Saints by Number

What if the ultimate victory isn't found on a national championship scoreboard, but in the quiet perseverance of a father leading his family toward heaven? In this episode, we sit down with Christian Bourgeois, a former LSU baseball player and the founder of Bourgeois Physical Therapy, to discuss the intersection of elite athletics, vocational calling, and the power of prayer. After being part of two national championship teams, Christian faced the mental and physical toll of career-ending injuries, a trial that eventually cleared the path for his true vocation in healing others. Christian opens up about his and his wife Melissa’s grueling eight-year battle with infertility, sharing the miraculous moments at a Florida shrine and a series of "divine coincidences" that led to the birth of their two sons. We dive into the necessity of spiritual habits for men, the challenge of reclaiming authentic masculinity, and the importance of placing God before the "team" or the self.

What if the beauty that draws us to God isn't only found in stained glass and sanctuary bells, but in the faces of the poor we are called to serve?
In this episode we sit down with Sunnie Johnson-Lain, the CEO of Saint Vincent de Paul serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, Catholic social teaching, and uplifting the dignity of our neighbors. Growing up experiencing rural poverty in Massachusetts, Sunnie navigated a challenging childhood before falling in love with the beauty and majesty of the Catholic Church as a teenager. After dedicating time to motherhood, she discovered her passion for social justice and found her true calling within the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. We talk about Vincentian spirituality, the dangers of "saviorism," moving from sympathy to true solidarity, and what it really means to serve others as if they were Christ.

What if the most radical thing you could do with your life isn’t following a career path, but following Him?
 
In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Tyler Hunt to discuss her powerful journey from the Black Church tradition to the Catholic Eucharist. We’re not just talking about a change in denomination. We’re talking about Catholic Social Teaching, the "Beloved Community," and what it looks like to live as a Vagabond Missionary in the heart of Baton Rouge—serving the poor, walking with teens, and reclaiming the dignity of every "image bearer of Christ."
 
Get Involved with Vagabond Missions: 
✨ WHO WE ARE | Learn about our heart for the inner city:https://vagabondmissions.com/about
🙏 SUPPORT THE WORK | Help Tyler and the team reach more teens: https://vagabondmissions.com/support
🔥 JOIN THE TEAM | Does the Lord have a mission for you? Apply here: www.vagabondmissions.com/apply
👥 OUR STAFF | Meet the people on the ground in Baton Rouge: https://vagabondmissions.com/our-mission-staff
 
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What if Beauty isn’t just something we admire - but something that leads us home?
In this episode of Saints by Number, I sit down with Fr Andrew Schumacher to unpack one of the most profound moments in all of scared history- the Annunciation. And we’re not just talking theology. We’re talking about the transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty - and why the Catholic Church has always believed that sacred art is one of the most powerful paths back to God.

In this episode we sit down with Fr. Tat Hoang, a Catholic priest serving in Baton Rouge, to talk about faith, grace, and finding purpose. Born during the Vietnam War, Fr. Tat came to the United States as a refugee and worked as a mechanic before hearing a calling that led him to the priesthood. We talk about prayer, spiritual intelligence, recognizing God in everyday life, and what it really means to live a life of compassion and transformation.

In this episode, Jacob & Haley Zumo share a powerful, real conversation on conversion, family, and how beauty can become a bridge back to God—from Jacob’s journey through the secular art/music world to sacred art, and Haley’s story of choosing life, motherhood, and eventually coming home to the Catholic Church.

In this episode, Father Josh Zelden shares his powerful personal journey—from a peaceful Catholic upbringing, to studying literature and law, to marriage, divorce, and eventually answering the call to the priesthood. Along the way, we explore prayer, suffering, vocation, and what it really means to surrender control to God.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Judy Zelden, a pillar of Catholic life in Baton Rouge, co-founder of Magnificat, and mother of a newly-ordained priest. Judy shares her powerful journey of growing up with an agnostic father, to raising three sons in the Church, to watching her son surrender a successful legal career and answer God’s call to the priesthood.

In this episode, Kevin McCall shares his powerful journey from growing up Baptist to becoming a Catholic missionary. He recounts his encounters with vibrant Catholics, the call of the Holy Spirit, and the lessons he’s learned about prayer, humility, and trusting God’s guidance.

Fr. Alex Harb shares his journey through seminary, priesthood, and life experiences spanning Louisiana, Lebanon, and beyond. From the meaning of ancient prayers to the challenges of modern ministry, this conversation bridges East and West, tradition and daily life.