This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re silently carrying the weight of the world—brokenness, shame, or wounds you’ve never been able to share. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it by yourself anymore. Last weekend, the @JPIIHealingCenter hosted the first-ever Restored Men’s Healing Conference, and it was powerful. Men from all over the country (and even other countries!) showed up with open hearts, some for the very first time. These were men who had been silently suffering for years—dealing with wounds from abandonment, addiction, rejection, or just feeling like they’re not enough. Over the weekend, we watched God work in incredible ways as men opened up, shared their stories, and allowed Christ to step into those broken places. It was humbling and hopeful. In this episode, Victor and I unpack some of the key takeaways from the conference and dive deep into the struggles many of us face but rarely talk about. We’ll cover why we feel like we need to hide our pain, how self-reliance is a trap, and most importantly, how God’s grace can reshape the broken parts of our lives. Here’s the truth: Healing is possible. You can start today. You don’t have to have it all figured out; you just have to take one step forward. Let’s talk about how. PS - Advanced giving with #igivecatholic on #givingtuesday is now LIVE 🚨 You can give today. Your support creates safe, transformative spaces for men in need. 👉 https://bit.ly/40TfJHs ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcoming everyone back to The Pew and a shoutout to attendees of the Restored Men’s Healing Conference. 03:15 – Silent Suffering: Why so many men carry hidden burdens and how the conference revealed the depth of that pain. 08:40 – The False Mask of Self-Reliance: How trying to handle everything on your own can lead to deeper wounds. 12:25 – Vulnerability as Strength: Breaking the myth that opening up makes you weak—it’s actually the key to healing. 16:05 – God the Potter: Exploring the biblical imagery of God reshaping us like clay and why it’s so relevant to our lives. 20:50 – Action Steps for Healing: From confession to community, practical ways to start finding freedom in Christ. 26:45 – A Story of Grace: Heartfelt moments from the conference where men experienced breakthrough and restoration. 33:10 – Final Thoughts: Why you’re never too far gone for God’s love and how to take the next step forward. 36:00 – Prayer: Wrapping up the episode with a prayer for healing and trust in God’s provision.

Today, Victor and I dive into one of the biggest struggles we all face—trusting in God's provision. It’s not always easy to let go, especially when anxiety and fear kick in, but we're here to share some inspiration, a few laughs, and even some of our personal struggles with letting go and trusting that God has us covered. In this episode, we go over the importance of surrender, how to recognize God's provision in our lives, and why faith isn’t just about saying we believe—it’s about showing it with our actions. We also reflect on how the Bible reminds us that God knows what we need and always has our backs, even when we’re tempted to take control ourselves.

In this episode, Victor and I get real about those tough, cloudy moments we all face. From intense travel to unexpected challenges, I found myself needing a reminder that even in the storm, God’s light is there for us 🌤️. On a recent flight, as we broke through some dark clouds into the sun, it was a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets us right where we are, even in the hardest times. 🌄 Join us as we share stories from our lives, moments from scripture, and why it’s so important to keep your eyes on the truth of God’s promises. We talk about the lives of Peter and Paul, how they faced their own storms, and what we can learn from their faith and resilience. Whether it’s dealing with grief, challenges at work, or just feeling lost, this episode is here to encourage you to keep pushing through, with Jesus leading the way.

Today’s episode is a special one—it’s a heartfelt look at the power of vulnerability, the journey of healing, and the courage it takes to truly cry out to Jesus. This week has been full of travel and connection as I visited multiple cities, witnessing firsthand how God is moving through men’s ministries and drawing us all toward healing and restoration. We dive into the story of Blind Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark—one man’s encounter with Jesus that reminds us all of the importance of being vulnerable and bold in asking for the help we need. In today’s world, we’re often told to ‘suck it up’ and carry on alone, but Bartimaeus’ story calls us to something deeper. When everyone else tried to silence him, he cried out even louder. In that moment, Bartimaeus showed us the true meaning of courage and faith: daring to believe that Jesus wants to meet us in our brokenness and bring us wholeness. Support the Mission 💪: This ministry is growing, reaching more cities, and impacting more men, but we need your help to continue. With Giving Tuesday on December 3rd (and early giving beginning on November 18th), we’re praying to raise over $50,000 to bring on an additional evangelist and expand our reach. If this episode speaks to you, consider subscribing, sharing, or becoming a monthly partner with us by visiting https://memphis.igivecatholic.org/organizations/pew-ministries ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome back & intro 2:25 - Recent travels: men’s conferences and ministry highlights 5:55 - Why vulnerability and asking for healing is so powerful 9:30 - The story of Blind Bartimaeus: crying out when others say to stay silent 15:40 - Breaking free from “comfort blankets” and reaching for Jesus 21:20 - How community and faith bring real healing 27:30 - An invitation to support our mission & Giving Tuesday details 31:40 - Following Jesus with gratitude and purpose 40:10 - Final reflections and prayer

Hey everyone, welcome to a very special milestone—our 300th episode of Just a Guy in the Pew! 🎉 https://justaguyinthepew.com/ In this episode, Victor and I take a moment to reflect on five incredible years of sharing our hearts, our struggles, and our faith with you all. From the very first episode to now, this journey has been full of raw conversations about vulnerability, faith, and the real challenges we face as men. We’ve laughed, we’ve learned, and we’ve seen how God has worked through this ministry to touch the lives of so many. If you're new here, this podcast isn’t about perfect people or perfect answers. It’s about real guys, talking about real life, in front of the one person who can truly make a difference—Jesus Christ. Our hope is that by sharing our stories, we can help you find hope in yours. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey so far. If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to hit that subscribe button and join us as we continue to grow this ministry. Together, we can reach even more men who need to know they’re not alone in their walk of faith. ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome and Intro: John and Victor celebrate the milestone of 300 episodes 2:35 - Reflecting on the Podcast's Journey: How the show began in 2017 and has grown over five years 6:55 - The Importance of Vulnerability: Discussing how opening up about struggles has been a key part of the podcast’s success 11:45 - Impact on Men's Lives: How the podcast has resonated with men, fostering spiritual growth and connection 16:20 - Faith and Everyday Life: Conversations about navigating faith in the midst of real-world challenges 22:30 - Favorite Moments and Memories: John and Victor share personal stories from past episodes 29:15 - Behind-the-Scenes Insights: How they prepare for episodes and the personal impact of the podcast on their own lives 35:10 - Thanking the Community: Expressing gratitude to listeners and supporters who have been part of the journey 40:25 - Looking Forward: What’s next for the podcast and the ministry 43:00 - Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to subscribe, support, and share the message

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the JPII Healing Center and co-host of the Restoring the Glory podcast. Dr. Bob is a renowned author and spiritual leader, known for his transformative books Be Healed, Be Restored, Be Transformed, and Be Devoted. Today, we dive deep into the power of healing, specifically for men, and how the upcoming Restored Men’s Healing Conference is set to impact men’s lives. 👉 Register for the Restored Men’s Healing Conference (In-Person & Live Stream): https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/ We kick off the discussion with the story behind this new men’s conference, happening from November 14-16, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and what inspired Dr. Bob to create this event, modeled after his successful women’s conferences. Throughout the episode, we touch on several key topics, including why healing is so crucial for men, how we often ignore pain or trauma, and the father wounds many men struggle with. We also reflect on personal stories about how Dr. Bob’s ministry has shaped my life, and how Jesus’ healing can help men confront the issues that have long held them back. Dr. Bob shares how essential it is to move past pain, addictions, and emotional wounds in order to lead healthier relationships and spiritual lives.

In this week’s episode, I’m diving deep into a question that we don’t often ask ourselves: “Are you being kind to yourself?” Not in the sense of pampering or indulgence, but in how we speak to ourselves, care for our mental and spiritual well-being, and confront the challenges life throws our way. After a busy few weeks on the road and dealing with personal struggles—including trying to write a book and battling spiritual attacks—I found myself caught in a cycle of negative self-talk. From questioning my role as a husband and father to feeling overwhelmed by ministry work, it seemed like the devil was hitting me with every doubt and lie he could muster. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t want us to live in that darkness. He calls us to renew our minds, as St. Paul says, and to take every thought captive to Christ. In this episode, I share the powerful moments when God intervened, reminding me of my worth and guiding me to be kinder to myself. I talk about the importance of resting, leaning on God’s grace, and breaking free from the lies that make us feel unworthy or inadequate. We also explore how these personal struggles affect not just ourselves, but those around us—our families, our friends, and our communities. When we’re not kind to ourselves, it’s hard to love others as Christ calls us to . . . _______________________________________________________________________ BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW! 🤝 www.donorbox.org/pew

In this episode, John and Victor dive into the importance of taking action in your life and not procrastinating when you hear God's call. We discuss how easy it is to say "someday, Lord" but remind ourselves that tomorrow isn't promised—action is required today. We also share personal stories, insights from scripture, and examples of how to overcome fear, hesitation, and the urge to put things off, whether it's battling addiction, making life changes, or answering God's call to serve. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

This week, I’m diving deep into what it means to truly wait on God. We live in a world where we’re always on the go, but sometimes, God calls us to slow down and listen. It’s not always easy—trust me, I struggle with it too! But the grace we find in that quiet waiting can be life-changing. Join me as I talk about how I’ve navigated moments of feeling distant from God, and what I’ve learned about hearing His voice in the stillness. We all need patience, fortitude, and hope, and I hope this episode helps you find some in your own journey. ___________________________________________________________________________ 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Psalm 130:5 – "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope." Isaiah 40:31 – "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Micah 7:7 – "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." Matthew 10:30 – "But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." Luke 22:44 – "And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

In this episode, Victor and I tackle one of the most relatable topics in faith: spiritual desolation. I open up about my personal struggles with feeling distant from God and how even saints like Mother Teresa faced years of spiritual dryness. Together, we explore what desolation really means and how it can impact our prayer life, mindset, and overall connection with God. Drawing inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola and the teachings of Mother Teresa, we break down how to push through these tough times, offering practical advice on perseverance, prayer, and trusting God’s will even when it feels like He’s far away. If you've ever felt stuck in your spiritual journey, this episode offers a reminder that you're not alone—and that there’s a way forward. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: John 7:37-38 – "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’" Psalm 40:1-2 – "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." James 1:2-3 – "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:12 – "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."