Manly Catholic: Igniting Men to Light the World on Fire

James Caldwell
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Feb 19, 2025 • 18min

Ep 156 - Eros: The Fire That Must Be Tamed—How Catholic Men Can Redeem Romantic Love

Romantic love (Eros) is everywhere—movies, music, social media. But our culture twists it, reducing it to fleeting passion, self-gratification, and empty pleasure. In this episode, we reclaim Eros for what it truly is—a God-given force meant to lead us to self-giving love, commitment, and holiness.I break down:How Eros, when rightly ordered, reflects God's covenant love.Why the hookup culture and pornography industry are destroying authentic masculinity.The danger of unrealistic expectations in marriage (yes, even The Bachelor is part of the problem).How men must slay the dragon of lust and lead their relationships with virtue.The one decision my wife and I made that eliminated divorce from our marriage—permanently.Men, Eros is not the enemy. But it must be redeemed, purified, and placed at the service of something higher. Today, I’ll show you how.🔥 One key takeaway: Kill lust before it kills you. If pornography or impurity is an issue, attack it viciously. Confession weekly. Mass immediately after. Cut off the source. Be a dragon slayer, not a slave.🔥 3 Quotes from the Episode:“Pornography turns men into slaves and women into objects. If you’re caught in it, you must fight like your soul depends on it—because it does.”“The world says ‘sleep around, get experience, be a player.’ That’s a lie. The virtuous woman you actually want to marry doesn’t want that man.”“Your marriage is impossible without God. Invite Him in, or watch it crumble.”References & Products Mentioned:Deus Caritas Est – Pope Benedict XVI’s teaching on Eros and loveThe Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paras. 2360-2361) on marital loveSong of Songs – A biblical vision of Eros in its purest formSt. Joseph & The Blessed Virgin Mary – The ultimate example of chaste, self-giving loveMen, reclaim Eros from a world that has corrupted it. Lead with virtue. Live with purpose. Press play.Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTubeSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 18, 2025 • 10min

Sanctifying Saints - St. Flavian: The Martyr Who Defended Christ’s True Nature

Most men today fear losing their reputation. St. Flavian feared nothing but losing the truth. In this episode, we dive deep into the life of a 5th-century warrior for the faith, a man who stood firm when the Church was under siege by heresy. As the Patriarch of Constantinople, St. Flavian refused to compromise, excommunicating a heretic monk despite immense political pressure. The cost? Betrayal, brutal beatings, and ultimately, martyrdom.His story isn’t just history—it’s a battle cry for men today. Are you willing to stand for truth, even when the world turns against you? In this episode, we break down:The dangerous heresy St. Flavian fought against and why it still matters today.How his brutal death led to one of the Church’s most important teachings.Three powerful lessons you can apply to your own spiritual battles right now.This is a must-listen if you’re serious about growing in faith and courage. Hit play and step into the fight.Three Powerful Quotes from the Episode:“Heresies will come and go, but the truth entrusted to the Church by Christ endures.”“Flavian’s unwavering commitment to Christ’s truth is a challenge to all of us. Fidelity to Christ requires courage, even when it leads to suffering.”“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)Key Takeaway for Men:Know your faith, stand firm, and be willing to suffer for it. St. Flavian’s story reminds us that truth is worth fighting for. Today, commit to learning one essential teaching of the Church—especially regarding Christ’s identity—so you can defend it when the time comes.Now go out there and be a saint!Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 14, 2025 • 11min

Sanctifying Saints - St. Valentine: The Martyr Who Defied an Empire for Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t about chocolates and Hallmark cards. It’s about a man who defied an emperor, risked his life for the sanctity of marriage, and stood firm in the face of death. St. Valentine wasn’t just a saint—he was a warrior for true love.In this episode, we uncover the real story behind St. Valentine. Who was he? Why was he martyred? And what can his courage teach Catholic men today? You’ll learn how this third-century priest defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying Christian couples, why the world has twisted his legacy, and how his ultimate sacrifice still speaks to men today.We break down three powerful lessons from his life:Love is Sacrificial – It’s not about fleeting emotions. It’s about commitment, self-gift, and suffering for the good of another.Courage is Essential – St. Valentine refused to renounce his faith, even in the face of death. Will you stand for truth when the world mocks it?Small Acts Have Eternal Impact – From healing the blind to blessing marriages in secret, St. Valentine reminds us that everyday acts of faith build the Kingdom of God.If you're married, this episode will challenge you to love your wife with renewed purpose. If you're single, it will reshape how you view relationships and commitment. Either way, St. Valentine is a saint every Catholic man must know.Three Powerful Quotes from the Episode: 🗡️ “St. Valentine saw marriage as a sacred covenant, worth risking his life to protect. How many men today would do the same?” 🗡️ “There’s no greater force against evil in the world than the love of a man and a woman in marriage.” – St. John Paul II 🗡️ “Marriage isn’t about feelings—it’s about a daily choice to sacrifice, to serve, and to love like Christ.”Key Takeaway for Catholic Men: Start practicing sacrificial love today. That means putting your wife before yourself, standing for truth in a world that distorts love, and committing to acts of service that reflect Christ’s love.🔥 Challenge: Share this episode with another man who needs to hear what real love is. Then, take action. Be the man God calls you to be.Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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10 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 16min

Ep 155 - Brotherhood Beyond the Game: Unlocking Philia in the Modern Man

Explore the profound Greek concept of 'Philia' and its role in fostering true brotherhood. Dive into the necessity of vulnerability in male friendships, breaking down societal barriers to emotional openness. Reflect on whether your friendships inspire virtue or merely serve as casual hangouts. Discover practical strategies to cultivate deep connections and the importance of intentional conversations. Tackle modern challenges like the superficiality of social media and the competitive culture that can hinder authentic relationships.
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Feb 11, 2025 • 11min

Marian Miracles - Our Lady of Lourdes: Miracles, Messages, and the Call to Catholic Men

Lourdes isn't just a place—it's a call to action. In this episode of The Manly Catholic, we dive deep into the miraculous apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and the powerful lessons they hold for Catholic men today. What does obedience to God look like when the world mocks you? How does humility unlock supernatural strength? Why is the Rosary the weapon you must wield daily?We break down the 18 apparitions of Our Lady to St. Bernadette, the miraculous healings that continue to baffle scientists, and the profound spiritual renewal that awaits every man willing to embrace Mary’s call. If you’ve been neglecting your spiritual discipline, this episode will wake you up.Powerful Quotes:"Would you risk looking foolish to obey Our Lady? If it’s our mother, we better listen.""Men, we are in a battle. The Rosary is your weapon. Pick it up. Use it. Every. Single. Day.""Lourdes isn’t just about miracles. It’s about obedience, prayer, and radical trust in God."Key Takeaway for Catholic Men:Pray the Rosary daily—no excuses. Our Lady has repeated this message in apparition after apparition. Lourdes, Fatima, Akita—the directive is always the same. If you’re not praying the Rosary every day, start today. It is your lifeline in spiritual warfare.Mentioned in This Episode:Our Lady of Lourdes apparitions (1858)The miraculous spring and healings at LourdesSt. Bernadette’s unwavering obedience and humilityThe significance of the Immaculate ConceptionThe power of the Rosary in spiritual combat📢 Brothers, it’s time to step up. Hit play now and reclaim your spiritual armor. Be a man of Lourdes. Be a man of prayer. Be a saint.Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesCheck out our websiteContact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.comSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 11, 2025 • 15min

Fr. Dom's Homs - Give God Everything: The Transformation of Simon Peter and the Power of the Mass

Father Dom, a dedicated priest known for his inspiring homilies, delves into the essence of human existence through faith. He emphasizes the life-changing experience of encountering God and the pivotal role of the Mass in spiritual transformation. Reflecting on Simon Peter's journey, he highlights the necessity of total surrender to faith to discover greater purpose. Through rich discussions, Father Dom encourages listeners to embrace the sacramental gifts, igniting a deeper commitment to their spiritual missions.
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Feb 9, 2025 • 8min

Sanctifying Saints - St. Cyril of Alexandria—The Defender of Truth

Brothers, we live in an age of confusion. The world twists truth, waters down faith, and even distorts who Christ is. But this is nothing new. The Church has faced heresies before—falsehoods that threatened to shake the very foundation of Christianity. And one man, St. Cyril of Alexandria, refused to let the lies stand.In this episode, we dive deep into the life of a fearless defender of the faith. Cyril crushed one of the most dangerous heresies in history—the Nestorian heresy—which denied Mary as the Mother of God and distorted the truth about Christ’s divinity. His battle for truth is just as relevant today as it was in 431 AD.You will learn: 🔥 Why courage in defending the faith is non-negotiable for Catholic men. 🔥 What happens when we compromise on truth—and why Cyril never did. 🔥 How you, as a husband, father, and leader, can follow Cyril’s example to protect your home from spiritual corruption.Defending truth comes at a cost. Cyril was exiled, slandered, and relentlessly attacked. But he never wavered. Are you willing to do the same when your workplace, community, or even your own family pressures you to back down? If we are not ready to fight for truth, we will lose it.Powerful Quotes from This Episode“If we are not ready to fight for truth, what are we willing to fight for?”“Men, we are the first line of defense in our homes. Let’s act like it.”“Cyril did not shrink back when the faith was under attack. Neither can we.”One Key Takeaway for Men➡️ Be the warrior of truth in your home. St. Cyril defended Christ’s divinity with everything he had. Today, the battle may look different, but it’s just as real. Protect your family from spiritual poison—false teachings, moral compromise, and the relentless attacks against faith. Stand firm. Lead with boldness. No one else will do it for you.👉 If this episode challenged you, share it with a brother in Christ. Let’s build a generation of men who refuse to compromise on truth.Referenced in This Episode:Mystic Monk Coffee – Fuel your faith with every sip. Visit MysticMonkCoffee.com.Buy Me a Coffee Supporters: Shoutout to Nicholas, Chris, Paul, and Steve. Join them in keeping this podcast alive at buymeacoffee.com/TMC.🔥 Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode! Be the man God made you to be. St. Cyril of Alexandria, pray for us.Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 5, 2025 • 13min

Sanctifying Saints - The Courage of Saint Agatha – A True Warrior for Christ

In this episode, we explore the inspiring life of Saint Agatha, one of the Church’s most venerated virgin-martyrs. Known for her unwavering faith, heroic virtue, and miraculous intercession, Saint Agatha’s story is a challenge for men today to stand firm in truth, defend purity, and embrace suffering with faith.Key Takeaways:✅ The extraordinary courage of Saint Agatha—how she stood against a corrupt ruler and refused to compromise her faith, even in the face of brutal torture. ✅ The deeper meaning of suffering and sacrifice—how Agatha’s endurance teaches us to embrace trials with faith and perseverance. ✅ Why Saint Agatha’s witness still matters today—and how her life calls men to rise up, defend purity, and stand unwavering in truth.Notable Quotes:🛡️ "I belong to Jesus Christ; He is my hope and salvation." – Saint Agatha 🛡️ "The martyrs teach us that faithfulness to Christ and His Church must take precedence over everything else, even over life itself." – Pope Benedict XVI 🛡️ "Lord, my Creator, You have protected me from my infancy. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive now my soul." – Saint Agatha’s prayer in the midst of sufferingLessons for Catholic Men:🔥 Be Courageous in Faith: Saint Agatha stood firm against pressure, persecution, and even physical torture. As men, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it costs us? 🔥 Purity Is Worth Defending: In a culture that distorts and devalues the human body, Agatha’s witness reminds us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. Men must reject impurity and strive for holiness. 🔥 God Strengthens the Faithful: Agatha’s sufferings were great, yet God did not abandon her. He sent Saint Peter to heal her wounds in prison. This is a reminder that God always provides grace to those who trust in Him.Saint Agatha’s Patronages:Saint Agatha is the patroness of purity, victims of violence, rape survivors, breast cancer patients, wet nurses, and Sicily. She is a powerful intercessor for those facing persecution and those suffering from physical or spiritual wounds.3 Challenges for Men Today:1️⃣ Commit to Purity: Whether single or married, strive to guard your heart and body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Eliminate any sources of impurity from your life. 2️⃣ Speak Truth Boldly: Saint Agatha refused to compromise. When the world pressures you to remain silent, defend your faith with confidence. 3️⃣ Turn to Prayer in Suffering: Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual trials, offer your suffering to Christ and ask for Saint Agatha’s intercession.Saint Agatha, pray for us!If this episode challenged or iSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 5, 2025 • 19min

Ep 154 - Building the Foundation To Change Your Family, Understanding Storge

In this episode of The Manly Catholic, we dive deep into storge—the Greek word for affectionate, familial love. This is the natural love we feel for our parents, children, and those closest to us. It is the foundation of strong families and, ultimately, a strong society.But in today’s world, storge is under attack. Technology, busyness, and selfishness distract men from their most important role—loving and leading their families. Without storge, families crumble, and without strong families, society falls apart.How can you, as a Catholic man, reclaim this essential love? How can you fight for your family when the world wants you distracted, passive, and weak?Listen in as we explore:✔️ What storge is and why it is critical for Catholic men ✔️ Biblical examples of storge, including Noah and St. Joseph ✔️ The final battle for the family—and why men must step up ✔️ The distractions that kill storge in modern life ✔️ How to strengthen storge through intentional actionWhy This Episode Matters:Men, you were created to lead, love, and protect. Storge is the love that allows you to do just that. If we neglect it, we risk losing what matters most—our families, our children’s future, and our role in God’s divine plan.This episode will challenge you to take action. No more passivity. No more excuses. It’s time to reclaim your role as the spiritual leader of your home.Key Takeaways:⚔️ Storge is the foundation of all other loves—without it, love cannot grow. ⚔️ Modern distractions (phones, work, hobbies) are robbing men of their ability to love properly. ⚔️ Your family is the battlefield—the final fight is for the home. Are you ready to fight? ⚔️ Simple, intentional actions can radically transform your marriage, fatherhood, and faith.Challenge for Listeners:This week, take one action to strengthen storge in your life: 🔥 Reclaim the Dinner Table – Eat with your family, no screens, and have real conversations. 🔥 Develop a Family Ritual – A Sunday meal, a nightly prayer, or a simple walk together—build connection through consistency. 🔥 Express Gratitude and Affection – Tell your wife, your kids, or your parents that you love them. Show it through actions, not just words. 🔥 Prioritize Presence Over Productivity – Set boundaries with work and distractions. Your family needs you more than your job or hobbies do.A Final Thought:St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”Men, storge is the love that makes this possible. It’s time to step up, fight for your family, and love with strength.Support the Mission:Enjoying The Manly Catholic? Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com
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Feb 3, 2025 • 10min

Sanctifying Saints - St. Blaise: The Bishop, the Healer, and the Warrior of Faith

In this episode of The Manly Catholic, we dive into the life of St. Blaise, a bishop, healer, and courageous martyr who lived during the brutal persecution of Christians under Emperor Licinius. While many know him as the patron saint of throat ailments, his story is filled with miraculous healings, unwavering faith, and powerful lessons for Catholic men today.Discover how St. Blaise’s steadfast trust in God, even in the face of torture and death, serves as a blueprint for men striving to lead, protect, and heal in their own homes and communities. You’ll also learn about the powerful tradition of the Blessing of the Throats, which continues to be practiced in Catholic churches worldwide.Join us as we explore:How St. Blaise’s dual vocations as a physician and bishop show us the importance of both physical and spiritual healing.The miraculous stories of wild animals seeking his help and the mother who pleaded for her choking child.His courageous witness to the faith and how we, as Catholic men, are called to stand firm in spiritual battles today.3 Actionable Takeaways for Men Today:Pray for Courage: St. Blaise refused to renounce Christ, even under torture. Today, take 5 minutes to ask God for the strength to stand firm in your faith, especially in moments of adversity.Be a Healer in Your Home: Whether it’s listening to your wife, spending intentional time with your children, or helping a friend in need, seek to be a source of healing—both physically and spiritually—just as St. Blaise was.Prepare for Spiritual Warfare: Like St. Blaise, who used his time in the cave for prayer and penance, carve out time for silence today. Turn off distractions and spend at least 10 minutes in quiet reflection or reading Scripture.Support the Podcast: Enjoying The Manly Catholic? Consider supporting us at buymeacoffee.com/TMC to help continue this mission of bringing solid Catholic content to men striving for holiness.Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow brother in Christ. Let’s build a community of faithful, courageous men who lead their families and stand firm in truth. Go out there and be a saint!This structure ensures engagement, clear takeaways, and a strong call to action. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

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