The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church with His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet
Send us a textIn this episode, I am joined by His Eminence, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, former Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and author of Word, Sacrament, Charism: The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church.Drawing on decades of leadership within the Church—including his roles in seminary formation, global episcopal appointments, and multiple synods—Cardinal Ouellet brings a deeply theological and pastoral lens to one of the most debated processes in the modern Church: synodality.In This Episode, You'll Hear:The theological and spiritual roots of the Synod on SynodalityCardinal Ouellet’s reflections on why synodality must begin in faith, not functionThe risks of reducing the Church to NGO logicHow Mary, Mother of the Church, is the true archetype of synodalityThe need for both hierarchical leadership and charismatic creativityWhat lay people can do to live out the Church’s mission with fidelity and joyThis Episode is For You If You’ve Ever Asked:What exactly is synodality—and why is the Church talking so much about it?How do we walk together without compromising truth?What role do lay people play in a “synodal” Church?How can we discern the Holy Spirit in communal dialogue?Resources Mentioned:Word, Sacrament, Charism: The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church — Available at Ignatius PressFollow Gotta Be Saints:Instagram: @gottabesaintsWebsite: gottabesaints.comSubscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness through the voices of the Church.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer. Support the show
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Overcoming Sexual Addiction with Dann Aungst
Send us a textIn this powerful and vulnerable episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Dann Aungst, a certified addiction counselor, Catholic speaker, and founder of Road to Purity. Dann shares his courageous journey of recovery after more than 30 years of battling sexual addiction — and how God's grace, the sacraments, and healing from inner wounds led to freedom and a life of mission.💥 Whether you struggle with addiction or want to better support those who do, Dan’s story reveals the truth: you are not alone, and there is hope.In this episode, Dann shares:The pivotal moment that led him to finally seek helpHow one unexpected retreat letter changed his lifeWhy pornography and sexual sin are often symptoms of deeper woundsThe role of the Eucharist and frequent confession in lasting recoveryHow authentic accountability and community can lead to real transformationWhy healing our false identities is essential for freedomHow his ministry, Road to Purity, is changing lives through books, programs, and small groupsIf you're asking…Is healing even possible after decades of addiction?How can I support a loved one struggling with pornography?What role does the Church play in recovery?What does it mean to be a gift of self rather than a taker?…this episode is for you.Learn More:📖 Order Dann’s book Winning the Battle: A Pocket Guide for Achieving Sexual PurityFollow Gotta Be Saints:📱 Instagram: @gottabesaints ⭐️ Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness!🙏 Sponsored by Truthly This episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial with code gottabesaints at truthly.ai Support the show
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Sr. Betty Ann McNeil
Send us a textIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Sister Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., the foremost expert on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, to explore the life, legacy, and spiritual depth of the first native-born American saint.As we approach the 50th anniversary of her canonization, Sister Betty Ann shares powerful insights into Mother Seton’s conversion, suffering, motherhood, and the founding of the Sisters of Charity — all rooted in a deep love for Christ and the Eucharist.In our conversation, Sister Betty Ann shares:Why Elizabeth Ann Seton’s story still matters todayThe pivotal moment of her conversion in ItalyHer devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed MotherThe challenges she faced as a Catholic convert in early AmericaHow she became a pioneer in Catholic education and women’s religious lifeWhat’s planned for the 50th anniversary celebration in Emmitsburg, MarylandWhy her newly updated book Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait is a must-readWhether you’re new to Mother Seton’s story or already devoted to her, this episode will deepen your appreciation for her holiness and inspire you to answer your own call to sainthood.Learn More:Order the book Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait from Ignatius Press or setonshrine.orgExplore events and the anniversary celebration at: setonshrine.orgFollow Gotta Be Saints:Instagram: @gottabesaintsSubscribe and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness!🙏 Sponsored by Truthly Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app designed to help you reflect and share your faith confidently. Begin your free trial today using the code gottabesaints at truthly.ai. Support the show
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BBC Interview on the Jubilee for Digital Missionaries
Send us a textIn this special episode, I share my recent conversation on BBC Radio where I had the chance to talk about the Jubilee for Digital Missionaries in Rome. Joining me for the discussion was fellow Catholic content creator Eliza Monts. Together, we reflect on what it means to evangelize in the digital space, the experiences we had during the Jubilee, and how events like this strengthen our mission to bring Christ to others online.What you’ll hear in this episode:How the Jubilee for Digital Missionaries came about and why it matters for today’s ChurchMy reflections on attending the event in Rome and connecting with fellow missionariesEliza Monts’ perspective on digital evangelization and the challenges we face onlinePractical ways we can all share the Gospel through our social media and digital platformsListen now and be inspired to take your mission to the next level! Support the show
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St. Michael's Lent with Jamie Baxter
Send us a textIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Jamie Baxter, founder of Exodus 90, to explore St. Michael’s Lent — a centuries-old devotion practiced by St. Francis of Assisi that still speaks powerfully to the challenges of our time.We talk about why this devotion, which runs from the Feast of the Assumption to the Feast of the Archangels, is worth reviving, and how disciplines like night vigils, fasting, and fraternity can help men (and women!) grow in freedom and love of God.Along the way, Jamie shares:The history of St. Michael’s Lent and St. Francis’ connection to itHow Padre Pio and other saints embraced this devotionWhy night vigils are such a powerful form of prayerThe difference between Christian asceticism and stoicismHow small, faithful practices can transform your spiritual lifeAn unexpected connection between PGA champion Scottie Scheffler and the spiritual lifeWhether you’re new to fasting and prayer or looking to deepen your walk with the Lord, this conversation will inspire you to make space for God and engage in the spiritual battle with confidence.Learn More: To join St. Michael’s Lent or explore the Exodus 90 fraternity, visit exodus90.com or download the Exodus 90 app.Follow Gotta Be Saints: Instagram: @gottabesaints Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to help more people discover the call to holiness!🙏 Sponsored by Truthly Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app designed to help you reflect and share your faith confidently. Begin your free trial today using the code gottabesaints at truthly.ai. Support the show