Best D.J. Marotta Podcasts (2025)

1
Singling Out Singles? Reflections on Singleness in the Church with Dr. Jana Bennett 1:22:07

1M ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Single Christians often encounter the church as a place where marriage and family are lifted up as the main ways to follow Christ faithfully. But there are Bible passages and historical moments that suggest otherwise. In this talk, we'll think through several different ways that Christians in the past have lived out singleness, including being "nev…

1
Saints Over Celebrities with Rev. D.J. Marotta 1:16:26

2M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Do you ever feel like you're alone in your struggles to live out the Christian faith? Do you ever read the Bible yet still wonder what it looks like to follow Jesus in the complexity and difficulty of our time? The stories of great men and women throughout the history of the church can help us form a bridge between the teaching of Scripture and our…

1
Episode 36 - The Nicene Creed (Part 2) 42:37

2M ago42:37

42:37

This episode marks the conclusion of Season 2 of the Our Church Speaks podcast. The show will return in August, 2025 with Season 3. 2025 marks the 1700 year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the drafting of the Nicene Creed. In Part 2 of this discussion, Ben and Dan continue their analysis of the Nicene Creed, following the creed line by lin…

1
Episode 35 - The Nicene Creed (Part 1) 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

2025 marks the 1700 year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the drafting of the Nicene Creed. To mark this significant milestone in church history, Ben and Dan discuss the Nicene Creed, detailing its historical and theological framework. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Ever…

1
Episode 34 - Joan of Arc, Visionary 30:05

3M ago30:05

30:05

In this episode, Ben and Dan chat about the incredible story of Joan of Arc, a teenage girl given a profound mission by God to liberate her people from oppression. 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 m…

1
Episode 33 - John of Damascus, Teacher of the Faith 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

Ben and Dan discuss the Syrian Church Father, John of Damascus and his impact on the church's theology of religious art and images. 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…

1
Episode 32 - Julian of Norwich, Anchoress 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

Ben and Dan discuss Julian of Norwich, an English woman who lived during the dark days of the Black Death and who had profound visions of the eternal, never-ending lovingkindess of Jesus. 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, yo…

1
Episode 31 - Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop & Teacher of the Faith 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

Ben and Dan have a conversation about Athanasius of Alexandria, one of church history's greatest theologians of the Trinity and his role at the Council of Nicaea. They then talk about the significance of the Nicaea and mark its 1700 year anniversary in 2025. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks p…

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Episode 30 - Catherine of Siena, Reformer of the Church 38:05

4M ago38:05

38:05

Ben and Dan talk about the 14th century Italian prophetic witness of Catherine of Siena, who was empowered through a life of prayer to speak truth to the most powerful figures of her day. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Learn more about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. If you've benefited from this …

1
Episode 29 - Kateri Tekakwitha, Prophetic Witness 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

Ben and Dan discuss the Mohawk saint Keteri Tekakwitha, her conversion to Christianity through Jesuit missionaries, and her remarkable life as an intercessor in prayer for her people. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to conta…

1
Episode 28 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Pastor & Martyr 35:45

4M ago35:45

35:45

Ben and Dan discuss the Lutheran pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his profound witness for Christ in the darkness of Nazi Germany. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchur…

1
Episode 27 - Mary of Egypt, Hermit 38:38

4M ago38:38

38:38

Ben and Dan discuss the wild and miraculous story of Mary of Egypt, a woman who intended to run far from God but found herself in his loving embrace and became a cherished mother of the ancient church. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about this podcast, the Our Church Speaks art and history series, and the Our Church Speaks devotional (printed …

1
Episode 26 - Oscar Romero (with special guest David Bailey) 51:49

4M ago51:49

51:49

Ben and Dan welcome special guest David Bailey, a public theologian from Richmond, Virginia. Together, they discuss the life and witness of Latin American bishop and martyr Oscar Romero. | Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about David Bailey and his ministry at https://arrabon.com/ | More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Chur…

1
"Cup Overflowing: A Conversation on the Spirituality of Wine" Dr. Gisela Kreglinger 1:13:17

5M ago1:13:17

1:13:17

Have you ever wondered what Jesus would drink? Was his family perhaps involved in growing vines and making wine? What would their family celebrations have been like? And what might this tell us about God and how he wants us to live today? Food and wine have become such hot topics in our culture, and yet there is so much confusion and ambivalence ar…

1
Episode 25 - Patrick, Missionary to Ireland 39:13

5M ago39:13

39:13

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Saint Patrick is about so much more than green beer and leprechauns - Dan and Ben talk about the real Saint Patrick and his incredible story of God's in Patrick's life, faith, and missionary work. // Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Ch…

1
Episode 24 - Harriet Tubman, Prophetic Witness 45:26

5M ago45:26

45:26

Ben and Dan talk about Harriet Tubman, a prophetic witness in the American church and the liberator of many African American slaves. Ben and Dan take a significant portion of the episode parsing out what Scripture says about slavery and how it compares to the corrupt teachings that were commonly taught by ministers in Harriet Tubman's childhood. //…

1
Episode 23 - Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs of Africa 37:04

5M ago37:04

37:04

Ben and Dan talk about the early African martyrs, Perpetua and Felicity whose story is recorded in the earliest known Christian writing by a female author. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourc…

1
"Mystic Faith in Mary Oliver's Poetics & Practices" with Dr. Daniel Gleason 1:16:49

5M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

"Mystic Faith in Mary Oliver's Poetics & Personal Practices" Mary Oliver once wrote, "Maybe the desire to make something beautiful / is the piece of God that is inside each of us." Though never espousing a Christian faith, Mary Oliver presents nature, the spirit, the body, and the divine in her simple but elegant poetry in terms that evoke the Chri…

1
Episode 22 - Art, beauty, and the Christian imagination (with special guest Dr. Lanta Davis) 43:19

5M ago43:19

43:19

Dan and Ben welcome special guest Dr. Lanta Davis to discuss the role Christian art has played in Christian spiritual formation and our need for truthful Christian images and beauty in our modern world. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More information about Dr. Davis' book, "Becoming by Beholding" can be found at her website www.lantadavis.com // More in…

1
Episode 21 - Polycarp of Smyrna 43:38

6M ago43:38

43:38

Hosts Ben and Dan talk about the inspiring witness of Polycarp of Smyrna, who studied at the feet of John of the Apostle. Their conversation covers the significance and content of Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians and his profound confidence in Christ exhibited at his martyrdom. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and…

1
Episode 20 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 2) 31:50

6M ago31:50

31:50

Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta are back with Season 2 of the "Our Church Speaks" podcast. To kick off the season, Ben and Dad talk about what the church calendar is and why it is relevant to Christians today. In part two of this conversation, Ben and Dan discuss Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Ordinary Time. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about …

1
Episode 19 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 1) 30:04

6M ago30:04

30:04

Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta are back with Season 2 of the "Our Church Speaks" podcast. To kick off the season, Ben and Dan talk about what the church calendar is and why it is relevant to Christians today. In part one of this conversation, Ben and Dan discuss Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church S…

1
"Is Seeing Believing? Doubt, Glory, and Jesus in John's Gospel" with Dr. Luke Irwin 1:26:14

7M ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Our journeys of faith often involve the navigation of doubt. In this lecture, Dr. Luke Irwin explores this dynamic through the Gospel of John. There, Jesus famously says to “Doubting Thomas:” “Have you believed because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This statement from Jesus may make us quest…

1
Episode 18 - Nino of Georgia 42:16

8M ago42:16

42:16

In this season finale episode, Ben and Dan discuss one additional Advent-themed saint - Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. A contemporary of Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucy, Nino is a lesser known saint with a story of profound courage inspired by love. Our Church Speaks will resume with season 2 in February, 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! …

1
Episode 17 - Lucy, Martyr of Syracuse 35:17

8M ago35:17

35:17

Hosts Ben and Dan discuss the Advent-themed saint, Lucy of Syracuse who lived and died during the Great Persucution of Emperor Diocletian and gave her life for her faith in Jesus Christ. Ben and Dan talk about Lucy's life and why her memory is so associated with the power of the light, even amidst growing darkness. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Order t…

1
Episode 16 - Nicholas ("Santa Claus"), Bishop of Myra 44:45

8M ago44:45

44:45

Good news: Santa is real! Hosts Ben and Dan discuss the true story of Saint Nicholas ("Santa Claus") and how his care for the poor and helpless coexisted with his passion for precise Trinitarian theology. Ben and Dan discuss Nicholas' life and times, his legacy to the church, and traditions associated with his memory. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Orde…

1
Episode 15 - C.S. Lewis, Teacher of the Faith (with special guest Daniel Payne) 1:25:42

8M ago1:25:42

1:25:42

In this episode, Ben Lansing (Creator of Our Church Speaks) welcomes classical education teacher and podcaster Daniel Payne to discuss the life and work of celebrated Christian author C.S. Lewis. Daniel a teacher at Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia and is the host of the Lamp-post Listener, which you can learn more about at https://www.lamppost…

1
Episode 14 - Hilda, Abbess of Whitby 42:14

9M ago42:14

42:14

Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta talk about Hilda of Whitby, an inspiring 7th century saint who served as a monastic leader at a critical time in the history of the church in England. Ben and Dan trace the story of the English church to the earliest centuries of church history and reflect on the growing need for a revival of abbesses, abbots, mon…

1
Episode 13 - Herman of Alaska, Missionary & Monk 37:31

9M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode, hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta discuss the remarkable Russian saint, Herman of Alaska, his ministry to the subarctic Aleut people, and his significance as a Christian example of embodied, incarnational service. // Art by Ben Lansing. Order the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" …

1
Episode 12 - Martin of Porres, Friar of Peru 37:38

9M ago37:38

37:38

Ben and Dan explore the story of the South American Saint Martin of Porres, who overcame prejudice and hardship through a life of faith that was fed by his profound discipline of prayer. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patre…

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Using the World & Enjoying God: An Augustinian Theology of Economy 1:26:27

9M ago1:26:27

1:26:27

The evening will feature poetry from Nikki Lake, a lecture from Rev. Dr. Zac Settle, and then a conversation between the two moderated by CALEB Faith Caucus leader Christopher Heintz. 00:01 - Opening Intro & Announcements 07:26 - Poetry by Nikki Lake 08:53 - Lecture from Rev. Dr. Zac Settle 46:19 - Poetry by Nikki Lake 47:21 - Conversation between …

1
Episode 11 - SPECIAL book launch episode 42:54

9M ago42:54

42:54

Ben and Dan's book launches this week! "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (published by InterVarsity Press) will be officially released October 29, 2024. You can get your copy at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. To celebrate the book's release, Ben and Dan discuss "On the Reading of Old Books," a short essay by …

1
Episode 10 - The Martyrs of China 46:05

10M ago46:05

46:05

Ben and Dan talk about Chinese Christianity, its history from ancient times to today, and the incredible witness of three 19th century Chinese women who helped to expand the Chinese church at the cusp of a wave of modern evangelization. ----------- ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", suppo…

1
Episode 9 - Janani Luwum, Martyr of Uganda 37:30

10M ago37:30

37:30

Ben and Dan talk about the courage of the 20th century African martyr, Janani Luwum and what it means to submit to governing authorities while living in the freedom of the Gospel. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get…

1
Episode 8 - Valentine, Cyril and Methodius 40:25

10M ago40:25

40:25

Ben and Dan chat about the Roman priest Valentine and the Eastern European missionaries Cyril and Methodius and they discuss why these three saints are often associated with each other and why their unique witness reveals what true love is. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every E…

1
Episode 7 - Absalom Jones, First African American Priest 31:34

10M ago31:34

31:34

Recorded the week of July 4, this episode focuses on Absalom Jones, an American revolutionary-war era minister and one of the first African Americans ordained in the United States. Ben and Dan discuss the historical context of the American revolutionary war and how it created the world in which Absalom Jones served as a minister. The conversation m…

1
Finding Home: Wendell Berry on the Sacredness of People and Place 1:15:13

11M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Through Berry’s fiction, poetry, and essays, we see a vision of how the transcendent beauty of creation is known in particularity. For this venerable Kentucky writer, human flourishing is a loving stewardship of people and place, appreciating the spiritual fruit of our embodied existence. Dr. Thomas Pope joined Lee University's political science fa…

1
Episode 6 - Josephine Bakhita, Prophetic Witness 30:05

11M ago30:05

30:05

“I am definitively loved and whatever happens to me, I am awaited by this love. And so my life is good.” - Josephine Bakhita (c. 1867-1947), Monastic & Prophetic Witness Ben and Dan talk about the profound faith of the African saint, Josephine Bakhita, and the hope and trust that she placed in Jesus Christ after a life of heartbreak and trauma. The…

1
Episode 5 - Paul Miki, Martyr of Japan 38:02

11M ago38:02

38:02

Ben and Dan talk about the introduction of Christianity in Japan in the 16th century. They specifically focus on the life of the evangelist Paul Miki, a Japanese Christian who lived and died for Christ in Japan and preached his final sermon from his own cross before an audience of his fellow Japanese citizens. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. …

1
Episode 4 - Thomas Aquinas, Teacher of the Faith 42:19

11M ago42:19

42:19

Ben and Dan discuss the life and work of Thomas Aquinas, one of the Western church's most significant theologians. Once considered a "dumb ox" by his fellow students, Thomas' deep love for Christ inspired him to apply his profound intellect to contemplating and articulating the mysteries of the faith and the glory of God. ----------- Cover art by B…

1
Episode 3 - Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa 42:52

11M ago42:52

42:52

"Lord, the task is impossible for me, but not for thee. Lead the way and I will follow." - Mary Slessor (1848-1915), Missionary in West Africa Ben and Dan discuss the inspiring life of Mary Slessor. Born to an impoverished family in Scotland and raised in the textile mills of the industrial revolution, Slessor was called to serve in complex and dan…

1
Episode 2 - Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople 41:49

11M ago41:49

41:49

“As a fish cannot swim without water, and as a bird cannot fly without air, so a Christian cannot advance a single step without Christ.” - Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), Bishop and Teacher Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta discuss the ancient theologian, Gregory of Nazianzus. Ben shares Gregory's story and Dan explains why Gregory's theology of the Tri…

1
Episode 1 - "For All the Saints" 32:43

12M ago32:43

32:43

"From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia!" - Hymn, "For All the Saints" Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce the podcast and their upcoming book, "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every…

1
Episode 0 - Our Church Speaks Podcast Trailer 5:38

12M ago5:38

5:38

Our Church Speaks: A podcast of saints from every era and place. Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce themselves, their upcoming book (published by InterVarsity Press), and the overall "Our Church Speaks" project. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2…

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"God & Architecture: How the Built Environment Influences Our Formation" with Jon Jon Wesolowski 1:21:25

1y ago1:21:25

1:21:25

"God and Architecture: How the Built Environment Influences Our Formation" Similar to how a fish is unaware of the influence of water, architecture shapes our lives. Through the grandeur of cathedrals and the brutality of concentration camps remind us of the profound power of the built world, most of our lives unfold in less dramatic settings, wher…

1
"The Psychology of Reconstructing Faith After Spiritual Trauma" with Dr. Preston Hill 1:35:33

1+ y ago1:35:33

1:35:33

Our annual partnership with Richmont Graduate University & the Spiritual First Responders Project on the intersection of theology & psychology. The event was titled "An Evening on Trauma, Faith, & Reconstruction" and featured lectures by Dr. Hillary McBride & Dr. Preston Hill. "The Psychology of Faith Reconstruction After Spiritual Trauma" by Dr. P…

1
"Growing Ourselves Up" with Dr. Hillary McBride 54:21

1+ y ago54:21

54:21

Our annual partnership with Richmont Graduate University & the Spiritual First Responders Project on the intersection of theology & psychology. The event was titled "An Evening on Trauma, Faith, & Reconstruction" and featured lectures by Dr. Hillary McBride & Dr. Preston Hill. "Growing Ourselves Up: Understanding the Long Term Impact of Spiritualit…

1
"Women Who Do" with Dr. Holly Carey 1:16:05

1+ y ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Women Who Do: What We Can Learn from Female Disciples in the Gospels When we think of disciples, we often picture the Twelve – the small group of men who followed Jesus throughout his ministry. But Jesus had many disciples, and the gospels are clear that we, as Christians, can learn from all of the people who followed Jesus. In her lecture, Dr. Car…

1
Evangelical Worship: An American Mosaic with Dr. Melanie Ross 1:27:25

1+ y ago1:27:25

1:27:25

"Evangelical Worship: An American Mosaic" with Dr. Melanie Ross 6:30 - Lecture Begins 1:04:30 - Q & A In partnership with UTC - Department of Philosophy & Religion Evangelicalism has undergone seismic and controversial shifts in worship over the last forty years, particularly in the areas of preaching and music. In this talk, liturgical scholar Mel…

1
The Trinity & Work with Dr. Scott Swain 1:39:11

2y ago1:39:11

1:39:11

In partnership with Faith Co-Op 5:40 - Lecture • 57:00 - Q&A Learn more about Reformed Theological Seminary - Orlando's Faith, Work, & Culture Graduate Certificate Program "The Trinity & Work: How God's Work Informs Our Work" - How does the work of the triune God inform our work? In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul provides an illuminating framework for …

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D.J. Marotta Podcasts

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