Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)

In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius deuces conspiracy theories, comedy clubs in the “good old days”, the TV show “The Black List,” and how some of the toughest guys, like Mighty Mike Tyson, are actually some of the nicest guys you can run into in real life.

In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the recent videos online of various people calling each other out for how they act in a weightlifting gym.  The discussion also moves into a conversation about the importance of words and the value of being precise in how you refer to things.  For example, the difference between saying someone should treat an animal humanely rather than saying it should be treated ethically.

In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss various topics, but at the heart of their conversation is the question about finding the balance between embracing traditional masculinity, so-called “manning up,” and being overly stubborn to the point it causes you irreversible damage.  This conversation was spurred on by a recent grappling match between Mikey Musumeci vs. Gantumur Bayanduure.

In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss several topics related to the balancing of mission and business in the Catholic Church, especially in Catholic education.  Spurned on by the ongoing debate between the Daily Wire and Steven Crowder, they explore the concept of what needs to be the priority in the discussion and how an institution can find the balance between speaking the Truth in a world that is often at odds with it and maintaining a war chest capable of funding the institution and movement.

In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss a variety of topics ranging from the new movie Megan and the implications of AI, Socialized medicine, the “Resurrection Men” of Victorian England, Frank Pavion, and the debate over who can say what words in what context.

In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the importance of having a spiritual, educational, and emotional foundation built on timeless Truth rather than on some fad. This episode discusses classic movies from their childhood, the Church and Its dialogue with society, Hormonal Birhtcontrol and Divorce rates, Transgender topics, and identity-related concepts. They both fundamentally conclude that the wisdom of God, who is Truth, and the traditional teachings of the faith are fundamental to having a solid foundation that is built on rock to weather the storms of life.

In this episode, we sit down with Br. Finbarr.  Finbarr is back at St. Mary’s Abbey while on a break from seminary.  The discussion talks a lot about some of the classes and experiences he has now that he has gone from teacher to student.

In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the recent funeral of their confrere Fr. Beatus.  They also discuss the story behind why and how Fr. Demetrius ended up with the name Demetrius and other elements of the monastic life. They also discuss the value of art and the moral neutrality of most forms of it.

In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discusses why some things seem fascinating to them.  Outer space, SCUBA, the Deep Sea, Etc.  They conclude that all these things come with the double edge sword of great discovery but at the cost of possible death.  They theorize that the razor edge between life and death that they experience in BJJ and these things is one of the things that keep people interested in movies and TV shows about these topics.