What If Aliens Were Catholic? w/ M.R. Leonard

from Fantasy For Our Time · host Nicholas Kotar

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a hearty dose of existential wonder. We dive into Michael’s journey from corporate law to creative writing, discuss the audacious concept of Catholic aliens, and unpack the philosophical depth and humor baked into his fast-paced thriller. From world religions to the meaning of life in the galaxy, this discussion is out of this world. Literally. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & Intro: Forks in the road—Star Trek or spirituality? 5:32 – Reading slumps & finding Pilgrims: A fresh narrative twist. 12:45 – Meet M.R. Leonard: From Boston College to self-published stardom. 18:12 – China, MBA life, and the big creative pivot. 25:10 – Catholic aliens?! The genesis of a groundbreaking premise. 35:47 – Virgil, Augustine, and writing the perfect “airport thriller.” 42:00 – Alien theology: Sacraments in space? 50:15 – The sci-fi genre’s future—grounded yet limitless.

What this episode covers

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a hearty dose of existential wonder. We dive into Michael’s journey from corporate law to creative writing, discuss the audacious concept of Catholic aliens, and unpack the philosophical depth and humor baked into his fast-paced thriller. From world religions to the meaning of life in the galaxy, this discussion is out of this world. Literally. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & Intro: Forks in the road—Star Trek or spirituality?5:32 – Reading slumps & finding Pilgrims: A fresh narrative twist.12:45 – Meet M.R. Leonard: From Boston College to self-published stardom.18:12 – China, MBA life, and the big creative pivot.25:10 – Catholic aliens?! The genesis of a groundbreaking premise.35:47 – Virgil, Augustine, and writing the perfect “airport thriller.”42:00 – Alien theology: Sacraments in space?50:15 – The sci-fi genre’s future—grounded yet limitless.

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What If Aliens Were Catholic? w/ M.R. Leonard

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This episode was published on March 24, 2025.

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