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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with George Weigel — Catholic theologian, longtime papal biographer, and one of today’s most respected voices on faith, culture, and public life.

George joins me to discuss his newest book, Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice, a collection of commencement speeches and university lectures he’s given over the years. But this conversation isn’t just about academia — it’s a wide-ranging reflection on wisdom, holiness, mentorship, and what it means to live the faith boldly in today’s world.

Drawing from his years of experience, including his close friendship with Pope St. John Paul II, George offers both timeless advice and personal stories that challenge and inspire.

This episode offers engaging insights for anyone seeking to grow in holiness, embrace their Catholic identity, and navigate the world with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Topics Covered:

• How Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice came to be
• What makes a great commencement address — and why they still matter
• The best advice George ever received — and how it shaped his life
• Personal stories from his friendship with Pope St. John Paul II
• The role of humor, humility, and faith in offering guidance
• What young Catholics need to hear today as they step into an increasingly secular world
• How all of us, regardless of vocation, are called to holiness in ordinary life
• Why truth, reason, and faith remain inseparable in Catholic witness

📖 Get the Book:
Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice – Commencement Addresses and University Lectures is available from Ignatius Press here.

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