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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Dr. John Cuddeback to discuss what it truly means to live intentionally within the home. Together, they explore how modern life often pulls families toward distraction, busyness, and drifting, while God calls us to deeper presence, sacrifice, prayer, and authentic relationship.
Drawing from philosophy, family life, friendship, and Christian tradition, Dr. Cuddeback shares practical wisdom on building a household centered on love, responsibility, meaningful work, hospitality, prayer, and human connection. They also discuss the importance of fathers and mothers being fully present to their children, the role of grandparents within the home, and why intentionality is essential if we want our homes to become places where people truly flourish.
This conversation is an invitation to slow down, examine the rhythms of your household, and begin living as if people really matter.
Featured Book
The Intentional Household: Living as If People Matter by Dr. John Cuddeback
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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by actor Michael Girgenti, who portrays Jesus in the new docudrama That They May Be One, coming to theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events.
Inspired by Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the film explores Christian unity, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the invitation for all people to come to know Christ more deeply. Michael shares about his own return to the Catholic faith, what it was like preparing to portray Jesus on screen, and how the experience transformed his prayer life and relationship with the Lord.
We also discuss:
The meaning behind Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one”
Christian unity and evangelization
Michael’s journey back to the Catholic Church
The beauty of the sacraments and Eucharist
Why Christian media is having a major cultural moment
What it means for all of us to live as “mini-Christs” in daily life
How the Holy Spirit continues to renew the Church today
This was a deeply encouraging conversation about holiness, discipleship, and the call to boldly share Christ with the world.
Featured Film
That They May Be One
In theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events.
Tickets & Information:
https://hubs.ly/Q04dqbS30
Follow Michael Girgenti
Instagram: @michaelgirgenti
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In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Peter Carter to explore the beauty, purpose, and deeper meaning of sacred music in the life of the Church.
Music has always played a central role in Christian worship, from the Psalms of the Old Testament to the chants of the early Church. But what actually makes music sacred? And what role should it play in helping us encounter God more deeply at Mass?
Peter, a church musician and Director of the Catholic Sacred Music Project, shares how sacred music is not meant to be performance, but prayer. Together, they dive into the Church’s vision for liturgical music, the importance of participation, and how music elevates our worship by engaging the whole person—body and soul.
They also reflect on practical ways parishes and families can recover a culture of sacred music, from singing in the home to approaching the liturgy with humility and intentionality. Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to move beyond passive attendance and enter more fully into the worship of God.
This episode challenges us to stop asking what we get out of Mass—and instead, how we can offer ourselves more completely in praise.
Featured Book
The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and the Heavenly Liturgy by Peter Carter and Cardinal Robert Sarah
Mentioned Resources
Catholic Sacred Music Project
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In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Father Peregrine to explore the powerful and mysterious story of Saint Philomena and why her witness still matters today.
Though little is historically known about her life, Saint Philomena’s story has captivated the Church for centuries. From the discovery of her relics to the widespread devotion of saints like John Vianney, her life is marked by courage, purity, and total devotion to Christ.
Father Peregrine shares the fascinating history surrounding her life, the miracles attributed to her intercession, and the deeper meaning behind her martyrdom at such a young age. Together, they reflect on what it means to be a witness to the faith today and how Saint Philomena challenges each of us to give ourselves fully to God.
This conversation is not just about learning a saint’s story. It is an invitation to live it.
Featured Book
My Name is Philomena: A Saint Story by Father Peregrine
Mentioned Resources
St. Michael's Abbey
The Abbot's Circle

Sponsored by Truthly
This episode is brought to you by Truthly.
Truthly helps you grow in clarity, conviction, and confidence by delivering faithful, trustworthy answers grounded in Christian truth. Whether you’re seeking deeper formation or practical guidance for everyday life, Truthly equips you to think clearly and live boldly.
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In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Dr. Thomas McGovern to explore the reality of what Jesus endured during His Passion—and why it matters for our spiritual lives today.
During Lent, and especially on Good Friday, we hear the Gospel accounts of Christ’s suffering: the agony in the garden, the scourging, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion. But many of us have wondered what these events actually meant physically. What did the human body endure? What truly happened during those final hours?
Drawing from his medical expertise and years of research, Dr. McGovern walks through the Passion with both scientific clarity and deep reverence. He addresses common misconceptions about the crucifixion, explains the physical realities behind events like the “blood and water” from Christ’s side, and offers a powerful look at the depth of suffering Jesus freely embraced out of love.
More importantly, this conversation moves beyond the physical details to the heart of the Gospel: the meaning of suffering. Together, Brendan and Dr. McGovern reflect on redemptive suffering, what it means to “offer it up,” and how Christ’s Passion gives purpose to our own crosses. This episode is not about sensationalizing pain, but about drawing closer to Jesus through a deeper understanding of His love.
About Dr. Thomas McGovern
Dr. Thomas McGovern is a physician and author who has spent years studying the medical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christ’s Passion. His work brings together scientific insight and Catholic teaching to help readers more fully grasp the reality of what Jesus suffered—and how that transforms our understanding of suffering today.
📚 Featured Book
What Christ Suffered: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion by Dr. Thomas McGovern
https://www.amazon.com/

🙌 Sponsored by Truthly
This episode is brought to you by Truthly.
Truthly helps you grow in clarity, conviction, and confidence by delivering faithful, trustworthy answers grounded in Christian truth. Whether you’re seeking deeper formation or practical guidance for everyday life, Truthly equips you to think clearly and live boldly.
Learn more at https://truthly.ai/

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If this episode helped you reflect more deeply on Christ’s Passion, share it with a friend this Lent.
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