Saints In The Sticks

By Benji Garland

Simple faith. Southern roots. Saints in the making.

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FAQs about Saints In The Sticks:

How many episodes does Saints In The Sticks have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.

Saints In The Sticks episodes:

February 18, 2026 Ash Wednesday - Remember You Are Dust, and to Dust You Shall Return
On this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we prepare for the First Sunday of Lent by reflecting on Jesus’ forty days in the desert. Facing temptation and relying on God’s strength, Jesus shows us how to persevere, trust, and grow in holiness.
We explore the readings, uncover the theme of faithful perseverance, and share practical ways to live Lent in your daily life — from prayer and fasting to small acts of mercy. Join us as we learn to walk with Jesus through the desert, even in our modern Southern lives.
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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10min
February 17, 2026 Staying When It's Hard - The Witness of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order — seven men who left wealth and status behind to live lives of prayer, penance, and deep devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.
What does it mean to stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross? And how can sorrow become a path to holiness instead of bitterness?
Join us as we explore their powerful witness and discover how to carry suffering with faith, dignity, and hope — right here in our everyday Southern lives.
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 16, 2026 Preparing for Sunday Mass (February 22, 2026) First Sunday of Lent - Walking with Jesus in the Desert
On this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we prepare for the First Sunday of Lent by reflecting on Jesus’ forty days in the desert. Facing temptation and relying on God’s strength, Jesus shows us how to persevere, trust, and grow in holiness.
We explore the readings, uncover the theme of faithful perseverance, and share practical ways to live Lent in your daily life — from prayer and fasting to small acts of mercy. Join us as we learn to walk with Jesus through the desert, even in our modern Southern lives.
Practical Weekly Action Steps
Here’s a daily roadmap to live this Gospel this week:
Monday: Read Matthew 4:1‑11 slowly. Identify one area in your life where you are tempted to rely on yourself rather than God. Pray for trust.
Tuesday: Fast from one comfort — maybe dessert, social media, or a favorite snack — and offer it up for someone in need.
Wednesday: Pray Psalm 51 aloud, asking God for a clean heart and the grace to resist temptation.
Thursday: Memorize or write down Matthew 4:4: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Repeat it in moments of stress.
Friday: Do an act of almsgiving — give your time, attention, or resources to someone struggling. Connect this to prayer for their needs.
Saturday: Reflect on the week. Where did you notice dependence on God growing? Where do you still rely on yourself? Prepare your heart to receive the Sunday Mass more fully.

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 13, 2026 Love That Costs - The Real Story of St. Valentine
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we uncover the true story of St. Valentine — a priest who gave his life defending Christian marriage and refusing to deny Christ.
Far from chocolates and greeting cards, Valentine’s witness shows us that real love is sacrificial, courageous, and rooted in covenant. What does his martyrdom teach us about marriage, faithfulness, and loving boldly in today’s culture?
If you’ve ever wondered what real Catholic love looks like, this episode brings it home.
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 12, 2026 Fasting That Frees - Breaking Habits & Drawing Closer to God
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we dive deep into the Catholic practice of fasting — not just as a rule, but as a powerful spiritual weapon. From Scripture to Church history, fasting has always been about freedom: freedom from sin, freedom from attachment, and freedom to love God more fully.
How can fasting help break habitual sins? Why does the Church still call us to sacrifice? And how can Southern Catholics live this practice faithfully in everyday life?
Join us as we explore how fasting doesn’t weaken us — it strengthens the soul.
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
18min
February 11, 2026 Our Lady of Lourdes- Healing Through Trust
On this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the feast day, story of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the quiet, powerful faith of St. Bernadette. In a small French town, Heaven met earth — and a young girl’s simple trust became a channel of healing for the world.
What does Lourdes teach us about suffering, prayer, and trusting God when we’re asking for healing?
Join us as we explore how true healing begins with surrender.
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 10, 2026 St. Scholastica- Faith That Trusts God’s Timing
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the life of St. Scholastica (Feb 10) and the famous moment when her prayer brought down a storm. Her story reminds us that persistent, loving prayer moves the heart of God.
What can her bold trust teach us about prayer, family, and faithful love today?
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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 09, 2026 Preparing for Sunday Mass (February 15, 2026) Living the Word All Week Long
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we prepare our hearts for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time by looking ahead to the Mass readings from Sirach 15, Psalm 119, 1 Corinthians 2, and Matthew 5. Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness — one rooted in truth, integrity, and a heart aligned with God.
This week’s focus: Righteousness Rooted in Truth.
How can we let our “Yes” mean yes and our “No” mean no in everyday Southern life?
Join us as we unpack the readings, highlight the virtue of honest integrity, and offer practical ways to live the Gospel all week long — so when Sunday comes, you won’t just hear the Word… you’ll already be living it.

Practice Plan for the Week

Here’s how to prepare your heart for Mass and live the Word through the week: I’ll post these in the episode below so you can have a visual of them.
Monday — Read with Intention
Set aside 10 quiet minutes. Slowly read Matthew 5:17–37. Don’t skim it.
Notice which part makes you uncomfortable. Is it anger? Oaths? Reconciliation?
Ask the Lord directly: “Where is my heart divided?”
Write down one sentence that stands out and carry it with you through the day.
Tuesday — Follow Through
Think of one commitment you’ve made recently — maybe something simple like returning a call, finishing a task, or helping someone.
Complete it without cutting corners.
Don’t complain about it. Don’t delay it.
Offer that act as a quiet sacrifice to God.
Wednesday — Guard Your Speech
Today becomes a “speech awareness” day.
Before speaking, pause for one second and ask:
Is this true?
Is it necessary?
Is it charitable?
If you catch yourself exaggerating or gossiping, gently correct it. Integrity grows in small corrections.
Thursday — Anchor in the Word
Choose one verse from Psalm 119 — for example:
“Blessed are they who walk in the law of the Lord.”
Repeat it in the car, while washing dishes, or during a lunch break.
Let Scripture shape your thinking instead of your emotions shaping your speech.
Friday — Reconcile Something Small
Is there tension with someone — even minor?
Send a kind text.
Clarify a misunderstanding.
Say, “Hey, if I came across wrong earlier this week, I’m sorry.”
Integrity includes humility.
Saturday — Examine Your Heart
Take 10–15 minutes in the evening.
Ask yourself:
Did my words match my character this week?
Where did I stretch the truth?
Where did I live honestly?
If possible, go to confession. If not, make a sincere act of contrition and bring those areas to the Lord before Mass.

Follow us on...
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
11min
February 06, 2026 The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden Theme: Trust, Obedience, and Surrender to God’s Will
In the Agony in the Garden, Jesus shows us how to trust the Father when fear, sorrow, and uncertainty press in. This episode reflects on surrender, honest prayer, and how Southern Catholics can lean on God when the weight feels heavy and the road ahead unclear.
Follow us on...
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
11min
February 05, 2026 The First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of the Lord
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the First Luminous Mystery: the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. As the Father’s voice is revealed and the Holy Spirit descends, we are reminded of our own baptism and our call to live as God’s beloved children. A prayerful meditation on humility, obedience, and new life in Christ.
Follow us on...
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402
Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
9min

FAQs about Saints In The Sticks:

How many episodes does Saints In The Sticks have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.