The Art of Catholic with Matthew Leonard

What lessons does a parish priest who battled the Devil (and won) have to share with us? Matthew Leonard is joined by author Kevin Wells who has published a great, very unique little book that shares the practical secrets of a holy life from St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars.

Matthew Leonard is joined by author and professor John Mark Miravalle to discuss what beauty is - and why it matters.

Matthew Leonard is joined by Father Wayne Sattler, who lived the contemplative life as a hermit for years and has great wisdom to share on the spiritual life.

Lesson One of a beautiful, crash course on everything you need to know to move into a deeper, more fulfilling life of prayer according to the saints. This incredible series from Matthew Leonard will stream FREE this Lent. 

In this episode of the Art of Catholic, Matthew Leonard is joined by author Kevin Wells, who shares the powerful story of his wife Krista's battle with alcoholism, the impact it had on his spiritual life - and the incredible redemption God brought through the figure of a saintly priest.

Give it 3 minutes and you won't turn it off.  This is a truly powerful and moving story of a man, a woman, and bevy of children who live a life totally abandoned to God...even in the midst of gut-wrenching sorrow and suffering. If you can listen without being inspired in some way, you may need to check your pulse.  That's all I can say. Matthew

A couple of weeks ago, I was interviewed on the EWTN show Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie about my discovery of the Catholic spiritual life a few years after I entered the Church. As a brand new Catholic, I didn't yet understand the incredible spiritual patrimony that was ours. But once I learned more about it...and began to practice it...that's when everything changed! And it was such a powerful conversation that I'm sharing it with you on the Art of Catholic podcast. You'll hear us talk about some of my story, as well as some spiritually crucial topics such as: • What a healthy interior life looks like for regular Catholics • The importance of community in our spiritual journey • The absolute necessity of authentic meditation • The role of spiritual direction • Practical tips on how to deepen your prayer life I'm so grateful to Jerry and Debbie and all the wonderful folks at EWTN for inviting me onto their show - and for graciously allowing me to share the episode with you on my podcast. If you want to hear a very practical discussion about how to make real spiritual progress, this episode is for you!

In today's Art of Catholic podcast, Matthew Leonard is joined by Catholic evangelist John Edwards, who shares stories and insights he's gained from guiding countless men to a deeper relationship with Christ. But don't think for a second this is an episode only for men. We hit topics that affect everyone like: Shattering the lies we tell ourselves Why isolation is the Devil's playground The most pressing problem haunting men (Listen up, ladies! You need to hear this.) The beautiful power of weakness Why community is absolutely essential for men & women  This is a must-listen episode for anyone longing for the deep joy that comes from an intimate relationship with God and the mystical body of Christ.

Every now and then I come across someone or something in the Church that leaves me slack-jawed...in a good way. This is one of those times. If you've heard of Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, you know what I'm talking about. If not, prepare to have your mind blown. Matthew

If this Art of Catholic Podcast episode whets your appetite to learn more, click below to get access to all of the video courses included in the Science of Sainthood!

If this Art of Catholic Podcast episode whets your appetite to learn more, click below to get access to all of the video courses included in the Science of Sainthood!

If this Art of Catholic Podcast episode whets your appetite to learn more, click below to get access to all of the video courses included in the Science of Sainthood!

Is anyone else starting to get some Terminator vibes from the whole ChatGPT thing? Am I the only one who hears in their head an Austrian accent when reading back what it spits out? I'm kidding, of course....kind of :). I admit to sometimes asking, "What can this thing really do?" Because while I don't think Artificial Intelligence is quite to the point where we need to start worrying about robot overlords, there are definitely some legitimate concerns when it comes to the ethics behind this new technology. So how should Catholics respond to AI? 

When I asked my parish priest who the new guy with the blond ponytail in our parish was, I had no idea his conversion story would be so compelling that I'd end up asking him to be a guest on the Art of Catholic Podcast! In fact, Stephen Johnson's entire life story is a fascinating journey, one that took him from the Mormon faith of his childhood through atheism, New Age beliefs, and Evangelical Protestantism, and finally home to the Catholic Church. And all this while serving in the military as an Air Force Pararescueman, one of the most intense special mission units in the Armed Forces! You've GOT to give this episode a listen.

Confused by (and tired of) all the arguments about the Mass? Join Matthew Leonard and liturgical theologian Dr. David Fagerberg as they lift the veil and reveal the deeper currents of the Catholic Mass. It's the beautiful essence of the liturgy that no one else is talking about...but they should be.  

Though we often tend to focus most of our attention on Good Friday and Holy Saturday during Holy Week and the Triduum, don't forget Holy Thursday. Join ScienceOfSainthood.com founder, Matthew Leonard, for a spiritual reflection on the immense power and purpose of Holy Thursday.  

The idea of total abandonment to God can cause a lot of fear and agnst. After all, we like to think we're in control, when we're actually not. Join Matthew Leonard to watch the first full lesson of the FREE Lent series.

Don't think the Immaculate Conception is taught in the Bible? Think again. Matthew Leonard shows this dogma of the Catholic Church is present from beginning to end of Scripture.

St. John of the Cross is one of the most celebrated, yet misunderstood spiritual teachers in the Catholic faith. But the more we understand the mystical and powerful teaching of this spiritual giant, the more deeply we'll move into relationship with Christ. Join Matthew Leonard and Fr. Donald Haggerty as they unveil the beautiful teaching of the Mystical Doctor.  Topics covered include: • What are some common obstacles to deeper prayer? • What is the real role of asceticism? • The importance of "mental austerity" • The theme of darkness in John of the Cross • St. John Paul II's love of St. John of the Cross and his fascinating view of the virtue of faith • and more!

Ever wondered exactly how Catholics are supposed to interpret and read the Bible? Is there a pattern or priority order we're supposed to follow? Matthew Leonard is joined by Father Michael Mitchell and his brother, Father Jason Mitchell, for a highly informative talk on the 4 senses of Scripture and the basics of interpretation. This is really important because if you don't really know how to approach Scripture properly, not only will your personal reading suffer, but your participation in the mass will suffer, as well...and that would be a tragedy of biblical proportions.

Prayer is an art that needs to be practiced properly and authentic meditation is an absolutely necessary part of every Catholic's day. As St. Teresa of Avila declared, "How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer." In this episode, ScienceOfSainthood.com founder, Matthew Leonard, provides a primer on Catholic meditation and then provides a guided audio meditation based on the spiritual classic "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales. 

Ever wondered why the Catholic Church teaches Mary is the Mediatrix of Graces and Co-redemptix? It certainly sounds controversial doesn't it? Even a lot of Catholics don't fully understand it, much less Protestants. In fact, famous Protestant evangelist Dr. Ray Comfort - popular for the "Way of the Master" series with actor Kirk Cameron - recently posted a video that maligned Catholics for our beliefs about Our Lady - a video that showed Matthew Leonard teaching about Mary - so Matthew decided to respond.

Matthew Leonard is joined by Fr. Gregory Pine to dive into the power of the virtue of prudence. Everyone thinks prudence equals pansy. Not even close. This is an extremely enlightening discussion that can help you boldly order your life and understand why prudence has a kind of pride of place in the virtues.

This is the first lesson of a powerful, FREE Lenten video series by Matthew Leonard and the Science of Sainthood. Let the Doctor of Prayer lead into the inferno of Christ's love! Make Lent matter this year! Sign up at www.ScienceOfSainthood.com. 

Matthew Leonard and Brant Pitre dive into a discussion of meditation and authentic Catholic spirituality that will leave you thirsting for God. The spiritual life is what Jesus calls the "one thing necessary" in Luke 10:42. Topics covered include: What are the Jewish roots of prayer? How specific virtues oppose specific vices What are the Jewish roots of prayer? Why meditation is a key to happiness What does it mean to love the Lord with "all your mind" What is the difference between meditation and contemplation?

Have you ever wondered how is it that new terms you had never heard of like “woke,” “transgender,” “privilege” are suddenly everywhere? It's like overnight these words just show up and are being spoken about by everyone. Well, it's not spontaneous. It's planned…and it's called “idea laundering.” In a shorter, follow-up to my recent full interview with Noelle Mering on Marxism and the Woke Movement, we discuss the way in which our Catholic faith is being attacked on all sides at once. It's a quick, fascinating look at things like: How Our Language is So Quickly Manipulated Why Teacher's Unions are Hotbeds of Activism (Pay attention, parents!) The Destructive Role of John Dewey (yeah…the Dewey Decimal System guy) The Danger of Disney (Sorry Walt) How to Fight Against This Onslaught Attacking Our Families There are people working hard to radically undermine not just our culture, but even our ability to practice the faith. They're fully aware that controlling language will lead to control of people. God bless! Matthew

How in the world did we get here? How have things gone so far downhill, so fast? Organized violence. Churches burning. Society in chaos on multiple levels. What has happened? Join Matthew Leonard and author Noelle Mering as they zero in on the "woke" movement – what it is, where it comes from, and what it wants. But this isn't about politics. It's about spirituality. It's about the human person. It's about an attempted radical reshaping of who we are in and of ourselves that is fundamentally flawed and anti-Christian.

Dr. Brant Pitre joins Matthew Leonard to discuss why - contrary to popular opinion - we can pretty much know St. Joseph wasn't an elderly man who was simply commissioned to care for Mary like a grandpa. Also, make sure to check out Matthew and Brant's other St. Joseph Youtube video titled Dr. Brant Pitre Reveals the Scriptural Secrets of St Joseph. https://youtu.be/YimyO1YZMIY

Think you've heard it all about St. Joseph? Think again. Matthew Leonard is joined by Dr. Brant Pitre for a scintillating discussion that reveals some incredible Scriptural insights and new revelations about Our Lord's earthly father. You do NOT want to miss this episode! GET 20 FREE Video Lessons of incredible spiritual formation in the SCIENCE OF SAINTHOOD! Text SAINT to 66866 (US Only) OR go to ScienceofSainthood.com. Matthew and Brant discuss: - The secret identity of St. Joseph - The important clues regarding Joseph in the genealogy of St. Matthew - The darkly illuminating backstory that explains the awful Massacre of the Innocents Jesus barely escaped - The vital importance of the census story in Bethlehem and the House of David - How we know the royal line of David in Jesus' time even though all records had been destroyed - The one powerful word Scripture indicates St. Joseph uttered

If you've ever struggled with fasting, this episode is going to radically change your whole perspective and practice of this powerful practice of the faith. Matthew Leonard is joined by Dr. Jay Richards on the Art of Catholic to discuss a whole new way to approach the topic of fasting. GET 2 FREE WEEKS of the SCIENCE OF SAINTHOOD! Text SAINT to 66866 (US Only) OR go to

Join Matthew Leonard and Shane Kapler in a powerful discussion of how St. James teaches us to suffer with joy and tame our tongues...and a whole lot more (including why Martin Luther hated this book of the Bible).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest Catholic evangelists of our time. He reached millions of souls every week with the gospel of Christ. But it didn't just happen. Sheen had a secret weapon. It was a deep prayer life that took on a very specific form. Join Matthew Leonard and Allan Smith as they discuss the incredible spiritual life of this amazing man of God and how we can learn to pray like him.

Matthew Leonard and Dr. Carrie Gress discuss the power and evangelistic necessity of a proper theology of home. This is a huge topic for both Catholic men and women. After all, we all live in homes! The relationship between "home" and your spiritual life How modern culture asks men to become like women (and vice-versa) How a Catholic theology of home is different from Protestantism and other faiths The prime role of beauty in the home • Why Scripture emphasizes hospitality and the importance of its role How Our Lady teaches us a theology of home

It's a legitimate question. Is there a crisis in the Catholic faith? And if so, what exactly is it and where did it come from? Of course, there are a lot of facets to that question, some of them easier to see than others. So I brought in Dr. Ralph Martin, a man with a great deal of experience and insight, to help understand what's happening and why. HAVE YOU HEARD? Text SAINT to 66866 and get 2 FREE weeks of spiritual formation in the Science of Sainthood Course from Next Level Catholic Academy! "SO POWERFUL" "Breathtaking!" "Seriously! Why weren't we taught this before!"   But we're not stopping there. The Catholic faith is all about hope and salvation. So we're not just talking problems. We're talking solutions. Among other things we discuss: What is universalism & why is it so dangerous Is Vatican II to blame for our problems? What role has the sexual revolution played? Why the desire for divinity is at the root of it all What are the different kinds of oppressions present in the Church today? Is the New Evangelization dead? The only path forward to solve the crisis We're not pulling punches, nor chasing boogie-men. It's time to get real. God bless and enjoy the show. Matthew

There are conversion stories and then there are conversion stories. This is one you really want to hear. It's the story of how a guy named John Edwards, co-founder of Virtual Catholic Conference, hit absolute rock-bottom...and I mean falling into the cracks at the rock bottom... even while everyone else thought he was living the dream. In reality it was a nightmare...until Jesus entered the building. That's about all that can be said, except that you need to hear it for yourself.

Don't leave it on the table. Don't walk away from the transforming power of two of the most important things in the spiritual life…deep prayer and the almost “too good to be true” opportunity of redemptive suffering. They will change your life. So if you're anxious or uneasy, wondering what in the world has happened and what exactly is to come, take a listen. This is a conversation that will bring you some peace and help you re-focus on the essentials that can change both your life, and the lives of others.

The Catholic Church is facing a lot of serious difficulties. But should the current problems discourage conversion? Join Matthew Leonard and EWTN morning host Matt Swaim in a conversation about Matt's winding road to Catholicism and an honest discussion of where the Church stands today. Matt's in the thick of all the news on a daily basis because of his radio show. He's also constantly dealing with potential converts through his work at the Coming Home Network, so his is a very interesting take. For cradle Catholics, it's a unique look into the Evangelical world. For converts (or potential converts), it's a stroll down memory lane. But at the end of the day, it's a clarion call for each of us to take a hard look in the mirror.

Men have become caricatures in modern culture. And it's had a big impact even inside the Catholic Church. This has to change...immediately. But for that to happen, we have to recognize the deeper issues. There are issues of language, liturgy, and a true understanding of human nature. But there is a solution. Join Matthew Leonard in an honest, engaging, hopeful discussion with a dynamic young priest named Fr. Patrick Schultz. This is NOT an episode for men only. It's a topic that deeply affects every single Catholic.

Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most beloved of all Catholic devotions. It's a powerful story of prayer, penance, and transformation that has inspired the world for more than a century. On this Art of Catholic episode, Matthew Leonard is joined by producer Dick Lyles, to talk about some of the little-known backstories of how the movie was made and the impact it's having even on the Protestant world. Dick is a former EWTN and Relevant Radio host, now serving as producer for Origin Entertainment, the maker of the Fatima movie.

Far too many Catholics are unaware of the transformative power of the Catholic mystical tradition, especially deep meditative and contemplative prayer. There is an urgent need to understand the absolute necessity of diving into authentic Catholic spirituality given to us by spiritual giants like Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, and many others. If you want your life to be transformed, check out this dynamic conversation between Matthew Leonard, Josh Mazrin, and Kyle VanDuser on the Art of Catholic podcast.

Is there ever a time when obedience is no longer a virtue? Is there a point when a Catholic can abandon ship? What about when there are doubts concerning particular matters or teaching? These are real issues and can confusing to a lot of Catholics. On this Art of Catholic, Matthew Leonard lays out some basic principles for Catholics to keep in mind. After laying out some preliminary remarks and advice, he then shares a video lesson on the virtue of obedience from the Science of Sainthood in Next Level Catholic Academy. Given all the confusion in the Church right now, we need to know our responsibility as faithful Catholics.

Humanity is having an identity crisis of major proportions. People don't know who they are. And it's literally wreaking havoc across the world at this very instant. And St. John Paul II saw it coming. In fact, he provided the answers before many of the questions were even posed. Expanding upon the work of St. Thomas Aquinas and others, he developed a philosophy of the person called, appropriately, “personalism.” It's a way to make sense of who we are and the dignity each of us possesses. Matthew Leonard and Dr. John Crosby, an eminent philosopher at Franciscan University of Steubenville, discuss the Holy Father's famous way of looking at the human person so that we can understand more deeply who we are…and help the world figure it out, too.

Even in the face of terrible tragedy like suicide, Catholic doctrine is clear that there is always hope. This is particularly the message of Divine Mercy taught by St. Faustina Kowalska (originator of the Divine Mercy Chaplet). Unfortunately, too many Catholics don't truly understand what the Catholic Church has to say in these matters. It's important not only for those who may have died, but for the sake of those left behind. Join Matthew Leonard and Fr. Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, for an honest and powerful look at hope and Divine Mercy in action.

Matthew Leonard interviews Dr. John Bergsma about his conversion to Catholicism, as well as discussing an overview of all of salvation history.

In this special 100th episode of the Art of Catholic, Matthew Leonard brings back John Henry Crosby, founder and president of the Hildebrand Project for a fascinating discussion revolving around a small, but powerful book titled Jaws of Death: Gate of Heaven by famous 20th philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand.

https://youtu.be/0xwGSThPczQ SCROLL DOWN FOR AUDIO ONLY It's impossible to read St. Paul's letters without coming across the topic of suffering. It's everywhere. And it's because the question of suffering is constantly nagging us. Why do we suffer? What does it mean? If God loves us, how come we suffer? Enter St. Paul. His teaching is absolutely essential to the understanding of suffering and how it can become beautifully redemptive through the Cross of Christ. So to unpack his amazing (very Catholic) teaching, I asked Dr. John Kincaid, an expert on St. Paul, to join me on the Art of Catholic. In this episode we discuss: The essence of the Catholic teaching on redemptive sufferingHow what I was taught as a Protestant about suffering didn't really understand St. PaulHow we can actually "rejoice" in our suffering along with St. Paul (Col. 1:24)Why it's okay to be weak (yep!)The incredible meaning behind Paul's discussion of "labor pains" in Galatians that will totally expand your view of redemptive suffering This is an incredibly eye-popping conversation and it's perfect timing for our liturgical time of the year, as well as what's going on in the world. God bless and enjoy! Matthew P.S. I was besieged with emails asking for more time to go through the FREE streaming of Catholic Mysticism & the Beautiful Life of Grace? So I've decided to leave it up a little longer! Join thousands of Catholics from all over the world and dive into what Christ calls the "one thing" necessary! CHECK IT OUT HERE! "Awesome study!" "These videos are SO POWERFUL..." "SERIOUSLY - THANK YOU!" "WOW!...SO DEEP AND BEAUTIFUL" "This is going to save a lot of people!"