The Southern Catholic Podcast

By Benji Garland

Helping Southern Catholics understand their faith, live it daily, never feel alone, and make sense of modern culture through a Catholic lens.

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FAQs about The Southern Catholic Podcast:

How many episodes does The Southern Catholic Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

The Southern Catholic Podcast episodes:

February 27, 2026 Small Life, Big Love - St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we explore the life of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, a young Passionist seminarian whose joy, simplicity, and deep devotion to Mary transformed his short life into a powerful witness of holiness.
Once known for his charm and love of the spotlight, Gabriel left it all behind to follow Christ. Through prayer, sacrifice, and a tender love for Our Lady of Sorrows, he discovered that true joy is found in surrender.
What does his life teach us about detachment, devotion, and trusting God’s plan — even when it looks different than we expected?
Join us as we reflect on how ordinary faithfulness, lived with love, can lead to extraordinary holiness.
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7min
February 26, 2026 How Do I Live Catholic Love in a Modern World? Faithful Love That Transforms Hearts
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we explore what it really means to live Catholic love in a world that often confuses it with feelings or convenience. Drawing on Scripture, Church teaching, and stories from everyday Southern life, we reflect on faithful, sacrificial, and courageous love — the kind that transforms hearts, families, and communities.
Learn how to love like Christ: patiently, boldly, and with intention, even when it’s hard.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

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Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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12min
February 25, 2026 Courage in the Midst of Trials - St. Nestor
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the powerful witness of St. Nestor, a young Christian who chose courage over fear.
Living during the persecution under Emperor Maximian, Nestor publicly professed his faith in Christ and defeated the emperor’s champion, trusting not in his own strength but in the prayers of St. Demetrius. His victory wasn’t just physical — it was spiritual. And it cost him his life.
St. Nestor’s story challenges us to stand firm in our faith, especially when the pressure to stay silent feels overwhelming. True courage isn’t loud bravado — it’s faithful obedience when it matters most.
Join us as we explore what bold, Christ-centered courage looks like in our modern world.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

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6min
February 24, 2026 The Strength of Hidden Holiness - St. John Theristus
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we dive into the life of St. John Theristus, a humble monk known for his compassion, prayer, and quiet strength.
Born in southern Italy during a time of persecution and hardship, John lived as a shepherd before embracing monastic life. His nickname, Theristus — meaning “the Reaper” — reflects the spiritual harvest he gathered through humility, service, and deep trust in God.
Through his example, we explore what it means to live a hidden life rooted in mercy and steady faithfulness. St. John reminds us that holiness often grows far from the spotlight — in daily obedience, hard work, and love of neighbor.
Join us as we reflect on how ordinary faithfulness can bear extraordinary fruit.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

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Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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7min
February 23, 2026Preparing for Sunday Mass (March 1, 2026) Second Sunday of Lent - “Listen to Him”
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we prepare for the Second Sunday of Lent by reflecting on the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36), alongside God’s covenant with Abram and St. Paul’s reminder that our citizenship is in heaven.
The Father’s voice speaks clearly on the mountain: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”
What does it actually mean to listen to Christ in the middle of busy schedules, uncertainty, and everyday Southern life? This week, we explore the virtue of trusting obedience and offer practical ways to grow in prayer, silence, and surrender before you ever step into Mass.
By Sunday, you won’t just hear the Word — you’ll be ready to follow it.

Practice Plan for the Week

Here’s how to live this Word before you ever walk into Mass on Sunday.

Monday — Step Onto the Mountain

Set aside 10–15 quiet minutes. Open Luke 9:28–36 and read it slowly. Not rushed. Not multitasking.
Picture the mountain. The climb. The light. The voice of the Father.
Ask yourself:
What part of this scene stands out to me?
Where in my life do I need to “see” Jesus more clearly?
Write down one phrase from the Gospel and carry it with you through the day — maybe even put it in your phone background:
“This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”

Tuesday — Name Your Uncertainty

Abram looked at the stars with no evidence — only promise.
Today, identify one area of your life that feels uncertain:
Finances?
A child?
A decision?
Your spiritual life?
Write it down physically. Then pray slowly:
“Lord, I don’t see the outcome. But I trust Your promise.”
Fold the paper and place it somewhere visible this week — a reminder that trust is active.

Wednesday — Practice Intentional Listening

We say we want to hear God — but we rarely create silence.
Today, take 5 full minutes of silence.
No music. No podcast. No scrolling.
Sit somewhere quiet and simply say:
“Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”
If your mind wanders — gently return. Listening is a discipline.
This is how trust grows roots.

Thursday — Lift Your Eyes

Read Philippians 3:20:
“Our citizenship is in heaven.”
Spend a few minutes reflecting on this truth.
Ask:
Am I living as if this world is ultimate?
Where have I been clinging too tightly to temporary things?
Let that verse reshape your perspective.
Heaven is real. Eternity is the goal.

Friday — Trust Through Sacrifice

Choose one small, intentional sacrifice:
Skip a favorite snack.
Turn off the radio in the car.
Fast from complaining.
When you feel the absence, say:
“Jesus, I offer this in trust.”
Sacrifice reminds us we don’t live by comfort alone.

Saturday — Prepare Your Heart for the Valley

Re-read the Transfiguration Gospel one more time.
Ask:
Where has God shown me light this week?
Where is He asking me to trust Him next?
Examine you
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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12min
February 20, 2026 Little Soul, Great Sacrifice - The Holiness of St. Jacinta Marto
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we reflect on the powerful witness of St. Jacinta Marto, one of the young visionaries of Fatima whose short life was marked by deep prayer, sacrifice, and love for sinners.
What can a child teach us about holiness? A lot more than we think.
Jacinta embraced suffering with remarkable courage, offering her pain for the conversion of souls and for love of Jesus and Mary. Her life reminds us that sanctity isn’t about age, influence, or recognition — it’s about saying “yes” to God in the small, hidden sacrifices of daily life.
Join us as we explore how childlike trust, reparation, and quiet generosity can transform our homes, our parishes, and our hearts.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min
February 19, 2026 What Should I Give Up for Lent? Small Sacrifices, Big Hearts
In this episode of The Southern Catholic Podcast, we explore what it really means to live Catholic love in a world that often confuses it with feelings or convenience. Drawing on Scripture, Church teaching, and stories from everyday Southern life, we reflect on faithful, sacrificial, and courageous love — the kind that transforms hearts, families, and communities.
Learn how to love like Christ: patiently, boldly, and with intention, even when it’s hard.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
10min
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.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
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.
Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

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.

Leave us a 5 star review & follow us on:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-southern-catholic-podcast/id1872402402

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherncatholicpodcast/

Website: https://thesoutherncatholicpodcast.buzzsprout.com
...more
7min

FAQs about The Southern Catholic Podcast:

How many episodes does The Southern Catholic Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.