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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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!

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Today's episode is special to me. It is a recording of me praying the rosary with my dad over the phone. He has Lewy Body Dementia, and we aren't totally sure how much longer he has with us on earth. One of my favorite things to do with him is call and pray with him.

If you listen to this, I ask you to say a prayer for him and my mom.

God bless,

Brendan

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone feeling called to go on mission. Let’s inspire one another to live out the Gospel call to serve! Join us next week for more faith-filled conversations.

Support the show

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Anna Gagnet, founder of Sea la Luz, a nonprofit serving communities in Honduras and Nicaragua, to explore the universal call to mission. Anna shares her inspiring journey of saying “yes” to Christ’s call, the challenges she’s faced as a missionary, and how living on mission has deepened her faith and trust in God. Together, we discuss how every Catholic is called to serve, whether at home or abroad, and how mission work can be a powerful path to holiness.

About Anna Gagnet

Anna Gagnet is a missionary, nonprofit founder, and passionate advocate for serving the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters. Through Sea la Luz, Anna has dedicated her life to bringing hope, resources, and the love of Christ to underserved communities in Honduras and Nicaragua. Her journey inspires others to embrace the Gospel call to mission and to step out in faith to serve wherever God is calling them.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• What It Means to Be “On Mission”
  Anna reflects on the Gospel call to mission and shares her perspective on living for others as a Catholic.
• The Call to Missionary Life
  Anna’s story of feeling called to serve as a missionary and how that decision shaped her understanding of selflessness and faith.
• Living Out the Mission Through Sea la Luz
  How Sea la Luz has become a tangible way for Anna to serve Christ by meeting the needs of the poor and marginalized in Central America.
• The Role of Community
  Anna discusses how the people of Honduras and Nicaragua have shaped her mission and strengthened her own faith.
• Overcoming Challenges in Mission Work
  The greatest challenges Anna has faced in her mission and how they’ve helped her grow in trust and reliance on God.
• A Universal Call to Mission
  Breaking down the misconception that mission work is only for a select few and offering practical advice for those who feel inspired to serve.
• Mission as a Path to Holiness
  Anna shares how her journey of serving others has brought her closer to Christ and what it means to embrace holiness through mission work.
• Mt. Rushmore of Saints
  Anna’s go-to saints for inspiration in her mission work and daily life.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt a call to serve but aren’t sure where to begin, this episode will encourage and inspire you to take the first step. Anna Gagnet shares relatable stories, practical advice, and deep spiritual insights into how mission work—whether at home or abroad—can transform your life and draw you closer to Christ.

Resources & Links

• Learn More About Sea la Luz
• Support the Mission by Donating Here
• Explore mission opportunities at Farm of the Child
• Follow along on Instagram at @sealaluzbethelight
• Have questions for Anna? Reach out at contactsealaluz@gmail.com

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone feeling called to go on mission. Let’s inspire one another to live out the Gospel call to serve! Join us next week for more faith-filled conversations.

Support the show

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., to discuss the importance of saying “yes” to God each day and embracing the call to daily conversion. Fr. Kubicki shares practical insights on how to choose God above all else, even when life’s challenges make it difficult. Drawing from Scripture and his own spiritual wisdom, he helps us understand how to begin anew each day with prayer at the forefront of our lives.

About Fr. James Kubicki, S.J.

Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, spiritual director, and author dedicated to helping people grow closer to God through daily prayer and intentional living. His work has inspired countless individuals to embrace the beauty of daily conversion and say “yes” to God in both small and significant ways.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Introducing Fr. James Kubicki: Fr. Kubicki shares his background and vocation as a Jesuit priest.
• Why Choosing God Is So Hard: Exploring why it can be difficult to prioritize God in our daily lives.
• Scripture and the Cross: How Scripture provides wisdom and encouragement for taking up our cross each day.
• The Challenge of Starting Small: Drawing an analogy to the messy kitchen, Fr. Kubicki explains the importance of beginning, even when long-term goals feel overwhelming.
• The Power of Morning Prayer: Fr. Kubicki discusses his book and its focus on starting each day with prayer.
• The Inspiration Behind the Book: What motivated Fr. Kubicki to write a guide to daily conversion and prayer.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever struggled to make prayer a daily habit or felt overwhelmed by the challenges of choosing God in a busy world, this episode is for you. Fr. James Kubicki offers relatable advice and spiritual insights to help you embrace the call to daily conversion with joy and hope.

Resources & Links

• Learn More About Fr. Kubicki
• Get the Book: Link to Purchase

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone seeking to deepen their daily commitment to God. Join us for more conversations that inspire and strengthen your walk of faith!

Support the show

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Father Joseph Fessio, S.J., with Fr. Robert Buckley, who offers a personal and insightful look into this remarkable Jesuit priest. Known for his profound intellect and deep faith, Fr. Fessio has inspired countless people through his work as an educator, theologian, and founder of Ignatius Press. Together, we uncover the story behind Fr. Fessio’s incredible contributions to the Church and why his legacy continues to resonate.

About Fr. Robert Buckley

Fr. Robert Buckley is a Jesuit priest and scholar who has closely followed and admired the life of Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J. He brings unique insights into the man behind the profound legacy, sharing stories and lessons from Fr. Fessio's remarkable journey.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Who Is Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.?: The story of Fr. Fessio's life, his mission, and his impact on the Church.
• A Future Saint?: Discussing the extraordinary virtues and characteristics that set Fr. Fessio apart.
• What Makes Fr. Fessio Special: Exploring his unique contributions to Catholic theology and education.
• The Story Behind the Book: How Fr. Fessio’s life story was documented and brought to life.
• Lessons from Fr. Fessio: What we can learn from his example of faith, humility, and dedication to the truth.
• Key Attributes of Fr. Fessio: Fr. Buckley highlights 2-3 traits that define Fr. Fessio as a man of God.
• Where to Find the Book: Information on how listeners can get their own copy.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever been inspired by Catholic intellectuals or wondered about the stories behind some of the Church’s most influential figures, this episode is for you. Fr. Robert Buckley offers an intimate portrait of Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., showcasing why his life and legacy matter now more than ever.

Resources & Links

• Learn More About Fr. Fessio: Ignatius Press
• Get the Book: Link to Purchase

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who would be inspired by the life of Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J. Join us for more conversations celebrating the saints, scholars, and leaders of our Catholic faith!

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Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the profound wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas with Fr. Gregory Pine, one of the creators of the Aquinas 101 series. Known for his intellectual rigor, Aquinas can sometimes feel daunting to those new to his teachings. Fr. Gregory shares how Aquinas 101 makes his thought accessible and relevant for modern audiences. Through this conversation, listeners will uncover the beauty of Aquinas’ work and learn practical ways to deepen their understanding of faith and reason.

About Fr. Gregory Pine

Fr. Gregory Pine is a Dominican priest, theologian, and author with a deep passion for Thomistic philosophy and theology. As a member of the team behind Aquinas 101, Fr. Gregory has helped bring the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas to life for countless Catholics worldwide. He is the author of several works, including Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly, and is a sought-after speaker on faith and reason.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Introducing Fr. Gregory Pine: Fr. Gregory shares his background and his journey to becoming a Dominican priest and Thomistic scholar.
• The Inspiration Behind Aquinas 101: What led to the creation of the series, and its goals for the Church today.
• Why Aquinas Matters Today: The relevance of St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings in our modern world.
• Making Aquinas Accessible: How Aquinas 101 simplifies Aquinas’ systematic style for beginners.
• Misconceptions About Aquinas: Common misunderstandings about Aquinas’ teachings and how the series addresses them.
• Practical Impact of Aquinas 101: Real-life stories of how the series has transformed people’s understanding of faith.
• Engaging Faith and Reason: How young adults and professionals can integrate Thomistic thought into their lives.
• Favorite Teachings from Aquinas: Fr. Gregory’s personal favorite concept from Aquinas and how it has shaped his own faith journey.
• Advice for Beginners: Tips for starting to explore St. Thomas Aquinas and the broader Thomistic tradition.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the works of St. Thomas Aquinas or are curious about the intersection of faith and reason, this episode is for you. Fr. Gregory Pine offers practical and relatable insights that will inspire you to dive deeper into the rich intellectual tradition of the Church.

Resources & Links

• Explore Aquinas 101: Click Here to Begin

Call to Action

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone eager to explore the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. Join us for more conversations that deepen your understanding of our Catholic faith!

Support the show