The BeatiDudes

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome John Egan to share one of the most remarkable stories of faith, redemption, and the unexpected ways God works through ordinary efforts. John recounts his time as director of The Pines Catholic Camp in East Texas, where the dream of building an air-conditioned chapel, against all odds, turned into more than just a construction project. With limited funds, relentless faith, and the help of staff, family, and alumni, John and his wife literally helped build a church from the ground up. But the story didn’t end there. Through a providential connection with the foreman “Buddy,” a man whose personal struggles and redemption journey would culminate in an unexpected conversion, the chapel became the site of healing, grace, and even Buddy’s funeral Mass. The conversation highlights themes of perseverance, family reconciliation, sacramental grace, and God’s relentless pursuit of each soul. The heart of this BeatiDudes’ episode is a testimony to how God works through ordinary efforts to create extraordinary grace. Whether you’ve ever hammered a nail for a parish project or simply wondered if God can redeem the broken parts of our stories, this episode will leave you inspired and grateful for the ways the Spirit shows up when we say “yes.” Our Partners:   ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠   Follow The BeatiDudes:   ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By   ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠    ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

There is no better way to launch Season 6 of The BeatiDudes than to spend quality time at the tiny table with our longtime friend, youth minister, camp director, and culture-builder, John Egan. This episode blends laughter, faith, and leadership lessons as John shares his winding journey from childhood commercials in New York, seminary life, youth ministry, The Pines Catholic Camp, and eventually into executive leadership at Lucid Private Offices. Along the way, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, Jeff Schiefelbein, and John explore: • John’s childhood modeling gigs, his quick detour through seminary, and how ministry prepared him for business leadership. • Years spent at The Pines Catholic Camp, living faith with family and showing young people what authentic Catholic marriage looks like. • Faith in the Secular Workplace: How to bring joy, prayer, and servant leadership into a for-profit setting without compromise. • Culture That Sticks: Building a team where people *want* to come to work • Humor Meets Holiness: From Ghostbusters nicknames to “snap snap snap” applause, the BeatiDudes keep the joy flowing while grounding the conversation in Christ and community. John’s story reminds us that where you work matters, not just for productivity but for people. Whether leading at camp, selling cars with integrity, or shaping culture in business, he models how faith and joy overflow when Christ is the true foundation. Our Partners:   ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠   Follow The BeatiDudes:   ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By   ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠    ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠  

For our 250th episode (and the close of Season Five!), the BeatiDudes welcome Ryan Skoog, co-author of Lead with Prayer, for a conversation that weaves together humor, holiness, and the heart of true leadership. In this milestone episode, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein sit with Ryan to explore how prayer is not a checklist or productivity hack, it’s the lifeblood of friendship with Jesus. From global church leaders in war zones to billionaires in Manhattan, Ryan shares how the Holy Spirit leads disciples across the world into strikingly similar prayer practices.  Together, we dive into: - Why friendship is the foundation of every authentic prayer life. - The difference between “a prayer time” and crafting “a day with God.” - The power of prayer in the darkest valleys, from demonic nightmares to devastating business collapse, and how Christ’s presence transforms suffering into blessing. - The invitation to humility: prayer as the posture of “I need You, Lord.” This episode is both a celebration of 250 shows and a challenge to humble ourselves, waste time with Jesus, and discover the miracle of prayer as friendship.  Read Ryan’s book https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ Our Partners:  ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠  Follow The BeatiDudes:  ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠  BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By  ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠ 

Ryan Skoog brings stories from the front lines, war zones, Himalayan villages, and places where the gospel has never been heard, revealing the incredible ways God is still moving like the Book of Acts. From Roman coliseum jokes to jaw-dropping miracle stories, the BeatiDudes is a wild blend of humor, faith, and holy boldness. You’ll hear: · Miracles in modern times: healings, mass baptisms, and freedom from demonic oppression. · The “three UNS” of mission: unsafe, unreached, and unresourced, and why Ryan’s team runs toward them. · Doing it afraid: how fear doesn’t vanish, but courage steps forward anyway. · The power of the name of Jesus—in both spiritual warfare and daily life. · The global prayer movement: lessons from leaders on six continents fueling the spread of the Gospel. Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein bring their signature mix of quick wit and deep faith as they guide Ryan’s powerful testimonies, sprinkling in improv games, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs. Along the way, we get a crash course in Russian prison-to-church redemption, cave cobras, WhatsApp healings, and the unexpected joy of blessing others especially when they least expect it. This episode will leave you inspired to take the “governor” off your prayers, stand against darkness, and live with a reckless trust in God’s promises. Check out https://www.venture.org/ Read Ryan’s book https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠  Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠  BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

Artist and iconographer Garret Hines shares the winding, grace-filled journey that brought his family home to the Catholic faith. In this heartfelt and often humorous conversation with the BeatiDudes, Garret opens up about: How a retreat for men shattered his resistance to children and ignited a call to mission Moving his family to Southeast Asia and the spiritual abuse that sent them back to the States Wrestling with Catholic teaching, praying to the saints in secret, and debating Father Mike Schmitz (in his head) Why the Eucharist was the hinge on which everything turned How discipline in art mirrors freedom in faith Whether you’re an artist, a seeker, or simply curious about the mysterious beauty of the Catholic faith, Garret’s story that he shares with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein is an invitation to trust God with the leap of faith even when you can’t see the landing. https://garretthines.com/ Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠ Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

The BeatiDudes welcome Garret Hines, artist, teacher, and iconographer, for a colorful conversation that flows from camping trips and Make-A-Wish moments to the painstaking beauty of egg tempera icons. Garret shares his journey from creative burnout to spiritual renewal through sacred art. He explains the prayerful process behind "writing" an icon, why traditional techniques still matter, and how each commissioned piece becomes a custom prayer for its recipient. Of course, it wouldn’t be The BeatiDudes without Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein detouring into Frodo jokes, Dr Pepper ice cream tastings, and Thor references. You’ll hear about the 24-karat gold halos, the theology embedded in brushstrokes, and the joy of seeing beauty draw people deeper into faith. If you’ve ever wondered why icons are called “written” instead of “painted,” or what happens when you mix a prayer with egg yolk and ground stone, this episode will pull back the curtain, or rather, open the window into heaven. Highlights: July catch-up: RV camping, Rome adventures, Make-A-Wish magic, and bobblehead promo videos Garret's journey: from watercolor experiments to Eastern-style iconography Why each icon is a prayer in pigment, not just an image How art can help the faithful "see" scripture and the beauty of the faith Our Partners: Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠ Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

In this robust conversation, Jack Beers shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming a devastating Crohn’s disease diagnosis and the heroic, faith-fueled love of his mother that changed everything. With raw honesty and spiritual depth, Jack reflects on the influence of St. John Paul II and Viktor Frankl in shaping his understanding of suffering, identity, and personal transformation. His story is not one of miraculous healing, but of interior renewal, choosing a new story, a new song, and a new self, even when nothing externally seemed to change. The BeatiDudes explore: How every choice shapes your soul, shrinking or expanding it The impact of Jack’s mother’s fierce love and prophetic challenge Why “incurable” is not a declaration, but a dare Drawing meaning from suffering through love, service, and attitude What forgiveness bracelets have to do with Jack’s journey How to co-create your future self with God, even in an ordinary job This episode with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein is rich with insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating difficulty, doubt, or disillusionment. It’s a masterclass in personalism, discipleship, and hope in action. Jack Beers’ mentorship and course CatholicPsych Institute Follow Jack on LinkedIn Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠ Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

In this unforgettable episode of The BeatiDudes, the Dudes are joined by Jack Beers, founder of The Catholic Mentor and the Integrated Life Foundation. What begins with a hysterical airport story involving a 4-year-old’s surprise ‘hug’ quickly turns into a deeply meaningful conversation about priestly burnout, spiritual direction, and the urgent need for emotional support in the Catholic Church. Jack shares how his journey led him to become a certified Catholic mentor, trained in the principles of personalism and integrated human formation. He dives into the powerful work of supporting priests through daily, faithful accompaniment and why it matters now more than ever. Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein also explore Jack’s passion for baseball, his roots in New Jersey, and a few unconventional gifts from Cracker Barrel, including a yodeling pickle. This episode balances side-splitting laughter with soul-stirring wisdom. Whether you’re a priest, parent, or just someone trying to make sense of life’s ‘wobble,’ this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and holy humor. Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠ Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

What happens when a Catholic dad moves his family to a homestead and starts learning theology through pigs, fences, and parables? In this laugh-filled episode, the BeatiDudes welcome Jason Craig, author, farmer, and founder of Fraternus, for a deep and humorous exploration of farm life, fatherhood, and the faith lessons that emerge from both. From cow returns and donkey escapes to the spiritual logic of agrarian living, Jason reflects on how working the land with his children has transformed his family and made space to encounter God in the rhythms of nature. Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein also share outrageous stories about animal chaos, DIY fence failures, and Jason’s failed attempt to launch a yogurt empire. And yes, they do try to reenact biblical parables with mixed results. Highlights: ·        Why suburban life stifles spiritual formation ·        How building a fence beats reading a progress report ·        The theology of milk cows, pigs, and daily labor ·        Parable reenactments gone hilariously wrong ·        The hidden beauty of a farm-based family economy Learn more about Fraternus: https://fraternus.org/ Read Sword & Spade: https://theswordandspade.com/ Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠   Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠

In this thought-provoking and hilarious episode of The BeatiDudes, Jason Craig joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a bold discussion on youth ministry, manhood, and reclaiming authentic fraternity in the Church. Jason, co-founder of Fraternus and editor of Sword & Spade magazine, doesn’t shy away from controversy as he challenges the current models of youth ministry, compares modern formation to beekeeping, and calls men to take seriously their role in raising the next generation. From the invention of adolescence to rites of passage, Jason dives deep into the need for male mentorship, the failures of youth culture, and why it's time to stop wearing cargo shorts. Learn more about Fraternus: https://www.fraternus.org/ Read Sword & Spade: https://theswordandspade.com/ Our Partners: ⁠⁠⁠Sock Religious (10% Discount)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Solidarity HealthShare⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aquinas Wealth Advisors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Lucid Private Office⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Divine Comedy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Undivided Life⁠⁠⁠   Follow The BeatiDudes: ⁠⁠⁠BeatiDudes Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Schiefelbein on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   BeatiDudes Theme Song and Music By ⁠⁠⁠The Pencil Bureau⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dave Moore Music⁠