Saints by Number

What if the beauty that draws us to God isn't only found in stained glass and sanctuary bells, but in the faces of the poor we are called to serve? In this episode we sit down with Sunnie Johnson-Lain, the CEO of Saint Vincent de Paul serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, Catholic social teaching, and uplifting the dignity of our neighbors. Growing up experiencing rural poverty in Massachusetts, Sunnie navigated a challenging childhood before falling in love with the beauty and majesty of the Catholic Church as a teenager. After dedicating time to motherhood, she discovered her passion for social justice and found her true calling within the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. We talk about Vincentian spirituality, the dangers of "saviorism," moving from sympathy to true solidarity, and what it really means to serve others as if they were Christ.

What if the most radical thing you could do with your life isn’t following a career path, but following Him?   In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Tyler Hunt to discuss her powerful journey from the Black Church tradition to the Catholic Eucharist. We’re not just talking about a change in denomination. We’re talking about Catholic Social Teaching, the "Beloved Community," and what it looks like to live as a Vagabond Missionary in the heart of Baton Rouge—serving the poor, walking with teens, and reclaiming the dignity of every "image bearer of Christ."   Get Involved with Vagabond Missions:  ✨ WHO WE ARE | Learn about our heart for the inner city:https://vagabondmissions.com/about 🙏 SUPPORT THE WORK | Help Tyler and the team reach more teens: https://vagabondmissions.com/support 🔥 JOIN THE TEAM | Does the Lord have a mission for you? Apply here: www.vagabondmissions.com/apply 👥 OUR STAFF | Meet the people on the ground in Baton Rouge: https://vagabondmissions.com/our-mission-staff   Get Involved with Saints by Number: 🎨 Support the podcast and sacred art at https://www.jzumo.com/shop 🙏 Interested in sponsoring? Email us at: [email protected] 📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe  

What if Beauty isn’t just something we admire - but something that leads us home? In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Fr Andrew Schumacher to unpack one of the most profound moments in all of scared history- the Annunciation. And we’re not just talking theology. We’re talking about the transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty - and why the Catholic Church has always believed that sacred art is one of the most powerful paths back to God.

In this episode we sit down with Fr. Tat Hoang, a Catholic priest serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, grace, and finding purpose. Born during the Vietnam War, Fr. Tat came to the United States as a refugee and worked as a mechanic before hearing a calling that led him to the priesthood. We talk about prayer, spiritual intelligence, recognizing God in everyday life, and what it really means to live a life of compassion and transformation.

In this episode, Jacob & Haley Zumo share a powerful, real conversation on conversion, family, and how beauty can become a bridge back to God—from Jacob’s journey through the secular art/music world to sacred art, and Haley’s story of choosing life, motherhood, and eventually coming home to the Catholic Church.

In this episode, Father Josh Zelden shares his powerful personal journey—from a peaceful Catholic upbringing, to studying literature and law, to marriage, divorce, and eventually answering the call to the priesthood. Along the way, we explore prayer, suffering, vocation, and what it really means to surrender control to God.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Judy Zelden, a pillar of Catholic life in Baton Rouge, co-founder of Magnificat, and mother of a newly-ordained priest. Judy shares her powerful journey of growing up with an agnostic father, to raising three sons in the Church, to watching her son surrender a successful legal career and answer God’s call to the priesthood.

In this episode, Kevin McCall shares his powerful journey from growing up Baptist to becoming a Catholic missionary. He recounts his encounters with vibrant Catholics, the call of the Holy Spirit, and the lessons he’s learned about prayer, humility, and trusting God’s guidance.

Fr. Alex Harb shares his journey through seminary, priesthood, and life experiences spanning Louisiana, Lebanon, and beyond. From the meaning of ancient prayers to the challenges of modern ministry, this conversation bridges East and West, tradition and daily life.

In this episode, Drew Thomas walks through life as a preacher’s kid, college soccer, seminary and Anglican ordination, and the hard questions on authority, Scripture & Tradition, and the Eucharist that led him to be received into the Catholic Church. 

Fr. Alex delves into his journey of balancing his spiritual calling with his work as a community builder. We cover topics from doubt to discovering purpose, overcoming fear, and stepping out in faith to pursue one's mission in life.

In Part 1 of this episode, Jacob sits down with Brian Pedraza—Catholic theologian, husband, father, and leader of the Dominus Project. Brian opens up about his vibrant multicultural roots, faith journey, and mission to transform Catholic family life and education in Louisiana.

Jared Cavalier, former Marine and now principal of St. Michael High School, shares his powerful story of growing up without a father, serving in Iraq, discovering his vocation, and ultimately returning to his Catholic faith. From combat zones to classrooms, his life is a testament to redemption, leadership, and spiritual resilience.

In this episode, Sister Ashley Marie Refugio Santora shares her powerful story of growing up in Catholic schools, her love of sports, personal loss, and ultimately finding her vocation as a Mercenary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament.

In this episode, we dive deep into couple dialog with Luke and Katie Zumo. They share practical ways to implement couple dialog, how to handle disagreement with love and humility, and how sacramental grace actually shows up in day-to-day decisions.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Father Joseph Bresowar for a conversation on trust, fasting, and spiritual clarity. Father Joseph opens up about his journey from engineering student to Catholic priest, the tension between busyness and prayer, and the importance of simplifying life to make room for God.

In this episode, Jacob and Haley sit down with Luke and his wife Katie Zumo Together, they unpack the beauty, challenge, and transformative truth behind the roles of husband and wife within Christian marriage. With honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom from personal experience, they share what it really means to live a sacramental marriage rooted in love, service, and unity.

In this episode, LSU basketball player and social media creator Trace Young joins Jacob and Luke to share his journey—from growing up in a faith-filled home in Austin, Texas, to navigating college athletics, NIL fame, and his relationship with Christ.

In this episode, Father Eddie Martin shares his powerful testimony—one of divine providence, love, loss, and unwavering faith. From meeting his late wife in a college chemistry class to their shared mission work, this is a story that will touch hearts and ignite faith.

In this episode, we sit down with Tonja Myles as she recounts her transformation from a life of trauma and addiction to one of healing, ministry, and public service. Tonja reminds us of the power of faith, redemption, and using your voice to help others heal.

In this episode, Jacob's brother Luke shares his powerful journey from D1 basketball success to finding his true calling in faith, fatherhood, and marriage. This is a moving story about identity, sacrifice, vocation, and the goodness of God at every step.

In this episode, Dustin Bertram shares an unfiltered testimony of trauma, identity, and redemption. He opens up about navigating racism, spiritual struggle, and God's persistent grace that brought healing, purpose, and peace. This is more than a story—it’s a testament to God’s ability to transform pain into a calling.

In this episode, we dive deep into faith, family, and the powerful journey of raising children with special needs. Our guest shares her moving testimony of motherhood, the early signs of autism in her sons Noah and Mark, and how God’s grace guided her through challenges in school, diagnosis, and daily life.

In this episode, Jacob Zumo sits down with Fr. Brad Doyle for a conversation on Catholic life, priestly vocation, and the centrality of the Eucharist. Fr. Brad shares his personal journey of faith, the moments that shaped his call to the priesthood, and the experiences that continue to form his ministry today.

What’s it like being a Catholic dad of seven kids in today’s world? In this episode, we sit down with Casey Fruge – father, husband, marathon runner, and faithful Catholic – to talk about the beauty of big family life, the challenges of parenting, tragic miscarriage, the power of prayer, and what it means to live out your vocation as a man of God.

A conversation with Kathleen Higgins

A conversation with Sister Heart of Jesus

Discover the remarkable transformation of Father Matthew Graham, from chemical engineer to Catholic priest. We explore the unexpected call to priesthood that changed his life, how engineering skills translate to spiritual leadership, the power of silence and prayer in a busy world, and insights on confession, spiritual growth, and overcoming personal struggles

Join us for an intimate conversation with Father Albert as he shares his remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing to discovering his vocation as a Catholic priest. In this heartfelt episode, Father Albert opens up about his search for meaning, his conversion experience, and the pivotal moments that led him to the priesthood. Through his story, we g

In this episode, Roy shares his remarkable journey from being born in Saudi Arabia to settling in Louisiana, including a dramatic story of nearly being purchased by a Saudi princess as an infant. Roy discusses his family's Orthodox Christian background, his transition to Catholicism, and his beautiful love story with his wife Jamie - from meeting on a dating app to getting married within a year after a transformative pilgrimage on the Camino. Their multicultural marriage beautifully demonstrates how faith transcends cultural differences.

Join us for a powerful and moving conversation with Emily Froeba, Director of Campus Ministry at Saint Michael High School, as she shares her incredible journey of faith, loss, and hope. Emily opens up about leading the March for Life pilgrimage, her personal experience with multiple pregnancy losses, and founding Carriers of Hope - a ministry providing free burial services for families who have experienced miscarriage.

Listen to the miraculous plane crash survival story of Michael Franco and 2 other men - how this tragedy brought a deeper understanding of the power of prayer, faith, and evangelization. 

In this episode, we share a conversation with Father Jeff Bayhi. Discussing his life as a priest, his relationship with Mother Teresa, and efforts to refuge victims of sex trafficking. 

A conversation with Bishop Michael Duca

Listen along to Jacob’s journey from cradle Catholicism to 3 high schools trying to find his fit. Short lived injury ending college basketball dream catapulting his art career from the secular world to sacred and his fight through conversions of the faith. Eventually meeting his partner and wife Haley and her beautiful conversion story and testimony.