Gotta Be Saints

Brendan Gotta
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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5
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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
    251
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gotta Be Saints
  • Show Website
    Gotta Be Saints

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