

Our Church Speaks
Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta
A podcast exploring the saints of the church from every era and place.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 41min
Episode 53 - Pandita Mary Ramabai, Translator of the Scriptures & Renewer of Society
Ben and Dan tell the remarkable story of the Indian writer, activist, and Bible translator Pandita Mary Ramabai.
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 much to help promote this content to a wider audience. Please consider rating our podcast, leaving a review, and supporting financially.
Dec 1, 2025 • 37min
Episode 52 - Olga & Vladimir, Patrons of the Church in Russia & Ukraine
Ben and Dan tell the story of Olga, a merciless pagan queen of the Dark Ages who was transformed by the profound mercy of Jesus Christ, and her grandson, Vladimir, who was forever changed by Olga's 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 and leaving a review. You can support the Our Church Speaks project financially at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1
Nov 24, 2025 • 46min
Episode 51 - John Bunyan, Puritan & Spiritual Writer
Ben and Dan reflect on the life and times of John Bunyan, a 17th century Puritan Baptist preacher and author of the seminal work of English literature, The Pilgrim's Progress. 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 For more about the English Civil War era of church history, listen to Ben's interview about King Charles I on the Church History for Chumps podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-history-for-chumps/id1686344331?i=1000697609691
Nov 17, 2025 • 45min
Episode 50 - Macrina the Younger, Church Mother & Teacher of the Faith
Dan and Ben discuss the life and work of Macrina the Younger, an early church mother who inherited the apostle's teaching and defended the faith through her prayer and service. 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
Nov 10, 2025 • 44min
Episode 49 - Olaudah Equiano & William Wilberforce
Ben and Dan recount the remarkable stories of Olaudah Equiano, William Wilberforce, and the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, including the influence of the first Great Awakening on this remarkable evangelical social reform movement. 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.
Nov 3, 2025 • 40min
Episode 48 - Esther John, Missionary & Martyr
Discover the inspiring story of Esther John, a brave 20th-century Pakistani Christian martyr. Her unique journey from Kamar Zia to Esther John symbolizes her commitment to faith. The podcast explores how Isaiah 53 drew her to Christianity, emphasizing the appeal of vulnerability in her cultural context. From grassroots bicycle evangelism to her impactful local ministry, Esther’s legacy radiates character over accomplishments. Her martyrdom at age 30 continues to inspire, highlighting the importance of serving within one's own culture.
Oct 27, 2025 • 46min
Episode 47 - Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer (with special guest Orlando Palmer - "IAMSON")
Orlando Palmer, known as I Am Son, is a musician and songwriter with roots in a musical family and a passion for church music. He and Ben delve into Johann Sebastian Bach's profound legacy as a church composer and discuss how his faith influenced his work. Orlando shares how growing up in a musical household shaped his own artistry and the significance of hymns from his grandmother. They explore the impact of congregational singing on creativity and encourage listeners to integrate music into their daily lives.
Oct 20, 2025 • 33min
Episode 46 - Teresa of Avila, Teacher of the Faith
Ben and Dan talk about the Spanish teacher of the faith, Teresa of the Faith and the role and purpose of Christian Spiritual direction. 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
12 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 41min
Episode 45 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, Translator of the Bible, and Martyr (Part 2)
Dive into the life of William Tyndale, the courageous reformer who translated the Bible into English. Discover how Tyndale fled to Germany to print New Testaments, defying Henry VIII’s annulment and igniting controversy. Uncover the political stakes surrounding Henry’s desperate need for a male heir and how Tyndale's work influenced the English church's future. Explore Tyndale’s lasting legacy on the English language and the Bible, provoking thought on the importance and appreciation of Scripture in today's world.
9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 31min
Episode 44 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, and Translator of the Bible, Martyr (Part 1)
Explore the fascinating life of William Tyndale, a courageous reformer who defied the oppressive powers of his day. Discover the historical context that ignited the Reformation and Tyndale's vision for making scripture accessible to all, including the humble plowboy. Unpack the risks he faced, including fleeing to Germany to avoid persecution. Learn how the printing press transformed scripture access and the dangers authority figures feared from such widespread ideas. Tyndale's legacy as a translator and martyr continues to resonate today.


