In this heartfelt episode, Brett sits down with a very special guest—his daughter, Hannah Jakus—who just completed her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Trinity Western University. They talk through the highs and lows of her academic journey, including the struggles she faced toward the end. Hannah shares what inspired her to become a counselor, her brief stint as a social media influencer, and the complex landscape of counseling in British Columbia—where anyone can call themselves a counselor and the regulatory gaps that creates. They also dive into the intersection of psychology and faith, and Hannah's current work in her parish community through the Alpha program. A thoughtful, honest conversation about vocation, vulnerability, and the deep work of walking with others.

Connect with Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/hannahcounselling_/

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Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, we’re joined by Fr. Michael Leclerc, pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Montreal, and Shawna Rose, who serves on his senior leadership team overseeing Operations and Communications. Fr. Mike shares how his internship at St. Benedict’s in Halifax—birthplace of The Divine Renovation Ministry—shaped his vision for parish renewal. Shawna reflects on her journey from attending Alpha to becoming a key staff member at St. Ignatius. Together, they talk about the incredible transformation happening in their parish, including an inspiring “Catholic church plant” that saw 30 parishioners sent as missionaries to help revitalize St. Willibrord Parish. Connect with St. Ignatius:

Home - St. Ignatius of Loyola MTL Instagram (@stig.ca) St. Ignatius of Loyola, Montreal | Montreal QC

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Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, Brett is joined by Warren Smith, founder of Smith Legal Search, one of Canada’s top executive search firms focused on the legal industry. Warren shares insights from his decades-long career helping top law firms and in-house teams grow—playing a key role in major U.S. law firm expansions into Canada and high-profile legal team moves.

They discuss his entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and community work through the St. Thomas More Guild. Warren also reflects on attending the ARC Conference, led by Jordan Peterson, and the many roles he’s embraced throughout his career and life.

Websites:

Home | Toronto | Smith Legal Search https://www.linkedin.com/company/smithlegalsearch/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrensmithlegalsearch/

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Julia Sadusky, a faithful Catholic, licensed psychologist, and thoughtful author whose work reflects a deep reverence for the human person and the Church’s vision of human sexuality. We speak about the cross of loneliness borne by many Christian men and women experiencing same-sex attraction, particularly those embracing a life of chastity and permanent singleness in fidelity to Christ.

We also delve into her recent book, offering wisdom for parents striving to speak truthfully and lovingly to their children about God’s design for the body, sex, and identity. Finally, Dr. Sadusky shares how she carries the burden of public misunderstanding and criticism, offering her suffering in union with the Cross. This is a conversation rooted in compassion, truth, and the hope that is ours in Christ.

Dr. Sadusky's Books: https://www.juliasadusky.com/books

Dr. Sadusky's Website: https://www.juliasadusky.com 

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, Matthew Harvey Sanders—founder of Longbeard—shares the story behind building Magisterium AI, an AI-driven solution designed specifically for the Catholic Church. He dives into how the project began, the challenges of aligning technology with Church teaching, and how tools like Magisterium AI are helping Catholic institutions provide accurate, faith-based answers in a digital age.

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, Brett sits down with Dr. Ralph Martin—Catholic author, theologian, and president of Renewal Ministries—for a powerful conversation on faith, mission, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. They dive into Dr. Martin’s pivotal role in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and his unforgettable encounter with Pope John Paul II. Dr. Martin also shares about his latest book, A Life in the Spirit: A Memoir, and his commitment to Christ.

Dr. Martin's Website

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In today’s episode, Brett shares surprising and hopeful trends in the Church. Namely, the reported increases in the number of adults entering the Catholic Church. Dioceses across the United States, Canada, England, and Australia have all reported increases, even record numbers of adults becoming Catholic. He also shares recent data showing that the once staggering increase in “Religious Nones” has all but stopped. In fact, in the past two years, there has been a slight decrease in the number of people reporting their lack of religious affiliation. The episode concludes with Brett commenting and expanding on some of the recent teachings from Bishop Barron on how to strategically reach the “nones.”

References:

https://thecatholicherald.com/adult-baptisms-in-france-rise-for-fourth-year-in-succession-show-accelerating-growth/

https://www.ncregister.com/cna/nonreligious-population-in-u-s-has-plateaued

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263161/post-election-data-shows-nonreligious-population-in-us-has-plateaued

https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/the-nones-have-hit-a-ceiling

https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/bishop-barrons-five-paths-for-bringing-the-unaffiliated-back-to-the-church/

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

Our guest today is one of the most prolific leaders of our time. Dick Vollet joins the show to share his Leadership presence, acumen and lessons gleaned from decades of leading people and organizations. He has been the CEO of multiple companies in the public sector, non-profit world and even the Olympics! He shares the biggest things he's learned and the simple truths to always come back to. Whether you have been a leader for many years or are emerging in your leadership, this one is for you! 

Connect with Dick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickvollet/?originalSubdomain=ca

Books Referenced:

The Peter Principle (https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Principle-Things-Always-Wrong-ebook/dp/B00IRCZHXI)

Zig Zigler books (https://www.amazon.com/Books-Zig-Ziglar/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AZig%2BZiglar)

How Big Things Get Done (https://www.amazon.com/How-Big-Things-Get-Done/dp/0593239512/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FDAIHIKUJ329&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IQVCFZCZpikj19Hb-qND1DKmhZ1a0Fzu-sGLTimZkwjnbXWWDNsLpsQskudjWfe5WSc8p1-GmfzV5zpywIISrpmFADoIP9brES55LCmF3h-4RET6YCFsqV4wA90WcqFGSof3uPa_ecMEDbl9ogkBW6RG5hqMn1POPKpKA-0Sz0x1RrsvJQsBn90R_EbEVGOKmJ52PNA5L0Xiyt6MH-YGjTvtO3jCjmM_43beadi5akU.JnrVb9iNBZL-LJBVzMV2EyQ1A7bI7FgR6EUNrbo-Tec&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+big+things+get+done&qid=1743444208&s=books&sprefix=how+big+things+get+don%2Cstripbooks%2C123&sr=1-1) 

Peter Drucker Books (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-F.-Drucker/author/B000AP61TE?pd_rd_w=1mRjm&content-id=amzn1.sym.78f2affb-7cb9-4034-a202-130468a5a689%3Aamzn1.sym.78f2affb-7cb9-4034-a202-130468a5a689&pd_rd_wg=Vz0ub&pd_rd_r=be19f67b-9d9c-45a2-a5ee-905e9257cc40&qid=1743444226&cv_ct_cx=peter+drucker+books&ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=aaca529a-4dc9-4d1b-bf55-0eb7f11f1613)

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

Replay epsiode from Fr. James Malon.

Brett is joined by the incredible Fr. James Mallon to discuss his personal conversion & growth as a priest, all leading to the amazing ministry at Divine Renovation. They start the conversation by going back to Fr. James early ministry days before the books and platform, to his early parish years & learning how to build a plan for a parish to evangelize and catechize well.

There are converations about conversion of heart, aligning with Christ's mission, Alpha, growing in hope in the midst of ministry & so much more! We know you're going to love this conversation about the three keys to renewal and parish leadership.

Resources

Fr. Mallon's Divine Renovation Website (https://divinerenovation.org) Fr. Mallon's Personal Website (https://frjamesmallon.com) 

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)

In this episode, Brett sits down with Dan Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI), to discuss his 20-year journey with CLI. From starting as an intern to leading the organization in it's mission to provide world-class pastoral leadership formation for the Church. They talk about the recent appointment of a new bishop for the Archdiocese of Vancouver and explore the challenges and opportunities that come with such transitions. Dan also shares his insights on the state of the Church today, discussing how bishops and priests can lead in an Apostolic Time and effectively minister to the faithful, meeting the evolving needs of their communities. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on the future of Church leadership and it's role in today’s world!

Website: catholicleaders.org

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Connect with Brett:

Website: https://brettpowell.org Coaching: buildmylifecompass.com/coaching

Twitter/X: @BrettPowellorg https://twitter.com/BrettPowellorg

Music

"Southern Gothic" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Editing by ForteCatholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com)