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This episode is Part Two of a special series in partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville. In Part One, I sat down with Dr. Stephen Hildebrand to discuss why authentic Catholic education matters. Today, we turn our attention to another essential aspect of the Christian life: encounter.

Joining me is Brian Kissinger, Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences, for a conversation about those moments when Jesus Christ breaks into our lives and changes everything.

For more than fifty years, the Steubenville Conferences have been helping young people and adults encounter the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, authentic community, and powerful preaching. We discuss the origins of the conferences, the vision of Fr. Michael Scanlon, TOR, and the lasting impact these conferences have had on countless lives.

Brian also shares his own story of encountering Christ as a teenager at a Steubenville Youth Conference, and we explore why personal encounter with Jesus remains at the heart of the Christian life. Together, we reflect on the importance of expectant faith, authentic community, and creating space for God to work in our lives.

Whether you are a parent, a young adult, or simply someone longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation is an invitation to remember that Jesus knows you personally, loves you deeply, and desires to encounter you right where you are.

Steubenville Conferences:
Steubenville Conferences

Power & Purpose Conference:
Power & Purpose Conference

Franciscan University of Steubenville:
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Use code GOTTABESAINTS25 for $25 off your registration to the Power & Purpose Conference.

About Brian Kissinger:

Brian Kissinger serves as the Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences. A longtime youth minister, speaker, and conference leader, Brian first encountered Christ in a profound way at a Steubenville Youth Conference as a teenager. Today, he helps lead one of the most impactful Catholic conference movements in the world, serving hundreds of thousands of young people, adults, clergy, and religious.

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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, to reflect on the beauty and power of the Eucharist as we prepare for Corpus Christi. Together, we discuss why Jesus chose to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament, how the saints were transformed through Eucharistic devotion, and practical ways we can grow closer to Christ through silence, prayer, adoration, and community.

Drawing from the lives of saints like St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Catherine of Siena, Fr. Patrick shares how the Eucharist became the center of his own vocation and spiritual life. This conversation is an invitation to rediscover the heart of the Christian life and encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.

Featured Book

O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas by Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

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Upcoming Retreat with Godsplaining

Join Fr. Patrick Briscoe and the friars of Godsplaining for the All Comers Retreat this June.

Learn More About the Retreat

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, Provost of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Professor of Theology, for a conversation on the importance of Catholic education in today’s culture.

We discuss why Catholic education is about far more than academics. It’s about formation, holiness, truth, community, and becoming the person God created you to be. We also dive into the role parents play as the primary educators of their children, the importance of living an integrated Catholic life, and why authentic Catholic formation matters now more than ever.

This episode is part one of a special two-part series in partnership with Franciscan University and the upcoming Steubenville Conferences.

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Steubenville Conferences:
Steubenville Conferences

Power & Purpose Conference:
Power & Purpose Conference

Franciscan University of Steubenville:
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Truthly:
Truthly

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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

Order the Book on Amazon

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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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Truthly is helping Catholics pursue truth, holiness, and authentic discipleship.

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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

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 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.

https://truthly.ai/

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If this episode inspired you to reflect more deeply on the call to holiness, share it with a friend.

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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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Ida Görres is one of the most insightful Catholic writers of the twentieth century—yet many Catholics today have never heard her name. In this episode, Brendan Gotta sits down with Jennifer Bryson to explore the life and legacy of Ida Görres, a fearless German Catholic thinker whose writings on holiness, suffering, and the lives of the saints continue to challenge and inspire readers today.

Jennifer shares how she first discovered Görres and why her work remains so relevant in our modern world. Together they discuss Görres’ reflections on authentic sanctity, her candid approach to the struggles of Christian life, and why her writing offers a refreshing alternative to overly sentimental portrayals of holiness. This conversation invites listeners to rediscover a bold Catholic voice who reminds us that sainthood is lived through real human struggles, grace, and perseverance.

About Jennifer Bryson

Jennifer Bryson, Ph.D., is a Catholic writer, scholar, and translator who has dedicated significant work to introducing English-speaking audiences to the writings of Ida Görres. With a background in theology, languages, and international affairs, Bryson has spent years studying Görres’ thought and helping bring her profound reflections on holiness and the spiritual life to a wider audience.

Learn more about Jennifer Bryson: https://jenniferbryson.net/

📚 Featured Book

Bread Grows in Winter by Ida Görres
https://ignatius.com/bread-grows-in-winter-bgwp/ 

Want to learn more about Ida? Check out this website dedicated to her - https://www.idagoerres.org/. 

🙌 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 discover a new Catholic thinker, share it with a friend who loves learning about the saints and the spiritual life.

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Gossip. Lying. Flattery. Crass words. Most of us recognize that sins of speech quietly undermine our pursuit of holiness. In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., to discuss his book Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech and the path toward verbal virtue.

Drawing from Thomistic wisdom and pastoral experience, Fr. Gregory explains why speech is ordered toward communion with God and others, why seemingly “small” faults like exaggeration and gossip are spiritually dangerous, and how cultivating habits of truth-telling, correction, humor, prayer, and restraint can transform our relationships. If you’ve ever struggled with frustration, careless words, or discouragement in trying to change, this conversation offers both clarity and hope.

About Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph and a well-known preacher and teacher. He serves as an instructor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and is a frequent contributor to the Thomistic Institute.

Learn more about Fr. Gregory:

Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph: https://opeast.org/

Thomistic Institute: https://thomisticinstitute.org/

📚 Featured Book

Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech

This brief but powerful book shows how cultivating healthy habits can crowd out sinful speech and help us reclaim communication as a tool for true communion with God and man alike.

🙌 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 encouraged you, share it with a friend who wants to grow in holiness.

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