Renewed interest in Catholicism among young people

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 — 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 – Introduction and Matt's book 00:03:01 – The challenges and spiritual value of getting older 00:15:16 – Why are Gen Z and Gen Alpha different? 00:23:00 – Are young men becoming more interested in Catholicism? 00:32:52 – Wokeism 00:38:10 – Fr. Mike's early struggles with Catholicism 00:44:52 – How to talk to people the right way 00:50:32 – How Fr. Mike embraced the Church's sexual teachings 01:01:02 – Priestly celibacy and the challenges of being a priest 01:10:18 – Being introverted and dealing with fame 01:25:59 – Fr. Mike's most popular video and Bible in a Year 01:37:16 – Ministering to new Catholics and dealing with discouragement 01:51:05 – Fr. Mike's dating and marriage advice 02:01:28 – Matt loves 2025 02:05:53 – The danger of comparing yourself to others 02:09:13 – Confession and developing a stronger prayer life 02:21:40 – Spiritual reading recommendations 02:28:43 – Questions from viewers and closing remarks