Winston's Podcast

This episode explores what may be the most important Catholic doctrine for Protestants to seriously consider: the Eucharist. While Catholics and Protestants share core Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, and salvation, this is a uniquely Catholic claim with extremely high stakes on both sides. If the Eucharist truly is the body and blood of Jesus Christ, as the Catholic Church teaches, then it represents the most intimate way to encounter Him and something every Christian should seek. But if it is not true, then it raises serious concerns about worshiping what would be, in that case, only bread and wine. This episode lays out the logic, the historical weight behind the belief, and why this is not a doctrine that can be ignored, but one that deserves real attention and urgency.

In this episode, Winston explains what happens during a typical Sunday Catholic Mass and why it happens. He walks through the structure of the Mass, from the introductory rites and Scripture readings in the Liturgy of the Word to the homily, creed, and prayers, before focusing on the heart of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Drawing on biblical foundations, he explains how worship has always centered on sacrifice, culminating in Jesus Christ’s one perfect and eternal sacrifice on the cross. He unpacks the Catholic belief in the Eucharist, where the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, making that same sacrifice present, not repeated, and offered to the Father. The episode also highlights the meaning of receiving Communion as true union with Christ and concludes with the mission to go forth transformed by grace, helping listeners better understand the depth and purpose of the Mass.

In this episode, I continue the conversation that followed my discussion on why Sola Scriptura ultimately did not hold up for me and why that realization led me into the Catholic Church. After several thoughtful conversations and questions from listeners, I take on the natural follow up question. If it is not Scripture alone, then what is the system Christ actually established for knowing what to believe?We go back to the very beginning of Christianity, before the New Testament existed, to look at how the first Christians learned the faith. By examining Christ’s commissioning of the apostles, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the authority given to the Church to teach, bind, and guard the truth, we see a model rooted in apostolic authority, succession, Scripture, and Tradition working together.I also address a common and serious objection. If the Catholic Church claims infallibility, how can it account for scandals, abuses, and sinful leaders throughout history? This leads to an important distinction between infallible teachings and the moral failures of fallible men, and why one does not negate the other.Finally, I reflect on why remaining in the Church Christ founded matters, not just intellectually, but spiritually. It is about unity, holiness, intimacy with Christ, and ultimately salvation.

In this episode, Winston explores the Christian doctrine of Sola Scriptura, the belief that Scripture alone is the only infallible authority for Christian faith. Drawing from personal experience and Church history, he explains what Sola Scriptura actually means, what it does not mean, and why many Christians assume it without ever examining it closely.Winston offers three key reasons why Sola Scriptura ultimately falls short. First, it is not taught in Scripture itself. Second, it cannot account for how the biblical canon was formed. Third, it has led to widespread division rather than unity within Christianity. By looking at early Christian beliefs, the role of the Church, and the historical development of the Bible, this episode invites listeners to rethink the idea of Scripture alone and consider the Catholic understanding of Scripture and authoritative interpretation.Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious, this episode aims to challenge assumptions and encourage deeper reflection on how Christians know what they believe and why.

In this episode, Winston tackles a common and important question: Why be Catholic? Exploring the Christian desire for unity and objective truth, the episode centers on one key idea - apostolicity. Winston explains how the Catholic Church today is the same Church founded by Jesus on the apostles, preserving the same mission, teachings, and authority for over 2,000 years.Through the lens of apostolic authority, truth, and unity, the episode shows how the Catholic Church provides a living teaching authority, safeguarded by the Holy Spirit, that maintains doctrinal truth and visible unity among believers. Drawing from Scripture and early Church history, Winston argues that this apostolic foundation leads to the fullness of Christianity - offering the sacraments, unity with Christ, and a deeper intimacy with Him.Whether you’re Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious, this episode invites you to consider how authority, truth, and unity fit into Christ’s plan for His Church - and why apostolicity matters.

In this episode, Winston tackles the big question: Is the Catholic Church infallible? Building on the previous episode (“When Did the Catholic Church Begin?”), he breaks down what “infallible” really means—both in general and in the context of Church teaching. Winston explains how the Church’s claim to infallibility applies only to official teachings on faith and morals, not to every word spoken by popes or bishops.He dives into the biblical foundations for this belief, exploring Jesus’ words to Peter (“whatever you bind on earth…”) and the promise of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church “into all truth.” Winston also unpacks the relationship between Scripture and the Church—how the Church, through divine guidance, discerned which writings belong in the Bible—and addresses the common objection that the Catholic claim to infallibility is “circular reasoning.”Ultimately, he shows that both Protestants and Catholics rely on faith in God’s guidance, but that the Catholic understanding best fits the historical and biblical evidence of Christ establishing a Church protected from error.

In this episode, Winston explores the question: When did the Catholic Church begin? Tracing history backward from today’s thousands of denominations to the earliest centuries of Christianity, he explains the Catholic claim that the Church founded by Jesus on Peter in 33 AD is the same Church that exists today. Drawing from Scripture, the structure of the early Church, the role of bishops and apostolic succession, and the unanimous beliefs of the first Christians, Winston shows how the Catholic Church has remained unbroken through history. 

Many wonder why Catholics go to a priest to confess their sins and what the biblical and theological reasons are behind this practice. In this episode, the third in a series on salvation and forgiveness, we explore how Catholics seek assurance that their sins are truly forgiven.We begin by revisiting key ideas about free will in salvation and the unforgivable sin. Then, we discuss how to be absolutely certain that we have genuinely accepted God’s forgiveness—not just through prayer or feeling sorry, but in a way that brings real peace. What role does confessing out loud to another person play? What spiritual and emotional benefits does it offer? And how does the sacrament of reconciliation provide Catholics with the certainty that their sins are forgiven?We examine Jesus’ giving of authority to the apostles to forgive sins, the biblical foundation for confession to a priest, and why this authority continues today. Whether you are Catholic or simply curious, this episode offers clear insight into a practice that is often misunderstood.If you have questions or want to suggest a future topic, visit winstonpodcast.com.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What is the Unforgivable Sin? In this episode, we explore the sobering concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—the one sin Jesus calls "unforgivable." We begin with the key Gospel passages, then dive into rich insights from saints like Augustine, Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, and others to unpack what this sin truly is: the persistent, willful rejection of God's mercy. Far from limiting God's forgiveness, this teaching highlights the boundless mercy of God and the serious responsibility we each have to respond to His grace. We also discuss how this doctrine combats both despair and presumption, and why it matters for every believer. Next week, we’ll look at repentance and how to return to grace after mortal sin.

In this episode Winston discusses the debate Once saved, always saved - or can someone lose their salvation? He unpacks what the doctrine of eternal security actually claims, contrasts it with the belief that one can fall away from grace, and presents two key arguments against once saved, always saved: free will and the existence of the unforgivable sin. Citing Scripture, Church tradition, and voices like John Wesley, Winston invites listeners to consider whether salvation is a fixed state or something we must continue to cooperate with throughout life. Next week, the series continues with a deep dive into Jesus’ teaching on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, Winston answers two listener-submitted questions: What do you love most about God? and How has your conversion to Catholicism shaped your intimacy with Him? He’s joined by a special guest and close friend, David Hair, who also shares his heartfelt responses. Together, they reflect on the beauty of God’s faithfulness, the power of reason in coming to know Him, and the transformative intimacy found in the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and confession. Both speak from the unique perspective of Catholic converts, offering personal stories, Scripture, and encouragement to lean deeper into God's abundant grace.

In this episode, we explore the question, “Do Catholics pray to the saints?” by building on two foundational ideas: what a saint is and whether those in heaven can hear us. We clarify that "prayer" simply means to ask earnestly—historically used even between people—and not exclusively in worship. Catholics don't pray to saints in the same way we pray to God. Instead, we ask the saints—our fellow members of the body of Christ who are now in full communion with God—to pray for us. This practice, called the intercession of the saints, is rooted in early Christian tradition and Scripture. Ultimately, it's about unity in the Body of Christ and supporting one another on the journey to heaven.

If you spoke to your relative who is in heaven, can they hear you?In this episode, I explore the heartfelt question: Can our loved ones in heaven hear us when we speak to them? I begin with a personal reflection—speaking to my late grandfather—and unpack both the emotional and theological reasons many believe the answer is yes. Drawing from Catholic teaching, I explain that those in heaven are fully alive in Christ and united with us as one body, experiencing the beatific vision and God’s omnipresence. I also address common objections, such as concerns about sorrow in heaven and biblical verses like Ecclesiastes that seem to suggest otherwise. Ultimately, I propose that heavenly joy isn't diminished by knowing our earthly struggles—and in fact, our loved ones in heaven may pray for us to join them one day. I close by inviting listeners to share their own thoughts or questions for future episodes.

In this episode, Winston explores the foundational question: What is a saint? He breaks down the meaning of sainthood in Scripture and in Catholic tradition, explaining how both canonized saints and unnamed holy people throughout history serve as powerful examples of faith. He shares how learning about saints can draw us closer to Christ, just as hearing a modern testimony can inspire us spiritually. In the second half, he highlights several unnamed or lesser-known New Testament figures who have been honored as saints through tradition, including Saint Longinus (the centurion at the crucifixion), Saint Dismas (the Good Thief), Saint Photini (the Samaritan woman), the Holy Innocents, and Saint Veronica

Is Christianity just a list of rules to follow—or is there something deeper at work? In this episode, Winston unpacks the common perception that the Christian faith is a restrictive set of do's and don'ts, and instead offers a perspective rooted in design, purpose, and love. Using examples from sports and art, he explains how rules actually bring beauty, order, and meaning—not restriction. Drawing from Scripture, particularly 2 Corinthians 7, he explores how God's commands are meant for our good, leading us to repentance, salvation, and a deeper relationship with Him.

In this episode, Winston answers the question: why does the Pope matter? He breaks down the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church, explaining that Jesus established a visible, organized Church with Peter as its first leader. Drawing from Scripture, Winston shows how Peter’s authority has been passed down through the popes over the centuries. The Pope’s role is to lead the Church, maintain unity, and uphold its teachings. While the person of the Pope is important, the real significance is in the position and the authority given by God to guide the Church and reveal truth.

Today I show the three places that really made me believe in the True Presence of Christ in the EucharistThe Old TestamentThe New TestamentChurch History

In this episode, Winston makes a bold claim: every Christian has a pope. Not necessarily the Pope in Rome, but someone—or something—they trust most for theological guidance. Whether it’s a denomination, a favorite preacher, or even yourself, there’s always an authority shaping your beliefs. Tune in as we unpack what this means, why it matters, and how it challenges the way we think about faith and truth.

What does it mean to interpret a Bible verse literally?  We break down the Catholic understanding of the "literal sense" of the Bible and explore key passages the Church takes at face value—like the Eucharist, Confession, Baptism, and moreSubmit a question at winstonpodcast.com

Lots of Christians do communion in their churchesWhy do Catholics call their's the Eucharist?Submit a question at winstonpodcast.com

How long have Catholics had a Pope?Has he always been called the Pope?What is a Bishop?Why is the Bishop of Rome important?Submit a question at winstonpodcast.com

All Christians seem to ask each other, "How do you believe we are saved?"We all want to get to heaven, right?Well how do we get there?  Here's the Catholic Church's answerSubmit a question at winstonpodcast.com

What even is the Catholic Church?  What does "Catholic" mean?  When did the Catholic Church start?  Who started it?  How old is it?  Winston answers all of it in about 5 minutesSubmit a question at winstonpodcast.com