Gotta Be Saints

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Fr. Timothy Danaher, OP, to explore the Catholic Church's rich traditions surrounding the saints, relics, death, and the resurrection of the body.As we celebrate All Saints Day and enter the month of November, we reflect on what it means to honor those who have gone before us in faith, why Catholics venerate relics, and what the bodies of the saints can teach us about eternal life.Together, we discuss the history and significance of relics, the tradition of placing relics in church altars, the mystery of incorruptible saints, and the importance of praying for the dead. We also explore practical ways to embrace the month of November as a time of prayer, remembrance, and renewed hope in the resurrection.In this episode, we discuss:What Catholics celebrate on All Saints DayThe history and significance of venerating relicsWhy relics have a special place in Catholic churches and altarsThe mystery of incorruptible saintsWhat Catholic traditions surrounding death reveal about the resurrection of the bodyHow to make the most of November through prayer and remembranceOur SponsorsTruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly, an AI-powered platform designed to help Catholics find trustworthy answers to questions about the faith. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Church teaching or explore a difficult theological question, Truthly is a resource to help you grow in knowledge and faith.Visit Truthly.ai and use code GOTTABESAINTS.AscensionThis November, Gotta Be Saints is sponsored by Alto from Ascension!We're all called to be saints, and that calling begins with daily prayer. Alto is a beautifully designed monthly prayer companion featuring daily Mass readings, Morning and Night Prayer, reflections from the saints, Bible studies, and more. This November, Alto invites us to reflect on eternity, the four last things, and our ultimate calling to heaven.Make prayer a daily habit with Alto! Use code GOTTA10 for 10% off your first subscription payment.Learn more and subscribe here!Support Gotta Be SaintsIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member, subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a review. Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that inspire others to pursue holiness.Thank you for listening, and remember: we're all called to be saints! Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Laura Fredrickson to share the extraordinary story of her son, Francisco, a joyful seven-year-old whose life became a powerful witness to faith, love, and hope in the midst of suffering.Laura shares her family's journey following Francisco's diagnosis with terminal brain cancer, the incredible faith he demonstrated throughout his illness, and the ways God continued to reveal His presence during their darkest moments. This is a beautiful and emotional conversation about trusting God, embracing the Cross, and remembering that our ultimate hope is found in Heaven.In this episode:Who Francisco was and the joy he brought to everyone around himThe unexpected diagnosis that changed his family's lifeLaura and Ryan's experience navigating suffering while expecting twinsFrancisco's remarkable childlike faith and love for HeavenThe importance of prayer, community, and trusting God's providenceFinding hope and meaning in the midst of unimaginable sufferingHow Francisco's story continues to touch livesLaura's book about Francisco, Little Pilgrim of HopeLaura's Book: Little Pilgrim of HopeLaura shares Francisco's story in her book, Little Pilgrim of Hope, which recounts his journey and the lessons of faith, suffering, and hope that continue to inspire others.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is sponsored by Truthly, a Catholic AI app designed to help you find trustworthy answers to questions about the Catholic faith.Download Truthly and use code gottabesaints:https://get.truthly.ai/TlbX/GOTTABESAINTSStay Connected with Gotta Be SaintsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gottabesaints/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review.Remember, we're all called to be saints! Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Catholic artist Johnny Vrba to discuss the power of beauty, the importance of sacred art, and how creativity can lead souls closer to Christ.Johnny shares his conversion story, his journey as an artist, and his mission to inspire a new renaissance in Catholic art. We explore the inspiration behind his unique portraits of the saints, his experiences in Rome, and why beauty remains one of the most powerful tools for evangelization.In this episode:Johnny's conversion story and journey as a Catholic artistWhy beauty is essential to evangelizationThe inspiration behind his unique portraits of the saintsHis mission to inspire a new renaissance in Catholic artHis artwork of St. Carlo AcutisThe Wedding Feast at Cana and trusting God's timingHow each of us can create beauty in our everyday livesSponsored by TruthlyThis episode is sponsored by Truthly, a Catholic AI app designed to help you find trustworthy answers to questions about the Catholic faith.Download Truthly and use code gottabesaints:https://get.truthly.ai/TlbX/GOTTABESAINTSStay Connected with Gotta Be SaintsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gottabesaints/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review.Remember, we're all called to be saints! Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Catholic speaker and author Doug Barry to talk about what it means for men to embrace their God-given call to heroism.We discuss the challenges facing men today, the temptation toward comfort and passivity, and why authentic masculinity requires sacrifice, discipline, and a willingness to take responsibility. Doug shares why men are called to be the “first line of defense” for their families and how prayer, the sacraments, and devotion to Our Lady prepare us for the spiritual battles we face.We also talk about Doug’s new book, First Line of Defense: The Catholic Man’s Call to Heroism, co-written with Daniel O’Connor, and the practical ways men can grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.Get Doug’s book:https://ignatius.com/first-line-of-defense-fldfp/Learn more about Doug:https://dougbarryofficial.com/This episode is sponsored by Truthly, a Catholic AI app designed to help you find answers about the Catholic faith and navigate everyday questions through a Catholic lens.Learn more about Truthly:https://www.truthly.ai/Use code “gottabesaints.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhy do honest conversations matter? And can sharing our struggles actually help lead one another toward holiness?In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Rob Kaczmark, founder of Spirit Juice Studios and host of the new podcast Flicker & Burn.Rob has spent nearly two decades using film and media to share the Catholic faith, but this conversation goes well beyond his latest project. We talk about why people need meaningful conversations, the danger of pretending everything is okay, and the role that suffering, friendship, vulnerability, and storytelling can play in bringing us closer to Christ.Rob also shares how some of the most honest conversations of his life have happened in an unexpected place: the tattoo chair. Those experiences helped inspire Flicker & Burn, a show built around real conversations with people from very different backgrounds about suffering, hope, conversion, loss, and what ultimately sustains us.We also talk about why suffering can open the door to deeper relationships, what Father Stu teaches us about carrying our crosses, why Catholics need to take digital evangelization seriously, and how God patiently works on each of us, even when our path to Him isn't clean or straightforward.A podcast can never replace authentic friendship or Christian community. But a good conversation can remind someone that they aren't alone, challenge the way they see their circumstances, and perhaps even help them take another step toward Christ.In this episode:• Why honest conversations are essential to the Christian life• Rob's story and the mission behind Spirit Juice• The unexpected conversations that inspired Flicker & Burn• Why Rob intentionally talks with people from different backgrounds and levels of faith• Isolation, friendship, and our need to be known by others• Why we shouldn't pretend everything is okay when it isn't• What suffering has taught Rob personally• How suffering can allow us to accompany others more deeply• Father Stu and the Christian understanding of suffering• Why everyone's journey toward God looks different• The future of Catholic media and evangelization on YouTube• Rob's favorite tattoo and how it has opened conversations about JesusResources mentioned:Flicker & BurnListen to Rob's new podcast and find episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts:https://www.spiritjuice.org/flickerandburn/Spirit JuiceLearn more about Spirit Juice Entertainment Group and its Catholic media projects:https://www.spiritjuice.org/Support Flicker & Burn / Spirit Juice EntertainmentFlicker & Burn and Spirit Juice's other original Catholic content are made available for free through the support of donors:https://www.spiritjuice.org/flickerandburn/Juice BoxSpirit Juice's Catholic YouTube content for children and families:https://www.spiritjuice.org/donate/juicebox/About Flicker & BurnHosted by Rob Kaczmark, Flicker & Burn explores the everyday struggle between life and faith through long-form conversations about doubt, hope, loss, redemption, conversion, suffering, and the search for meaning.As Rob explains in our conversation, the guests don't all have the same story or even the same relationship with faith. That's part of the point. Whether someone's conversion happens dramatically or unfolds slowly over years, God continues working.If you're looking for conversations that are real, raw, hopeful, and willing to wrestle with life's harder questions, give Flicker & Burn a listen.TruthlyGotta Be Saints is proud to partner with Truthly, a Catholic AI app designed to provide answers grounded in Scripture, the Catechism, and the teachings of the Church. Use code gottabesaints at https://get.truthly.ai/TlbX/GOTTABESAINTS. Follow Gotta Be SaintsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/gottabesaints/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/gottabesaints/ Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat can the great Gothic cathedrals teach us about God, beauty, evangelization, and our own call to holiness?In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Branden Stanley of Spirit Juice Studios, co-director of Bishop Robert Barron’s new documentary, Heaven in Stone and Glass. Rather than simply talking about how the film was made, we dive into the deeper ideas behind it: why beauty has the power to stop us in our tracks, how sacred architecture can draw people toward God, and why the Church should never underestimate beauty as a means of evangelization.Branden shares his experience filming some of France’s greatest Gothic cathedrals, what these buildings communicate about God, and why beauty, alongside truth and goodness, remains essential to the Church’s mission. We also discuss what ordinary Catholics can learn from the people who built these cathedrals and how each of us can create something beautiful with our own lives that points others toward Christ.Heaven in Stone and GlassBishop Robert Barron’s Heaven in Stone and Glass takes viewers on a cinematic pilgrimage through five of France’s great Gothic cathedrals and explores the spiritual and theological truths expressed through their architecture.The film will be in theaters nationwide on September 20 and 23, 2026.Learn more and get tickets for Heaven in Stone and GlassAbout Branden StanleyBranden Stanley is a filmmaker and creative leader at Spirit Juice Studios. He served as co-director of Heaven in Stone and Glass and has spent more than a decade helping Spirit Juice tell stories through Catholic filmmaking and visual media.Learn more about Spirit Juice StudiosLearn more about Branden StanleySponsored by TruthlyThis episode is sponsored by Truthly, the Catholic AI app designed to help you find clear answers to questions about faith, Scripture, morality, relationships, Church teaching, and everyday life through a Catholic lens.Whether you want to understand a difficult teaching, dive deeper into Scripture, learn more about a saint, or get clarity on a question about the faith, Truthly puts Catholic resources at your fingertips.Download TruthlyStay ConnectedFollow Gotta Be Saints for more conversations about holiness, the saints, and the Catholic faith.Gotta Be Saints PodcastSupport the show, share this episode with a friend, and remember: we are all called to be saints. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the final episode of the Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series! In this episode—Part Four of our series—we’re tackling a vital but often challenging topic: Hard Conversations. I’m joined by Dr. Mario Sacasa, a Catholic counselor, speaker, and host of the Always Hope podcast. Dr. Mario has worked extensively with couples, helping them navigate the tough topics that can arise in marriage while fostering deeper connection and understanding.SummaryWhy Hard Conversations Matter:We discuss why addressing difficult topics is essential for the health of a marriage. Dr. Mario explains how avoiding these conversations can lead to unresolved issues that undermine trust and intimacy.Approaching Tough Topics Without Defensiveness:Dr. Mario offers practical advice for initiating challenging discussions with your spouse in a way that minimizes defensiveness. He emphasizes the importance of using “I” statements, staying calm, and focusing on shared goals.Common Issues Couples Struggle to Address:We explore some of the most common topics that couples find difficult to discuss, such as finances, parenting, intimacy, and differing expectations, and why these issues often become sources of conflict.Developing Better Listening Skills:Dr. Mario provides strategies for becoming a better listener during tough conversations. He highlights the importance of active listening, validating your spouse’s feelings, and avoiding the temptation to immediately offer solutions.The Role of Forgiveness in Marriage:Forgiveness is a key part of healing after difficult discussions. Dr. Mario explains how forgiveness fosters trust and allows couples to move forward after past hurts.Maintaining Intimacy During Tough Conversations:We discuss how couples can stay emotionally connected, even when addressing sensitive or painful topics. Dr. Mario shares tips for balancing vulnerability with empathy.Timing and Setting for Difficult Conversations:Dr. Mario offers advice on choosing the right time and place for tough discussions, emphasizing the value of a calm, private, and distraction-free environment.Dealing with Differences in Communication Styles:We explore how couples can navigate differences in communication styles, such as one partner being more direct while the other prefers a gentler approach. Dr. Mario suggests ways to adapt and meet each other’s needs.The Role of Faith in Tough Conversations:Faith can be a powerful tool for navigating hard topics in marriage. Dr. Mario shares how prayer, Scripture, and the sacrament of reconciliation can bring peace and clarity to difficult moments.Rebuilding Trust After a Hard Conversation:When a discussion becomes particularly heated or painful, rebuilding trust is critical. Dr. Mario explains how couples can apologize, clarify misunderstandings, and recommit to working together.Final ThoughtsDr. Mario closes by encouraging couples to see hard conversations as opportunities for growth, intimacy, and trust. He reminds listeners that marriage is a journey and that God’s grace is always available to help couples through challenging times.Links and ResourcesDr. Mario Sacasa’s WebsiteAlways Hope Podcast on Apple PodcastsDr. Mario’s YouTube ChannelCall to ActionThank you for joining us for the Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit! Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series! In this episode, we’re diving into Part Three of our marriage series: Growing Your Family. I’m joined by Danielle Bean, a mother of eight, writer, and podcaster who brings incredible wisdom and faith-based insight to the joys and challenges of growing a family.OutlineDanielle’s Story:Danielle shares her and her husband Dan’s journey of deciding to grow their family. Faith and Family Planning:We discuss how faith shaped Danielle’s family planning journey, including trusting in God’s timing and staying open to His will, even when plans didn’t go as expected.Balancing Work, Family, and Marriage:Danielle shares her approach to balancing a growing family with work and marriage. Advice for Couples Considering Parenthood:Danielle offers practical advice for couples discerning whether they are ready to grow their family. She highlights the importance of communication, prayer, and mutual support.Maintaining Your Marriage Amidst Parenthood:We reflect on how Danielle and her husband keep their marriage a priority while raising children. She shares strategies for staying connected and nurturing the marital bond, even during the busiest seasons.Challenges in Growing a Family:Danielle discusses some of the unexpected challenges she faced as her family grew, from financial pressures to emotional struggles, and how she and her husband leaned on faith and each other to overcome them.Involving Children in the Faith:Danielle shares practical tips for fostering a faith-filled home, including making prayer a regular part of family life and finding ways to engage children in their faith journey.The Rewards of Raising a Family:Danielle reflects on the most rewarding aspects of family life.Practical Advice for New Parents:As a final takeaway, Danielle offers actionable advice for couples embarking on the journey of parenthood, encouraging them to trust in God, lean on each other, and embrace the adventure ahead.Final ThoughtsDanielle closes with words of encouragement for couples considering or beginning their journey of growing a family, reminding listeners to trust in God’s plan and to cherish the beautiful chaos of family life.Links and ResourcesDanielle Bean’s Girlfriends Podcast on Apple PodcastsDanielle’s Substack NewsletterCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Don’t miss the final episode in this series, where we’ll tackle the topic of hard conversations in marriage. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIntroductionWelcome back to Gotta Marry Well Podcast Series, where I’m diving into practical advice for newlyweds. This includes things Meredith and I wish we’d known before we got married and reflections on what we learned in these first few years. In this episode, Meredith and I walk through our experiences and key learnings. OutlineOur Story So FarMeredith and I start by sharing some of the biggest adjustments we made in that first year. Moving from dating into marriage brought changes, and we talked through the surprises and challenges.Prioritizing Each Other in Busy SeasonsLife didn’t slow down after we got married. We reflected on how we made time for each other amidst packed schedules and kept our relationship a priority.The Role of CommunicationCommunication was crucial for us to understand each other better. We shared what we learned about improving communication and the steps we took to make it more intentional.Incorporating Faith into Daily LifeKeeping our faith central was key. Meredith and I discussed how we wove prayer and spiritual practices into our daily routine as newlyweds, making space for God in our marriage.Unexpected Discoveries in Married LifeThere were plenty of things we didn’t see coming. We shared what surprised us most about married life and some of the lessons we took from those moments.Advice for First-Year CouplesReflecting on our experiences, we offered advice for couples entering that first year of marriage, from managing expectations to finding ways to stay connected.Setting Boundaries with Family and FriendsNavigating boundaries was important as we established our life together. We talked about how we approached setting those boundaries with family and friends and why it helped us grow as a couple.Handling DisagreementsLike any couple, we had our disagreements. We shared how we worked through conflicts and the lessons we took from these moments to build a stronger relationship.The Rewards of Married LifeThe most rewarding part of married life so far has been discovering how much deeper our love can grow. We talked about these rewards and how they continue to inspire us.Staying Connected and Growing TogetherMeredith and I wrapped up by sharing how we continue to stay connected and grow in our faith and relationship as a married couple.Why You Should ListenFor anyone starting married life or preparing for it, this episode offers a real look into the first few years. Our reflections might give you ideas on how to navigate that initial season of marriage with love, patience, and faith.Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might be starting their journey in marriage. Stay tuned for the next part of our series as we continue to dive into the joys and challenges of a lifelong commitment! Support the show

Send us Fan MailGotta Marry Well: A Podcast Series for CatholicsWelcome to Gotta Marry Well, a podcast series diving deep into the Catholic vocation of marriage. This is part one, focusing on the wedding day itself—not just as a single event but as a sacred vocation.Guest IntroductionIn this episode, I’m joined by Tanner and Alli Kalina. Episode SummaryIn this episode, we’ll walk through:The Journey to the Wedding DayTanner and Alli, can you introduce yourselves and share your story leading up to the wedding day—a quick five- to ten-minute version covering the journey from dating to engagement.The Wedding Day ItselfLet’s dive into the day itself! How did it unfold, and what were some memorable moments?Spiritual PreparationHow did you prepare spiritually for your wedding day? Were there any specific prayers, retreats, or practices that were especially meaningful?Advice for Engaged CouplesFor couples preparing for marriage, what advice would you offer about planning the day with faith at the center?Recognizing God's PresenceHow did you experience God’s presence on your wedding day? Were there specific moments where you felt His grace?The Role of Family and CommunityTell us about the impact of family and community on your wedding day. How did they support or enhance the celebration?Balancing Sacred and Celebratory AspectsHow did you balance the sacred aspects of the day with the joyful celebration?Facing Pre-Wedding ChallengesWhat were some of the challenges you encountered leading up to the wedding, and how did you overcome them together?Looking BackReflecting on that day, is there anything you would have done differently?Final ThoughtsWhy You Should ListenIf you're engaged or seriously dating, this episode offers valuable insights on approaching marriage with clarity, faith, and a supportive community. Tanner and Alli's experience and advice are helpful for anyone navigating the big decisions around marriage preparation and looking to keep Christ at the center.Call to ActionIf this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone discerning marriage or who is married. And stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to unpack the joys and challenges of building a strong, faith-filled marriage! Support the show