Godsplaining
Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph
Welcome to Godsplaining: Each week Dominican friars tackle the questions that keep you up at night—faith, doubt, culture, philosophy, theology, and real life. Expect clear Catholic answers, big ideas, and conversations that spark “aha” moments without (too much) jargon. Whether you’re a cradle Catholic who loves Thomas Aquinas or just curious, pull up a chair and think deeper with us. New episodes every Thursday—subscribe now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2026 • 28min
Millennial Saint Unleashed: Meet St. Carlo Acutis
A lively chat about a young Italian saint who lived with deep faith and contagious devotion. They trace his journey from childhood signs to daily communion and his use of technology to teach faith. Conversations cover his illness, death, and the surprising graces that followed. They also explore how his Eucharistic focus and exhibits make holiness relatable for young people.
Jan 28, 2026 • 34min
BONUS: Speech Acts & Training the Tongue w/ Fr. Gregory Pine
Fr. Gregory Pine, a Dominican friar and author focused on spiritual formation, talks about cultivating verbal virtue. He uses a garden image to show growing speech habits. Conversation, truth-telling, humor as a moral good, prayer, correction, and freedom in speaking are all explored in short, practical reflections.

Jan 22, 2026 • 31min
Shocking: The #1 Obstacle to Spreading the Gospel
Explore the greatest evangelizers, from Jesus to St. Therese, and learn how their legacies inspire us today. The hosts tackle how contemporary culture, marked by individualism and relativism, presents obstacles to sharing the Gospel. They emphasize the personal struggles, like fear and impostor syndrome, that hinder many. Discover ways introverts can play a vital role through prayer and intercession. Finally, be inspired by the saints as models for effective evangelization.
8 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 28min
Behind the Scenes of "The Ritual" with Film Director David Midell
David Midell, a film director known for his work on The Ritual, delves into the complexities of retelling a real-life exorcism story, inspired by The Exorcist. He shares the meticulous research behind the film, navigating conflicting historical accounts and prioritizing a respectful portrayal of Catholic traditions. Midell highlights the importance of honoring real communities while avoiding exploitation and discusses the film’s casting choices, including Al Pacino and Patricia Heaton, and the challenges of production. His insights on horror's impact are both profound and thought-provoking.

Jan 15, 2026 • 32min
Is Rerum Novarum the Answer to Today's Labor Crisis?
Exploring the relevance of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the balance between capitalism and socialism. They delve into the impacts of industrialization on workers' dignity and the importance of community involvement. Addressing property rights, they emphasize stewardship over ownership and discuss the Church's stance on private property. Practical advice for young adults includes local service and community support. It's a thoughtful reflection on today's labor challenges and the moral responsibilities we hold.
11 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 34min
SEEK26: Catholic Social Teaching, Free Speech, & AI
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony dive into the depths of Catholic Social Teaching, tackling its origins and misperceptions. They explore the concepts of human dignity and the common good, emphasizing community over individualism. The discussion on free speech highlights its crucial role in honest discourse and agency. Transitioning to artificial intelligence, they debate its potential to enhance human creativity and agency while noting the risks of losing essential human attributes. Their insights provoke thought on navigating these pressing contemporary issues.

Jan 8, 2026 • 35min
Why Catholics Love Big Ideas: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Dive into the rich tapestry of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition as the hosts explore its profound historical roots. They highlight how early Christians utilized reason and scripture to defend their beliefs. The conversation touches on the influence of key thinkers like Aristotle and Church Fathers on theology. Discover how medieval scholasticism shaped universities and doctrine. Plus, insights into Thomas Aquinas's contributions illuminate theology's purpose in worship. It's a captivating journey through the mind and heart of Catholic thought!

Jan 5, 2026 • 32min
The Rosary, St. Dominic & a Path to Purity w/ Gabriel Castillo
Gabriel Castillo, a Catholic lay evangelist and author known for his YouTube channel Gabi After Hours, shares his devotion to the rosary and its transformative power. He discusses his personal journey of conversion and the modern relevance of St. Louis de Montfort's teachings. The conversation explores the history of the rosary, its structure, and its role in deepening faith. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of perseverance in prayer and how the rosary nurtures purity and spiritual growth in everyday life.

7 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 34min
Why Do Catholics Worship Mary?
Explore the significance of Marian devotion in Catholicism and how it distinguishes the faith. The hosts tackle the common question of whether Catholics worship Mary, unveiling misunderstandings around this topic. They delve into the concepts of Latria and Dulia, clarifying the nuances of veneration versus adoration. Listen as they explain how Mary's role is an extension of Christ's mediation and discuss the practical effects of Marian prayer on believers' lives. Plus, insights on addressing Protestant objections and maintaining the balance in worship.

27 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 35min
Why Catholic and Not Just Christian?
Join two friars as they dive into a lively discussion about the unique aspects of Catholicism versus general Christianity. They explore whether being Catholic is merely 'extra' and why it’s essential for salvation. Topics include the Church's unity, the importance of sacraments, and the role of Mary in relation to Christ. The hosts also tackle the evangelical mission rooted in Christ’s commission and emphasize the pursuit of spiritual fullness. With engaging banter and thoughtful insights, it's a thought-provoking exploration of faith.


