Godsplaining: Dominican Podcast and Evangelization Apostolate

History and Founding Godsplaining is a Catholic podcast and evangelization apostolate founded in August 2019 by five Dominican friars of the Province of St. Joseph: Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P., Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., Fr. Bonaventure Chapman, O.P., Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. The podcast was established as a contemporary expression of the Dominican preaching mission, using digital media to present Catholic theology and spirituality to a broad audience. Podcasting was chosen because it naturally suited the Dominican vocation of preaching and offered an accessible means of engaging Catholics and non-Catholics alike in thoughtful conversation about the faith. Since its launch, Godsplaining has grown into one of the best-known English-language Catholic podcasts. The program has released hundreds of weekly episodes and has attracted millions of downloads and listens, expanding beyond audio into retreats, pilgrimages, conferences, newsletters, and other forms of in-person ministry. The apostolate is produced by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph and operates through its website, podcasts, social media, and live events. The title Godsplaining intentionally adapts the contemporary expression "mansplaining" into a humorous yet memorable description of explaining the things of God. The name reflects the friars' desire to present the truths of the Catholic faith with clarity, charity, intellectual rigor, and accessibility while engaging modern culture. Mission and Charism The stated mission of Godsplaining is to help listeners "deepen their faith, pray with confidence, and tackle today's difficult issues" by bringing Sacred Scripture, Catholic tradition, philosophy, and theology into conversation with contemporary life. The podcast describes its approach as "conversation for conversion," emphasizing thoughtful dialogue as a means of evangelization and spiritual growth. The apostolate reflects the traditional Dominican charism of preaching (praedicare), study, contemplation, and the pursuit of truth. Founded by Saint Dominic in 1216, the Order of Preachers has long combined rigorous intellectual formation with pastoral ministry. Godsplaining continues this tradition by presenting Catholic doctrine in a conversational format that is intellectually serious while remaining accessible to ordinary listeners. Rather than functioning primarily as an apologetics program, the podcast combines theology, philosophy, spirituality, biblical reflection, cultural commentary, literature, and personal pastoral experience. Episodes frequently explore practical questions about prayer, virtue, vocation, relationships, suffering, holiness, and contemporary moral issues. Hosts The podcast is currently hosted by four Dominican priests of the Province of St. Joseph: * Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. — A Dominican theologian, author, and professor known for his work in dogmatic and moral theology. Pine frequently addresses questions concerning virtue, ethics, philosophy, Scripture, and Christian discipleship. * Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P. — A Dominican priest, editor, preacher, and writer whose interests include evangelization, preaching, Catholic media, and the spiritual life. Briscoe was among the founders of Godsplaining and serves as one of its principal voices. * Fr. Bonaventure Chapman, O.P. — A Dominican priest whose discussions often emphasize philosophy, Thomistic thought, literature, culture, and the relationship between faith and reason. * Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P. — A Dominican priest known for his pastoral approach to prayer, Marian devotion, spiritual formation, and practical Christian living. The podcast was co-founded with Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., who continues to contribute to the apostolate through episodes, retreats, and other ministries, although the regular hosting lineup has evolved over time. Topics Godsplaining addresses a broad range of subjects within Catholic thought and practice, including: * Catholic theology and doctrine * Sacred Scripture * Thomistic philosophy * Prayer and the spiritual life * Virtue and moral theology * The sacraments * Vocational discernment * Marriage, family, and friendship * Saints and Church history * Literature and the arts * Contemporary cultural issues * Ethics and current events * Apologetics and evangelization Episodes typically feature conversation among two or more friars, occasionally joined by guest scholars, clergy, authors, and Catholic public figures. The program seeks to explain complex theological ideas without sacrificing intellectual depth, making it appealing both to practicing Catholics and to those exploring the faith. Catholic Significance Godsplaining represents a significant example of twenty-first-century Catholic digital evangelization. It combines the Dominican intellectual tradition with contemporary media to reach audiences well beyond parish settings. The podcast exemplifies the Church's encouragement of using modern communications technology in service of evangelization while remaining rooted in Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. The apostolate has become particularly influential among young adult Catholics, many of whom participate not only through the podcast but also through retreats, conferences, pilgrimages, and other events sponsored by the friars. These gatherings extend the podcast's conversational style into opportunities for prayer, sacramental life, theological instruction, and Christian fellowship. Current Work Godsplaining releases new podcast episodes weekly and maintains an active online presence through its official website and major podcast platforms. In addition to its audio ministry, the apostolate organizes annual retreats, days of recollection, pilgrimages—including walks along the Camino de Santiago—and speaking events throughout the United States. Subscribers also receive newsletters featuring upcoming events, spiritual reflections, and ministry updates. Legacy Within a few years of its founding, Godsplaining became one of the leading Catholic podcasts in North America. By combining Dominican scholarship, pastoral experience, humor, and accessible conversation, the podcast has introduced thousands of listeners to Catholic theology and spirituality. Its continued growth into live retreats, educational events, and pilgrimage ministries reflects the Dominican conviction that preaching extends beyond the pulpit into every medium through which the Gospel can be proclaimed.