

Catholic Stuff You Should Know
J. 10 Initiative
A lighthearted exploration of various prominent and obscure Catholic topics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 57min
A.I. and the Crisis of Western Education
Fr. John and Fr. Jacob dive into the impact of artificial intelligence on modern education. They discuss the importance of education as a holistic process aimed at truth and virtue, rather than just job training. The hosts critique how technocracy prioritizes technological literacy, riskily sidelining critical thinking. They warn about AI amplifying biases and affecting original thought, urging a balanced approach to tech use among children. The conversation emphasizes the need for moral formation in education, aiming for deep literacy over mere tool use.

Sep 25, 2025 • 35min
Not Graduation
Fr. Sean and Fr. John explore the true nature of Confirmation, debunking the myth that it’s a graduation. They discuss its role as a continuation of baptism, emphasizing the importance of the sacraments in the Christian journey. The hosts detail the essential elements like the laying on of hands and the bishop's pivotal role in the process. They highlight the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the lasting impact of Confirmation, including the call to evangelize and the responsibilities of sponsors in supporting their confirmands.

Sep 18, 2025 • 50min
The Parish - Sojourning Together
Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob dive into revitalizing struggling parishes, exploring demographics and neighborhood shifts. They share insights on fostering a welcoming environment, emphasizing hospitality, reverent liturgy, and engaging families. The hosts present the parish as a journey, comparing it to a river that thrives through shared resources and community involvement. With a mix of listener interactions and personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of patience in the journey toward renewal and vitality.

Sep 11, 2025 • 36min
Life as a Creative Act
Fr. Jacob and Fr. John were able to get together in person for a quick episode to celebrate CSYSK’s 700th episode and they are even interrupted with a surprise interjection from the one and only Fr. Mike. Fr. Jacob leads Fr. John in a discussion considering the fruits of a creative life and co-creating with God the Creator.

Sep 4, 2025 • 55min
Creatio
Fr. Sean and Fr. John sit down with Bo Brustkern, Executive Director of Creatio, for a conversation on the beauty of creation and its essential place in our life of faith. Together, they explore Creatio’s mission and how encountering creation can draw us deeper into God’s presence.

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
That's So Typical
Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob dive into the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—and explore how they impact the way we interpret and pray with the biblical text.

Aug 22, 2025 • 56min
A.I. and the Uncontrollability of the World
The first of Father John’s fall series on A.I., Father Jacob and he take up the question from the perspective of the uncontrollability of the world. Unpacking the thought of Harmut Rosa and bringing Von Balthasar to bear, they seek to understand the contours of “resonance,” in place of the illusion of an engineered reality.

Aug 15, 2025 • 36min
Retirement and Capitalism
Inspired by Fr. Sean’s recent ministry in retirement homes, he and Fr. John reflect on the challenges and heartache that come with retirement and the deep value of staying connected to loved ones.

Aug 8, 2025 • 54min
The Parish and Discipleship
Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob as they explore what it truly means to be disciples of Christ—not just within the walls of our parish, but out in the world. Be inspired to win, build and send for Christ.

Aug 1, 2025 • 50min
First Things Last
Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. John as they explore life through the lens of Ignatian spirituality, inspired by the First Principle and Foundation. They focus on the importance of knowing our true end and how it can shape and direct our life.