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. 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

  2. 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

  3. MAR 29

    What Christ Suffered - A Journey Through the Passion

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Dr. Thomas McGovern to explore the reality of what Jesus endured during His Passion—and why it matters for our spiritual lives today. During Lent, and especially on Good Friday, we hear the Gospel accounts of Christ’s suffering: the agony in the garden, the scourging, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion. But many of us have wondered what these events actually meant physically. What did the human body endure? What truly happened during those final hours? Drawing from his medical expertise and years of research, Dr. McGovern walks through the Passion with both scientific clarity and deep reverence. He addresses common misconceptions about the crucifixion, explains the physical realities behind events like the “blood and water” from Christ’s side, and offers a powerful look at the depth of suffering Jesus freely embraced out of love. More importantly, this conversation moves beyond the physical details to the heart of the Gospel: the meaning of suffering. Together, Brendan and Dr. McGovern reflect on redemptive suffering, what it means to “offer it up,” and how Christ’s Passion gives purpose to our own crosses. This episode is not about sensationalizing pain, but about drawing closer to Jesus through a deeper understanding of His love. About Dr. Thomas McGovern Dr. Thomas McGovern is a physician and author who has spent years studying the medical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christ’s Passion. His work brings together scientific insight and Catholic teaching to help readers more fully grasp the reality of what Jesus suffered—and how that transforms our understanding of suffering today. 📚 Featured Book What Christ Suffered: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion by Dr. Thomas McGovern https://www.amazon.com/ 🙌 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. Learn more at https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode helped you reflect more deeply on Christ’s Passion, share it with a friend this Lent. Follow Gotta Be Saints:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints/ Support the show

    39 min

  4. MAR 17

    A Fearless and Faithful Voice: Discovering Ida Görres

    Send us Fan Mail Ida Görres is one of the most insightful Catholic writers of the twentieth century—yet many Catholics today have never heard her name. In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Jennifer Bryson to explore the life and legacy of Ida Görres, a fearless German Catholic thinker whose writings on holiness, suffering, and the lives of the saints continue to challenge and inspire readers today. Jennifer shares how she first discovered Görres and why her work remains so relevant in our modern world. Together they discuss Görres’ reflections on authentic sanctity, her candid approach to the struggles of Christian life, and why her writing offers a refreshing alternative to overly sentimental portrayals of holiness. This conversation invites listeners to rediscover a bold Catholic voice who reminds us that sainthood is lived through real human struggles, grace, and perseverance. About Jennifer Bryson Jennifer Bryson, Ph.D., is a Catholic writer, scholar, and translator who has dedicated significant work to introducing English-speaking audiences to the writings of Ida Görres. With a background in theology, languages, and international affairs, Bryson has spent years studying Görres’ thought and helping bring her profound reflections on holiness and the spiritual life to a wider audience. Learn more about Jennifer Bryson: https://jenniferbryson.net/ 📚 Featured Book Bread Grows in Winter by Ida Görres https://ignatius.com/bread-grows-in-winter-bgwp/  Want to learn more about Ida? Check out this website dedicated to her - https://www.idagoerres.org/.  🙌 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. Learn more at https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode helped you discover a new Catholic thinker, share it with a friend who loves learning about the saints and the spiritual life. Follow Gotta Be Saints:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints Support the show

    32 min

  5. FEB 24

    Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech with Fr. Gregory Pine, OP

    Send us Fan Mail Gossip. Lying. Flattery. Crass words. Most of us recognize that sins of speech quietly undermine our pursuit of holiness. In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., to discuss his book Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech and the path toward verbal virtue. Drawing from Thomistic wisdom and pastoral experience, Fr. Gregory explains why speech is ordered toward communion with God and others, why seemingly “small” faults like exaggeration and gossip are spiritually dangerous, and how cultivating habits of truth-telling, correction, humor, prayer, and restraint can transform our relationships. If you’ve ever struggled with frustration, careless words, or discouragement in trying to change, this conversation offers both clarity and hope. About Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph and a well-known preacher and teacher. He serves as an instructor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and is a frequent contributor to the Thomistic Institute. Learn more about Fr. Gregory: Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph: https://opeast.org/ Thomistic Institute: https://thomisticinstitute.org/ 📚 Featured Book Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech This brief but powerful book shows how cultivating healthy habits can crowd out sinful speech and help us reclaim communication as a tool for true communion with God and man alike. 🙌 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. Learn more at https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who wants to grow in holiness. Follow Gotta Be Saints: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints Support the show

    37 min

  6. FEB 17

    Praying Through Lent — A Family Guide with Colleen Pressprich

    Send us Fan Mail About This Episode Lent has a way of catching us off guard. One moment we’re settling into the new year, and the next we’re being invited into forty days of prayer, sacrifice, and renewal. In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with author and homeschooling mom Colleen Pressprich to discuss her new book Lenten Prayers for Families and how families can enter more intentionally into the Lenten journey. Colleen shares practical wisdom for cultivating the domestic church, praying with children of all ages, and creating rhythms of Scripture, reflection, and conversation in the home. Whether you are raising little ones, guiding teens, or simply seeking a deeper Lent yourself, this conversation offers encouragement and practical steps to live the season with greater purpose and peace. About Colleen Pressprich Colleen Pressprich is a Catholic author, former missionary, Montessori teacher, and homeschooling mother of five. She is passionate about strengthening the domestic church and helping families cultivate holiness in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Colleen lives in Michigan with her husband and children, where she continues to write and serve families seeking to grow closer to Christ in their homes. 📚 Featured Book Lenten Prayers for Families This family-centered devotional offers Scripture, guided prayer, reflection, and conversation starters to help households enter more deeply into the Lenten season together. 🙌 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. Learn more at https://truthly.ai/ Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who wants to live Lent more intentionally. Follow Gotta Be Saints: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gottabesaints Support the show

    38 min

  7. JAN 20

    Journeying to Catholicism with Steph Stampfer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Steph Stampfer, a Catholic writer and podcaster living in Vienna, to share her powerful and honest journey to the Catholic faith. Steph’s story moves through spiritual searching, travel, Eastern spirituality, New Age practices, and deep interior brokenness—before ultimately leading her home to Christ and the Catholic Church. This conversation is a testimony to the patience of God, the power of intercessory prayer, the role of Our Lady in conversion, and the beauty of simply sitting with Jesus and allowing Him to do the work. In This Episode, We Discuss: Growing up in Germany and early questions about love, belonging, and meaningSearching for truth through travel, Buddhism, and meditationLife in Berlin and immersion in New Age and esoteric spiritualityThe danger of blending spiritualities and creating a “custom” faithPsychedelic experiences and the reality of the spiritual worldHitting rock bottom and feeling deeply lostA providential move into the home of a faithful Catholic womanThe quiet power of the Rosary and intercessory prayerMarian consecration and the breaking of spiritual strongholdsEncountering Jesus as a Person—not an ideaHealing from loneliness, confusion, and interior unrestFalling in love with Scripture, the Eucharist, and adorationEmbracing the Catholic Church as homeLearning to let God work rather than striving on our ownWhy silence and time before the Lord changes everythingAbout the Guest Steph Stampfer lives in Vienna, Austria, where she works as a Catholic writer and hosts a podcast focused on sharing the faith boldly and without apology. Her work centers on authentic conversion, prayer, and helping others encounter Jesus Christ in a real and personal way. Episode Sponsor — Truthly This episode is sponsored by Truthly, the Catholic app that helps you reflect, learn, and share your faith with confidence. Start your free trial with code gottabesaints at Truthly’s website: Truthly Support the show

    51 min

  8. JAN 13

    Abortion Pill Reversal: A Second Chance at Choice

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Dr. George Delgado, a family physician and one of the pioneers of abortion pill reversal (APR), to talk about the science, the stories, and the hope behind a medical protocol that gives women a second chance after beginning a chemical abortion. Dr. Delgado is the founder of the Abortion Pill Reversal Network and the author of Abortion Pill Reversal: A Second Chance at Choice. As chemical abortions now account for the majority of abortions in the United States, APR has become an increasingly urgent and misunderstood topic. This conversation walks through what APR actually is, how it works medically, why it is opposed by powerful institutions, and what’s at stake for women and children. Most importantly, this episode centers the human reality: women who regret their decision, reach out for help, and discover that it is not too late. In This Episode, We Discuss What a chemical (medication) abortion is and how it worksThe role of progesterone in sustaining pregnancyHow abortion pill reversal works medically and why it makes sense biologicallyWhy regret often sets in immediately after taking the first abortion pillCommon misconceptions about APR and what the peer-reviewed evidence actually showsClaims that APR is “unproven” or “dangerous” and how the data respondsThe growing risks of telehealth and mail-order abortionsWhy abortion pill reversal threatens the abortion industry’s narrativeHow APR can be a redemptive turning point in a woman’s lifeWhy APR may be the “tip of the spear” in the pro-life movement todayWhat needs to change in medicine, policy, and public awareness going forwardAbout the Guest Dr. George Delgado is a family physician based in California and one of the earliest doctors to develop and study abortion pill reversal. He has published multiple peer-reviewed studies on APR and founded the Steno Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to education, awareness, and research around abortion pill reversal. The Institute is named after Blessed Nicholas Steno, a physician and Catholic convert. Get the Book 📘 Abortion Pill Reversal: A Second Chance at Choice Published by Ignatius Press Available at: Ignatius PressAmazonStenoInstitute.orgGrab it here. Episode Sponsor — Truthly This episode is sponsored by Truthly, the Catholic app that helps you reflect, learn, and share your faith with confidence. Start your free trial with code gottabesaints at Truthly’s website: Truthly Support the show

    28 min
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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
    248
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gotta Be Saints
  • Show Website
    Gotta Be Saints

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