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

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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Matthew Wiseman, convert to Catholicism and author of The Two Jerusalems, for a powerful conversation about his journey from the Messianic movement to the Catholic Church.

Raised in a devout Southern Baptist home, Matthew’s family began a home church that eventually led them into the Hebrew Roots movement, where they embraced the Mosaic Law and Old Testament festivals. But what began as a sincere desire to follow Scripture more faithfully soon revealed deep questions—especially about authority, unity, and interpretation.

Matthew shares how a hunger for truth and clarity led him to explore Jewish oral tradition, Anglicanism, and ultimately Catholicism. We discuss the need for a living authority in the Church, the flaws of sola scriptura, and the life-changing impact of discovering the Liturgy of the Hours. He also shares the role his family played in his conversion journey and how reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church helped lead his wife into the Church as well.

This episode isn’t just about one man’s conversion. It’s about the longing we all share for truth, unity, and a Church that reflects Christ fully.

Topics Covered:

• What it’s like growing up in the Hebrew Roots movement
• Why the Mosaic Law alone isn’t enough—and what that reveals about Scripture
• The role of tradition and authority in interpreting the Bible
• Matthew’s personal conversion story and how it affected his family
• The beauty and power of praying the Psalms and the Liturgy of the Hours
• Why unity in the Church matters and what drew him to Catholicism
• How reading the Catechism brought his wife into the Church

📍 Pick up a copy of Matthew's book, The Two Jerusalems, at ignatius.com or wherever books are sold.

Call to Action:
If this conversation moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone searching for deeper truth or considering the Catholic Church.

🙏 Special thanks to our sponsor, Truthly!
Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Michael Acaldo, National CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for an inspiring conversation about what it really means to see Christ in the poor.

With over three decades of leadership in Vincentian ministry, Michael shares stories from his early days in Baton Rouge to his national role today—always with one central focus: growing in holiness through acts of love and service. We talk about how Vincentians are formed spiritually by serving, the transformational power of home visits, and why Catholic social teaching must be lived, not just studied.

This episode explores how the Society’s work isn’t simply about social services—it’s about encountering Christ in every person and every moment, especially in those who are vulnerable or forgotten. We dive into the unique Vincentian approach of loving through action, forming intentional community, and resisting political labels to focus purely on the Gospel.

Whether you’re already involved in your parish, searching for a way to serve, or just looking for a deeper spiritual grounding, Michael’s testimony is a powerful reminder that holiness is found in simple, faithful acts of love.

Topics Covered:

• The spiritual foundation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• Why acts of service are vital for personal spiritual growth
• Catholic social teaching vs. political ideologies
• Homelessness prevention as evangelization
• How to get involved in the Society and grow in holiness

📍 Learn more at svdpusa.org

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit gottabesaints.com

Call to Action:
If this conversation moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking for a deeper way to live their faith.

🙏 Special thanks to our sponsor, Truthly!
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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Fr. John Nepil to explore the profound spiritual lessons that come from journeying through the wilderness—literally and figuratively. A priest of the Archdiocese of Denver and member of the Companions of Christ, Fr. John shares stories from his 486-mile trek along the Colorado Trail and the reflections that led to his new book, To the Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail.

We talk about how pilgrimage shapes our understanding of faith, the beauty of silence and solitude, and how adventure in the outdoors can act as a powerful metaphor for the interior life. Fr. John explains why the wilderness is a privileged space for Catholic formation and how community, challenge, and even suffering are vital to encountering Christ in a deeper way.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone feeling spiritually restless, or just curious about the intersection of nature, faith, and discipline, this conversation will inspire you to consider the road less traveled—especially during this Lenten season.

Topics Covered:

• How pilgrimage cultivates hope and detachment
• Why the mountains offer a unique setting for formation
• The spiritual importance of silence, stillness, and solitude
• Navigating the tension between comfort and sacrifice
• Building authentic community on the journey to holiness

📚 Get the Book: To the Heights and Unto Depths is available through Ignatius Press and wherever books are sold.
🎧 Listen to Fr. John’s podcast: Catholic Stuff You Should Know

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a deeper sense of direction or renewal in their spiritual walk.

🙏 Special thanks to our sponsor, Truthly!
Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

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Episode Summary

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Adam Trufant to explore the transformative power of adventure in overcoming anxiety and finding deeper freedom. As a camp director, outdoor enthusiast, and advocate for faith-driven exploration, Adam shares how nature provides the perfect setting for encountering God, building resilience, and discovering joy.

Drawing from his experience running Camp Kahdalea and Chosatonga, Adam unpacks how stepping into the wilderness can help individuals—especially young people—disconnect from distractions, face challenges head-on, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and confidence.

Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, someone seeking relief from the pressures of modern life, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and the great outdoors, this conversation offers insights on how adventure can be a path to peace and spiritual renewal.

About Adam Trufant

Adam Trufant is a second-generation camp director and outdoor enthusiast dedicated to using nature as a platform for faith, formation, and human development. Raised in the camp ministry, he and his brothers now lead Camp Kahdalea and Chosatonga, helping young people grow in character, courage, and faith through immersive outdoor experiences. Passionate about the connection between adventure and spiritual life, Adam believes that embracing discomfort in the wilderness can teach profound lessons about trust, perseverance, and God's providence.

In This Episode, We Cover:

🌲 Adventure & Anxiety:
How the natural world provides freedom and relief from the anxieties of modern life.

🏕️ The Power of Wilderness:
Why time outdoors fosters resilience, confidence, and deeper faith.

📖 Formation Through Challenge:
How facing discomfort—whether in the backcountry or in daily life—forms character and strengthens spiritual life.

🔄 Unplugging & Reconnecting:
The impact of technology on today’s youth and why disconnecting from screens leads to personal and spiritual renewal.

💪 Virtue Through Outdoor Challenges:
How learning to navigate nature mirrors the journey of faith and personal growth.

🤝 Building Christ-Centered Community:
The role of camp and adventure in fostering lasting friendships and authentic Christian witness.

🔥 Lessons for Everyday Life:
Practical takeaways for integrating adventure, silence, and challenge into daily spiritual life.

Why You Should Listen

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, restless, or disconnected, this episode will inspire you to embrace adventure as a path to renewal. Adam’s insights reveal how stepping outside your comfort zone—whether through hiking, camping, or simply spending time in nature—can lead to personal transformation and a deeper encounter with God.

Resources & Links

📍 Learn more about Camp Kahdalea and Chosatonga: www.kahdalea.com

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Gotta Be Saints, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit from a renewed perspective on faith and adventure. Let’s continue to seek God in all things—including the great outdoors!

Sponsors

🙏 A special thank you to Truthly for sponsoring the Gotta Be Saints Podcast!

Use code Gottabesaints for a free trial!

Download Truthly at https://www.truthly.ai/.

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Episode Summary

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with journalist and author Roxanne King to discuss her latest book, Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights. We explore the inspiring lives of sixteen remarkable Catholics from the past 225 years who fought for justice, freedom, and human dignity. Through their faith and perseverance, these figures shaped history and serve as role models for contemporary Catholics striving to live out their faith in service to others.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a social justice advocate, or simply looking for stories of heroic virtue, this episode offers powerful lessons on courage, conscience, and the call to uphold human rights.

About Roxanne King

Roxanne King is an award-winning Catholic journalist and author with a passion for telling the stories of faith-filled individuals who have made a lasting impact on society. Her work highlights the intersection of faith, history, and justice, helping readers discover the profound influence of Catholic heroes in shaping civil and human rights.

In This Episode, We Cover:

📖 Catholic Heroes Across History
Roxanne shares what inspired her to profile these sixteen individuals and how she selected them as representatives of natural law and human rights.

💡 Faith, Freedom, and Justice
How the lives of these figures connect to the core themes of freedom, perseverance, hope, justice, and conscience.

🕊️ Lessons for Today’s Catholics
What modern Catholics can learn from these historical figures about advancing civil and human rights in today’s world.

🔥 Most Impactful Stories
Roxanne reflects on which of the sixteen individuals had the deepest personal impact on her during the writing process.

🙏 Faith in Action
How these Catholic heroes lived out their faith through service to others and how their witness can inspire us to do the same.

📚 Where to Get the Book
Find out where you can purchase Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights and explore the lives of these inspiring figures.

Why You Should Listen

If you're looking for role models of Catholic faith in action, this episode is for you. Roxanne King brings to light powerful stories of courage and virtue, showing how faith has driven real change in history. Whether you're passionate about justice, intrigued by history, or seeking inspiration for your own spiritual journey, this conversation will leave you motivated to live out your faith more boldly.

Resources & Links

📚 Purchase Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gotta Be Saints, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would be inspired by these Catholic heroes. Let’s continue to grow in faith, wisdom, and action!

Sponsors

🙏 A special thank you to The Catholic Company and Good Catholic for sponsoring this episode!
📌 Check them out here → The Catholic Company | Good Catholic

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