

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Ascension
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 9min
How to Be Okay with Silence
Silence can be uncomfortable, but it's essential for true growth. The discussion highlights how constant distractions, like media and social scrolling, hinder meaningful engagement with our thoughts. Embracing periods of quiet allows for deeper self-discovery and a clearer connection to spirituality. It's about creating space to hear the voice of God and understanding our own emotions better. Learning to value silence can lead to profound insights and personal reflection.

17 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 22min
Fr. Mike Reacts to Confession Scenes from Movies and TV Shows
Ever wondered how realistic those confession scenes in movies are? Fr. Mike hilariously critiques portrayals in popular culture, highlighting inaccuracies and the true essence of confession. He analyzes iconic moments from films like 'A League of Their Own' and 'Seinfeld,' discussing the emotional and comedic aspects of these scenes. The conversation dives into themes of sin, grace, and personal reflection, inviting listeners to rethink their own experiences with confession. It's a thought-provoking and entertaining look at faith through a cinematic lens!

6 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 7min
The Best Thing Fr. Mike Learned From His Parents
Discover the powerful lessons learned from parental guidance and their lifelong impact on values like love and honesty. Fr. Mike shares heartfelt anecdotes, illustrating how these teachings shaped his virtue-driven journey. He also unveils four transformative words that can change everything: “Trust in the Lord.” Plus, get a sneak peek into his new book, Unshakeable, focusing on finding strength and virtue amid chaos.

8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 7min
Is It Normal to Feel Lonely? Fr. Mike on Loneliness
Feeling lonely can be daunting, but you're not alone. The discussion emphasizes how loneliness is a universal experience, even for figures like Jesus and St. Paul. It highlights the importance of understanding your feelings, finding comfort in Christ's struggles. Additionally, it encourages reaching out to others with small acts of kindness to combat isolation and build connections, reminding us that we are all in this together.

7 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
Fr. Mike’s Tips for Praying as a Busy Person
Feeling swamped but yearning for a spiritual connection? Discover practical strategies for integrating prayer into your hectic life. Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of having a personalized prayer plan. He poses three essential questions to streamline your practice: Where will you pray? When will you pray? And how will you pray? With these insights, you can maintain a consistent connection with God, no matter how busy life gets.

6 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 6min
Fr. Mike Says You Should Judge People (Kind Of)
Exploring Jesus's message on judgment, the discussion emphasizes the difference between discerning right from wrong and condemning others. Self-reflection and humility are key components to understanding this teaching. Listeners are encouraged to approach others with curiosity and compassion, fostering understanding instead of quick judgment. It’s all about balancing accountability with love.

Jul 3, 2025 • 6min
Why Is There No Marriage in Heaven?
Fr. Mike tackles the idea of no marriage in Heaven and why it doesn’t have to be sad. He explores how the love we share on Earth transforms and deepens in the afterlife. Rather than losing connections, he reassures us that our bonds will flourish. Listeners are reminded that Heaven is not about less love but about experiencing a fuller, richer kind of love.

Jun 19, 2025 • 6min
Where Do I Start with the Bible?
Feeling intimidated by the Bible is completely normal, but it shouldn’t hold you back. A humble approach can open up the Scripture in meaningful ways. Practical tools and resources are discussed to help ease the journey, including a popular podcast and timeline guide. The message is clear: don’t wait for the perfect moment to start reading—begin today!

12 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 5min
What to Do with My Loneliness (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Loneliness is a profound and challenging experience. Fr. Mike discusses how this feeling reflects our innate desire for connection. He reassures listeners that experiencing loneliness isn’t a weakness but a human longing. The conversation includes valuable insights on inviting Jesus into our solitude, emphasizing that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest moments. The discussion touches on the experiences of notable figures like Jesus and St. Paul, reinforcing the message that solace can be found in faith.

16 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 7min
If You Feel Lost Right Now (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Feeling lost is common during life transitions, and it's important to remember that your journey is unique. Life's wilderness, much like bushwhacking in nature, requires direction and purpose. Fr. Mike emphasizes that personal growth matters more than external benchmarks. Embracing uncertainty is part of becoming who you're meant to be. You're not falling behind; rather, you're finding your path in the beautiful chaos of life.