
Godsplaining
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 10, 2025 • 35min
Social Media & Apologetics w/ @GrassrootCatholic
Keith Downey, a lively Catholic content creator known for his humor and the radio show Morning Joy, joins the conversation to explore faith in the digital age. He shares his journey of balancing humor with a pro-life commitment and reflects on navigating love through CatholicMatch. Downey discusses the challenges of maintaining family life amid social media demands and highlights the joys of grassroots Catholicism, all while teasing exciting upcoming projects. Tune in for laughter, insights, and faith-driven motivation!

Feb 6, 2025 • 32min
Friends with the Long-Dead
Delve into the nature of friendship as the hosts explore connections with both living and long-dead figures. They discuss how relationships shape faith, especially one's bond with Jesus. Diverse cultural expressions of friendship spark reflection, including the unique practice of men holding hands in some societies. The importance of deeply engaging with texts reveals how love for authors can foster profound understanding. Lastly, listeners are invited to upcoming retreats and community events.

Feb 3, 2025 • 33min
Guestsplaining: Rod Dreher on the Occult, UFO's and the Hidden World
Rod Dreher, an American author and journalist known for 'The Benedict Option,' chats about intriguing themes like the occult and demonic influences. He reveals how younger generations are shifting from atheism to a growing curiosity about the occult. The conversation dives into the significance of baptism and exorcism as powerful rituals against dark forces, complemented by a gripping tale of spiritual possession. Dreher also calls for renewed spiritual awareness amidst modern distractions, illustrating the profound impact of prayer and storytelling.

Jan 30, 2025 • 31min
Can Non-Believing Friends Be Saved?
What does salvation truly mean? The hosts dive into the complexities of belief and redemption, discussing how morality alone won't save anyone. They stress the importance of evangelization and the joy found in sharing the gospel. Compassionate engagement with non-believers is crucial, respecting their journeys while inviting them to discover God. Plus, they underline the transformative power of prayer in salvation and conversion, emphasizing that real change comes from a relationship with Jesus.

Jan 27, 2025 • 27min
Guestsplaining: Thomas Griffin on St. Francis of Assisi
Thomas Griffin, an author and educator specializing in St. Francis of Assisi, joins the conversation to explore the saint's radical approach to holiness. They discuss St. Francis's unique concept of giving all to Jesus and the transformative power of personal conversion. The dialogue touches on whether Generation Z is becoming more engaged in spirituality, especially in all-boys high school settings. Griffin's insights invite listeners to reflect on faith, commitment, and how to renew religious life in modern times.

Jan 23, 2025 • 33min
Servant of God, Luigi Giussani
Dive into the inspiring life of Monsignor Luigi Giussani, an impactful evangelizer and educator. Discover how his teachings shift the understanding of faith from mere rules to a vibrant, personal exploration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of relationships and existential inquiry in spirituality. It also tackles how rules can enhance freedom in community settings. Lastly, the importance of keeping Christ central in one's life and family dynamics is beautifully highlighted, providing encouragement for deeper spiritual commitment.

Jan 20, 2025 • 31min
Guestsplaining: Fr. Isaiah & J.J. Wright on How Music Connects Us
Fr. Isaiah, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and musician, joins J.J. Wright, a renowned composer and director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, to delve into the transformative power of music. They discuss their collaborative projects and the spiritual journey inspired by their friendship forged in a homeless shelter. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of individual aspirations within creative work and the importance of gratitude in building community connections. Tune in for insights on how music can unite and uplift the faith experience!

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
BONUS: Some Updates in the New Year + Q&A
The New Year kicks off with exciting plans, including talks of a 2025 pilgrimage and relocations. The hosts share amusing anecdotes about their teaching roles and the quirks of city life. They delve into the beauty of silence and music in spiritual practices, illustrating the connection to community through heartfelt prayers. Discussions about navigating Catholic rituals spark laughter, while reflections on 'Conclave' highlight changes in modern faith. The conversation wraps with humor around life’s big decisions and the moral complexities they entail.

Jan 16, 2025 • 32min
Confession Pro Tips
Dive into the depths of confession with insightful anecdotes and practical tips! Discover the healing power of forgiveness through funny confessional stories. Learn how to prepare for the sacrament with useful advice on examining your conscience. Explore the transformative experience of receiving absolution and the significance of genuine contrition. Finally, unearth the importance of expressing gratitude after confession. This engaging discussion offers a fresh perspective on embracing divine mercy.

Jan 13, 2025 • 35min
Guestsplaining: Gordon Hayward on Converting to Catholicism
Gordon Hayward, a former NBA player who recently converted to Catholicism, shares his transformative faith journey. He talks about the joy he found in the Eucharist and how his conversion has reshaped his life post-basketball. Hayward reflects on resilience in facing failures and the impact of mentorship in both sports and spirituality. He also emphasizes the importance of community and adaptability during life changes, highlighting the supportive role of his spouse in navigating their differing faith backgrounds.