Gotta Be Saints

Brendan Gotta
  • 5.0 (151)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Brendan talks with (future) saints about being saints.Check out www.gottabesaints.com for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    Seeing Eternity: Michelangelo, Burgundy, and the Catholic Imagination of the Afterlife with Peter Giersch

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Peter Giersch to discuss one of the most important realities Christians can reflect on: eternity. Through the beauty of France, the witness of the saints, the art of Michelangelo, and the Catholic understanding of death, judgment, heaven, and hell, Peter invites listeners to rediscover what so much of the modern world has forgotten. Drawing from his book Talking of Michelangelo, Peter reflects on his experiences in Burgundy, the Catholic imagination found in medieval churches, and why generations of Christians were constantly reminded of eternity through sacred art and architecture. Together, Brendan and Peter discuss suffering, holiness in ordinary life, the vocation of marriage and singleness, the meaning of the crucifix, the Last Judgment, and why modern culture has become uncomfortable talking about heaven and hell. This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition while remaining practical for everyday life. It is ultimately an invitation to reflect on where our lives are leading and to remember that holiness is possible in every vocation through love, sacrifice, patience, and fidelity to Christ. Featured Book Talking of Michelangelo: Burgundy, Eternity, and the Catholic Imagination by Peter Giersch Order the Book Sponsored by Truthly Truthly helps faithful Catholics find trustworthy answers to life’s biggest questions through AI built with a Catholic worldview. Visit Truthly Stay Connected Instagram: @gottabesaints Instagram Facebook: Gotta Be Saints Facebook Support the show

    50 min

  2. Jun 7

    How Encounter Changes Our Lives with Brian Kissinger

    Send us Fan Mail This episode is Part Two of a special series in partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville. In Part One, I sat down with Dr. Stephen Hildebrand to discuss why authentic Catholic education matters. Today, we turn our attention to another essential aspect of the Christian life: encounter. Joining me is Brian Kissinger, Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences, for a conversation about those moments when Jesus Christ breaks into our lives and changes everything. For more than fifty years, the Steubenville Conferences have been helping young people and adults encounter the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, authentic community, and powerful preaching. We discuss the origins of the conferences, the vision of Fr. Michael Scanlon, TOR, and the lasting impact these conferences have had on countless lives. Brian also shares his own story of encountering Christ as a teenager at a Steubenville Youth Conference, and we explore why personal encounter with Jesus remains at the heart of the Christian life. Together, we reflect on the importance of expectant faith, authentic community, and creating space for God to work in our lives. Whether you are a parent, a young adult, or simply someone longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation is an invitation to remember that Jesus knows you personally, loves you deeply, and desires to encounter you right where you are. Steubenville Conferences: Steubenville Conferences Power & Purpose Conference: Power & Purpose Conference Franciscan University of Steubenville: Franciscan University of Steubenville Use code GOTTABESAINTS25 for $25 off your registration to the Power & Purpose Conference. About Brian Kissinger: Brian Kissinger serves as the Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences. A longtime youth minister, speaker, and conference leader, Brian first encountered Christ in a profound way at a Steubenville Youth Conference as a teenager. Today, he helps lead one of the most impactful Catholic conference movements in the world, serving hundreds of thousands of young people, adults, clergy, and religious. Stay Connected: Instagram: Gotta Be Saints Instagram Facebook: Gotta Be Saints Facebook Podcast Website: Gotta Be Saints Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Truthly. Truthly Support the show

    48 min

  3. May 31

    The Eucharist Changes Everything with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, to reflect on the beauty and power of the Eucharist as we prepare for Corpus Christi. Together, we discuss why Jesus chose to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament, how the saints were transformed through Eucharistic devotion, and practical ways we can grow closer to Christ through silence, prayer, adoration, and community. Drawing from the lives of saints like St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Catherine of Siena, Fr. Patrick shares how the Eucharist became the center of his own vocation and spiritual life. This conversation is an invitation to rediscover the heart of the Christian life and encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. Featured Book O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas by Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP Order the Book Upcoming Retreat with Godsplaining Join Fr. Patrick Briscoe and the friars of Godsplaining for the All Comers Retreat this June. Learn More About the Retreat Sponsored by Truthly Truthly helps faithful Catholics find trustworthy answers to life’s biggest questions through AI built with a Catholic worldview. Visit Truthly Stay Connected Instagram: @gottabesaints Instagram Facebook: Gotta Be Saints Facebook Support the show

    55 min

  4. May 24

    Why Catholic Education Matters Today with Dr. Stephen Hildebrand

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, Provost of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Professor of Theology, for a conversation on the importance of Catholic education in today’s culture. We discuss why Catholic education is about far more than academics. It’s about formation, holiness, truth, community, and becoming the person God created you to be. We also dive into the role parents play as the primary educators of their children, the importance of living an integrated Catholic life, and why authentic Catholic formation matters now more than ever. This episode is part one of a special two-part series in partnership with Franciscan University and the upcoming Steubenville Conferences. Featured Links: Steubenville Conferences: Steubenville Conferences Power & Purpose Conference: Power & Purpose Conference Franciscan University of Steubenville: Franciscan University of Steubenville Truthly: Truthly Stay Connected: Instagram: Gotta Be Saints Instagram Facebook: Gotta Be Saints Facebook Support the show

    1h 5m

  5. May 17

    The Intentional Household: Living as if People Matter with Dr. John Cuddeback

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Dr. John Cuddeback to discuss what it truly means to live intentionally within the home. Together, they explore how modern life often pulls families toward distraction, busyness, and drifting, while God calls us to deeper presence, sacrifice, prayer, and authentic relationship. Drawing from philosophy, family life, friendship, and Christian tradition, Dr. Cuddeback shares practical wisdom on building a household centered on love, responsibility, meaningful work, hospitality, prayer, and human connection. They also discuss the importance of fathers and mothers being fully present to their children, the role of grandparents within the home, and why intentionality is essential if we want our homes to become places where people truly flourish. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, examine the rhythms of your household, and begin living as if people really matter. Featured Book The Intentional Household: Living as If People Matter by Dr. John Cuddeback Order the Book on Amazon Sponsored by Truthly Truthly helps faithful Catholics find trustworthy answers to life’s biggest questions through AI built with a Catholic worldview. Visit Truthly Stay Connected Instagram: @gottabesaints Instagram Facebook: Gotta Be Saints Facebook Support the show

    45 min

  6. May 9

    How the Holy Spirit is Renewing the World with Michael Girgenti

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by actor Michael Girgenti, who portrays Jesus in the new docudrama That They May Be One, coming to theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events. Inspired by Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the film explores Christian unity, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the invitation for all people to come to know Christ more deeply. Michael shares about his own return to the Catholic faith, what it was like preparing to portray Jesus on screen, and how the experience transformed his prayer life and relationship with the Lord. We also discuss: The meaning behind Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one”Christian unity and evangelizationMichael’s journey back to the Catholic ChurchThe beauty of the sacraments and EucharistWhy Christian media is having a major cultural momentWhat it means for all of us to live as “mini-Christs” in daily lifeHow the Holy Spirit continues to renew the Church todayThis was a deeply encouraging conversation about holiness, discipleship, and the call to boldly share Christ with the world. Featured Film That They May Be One In theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events. Tickets & Information: https://hubs.ly/Q04dqbS30 Follow Michael Girgenti Instagram: @michaelgirgenti Sponsored by Truthly Want to grow deeper in your faith and better understand the Catholic Church? Visit Truthly: https://www.truthly.ai Truthly is helping Catholics pursue truth, holiness, and authentic discipleship. Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and help us continue spreading stories of holiness. Support the show

    29 min

  7. Apr 20

    The Truth About Sacred Music with Peter Carter

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Peter Carter to explore the beauty, purpose, and deeper meaning of sacred music in the life of the Church. Music has always played a central role in Christian worship, from the Psalms of the Old Testament to the chants of the early Church. But what actually makes music sacred? And what role should it play in helping us encounter God more deeply at Mass? Peter, a church musician and Director of the Catholic Sacred Music Project, shares how sacred music is not meant to be performance, but prayer. Together, they dive into the Church’s vision for liturgical music, the importance of participation, and how music elevates our worship by engaging the whole person—body and soul. They also reflect on practical ways parishes and families can recover a culture of sacred music, from singing in the home to approaching the liturgy with humility and intentionality. Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to move beyond passive attendance and enter more fully into the worship of God. This episode challenges us to stop asking what we get out of Mass—and instead, how we can offer ourselves more completely in praise. Featured Book The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and the Heavenly Liturgy by Peter Carter and Cardinal Robert Sarah Mentioned Resources Catholic Sacred Music Project Sponsored by Truthly This episode is brought to you by Truthly. Truthly helps you grow in clarity, conviction, and confidence by delivering faithful, trustworthy answers grounded in Christian truth. Whether you’re seeking deeper formation or practical guidance for everyday life, Truthly equips you to think clearly and live boldly. https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode inspired you to reflect more deeply on the call to holiness, share it with a friend. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints/ Support the show

    44 min

  8. Apr 13

    The Story of St. Philomena with Fr. Peregrine Fletcher

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Father Peregrine to explore the powerful and mysterious story of Saint Philomena and why her witness still matters today. Though little is historically known about her life, Saint Philomena’s story has captivated the Church for centuries. From the discovery of her relics to the widespread devotion of saints like John Vianney, her life is marked by courage, purity, and total devotion to Christ. Father Peregrine shares the fascinating history surrounding her life, the miracles attributed to her intercession, and the deeper meaning behind her martyrdom at such a young age. Together, they reflect on what it means to be a witness to the faith today and how Saint Philomena challenges each of us to give ourselves fully to God. This conversation is not just about learning a saint’s story. It is an invitation to live it. Featured Book My Name is Philomena: A Saint Story by Father Peregrine Mentioned Resources St. Michael's Abbey The Abbot's Circle Sponsored by Truthly This episode is brought to you by Truthly. Truthly helps you grow in clarity, conviction, and confidence by delivering faithful, trustworthy answers grounded in Christian truth. Whether you’re seeking deeper formation or practical guidance for everyday life, Truthly equips you to think clearly and live boldly. https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode inspired you to reflect more deeply on the call to holiness, share it with a friend. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints/ Support the show

    38 min
See All (254)

5
out of 5
151 Ratings

About

Brendan talks with (future) saints about being saints.Check out www.gottabesaints.com for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Brendan Gotta
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    254
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gotta Be Saints
  • Show Website
    Gotta Be Saints

You Might Also Like