Gotta Be Saints

• The Fruit of Pilgrimage with Fr. John Nepil

  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 detachmentWhy the mountains offer a unique setting for formationThe spiritual importance of silence, stillness, and solitudeNavigating the tension between comfort and sacrificeBuilding 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 KnowCall 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 Support the show

  --------  

  27:45
• Adventure: The Anxiety Antidote with Adam Trufant

  Episode SummaryIn 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 TrufantAdam 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 ListenIf 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.comCall to ActionIf 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/.  Support the show

  --------  

  37:13
• Catholic Heroes of Civil and Religious Rights with Roxanne King

  Episode SummaryIn 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 KingRoxanne 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 HistoryRoxanne 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 JusticeHow the lives of these figures connect to the core themes of freedom, perseverance, hope, justice, and conscience.🕊️ Lessons for Today’s CatholicsWhat modern Catholics can learn from these historical figures about advancing civil and human rights in today’s world.🔥 Most Impactful StoriesRoxanne reflects on which of the sixteen individuals had the deepest personal impact on her during the writing process.🙏 Faith in ActionHow 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 BookFind out where you can purchase Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights and explore the lives of these inspiring figures.Why You Should ListenIf 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 ActionIf 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

  --------  

  26:56
• The Importance of a Good Book with Joseph Pearce

  Episode SummaryIn 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 PearceJoseph 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 MattersJoseph Pearce shares what inspired him to compile this list of fifty great books and how he determined which works deserved inclusion.📖 The Saints & Their StoriesHow 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 FearAdvice for those who feel intimidated by the complexity of classic literature and how to start reading great books with confidence.🌎 Classics for EveryoneHow even those without a faith-based perspective can still appreciate the moral and mystical dimensions of timeless works.📖 Modern Books vs. Timeless ClassicsDo 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 BookFind out where you can pick up Classic Literature Made Simple and deepen your love for great stories.Why You Should ListenIf 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 → [email protected]🎧 Follow Joseph Pearce’s Work → Visit his websiteCall to ActionSubscribe 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

  --------  

  22:05
• Superhabits With Dr. Andrew Abela

  Episode SummaryIn 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 AbelaDr. 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 HabitsDr. Abela shares what inspired him to write Super Habits and the personal experiences that shaped his understanding of habit formation.Ancient Roots & Timeless WisdomHow 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 ImplementationHow to identify and incorporate super habits into daily life, even when feeling overwhelmed.Science Meets PhilosophyHow contemporary psychology, education, and management intersect with ancient wisdom to reinforce the power of super habits.Overcoming Common ChallengesStrategies for maintaining habits despite life’s distractions, pressures, and setbacks.Super Habits vs. Instant GratificationHow cultivating these habits provides a counterbalance to a culture obsessed with immediate results.Transformation StoriesReal-life examples of individuals who have embraced super habits and experienced profound personal and professional growth.The Connection Between Virtue and JoyHow developing super habits leads to lasting fulfillment, virtue, and deep-rooted joy.Beyond the Individual: Broader ImpactsHow these habits influence families, workplaces, and even society as a whole.Why You Should ListenIf 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 & LinksPurchase SuperhabitsFollow Dr. Andrew Abela on LinkedInCall to ActionSubscribe, 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 SponsorsA quick shout out to our sponsors, The Catholic Company and Good Catholic! Support the show

  --------  

  28:20

Más podcasts de Religión y espiritualidad

Podcasts a la moda de Religión y espiritualidad

Acerca de Gotta Be Saints