Send us a text

Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuận spent 13 years imprisoned by the communist regime in Vietnam—nine of them in solitary confinement. In this moving conversation, his sister Elizabeth shares intimate family memories, the roots of his priestly vocation, and the crucible of prison where the Eucharist became his lifeline. She recounts how the meditations that became The Road of Hope were written and smuggled out, the small miracles that sustained him, and the day he was told simply to “be free… today.” We also trace his later service in Rome under St. John Paul II and the enduring lessons of dignity, forgiveness, and hope.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear

• Family & Vocation: A promise to God after the death of the family’s first child; nightly rosary in a home chapel; formation that set the course for a priest and future cardinal.
• Seminary & History: Entering minor seminary at 13; formation amid the Indochina War and the influence of French missionaries; appointed bishop at 39.
• Arrest on a Marian Feast: The Assumption of 1975; immediate house arrest; writing 1,001 meditations that became The Road of Hope.
• Isolation & Interior Battle: The temptation to hatred in a windowless cell; the turning point—recognizing Christ’s crucified face in suffering and choosing charity.
• The Eucharist in the Camp: Clandestine Mass with “medicine” (wine and hosts) smuggled in; the re-education camp as his “new cathedral.”
• Release & Aftermath: The tea-and-banana meeting with a minister—“What do you want?” “To be free.” “When?” “Today.”—followed by house restrictions, exile, and service in Rome.
• Rome & Universal Witness: Vice President and then President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; preacher of the 2000 papal Lenten retreat; created cardinal in 2001.

This Episode Is For You If You’ve Ever Asked

• How can faith transform suffering into hope—concretely?
• What does it mean to embrace brokenness without losing your dignity?
• How does Mary lead us to Christ in trials—especially when everything seems lost?
• Where can I find a modern witness who lived the Gospel under persecution?

Resources Mentioned

• Biography: Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan: Man of Joy and Hope — Ignatius Press
• Cause of Canonization: Official site — cardinalvanthuan.org

Follow Gotta Be Saints

• Instagram: @gottabesaints
• If this conversation moved you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more people can discover testimonies of faith, healing, and holiness.
• Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement.

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 at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer. 

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, I am joined by Kevin Matthews, legendary Chicago radio personality and author of Broken Mary.

For nearly two decades, Kevin was the voice millions tuned in to hear every morning. Known for his unforgettable characters, sold-out comedy shows, and larger-than-life presence, he seemed to be living at the peak of success. But in 2008, Kevin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis—a diagnosis that reshaped his life and faith.

Out of that brokenness came an unlikely encounter: a discarded statue of Mary found beside a dumpster. That moment became a turning point, leading Kevin to a deeper relationship with Christ, a renewed sense of hope, and a mission to help others find healing in their own brokenness.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Kevin’s journey from comedy clubs and radio stardom to the challenges of MS
• The story of how a broken statue of Mary became a vessel of grace and healing
• What Kevin learned about humility, faith, and the dignity of women
• How suffering can lead us to discover true joy and hope
• Kevin’s message to anyone who longs for healing in their own life

This Episode Is For You If You’ve Ever Asked:

• How can faith transform suffering into hope?
• What does it mean to embrace brokenness as part of our journey?
• How can Mary, the Mother of God, draw us closer to her Son in times of trial?

Resources Mentioned:

• Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope (Book & Movie) — Watch the film here
  
  

Follow Gotta Be Saints:

• Instagram: @gottabesaints

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover stories of faith, healing, and 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 at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer.

Support the show

Send a text

In 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 Synodality
• Cardinal Ouellet’s reflections on why synodality must begin in faith, not function
• The risks of reducing the Church to NGO logic
• How Mary, Mother of the Church, is the true archetype of synodality
• The need for both hierarchical leadership and charismatic creativity
• What lay people can do to live out the Church’s mission with fidelity and joy

This 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 Press
  
  

Follow Gotta Be Saints:

• Instagram: @gottabesaints
  
  
• Website: gottabesaints.com
  
  

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness through the voices of the Church.

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 at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer.

Support the show

Send a text

In 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 help
• How one unexpected retreat letter changed his life
• Why pornography and sexual sin are often symptoms of deeper wounds
• The role of the Eucharist and frequent confession in lasting recovery
• How authentic accountability and community can lead to real transformation
• Why healing our false identities is essential for freedom
• How his ministry, Road to Purity, is changing lives through books, programs, and small groups

If 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 Purity

Follow 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

Send us a text

In 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 today
• The pivotal moment of her conversion in Italy
• Her devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother
• The challenges she faced as a Catholic convert in early America
• How she became a pioneer in Catholic education and women’s religious life
• What’s planned for the 50th anniversary celebration in Emmitsburg, Maryland
• Why her newly updated book Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait is a must-read

Whether 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.org
• Explore events and the anniversary celebration at: setonshrine.org

Follow Gotta Be Saints:

• Instagram: @gottabesaints
• Subscribe 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

Send us a text

In 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 Church
• My reflections on attending the event in Rome and connecting with fellow missionaries
• Eliza Monts’ perspective on digital evangelization and the challenges we face online
• Practical ways we can all share the Gospel through our social media and digital platforms

Listen now and be inspired to take your mission to the next level!

Support the show

Send us a text

In 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 it
• How Padre Pio and other saints embraced this devotion
• Why night vigils are such a powerful form of prayer
• The difference between Christian asceticism and stoicism
• How small, faithful practices can transform your spiritual life
• An unexpected connection between PGA champion Scottie Scheffler and the spiritual life

Whether 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

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, we dive into the remarkable life and legacy of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, one of the most influential Catholic voices of the 20th century. I’m joined by Sherry Hughes, author of the new book Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker, to explore the bold witness, deep spirituality, and evangelistic fire that marked Sheen’s life and ministry.

Known for his groundbreaking use of radio and television, Fulton Sheen reached millions with the truth of the Gospel—yet his most powerful work often happened one soul at a time. Sherry shares personal stories, historical insights, and moving examples of Sheen’s impact on the lives of countless converts—from New York streetwalkers to Protestant ministers, politicians, and beyond.

In this episode, we reflect on what made Sheen such a captivating figure—and how we too can become humble and courageous witnesses to Christ in our everyday lives.

🕊️ Topics Covered:

• Who was Fulton J. Sheen? A brief overview of his life and influence
• How Sheen became a “convert maker” through one-on-one evangelization
• His profound commitment to daily holy hours and Eucharistic adoration
• Stories of radical conversions sparked by his bold witness
• The balance of intellect, humility, and love in his approach to souls
• The role of suffering, grace, and timing in evangelization
• Lessons for modern-day missionary disciples

📖 Learn More:

To dive deeper into Sheen’s legacy, pick up a copy of Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker by Sherry Hughes, available through Ignatius Press and at your local Catholic bookstore. This powerful book shares the stories of over 20 individuals whose lives were forever changed through encounters with Archbishop Sheen.

🌍 Get Involved:

Inspired by Sheen’s witness? Spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Begin your own commitment to a daily holy hour and let your life become a light to others. As Sheen himself said, “Unless souls are saved, nothing is saved.”

🎙️ Join the Conversation:

If this episode stirred your heart to evangelize with boldness and love, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement. How has Fulton Sheen impacted your faith journey? Let us know on Instagram @gottabesaints.

🙏 Sponsors:

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this special episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, we reflect on the life and legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother, the first U.S. born martyr. As we approach his feast day on July 28th, I am joined by Ennie Hickman, a missionary and speaker who has walked in the footsteps of Blessed Stanley in Guatemala. Ennie shares his deep connection to Stanley’s story and the inspiring lessons we can learn from his life.

Blessed Stanley gave his life in martyrdom for the people of Guatemala, standing in solidarity with the oppressed. His ordinary yet extraordinary life serves as a powerful reminder of the call to holiness and the heroic sacrifices that come from living out one's vocation with faith and love.

In this episode, we delve into Stanley's humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the people he served. From his early failures to his eventual mission in Guatemala, Ennie reflects on the real-life lessons that Blessed Stanley’s life can offer to us today.

Topics Covered:

• The inspiring story of Blessed Stanley Rother and his mission in Guatemala
• How Stanley’s ordinary life became an example of extraordinary holiness
• The importance of trust, submission, and love in answering God’s call
• The powerful example of Blessed Stanley’s martyrdom and the legacy it leaves
• Ennie’s personal connection to Stanley’s story and mission in Guatemala
• How we can all live our ordinary lives with great love and dedication to God

📖 Learn More:
Discover more about Blessed Stanley Rother's life and legacy. For those interested in exploring his story further, Ennie recommends reading this, a collection of his heartfelt letters home, showcasing his deep spirituality and devotion.

🌍 Get Involved:
If you feel called to learn more about Blessed Stanley’s mission, consider joining one of Ennie’s pilgrimages to Guatemala, where you can experience the place that shaped Stanley's heroic life. Visit Ennie Hickman’s website for more information.

🎙️ Join the Conversation:
If this episode has inspired you to deepen your trust in God’s plan for your life and to embrace the call to holiness, subscribe, share, and leave a review. We would love to hear how Blessed Stanley’s story has impacted your faith journey.

Sponsors:
Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app that supports your daily reflections and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started today with a free trial using code gottabesaints.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Father Robert Nixon, a translator and expert on St. Bonaventure's writings, to dive deep into the mysteries of the Mass through the lens of this great Doctor of the Church.

Father Nixon shares his insights from his newly translated work, Expositzio Mise — an English translation of St. Bonaventure's profound exposition on the Mass. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the rich symbolism and mystery of the Eucharist, drawing connections between the ancient rites of the Church and the living experience of faith today.

We discuss the significance of the Mass, not just as a ritual but as the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Father Nixon emphasizes how the Eucharist unites us with Christ's life, teaching, passion, death, and resurrection, and how this mystery elevates our daily spiritual lives.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on how deeply the Eucharist impacts us, not only during the Mass but in our everyday walk with God. Whether you're looking to deepen your devotion to the Eucharist or explore the timeless wisdom of St. Bonaventure, this conversation offers profound insights into the sacred liturgy.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to St. Bonaventure and his mystical insights into the Mass
• The Eucharist as a living encounter with Christ's entire life and mission
• How the Mass unites us with God and elevates our daily faith journey
• The role of reverence and devotion in experiencing the Mass
• Practical advice on how to deepen our awareness of the Mass and the Eucharist
• Father Nixon’s perspective on the continuity of the Mass through history, from the Tridentine to the Novus Ordo

📖 Get Involved:
Explore St. Bonaventure's Expositzio Mise: The Mysteries of the Mass Explained at Tan Books to deepen your understanding of the Mass and its profound mysteries.

📲 Join the Conversation:
If this episode inspired you to reflect more on the mysteries of the Mass or if you want to deepen your relationship with the Eucharist, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Let us know how this discussion has impacted your faith journey.

🎙️ Stay Connected:
For more episodes on deepening your spiritual life, subscribe to the Gotta Be Saints Podcast today!

Sponsors:
Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app that supports your daily reflections and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started today with a free trial using code gottabesaints.

Support the show