

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 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.
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
10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
Episode 41 - Hildegard of Bingen, Abbess, Composer, Scientist, and Visionary
Delve into the extraordinary life of Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval nun whose visions shaped her as a composer and theologian. Discover her unique approach to music, blending spirituality with innovative chant styles. Explore her writings on science and medicine, reflecting her role as a pioneering figure in various fields. Learn how Hildegard's authority grew within the Church and her relevance today, bridging the gap between faith and science. This captivating journey illuminates her enduring legacy and inspiration for modern spirituality.
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


