In this interview, Matt sits down with the one and only Fr. Mike Schmitz. The conversation focuses on accepting who God made you to be โ as it relates to getting older, detachment (even from good things), anxiety, fatherhood, the spiritual life and more.
Also discussed is fitness, the rising interest in Catholicism among young people today, Gen Z vs. Millennials, why Fr. Mike loves being a priest, the impact of Bible in a Year, God's love, grief, Fr. Mike's podcast, and the beauty or religious orders.
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00:00:00 โ Introduction and Matt's book 00:03:01 โ The challenges and spiritual value of getting older 00:15:16 โ Why are Gen Z and Gen Alpha different? 00:23:00 โ Are young men becoming more interested in Catholicism? 00:32:52 โ Wokeism 00:38:10 โ Fr. Mike's early struggles with Catholicism 00:44:52 โ How to talk to people the right way 00:50:32 โ How Fr. Mike embraced the Church's sexual teachings 01:01:02 โ Priestly celibacy and the challenges of being a priest 01:10:18 โ Being introverted and dealing with fame 01:25:59 โ Fr. Mike's most popular video and Bible in a Year 01:37:16 โ Ministering to new Catholics and dealing with discouragement 01:51:05 โ Fr. Mike's dating and marriage advice 02:01:28 โ Matt loves 2025 02:05:53 โ The danger of comparing yourself to others 02:09:13 โ Confession and developing a stronger prayer life 02:21:40 โ Spiritual reading recommendations 02:28:43 โ Questions from viewers and closing remarks