The BeatiDudes

Brad Linder is the Founder and Chief Transformation Officer of Get You In Shape in Coppell, TX. As a former professional basketball player, Brad utilized his knowledge from a master’s degree in health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies to optimize his performance.He and his wife also have seven kids after only planning to have four. Coach Brad walks the BeatiDudes through the story of how his family population exploded and the conversations he had with his wife (and with himself) as God’s plan for their family unfolded. Is it really easier to raise seven kids than just one or two? How do you show your gratitude and excitement for a new life in your family when it comes unexpectedly on multiple occasions? Brad shares his view on these and many more of life’s beautiful mysteries in this family-focused Friday bonus episode. Connect with Coach Brad at Get You in ShapeOur Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Brad Linder is the Founder and Chief Transformation Officer of Get You In Shape in Coppell, TX. As a former professional basketball player, Brad utilized his knowledge from a master’s degree in health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies to optimize his performance.In his mid-20s, Brad moved to North Texas as a complete leap of faith and started attending St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell. Within weeks, he joined Life Teen as a Core Team member and found that serving others for the Lord filled a gap that had previously existed in his life. Next came the St. Ann Carnival, where Brad’s life changed forever when he met his wife of almost 20 years. Together, they are joyfully raising their seven kids. With an extensive background in fitness and nutrition, Brad naturally wanted to share this knowledge with others as he entered the health and fitness field. Since 1998, Brad has been able to help thousands of participants and clients. Brad has created and produced the Group Personal Training DVD and has been featured as the fitness expert on television and in newspaper articles.In 2006, Brad pioneered a high-intensity group personal training program that has received rave reviews. Get You In Shape was featured on The Doctor’s TV show with Jillian Michaels as one of the Top Fitness Companies in Texas.Brad holds multiple specialty training certifications in fitness and has been coaching clients since 1998. In other words, he’s been blessed to have a well-rounded career in this industry…and for longer than most.On Blessed are the Joke Makers, the Dudes must take on the personality of a US President to address the prompt, “They shall know that we are Christians by our ____________.” The TBD Question of the Day - describe your current relationship with physical fitness. For Reverse Simpsons, Coach Brad leads the Dudes through a version of burpees for 75-year-olds. Connect with Coach Brad at Get You in ShapeOur Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Anand Bheemarasetti is a modern missionary, business entrepreneur, media specialist, and community organizer who has dedicated himself to a life of service by following the inspiration of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Anand shares the incredible tale of his journey to America and the little things he had to learn that we often take for granted, starting with his fascination for water fountains at the airport. He goes on to share his struggles at his first hotel, again attempting to find drinking water. Likewise, when Anand takes Americans to India, he enjoys watching the cultural transition in reverse. He shares that smiling at a stranger is a very American thing to do, and when that happens in India, it leads to a swarm of interest from the locals. Follow Project Finding CalcuttaCheck out the Firebreaker seriesOur Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Anand Bheemarasetti is a modern missionary, business entrepreneur, media specialist, and community organizer who has dedicated himself to a life of service by following the inspiration of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta. After outfitting the BeatiDudes with traditional Indian clothing, Anand shares his story of his roots and his transition to the United States. He had moved to Nebraska and was searching for a place to fit in. He was welcomed by a family who helped to set him on the right path. He was brought into various programs at his parish and started hanging out with seminarians, too. Then, he was introduced to FOCUS through a Bible study that blew his mind. These young people were sharing faith and praying together outside of church. He also attended the FOCUS conference later that year. While meeting with his spiritual director, it became clear that Anand’s vocation would not be priesthood. Instead, he set his sights on joining FOCUS as a missionary. His first year as a missionary was spent at Bradley University, followed by Illinois State University and the University of Colorado in Boulder, before he worked in marketing at the FOCUS headquarters. At the start of FOCUS, Anand knew about the one-year rule of no dating, so he started a friendship with the young lady who would eventually become his wife. Their courtship story is a great testament to building a strong foundation and playing the long game. Anand shares the inspiration that led to his current nonprofit. He had led mission trips to India and then started a media effort to bring Catholicism to YouTube through a series called Ask a Bishop. Then he decided to make a documentary in both Calcutta and Rome during the time of Mother Theresa’s canonization. As he started editing the footage, he heard the words repeatedly, “Find your own Calcutta.” That led to the start of Project Finding Calcutta, a service-focused ministry that provides opportunities for people to gather each week to perform corporal works of mercy. On Blessed are the Joke Makers, the Dudes must take on the persona of a fed-up waiter or waitress to address the prompt, “I saw visions of ____ after _____.” Follow Project Finding CalcuttaOur Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

In 1960, Bill Sladek’s mom was told that she should not carry her baby to term due to her age and previous pregnancy issues. She told her doctor that “God doesn’t make mistakes” and welcomed baby Bill in June of that year. Bill’s wife, Mary, has a similar story about her heroic mom and the battle she endured to continue her pregnancy despite the health struggles she was facing at the time that led to her passing only months after Mary was born. This is a must-watch episode that reinforces the culture of life. It includes incredible stories about the mothers who made every sacrifice possible to bring Bill and Mary into the world, allowing their light to shine on many others. Bill has been a commercial real estate attorney in Dallas for 39 years and is a partner with Condon Tobin Sladek Thornton Nerenberg PLLC. Bill is an alum of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1982) and received his law degree in 1985 from the University of Texas School of Law.Bill is a proud member of the Jesuit Dallas Class of 1978 and is currently Chair of the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas Foundation. Bill is also the current president of the Board of Directors of the Notre Dame School of Dallas and a member of the Board of Management of the Semones YMCA. Bill and Mary (his wife of 40 years) have chaired several charity events, including the Bishop’s Golf Tournament, the Catholic Charities Bishop’s Gala, the Catholic Pro-Life Community’s Bishop’s Gala, and the Holy Trinity Seminary’s Spes Gregis Gala.Bill and Mary, both Dallas natives, began dating while Mary was a junior at Ursuline and Bill was a senior at Jesuit. They have five children—four boys (Billy, Brendan, Brian, and Baby Brett, their Angel Baby) and one daughter (Maddie, an Ursuline alum). They are parishioners at St. Monica Catholic Church.Our Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The BeatiDudes proudly welcome their hero and friend, Bill Sladek, for a look back at his life of service. Bill and his wife answer the call to help others and serve God daily with their time, talent, and treasure. Not only does this inspiring couple lend financial support to various organizations and serve as chairs for various fundraisers, but they also roll up their sleeves and get to work. They have cooked and served meals at the Ronald McDonald House every month for over 13 years. They helped to complete the physical renovation of the building, which now serves pregnant women in danger of homelessness, where Bill and his buddies continue to mow and maintain the lawn. The examples of service that Bill performs are almost as endless as the number of wristbands he wears in support of many people and causes. This show has a surprise opening as Jeff leads Paul, Bill, and Nick through a Jesuit Dallas quiz show full of twists and turns. The quiz helps reveal more about Bill and his incredible past. Bill and BeatiDudes also reflect on the powerful experiences each person had at the National Eucharistic Congress in July of 2024. Bill has been a commercial real estate attorney in Dallas for 39 years and is a partner with Condon Tobin Sladek Thornton Nerenberg PLLC. Bill is an alum of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1982) and received his law degree in 1985 from the University of Texas School of Law.Bill is a proud member of the Jesuit Dallas Class of 1978 and is currently Chair of the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas Foundation. Bill is also the current president of the Board of Directors of the Notre Dame School of Dallas and a member of the Board of Management of the Semones YMCA. Bill and Mary (his wife of 40 years) have chaired several charity events, including the Bishop’s Golf Tournament, the Catholic Charities Bishop’s Gala, the Catholic Pro-Life Community’s Bishop’s Gala, and the Holy Trinity Seminary’s Spes Gregis Gala.Bill and Mary, both Dallas natives, began dating while Mary was a junior at Ursuline and Bill was a senior at Jesuit. They have five children—four boys (Billy, Brendan, Brian, and Baby Brett, their Angel Baby) and one daughter (Maddie, an Ursuline alum). They are parishioners at St. Monica Catholic Church.On the Blessed are the Joke Makers, the Dudes must take on multiple personalities to address the prompt, “Seminarians talk about _____ after class.” Follow the Firebreaker SeriesFollow FioOur Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The BeatiDudes set up a booth at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) for one day of open recording with new friends, old buddies, and a handful of repeat guests.Part One of this three-episode series jumps right in with the BeatiDudes’ first guest, a man who started off as a stranger walking by and quickly became an all-time BeatiDude favorite. Meet Kelly, Texas Aggie Class of 1993. This man embodies the Spirit of Aggieland, aka Texas A&M University, better than just about anyone. The second guest is our first repeat BeatiDude in history, Chris McMahon from Aquinas Wealth Advisors. Chris is on fire for service and shares his love for the great work of many religious sisters before introducing the BeatiDudes to their next guest, Sister Margie from the Sisters of Mary. The Sisters of Mary serve the poor worldwide, currently helping 22,000 children in seven different countries. Sister Margie says, “We give our lives, and they respond with their gratitude.” She is currently visiting from her assignment in Tanzania. Learn more about the Sisters’ work at World Villages for Children.J.B. Bionat, a BeatiDudes friend and fellow parishioner from back home, stops by for a total bro-out. He is joined by Nicole Richards, the parish's digital marketing coordinator, who gives the BeatiDudes some great real-time feedback. J.B. and the BeatiDudes talk about the power of praise and worship in the most dynamic parishes and organizations, especially St. Ann in Coppell, Texas. This quick and powerful conversation includes ice sculpture ideas and a shared prayer for J.B. and his fiancé. Follow St. Ann Parish online.The last guest for the first hour of NEC fun is Fr. Edwin Leonard, Pastor of St. Ann in Coppell. Fr. Edwin, another repeat guest on the show, spotlights how the Eucharist and perpetual adoration have been the cornerstone of the parish’s growth and evangelization success. Be sure to check out each of the three-part NEC episodes as they are released for more off-the-cuff fun with old friends, strangers, and repeat guests, all united in the Eucharist. Our Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Fr. Dave Pivonka, President of Franciscan University in Steubenville, joins The BeatiDudes at the National Eucharistic Congress for the first live-audience episode in the show’s history. The episode weaves together many important aspects of college life, the Eucharist, the need for humor, reasons for hope, the harm of smartphones, the root of anxiety, authentic worship, and the breakthroughs that happen when you place the Holy Spirit at the center of all that you do. Fr. Dave tells an incredible story about his visit to a leper colony and the question that played in his head as he prepared for the encounter: “Will you get close to them?” That inner dialogue helped him connect with Jesus’ earthly ministry, where he became man and got close to all of us.Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. The prolific Catholic speaker, author, podcaster, and video producer received his bachelor’s from Franciscan University, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Before being elected University president, he served in leadership at Franciscan University, including as vice president for Mission and Planning, then as director of the TOR’s Post-Novitiate Formation and the TOR’s Franciscan Pathways.On Blessed are the Joke Makers, each Dude takes on a different personality to address the prompt, “_______, the hit Catholic musical.” The show ends with an improv game of text-message roulette that gives everyone a great final laugh.Follow Fr. Dave and Franciscan Universityhttps://franciscan.edu/https://faithandreason.com/Special thanks to MAX Studios https://ustmaxstudios.com/Our Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Pradeep Thoppil is very aware of his “Yes” to the calling Jesus put on his heart as a husband, a father, and a son of God. He has been intentional about building authentic fraternity with his brothers in Christ, and this episode highlights his commitment to others as he shows his love, support, and prayers for Jeff and his son, Benny Pro, who is currently battling brain cancer.The conversation sparks Paul to share Psalm 18:17-20He reached down from on high and seized me, drew me out of the deep waters.He rescued me from my mighty enemy, from foes too powerful for me.They attacked me on my day of distress, but the LORD was my support.He set me free in the open; he rescued me because he loves me.Pradeep points out that through Benny Pro’s battle, others are being brought to know Jesus. Pradeep finishes the episode by asking each of us to make a resolution for the week ahead. He suggests that we all find a specific way to take the higher Christ road when someone else takes the low blow. Our Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Having just finished his studies at Xavier in New Orleans, Pradeep Thoppil started working at Tulane Medical Center shortly before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. As a first-year pharmacist, he was eager to help the team and volunteered to join the pre-hurricane team. He had no idea that when he entered the hospital that day, he would not leave until six and a half days later.Pradeep, a self-proclaimed weather nerd, shares when he realized that Katrina had made a turn and headed straight for New Orleans. What happened next is a wild tale of triumphs, trials, and the heroic efforts of the team inside the medical center. Pradeep’s recounting of the race against time includes flooding, the quick decision to move medications to higher floors, praying for people outside the hospital windows after the doors had to be locked for safety, the loss of power, water, and their food supply, creating and protecting a makeshift pharmacy, relocating patients into hallways as the storm’s pressure made the walls breath and windows break, and eventually moving patients up many flights of stairs and out to the parking garage for rooftop evacuation. At one point, Pradeep considered leaving the hospital to meet his parents, which led to an honest conversation with God in which Pradeep realized he was being called to stay for the long haul. Despite the trials that ensued, Pradeep knew he had made the right decision. Sharing this story with The BeatiDudes was not easy for Pradeep, as it brings back many deep and difficult emotions. Please join us in praying for Pradeep and all of those affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Our Partners:Sock Religious (10% Discount)Solidarity HealthShareAquinas Wealth AdvisorsLucid Private OfficeSpoke Street MediaThe Catholic Card GameDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau