Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

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 . . .

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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.

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📚 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."

In this episode, we’re getting real about something I know many of us wrestle with: the fear of fully committing our lives to Christ. Maybe you’ve felt that pull to go all-in but hesitated because of what it might cost you—relationships, your job, or even just the comfort of staying where you are. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing: while Jesus never sugarcoated the challenges of discipleship, He did promise something far greater—the eternal reward.

We’re diving into powerful scriptures like the story of the rich young man who walked away because he couldn’t let go of his possessions. We’ll talk about why counting the cost is important but how focusing on the reward—eternal life and true peace—can help us overcome those fears. Plus, I’m sharing some practical tips on how to live boldly as a disciple, including ways to deepen your prayer life and bring Jesus into every part of your day.

📚 Bible verses for reflection:

Luke 14:28-34

Matthew 18:19-23

Matthew 19:16-22

Luke 12:16-20

Matthew 19:29

John 14:1-3

John 6:51-56

This week, I'm excited to have my good friend Paul George back on the show! If you caught our last episode, you'll know that Paul is not only the founder of The Art of Living but also the author of some fantastic books like "Rethink Happiness" and "Holy Grit." If you haven’t checked those out yet, I highly recommend you do—they’ve been game-changers for a lot of men, especially in men’s groups.

Find more here 👉 https://www.paulgeorge.la/

or here 👉 https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/

In this episode, Paul and I dive deep into what it really means to be a husband and father. We’re talking about the real stuff—the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. We get personal about our own experiences, from how we navigate the daily challenges of marriage and fatherhood to the importance of having authentic friendships with other men. We both know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to go it alone, but let me tell you, that’s exactly where the enemy wants us.

We also talk about the power of vulnerability. Paul shares how he’s learned to let down his guard and be real, not just with God but with his wife and kids, too. And I open up about some of the hardest things I’ve faced as a husband and father—things that have also turned out to be the greatest blessings in my life. It’s not always easy, but man, it’s worth it.

One of the highlights for me was when we discussed the role of prayer in our lives. The morning we recorded this, Paul and I spent some time just praying for each other—real, honest prayer about the things that weigh on us as men. We realized that the hardest battles we face are often at home, in our roles as husbands and fathers. But that’s also where God is calling us to be the strongest, the holiest.

If you’re a guy who’s struggling in your marriage or feeling the weight of fatherhood, this episode is for you. We’re here to encourage you, to remind you that you’re not alone, and to offer some practical advice on how to move forward with God’s help. So whether you’re listening in the gym, mowing the lawn, or just driving in your car, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you.

💡 Don't forget, Register for the JPIIHealingCenter Restored Men's Healing Conference here 👉 https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/

In this episode, John and Victor dive deep into a topic that affects us all—worry and anxiety. We all have those moments when life feels overwhelming, but what can we do about it? John shares a powerful personal story about how worry was stealing his joy, even during a simple fishing trip. We'll explore what the saints and scriptures have to say about overcoming these feelings and how trusting in God can make all the difference.

But that's not all—this episode is packed with inspiration! You'll hear a touching story of a young man who found hope and healing through our men's group, a reminder of the incredible impact community can have. Plus, we're talking about the busyness of ministry life, the importance of prayer, and the ways we can all support each other on this journey of faith.

Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, there's something here for everyone. Don't forget to like, comment, and consider becoming a Partner in the Pew to help us continue this vital work.

📚 Bible verses for reflection:

Philippians 4:6-7

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 55:22

Matthew 6:25-34

Psalm 94:19

Psalm 56:3

Isaiah 41:10

Proverbs 12:25

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Paul George to the show. Paul is not just an incredible author and speaker; he’s a man dedicated to helping others discover the joy of living a life rooted in faith.

In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to live as a man of God, facing our wounds and seeking true healing. We talk about everything from Paul's latest book, Holy Grit, to his work with The Art of Living (https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/)—a nonprofit that serves not just churches and parishes, but a wide range of organizations dedicated to making a difference.

But it’s not all serious talk—we also share some laughs as Paul brings a little piece of Louisiana up to Memphis, surprising me with some authentic boudin and cracklins. We chat about everything from the best Cajun food to our mutual love for the show Swamp People. If you’ve ever wondered how alligator hunting connects to a man’s spiritual journey, you’re in for a treat!

We also dive into some exciting news about our upcoming Restored Men's Healing Conference, happening this November 14-16 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you’ve been feeling the call to deepen your faith, heal old wounds, or just need a weekend of fellowship with other men, this event is for you. We’ll be teaming up with the JPII Healing Center to offer talks, prayer, and plenty of opportunities to connect with God and other men on the same journey.

Register for the Restored Men's Healing Conference here 👉 https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/

Many of you, after seeing the photos, wanted to know when this powerful conversation was going to be released to the public. I'm so excited to share my conversation with Fr. Malachy from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indy. I was blessed to be one of the 10 podcasters invited to podcast live at the NEC and, as per usual, my conversation with Fr. Malachy was full of joy and tears!

Today, I have a heartwarming conversation with my dear friend, Fr Malachy, a devoted Franciscan Friar of Renewal.

From our first meeting at the JP2 Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida, to walking barefoot in reverence during a Eucharistic pilgrimage, our journeys have been nothing short of transformative. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to live a life filled with the spirit of power, inspired by St. Paul's teachings.

Fr Malachy shares his recent experience of carrying the Eucharist from New Jersey to Indianapolis, recounting the grace-filled moments and the profound connections made along the way. His stories are a testament to the power of faith and the radical change it brings to our lives.

We explore the importance of daily Mass, the Eucharist, and confession in achieving personal transformation. Our discussion is filled with personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, offering you practical insights and encouragement on your own faith journey.

In this episode, you will hear:

- The inspiring backstory of our friendship and spiritual journey

- The significance of the National Eucharistic Congress in revitalizing faith

- Powerful testimonies from the Eucharistic pilgrimage, including the profound act of walking barefoot in adoration

- How the spirit of power can lead to radical personal transformation

The importance of community, daily devotion, and surrendering to God's will

I'm thrilled to be back in the studio after an incredible week at the National Eucharistic Congress. In this episode, I’m diving into all the amazing experiences and graces from the event in Indianapolis, where over 60,000 Catholics gathered. It was such a powerful moment for our community, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and stories with you.

We’ll talk about the highlights, the inspiring speakers, and the impact this Congress had on all of us. Plus, I'll discuss what comes next after this revival. Spoiler: we're talking about keeping the momentum going and continuing to strengthen our faith.

During the Congress, I had the chance to meet so many of you at our booth. We shared stories, took pictures, and enjoyed some great conversations. A special thank you to those who joined our live podcast session with Father Malachy – your support means the world to us!

One touching moment was meeting a young man who shared how a previous podcast episode had helped him return to his faith. It’s encounters like these that remind us why we do what we do.

I also reflected on the biblical figures we can learn from: Moses, who doubted his ability but led the Israelites out of Egypt with God's guidance; David, the shepherd boy who became a king and defeated Goliath; Gideon, who overcame his fear to lead Israel to victory; Jeremiah, the young prophet who spoke God's word despite his youth; and Peter, the fisherman who became the rock of the Church after his encounter with Jesus.