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

Support the show

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with renowned author and scholar Joseph Pearce to discuss his latest book, Classic Literature Made Simple: Fifty Great Books Every Catholic Should Know. We explore the importance of reading great literature, the deep connections between faith and storytelling, and how classic books continue to shape both our spiritual and intellectual lives. Whether you're an avid reader or just beginning to explore the classics, this episode offers valuable insights into why good books matter and how they can transform us.

About Joseph Pearce

Joseph Pearce is a celebrated author, literary scholar, and professor known for his extensive work on Catholic writers and the moral imagination in literature. His books explore the intersection of faith, history, and storytelling, helping readers appreciate the rich depth of Western literary tradition. In Classic Literature Made Simple, Pearce curates fifty timeless works and explains their significance in a way that is accessible and compelling for readers of all backgrounds.

In This Episode, We Cover:

📚 Why Classic Literature Matters
Joseph Pearce shares what inspired him to compile this list of fifty great books and how he determined which works deserved inclusion.

📖 The Saints & Their Stories
How great literature and the lives of great saints intersect, and what these stories teach us about truth, beauty, and virtue.

🧐 What Makes a Book ‘Great’?
Defining the essential qualities of classic literature and why certain books stand the test of time.

🔍 Approaching Classics Without Fear
Advice for those who feel intimidated by the complexity of classic literature and how to start reading great books with confidence.

🌎 Classics for Everyone
How even those without a faith-based perspective can still appreciate the moral and mystical dimensions of timeless works.

📖 Modern Books vs. Timeless Classics
Do contemporary works measure up to the literary giants of the past? Joseph shares his thoughts on whether any modern books can stand alongside the classics.

🔗 Where to Get the Book
Find out where you can pick up Classic Literature Made Simple and deepen your love for great stories.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever wanted to read the classics but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you. Joseph Pearce unpacks the beauty and wisdom found in literature, offering practical tips on how to engage with great books and why they remain relevant today. Whether you're looking for a deeper understanding of faith through literature or simply searching for a good book to read, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Resources & Links

📚 Purchase Classic Literature Made Simple → Visit jpearce.co
📩 Contact Joseph Pearce → jpearce.co@outlook.com
🎧 Follow Joseph Pearce’s Work → Visit his website

Call to Action

Subscribe to Gotta Be Saints, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves good books! Let's inspire one another to grow in wisdom and virtue through the power of great literature.

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

Support the show

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Abela to explore the transformative power of Superhabits—a universal system for a successful life. Drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern science, Dr. Abela unpacks the key principles behind super habits, how they shape personal and professional growth, and why they are essential for living a virtuous and fulfilling life. We dive into the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and faith, and discuss practical steps for developing habits that lead to lasting success and joy.

About Dr. Andrew Abela

Dr. Andrew Abela is a scholar, author, and professor passionate about integrating timeless wisdom with practical strategies for success. With a background in business ethics and philosophy, Dr. Abela has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations cultivate habits that lead to excellence. His latest book, Super Habits: The Universal System for a Successful Life, draws from both ancient insights and modern research to offer a roadmap for building a life of purpose, virtue, and achievement.

In This Episode, We Cover:

The Origins of Super Habits

Dr. Abela shares what inspired him to write Super Habits and the personal experiences that shaped his understanding of habit formation.

Ancient Roots & Timeless Wisdom

How a thirteenth-century philosopher-monk helped codify these habits and why his insights remain highly relevant today.

What Sets Super Habits Apart?

Defining super habits and exploring what makes them different from ordinary habits.

Practical Steps to Implementation

How to identify and incorporate super habits into daily life, even when feeling overwhelmed.

Science Meets Philosophy

How contemporary psychology, education, and management intersect with ancient wisdom to reinforce the power of super habits.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Strategies for maintaining habits despite life’s distractions, pressures, and setbacks.

Super Habits vs. Instant Gratification

How cultivating these habits provides a counterbalance to a culture obsessed with immediate results.

Transformation Stories

Real-life examples of individuals who have embraced super habits and experienced profound personal and professional growth.

The Connection Between Virtue and Joy

How developing super habits leads to lasting fulfillment, virtue, and deep-rooted joy.

Beyond the Individual: Broader Impacts

How these habits influence families, workplaces, and even society as a whole.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re looking for a practical yet deeply meaningful approach to personal development, this episode will equip you with the tools to build a life of success and virtue. Dr. Andrew Abela offers profound insights into how small, intentional habits can create lasting transformation—both personally and professionally.

Resources & Links

• Purchase Superhabits
• Follow Dr. Andrew Abela on LinkedIn

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone seeking to cultivate lasting success through powerful habits. Let’s inspire one another to grow in virtue and purpose! Join us next week for more thought-provoking conversations.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A quick shout out to our sponsors, The Catholic Company and Good Catholic!

Support the show