Upstream Podcast The Danger of Popularity
May 21, 2025
Fr. Mike Schmitz, a dynamic Catholic priest and youth minister known for his engaging videos, joins Pat to explore the perilous dance between popularity and authenticity. They discuss how fame can distort personal identity and the importance of being a truth-teller in leadership. Highlights include the necessity of genuine relationships rooted in love, the challenges of accountability among clergy, and the ultimate choice between unconditional love and the allure of admiration. Their insights encourage listeners to prioritize truth and authenticity over comfort.
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Popularity Distorts Identity
- Popularity can distort personal identity because people see only a surface version of us.
- Genuine relationships with a few know us deeply and provide a full picture of who we are.
Grounded Despite Wide Fame
- Mike Schmitz shares being 'famous' in the Catholic world but unknown locally, which humbles and grounds him.
- His students care most about whether he genuinely cares about them, not his notoriety.
Leverage Notoriety to Build Trust
- Use positive notoriety to build trust quickly with people.
- Leverage familiarity to skip introductions and focus on meaningful connection.