BONUS episode -

Chad & Ben take turns RANTING about Issues 1 and 2 on the Ohio Ballot this November 7th, 2023.  (Share this episode around with friends and family!)

Chad rants on Issue 1 (up through minute 10:52), specifically calling out Catholics.  What did the Archbishop of Cincinnati do on Respect Life Sunday, what was his promulgation on Issue 1, and what does that mean for the consciences of voting Catholics? 

Ben rants on Issue 2 (from minute 10:52 till episode's end), bringing to light facts now known about the commercialization of marijuana from other states who've implemented it.  What are those facts as it relates to public health and safety, what are the actual tax benefits, and how does the ensuing proliferation of dispensaries impact local communities? 

SHOW NOTES:

Archbishop Schnurr's homily:  Listen to Archbishop Schnurr’s Respect Life Sunday Homily! – St. Francis Seraph Parish (sfsparish.org)

Text of Issues 1 and 2:  Ohio State Issues 1 and 2 (ohiosos.gov)

Episode 110 -

The gloves come off (!) in this doozy of a debate episode.  If you thought our debate on baptism (episode 70) was juicy, then here's one that'll surely keep your attention to the end!  It's the ever-ancient, ever-new battle between Protestants and Catholics, hashed out by friends, Ben and Chad:  are we, or are we not, saved by faith alone?  (Spoiler alert: they're still friends when it's over!)

Chad dings the bell and comes out of his corner wearing the proverbial "plus works" trunks, while a well-trained Ben enters the ring wearing trunks that sport the letters "OSAS".  While beginning cordially and both still standing by the end, the two make a good mess of things in the middle!  How do Protestants read James chapter 2 when it teaches that faith without works is dead?  Can Catholics have any assurance of their salvation if they're constantly worried about the severity of their sins and the meagerness of their works?  And what role, in the end, does the phrase “faith alone” play in the life of a Christian?

SHOW NOTES:

Ben's referenced Mike Winger video on James 2:   The Debate Over James 2: Catholic or Protestant View - YouTube

Chad's referenced Trent Horn podcast on faith and works:  The Not-so-Simple Protestant Plan of Salvation - YouTube

Episode 109 -

Steven Arms is the co-author of "Milestone to Manhood", a book about the Rite of Passage tradition his family created for a whole generation of boys who were coming of age as young men.  In the book, he talks about his own Rite of Passage weekend and reflects on how it shaped him into the man he is today.  He then shares how fathers can organize Rite of Passage events for their own sons.  Steven lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Emily, and is the proud father of three young children.

Chad is the Master of Ceremonies for this episode, as Ben lends a hand as a co-host and--most definitively--a man (and WHAT a man is he!).  The two pick their guest's brain, hoping to adapt and adopt his insight for their own son-rearing efforts.  What is a Rite of Passage historically, and why is it that there doesn't seem to be one for boys living in western society?  Why is a formal, pre-planned ceremony so important - can't the transmission of manhood between father and son happen organically and over time?  Does a Rite of Passage ceremony actually make a substantive difference in the life of a man?

SHOW NOTES:

Book website (full w/resources):  Milestone to Manhood | Rite of Passage 


   

Episode 108 -

With its many and far-reaching tentacles, it's no longer a matter of if the Giant "Woke-topus" finds you, it's a matter of when.  It's coming for your kids in the subtle themes of the latest Disney movie, and during the not-so-subtle drag queen story hour at the local library; it's lingering between the big game during every commercial break, and soon (if not already) parading down your small-town main street in the month of June.  And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, here it also comes... to a workplace near you.  

Ben leads the confrontation with this stinking cephalopod with the hopes of putting it to bed once and for all; and Chad, as salty as ever, comes along with a soothing voice as co-host, coaxing it back into its cage.  The two untangle the messy (and confusing) subject of workplace wokism.  Should something as simple as mutual respect between co-workers conquer the day, no matter the issue at hand?  What freedoms and rights are guaranteed to someone in a workplace setting, and how ought a conflict between two competing freedoms be resolved?  And what is the Christian's responsibility when put in situations at work that push their conscience to the edge?        
 

Episode 107 -

Imagine leftists trying to make a documentary of their own by this episode's same title, like some kind of clever rebuttal to Matt Walsh's wildly successful "What is a Woman?".  And, instead of interviewing extremist liberals, they interviewed average, everyday Americans.  One wonders with delight how that might play out?  Hint:  if it went anything like this episode, it'd end in slap-happy hilarity!

 Chad channels his inner Sweet Baby Gang only to end up laughing (and sniffling) the whole episode through as its lead Super-movie-quoter.  Ben fails to capture Chad's point (or keep up with his movie references) but rallies triumphantly at the last second as the gloating cohost.  The two try mightily to take this question seriously with (thanks to Ben!) mostly poor results.   Why is it that sane, clear-thinking people are made to feel crazy for refusing to ignore biological realities?  Can Ben pass the "Are You a Man Test"?  And, once and for all, what does the famous '90s hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa say in their hit song:  "Wanna man, wanna man..." or "What a man, what a man..."??       
    

Episode 106 -

Andrew Peel is the owner of the Rock Solid Performance Gym.  He's competed in fitness events such as CrossFit, Ironman triathlons, obstacle course races, and bodybuilding.  He is also a 1st Phorm Sponsored Trainer and has been involved in personal training for athletes, as well as online for adults trying to make a major lifestyle change.    Andrew's online coaching business, AP2 Fitness, can be found on various social media platforms, and his new podcast is called "The No Bad Days Show."  He and his wife and their three children live in Rockford, Ohio.

Chad flexes his make-believe muscles as lead meat head for this episode, as Ben makes guttural noises as he carries his weight as the cut-up co-host.  The two ask their guest where the weight room's at and feel the burn of inadequacy.  How does a man's fitness--or lack thereof--affect all aspects of his life?  What are three tips that are foundational to a healthy lifestyle?  What is "75 Hard", and how can its principles bring about the kind of transformational change that can produce lasting, positive outcomes in a man's health?

SHOW NOTES:

Andrew's Gym:  (20+) Facebook

Connect with Andrew & AP2 Fitness:

• Andrew Peel / Lifestyle Coach - YouTube
• Andrew Peel - 🇺🇸 Coach 🇺🇸 Athlete 🇺🇸Dad 🇺🇸 (@andrew_peel.1p) • Instagram photos and videos
• (20+) Team AP² Fitness | Facebook

Andrew's new Podcast: No Bad Days Show | Podcast on Spotify

"75 Hard" Challenge: 75 Hard | The 75-Day Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself (andyfrisella.com)

Episode 105 -

While many men need the reminder to curb their enthusiasm for constant productivity in their middle-aged years (see Episode #72, "The Semi-Retired Man"), perhaps there are still other men who need the reminder to maintain that enthusiasm into their advanced years.  For men "with their best years behind them", the struggle might be accurately described as one between becoming stagnate and staying innovative.  That struggle might become the difference between life and death.

Ben imagines himself with snow white facial hair and a southern drawl as the Colonel for this episode, as Chad co-hosts, sprinkling in spicy "advices" into Ben's not-yet-famous recipe.  The two cook up conversation surrounding the question of how men can stay engaged into old age.  How would Ben and Chad envision themselves spending their retirement when that time comes?  What does the story of Colonel Sanders' founding of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) provide in the way of inspiration?  And what are some stories of men Ben and Chad know personally who've set great examples of how to stay active and innovative into advanced age?

SHOW NOTES:  

• Colonel Sanders Rejected Over 1000 Times

In Chad's favorite fashion, he strikes up a BONUS! conversation with Ben about the recent phenomenon that is Oliver Anthony, singer/songwriter of the top hit "Rich Men North of Richmond."

Chad updates Ben on a recent interview Oliver Anthony gave to Joe Rogan (Chad, knowing Ben doesn't approve of his penchant for listening to the Rogan podcast!).  The two have a brief, general discussion of the Oliver Anthony story, and talk about the value of his witness on the Joe Rogan program.

SHOW NOTES:

Joe Rogan Reacts To Oliver Anthony Sharing Faith, Reading Bible On Podcast: ‘Pretty F***ing Profound’ | The Daily Wire
 

Episode 104 – 

The connection between the natural world and the supernatural world, between matter and spirit, is one of great mystery.  Some might contend that physical matter is a hindrance to spiritual growth, while others find their spiritual lives enhanced by the natural world.  One thing is for sure:  the interplay between the two is consequential and definitely worth exploration.

Chad’s at the helm as he pulls up anchor to see which way the winds take this drifting discussion of an episode, as Ben tries to calculate coordinates and engineer some sort of safe passage as co-host.  The two brave the open seas of a loosely planned episode.  What should be made of claims to spiritual experiences by those taking psychedelic drugs?  How ought we approach alleged spiritual interventions into the natural world – things like miracles, apparitions, and direct messages from God?  What are we anyway – spirit-body composites, or ghosts in a machine?     

SHOW NOTES:

Fatima’s “Miracle of the Sun”:  A Lawyer, a Journalist, and a Scientist Detail the Miracle of the Sun (magiscenter.com) 

Episode 103 - 

Yet another installment of men sitting around tables talking - another edition of the MAN TALK, that is!  Where we break out all four mikes over a long-form conversation of consequence.  The topic on tap: theology.  How will these four conversationalists conclude on the question being considered?  They each give their final answers by the episode's end!  (And what say you on the matter, dear listener?  Email us your thoughts at [email protected]) 

Father Mike Kapolka and Shawn Meyer are both pastors.  Fr. Mike is the Parochial Vicar at the Holy Cross Family of Parishes in Fort Recovery and Coldwater, Ohio.   And Shawn is the pastor of Aletheia Christian Church in Celina, Ohio.  The two bring their own unique perspectives, yet common appreciation for theology, to the table to help Ben and Chad carve a path through an academic-thick jungle of a topic.  Does theology even play that big of a role in the life of a pastor?  How much does admittance into heaven have to do with knowledge of God, or does knowledge of God make any difference at all in that respect?  What are some specific ways and examples of how theology can make a positive change in how you act in the world?  

SHOW NOTES:

Pastor Shawn's church:  

•    https://aletheiacelina.com/

Fr Mike's parishes: 

•    Coldwater Cluster
•    Catholic Communities of Fort Recovery, OH – Fort Recovery Cluster Parishes (fortrecoverycatholics.org)