyclicals, and the Summa Theologiae—as its baseline for moral and ethical reasoning.Parental Controls & Transparency: The platform features unique, customizable safeguards for families, including sensitive topic blocking and real-time parent alerts to prevent the isolated "rabbit holes" common in other digital spaces.Carlo Acutis as Inspiration: Named after the first millennial saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, the platform seeks to continue his legacy of utilizing cutting-edge technology to draw hearts closer to Christ.Privacy by Design: To protect user safety, Acutis AI disconnects user identities from search queries, ensuring that conversations remain entirely anonymous.Key Moments & Chapters00:00 — The Inspiration: Recognizing the Moral Void in Modern AI03:22 — The Moral Framework: Building on 2,000 Years of Catholic Teaching15:16 — Pope Francis, AI, and the Preservation of Human Dignity18:20 — The Role of Human Creativity and the Soul of Art in the Age of AI21:31 — Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint for the Digital Age26:34 — Protecting Kids: Parental Controls, Alerts, and Safeguards33:24 — Privacy first: How Acutis AI Protects User Data42:50 — Encouragement for Young Catholics to Innovate and Take RisksMedia Credits Original Rebel Saints theme song written by Nicole Olea. Music arranged and produced in collaboration with AI using Suno. Visit rebelsaintspodcast.com for complete show notes and more. SUPPORT THE JOURNEY Follow the show and leave a review to help more restless hearts find us.Facebook: facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcast Instagram: @rebelsaintspodcast TikTok: @RebelSaintsPodcast Patreon: patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcast Email: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.com

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About

There is nothing more punk than Catholicism. Rebel Saints is a Catholic podcast exploring Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, and Catholic theology for restless hearts trying to follow Jesus Christ in a modern world. In an age of algorithms, anxiety, artificial intelligence, and endless scrolling, how do we live out our Christian faith? St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Sixteen hundred years later, we're still restless — we just have smartphones now. Hosted by Catholic journalist, youth minister, and mother Nicole Olea, this show offers a fresh laywoman’s perspective on the ancient Church. Whether you are a cradle Catholic, a recent convert, a scripture seeker, or a skeptic, this podcast tackles the hard questions about faith and culture. Through thoughtful interviews, compelling storytelling, Catholic Church history, Scripture reflections, and the inspiring lives of the saints, Nicole dives into what it actually means to build a daily prayer life today. The Church has outlived empires, revolutions, and pandemics. She isn't afraid of modernity, and you don't need a perfect life hack or another political hot take to find peace. Maybe the most rebellious thing you can do isn't reinvent yourself. Maybe it's discovering Catholic spirituality and becoming the saint you were created to be. Restless hearts: You are welcome here. Join the Rebellion: Connect with the Restless Heart Society! Ready to connect with fellow rebels living out the Catholic faith? Find us, follow us, and join the community: Restless Hearts Social Club: facebook.com/groups/rebelsaintspodcastInstagram & TikTok: @rebelsaintspodcast / @RebelSaintsPodcastRestless Hearts Society: (Patreon Support the Show): patreon.com/RebelSaintsPodcastEmail: rebelsaintspodcast@gmail.comWebsite: rebelsaintspodcast.com Rebel Saint - this podcast is for you!

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