Why do we keep confessing the same sins… making the same resolutions… and falling back into the same patterns?

In this practical and powerful episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Fr. Peter Mussett, a priest who has heard thousands of confessions—and has lots of advice to share about human nature, change, and mercy.

In this conversation, we talk about real sins and real solutions so you can make real changes in your life.

Fr. Peter explains:

-Why most people don’t actually change
-The hidden link between unforgiveness, victimhood, and temptation
-Why willpower alone never works
-How habit stacking, conscience, and mercy work together
-Why God sometimes allows us to keep struggling
-And the one mindset shift that finally makes real change possible

If you’re frustrated with yourself, tired of starting over, and feel like you can't conquer your vices, I hope this interview will give you hope, clarity, and a true path forward.

Highlights:

0:00 Why real change is so hard

2:08 Why priests see what most people never notice

7:00 The beauty of Confession

16:58 The movie-scene insight that reveals how people change

19:18 Conscience: where God actually speaks

24:13 Why “deliver us from evil” is where change starts

27:27 The difference between passion-driven and reason-driven living

29:23 Habit stacking: a spiritual key to breaking bad habits

33:31 How unforgiveness fuels temptation

39:28 Why mercy—especially toward yourself—changes everything

57:33 “You are not your sin” (John Paul II’s powerful reminder)

1:07:36 A prayer for anyone frustrated with themselves

........

Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk

........

Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0

........

Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages

Episode 245: A Fork in the Road w/ Indy Johar

The Deep Dive

AGI as Existential Logic for Nations

The AI-powered Podcast Player