Sword&Spade

What does it actually mean to be literate, and do men in the trenches of daily life actually have time for it? Jason Craig sits down with John Clarke of Cluny Media to make the case that reading is less a cultural pastime and more a spiritual necessity, as essential to a man's formation as physical training is to his body.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why literacy is like athleticism: a trainable capacity, not an elite club
• Whether men today genuinely need to wrestle with ideas on the page
• How books and screens form the mind and imagination in fundamentally different ways
• Why you need a guide, not just a book list
• Practical advice for literary nerds on how to share ideas without alienating everyone around them

Chapters:

• 00:00: The Bridge a Literary Publisher Builds
• 04:34: Defining Literacy—The Athleticism Analogy
• 14:26: Christianity's Relationship with the Written Word
• 18:13: How We Are Formed (Whether We Choose It or Not)
• 22:45: Books as a Lifelong Habit, Not a Checklist
• 29:13: Why You Need a Guide, Not Just a Book List
• 31:30: What Books Do That Screens Can't
• 37:07: Screen Recommendations for Young Kids
• 50:48: Advice for Literary Nerds: Integrate and Trust
• 54:20: Don't Read Alone. Ideas Belong in Conversation

Resources Mentioned:

• Cluny Media
• The Holy Spirit by Luis Martinez
• This Dear-Bought Land by Jean Lee Latham
• "Sunday" by Father Frederick William Faber

JOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL

Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Mark Adderley is an English convert to Catholicism, high school literature teacher, and author of a 10-book Catholic adventure series for boys. In this episode, he traces his unlikely path from militant atheism to the Church through Arthurian legend, C.S. Lewis, and the power of story.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Mark went from the Church of England, to atheist, to convicted Catholic through the legend of King Arthur and the Screwtape Letters
• Why a well-formed imagination is essential for genuine faith and virtue
• How to form sons through story: reading aloud, Saturday movies, poetry, and classic literature
• The fruit of intentional fatherhood: raising children who are still Catholic as adults
• The origin and purpose of the McCracken adventure series for Catholic boys in 6th–10th grade

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction & Meet Mark Adderley
• 02:40: From England to America: King Arthur and Graduate School
• 06:05: From Atheist to Catholic: C.S. Lewis and the Screwtape Letters
• 16:25: Why Imagination Matters More Than Data
• 22:07: Forming Sons Through Story: Movies, Poetry, and Reading Aloud
• 29:46: The Fruit: Four Sons, Three Families, One Seminarian
• 37:25: "Stabs of Joy": How Catholicism Magnifies the Beautiful
• 47:53: We're Not Raising Children, We're Raising Adults
• 56:40: The Birth of the McCracken Series
• 01:09:14: Why Catholic Boys Need Catholic Fiction

JOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/

Resources Mentioned:

• The McCracken Adventure Series by Mark Adderley
• The Once and Future King by T.H. White
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
• Forbidden Island

Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Why the virtue of religion falls under justice 
• Why tithing is not generosity but justice 
• What Christian Smith's research actually shows determines whether children keep the faith—and why Catholic schools and youth groups rank second 
• How moralistic therapeutic deism has quietly replaced authentic religion, even inside the Church, and what we've lost in the process 
• How to build a Catholic culture in the home through daily prayer and mentorship Chapters 

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction & Opening on Justice and Marxism

00:45 — Introducing Dr. Jared Staudt

02:28 — What Is the Virtue of Religion?

07:00 — Sacrifice, Natural Religion, and the Heart of Worship

10:50 — The Modern World and the Turn Toward Self

18:31 — Why Do You Go to Church? The Justice Framework

23:54 — Is Religion Just Paying a Debt? Justice, Love, and the Dark Night

30:17 — Disenchantment, Technology, and the God Who Feels Far Away

35:27 — Piety: What We Owe God, Parents, and Country

41:47 — Abstract Charity vs. Concrete Justice in Community

45:50 — Tithing as an Act of Worship, Not Generosity

57:27 — Almsgiving, the Offertory, and Catholic Giving in America

01:03:18 — Forming Children in the Virtue of Religion

01:11:15 — Mentorship, Adolescence, and Building a Catholic Culture in the Home

JOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/

Resources:

• The Primacy of God: The Virtue of Religion and Catholic Theology by Dr. Jared Staudt
• Young Catholic America and the Notre Dame report on Catholic religious parenting, w/ Christian Smith
• What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism 

Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Cody and Sebastion share their journey from schooling to careers in framing and construction instead of college. They discuss starting in the trades as teenagers, launching a construction company, Atlas, choosing to stay rooted in their local community, converting to Catholicism, and building a culture of craftsmanship. The conversation explores work-life integration, mentorship, competency over artificial self-esteem, and the future of skilled trades.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction & Background

03:34 - Cody's Journey into Construction

08:01 - The College Question

14:30 - Starting Atlas Framing Company

19:49 - Sebastian's Path

26:03 - From General Contractor to Specialist

33:37 - Faith & Conversion

45:58 - Community & Rootedness

49:23 - Catholic Trade Schools & Durable Trades

56:13 - The Future of Construction

1:07:45 - Competency Over Self-Esteem

1:11:25 - Work Culture & Faith on the Job Site

Find more conversations like the one in this episode by joining the readership of Sword&Spade Magazine! 

Resources 

• Letters to a Young Catholic by George Weigel
• Durable Trades by Rory Groves 
• Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford
• Fraternus

Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Jason sits down with Joel Stroot, a permaculture farmer and dentist from Dallas, North Carolina, who runs an 85-acre beyond-organic farm called Faith Family Farm. They explore what it means to live authentically as Catholics in modern America, particularly when it comes to raising families.

Joel shares the wisdom passed down from his father about living by faith, family, and farm—in that order. He connects his dental practice to his farming philosophy, showing how nutrient-dense soil creates nutrient-dense food, which impacts everything from our teeth to our overall health and spiritual wellbeing.

Chapters:

• (0:00) Introduction & Background
• (4:00) Living Authentically Catholic
• (5:00) Joel's Father's Legacy
• (7:30) The Problem with Modern Formation
• (1:10:00) Work, Vocation, and Stability
• (1:13:00) Being Truly Open to Life
• (1:15:30) Closing Thoughts

Find more conversations like the one in this episode by joining the readership of Sword&Spade Magazine! 

Resources:

• Faith Family Farm
• Weston A. Price Foundation
• Fed Up (Documentary)
• Food Inc. (Documentary)
• Fraternus

 
Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Sean Tario, a seasoned digital privacy advocate, and Jason Craig discuss the influence of tech giants, including Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. With over 20 years of experience, Sean shares his journey from Silicon Valley to becoming a co-founder of Mark37.com, focusing on digital sovereignty and localism. In this episode, we explore the control of big tech on our privacy and autonomy, the importance of understanding where our data goes, practical steps for protecting our families, and the crucial need for real community in combating digital overreach.

Whether you’re a father, educator, or simply interested in the relationship between faith, work, and family, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom for building a life rooted in purpose.

In this episode, Jason welcomes Chad Rosamond for a candid conversation about fatherhood, education, and guiding children into adulthood. Drawing from their own experiences as fathers, homeschoolers, and community builders, Jason and Chad discuss:

• The evolving role of fathers in helping children discern their paths, from college to trades and beyond.
• The value of classical education, hands-on work, and the integration of faith, family, and community.
• Personal stories of raising children, including successes, struggles, and the importance of ongoing parental involvement—even as kids become adults.
• The changing landscape of higher education, the rise of Catholic trade schools, and the practical realities of preparing children for economic independence.
• The importance of local community, generational bonds, and finding meaningful work that serves others.
• Reflections on homeschooling, academic rigor, and the balance between virtue and achievement.
• The role of family businesses, farm life, and teaching economics through real-world experience.
• Advice for parents on staying engaged, offering guidance without control, and fostering wisdom and self-knowledge in their children.

Join the Readership of Sword&Spade Magazine
In a world increasingly shallow and distracted, Sword&Spade offers an antidote—deep, thoughtful engagement with the topics that matter most to Catholic men and their families.

https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/

About Fraternus
We are the largest, oldest, and most effective Catholic brotherhood of its kind: helping Catholic fathers lead in their homes and communities and inspire sons to grow into men of virtue, strength, and service—through a unique framework of prayer, mentoring, and formation.

https://fraternus.org/

In this episode, Jason Craig welcomes John Oliver, a veteran voice actor and Catholic convert. John shares his remarkable story of faith, his candid struggle with addiction and recovery, and his passion for telling forgotten stories of the American Revolution through film.

Topics Include:

• John’s conversion to Catholicism through a profound encounter at Mass
• The role of faith and community in overcoming addiction
• Life in Hollywood and the evolution of media and voiceover work
• The making of his upcoming film on the Battle of King’s Mountain

Men who enjoy this podcast also enjoy the quarterly magazine that started it all. 

JOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Fraternus Commander Rob Green, author of Defending the Constitution Behind Enemy Lines, to hear his story of conscience and courage during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the pressures of government and military mandates to the deeper call of virtue, faith, and family, Green shares hard-earned lessons on what it means to stand firm when it matters most.

Key Topics Covered

• Commander Rob Green’s military background and connection to the Sword&Spade community
• The impact of COVID-19 mandates on service members and their families
• Conscience, faith, and legal rights in the face of government pressure
• Why fortitude is the essential virtue for fathers and leaders today
• Challenging unlawful orders and navigating legal battles for justice
• The role of family support during times of exile and uncertainty
• Reflections on authority, accountability, and careerism in leadership
• Insights on Catholic fatherhood and family culture

Subscribe to Sword&Spade Magazine 

In this episode of the Sword&Spade Podcast, host Jason Craig sits down with neighbor and friend Craig Taffaro, founder of Melvin Hill Meats, to discuss the challenges of running a small, community-based butcher shop. Their conversation explores the intersection of tradition, law, and local business, revealing how modern regulations often hinder family enterprises while highlighting the enduring value of local economies, generational knowledge, and community support.

About the Guest
Craig Taffaro is a banker turned butcher who advocate for local, sustainable, family-based businesses. Learn more about his work at melvinhillmeats.com.

Support your local butcher shops, family farms, and small businesses—and recognize the challenges they face in today’s regulatory climate. Share this episode with friends who care about food traditions, sustainable agriculture, and local economies.

Key Topics Covered

• The story behind Craig’s butcher shop and how he integrates work, family, and community life.
• The philosophical question of laws, freedom, and the common good—are regulations oppressive, or can they promote flourishing?
• The evolution of liberalism and its effects on rural traditions, family businesses, and local culture.
• Craig’s personal journey: from banking and robotics to butchery, including zoning, building codes, and agricultural regulations.
• How community support helped overcome resistance from local government.
• The disconnect between industrial-scale regulations and the needs of affection-driven small businesses.
• The role of tradition, generational wisdom, and affection in shaping meaningful businesses.
• Reflections on sustainable practices, composting, and technology vs. natural, community-based solutions.
• The long-term consequences of bureaucracy: decline of family businesses, loss of tradition, and erosion of community.