In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Peter Blute sits down with Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, founders of CatholicCounselors.com, to explore how young Catholic professionals can live with greater integration, purpose, and peace.

Together, they discuss why faith, work, relationships, marriage, family life, and personal gifts are not separate compartments, but pieces of one life God is patiently bringing together. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, Dr. Greg and Lisa offer practical wisdom on discernment, anxiety, healthy relationships, professional ambition, readiness for marriage, and the courage to take the next faithful step.

This conversation is a reminder that God does not waste any part of who we are. Our gifts, desires, relationships, struggles, and even our mistakes can become part of His “God Positioning System” when we remain rooted in prayer and open to grace.

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Steven sits down with Matt Ingold of Metanoia Catholic to explore how young Catholic professionals can move beyond transactional networking and build authentic human connection.Matt shares practical insights from his conference workshop, including how to notice “mind drama,” take thoughts captive, and shift the spotlight away from self-consciousness and toward the person in front of you. He also explains why curiosity is essential for connection, how presumption can damage relationships and team dynamics, and why true professional growth must begin with interior transformation.Rooted in Catholic anthropology, Scripture, and the wisdom of St. John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas, this conversation invites young professionals to see networking, leadership, and workplace relationships as opportunities for encounter, formation, and deeper communion with Christ.

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Steven sits down with Dave Misch, YCP Pittsburgh Board Chair, former banking executive, and founder of Full Sail Consultants, to discuss what it means to live an undivided Catholic life.Dave shares how retirement, prayer, and the Holy Spirit led him deeper into the mission of YCP and into a renewed understanding of his personal mission: helping young Catholics stay strong in their faith and bring that faith into the world. Drawing from his decades in banking, service to the Church, and experience mentoring young professionals, Dave reflects on the role of experienced Catholic leaders, the importance of YCP boards, and why every chapter is like a “little Catholic business” ordered toward getting people to heaven.With wisdom, humor, and practical conviction, Dave invites young professionals to pray constantly, seek humility, have courage in the workplace, and remember that every word, witness, and decision can ripple into someone else’s life.

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with YCP Executive Director Peter Blute at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference to discuss what it means to be unshakable in a rapidly changing world of work. Peter reflects on the witness of Blessed Takayama, the enduring dignity of work, and why young Catholic professionals must build their careers around their relationship with God rather than simply trying to fit faith into work.Peter also shares how YCP is helping young professionals grow in interior life, become bolder evangelists, and step into leadership earlier. From Catholic mentorship to the future of the faith and work movement, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for how Catholic professionals can remain grounded, resilient, and ready to serve.

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Rachel Zayas, co-founder of Fiat Events, the Catholic events firm behind the 2026 YCP Conference experience. Rachel shares how beauty, hospitality, and intentional event design can create space for people to encounter Christ. From transforming conference spaces into sacred environments to bringing industry-level excellence into Catholic ministry, Rachel reflects on the importance of serving every person as if receiving Christ Himself.She also shares the story behind Fiat Events, the role of discernment in building a business, what it means to integrate faith, work, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, and why Catholics should once again set the standard for excellence in the world.

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Claire Keupen, YCP’s Director of Development, for a conversation on what it means to be a young Catholic professional. Claire shares how faith can shape the way we approach work, why follow-up and follow-through matter in building meaningful professional relationships, and how mentorship becomes a gift for both young professionals and experienced leaders. From practical advice on preparing for mentor conversations to reflections on prayer, surrender, and Bl. Takayama quiet steadfastness, this episode invites young professionals to see their work, relationships, and daily responsibilities as places where God is actively present.

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Fr. Ambrose Criste, O.Praem. at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference to discuss what it means to live as a faithful Catholic witness in the world.Father Ambrose reflects on the inspiring example of Blessed Takayama Ukon, a Japanese samurai and Catholic convert who was willing to lose status, power, and worldly security rather than renounce Christ. He explains why every Catholic professional will face moments where they must choose between allegiance to Christ and the demands of the world, and how courage, fortitude, and hope help us remain unshakable.The conversation also explores religious life, public witness, the importance of living an integrated Catholic life, and why young Catholics give him hope for the future of the Church. Father Ambrose also offers encouragement to young parents and future parents, reminding them that they are the first educators of their children in the faith and are called to pass on the fullness of truth with courage and love.

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Natasha Goodwin sits down with world champion fighter Bas Rutten at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference for a powerful conversation on discipline, conversion, and becoming unshakable in faith.Bas shares how his years fighting in Japan shaped his admiration for the samurai code, why Blessed Takayama Ukon’s witness resonates with him, and how the discipline he once applied to fighting is now being redirected toward virtue, prayer, and self-mastery. From writing “Rs” on his hands to stay relaxed before fights, to using a rubber band as a reminder to overcome profanity, judgment, and weakness, Bas offers a practical and unforgettable look at what it means to train the soul.He also opens up about returning to the Catholic faith, praying the Rosary daily, becoming a better husband and father, and learning to live by truth, humility, and discipline. This conversation invites young Catholic professionals to pursue excellence, resist the pull of vice, and remain steadfast in a world that often challenges their faith.

In a world that often separates faith from work, how do you lead with conviction, without compromise?

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Elizabeth Bryant, Chief People Officer at Southwest Airlines, shares her remarkable 25-year journey of leadership, faith, and vocation. From stepping into roles she never imagined to navigating seasons of intense pressure, Elizabeth reveals what it truly means to build a career rooted in purpose.

Through candid stories, she reflects on trusting God’s timing, leading with clarity and courage, and the quiet strength that comes from a deep prayer life. She also offers powerful insight into building high-performing, values-driven teams—and why authenticity, feedback, and human dignity are non-negotiables in leadership.

Whether you're just starting your career or discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success—not as a title, but as a calling.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why faith is your “true north” in moments of uncertainty
• How to discern your path without having it all figured out
• The courage it takes to lead with honesty and set clear expectations
• What it means to build teams rooted in dignity, truth, and excellence
• How to navigate seasons of tension between career, family, and faith
• Why mentorship and curiosity are essential to long-term growth

✨ What You’ll Find at YCP
A real, faith-filled community that understands where you are
Mentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve walked the path
Opportunities to grow spiritually and professionally
Support to live your faith confidently—wherever you work

🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/⁠✨ Join YCP: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong#Price

In a world that values "clout" over craft, how can Catholic creators thrive? Will Hickl is building the solution. As the CEO of Fio and Novum Records, Will is on a mission to ensure that Catholic artists are treated with the justice and dignity they deserve.

In this episode of Refiner's fire, Will dives into the "brick" philosophy of building a business, the wisdom of ordering your life, and the profound lessons we can learn from the hidden carvings in a cathedral. Discover why your prayer life is the secret ingredient to your professional success and how to find the "cheerleaders" you need to reach your full potential.

✨ What You’ll Find at YCP

• A real, faith-filled community that gets where you are

• Mentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been there

• Opportunities to grow spiritually and professionally

• Support to live your faith confidently - wherever you work

🌸Join us for our 2026 conference titled “Unshakeable”: ⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/conference⁠⁠ 

🔗 Ready to take the next step?

🌐 Learn more: ⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/⁠⁠ 

📍 Find your local chapter: ⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events⁠⁠ 

✨ Join Belong: ⁠⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong⁠⁠ 

🔔 Subscribe for more stories: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured⁠⁠