16: Ezekiel: Hope, Exile, and the Promise of Restoration – Dr. Andrew Swafford
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe welcomes Scripture scholar Dr. Andrew Swafford of Benedictine College to explore the powerful message of the prophet Ezekiel. Speaking from exile in Babylon, Ezekiel delivers both stern warnings and profound hope to God’s people during one of the darkest moments in Israel’s history. Dr. Swafford explains where Ezekiel fits in the biblical timeline, how his prophetic ministry unfolded among the exiles, and why his visions — from the glory of God’s throne to the valley of dry bones — remain deeply meaningful for Christians today. The conversation highlights themes of repentance, reverence for the sacred, perseverance in suffering, and God’s promise to restore His people through a new heart and His Spirit. Listeners will discover how Ezekiel’s prophecies ultimately point toward Christ, the Church, and the living presence of God among His people today. This episode challenges us to examine our priorities, live our faith boldly, and trust that even in difficult seasons, God is working toward restoration.
15: Jeremiah: Faithfulness in a Time of Collapse — with Dr. Andrew Swafford
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos is joined by Dr. Andrew Swafford to explore the life and message of the prophet Jeremiah. Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s truth during one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history, calling God’s people to repentance, perseverance, and hope amid judgment and exile.
14: Josiah: Restoring Right Worship in a Broken Kingdom — with Mark Hart
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos is joined by Mark Hart to explore the remarkable life of King Josiah. Rising from a deeply broken family and a corrupt culture, Josiah becomes one of Judah’s greatest kings by rediscovering God’s law, restoring right worship, and leading spiritual renewal through courage, humility, and fidelity to the Lord.
13: Solomon: Wisdom, Glory, and the Danger of a Divided Heart — with Katie Patrizio
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos is joined by biblical theologian Katie Patrizio to explore the life of King Solomon. From his God-given wisdom and the building of the Temple to his tragic fall through disobedience and idolatry, Solomon’s story reveals both the beauty of divine wisdom and the danger of turning away from God’s law.
12: David: A Man After God’s Own Heart — with Mark Hart
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Scopulus is joined by Mark Hart to explore the life of King David through First and Second Samuel. From shepherd boy to king, David’s story reveals courage, humility, repentance, and God’s enduring mercy.
11: Samuel: Prophet, Judge, and the Bridge to the Kingdom – with Fr. Chris Reising
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulus is joined by Fr. Chris Reising to explore the life of the prophet Samuel in First Samuel. From the faith of Hannah to Samuel’s call by God, his leadership as the last judge of Israel, and the transition to kingship with Saul, this episode highlights Samuel’s unwavering fidelity and his role in salvation history.
10: Joshua, Samson, and the Call to Courage — with Fr. PJ McManus
What does it mean to be strong and courageous in faith? In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos welcomes Fr. PJ McManus to explore the books of Joshua and Judges, focusing on the leadership of Joshua and the dramatic rise and fall of Samson. Together, they unpack Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land, the call to total fidelity to God, and the recurring cycle of sin, repentance, and redemption found in Judges. This conversation reveals timeless lessons about obedience, masculinity, repentance, and God’s faithfulness—even when His people fall short.
9: Moses and Exodus: Plagues, Passover, and the Path of Obedience – Mark Giszczak
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos concludes his exploration of Moses with biblical scholar Mark Giszczak as they walk through the heart of the Exodus story. From the ten plagues and the institution of the Passover to the crossing of the Red Sea and the giving of the Law, this conversation reveals how God forms His people through obedience, covenant, and worship. Listeners will discover how Exodus shapes our understanding of the Mass, salvation history, and the Christian call to trust God even in the wilderness.
8: Moses (Part 1): Called, Tested, and Sent — with Dr. Mark Giszczak
In this first of a two-part exploration of the life of Moses, host Joe Stopulos is joined by biblical scholar Dr. Mark Giszczak to unpack the early chapters of Exodus and the origins of one of Scripture’s greatest leaders. Together they explore Moses’ miraculous preservation at birth, his identity crisis as he witnesses the suffering of his people, God’s dramatic call through the burning bush, and the struggle Moses faced between fear and obedience. Dr. Giszczak offers practical insights on what Moses’ story reveals about courage, male spirituality, vocation, discipline, and the dangers of modern “Pharaohs” that enslave us today. This episode sets the stage for Moses’s mission to confront Pharaoh, liberate Israel, and lead God’s people toward freedom—while helping today’s men reflect on their own call to holiness, leadership, and sacrificial love.
7: Jacob: Birthright, Blessing, and Becoming Israel — with Dr. Matthew Umbarger
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos welcomes back Dr. Matthew Umbarger to explore the life of Jacob — one of Scripture’s most complex and transformative figures. From the tension with Esau and the selling of the birthright to Jacob’s deception, exile, marriages, and ultimate encounter with God in the famous wrestling match, this conversation reveals the deeper meaning behind one of the most dramatic narratives in Genesis. Dr. Umbarger unpacks the cultural, theological, and spiritual significance behind Jacob’s journey from “ankle-grabber” to “Israel,” showing how God uses even brokenness, pride, and struggle to shape a man of humility and purpose. This episode brings the story of Jacob to life and offers reflections for every disciple striving to surrender to God’s will.