
The Simpleton Podcast | Catholic Culture, Mission, and Politics with Clark Massey and Laura Hehman
Welcome to The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey and Laura Hehman!
Clark is the founder of A Simple House of Sts. Francis and Alphonsus, a Catholic inner-city outreach ministry in Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Laura was one of the first missionaries to join the ministry, and is still involved today.
The vision of The Simpleton Podcast is to discuss Catholic culture, mission, and politics through the lens of the Catholic laity.
New episodes (almost) every Thursday!
To learn more about A Simple House, visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
Pat Flynn: Kettlebells, Catholicism, Philosophy & Family (INTERVIEW) | The Simpleton Podcast
To learn more about Pat's fitness programs, visit http://101kettlebellworkouts.com or https://www.chroniclesofstrength.com. You can follow him on social media at @chroniclesofstrength.
Pat is the host of Philosophy for the People, a podcast you can find on all streaming services, including YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/PhilosophyforthePeople)
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Call (913) 390-3672 and leave a message for the podcast!
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Clark and Laura sit down with Pat Flynn, a renaissance man who, among other ventures, promotes a successful kettlebell-focused workout program, hosts "Philosophy for the People", and loves his Catholic faith.
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You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.
The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble and Odysee:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yxkdpR6KBo&list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseU
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU
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Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.com
A Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.
Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.
YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholic
YouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_U
Facebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouse
Instagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic
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Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.
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#catholic #podcast #religion

Jan 23, 2025 • 51min
Why Fairness Is Bad, Envy, World Politics | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
Call (913) 390-3672 and leave a message for the podcast!
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Clark and Laura discuss envy and its opposite, why fairness is stupid, and what Trump's first 100 days in office could look like in this episode of The Simpleton Podcast.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro & episode preview
0:45 Clark’s connection to Costa Rica politics
4:20 Envy & the Ten Commandments
13:00 Motived by envy, motived by good
22:45 Fairness is from Satan
30:05 Bad religious orders
40:45 New new new world order
50:31 Final thoughts
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You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.
The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble and Odysee:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yxkdpR6KBo&list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseU
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU
—
Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.com
A Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.
Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.
YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholic
YouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_U
Facebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouse
Instagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic
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Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.
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#catholic #podcast #religion

Jan 16, 2025 • 51min
Pope Francis's New Encyclical "Dilexit Nos" | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
Delve into the depths of Pope Francis's latest encyclical, exploring themes of love and the human heart. The hosts contrast materialism with a spiritual understanding of humanity, emphasizing the role of love in social justice. They critique emotional manipulation in spiritual settings and highlight the encyclical's accessible language. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate genuine connections with God and prioritize compassion over punishment in discussions of reparations. A humorous take on Scandinavian licorice adds lightness to the profound conversation.

Dec 26, 2024 • 37min
How to Do Mission Work as a Family: INTERVIEW w/ Magdalene Glemkowski | The Simpleton Podcast
To learn more about SOLT Family Mission Experiences, visit https://www.soltfme.org.
Call (913) 390-3672 and leave a message for the podcast!
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Clark sits down with Magdalene Glemkowski, Board Member, SOLT Family Mission Experience, to discuss what mission trips as a family can and should look like in this episode of The Simpleton Podcast.
Also in this episode:
• National Eucharistic Congress
• Good vs. bad mission trips
• The SOLT spirituality
• Mission in Belize
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro to Maggie
3:38 Connection to SOLT
8:33 SOLT Family Mission Experiences
17:15 Families doing mission work
29:28 Why do a mission trip?
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You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.
The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble and Odysee:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yxkdpR6KBo&list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseU
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU
—
Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.com
A Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.
Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.
YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholic
YouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_U
Facebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouse
Instagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic
—
Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.
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#catholic #podcast #religion

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
Paradigm Shifts; Mass Isn't Inspiring? | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
Call (913) 390-3672 and leave a message for the podcast!
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Clark and Laura answer listener questions about the Mass, JP2, and bad leaders, then tackle shifts in cultural and secular worldviews in this episode of The Simpleton Podcast.
Also in this episode:
• Is the Mass supposed to be inspiring?
• Why do some people defend bad priests?
• JP2 and mishandled situations
• Louisiana molasses
• Personal, cultural, and worldly changes
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro & episode preview
1:00 Is the Mass supposed to be inspiring?
15:05 Why do some people defend bad priests?
21:40 JP2 and mishandled situations
27:09 Louisiana molasses
28:02 Paradigm shifts: personal, cultural, and worldly
54:39 Closing thoughts (and some hope)
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You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.
The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble and Odysee:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yxkdpR6KBo&list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseU
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU
—
Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.com
A Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.
Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.
YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholic
YouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_U
Facebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouse
Instagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic
—
Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.
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#catholic #podcast #religion

Nov 21, 2024 • 49min
High IQs & Religious Truths; Trump Policies | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
Delve into the intriguing thoughts of Christopher Langan, the world’s highest IQ holder, and his unique religious perspectives. Explore the complex interplay of intelligence and social skills, highlighting philosophical insights on good and evil. The conversation also touches on pressing geopolitical issues involving Ukraine and Iran, alongside a humorous take on licorice's health effects. Plus, catch a glimpse of potential digital rights reforms amid discussions on Trump's policies and their implications for freedom of speech. Fascinating insights await!

Nov 7, 2024 • 39min
Fundamentals vs. Hacks; Election Results | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
The hosts dive into the battle between sticking to spiritual fundamentals versus chasing quick hacks. They humorously discuss Election Day reflections and analyze election results, plus the chaos of the Yankees' recent meltdown. Food trends like 'cheugy' and the nuances of slang offer a lighter touch. They tackle healthcare's outdated practices and the ethics of pharmaceuticals, all while exploring how suffering shapes identity. The conversation culminates in a philosophical inquiry about how philosophy influences society and vice versa.

Nov 1, 2024 • 38min
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing; Reforming Scandal | The Simpleton Podcast, Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
The hosts dive into the challenges of poor spiritual mentorship within religious orders, prompting thoughts on necessary reforms. They celebrate the artistry of Daniel Mitsui, whose works blend traditional styles with fresh influences. A heartwarming anecdote about a centenarian grandmother highlights community dedication. The discussion of wolves in sheep's clothing brings to light ongoing church scandals, questioning accountability. Finally, culinary delights feature prominently, with engaging talks on molasses, blood sausage, and listener interactions.

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 26min
Entrepreneurship, Liberal Arts, & Re-Igniting Your Faith (Mike Ortner INTERVIEW) | Simpleton Podcast
Mike Ortner—co-founder of tech success Capterra, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Clark's long-time friend—joins Clark for this episode of The Simpleton Podcast.
Also in this episode:
• The lack of "faithful" Catholics in the 80s
• What comes first: family or faith?
• Mike's new projects
• Exodus Youth Services
• Classical education today
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Visit runwithsaints.org to learn more about Mike's latest project (built for Catholics!).
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro to Mike Ortner
0:35 Mike’s “Catholic” upbringing
3:12 The lack of faithful Catholics in 80s and beyond
11:32 Mike’s re-conversion
35:50 Ordering your faith and life
40:02 Mike’s career
55:45 The importance of liberal arts and classical education
1:20:40 Run with Saints
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You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.
The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble and Odysee:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yxkdpR6KBo&list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseU
Odysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU
—
Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.com
A Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.
Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.
YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholic
YouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_U
Facebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouse
Instagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic
—
Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.
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#catholic #podcast #religion

Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
Can the Average Catholic Family Survive? | The Simpleton Podcast with Clark Massey & Laura Hehman
Clark and Laura break down the economics of raising a family in today's world and discuss what you should do to lessen the financial burden in this episode of The Simpleton Podcast.Also in this episode:• Catholic school vs. homeschool vs. public school• Two jobs, one job, part-time job• Get a home while you can!• Mary and Martha• God's providence—Chapters:0:00 Intro & episode preview2:22 Setting up the characters15:25 The D6 advantage!16:50 How to figure out the rest?31:45 The reality of the situation43:30 Bringing it home—You can also find the audio version of the podcast almost anywhere you stream podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more). Just search "The Simpleton Podcast", or go to https://anchor.fm/simpletonpodcast.The Simpleton Podcast is also on YouTube, Rumble, and Odysee:YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6J5x7lptOXsnTAQRah4MhOOZwuttVNtb&si=7Gv9RSNFUXDrilFMRumble: https://rumble.com/user/asimplehouseUOdysee: https://odysee.com/@asimplehouseU—Send us feedback! Email: asimplehouse@gmail.comA Simple House is a Catholic ministry that serves project and Section 8 neighborhoods in southeast Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Missionaries strive to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poor while living a simple religious life. Each missionary attends daily Mass, says morning and evening prayer from the Catholic Church's Liturgy of the Hours, and makes time for personal prayer and scripture study.Visit https://www.asimplehouse.org/ to learn more about A Simple House and The Simpleton Podcast.YouTube - A Simple House: https://www.youtube.com/@asimplehouse.catholicYouTube - A Simple House U (home of The Simpleton Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@ASimpleHouse_UFacebook: @asimplehouse | https://www.facebook.com/@asimplehouseInstagram: @asimplehouse.catholic | https://www.instagram.com/asimplehouse.catholic—Thank you to Kelly Franzen & Ben Friedman from Totus Media for editing and producing The Simpleton Podcast. Totus Media is a media production company based out of Central Iowa. Totus Media is an Iowa digital media production company, social media management firm, wedding videography business, and digital marketing agency. Visit https://www.totusmedia.co/ to learn more.—#catholic #podcast #religion