Refiner's Fire

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

Tom Nealon is a seasoned executive, former President of Southwest Airlines, and a dedicated Catholic leader who integrates his faith into the highest levels of corporate strategy. In this episode, host Peter Blute sits down with Tom to discuss the unique perspective he has gained through his leadership at Southwest, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay. Tom shows listeners how to lead with humility, courage, and a servant’s heart. He explains how his Catholic faith isn't just a personal practice, but a vital part of his professional performance and decision-making.

✨ 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

🔗 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

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, we sit down with John Heinen, a leader whose career has spanned the heights of both the arts and the corporate world. From performing as a professional trumpet player at the Beijing Olympics to serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of a management consulting firm and leading The Catholic Gentleman, John’s journey is a powerful testament to how God refines us through our work.

John opens up about the high-stakes pressure of professional music, the "identity crisis" that occurs when your worth is tied to your output, and the two-and-a-half-year novena to St. Joseph that transformed his life and career.

✨ 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

In this episode of Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute speaks with guest Brent Beabout. Brent brings an incredible background to the conversation, transitioning from serving as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the Navy to holding Chief Supply Chain Officer roles at industry giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Nordstrom.

Brent discusses his journey from an Evangelical upbringing to a profound conversion to Catholicism later in life, driven by a search for accountability and an understanding of suffering. He shares how he navigated high-stakes corporate environments where he was often forced to "vote with his feet" when company ethics clashed with his Christian values. Brent's story is one of radical transformation. 

✨ 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

Matt Pana is a financial media specialist, drummer, and devout Catholic with a special devotion to Saint Padre Pio. In this episode, host, Peter Blute, converses with Matt on how to find balance and meaning in our day to day lives. Matt explores how to effectively evangelize through your career and your passions. Matt shows listeners how to turn every platform, from the office to the drum kit, into an instrument to bring God glory.

✨ 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

🔗 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

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute sits down with Chris Cottrell, a decorated U.S. Army intelligence officer, co-founder of the made-to-measure suiting company Shepherd’s, and Founding Partner at Verde Peak Partners.

Chris's life is a masterclass in committed service, from earning a Bronze Star while deployed with U.S. Special Operations Command to his current mission of helping entrepreneurs protect their legacies. Discover how his Catholic faith is the unifying force behind every endeavor—whether advising at the Department of Homeland Security or launching a company with partners like Harrison Butker.

Chris shares the principles of discipline, clarity, and decisive action that he learned in the military and how they apply directly to the challenges of entrepreneurship and living a vibrant faith in the modern workplace. This is an inspiring look at how to build a life of impact, where professional ambition and spiritual calling are perfectly aligned.

✨ 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

🔗 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

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute sits down with YCP Founder Jennifer Baugh to explore her extraordinary journey from a high-achieving corporate career to launching a national ministry. Jennifer shares the story of her "restless heart" and the pivotal season of silence that led to a profound spiritual conversion.

Discover how she was called to leave a successful career to found Young Catholic Professionals, taking a leap of faith with courage and trust. This is the inspiring story of how a professional’s spiritual "refining" process can lead to a life fully dedicated to a mission, providing a powerful example for every young Catholic navigating their own path to purpose in the world.

✨ 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

🔗 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