The Catholic Man Show

Opening BanterHosts discuss their busy week, humorously referencing comedians Jim Gaffigan and Dane Cook about the chaos of parenting.Easter season is highlighted as a joyful but busy time.Transition to Office LifeDiscussion about returning to office work after a period of working from home.One host shares the challenges of balancing work with family life, especially with six young children and homeschooling demands.The other host enjoys a unique office setup with fellow Catholic businessmen, allowing for faith-based discussions and idea-sharing.Business and Catholic PrinciplesHosts explore how secular business podcasts often unknowingly adopt Catholic virtues like prudence and wisdom.Advice from a business perspective: surround yourself with the right people to change your life, and prioritize who you work with over the job itself.Reflecting on early career lessons:Taking risks is crucial for success.Money isn't everything once basic needs are met; pursuing it excessively can lead to disordered priorities.Hard work is valuable but ineffective if not directed toward the right goals.Pilgrimage PromotionPromotion of Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor offering pilgrimages to holy sites worldwide.Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details.High Levels of Manliness WarningA humorous callback to early episodes, warning listeners about the "high levels of manliness" on the show.Remembering Pope FrancisHosts reflect on Pope Francis' passing:Personal memory: Pope Francis kissing one host's daughter in 2015.Notable moments: His global benediction during COVID and the phrase "shepherds need to smell like sheep."Speculation about the timeline for electing a new pope, with a nod to historical conclave delays.Eucharistic Miracle StoryStory of Father Peter of Prague, a 13th-century German priest who doubted the Real Presence.During Mass in Bolsena, Italy, the host bled, leading to the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi by Pope Urban IV.St. Thomas Aquinas composed hymns like Tantum Ergo and Pange Lingua for the feast.The miraculous host is preserved in Orvieto, which the hosts will visit on their October pilgrimage with listeners.Spiritual Insights from Solid Virtue by Father BalakiusDiscussion of Solid Virtue by Jesuit priest Father Balakius, published by Coresu Press.Recollection:Defined as watchfulness and awareness of God's presence, akin to an "earthly heaven."Benefits: Prevents sin, reduces weariness, and fosters joy in God's love.Three sources: solitude, silence, and avoiding news (to curb curiosity and anxiety).Particular Examine:Focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of faults, not just external behaviors.Analogous to treating the cause of a disease, not just symptoms.Requires self-knowledge, possibly aided by friends, a spouse, or spiritual direction.After correcting major faults, shift to perfecting daily actions and cultivating virtues.Spiritual Warfare:Involves a firm resolution to amend faults, renewed twice daily (morning and noon).Resolutions should be short-term (half-day increments) to avoid discouragement.Twice-daily examination of conscience (noon and evening) to track progress.Keep a log of faults to compare daily and weekly progress, ensuring empirical improvement.Practical ApplicationsHosts emphasize the practicality of Balakius' advice, comparing it to business strategies like tracking KPIs.Encouragement to stay focused on one vice or virtue at a time, similar to St. Alphonsus Liguori’s 12 Steps of Holiness.Modern distractions (e.g., smartphones, social media) hinder recollection and willpower, making these practices challenging but essential.Personal ReflectionsA host shares a poignant moment with his son, illustrating the power of undistracted presence as a form of adoration.Discussion about the struggle to focus on one task at a time, even when the task is good (e.g., mowing the yard vs. listening to audiobooks).The monastic principle of dedicating fully to the present task as God’s will.ClosingInvitation to join the hosts on their October pilgrimage to Rome, highlighting ideal weather and Eucharistic miracle sites.Recommendation to check out Solid Virtue and other Coresu Press publications.Cheers to Jesus!Sponsors: Select International Tours (selectinternationaltours.com)Drink of the Episode: Dalwhinnie 13-Year-Old Scotch (Scotch Malt Whisky Society, "Scotland the Brave")Note: Listeners are encouraged to email Dave for more details about Father Peter of Prague or the pilgrimage.

What is Compunction? In this episode:We give some life updates What is compunction?Why is it good for us?How to cultivate the virtueJoin The Catholic Man Show for an unforgettable pilgrimage to Rome, the heart of the Catholic faith! This incredible journey will immerse you in the beauty, history, and sacred tradition of the Eternal City. Together with other Catholic men and their families, you’ll visit the major basilicas, walk in the footsteps of the saints, and experience the richness of Catholic brotherhood.Highlights include:Mass at some of Rome’s holiest sitesTours of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the ColosseumVisits to important relics, churches, and ancient Christian landmarksTime for fraternity, prayer, and authentic Italian food and cultureSpiritual guidance, reflection, and camaraderie throughout the journeyThis pilgrimage isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about encountering Christ through the Church’s history, deepening your faith, and growing in brotherhood.

Sister Mary Michael joins us for a conversation on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 12 steps, and our Mission.Summary: In this episode, we welcome back Sister Mary Michael, a seasoned Dominican Sister from the Saint Cecilia community in Nashville, to Oklahoma for a heartfelt conversation. With over 35 years as a religious sister, she shares her passion for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, her work with Franciscan University, and her unique ministry with men in recovery. At a recent men’s conference, she introduced the power of the 12 Steps—rooted in Alcoholics Anonymous but universally applicable—as a practical path to freedom from destructive habits, paired with insights from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Sister Mary Michael’s warmth, humor, and wisdom shine as she encourages men to embrace their God-given mission and reorder their lives with grace.Key Topics: - Who She Is: A Dominican Sister with a doctorate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sister Mary Michael works with four-year-olds on Fridays, teaches at Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, and speaks at men’s conferences. - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Montessori-inspired, Hebraic approach to children’s faith formation, rooted in the pedagogy of God and the Church’s heart. She’s written a book on it and sees it as a growing movement (highlighted in the 2020 Directory for Catechesis). - Men in Recovery: Inspired by landscaping help from men in recovery, she’s taken their stories on the road, blending the 12 Steps with Ignatian spirituality to address universal patterns of behavior—addictions big and small. - The 12 Steps: Sister explores their accessibility and power, starting with Step 1: admitting powerlessness over habits (e.g., anger, control, manipulation) and unmanageability in life. She connects this to grace and personal transformation. - Universal Application: From vanity to strong opinions, we’re all “recovering sinners.” The 12 Steps offer a fearless moral inventory (Step 4) and accountability (Step 5), helping anyone break free from vices. - Grace and Nature: The steps align with the Church’s heritage—practical like the 12 Steps or spiritual like Ignatius—showing how grace perfects our disordered nature. - Men’s Mission: She challenges men to reject Satan’s distortions, embrace their masculine genius, and take action to live out God’s purpose.Quotable Moments:- “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori Hebraic approach—it’s how God brings people to Himself.” - “I’m powerless over this, and my life’s unmanageable—that’s a grace right there.” - “I’m not taking that drink of criticism or gossip—it’s a shot of vodka to my soul.” - “God’s got a beautiful mission for you, and Satan’s not gonna leave you alone—so it’s time to do something about it.” Resources Mentioned: - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Learn more about this movement online or through Sister’s book. - The 12 Steps: Google them—read through and reflect on what challenges you. - Ignatian Spirituality: Explore how it aligns with the 12 Steps for deeper growth. Closing Thoughts: Sister Mary Michael’s eclectic life—from teaching kids to guiding men—offers a fresh take on recovery and holiness. Her practical, grace-filled approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking freedom and purpose. Thanks for joining us, Sister—God bless!

In this episode, we interview Tim Carney, a father, husband, and political reporter.Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Tim Carney, a political reporter, think tank fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and author based in Washington, D.C. Tim, a Catholic father of six, shares his unique perspective on raising a family in the nation's capital, challenging the stereotype of D.C. as a "moral wasteland." He discusses his latest book, Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be, and dives into topics like the declining U.S. birth rate, the importance of culture in politics, and practical ways to support families—from walkable neighborhoods to tax policies. Tim also reflects on the role of fatherhood, the need for cultural shifts, and why he believes having more kids (four or more!) can actually make life easier.Key Topics:Life in D.C.: Tim debunks myths about Washington, D.C., highlighting its strong Catholic community, great schools, and notable figures like Justice Clarence Thomas attending Mass.Writing & Work: As a political commentator, Tim has authored books on lobbying and corporate welfare, but his recent focus is on family and community—arguing that babies and strong families are vital to society.Culture Matters: At AEI, Tim works in the new Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department, emphasizing how marriage, kids, and human values shape politics and the economy—despite resistance from D.C.’s policy-focused elite.Low Birth Rates: Tim addresses America’s falling fertility rate (1.62 babies per woman) and the growing political awareness of this issue, citing figures like JD Vance pushing for a pro-family agenda.Policy Ideas: From local walkability for kids to federal child tax credits, Tim explores how government can support families without overreach, drawing examples from Hungary and France.Fatherhood: He advocates for culturally elevating fatherhood as distinct from motherhood, encouraging dads to prioritize family over work and set an example in their communities.Favorite Article: Tim shares the success of his Washington Post piece, “The Ideal Number of Children in a Family: Four at a Minimum,” which sparked debate and highlighted the benefits of larger families.Quotable Moments:“Babies are a good thing. Life is good.”“If you want fecundity in the sheets, you need walkability in the streets.”“Childhood anxiety is mostly about kids growing up without unsupervised play. Parental stress is this false belief that you control them.”Where to Find Tim:Book: Family Unfriendly – Available on Amazon or your local bookstore (if you convince them to stock it!).X: @TPCarneyClosing Thoughts:Tim’s blend of humor, policy insight, and pro-family passion makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, parenting, or the future of American society.

A problem many people have today is that htye no longer recognize God's will in everything that happens. We also talk about:God's Divine Will and ProvidenceActive vs Permissive WillHow we should view being worried as a ChristianObeying God's WillDownload the Exodus 90 app today and join us for our Lent challenge!Support Us on PatreonBecome a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!Click here to joinJoin Our 2025 PilgrimageSelect International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won’t miss it. Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy PlaceOur new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory PineHome life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.Want to help The Catholic Man Show?By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click HereLooking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.SIGN UP HERE:

In this episode, we sit down with speakers Ennie Hickman and Paul George to unpack the themes of risk, faith, and mentorship.From Ennie’s grand-slam opening talk to Paul’s reflections on mentorship, this discussion dives deep into what it means to live a risky, faith-filled life as a man today.Highlights:Ennie’s Home Run Start (00:11): Ennie Hickman kicks off the conference with a powerful talk that surprises everyone—described as a “grand slam” after setting expectations low with a “bunt.” We explore his rhetorical flair and the humor that had the crowd laughing, even if it took a moment to sink in.The Abraham Joke (01:25): Ennie breaks down his viral moment—a hilarious yet profound take on Abraham’s obedience to God, from circumcision to the sacrifice of Isaac. It’s a wild reminder of the risks faith demands.Risky Faith (02:22): Paul George and Ennie reflect on the moments in life where God calls us to step out—like marriage, trusting God’s plan, or simply saying “yes” when it feels insane. Living faith, they argue, should always involve risk.Mentorship Matters (04:10): The conversation turns to the crisis of young men unwilling to take risks. Paul shares how mentors—like he was for Ennie—pushed him to grow, even calling him out on a landline in college about smoking weed. The group debates: Are young men missing mentors, or are they missing the willingness to listen?Dopamine vs. Pursuit (06:54): Ennie and Paul discuss how modern distractions—gaming, phones, instant gratification—are keeping young men from chasing real goods, like relationships or purpose.Trust and Friendship (07:54): The key to mentorship? Trust. Ennie recalls how Paul’s persistent friendship gave him the courage to make hard choices, proving love and accountability go hand in hand.Raising Sons with Community (08:33): The group explores the power of men modeling faith and camaraderie for the next generation. From organizations like Fraternus to everyday “Uncle David” moments, it’s about inviting sons into the good life alongside trusted men.Key Takeaway:Faith isn’t safe—it’s risky. Whether it’s Abraham chopping off a bit of himself or a mentor calling you out on a landline, the path to manhood demands courage, trust, and a willingness to swing for the fences.Guests:Ennie Hickman: Conference speaker and master of the well-timed Abraham joke.Paul George: Mentor, speaker, and the guy who won’t stop calling until you step up.

A quick interview with Dr. Edward Sri on the topic of fatherhood.Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!Support Us on PatreonBecome a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!Click here to joinJoin Our 2025 PilgrimageSelect International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won’t miss it. Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy PlaceOur new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory PineHome life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.Want to help The Catholic Man Show?By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click HereLooking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.SIGN UP HERE:

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, affectionately known as Dr. Italy, sheds light on keeping kids engaged in the Catholic faith. He discusses the challenges faced by parents in today’s society and emphasizes the need for authentic spiritual experiences. Through personal stories, he illustrates faith's transformative power, highlighting community and the joy it brings. The importance of presenting faith as an exciting adventure is also explored, encouraging churches to foster genuine relationships that inspire curiosity and love among the next generation.

Magnanimity - this desired greatness of the soul. We also talk about:How pride and sloth can hinder greatnessHow gifts are meant for othersThe beauty of magnanimityDownload the Exodus 90 app today and join us for our Lent challenge!Support Us on PatreonBecome a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!Click here to joinJoin Our 2025 PilgrimageSelect International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won’t miss it. Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy PlaceOur new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory PineHome life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.Want to help The Catholic Man Show?By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click HereLooking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.SIGN UP HERE:

The following is a talk given by a Benedictine Monk on the topic mortification. Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!Support Us on PatreonBecome a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!Click here to joinJoin Our 2025 PilgrimageSelect International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won’t miss it. Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy PlaceOur new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory PineHome life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.Want to help The Catholic Man Show?By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click HereLooking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.SIGN UP HERE: