The BeatiDudes

This episode of The BeatiDudes comes with a disclaimer - - This must-hear episode is highly emotional, and we recommend that you put yourself in the right place (physically and emotionally) to fully experience the show.Todd has over 25 years of business management and consulting experience in bringing digital and interactive initiatives to fruition through leadership, strategic alliances, processes, and technologies in industries such as media and entertainment. Todd holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas A&M. He is the co-founder of Taylor’s Gift Foundation, an award-winning 501c3 non-profit focused on organ donation and grief support for donor families. Taylor’s Gift is a compassionate source of hope, ensuring donor families never have to grieve alone. Taylor’s Gift Foundation was started after Todd and his wife lost their daughter Taylor in a skiing accident in March of 2010. In the hospital, they faced a pivotal moment as they were asked if they would consider donating Taylor’s organs to improve and save the lives of 5 other people. Todd shares the highly emotional and inspirational story of Taylor and her impact on the world, including her 13 years on earth and the way she outlived herself as an organ donor.Make sure you are registered in your state for organ donation at the Taylor’s Gift website. Taylor’s story includes tales of connecting with the organ recipients, sharing Taylor’s story on national media, the Ellen DeGeneres show, and a very special school poem written by Taylor shortly before she passed called “I am.” That poem is read on today’s show by Jeff Schiefelbein’s 8-year-old daughter, a moment that cannot be described in words. After the break, the Dudes play “Blessed are the Joke Makers” and must determine the “Topic of the next Papal Encyclical” as the “Wildest party animal.” Then Todd joins the Dudes in answering the TBD (The BeatiDudes) Question – What is something you admire about your father-in-law?Reverse Simpsons – Paul leads the crew in an improv game of word association that eventually leads to storytelling throughout the team. Follow Taylor’s Gift Our Partners:Solidarity HealthShareSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Chris McMahon established MFA Wealth to help clients with their personal wealth management and estate planning needs. Chris is an industry resource serving as a consultant and advisor to a multitude of industry professionals, giving clarity in the areas of practice management, client care, and comprehensive financial planning.Chris is very involved in his community; he has served as the president of the Duquesne University Alumni Board, the president of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church Parish Council, a board member of Oakland Catholic High School, a member of Mt Lebanon municipal Pension Board, and a board member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Pittsburgh. Currently, Chris is a member of both the Duquesne University Board of Trustees and the Investment Committee. He is also a committee member of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a board member of Mary’s Place Pittsburgh, and a board member of Legatus International. Chris also remains active in youth sports in the Mount Lebanon area. Chris and his wife Molly have been married for 25 years and have five children, Kate, Will, Jack, Hugh, and Emma.In this episode, Chris shares a handful of incredible miracle stories and spotlights the power of prayer in each one. Aquinas Wealth Advisors, Faith and Finance ScoreOur Partners:Solidarity HealthShareSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Chris McMahon established MFA Wealth to help clients with their personal wealth management and estate planning needs. Chris is an industry resource serving as a consultant and advisor to a multitude of industry professionals, giving clarity in the areas of practice management, client care, and comprehensive financial planning.Chris is very involved in his community; he has served as the president of the Duquesne University Alumni Board, the president of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church Parish Council, a board member of Oakland Catholic High School, a member of Mt Lebanon municipal Pension Board, and a board member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Pittsburgh. Currently, Chris is a member of both the Duquesne University Board of Trustees and the Investment Committee. He is also a committee member of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a board member of Mary’s Place Pittsburgh, and a board member of Legatus International. Chris also remains active in youth sports in the Mount Lebanon area. Chris and his wife Molly have been married for 25 years and have five children, Kate, Will, Jack, Hugh, and Emma.Before introducing the guest, the Dudes reflect on times when common phrases were misused by people in their lives. As we all know, Bakers can’t be choosy. Chris is credited for a BeatiDudes first by having a PR firm reach out to the Dudes to arrange this special interview that involved a flight from Pittsburg to North Texas. On the show, we learn about Chris’ work in the wealth management world and his calling to create a “Faith in Finance” scoring tool so that anyone can uncover hidden investments in their portfolio that are counter to their personal beliefs. On Blessed are the Joke Makers, the Dudes honor YouTube Superfan Chris with a special 100-point bonus. Then the Dudes have to act like a Paranoid Conspiracy Theorist to address the question, “If I started a religious order, it would focus on [blank].” After the break, Chris shares his love for sending gifts of perpetual prayer when people are in mourning or even in times of celebration. Link to request your own perpetual prayers below. Chris and his wife are involved with several religious orders, including the Sisters of Life and the Sisters of Mary and the World Villages of Children. Today's TBD Question: What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self? And finally, during Reverse Simpsons, the Dudes and Chris engage in a shared prayer to close the show. Dominican Monastery of the Mother of God, Springfield, Massachusetts Sisters of Mary, World Villages for ChildrenAquinas Wealth Advisors, Faith and Finance ScoreBook: Halftime – Moving from Success to Significance Catholics at the Shore ConferenceOur Partners:Solidarity HealthSharego to joinsolidarity.com (hyperlink may not be working)Sock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

Peter Blute, head of operations for the Young Catholic Professionals, braves the airwaves once again on this special bonus episode of The BeatiDudes. As Chief Operating Officer for Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), Peter Blute manages national and chapter operations, expansion efforts, brand and marketing efforts, and volunteer support. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dallas and then spent two years working in Rome and traveling across Europe as a staff member on UD’s study-abroad campus. After returning to Dallas, he worked in marketing and sales efforts prior to joining the YCP apostolate in 2014 as the non-profit’s second full-time employee.The show starts with Peter reflecting on his background as a ballet dancer, and the puns ensue. Then during the Blessed are the Joke Makers, Bonus Edition, Peter must determine which character card each person called as the Dudes respond to the prompt, “Catholic millennials are known for [blank].”Peter leaves us with a final reflection on the power of YCP to create authentic community in your own city and beyond. Connect with YCPOur Partners:Solidarity HealthShareSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

As Chief Operating Officer for Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), Peter Blute manages national and chapter operations, expansion efforts, brand and marketing efforts, and volunteer support. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dallas and then spent two years working in Rome and traveling across Europe as a staff member on UD’s study-abroad campus. After returning to Dallas, he worked in marketing and sales efforts prior to joining the YCP apostolate in 2014 as the non-profit’s second full-time employee.Fair warning – this show is off the rails when it comes to humor, according to the number of times the BeatiDudes “lose it” in laughter. Peter and his wife are expecting the birth of their third child later this year which leads to an interesting conversation about the best way to explain children in utero. This turns into an entire deep dive about kids, names, parenting, and a wild ride of generational references. The BeatiDudes have to pull another hard right turn to get back on track with a game of Blessed are the Joke Makers. As a cult leader, the Dudes must answer the question, “I saw visions of [blank] after [blank]." After the break, the Dudes dive into more about the purpose and impact of the Young Catholic Professionals. This fast-growing group helps young adults to recognize and remember that every moment of work can be an act of holiness and prayer. To date, YCP has expanded to 33 cities and will be in 50+ cities by the end of 2024. For today’s TBD Question, Peter and the Dudes address the question, “Tell us about one of your business heroes.” Episode references:Books – Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman, Steve Jobs by Walter IsaacsonEsquire article about Mr. RogersThe show concludes with a special Reverse Simpsons called What’s the Opposite of a Chicken Wing?Follow YCPYoung Catholic ProfessionalsOur Partners:Solidarity HealthSharehttp://www.joinsolidarity.com/Sock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The BeatiDudes welcome back Fr. Edwin Leonard, Pastor of St Ann Parish in Coppell, for this very special bonus episode about vocations. The show starts with another round of Blessed are the Joke Makers, during which the Dudes must take on the persona of a pageant winner to complete the sentence "I am guilty of {blank}." Fr. Edwin shares his vocation story and then encourages young men and women, and their families, to prayerfully discern if they are being called to religious life. The show concludes with an invitation to join us in prayer for an openness and increase in vocations. More on St. Ann ParishSt Ann Parish WebsiteOur Partners:Solidarity HealthSharehttp://www.joinsolidarity.com/Sock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The BeatiDudes welcome one of their favorite priests, Fr. Edwin Leonard, Pastor of St Ann Parish in Coppell, where the Dudes are parishioners with their families. Fr. Edwin shares the spirit-led way in which St. Ann Parish encourages participation and receives each person with abundant hospitality. While describing St. Ann’s openness to new ideas, it becomes clear to the Dudes that St. Ann follows the first rule of improv – “Yes, and” – as that is part of their unique approach to ministry. During Blessed are the Joke Makers, with 72 points of the line, the Dudes must address the question, “What is talked about at the pub,” as a new parent.Fr. Edwin shares exciting updates about St. Ann Parish, including the new missionary institute, the addition of 2 new priests, and a church renovation to bring the tabernacle into the main sanctuary of the parish. He then reflects on the beauty of all types of worship, from the most traditional to the most charismatic. Then during the TBD Question of the Day, the Dudes and Fr. Edwin reflect on a fight-or-flight moment from each of their lives. And you won’t want to miss the most amazing reverse Simpsons ending, during which Fr. Edwin is asked to sing Taylor Swift.Follow St. Ann ParishSt Ann Parish, Greater Coppell AreaOur Partners:Solidarity HealthSharejoinsolidarity.com Sock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

This bonus episode with Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D. is an incredible testament to the value of family and fortitude. The Dudes start off with a special bonus edition of Blessed are the Joke Makers in which each one acts as a different character to address the question, “The best pilgrimages offer ___________ to its pilgrims.” Dr. Sanford is put on the spot to determine each character and does a great job in the process. Dr. Sanford goes on to discuss the incredible journey that he and his wife embarked on as high school sweethearts leading to a large family with 9 kids, 4 grandkids, and more to come. Dr. Sanford shares a reflection on George Weigel’s recent book, To Sanctify the World: A Vital Legacy of Vatican II. And the BeatiDudes celebrate the surprise announcement from Jeff and the recent news of his wife’s pregnancy with their seventh child. Resources Mentioned on the ShowThe University of DallasTo Sanctify the World by George Weigel Our Partners:Solidarity HealthShareSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The BeatiDudes proudly welcome Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D., the 10th president of the University of Dallas. Dr. Sanford, who previously served as provost and dean of UD’s Constantin College of Liberal Arts and holds a doctorate in philosophy, is a noted scholar in virtue ethics. Dr. Sanford has published widely on philosophical figures and topics, especially in foundational questions in moral philosophy, as evidenced in “Before Virtue: Assessing Contemporary Virtue Ethics” (The Catholic University of America Press 2015). As provost, Dr. Sanford oversaw the development of a university-wide strategic plan, and as president, he is focused on leading its implementation by building on the university’s reputation for academic rigor, its commitment to classical Western tradition, and its faithful Catholic identity.During this episode, Dr. Sanford provides deep insight into the approach to formation and education philosophies of the University of Dallas. He calls upon several key teachings, including St. Pope John Paul II’s “Ex Corde Ecclesiae” and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman’s “The Idea of a University.” Then on “Blessed are the Joke Makers,” the Dudes square off to finish the statement, “Lord, I need [blank]” as a drill sergeant. The second half of the show explores Dr. Sanford’s education and career journey. We learn more about the mentors, saints, and materials that formed Dr. Sanford’s love for philosophy and teaching. Dr. Sanford penned several books along the way and then received a call to join the University of Dallas and grew to quickly love the University in a special way. This episode’s TBD Question (The BeatiDudes Question) asks which educator(s) left a big impression on your life. And finally, the Dudes finish with a fun Reverse Simpsons called “Just Ask JJ” during which Dr. Sanford has to answer three questions and attempt to get the same answer that his wife gave before the show. Will he get them all? Or perhaps none? Watch and see. Books by Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D.Before Virtue: Assessing Contemporary Virtue EthicsSpider-Man and Philosophy: The Web of InquiryThe Philosophical Legacy of Jorge J. E. GraciaResources Shared by Dr. Sanford on the ShowEx Corde EcclesiaeThe Idea of a UniversityFree Online Program at UD - Studies in Catholic Faith and Culture The QuestOur Partners:Solidarity HealthSharejoinsolidarity.comSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau

The Catholic Gentleman is one of the most impactful brands for equipping men to live for Christ by serving their families, neighbors, and the church. In this week’s episodes, the owner and director of The Catholic Gentleman, John Heinen, joins the BeatiDudes for a well-balanced dose of folly and formation. John is also the Vice President of a marketing firm called Fuzati, which is a fun combination of the words fusion, technology, and information. They help clients with business strategy, marketing, social media, and strategy implementation.John spent much of his life as a professional trumpet player after receiving his Master’s in music from Yale. As part of his work, John played trumpet in China for the Beijing Olympics and had no idea that a bug bite would lead him to the brink of death. John shares a reflection on what it was like to feel the love and prayers of others throughout his journey to survive and recover. John joins the Dudes to play “Blessed are the Joke Makers,” during which they answer the question, “As Santa Claus, we were taught about ______ as kids.” Be sure to keep up with John and The Catholic Gentleman. Our Partners:Solidarity HealthShareSock Religious (10% Discount)Decided ExcellenceSpoke Street MediaDivine ComedyUndivided LifeFollow John Heinen:Fuzati MarketingThe Catholic GentlemanFollow The BeatiDudes:BeatiDudes WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterJeff Schiefelbein on LinkedInBeatiDudes Theme Song and Music ByThe Pencil Bureau