Curiously Catholic

Join Naomi Haramai as she sits down with Matthew Mystczewski to talk faith, family, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Discover how Catholic values intersect with building a business, managing time, and navigating today’s challenges.

• The role of faith and family in shaping business decisions
• Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and parenthood
• The discipline required for success in work and spiritual life
• The risks and rewards of the entrepreneurial journey
• The impact and potential of virtual reality technology in modern life

00:00 Balancing work from home and family

09:18 Balancing family and business priorities

15:57 Defining success in personal terms

18:33 Building a Family Foundation

24:36 Scheduling prayer and spiritual time

27:29 Starting the gardening business

35:05 Structuring the workday with breaks

41:02 Balancing work and passion goals

45:40 Finding purpose in suffering

50:51 Balancing parenting and personal goals

55:38 Balancing business startup with family

01:02:12 Ethics of wealth and success

01:07:28 Reflecting on inner struggles

01:12:37 Struggles and joy in business

01:21:19 Building resilience through challenges

01:23:15 Avoiding video game addiction

01:27:48 Using VR to treat phobias

01:34:53 Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs

Catholicism, entrepreneurship, family, virtual reality, business, faith, parenting, discipline, homeschooling, spiritual life, software engineering, New Zealand, success, sacrifice, grind culture, work-life balance, VR therapy, overcoming phobias, motivation, men's ministry, Fit for the Kingdom, joy, suffering, calling, time management, personal growth, fatherhood, resilience

Meet the dynamic duo behind the Messy Family Project as they discuss the realities of raising a large Catholic family in the modern world. In this episode, Michael and Alicia Hernan share hard-won wisdom, authentic stories, and practical advice on parenthood and faith.

The Hernans’ journey of having 10 kids and 10 grandchildren, and how family shapes faith

The challenges and growth from parenting young children to adults

Parenting in the digital age: screens, technology, and protecting real relationships

The importance of community, learning from others, and avoiding online parenting pitfalls

How to build virtue and positive behaviours in children through realistic expectations and modeling

00:00 Growing up in large families

06:25 Value of sibling relationships

14:22 Balancing faith and family life

21:16 Thoughts on the traditional wife

23:38 Trad wife expectations and frustrations

31:03 Balancing technology and family life

33:59 Concerns about kids and technology

42:06 Teaching kids to take turns

44:12 Parenting through teen transitions

Messy Family Project, parenting, Catholic family, Michael Hernan, Alicia Hernan, large families, raising children, virtue, faith, technology, social media, community, gentle parenting, family life, marriage, New Zealand, Catholic conference, generational wisdom, kids and screens, modern parenting, family vocation

Is the "disciplined life" actually sustainable, or is it just a path to burnout? In this episode of the Curious Catholic Evangelion Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Mones-Cason from Fit for the Kingdom to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to live with heroic virtue.

Thomas shares his raw experience balancing the growth of a massive social media platform with the upcoming arrival of his first child. We dive deep into the "soul-crushing" moments of early wake-ups, why quality matters less than consistency in the age of AI, and the explosive Catholic revival currently taking place in Christchurch. Whether you are struggling to stay on the "hard path" or curious about the St. Michael's Troop movement, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for the modern Catholic man.

Key Topics Covered:

The reality of the 4 AM wake-up call and how to stop hitting snooze.

The impact of the Radio New Zealand (RNZ) article on the local Catholic community.

Connect with us:

Follow Evangelion for more episodes on faith and discipline.

Check out Thomas at Fit for the Kingdom for daily virtue-driven content.

Video Chapters

00:00 Struggling with spiritual routine

08:28 Finding motivation in role models

14:49 Importance of intentional leisure

17:28 Finding your reasons to exercise

24:40 Living with stoic mindset

26:24 Finding satisfaction in effort

35:37 Consequences of modern lifestyle choices

38:11 The richness of Catholic traditions

42:35 The purpose of the Church

51:25 Masculinity in church leadership54:55 Discussing gender roles in society

01:02:32 Discussing Andrew Tate's appeal

01:08:56 Young role models in faith

01:11:52 Integrating spiritual and physical virtues

01:15:37 Morning routine and reflections

01:20:27 Parenting through example

01:26:05 Sharing faith through podcasting

Good Friday is tomorrow, and it's time to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ's Passion. In this episode, we explore the real consequences of sin and what Easter truly means for our lives.

Facing the reality and consequences of our sins

The tension between human imperfection and God's forgiveness

Lessons from Pontius Pilate’s role in the Passion narrative

How God transforms our faults and failures

Practical ways to welcome the risen Christ into daily life

00:00 Reflecting on sin and forgiveness

05:43 Reflecting on Good Friday traditions

07:55 Pontius Pilate's role in the story

13:08 Pontius Pilate and the labeling

14:52 Christ’s victory and atonement

19:12 Balancing family visits and energy

21:14 Making time for Christ

Good Friday, Easter, Passion, sin, forgiveness, Psalm 51, repentance, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, heroism, sacrifice, humility, Lent, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, resurrection, Christ crucified, guilt, confession, redemption, Old Testament, Mosaic law, suffering, consolation, routine, relationship with Christ, Messy Family Project, Dr. Robert Haddad, Catholic faith, spiritual reflection, Holy Week

Are Muslims better at fasting than Catholics? In this episode, Dom breaks down the differences between Ramadan and Lent, asking if the Church has softened or if we’re missing the point.

- Comparing the intensity of fasting during Ramadan and Lent

- How modern Catholic fasting differs from traditional practices

- The importance of engaging with your own vocation during Lent

- Practical ways to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

- Why Lent isn’t about intensity, but building a deeper relationship with Christ

00:00 "Your Vocation Is Your Program"

06:30 "Prioritize Vocation Over Distractions"

10:17 "Benefits of Spiritual Reading"

14:08 "Personal Sacrifice in Fasting"

15:10 "Living Lent with Intentionality"

Ramadan, Lent, fasting, Catholicism, Islam, prayer, almsgiving, spiritual practices, intensity comparison, family life, sacrifice, New Zealand bishops, spiritual reading, silence, vocation, personal growth, religious traditions, spirituality, discipline, self-mastery, church rules, relationship with Christ, Curiosity Catholic, Evangelion podcast

Join Rachel Wilson and Dom for a direct conversation about forgiveness, authenticity, and Christian success. They tackle tough questions about family, music, and the real meaning behind letting go.

What true success looks like for Christians vs. secular definitions

The struggles and lessons of authenticity in artistry and music production

The power and process of forgiveness, inspired by real-life stories

Gender roles, masculinity, femininity, and their portrayal in society and media

Parenting, family life, and finding purpose amid challenges

Don't miss Rachel's new single "I Forgive"—out March 27th.

00:00 Hillbilly Thomists' Healing Music

09:05 Pursuing Music: A Reflection

14:22 "Authenticity in Christian Success"

19:22 "Success, Perspective, and Purpose"

26:14 "Two Cheers for Manosphere"

27:18 "Men Prepared for Battle"

35:42 "Critique of Marxist Power Dynamics"

38:49 "Faith and Empowering Motherhood"

45:18 Forgiveness and Divine Intervention

50:27 "Self-Reflection Before Criticism"

56:07 Forgiveness and Divine Mercy Journey

01:02:17 Forgiveness Through Confession Reflection

01:06:07 Childlike Faith and Biblical Narrative

01:13:17 "Why Women Struggle: Eve's Legacy"

01:19:53 "God Delights In You"

01:24:44 Family Bonding Through Intentional Choices

01:29:12 "Believing People Are Priority"

01:31:05 Marriage Roles and Shared Life

01:39:32 "Entrepreneurship, Homeschooling, and Independence"

01:41:26 "Finding Music and Wisdom"

forgiveness, Rachel Wilson, music, artistry, Catholicism, Christianity, motherhood, family, healing, creativity, masculinity, femininity, success, vocation, faith, podcast, spirituality, childlike faith, Lent, emotional healing, Catholic podcast, parental roles, authenticity, self-mastery, challenges, reconciliation, inspiration, personal growth

Fit For the Kingdom's very own Tomas joins me to tackle the challenges men face in the world today, what do men need in oder to feel love? Are the way we are dealing with mens issues to actually beneficial for men? We talk about all this and more in this episode!!

Here's what you'll get from this episode:

The realities and challenges of modern masculinity and why men are feeling lost

The influence of culture—social media, toxic masculinity, and the struggle to find true purpose

Why intentionality, discipline, and virtue are essential to authentic manhood

The importance of brotherhood, sacrifice, and taking responsibility in life and faith

Why silence, surrender, and a life modeled on Christ offer true transformation for men today

Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with more authentic conversations just like this!

Get involved in the mission

www.evangelion.co.nz

https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/

https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic

masculinity, being a man, Catholic podcast, Fit for the Kingdom, virtue, discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, faith, intentional living, self-improvement, brotherhood, self-control, silence, self-reflection, men’s mental health, purpose, spiritual growth, role models, leadership, St. Joseph, Jesus, podcasting, community, fitness, mentorship, New Zealand, family, perseverance, Christian life

00:00 "Faith, Fitness, and Masculinity"

06:18 Faith, Fitness, and Young Men

13:53 "Creating Content and Finding Voice"

18:46 "Modern Masculinity and Purpose"

23:23 "Modern Masculinity and Society"

27:04 "External Validation vs. Self-Awareness"

36:20 "Falling Asleep in Cars"

42:05 "Surrender to Destined Peace"

44:18 "Finding Calm Amid Anxiety"

50:42 "Physicality's Role in Masculinity"

55:37 "The Sacrifice Play"

01:01:55 Self-Control: A Warrior's Strength

01:05:20 "Masculinity, Suffering, and Identity"

01:14:45 "Parents Change, Just Like Us"

01:17:51 "Finding Virtues Through God"

01:22:00 "Fit for the Kingdom Podcast"

Join Dom and Fr Landry as they dive into practical Catholic living, balancing spiritual discipline, and impactful missionary work. Get actionable advice for building your spiritual "plan of life" and see how small habits can spark big change.

The real difference between Advent and Christmas—and how to decorate thoughtfully

How New York City’s holiday atmosphere connects to evangelization

What the Pontifical Mission Societies really do (and how small efforts multiply worldwide)

Spiritual optimization: combining practical plans with faith

Building habits, overcoming obstacles, and integrating prayer into busy daily life

00:00 "Advent vs. Christmas Distinction"

06:17 "Christmas: Imperfect Yet Meaningful"

08:32 Origins of Pontifical Mission Societies

11:09 Pontifical Mission Societies Overview

17:02 Pilgrimage of Faith and Impact

21:15 "Support Missions: $1 Weekly Sacrifice"

22:40 "Planning and Doing Properly"

27:45 "Forming Lives Through Discipline"

28:53 "Start Your Day with Prayer"

32:52 "Heroic Moments: Rise and Rest"

37:28 "Uniting Life with God"

40:42 Small Daily Steps to Virtue

New York City, Advent, Christmas decorations, Catholic faith, secularization, Pontifical Mission Societies, missionary work, prayer habits, plan of life, discipline, spiritual growth, evangelization, Hail Mary, charity, daily rituals, Eucharistic pilgrimage, personal development, CatholicPreaching.com, mission support, spiritual optimization, family life, resilience, morning offering

Kick off 2026 with practical strategies to level up your habits, mindset, and daily systems. Dom breaks down four high-impact habits and shares honest advice for sticking to your resolutions all year, and breaks down the advice from ‪@ChrisWillx‬ and Steve Bartlett from an interview on ‪@TheDiaryOfACEO‬    

Four habits that delivered the highest ROI in 2025 

Why waking up early and putting your phone across the room works 

The importance of planning your day and setting up for success 

How going to the gym benefits both physical and mental health 

Quality over quantity: finding resolutions you actually care about, and how to bounce back when you slip  

Like, share, and subscribe to help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers this year.

Stay curious and stay Catholic!  

Time Codes

00:00 "Reflecting and Planning for 2026"

04:48 "Facing the Wall of Rain"

08:16 "Phone-Free Wind Down Benefits"

09:49 "Intentional Living Shapes Your Life"

14:38 "Building Willpower Through Challenges"

17:18 "Winning 2026 with Better Systems"

21:50 "Nature Abhors a Vacuum"

25:23 Consistency Over Intensity

26:50 "Getting Back on the Horse"

30:22 "Goal: TH000 Subscribers"

A year of growth, milestones, and spiritual reflection—Dom shares what's happened with Curiously Catholic in 2025. Tune in for a recap, key insights on Advent, and a look ahead at what's next for the channel.

• Highlights from the Shroud of Turin tour and why it matters for Catholic faith
• Impressive channel growth: 160,000 views, nearly 200 new subscribers, and content plans for next year
• Reflections on building discipline through weekly episodes and personal spiritual practices
• Insights into the meaning and purpose of Advent as a season of waiting and preparation
• Ways to get involved, provide feedback, and help spread the gospel through the channel

Stay curious. Stay Catholic. God bless!

connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/

https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic

https://open.spotify.com/show/5sxmEIgD7JKnuIYhF0dgzh