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As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Brendan welcomes Dr. Anthony Rizzi for an extended presentation on the philosophical foundations of the American experiment.

Drawing from his work on natural law, philosophy, and the history of America's founding, Dr. Rizzi shares his perspective on why America's enduring strength lies in its founding principles. Throughout the episode, he explores the relationship between truth, reason, nature, faith, and the intellectual tradition of the Church, while arguing that recovering these first principles is essential for America's future.

In This Episode

• Why Dr. Rizzi believes America's founding principles are rooted in natural law
• The relationship between nature, reason, and Christian revelation
• His critique of modern culture and what he calls "scientism"
• Why truth should be at the center of Catholic intellectual life
• His vision for renewing American culture by recovering first principles

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Dont miss "Holding These Truths Again: Reclaiming Our Founding Principles" featuring Dr. Rizzi airing on EWTN July 2nd at 8pm CT (9pm ET). Learn more at IAPweb.org/America

See trailer: IAPweb.org/holding-these-truths

About Dr. Anthony Rizzi

Anthony Rizzi, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Advanced Physics, gained worldwide recognition in theoretical physics by solving an 80-year-old problem in Einstein's theory. He has physics degrees from MIT and Princeton University; has been senior scientist for Caltech's Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), whose work contributed to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics; taught graduate courses at Louisiana State University; worked on the Manned Mars Craft and the Mars Observer spacecraft; and received both the NASA Award and the Martin Marietta New Technology Award.

He is the author of The Science Before Science: A Guide to Thinking in the 21st Century and A Kid's Introduction to Physics (and Beyond). In addition to numerous professional articles, he authored the Physics for Realists series: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Quantum Mechanics. The first two volumes were recommended by the American Association of Physics Teachers, and his recent work includes groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics.

Dr. Rizzi is also recognized for his work in history, particularly his articles on America's founding principles, which have drawn praise from scholars and contributed to discussions on the philosophical and Christian roots of the American experiment.

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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Dr. Greg Bottaro to discuss the importance of holy curiosity and what it means to truly listen well. In a culture marked by division, assumptions, quick judgments, and constant noise, Dr. Greg explains why authentic listening is essential for healthy relationships, meaningful conversations, healing, and Christian witness.

Drawing from Catholic psychology, Scripture, marriage, friendships, and the example of Christ Himself, this conversation explores how curiosity opens the door to understanding another person’s heart without compromising truth. Dr. Greg also shares insights from his own vocational journey, the influence of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and how accompaniment rooted in empathy and attentiveness can transform relationships.

Together, Brendan and Dr. Greg discuss conflict, communication in marriage, emotional wounds, social media culture, and the deep human desire to be truly seen and understood. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen intentionally, and rediscover the power of presence in a distracted world.

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The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Greg Bottaro

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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Peter Giersch to discuss one of the most important realities Christians can reflect on: eternity. Through the beauty of France, the witness of the saints, the art of Michelangelo, and the Catholic understanding of death, judgment, heaven, and hell, Peter invites listeners to rediscover what so much of the modern world has forgotten.

Drawing from his book Talking of Michelangelo, Peter reflects on his experiences in Burgundy, the Catholic imagination found in medieval churches, and why generations of Christians were constantly reminded of eternity through sacred art and architecture. Together, Brendan and Peter discuss suffering, holiness in ordinary life, the vocation of marriage and singleness, the meaning of the crucifix, the Last Judgment, and why modern culture has become uncomfortable talking about heaven and hell.

This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition while remaining practical for everyday life. It is ultimately an invitation to reflect on where our lives are leading and to remember that holiness is possible in every vocation through love, sacrifice, patience, and fidelity to Christ.

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Talking of Michelangelo: Burgundy, Eternity, and the Catholic Imagination by Peter Giersch

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This episode is Part Two of a special series in partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville. In Part One, I sat down with Dr. Stephen Hildebrand to discuss why authentic Catholic education matters. Today, we turn our attention to another essential aspect of the Christian life: encounter.

Joining me is Brian Kissinger, Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences, for a conversation about those moments when Jesus Christ breaks into our lives and changes everything.

For more than fifty years, the Steubenville Conferences have been helping young people and adults encounter the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, authentic community, and powerful preaching. We discuss the origins of the conferences, the vision of Fr. Michael Scanlon, TOR, and the lasting impact these conferences have had on countless lives.

Brian also shares his own story of encountering Christ as a teenager at a Steubenville Youth Conference, and we explore why personal encounter with Jesus remains at the heart of the Christian life. Together, we reflect on the importance of expectant faith, authentic community, and creating space for God to work in our lives.

Whether you are a parent, a young adult, or simply someone longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation is an invitation to remember that Jesus knows you personally, loves you deeply, and desires to encounter you right where you are.

Steubenville Conferences:
Steubenville Conferences

Power & Purpose Conference:
Power & Purpose Conference

Franciscan University of Steubenville:
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Use code GOTTABESAINTS25 for $25 off your registration to the Power & Purpose Conference.

About Brian Kissinger:

Brian Kissinger serves as the Executive Director of Steubenville Conferences. A longtime youth minister, speaker, and conference leader, Brian first encountered Christ in a profound way at a Steubenville Youth Conference as a teenager. Today, he helps lead one of the most impactful Catholic conference movements in the world, serving hundreds of thousands of young people, adults, clergy, and religious.

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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, I sit down with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, to reflect on the beauty and power of the Eucharist as we prepare for Corpus Christi. Together, we discuss why Jesus chose to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament, how the saints were transformed through Eucharistic devotion, and practical ways we can grow closer to Christ through silence, prayer, adoration, and community.

Drawing from the lives of saints like St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Catherine of Siena, Fr. Patrick shares how the Eucharist became the center of his own vocation and spiritual life. This conversation is an invitation to rediscover the heart of the Christian life and encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.

Featured Book

O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas by Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

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Upcoming Retreat with Godsplaining

Join Fr. Patrick Briscoe and the friars of Godsplaining for the All Comers Retreat this June.

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, Provost of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Professor of Theology, for a conversation on the importance of Catholic education in today’s culture.

We discuss why Catholic education is about far more than academics. It’s about formation, holiness, truth, community, and becoming the person God created you to be. We also dive into the role parents play as the primary educators of their children, the importance of living an integrated Catholic life, and why authentic Catholic formation matters now more than ever.

This episode is part one of a special two-part series in partnership with Franciscan University and the upcoming Steubenville Conferences.

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Steubenville Conferences:
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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Dr. John Cuddeback to discuss what it truly means to live intentionally within the home. Together, they explore how modern life often pulls families toward distraction, busyness, and drifting, while God calls us to deeper presence, sacrifice, prayer, and authentic relationship.

Drawing from philosophy, family life, friendship, and Christian tradition, Dr. Cuddeback shares practical wisdom on building a household centered on love, responsibility, meaningful work, hospitality, prayer, and human connection. They also discuss the importance of fathers and mothers being fully present to their children, the role of grandparents within the home, and why intentionality is essential if we want our homes to become places where people truly flourish.

This conversation is an invitation to slow down, examine the rhythms of your household, and begin living as if people really matter.

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The Intentional Household: Living as If People Matter by Dr. John Cuddeback

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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by actor Michael Girgenti, who portrays Jesus in the new docudrama That They May Be One, coming to theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events.

Inspired by Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the film explores Christian unity, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the invitation for all people to come to know Christ more deeply. Michael shares about his own return to the Catholic faith, what it was like preparing to portray Jesus on screen, and how the experience transformed his prayer life and relationship with the Lord.

We also discuss:

• The meaning behind Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one”
• Christian unity and evangelization
• Michael’s journey back to the Catholic Church
• The beauty of the sacraments and Eucharist
• Why Christian media is having a major cultural moment
• What it means for all of us to live as “mini-Christs” in daily life
• How the Holy Spirit continues to renew the Church today

This was a deeply encouraging conversation about holiness, discipleship, and the call to boldly share Christ with the world.

Featured Film

That They May Be One
In theaters nationwide May 19–20 through Fathom Events.

Tickets & Information:
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Follow Michael Girgenti

Instagram: @michaelgirgenti

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