Shows / Godsplaining
Godsplaining
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
GodsplainingWhy We Want What Others Want: Mimetic Theory & the Gospel w/ Fr. Elias Carr
Fr. Elias Carr joins Fr. Bonaventure to discuss his book, "I Came to Cast Fire: An Introduction to René Girard," his accessible introduction to René Girard’s…
GodsplainingBONUS: Reporting Back from the Jubilee! + Q&A
Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure for a special live episode as they swap stories from their whirlwind adventure in the Eternal City for the Jubilee of…
GodsplainingThe Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony reflect on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, exploring its theological significance and how it reveals…
GodsplainingSt. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory chat all about philosopher and Catholic-convert turned Carmelite nun Edith Stein, otherwise known as St. Teresa Benedicta of…
GodsplainingSacrifice, Suffering & Mary as Our Mother w/ Fr. Donald Haggerty
Fr. Donald Haggerty joins Fr. Joseph-Anthony on this episode of Guestsplaining to reflect on the state of the Church and the spiritual trials facing Catholics…
GodsplainingChurch and/or State?
Catholics are no doubt involved in politics - take JD Vance for example. What is the relationship between church and state like? Should Christians obey the…
GodsplainingCan Christians KILL?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony tackle the challenging question: Can Christians kill? They explore the proper…
GodsplainingCatholicism in Australia w/ Archbishop Anthony Fisher, O.P.
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick welcome Archbishop Anthony Fisher, O.P. of Sydney. What's it like being a Catholic in Australia? What trends are bringing secular…
GodsplainingThe Papacy and Pope Leo XIV
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure are back at it—this time unpacking all things papacy and the American Pope. From the Scriptural roots to the role of the modern…
GodsplainingThe Inescapable Weirdness of the Christian Life
Christian life can be weird, especially for a Catholic. We certainly stand out from the crowd when you think of how we worship, have intangible relationships…
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Mountaineering, Masculinity & Modern Technology w/ Fr. John Nepil
In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Patrick sits down with Fr. John Nepil to explore the themes of his new book, "To Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from…
GodsplainingCan I Miss My Vocation?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore the nuanced question: Can someone miss their vocation? They dive into how God’s…
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Plato and His Dialogues
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure explore the enduring relevance of Plato's philosophical works, emphasizing their significance…
- Godsplaining
Unlocking Scripture: How to Use the Catholic Study Bible w/ Curtis Mitch
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman is joined by Biblical scholar Curtis Mitch, co-editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. Together…
- Godsplaining
Does God Have Parts?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony delve into the theological concept of Divine Simplicity and a fundamental doctrine in…
- Godsplaining
Does the Bible Make Mistakes?
Humans make mistakes...humans composed the Bible...so does the Bible have mistakes? On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Bonaventure…
- Godsplaining
Converting to Catholicism and The Year of Jubilee w/ Dr. John Bergsma
What leads a Calvinist pastor to become a Catholic theologian? In this episode, Dr. John Bergsma joins Fr. Gregory to share his powerful conversion story—from…
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Why Does Bad Stuff Happen to Good People?
On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Patrick lead us into understanding suffering and evil, the benevolence of God, free will, harmony…
- Godsplaining
BONUS: Meditating on the Passion of Christ
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony take us to the Day of Recollection in Dallas, Texas to discuss meditation and devotions they recommend to the Passion of…
- Godsplaining
God Already Knows, Can I Really Choose?
Freedom. Perception. Spontaneity. Interior vs Exterior. Free Will. Intellect. On this week's episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure Fr…
- Godsplaining
Faith, Freedom & the Future w/ Connor Boyack
In this special guest episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory engages in a compelling conversation with Connor Boyack—author, speaker, and president of the…
- Godsplaining
BONUS: What Does the Cross Merit?
This bonus episode of Godsplaining takes us to Dallas, Texas, to hear Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure talk all things related to the merit of the Cross of…
- Godsplaining
Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
Romp through history with Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick. Why an episode on Catholic social teaching? Is it just silly? Is the Catholic Church political? What…
- Godsplaining
The Scourge of Comparison
Comparison: the thief of joy. Should we compare ourselves to anyone? Is it healthy? What are negative aspects of comparison? What virtues should we instead…
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Cardinal George Pell's Legacy w/ Tess Livingstone
Australian journalist and author Tess Livingstone joins Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony to discuss Cardinal George Pell, his wrongful imprisonment, his life…
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BONUS: The Immutable Will of God
Godsplaining's first Day of Recollection of 2025 was in Nashville, TN! In this bonus episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick talk not yet being at our ultimate…
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What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Immigration?
On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick have a very important and interesting conversation about immigration. What is a nation? Where…
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BONUS: Cultivating a Proper Prayer Life & Being Nothing
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory examine ways to cultivate a proper prayer life, gain a plenary indulgence and choose the right devotions on this bonus episode of…
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Sober Curious
Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Gregory delve into how they've noticed a social shift in the consumption of alcohol, the mental health aspect of sober curiosity…
- Godsplaining
The Mormon View of God w/ Francis Beckwith
Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick welcomes author Professor Francis Beckwith on this week's Guestsplaining episode to discuss the radically different beliefs…
- Godsplaining
BONUS: Giving Up in the Right Direction
Enjoy this bonus episode from the Godsplaining Day of Recollection in New York City! Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory discuss giving up in the right direction…
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Dealing with Digital Addiction
Hot take alert! Do companies use our data? What would St. Thomas Aquinas know of digital addiction as a modern problem? What does excessive stimuli do to our…
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BONUS: Remembering Pope Francis
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony sit down for a thoughtful look at the pontificate of Pope Francis. His time as the 266th successor to St. Peter was marked…
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JD Vance, Thomas Aquinas, and the Ordo Amoris
With his upcoming visit to the Vatican, JD Vance went viral with his talk about Ordo Amoris. But what is the Ordo Amoris? Is it Biblical? What does St. Thomas…
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Plights of the Postmodern Era w/ Bobby Angel
Postmodernism. What is it, and what does reality, freedom and technology have to do with it? On this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr…
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Lectio: Palm Sunday
Fr. Patrick, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Bonaventure meditate on the Palm Passion Sunday readings of mass this week, discussing the intimacy of the face, the…
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The Principle of Double Effect
The banter is 10/10. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure are at it again on this week's episode of Godsplaining. What is the principle of double effect? What if an…
- Godsplaining
Lectio: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Fr. Patrick, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure read and meditate upon the readings on the fifth Sunday of Lent, discussing choosing and pleasing God, sharing…
- Godsplaining
Entertainment, Leisure, Worship
We know you've wondered: what do the friars do in their free time? In this week's episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony talk culture, celebrities…
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Masculinity and Men's Formation w/ Dr. John Bishop
Dr. John Bishop joins Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure on this week's episode of Guestsplaining to talk authentic masculinity, modern crises men encounter, the…
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Lectio: Fourth Sunday of Lent
On this Laetare Lenten Lectio episode, Fr. Joseph-Anthony, Fr. Gregory, and Fr. Bonaventure delve into the mass readings for this Sunday, discussing manna and…
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Guilt or Shame?
What is 'Catholic guilt?' What is the difference between guilt and shame? IS there a difference? Are there references to guilt or shame in the Bible? Can you…
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Lectio: Third Sunday of Lent
To get into the right mindset, the friars talk their favorite Lenten hymns before diving into the third Sunday of Lent's readings. Fr. Joseph-Anthony, Fr…
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Catholic or Christian?
Catholic or Christian? Yes. What does it mean to be Christian? Do all Christians believe the same, basic tenants? Where does Sola Scriptura come from? Where do…
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Marriage, Family & Subordination w/ Mary Stanford
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick welcome author and professor Mary Stanford to this week's episode of Guestsplaining! Mary enlightens us regarding marriage, family…
- Godsplaining
Lectio: Second Sunday of Lent
On this week's Lectio episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory lead us in the readings for the second Sunday of Lent. We hear…
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Catholic Predestination
What is predestination, and do Catholics believe in it? Does God choose who goes to Heaven or Hell? Who IS God? Are we really free? Do Catholics believe that…
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Lectio: First Sunday of Lent
The friars throw it way back to '05 YouTube viral videos. What was your favorite OG YouTube video? What are you giving up for Lent? Let us know. This week's…
- Godsplaining
Dilexit Nos - Sacred Heart Encyclical
Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Joseph-Anthony discuss the Holy Father's newest encyclical, "Dilexit Nos" (He Loved Us) on this week's episode of Godsplaining. What…
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The Shift from Secular to Christian Music w/ Marie Miller
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory welcome musician Marie Miller to this week's episode of Guestsplaining! Marie tells us about her gradual transition from making…
- Godsplaining
Church Teaching on Suic!de
In recognizing the sensitivity of this episode's topic, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory discuss suic!de through the eyes of the Church. What IS suic!de, and is it…
- Godsplaining
The Road to Rosary in a Year w/ Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick welcome Fr. Mark-Mary Ames to this episode of Guestsplaining to talk Dominicans vs. Franciscans, the Rosary in a Year, devotions…
- Godsplaining
What About Cohabitation?
Homies, roomies, flat mates, romies...hoomies? Pals Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony talk turtles and cohabitation. What does the Church say about…
- Godsplaining
The Future of the Priesthood w/ Fr. David Michael Moses
Fr. David Michael Moses joins this week's episode of Guestsplaining! Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony get Fr. David Michael's take on the future of the…
- Godsplaining
Arguments for Atheism, Basis for Belief
Does God exist? An age-old question. On this week's episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick talk atheism, theism, Christianity, and objectives…
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Social Media & Apologetics w/ @GrassrootCatholic
Guestsplaining: Social Media & Apologetics w/ @GrassrootCatholic Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick welcome Keith Downey, @grassrootcatholic, to this week's episode…
- Godsplaining
Friends with the Long-Dead
Does Fr. Bonaventure make Fr. Gregory laugh in this episode of Godsplaining? Yes. Obviously. This week, the friars discuss what friendship is, being 'friends'…
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Guestsplaining: Rod Dreher on the Occult, UFO's and the Hidden World
On this captivating episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Gregory welcomes author Rod Dreher to discuss his recent publications, the Occult, demons and stories of…
- Godsplaining
Can Non-Believing Friends Be Saved?
What does being saved ACTUALLY mean? How do I talk to my non-believing friends about Christ's salvation? On this week's episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr…
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Guestsplaining: Thomas Griffin on St. Francis of Assisi
Author and teacher Thomas Griffin joins Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory on this week's episode of Guestsplaining to talk about St. Francis of Assisi. They discuss…