Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

How do you discern God’s voice in your heart? How do you recognize the voice of evil seeking to lead you astray? Thankfully, Fr. Timothy Gallagher is here to help us tell the difference. We’ll examine St. Ignatius’ 14 rules of discernment and how they can transform our spiritual lives. In this podcast we’ll learn: - Who St. Ignatius was. - How to recognize the voice of God. - What St. Ignatius meant by “rule.” - Each of the 14 rules. - How we can apply these rules to our own lives. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

Today we’re talking about one of the seven deadly sins: vanity. We all want to maintain a healthy, well-kempt appearance, but sometimes vanity crosses the line. When we obsess over imperfections such as hair loss, crooked teeth, or 10 extra pounds, we place too much attention on the superficial and not enough attention on what’s substantial: our relationship with God. In this podcast, we learn that:  - Excess vanity steals our peace and leads to what Pope Francis calls “wicked anxiety.”  - Humility and honesty help combat vanity.  - God loves us despite any imperfections. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

We’re talking about why we should learn to forgive. Forgiving others is one of the more difficult virtues Jesus asks us to practice. Forgiveness does not mean that we overlook a person’s lies or bad behavior. Rather, we let go of the hurt to live a peaceful, joy-filled life. Holding on to past wounds makes us bitter and gives others power over our lives. As St. Augustine famously said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” In this podcast, we learn that:  - If we’ve been hurt, we can pray for a forgiving heart.  - Practicing forgiveness doesn’t give others a pass — it gives you peace.  - God will help us heal our wounds if we ask for strength and guidance. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about the benefits of joining a Catholic men’s group in your parish or diocese. Most guys tell me they want to be better men, husbands, and fathers and I’ve learned that we can’t do it alone. We need community. Participation in men’s groups help us beat feelings of isolation and loneliness. They’re places where we can share our struggles as husbands and fathers, support others during setbacks and celebrate spiritual growth. On this podcast, we learn that:  - Isolation often breeds self-oriented behaviors, such as addiction to drugs, alcohol, or porn.  - The right men’s group provides a place to be seen, loved, and heard.  - A strong brotherhood fosters accountability and encouragement. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about three common barriers to building close relationships with Christ: fear, shame, and pride. When guys talk to me about their struggles with faith, the seeds of their conflicts often stem from fears of what they will lose if they put Christ first, feelings of shame that they are not worthy of God’s love or prideful attitudes that they can get through life without His grace. On this podcast we learn that:  - We’ve got to be honest about what’s keeping us from Jesus, whether it’s rooted in materialism, social pressures, or self-doubts.  - Frequent prayer will soften our hearts and strengthen our courage.  - God knows you and loves you unconditionally. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

In this episode, Victor Adams and I talk about PURPOSE. It’s all too easy for our daily lives to feel like an endless cycle of repetition. So we try to find things to give us pleasure and avoid a feeling of emptiness. The problem is, we look to everything else besides the one person who can truly give us purpose. Psalm 57:2 tells us that God is the one who fulfills his purpose for each one of us. If we want to find the purpose we’re looking for in life, we have to set aside all the other things we turn to and start talking and listening to God. In this episode, we learn that: - When you don’t have a purpose, life becomes all about your feelings. - Lack of purpose is the root of addictions and other issues. - There’s a longing in yourself that only God can fulfill. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about “being saved” and what that means for Catholics. Unfortunately, the process of salvation is not as simple as saying, “I accept the Lord as my Savior.” That’s a great start on the road to salvation, but committing to acts of faith and love is what carries us down the path to eternal life. In many of his letters, St. Paul reminds us that salvation is a journey. While Baptism frees us of original sin, we make choices throughout life that determine whether or not we are saved. Regular participation in the sacraments, liturgy, and prayer brings us closer to God and the gift of eternal life. In this episode, we learn that: - Baptism marks just the beginning of the road to salvation. - As adults, we are called to participate in our own process of being saved. - Sacraments such as Confession and the Eucharist are stepping stones toward salvation. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about the mistaken idea that a personal relationship with God is a Protestant thing and not necessary for Catholics. Nothing could be further from the truth! Throughout the Gospels, Christ invites us to know Him, not just know about Him. Pope Benedict said, “Many people perceive Christianity as something institutional, rather than an encounter with Christ, which explains why they don’t see it as a source of joy.” From the Sacraments to Scriptures, to songs and prayers, Catholicism creates opportunities for each and every one of us to experience the closeness and friendship of God. This is the “why” of our faith. In this episode, we learn that: - The Sacraments are the greatest examples of Christ’s desire to have a personal relationship with us. - At its core, the connection to Jesus is one of love. - Like any loving relationship, faith is forged with care and commitment. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

On today’s podcast, we’re talking to one of the country’s most exciting Catholic evangelists and authors, Sonja Corbitt. Founder of Bible Study Evangelista, Sonja transformed her life and overcame anger through daily scripture readings and prayer. Now she teaches others how to unlock the beauty of The Word in their own lives! A natural storyteller and convert to Catholicism, Corbitt shows listeners how daily Bible readings can draw them closer to God, break patterns of sin and bring a sense of control back into their lives. In this episode, we learn that: - Daily readings from the lectionary are the Holy Spirit’s voice to the whole Church. - Mary, Mother of the Church, teaches us how to pray. - Scripture study helps readers unlock a sacred and personal dialogue with God. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/

Today we’re talking about courage. When I think of courage, I recall the story of David and Goliath where the shepherd boy slays the cruel giant. When we surrender to God, we gain strength to conquer our personal Goliaths, whether it’s work stress, addiction issues, marital struggles, or greed. From Biblical times to today, Philippians 4:13 holds true: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” On this podcast, we learn that: - Once we let go of control and surrender to God, we find courage, peace, and joy. - Vulnerability shared in intimate relationships signifies strength, not weakness. - As fathers, our duties are to model a virtuous life and teach our children to avoid the pressures to conform. DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus"! https://justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT: Join the Community! I've created a brand new resource for guys called "The Narrow Road." It's a monthly booklet and accompanying videos to help guys live a life of virtue and holiness. You can join The Community and subscribe to "The Narrow Road" here: https://justaguyinthepew.com/the-narrow-road NEW: Shop the store! We have a new Just a Guy in the Pew store where you can stock up on great merch HERE: https://store.justaguyinthepew.com/