Godsplaining
by Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph
Welcome to Godsplaining: a podcast featuring contemplative preachers and their contemporary age. Considering topics philosophical, theological, cultural, and beyond, Godsplaining presents ideas from the Church’s tradition and brings them to bear on our lives’ most urgent questions. Each week, join the Dominican friars as they muse on all things Catholic.
Episodes
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Why Do I Keep Confessing the Same Sins?
Have you ever gone to confession only to find yourself confessing the same sins again? If you genuinely want to change, why do you keep falling into the same temptations? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony discuss what it really means to have a firm purpose of...
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Can We Cure Genetic Disorders Without Playing God?
Can scientists cure Down syndrome? And just because we can alter human DNA, does that mean we should? Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., welcomes Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, O.P., a Dominican priest and molecular biologist, to explore the remarkable possibilities—and serious ethical...
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What Will Your Body Be Like in Heaven?
What will our bodies be like after the resurrection? Will we still experience pain, suffering, or physical limitations? And why does Jesus still bear the wounds of His crucifixion in His glorified body? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick , and Fr. Gregory explore the mystery of Christ's...
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Which Catholic Religious Order Is the Best?
What's the difference between Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits, Benedictines, and other Catholic religious orders? And is one religious order better than the others? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Bonaventure compare the different religious orders of the Catholic...
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Does the Shroud of Turin Prove the Resurrection? | Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ
Could the Shroud of Turin provide scientific evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, welcomes Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ, President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, to explore one of Christianity's most fascinating mysteries: the Shroud of Turin. Believed by many…
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Does Being Sad Make You a Bad Christian?
Is it okay to be sad as a Christian? If we have faith in God, shouldn't we always be joyful? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore the relationship between sadness, Christian joy, and holiness. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, they discuss why...
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C.S. Lewis Warned Us About This | The Abolition of Man Explained
What happens when a society abandons objective moral truth? C.S. Lewis warned that the consequences could be far greater than we imagine. In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis argues that when we reduce morality to personal feelings and treat human nature as something we can reshape at will, we…
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Jonathan Pageau: We've Forgotten the Meaning of Sacrifice
What if the secret to a meaningful life isn't getting everything you want, but learning what you're willing to sacrifice? In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Gregory welcomes Jonathan Pageau, artist, symbolic thinker, and creator of The Symbolic World, for a conversation about sacrifice…
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Can Greta Gerwig Be Trusted With Narnia?
What do Barbie, Lady Bird, and Little Women have in common? And what can Greta Gerwig's films tell us about her upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory explore the work of filmmaker Greta Gerwig through a Catholic...
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Martin Buber: Are We Treating People Like Things?
Are we beginning to treat people more like things? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure and Joseph-Anthony explore the thought of Jewish philosopher Martin Buber and his influential work I and Thou. Buber argues that we encounter the world through two fundamental relationships…
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The Truth About Judgment, Hell & the Second Coming with Dr. Ralph Martin
What does the Catholic Church actually teach about the final judgment and why do we hear so little about it? Fr. Gregory welcomes theologian, author, and President of Renewal Ministries Dr. Ralph Martin back to Godsplaining for a conversation about his book The Coming Judgment. Together, they...
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Are Combat Sports Morally Wrong?
Martial arts can cultivate discipline, courage, strength, and preparedness—but what happens when fighting becomes entertainment? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony wrestle with the morality of combat sports, including MMA and boxing. Is there a legitimate place…
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Brideshead Revisited: The Catholic Novel Everyone Should Read
Why has Brideshead Revisited endured as one of the great Catholic novels? Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure dive into Evelyn Waugh’s masterpiece and its unforgettable exploration of grace, conversion, sin, beauty, Catholic culture, and God’s relentless pursuit of the human heart. From Charles…
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What Catholics Get Wrong About Divine Mercy with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC
What does Divine Mercy really mean, and why is it so central to the Christian life? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, joins Fr. Gregory to unpack the message of Divine Mercy, the extraordinary life of St. Faustina, and the profound connection between God’s mercy and the sacraments. Fr. Alar is a priest of the...
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Do You Need Therapy, Prayer, or Both?
How should Catholics think about mental health? Is anxiety or depression primarily a psychological issue, a spiritual struggle—or can it be both? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure discuss the relationship between faith, therapy, psychology, and mental health. They...
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Don’t Feel Like Going to Mass? Listen To This
Do Catholics really have to go to Mass every Sunday? And why does the Church call it an “obligation”? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Patrick Briscoe unpack the Sunday Mass obligation and explain why obligation and freedom aren’t enemies. In fact, having certain...
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Discerning What’s Really Going On in Your Soul with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
Fr. Bonaventure welcomes Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, back to Godsplaining for a conversation about St. Ignatius of Loyola and the discernment of spirits. How do we recognize what is drawing us toward God, and what is pulling us away? How should we respond when we experience discouragement,...
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Your Toxic Trait Has a Patron Saint
What if your biggest toxic trait could actually point you toward the Saint you need most? Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony take on some of today’s most common “toxic traits” and pair them with the Saints who show us a better way. They tackle everything from narcissism and holding grudges to...
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My Therapist Told Me to Leave the Catholic Church
What do you do when you've been genuinely hurt by someone in the Catholic Church? What if a therapist, friend, or loved one tells you that leaving the Church is the answer? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure discuss church hurt, trauma, abuse, forgiveness, and the...
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Are We Too Quick to Cut People Off? Noelle Mering Weighs In
Why are more people cutting off family members, friends, and loved ones? What does the rise of “no contact” reveal about the way we understand relationships? Fr. Gregory sits down with Ethics and Public Policy Center Fellow and author Noelle Mering to explore the growing phenomenon of fractured...
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Did Descartes Ruin Western Philosophy?
Why do Catholics, and Thomists in particular, have such a problem with René Descartes? Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick Briscoe take another look at one of the most controversial figures in modern philosophy. From “I think, therefore I am” and the mind-body problem to Descartes’ Catholic faith and...
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Humor Is Holier Than You Think
Is laughter just entertainment, or is it an important part of the Christian life? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore the surprising virtue of humor. They discuss why Christians sometimes become overly serious, how St. Thomas Aquinas viewed wit as a virtue,...
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Trent Horn on Why Apologetics Isn't Enough
Why are so many Christians rediscovering the Catholic Church? In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Gregory Pine sits down with Catholic apologist Trent Horn to discuss Protestantism, apologetics, conversion, and what ultimately draws people into the fullness of the Catholic faith. They explore...
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The Real Danger of AI Isn't What You Think
Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we write, create art, compose music, and even think—but what does it mean for the human imagination? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure explore AI through the lens of Catholic philosophy and theology. They discuss whether…
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The Hidden Wisdom of The Little Prince
Why has The Little Prince remained one of the most beloved books in the world? Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure explore Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless classic through the lens of Catholic philosophy and theology. Together they unpack the book's deepest themes: childlike wonder, identity,...
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Dr. Bob Schuchts on Hurting, Healing, and Miracles
Can God really heal emotional wounds, trauma, grief, and spiritual struggles? And if He can, why do so many faithful Catholics still suffer? Fr. Gregory sits down with bestselling author and therapist Dr. Bob Schuchts of the John Paul II Healing Center to explore what healing actually means in…
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Why Every Part of the Mass Matters
The Catholic Mass is far more than just a weekly obligation—it is the Church's highest act of worship and our deepest encounter with Jesus Christ. Yet many Catholics know the responses and rituals without fully understanding why the liturgy unfolds the way it does. In this episode of…
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Can Beauty Really Lead You to God?
Why does beauty stop us in our tracks? Why do breathtaking cathedrals, sacred music, masterpieces, and even a sunset seem to point beyond themselves? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure explore the profound relationship between beauty and God. Drawing from Dostoevsky,...
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The Strength of St. Joseph with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
Fr. Gregory sits down with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, author of the bestselling Consecration to St. Joseph, to explore why devotion to St. Joseph has exploded around the world, and why it may be exactly what the Church needs today. From authentic masculinity and fatherhood to trust in God's...
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Does the Bible Really Say Wives Must Submit?
What does the Bible really say about headship and submission in marriage? Few passages generate more debate than Ephesians 5. Does St. Paul teach male domination—or something entirely different? In the latest episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony unpack one of Scripture's…
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Why Millions Couldn't Stop Watching Fulton Sheen
What made Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen one of the most influential Catholic voices of the 20th century? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore five essential lessons from Fulton Sheen's life and ministry. From his unwavering commitment to Catholic doctrine and...
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Mitali Perkins on Why Adults Need Children’s Books
What if some of the most important books you'll ever read were written for children? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman sits down with acclaimed author Mitali Perkins to discuss the enduring power of children's literature. From The Chronicles of Narnia and The Hobbit to Anne...
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Can a Good Person Tell a Lie?
Most people instinctively say that lying is wrong—until they're presented with an extreme case. What if a murderer came to your door? What if hiding the truth could protect an innocent person? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure explore traditional Christian teaching…
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Bad Experience in Confession? Here's What to Know
Have you ever left confession feeling disappointed, confused, or unsure whether your sins were really forgiven? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony tackle a common concern among Catholics: What happens when confession doesn't go the way you expected? Whether you've...
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BONUS: Predestination, Hell, & Vocation Discernment | Live Q&A
Can we hope that everyone will be saved? How does predestination work? What if discernment causes anxiety? Why are so many young people becoming Catholic today? In this special episode, the friars answer questions live during the Godsplaining Boston Day of Recollection, tackling some of the most...
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Atonement Explained: Where Catholics and Protestants Differ
"Jesus died for our sins." As Christians we know this to be true, but do we understand what this really means? There are many explanations that focus on punishment, debt, or substitution. But how does the Catholic Church understand Christ's sacrifice on the Cross? Join Fr. Gregory and Fr....
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BONUS: A Catholic Response to Suffering
Recorded live during a Day of Recollection at St. Margaret Mary Church during a full weekend of events in the greater Boston area, the friars unpack one of the most difficult questions in the Christian life. Fr. Patrick, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony unpack surrender, friendship, and divine...
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How Should Catholics Approach Pride Month?
As the month of June approaches, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick reflect on how Catholics can respond to "pride month" with both truth and charity. In this episode of Godsplaining, they discuss the Church’s teaching on human sexuality, the difference between political movements and pastoral care, the...
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The Catholic Church and AI: Pope Leo's First Encyclical Explained
The Catholic Church and AI: Pope Leo's First Encyclical Explained In this installment of Godsplaining Reacts, Fr. Patrick unpacks Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, an in-depth reflection on artificial intelligence, technology, truth, work, power, and the dignity of the human...
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How Christians Fail at “Speaking the Truth in Love”
How do you correct someone without becoming self-righteous? In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Gregory welcomes Jordan Burke of the Avila Foundation and SpiritualDirection.com to discuss the challenge of fraternal correction. Together, they explore how humility, friendship, and personal...
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BONUS: Prayer, Perseverance, and the Shape of Holiness
What does it mean to "win" Lent, or the Christian life for that matter? Fr. Patrick, Fr. Gregory, and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore the deeper meaning of Lent, spiritual growth, perseverance, and Christian courage during a live recording at St. Mary of the Assumption in Brookline, MA with local…
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Did Immanuel Kant Destroy Metaphysics?
Welcome to Kantsplaining. In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Joseph-Anthony discuss one of the most important philosophers in history: Immanuel Kant. If you've been following the podcast for a while or attended a Godsplaining Retreat, you know he's also a favorite of Fr....
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Does Christian Marriage Really Have Two Ends?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Patrick Briscoe unpack a classic—and often misunderstood—question in Catholic teaching: what is marriage actually for? Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and the Church’s tradition, they explore the answer. Join us at the 2026 All Comers'...
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What Really Happens at Catholic Mass? Dr. Edward Sri Explains
What Really Happens at Mass? Do you ever feel like your missing the deeper meaning? In this rich conversation, Fr. Gregory Pine sits down with Dr. Edward Sri to unpack the biblical meaning behind the prayers, gestures, and structure of the Holy Mass. Drawing on Scripture, the Catechism, and the...
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Responding to Clerical Abuse
This episode of Godsplaining takes on one of the most difficult and important issues facing the Church today: the clerical sexual abuse crisis. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick begin by grounding the conversation in a theology of the priesthood. Priests are not merely “like everyone else”—they are...
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Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?
In this episode, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Patrick Briscoe tackle a question that often sparks confusion and controversy: Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? They begin by grounding the discussion in both contemporary debates and historical Church teaching, showing that this is not a…
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Inside the Mind of Pope Leo XIV with Papal Biographer Elise Allen
Who is Pope Leo XIV—and what kind of leader will he be? In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Patrick Briscoe welcomes Vatican journalist Elise Allen to discuss her new biography of the Holy Father. Drawing from personal encounters and exclusive interviews, Elise offers a behind-the-scenes look…
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BONUS: Humility, Slaves in the Old Testament, the Problem of Evil, & Learning to Laugh
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure take us to Front Royal, Virginia, for this bonus episode of Godsplaining. The friars hosted a Day of Recollection at Christendom College in November of 2025, and take the crowd's questions on humility, fruits of marriage, why slaves are in the Old Testament, the...
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Why Does Søren Kierkegaard Still Matter?
This episode of Godsplaining dives into the thought of Søren Kierkegaard—one of the most influential Christian philosophers of the modern era and often called the “father of existentialism.” Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore how Kierkegaard pushed back against overly rational...
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BONUS: How the Most Blessed Trinity Teaches Us to Love
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure take us to Front Royal, Virginia, for this bonus episode of Godsplaining. The friars hosted a Day of Recollection at Christendom College in November of 2025, discussing vantages of the Incarnation, knowing and loving ourselves and God, the Most Blessed Trinity,...
About this show
Welcome to Godsplaining: a podcast featuring contemplative preachers and their contemporary age. Considering topics philosophical, theological, cultural, and beyond, Godsplaining presents ideas from the Church’s tradition and brings them to bear on our lives’ most urgent questions. Each week, join the Dominican friars as they muse on all things Catholic.
Hosted by
Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph
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