In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I share a talk I recently gave to a men’s group at my old parish, centered on The Secret of Holiness: Lessons from Our Lady.

On this special episode, released on the feast of St. Louis de Montfort—a saint who radically shaped my devotion to the Blessed Mother—I dive into the truth that Mary isn’t just a part of our Catholic faith... she’s essential to it. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical guidance, I explore how Mary’s humility, docility, and courage offer us a model for growing in holiness today.

Holiness must be our primary goal, even before family, career, or comfort. And no one can guide us more surely to Jesus than His mother.

Topics Covered:

• Why Mary is the “safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect” way to Jesus
• What the Annunciation, Wedding at Cana, and the Cross reveal about Mary’s role in salvation
• The power of her last recorded words in Scripture: “Do whatever He tells you”
• The importance of embracing suffering, obedience, and mission like Our Lady
• Practical ways to grow in holiness today—starting with the Rosary, the sacraments, and Scripture
• How men and women alike can model Mary’s yes in a world of distraction and indifference

📖 Want to grow in holiness? Start by taking Jesus at His word: Behold your mother.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode moved you or helped you see Mary—and your own path to sainthood—with fresh eyes.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

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A short reflection on how to enter into the Easter season without forgetting all the lessons from the Lenten season.

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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Josh McMullen, historian and author of The Glacier Priest, for an inspiring conversation about one of the most fascinating and overlooked Catholic figures of the 20th century—Father Bernard Hubbard, S.J.

Known as “The Glacier Priest,” Father Hubbard was a Jesuit geologist, adventurer, and missionary who explored the Alaskan frontier during the 1930s and 40s. A gifted lecturer and photographer, he brought the beauty of God’s creation and the Gospel message to thousands—both in person and through his extensive travels and publications.

Josh shares how he first encountered Father Hubbard’s story, what compelled him to write the biography, and how Hubbard’s deep faith, love for nature, and willingness to suffer for the Gospel remain deeply relevant today.

This episode is a powerful look at a priest who combined scientific curiosity with spiritual depth—and who used his unique calling to evangelize, educate, and inspire.

Topics Covered:

• Who was Father Bernard Hubbard and why his story still matters
• The Jesuit priest who became a national celebrity
• What it meant to say Mass in the wilds of Alaska
• How Hubbard’s work helped shape America’s view of Alaska
• The tensions between religious vows and public acclaim
• The beauty of redemptive suffering and the Sacred Heart
• Why creation drew him closer to the Creator
• What we can learn from Hubbard’s life about vocation, sacrifice, and mission

📖 Pick up a copy of The Glacier Priest: Father Bernard Hubbard and America's Last Frontier wherever books are sold.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode moved you or helped you see holiness in a new light.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

Support the show