The Catholic Man Show

Why does the Rosary matter? How do you pray it well when distractions hit? And what about devotion to Mary — is it too much, or exactly what we need?In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome three Dominican priests: • Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. • Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P. • Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P.They dive into:✅ The history and power of the Rosary✅ Practical advice on handling distractions in prayer✅ The Luminous Mysteries and why they matter today✅ Mary’s role as Mediatrix of Grace✅ Live audience Q&AThis lively, insightful, and often funny conversation will deepen your love for the Rosary and inspire greater devotion in your prayer life.Looking for a book to turn your home into a saint-making machine?https://ascensionpress.com/products/living-beyond-sunday-making-your-home-a-holy-placeBecome a patron and get TCMS whisky glasses and/or beer glasses just like you see on the show: https://www.patreon.com/thecatholicmanshowNew to the show? Check out these cool episodes we did with guests and without guests: https://thecatholicmanshow.com/new-to-the-catholic-man-show/Check us out on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecatholicmanshow/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatholicManShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicmanshowPodcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/thecatholicmanshow/

On this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome Brandon Sheard — homesteader, butcher, and teacher — to talk about the lost art of traditional husbandry and meat preservation. Brandon shares why skills like butchering, curing, and cooking matter for men, families, and Catholic culture.From the cultural and spiritual meaning of feasts like Christmas, with roast goose and black and white pudding, to the role of men in providing for their households, Brandon offers both practical wisdom and timeless tradition. He also discusses his upcoming book on raising and harvesting pigs, plus the benefits of his membership site featuring step-by-step homesteading videos.Listeners will learn how Catholic tradition, food, and masculinity intersect — and how reviving these skills can strengthen community and faith.Episode Highlights:Why traditional meat preservation is vital for family and cultureThe role of feasts in Catholic traditionPractical skills every man should know in the kitchen and fieldUpcoming opportunities to learn butchering firsthandAction items from this episode:Live lamb harvest and butchering demonstration at the Catholic Man Show campoutOctober 2-day class on harvesting and butchering Dexter cattleJoin the Farmstead Meatsmith Membership and get 1 month free by using "CatholicManShow" as a discount.

What does it mean to be a Christian man, husband, and father in today’s secular culture? Actor and Christian leader Kirk Cameron joins Adam Minihan for a powerful conversation about reclaiming fatherhood, cultivating virtue, and leading your family toward heaven.Kirk shares practical wisdom on:Why dads must be the primary educators of their childrenThe danger of pornography and fractured marriagesLiving by example so your kids know Christ is realBuilding authentic male friendships and brotherhoodHow joy and gratitude give men strength in a hostile cultureThis episode of The Catholic Man Show is a call for men to stop settling for mediocrity and start living with purpose. If you’re ready to embrace your role as protector, provider, and spiritual leader of your family—this one’s for you.

Every man needs a rule of life—a clear, concrete framework that keeps prayer, family, work, and virtue in order. Without it, we risk wasting time, neglecting our duties, and drifting through life. With it, we gain clarity, perseverance, and a spiritual roadmap toward sanctity.In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, we explore:Natural benefits of a rule: better use of time, decisiveness, consistency, and efficiency.Supernatural benefits: transforming daily actions into prayer, combating disorder, and conforming life to God’s will.For your neighbor: how your fidelity inspires others, balances prayer and apostolic works, and sanctifies your community.The right balance: flexibility without laxity, firmness without scrupulosity.Concrete considerations: prayer, family life, work, personal discipline, community, and apostolic action.A rule of life isn’t about rigidity—it’s about freedom: God first, then your soul, your family, and your apostolate.“He who lives by rule, lives unto God.”

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David wrestle with advice, masculinity, and the struggle for holiness. Drawing from the wisdom of Venerable Fulton Sheen, they explore the three causes of love, the mystery of prayer, and why real men must go beyond “average” to pursue heroic virtue. Along the way, they share stories of fraternity, marriage, business, and spiritual battles—and how the simple thought “Just do it” can transform your daily walk with Christ.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why comparing yourself to the “average American man” sets the bar far too lowFulton Sheen’s teaching on goodness, knowledge, and similarity as foundations of loveThe tension between prayer as desire vs. prayer as dutyWhy saints are extraordinary men and women who embrace heroic virtue“Just do it” as a rule for the spiritual life, work, and family lifeThe role of suffering and sacrifice in becoming extraordinaryPractical wisdom on prayer, business, and discipline for Catholic men todayA special tasting of an 18-year Orphan Barrel bourbon whiskeyUpdates on pilgrimages, the Catholic Rancho Campout, and moreKey Quotes:“Extraordinary men and women are saints because they have heroic virtue. Not just virtue—heroic virtue.”“Ordinary does not call you to get up early, to sacrifice comfort, or to fight for your family. Heroic men do.”“Sometimes, you just have to Nike up, bro. Just do it.”

In this episode, Adam and Dave start with a lighthearted story about a suspicious liquor store and end up diving into one of the most serious struggles facing men today: restraining our instincts.They reflect on:The challenges of summer routines, distractions, and drifting prayer livesThe importance of order and rhythm in family and spiritual lifeHow our passions can overwhelm us if not properly trainedPractical steps for purifying the memory and avoiding near occasions of sinThe balance between embracing God’s gifts and remembering the GiverWhat it means to fight temptation as husbands and fathers, especially in seasons of abstinenceEncouragement from the spiritual masters: why pressure can be good and why we must never assume we’re immune from temptationWith humor, honesty, and practical advice, Adam and Dave remind us that peace is the tranquility of order and that holiness requires vigilance, fraternity, and grace.

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam shares a powerful story about his son, a food truck, and an unexpected act of virtue that left a lasting impact — not only on his son, but on him as a father. It’s not a flex… but it kind of is.What does it mean to live virtuously in public? How can one small act of kindness or virtue build up a community, shape a young man’s character, and challenge all of us to do more with what we’ve been given?Adam and David dive into:The deep value of prudence — the “charioteer” of the virtuesThe role of memory in growing in wisdomAnd of course… the return of David from his 17-month “vacation”Plus: whiskey reviews, Clear Creek Abbey updates, the Catholic Man Show Campout hype, and why From Silence to Silence is the book to read for St. Michael’s Lent.This episode is a mix of fraternal storytelling, serious virtue talk, and a challenge to be the kind of man whose actions ripple into eternity.Challenge This Week:Be like the man at the food truck — notice virtue, call it out, and reward it. Then invite a brother to join you for St. Michael’s Lent starting August 15.Mentioned Resources:From Silence to Silence by Fr. Francis BethelAscend Podcast by Dcn. Harrison GarlickThe Intellectual Life by SertillangesBooker’s Bourbon - The “Pond Batch”Exodus 90 – Sign up for St. Michael’s Lent🎟️ Campout info (for patrons first!): TheCatholicManShow.com✈️ Pilgrimage with us to Italy: Spots are filling fast!

Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker and his wife Isabelle discuss marriage, fatherhood, motherhood, and raising virtuous children in a chaotic world.Isabelle opens up about the often unseen strength of motherhood, the beauty of sacrifice, and what young women should look for in a husband. Harrison shares what he admires most about his wife, how they live out their vocations as Catholic parents, and why men must reclaim their role as spiritual leaders in the home.In this episode:The complementary roles of fatherhood and motherhoodWhy suffering well is at the heart of sainthoodAdvice for young men & women discerning marriageHow to form children in faith without losing sight of the homeThe power of presence, prayer, and humility in family lifeWhether you’re a parent, single, dating, or discerning your vocation, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to pursue holiness in your home.

Matt Walsh on Rest, Leisure, and Why Men Need to Get Off Their PhonesIn this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam Minihan and David Niles sit down with Matt Walsh — Catholic commentator, author, and host of The Matt Walsh Show — for a conversation on leisure, manhood, and how technology is reshaping our minds.Matt shares his perspective on the modern man’s crisis of leisure, the dangers of mindless scrolling, and why intentional hobbies like fishing or board games are more than just recreation — they’re necessary for the soul.They discuss:Why men today are worse at leisure than their grandfathersHow social media disorders our view of restThe connection between leisure, joy, and being fully humanHow to foster habits of real leisure in your home and familyWhy every man needs one good hobby — and why that hobby should help you disconnectMatt also reflects on the importance of silence, presence, and being able to simply “be” without needing to consume content or noise.Sponsor:Check out The Catholic Woodworker for heirloom-quality rosaries: https://catholicwoodworker.com/

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles share personal anecdotes and deep spiritual insights, focusing on the challenge of distractions in prayer. From road trip stories to household mishaps, the hosts set the stage with relatable humor before diving into a discussion inspired by St. Thomas Aquinas and Father Frederick Faber. They explore the five fountains of distraction in prayer, offering practical advice for cultivating a deeper prayer life by addressing distractions outside of prayer time.Key Discussion Points:Opening Banter (00:00:19 - 00:04:50): David recounts his family road trip to Wyoming, including an unexpected stop in Denver and the challenges of traveling with six kids. Adam shares his chaotic week of household breakdowns, from a malfunctioning dishwasher to a beeping van door and a broken lawnmower, humorously reflecting on the "throwaway culture" he’s trying to resist.Health Struggles (00:09:01 - 00:11:24): Adam discusses a rare bout of heartburn that kept him up at night, highlighting his lack of Tums and his struggle to lead a meeting while sleep-deprived and feverish. David relates to his heartburn experience from a past "one chip challenge" on the show.Sponsorship Spotlight (00:12:00 - 00:12:39): The hosts thank Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor, for their reliable pilgrimage offerings. They encourage listeners to visit selectinternationaltours.com for details on their upcoming October pilgrimage to Italy, emphasizing the ideal weather and transformative experience.What We’re Drinking (00:37:02 - 00:37:26): Adam and David enjoy Wyoming Whiskey, a bourbon David praises for its affordability ($30 in Wyoming) and delicious flavor, making it a fitting choice for the episode.Main Topic: Distractions in Prayer (00:15:28 - 01:11:09):Personal Reflection: Adam shares a moment of grace in adoration, where he asked God to reveal impediments in his prayer life. A distracting phone check during a conversation revealed his struggle with presence, sparking a realization about the need for focus in both human and divine relationships.Theological Foundation: Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica (Second Part of the Second Part) and Father Walter Farrell’s Companion to the Summa, the hosts discuss prayer as an act of the will, preceded by the intellect. They reference the Baltimore Catechism’s teaching that we are made to “know, love, and serve” God, emphasizing that knowing God fuels love, which leads to service.Five Fountains of Distraction (Father Frederick Faber):Disordered Health: An obsession with health (valetudinarian state) can distract from tranquility in prayer, unlike true suffering, which can draw one closer to God when united with the Cross.Actions of the Holy Spirit: Distractions can serve as a crucible to humble and purify, grounding believers in deeper devotion by burning away self-love.The Devil: Demonic distractions are marked by their abundance, vivid imagery, soul-disquieting nature, disconnection from daily life, repetitive patterns, and potential to lead to sin. Custody of the eyes, especially against sins of the sixth and ninth commandments, is crucial to limit the devil’s influence.Inculpable Self: Unintentional distractions arise from temperament, imagination, or poor spiritual direction, which are not deliberately chosen but still disrupt prayer.Culpable Self: Deliberately entertained distractions are grave sins if knowingly allowed during time owed to God. These include:Bodily Sources: Lack of mortification, irreverent postures (e.g., not kneeling when able), and frequent position changes. Kneeling can orient the mind toward God, uniting discomfort with the Cross.Mental Sources (Seven Causes):Carelessness about minute sins, which corrupt purity of intention.Lukewarmness (tepidness), often unrecognized, blinds one to spiritual deficiencies.Curiosity, especially a thirst for news or irrelevant knowledge, distracts from one’s vocation.Lack of preparation for prayer, such as not reflecting beforehand or rushing in without focus.Neglecting custody of the senses outside of prayer (e.g., excessive phone use or unchaste media).Failing to practice ejaculatory prayers (e.g., “Jesus, I trust in you”), which redirect the mind to God.Not addressing recurring distractions through mortification.Practical Advice: The hosts emphasize that the battle against distractions is won outside of prayer through habits like custody of the senses, scheduled prayer times, and preparation (e.g., silent reflection before adoration). Adam shares his practice of focusing on intentions during the drive to adoration, while David highlights the value of ejaculatory prayers and teaching children to offer Mass intentions.Key Insight: Faber’s teaching that “the time of prayer is not the time for the true combat with distractions” underscores the need to build disciplined habits throughout the day, such as avoiding phone distractions during conversations or limiting exposure to sensational news.Events and Announcements:Pilgrimage to Italy (00:13:17 - 00:14:43): Join Adam and David in mid-October for a transformative pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi with Select International Tours. Limited spots remain—visit selectinternationaltours.com to sign up.Catholic Man Show Campout: Details not mentioned in the transcript, but typically held at Clear Creek Abbey in September. Check thecatholicmanshow.com for updates.Resources Mentioned:Scripture: John 15:15 (“I no longer call you servants, but friends”).Books:Companion to the Summa by Father Walter Farrell (Loreto Publications).Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales.The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.Other: Baltimore Catechism for teaching children the faith.Quotes to Ponder:“The heart cannot run before the head.” – Father Walter Farrell, Companion to the Summa“The time of prayer is not the time for the true combat with distractions.” – Father Frederick Faber“You cannot love that which you do not know.” – Adam Minahan, referencing the Baltimore Catechism“Ejaculatory prayers are the heavenly side of distractions, thoughts of God which distract us from the world.” – Father Frederick FaberCall to Action:Reflect on your distractions in prayer and identify their sources using Faber’s five fountains.Practice custody of the senses daily, such as limiting phone use during conversations or avoiding unchaste media.Prepare for prayer with intentional silence or reflection, as St. Francis de Sales suggests.Join the upcoming pilgrimage to Italy at selectinternationaltours.com.Subscribe to The Catholic Man Show podcast for more insights and share this episode with others.