

Our Church Speaks
Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta
A podcast exploring the saints of the church from every era and place.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 31min
Episode 44 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, and Translator of the Bible, Martyr (Part 1)
Ben and Dan launch the first part of a two part discussion about the life and times of William Tyndale, the great reformer and translator of the Bible. They begin with the wider historical context of the reformation and then talk about Tyndale's vision for the Bible's translation and why so many of the powers of Tyndale's day opposed this vision. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast and leaving a review. You can support the Our Church Speaks project financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Sep 29, 2025 • 37min
Episode 43 - Francis of Assisi, Deacon & Reformer of the Church
Explore the intriguing life of Francis of Assisi and his profound teachings on poverty, humility, and creation care. Discover the true meaning behind the misquoted phrase about preaching the gospel. Learn how Francis’ early experiences shaped his radical transformation from soldier to servant. Delve into his peaceful mission at the Fifth Crusade and the lasting impact of the Franciscan movement across various traditions. Plus, uncover practical ways to embrace stewardship of the Earth today while fostering unique partnerships for environmental initiatives.

Sep 22, 2025 • 31min
Episode 42 - Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest & Martyr of Korea
Ben and Dan talk about Andrew Kim Taegon, the first ordained Korean priest and a martyr for the faith. Along the way they discuss the legacy of Korean Christianity, as a whole, and reflect on the importance of keeping the witness of the church in our perspective as we labor in our individual corner of the kingdom of God. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
Episode 41 - Hildegard of Bingen, Abbess, Composer, Scientist, and Visionary
Ben and Dan explore the remarkable life of the medieval nun Hildegard of Bingen who contributed to the life of the church and society through her music, her theology, her scientific exploration, and her faith. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Sep 8, 2025 • 42min
Episode 40 - Lucian Tapedi, Martyr of Papua New Guinea
Ben and Dan consider the life of the World War II-era Papuan martyr Lucian Tapedi, whose courageous dedication to a specific people and place cost him his life and changed the history of Papua New Guinea forever.
Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast and leaving a review. You can support the Our Church Speaks project financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Sep 1, 2025 • 50min
Episode 39 - Mother Teresa, Renewer of Society
Ben and Dan discuss the life and witness of Mother Teresa, a saint whose name is so well known that the details of her life are often obscured by pop culture mischaracterizations. // More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Aug 25, 2025 • 32min
Episode 38 - Augustine & Monica (Part 2)
Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta launch season 3 of the Our Church Speaks podcast with an in-depth look at the lives of two significant African saints - Augustine and Monica. In part two of this discussion, Ben and Dan talk about Augustine's conversion and his many contributions to Christian theology and Christian literature. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Aug 18, 2025 • 39min
Episode 37 - Augustine & Monica (Part 1)
Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta launch season 3 of the Our Church Speaks podcast with an in-depth look at the lives of two significant African saints - Augustine and Monica. Together, Ben and Dan track the spiritual wanderings of Augustine's young life and his reflect on his mother's faithful prayers for her son's salvation. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, your support would do so much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

12 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 43min
Episode 36 - The Nicene Creed (Part 2)
The hosts dive into the Nicene Creed, breaking it down line by line. They explore the significance of monotheism in a pluralistic world, sharing an intriguing conversation between a missiologist and a Hindu scholar. The theology behind the term 'Father' sheds light on ancient beliefs and the dual nature of Christ. The role of the Holy Spirit is addressed, emphasizing unity amidst diverse traditions, alongside the complexities of church governance. The discussion wraps up with an affirmation of the Trinity, encouraging deeper understanding through scripture.

6 snips
May 26, 2025 • 34min
Episode 35 - The Nicene Creed (Part 1)
As the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea approaches, the hosts dive into the profound impact of the Nicene Creed on Christian history. They clarify the council's role in affirming Christ's divinity amid a pivotal time for the church. The discussion highlights the creed's roots in apostolic faith and its unity within worship practices. They also explore how the Nicene Creed serves as a vital theological framework for understanding scripture, all while emphasizing the importance of aligning teachings with the essence of Christ.