This episode is inspired by a podcast by Michael Hyatt. I think there are things that all of us do that can profoundly affect those around us - specifically that we don't realize ourselves. These actions, even when well intentioned, can be painful. The only solution is to pause, look at ourselves seriously, and start to notice.

In this episode I explore 13 of these behaviors that can be so obnoxious to others. While it is unlikely that you do all 13, it's virtually a guarantee that you do at least a few of them! I invite you challenge yourself and try to change - support those whom you love in the way they need the most!

You can read the show notes here!

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Discipline of children is hardly a safe topic these days. The debates about what is, and is not, OK are both widespread and passionate. Yet despite the tension about hot topics like spanking, there are still a set of rules that can be extremely helpful to all parents with all discipline strategies.

In this episode I discuss 5 specific rules of discipline that will help you improve how you correct your children. My goal is not to lecture or pontificate - indeed, most of these I still fail at. Instead, my goal is to help all of us refine what we do when our children misbehave. The biggest and most obvious result will be a change in ourselves.

If you want to read the show notes, you can go to my webpage here.

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We live in a world that is more broken than ever, yet also more afraid to acknowledge it. When we have physical brokenness, we run to a doctor without shame. When we have emotional, intellectual, or spiritual brokenness, however, we feel ashamed. We hide it, and often are afraid to get the help we so desperately need.

In this episode I try to really explore brokenness on two levels: First, why is it important that we face brokenness - both in ourselves and others? Second, How do we live with it? What do we do? I think these questions are going to become incredibly important as our culture continues to emphasize sex, divorce, and many more toxic behaviors.

You can access the show notes on the webpage!

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Matthew Kelly, in the Best Lent Ever program, has been really challenging us in how we live our lives.  Recently, he asked about what we expect out of each day.  This question really got me thinking about expectations, and how they affect our lives and our happiness.

In this episode I really want to explore this question. Why do we seem to get more upset about getting a good thing that is less than our expectations than about getting a bad thing? Why are these expectations so powerful, and what can we do about them?

I think managing our expectations, and properly balancing them with Hope, is one important component to finding joy and peace as a Christian, especially as a Catholic.

You can read the (mini) show notes at my website.

You can read Viktor Frankl's book I mention at this link.

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This episode might seem a little bit nerdy at first, but I guarantee you that if you really try to learn this system, it will change your life and your relationships. The ability to connect to other people, to make them feel like you "get" them is fundamental to building relationship. Whatever the nature of your interactions (work, personal, marriage, whatever) you will be more effective and happier if you can "connect" to the other person.

In this episode I really dive into the DISC personality system. It seems a little heavy at first, but stick with me. DISC is a unique "fingerprint" of your temperament that will define how you see and interact with the world. It will also enable you to finally "get" those people who just seem to be different from you - and actually are different.

This episode is designed to continue the discussion from last episode about layers.

First, the Free DISC assessment test that I like:

https://institutesuccess.com/assessment/disc/

Next, my favorite current DISC book that is available:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0964108038//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=beauinbeli09-20&linkId=3af28fdb69c008f6c31603312f9caf23

Lastly, you can read all my show notes at:

http://thestakesarehigh.com/2018/03/27/catholic-commute-s02e30-disc-deep-dive/

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The way we view the world is incredibly complex. Like Ogres, we humans have many layers that determine who we are and how we interact with the world around us. The better we understand these layers, the better we're able to control our interactions. The better we understand the layers of others, the better we can relate and connect.

In this episode, I explore 5 layers that all of us humans have. They're each different, but help to define who we are and the gifts God has given us. We need to understand those layers to best predict how we'll succeed and find happiness.

I mention several links in today's episode.

First, a free DISC assessment test that I think is pretty good.  Note they will offer to sell you more complicated assessments. Stick with the free:

https://institutesuccess.com/assessment/disc/

Next, this is the StrengthsFinders test that I recommend:

https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/home/en-US/Index

Lastly, this is the Catholic StrengthsFinder Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Living-Your-Strengths-God-Given-Community/dp/1595620222/

You can read the show notes here:

http://thestakesarehigh.com/2018/03/22/catholic-commute-s02e29-5-layers-of-ogres/

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Hope is not only an incredibly powerful thing, it's an incredibly Christian virtue. We need to open ourselves up to Hope if we want to find happiness in this life. We cannot just wait for things to "get better!"

In this episode I explore 8 specific ways to try to find Hope in your life. I hope that some of them will connect with you in whatever struggles you now are facing.

NEW! I've put my show notes (in rough form) on my website, follow this link to read them:

http://thestakesarehigh.com/2018/03/12/catholic-commute-s02e28-how-to-find-hope/

My goal is to eventually add all of them, but it will take awhile. If you have any requests, please let me know! You can click through more at

http://thestakesarehigh.com/

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Most of us men in particular think that "change" is a dirty word. We don't like it, we fight against it, and we wish we could just put something in one place and have it stay there! Yet life doesn't work that way, and deep down, even we eventually admit we do like some things to change from time to time.

The painful part of change is actually the transition required to get there. Rather than lament the process, we can study it to better understand and quickly drive through the pain. In this episode I discuss the 8 steps that take place in any change, whether at home or work, for lots of people or just for yourself.

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Show Notes!

You can find a rough-cut version of show notes at the link below!

http://thestakesarehigh.com/2018/03/06/catholic-commute-s02e27-8-steps-to-embracing-change/

Although no one likes to think or talk about it, the truth is that the devil is very real.  He has one intent, and it's not pretty.  We need to take him and the threat he brings seriously, or we're going to trip - more than we do already.  My goal is not to be scary, but to provide encouragement.

In this episode I explore some ways both to identify where in your life the devil has a grip, but also to give some practical advice for ways to start getting free. God set us free for freedom's sake, so fight for it!  It's worth it!

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Prayer is hard.  Especially when it involves other people, but I often times struggle just to pray by myself!  I think though, in this particular culture, we have a greater need of prayer - both alone and in groups - than ever before.  As men, as Christians, we have a calling to step up and lead those around is in humble submission to the Lord through prayer.

In this episode I suggest 6 ways to increase your prayer life in your family.  I hope that everyone who listens can find at least a couple practical steps that you can try this week.  Be bold, and step up to lead yourself and your family in prayer. Things will change!

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