Overview

In this episode, David Niles and Adam Minahan sip on Brothers Bond bourbon, celebrate the election of an American pope, and share updates on farming and upcoming interviews in Nashville. The main discussion focuses on the importance of prayer, particularly in moments of temptation, drawing from scripture, saints, and practical advice for building a prayerful life. The hosts also promote their upcoming pilgrimage and Patreon support.

Key Topics1. Celebrating an American Pope

• American Pope Enthusiasm: The hosts humorously declare “everything is American now” with the election of an American pope, jokingly claiming spaghetti and the Catholic Church as American.
• Cultural Shift: They playfully note the Church is now “more profitable” with an American pope, reflecting their excitement for this historic moment.

2. Personal Updates and Farming Adventures

• David’s Farming Efforts: David shares his experience planting 576 kernels of corn (16 rows of 36) without tilling, following a “Back to Eden” approach using wood chips. He discusses challenges with nitrogen depletion in the soil, leading to poor growth, and plans to amend it.
• Family Teamwork: David describes a rewarding family moment planting with his daughters, using a power drill and raking to plant seeds, fostering teamwork and bonding.
• Farm Life: Updates include a nearly completed garden fence to keep out rabbits, 41 chickens, and a rooster confrontation. David’s son, Luke, caught his first rabbit, soon to be fried for dinner.
• Anniversary Trip: David and his wife, Haley, celebrated their 13th anniversary in Mexico, briefly mentioned as a joyful getaway.

3. Upcoming Interviews and Patreon Promotion

• Nashville Interviews: The hosts are heading to Nashville to interview Father Mike Schmitz, Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, Harrison Butker, and possibly Candace Owens, among others. These interviews will be posted first on their Patreon page.
• Patreon Support: They encourage listeners to support The Catholic Man Show on Patreon to help spread the gospel in a manly way, with exclusive access to upcoming interviews. Visit thecatholicmanshow.com for details.
• Guest Teaser: The hosts announce an upcoming episode with Dr. Kent Litnoski, who offered insights on living Lent as a married man, with plans for him to return to Tulsa for further discussion.

4. Discussion on Prayer and Temptation

• Scriptural Foundation: The hosts focus on Matthew 26:41 (“Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”), reflecting on Jesus’ Agony in the Garden and the apostles’ failure to stay awake and pray.
• Theological Importance of Prayer:
• Union with Christ: Prayer during temptation unites us with Christ, who modeled prayer in distress, revealing man’s supreme calling (Catechism reference).
• Humility and Dependence: Prayer crushes pride and fosters reliance on God, countering the modern tendency to act independently of Him.
• Obedience: Jesus’ command to pray in temptation is reason enough to do so.
• Saints’ Wisdom:
• St. Alphonsus Liguori: Willfully neglecting prayer for a day is a venial sin, but neglecting it during temptation could be mortal, emphasizing prayer’s gravity.
• St. John Chrysostom: Prayer is owed to God as a matter of justice, regardless of one’s state in life, with a suggested minimum of 15 minutes daily.
• Origen and St. Jerome: The apostles’ failure to pray in the Garden shows the need for constant prayer to avoid falling into temptation, as temptation is inevitable but succumbing is not.
• James Montgomery Poem: “Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, the watchword of the gates of death, he enters heaven by prayer,” highlighting prayer as essential for salvation.
• Practical Applications:
• Breaking the Cycle: Prayer disrupts the “daydream” of temptation, engaging rational faculties to resist sin’s allure.
• Specific Prayers: Simple prayers like “Jesus, I trust in you,” the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner”), “Mary, Mother most pure, pray for me,” and the St. Michael Prayer are highly efficacious during temptation.
• Change Location: Physically removing oneself from the source of temptation (e.g., leaving a computer or bar) can weaken its pull.
• Family Prayer: Quoting Fr. Clement Crock, family prayer offers a “holy violence to heaven,” infallibly drawing God’s blessings. The hosts discuss building habits like meal prayers to foster a prayerful family culture.
• Habit Building: Regular prayer, confession, and examination of conscience build resistance to temptation over time, often unnoticed until reflected upon later.
• Parenting Insight: A family’s rule allowing teenage sons to go for a run without questions to combat temptation (e.g., sexual) was praised for fostering open communication and practical solutions.

5. Pilgrimage Promotion

• Select International Tours: The hosts promote their October 2025 pilgrimage to Orvieto, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Cascia, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, and Rome, including a Wednesday papal audience. Listeners are invited to bring babies for a potential papal blessing.
• Details: Visit selectinternationaltours.com for more information on this and other pilgrimages, sponsored by a trusted partner for over 34 years.

6. Whiskey Tasting

• Drink of the Episode: Brothers Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a four-grain, high-rye bourbon at 40% ABV.
• Tasting Notes: Classic bourbon flavor with a baklava-like finish. Despite the rye, it lacks a strong rye flavor, making it smooth and enjoyable.
• Jim’s Rating: 3/10 on the “yummy scale,” surprising the hosts who found it delightful.

Memorable Quotes

• “Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, the watchword of the gates of death, he enters heaven by prayer.” – James Montgomery
• “The union of family prayers offers a holy violence to heaven and, where practiced, infallibly draws down God’s special blessing upon that home and that family.” – Fr. Clement Crock
• “Sin is actually insanity… when we engage in sinful activities, we’re being idiots.” – Adam Minahan

Call to Action

• Join the Pilgrimage: Sign up for the October 2025 pilgrimage at selectinternationaltours.com to visit holy sites and attend a papal audience.
• Support on Patreon: Visit thecatholicmanshow.com to become a patron, access exclusive interviews, and suggest questions for upcoming guests.
• Explore Prayer Resources: Incorporate simple prayers like “Jesus, I trust in you” and the St. Michael Prayer into daily life to combat temptation.

Sponsor

• Select International Tours: Leading pilgrimages to holy sites worldwide for over 34 years. Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details.

Closing

The hosts close with their signature toast: “We’re on the Lord’s team. The winning side. Raise your glass! Cheers to Jesus!”

Overview

In this lively episode, the hosts express enthusiasm for the election of Pope Leo XIV, share personal stories, including a wedding-crashing adventure in Mexico, and dive into a deep discussion on the virtue of humility, drawing from Father Beleckias' book Solid Virtue. The episode blends humor, personal reflection, and spiritual insights, with a focus on Catholic faith and living a virtuous life.

Key Topics1. Excitement Over Pope Leo XIV

• New Pope Announcement: The hosts are thrilled about the election of Pope Leo XIV, an American cardinal with a Tulsa connection, having served on the board of Cascia Hall, a Catholic preparatory school in Tulsa.
• Historical Context: They discuss Pope Leo XIII, a significant influence (one host named a child after him), and note Leo XIV's choice of name as a nod to this legacy.
• Conclave Insights: The quick election (likely on the fourth ballot) suggests strong consensus among the cardinals. The hosts avoid speculating on insider details due to the sacred nature of the conclave.
• Fun Facts: Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan, not a Cubs fan, as initially reported. The hosts humorously claim him as "basically from Tulsa."
• Prophetic Banter: A playful exchange about predicting the length of Leo XIV’s pontificate (jokingly suggested as 25 years) and his potential holiness.

2. Personal Stories and Anniversary Celebration

• David’s Anniversary Getaway: David shares how he and his wife, Haley, celebrated their 13th anniversary with a phone-free weekend in Mexico to focus on their time together.
• Wedding Crashing in Mexico: David recounts crashing an Indian wedding at a resort in Mexico, joining the groom’s procession with a hype man, music, and dancing. He and Haley briefly joined the celebration before slipping away.
• Hype Man Discussion: The hosts humorously explore the idea of having a hype man for life events, likening it to a boxer’s ring walk or a DJ hyping up a crowd.

3. Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano

• Historical Miracle: David shares the story of a 12th-century Eucharistic miracle in Lanciano, Italy, where a doubting monk witnessed the host turn into flesh and the wine into blood during Mass.
• Scientific Studies: In 1977, 1978, and 1987, tests confirmed the flesh as living heart tissue and the blood as human, preserved for over 1,200 years.
• Spiritual Significance: The hosts emphasize the miracle’s importance for reinforcing belief in the Real Presence, while noting that every Mass holds the same ontological reality.
• Pilgrimage Plans: The hosts invite listeners to join their October 2025 pilgrimage to Lanciano to celebrate Mass in the presence of this miracle.

4. Discussion on Humility

• Source Material: The hosts draw from Solid Virtue by Father Beleckias, S.J., to discuss the three degrees of humility.
• First Degree: Complete obedience to divine law, refusing to commit mortal sin even if offered the world or threatened with danger.
• Second Degree: Holy indifference to wealth, poverty, honor, or disgrace, refusing even venial sin for worldly gain. The hosts reflect on the challenge of achieving this in a materialistic world.
• Third Degree: Actively choosing poverty, contempt, and disgrace to imitate Christ’s humility, as exemplified by saints like Francis and Katharine Drexel. The hosts acknowledge the difficulty of this level, especially for family men.
• Practical Insights:
• Humility is not thinking less of oneself but thinking rightly about oneself in relation to God and others.
• Confidence and humility are intertwined, rooted in truth and trust in God’s will.
• The hosts critique the popular C.S. Lewis quote (“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”) as incomplete, emphasizing self-reflection to align with God’s purpose.
• Application for Listeners: Living in a state of grace, surrounding oneself with virtuous people, and choosing entertainment that aligns with spiritual goals are key to growing in humility.

5. Pilgrimage Promotion

• Select International Tours: The hosts promote their upcoming pilgrimage with Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor, encouraging listeners to join them in October 2025 for a Papal audience and Mass in Lanciano.
• Details: Visit selectinternationaltours.com for more information on the pilgrimage.

6. Whiskey Tasting

• Drink of the Episode: The hosts enjoy an 11-year-old Coal Ila whiskey from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
• Tasting Notes: Described as having big smoky notes with a sweet and spicy side. When diluted, it evokes “slurping an oyster with a smoky, zesty, and sweet chili dressing.”
• Jim’s Rating: 3.89 on the “yummy scale.”

Memorable Quotes

• “Humility isn’t about not thinking about yourself, but it’s about thinking rightly about yourself.” – David Niles
• “What we do in this life echoes in eternity.” – Adam Minahan (paraphrasing Gladiator)
• “You can’t be holy if you’re not humble.” – Adam Minahan

Call to Action

• Join the Pilgrimage: Sign up for the October 2025 pilgrimage at selectinternationaltours.com to experience a Papal audience with Pope Leo XIV and Mass in Lanciano.
• Explore Solid Virtue: Check out Solid Virtue by Father Beleckias, S.J., from Cor Iesu Press for deeper insights into humility.
• Engage with the Show: Visit thecatholicmanshow.com for more episodes, resources, and to connect with the hosts.

Sponsor

• Select International Tours: Offering pilgrimages to holy sites worldwide for over 34 years. Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details.

Closing

The hosts wrap up with their signature toast: “We’re on the Lord’s team. The winning side. Raise your glass!”

Opening Story: Country Mart in Coweta, America

• Host shares a humorous experience at the Country Mart grocery store in Coweta, Oklahoma, a beloved local spot with no self-checkout and bag boys who carry groceries to cars.
• After Mass, dressed in a suit, the host is mistaken for a preacher by four different people (a passerby, a deli customer, the cashier, and a bag boy).
• Jokes about leveraging his "preacher hair" and suit to become the mayor and preacher of Coweta, introducing the concept of "nondenominational Catholic" (a playful term explained as Catholics not being a denomination, derived from Latin de nominae meaning "other name").
• Reflects on the Christian culture of the store, where such assumptions are a kind gesture.

Coweta Anecdote: Natural Family Planning (NFP) Story

• Host recounts a family story about his parents, the first NFP teachers in Oklahoma, teaching the Couple to Couple League’s symptothermal method.
• A humorous moment from a class where a participant mispronounced "coitus" as "Coedes," leading to an ongoing family joke about Coweta (pronounced similarly).
• Mentions his in-laws’ involvement in promoting NFP classes and their eventual move to Coweta, tying it to the town’s significance.

Listener Question: Plenary Indulgence During Sede Vacante

• Listener query: Can a plenary indulgence be received during a sede vacante (when there is no pope), given the condition of praying for the pope’s intentions?
• Hosts ponder without definitive answers, suggesting:
• Prayer is outside linear time, so praying for the next pope or the recently deceased pope’s soul might satisfy the condition.
• Pope Francis’ intentions for the month (published in advance) could still be prayed for.
• No prayer is wasted; God applies it appropriately, even if the target (e.g., a soul in hell or heaven) cannot benefit.
• Encourage canon lawyers or experts to clarify, acknowledging their limited knowledge on the topic.
• Brief mention of Polymarket, a prediction market where bets can be placed on the next pope, highlighting absurd betting trends.

Pilgrimage Promotion

• Promotion of Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor offering pilgrimages to holy sites worldwide for 34 years.
• Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details on their high-quality tours with excellent hotels and guides.

Clarification from Previous Episode

• Correction from a prior episode about papal eligibility: Any baptized Catholic man can theoretically be elected pope, not just clergy.
• Hypothetical first act as pope:
• One host would set a date for Blessed Carlo Acutis’ canonization, expected to be a priority for the next pope.
• Other host jokingly suggests suppressing the Jesuits, quickly clarifying it’s a jest, praising Jesuits like Father Mitch Pacwa and noting their potential as Dominicans.

Main Topic: Time Management for Catholic Dads

• Introduction and Context:
• Host shares a chaotic day (e.g., a cow in the wrong pasture) to humorously underscore the need for time management, the episode’s focus.
• Aimed at Catholic dads balancing work, family, and prayer life.
• Philosophical Understanding of Time:
• Time is a gift from God, not an enemy, akin to grace—available only in the present moment, not to be saved or earned.
• Avoid the mindset of “just getting past this weekend” to reach holiness; every moment is an opportunity for sanctity through fulfilling one’s vocation.
• Busyness does not equal holiness; faithfulness and resignation to divine providence do.
• References a conversation with Dr. Carlo Broussard defining time as “the measurement of change,” emphasizing human agency in shaping incremental changes toward holiness.
• Stewardship of Time:
• Inspired by St. Louis de Montfort’s feast day and Mary’s fiat, time belongs to God and should be wholly available to His will, not divided into “God’s time” and “personal time.”
• Stewardship involves giving 100% of time back to God, not just a portion, mirroring the Trinity’s interplay of love.
• Children are the highest form of stewardship; parents form their souls to return them to God.
• Practical Time Management Principles:
• Act Promptly and Orderly: Inspired by Mary’s haste to visit Elizabeth, act promptly when God’s will is clear. Father James Schall (from The Life of the Mind) states, “Promptness in action flows from love of the good.” Avoid paralysis or using discernment as an excuse for inaction (St. Joan of Arc: “Act, and God will act”).
• Guard and Structure Time: Time management is about saying no to lesser goods to say yes to greater ones. Protect time for intellectual and spiritual growth for yourself, your wife, and children.
• Routines vs. Flexibility: Routines are crucial but should serve love, not become idols. Flexibility increases as habits form, especially with older children, but deviation without established habits risks chaos.
• Calendar as a Reflection of the Soul: Father Schall’s insight: “We do not really believe what we do not live.” A calendar reveals priorities. Examples:
• Daily 3 PM alarm for Divine Mercy hour to reorient toward Christ.
• Scheduling monthly family confessions to ensure regularity.
• Waking up early for prayer and reading, sacrificing comfort for spiritual/intellectual growth.
• St. Alphonsus Liguori’s 12 Steps of Holiness: Focus on one virtue per month (e.g., mercy in April) to build family habits. Articulate and reinforce the virtue in daily interactions (e.g., emphasizing forgiveness during sibling disputes).
• Well-Ordered Family: Suggests setting yearly, monthly, and weekly family goals with family meetings to track progress. Caution against overly businesslike approaches to avoid utilitarian family dynamics.
• Balancing Business Principles and Family:
• Critique of equating business culture with family (e.g., “we’re a family” in workplaces is utilitarian, as employees can be fired, unlike family).
• Distinction: Applying business tools (e.g., goal-setting) to family is valid if ordered toward charity and disinterested service, not utilitarian ends. Every family member has a duty to serve others selflessly (per John Paul II and the Catechism).
• Incremental Change for Holiness:
• Holiness requires incremental changes, not instant sainthood (e.g., can’t bench press 500 pounds without training or become St. Francis overnight).
• Reference to Solid Virtue (prior episode): Focus on amending faults in small, daily increments (e.g., half-day resolutions) rather than lifelong commitments to avoid overwhelm.

Practical Tips for Catholic Dads

• Prioritize Spiritual and Intellectual Time: Block off time for prayer and reading, even if it means sacrifices (e.g., earlier wake-ups, shorter lunches).
• Set Family Virtue Goals: Adopt St. Alphonsus Liguori’s model to focus on one virtue monthly, reinforcing it in family language and actions.
• Use a Calendar: Schedule critical spiritual activities (e.g., confession, prayer) to ensure they aren’t neglected.
• Establish Routines with Flexibility: Build habits early, especially for prayer, but allow prudent flexibility as children grow and habits solidify.
• Avoid Busyness as a Holiness Metric: Focus on faithfulness and love, not task volume.
• Act Promptly: When God’s will is clear, act without delay, trusting He will guide.

Drink of the Episode

• Glentauchers 8-Year-Old Scotch (Scotch Malt Whisky Society, “Smokehouse on the Beach”)
• From the Campbeltown region, with a coastal, briny flavor, blending Islay and Highland characteristics.

Closing

• Invitation to join the hosts’ October pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, to see Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Francis, and St. Clare (incorrupt saints). Assisi is a highlight, with two days planned for a deeper experience.
• Dedication of the episode to the hosts’ wives, Pamela and Hailey.
• Cheers to Jesus!

Sponsors: Select International Tours (selectinternationaltours.com)

Recommended Reading:

• The Intellectual Life by Sertillanges
• The Life of the Mind by Father James Schall
• The 12 Steps of Holiness by St. Alphonsus Liguori
• Well-Ordered Family by Mike O’Connor (TAM Publishing)
• Solid Virtue by Father Balakius (Coresu Press)

Note: Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their calendars and share feedback on time management strategies for Catholic dads.

Opening Banter

• Hosts discuss their busy week, humorously referencing comedians Jim Gaffigan and Dane Cook about the chaos of parenting.
• Easter season is highlighted as a joyful but busy time.

Transition to Office Life

• Discussion about returning to office work after a period of working from home.
• One host shares the challenges of balancing work with family life, especially with six young children and homeschooling demands.
• The other host enjoys a unique office setup with fellow Catholic businessmen, allowing for faith-based discussions and idea-sharing.

Business and Catholic Principles

• Hosts explore how secular business podcasts often unknowingly adopt Catholic virtues like prudence and wisdom.
• Advice from a business perspective: surround yourself with the right people to change your life, and prioritize who you work with over the job itself.
• Reflecting on early career lessons:
• Taking risks is crucial for success.
• Money isn't everything once basic needs are met; pursuing it excessively can lead to disordered priorities.
• Hard work is valuable but ineffective if not directed toward the right goals.

Pilgrimage Promotion

• Promotion of Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor offering pilgrimages to holy sites worldwide.
• Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details.

High Levels of Manliness Warning

• A humorous callback to early episodes, warning listeners about the "high levels of manliness" on the show.

Remembering Pope Francis

• Hosts reflect on Pope Francis' passing:
• Personal memory: Pope Francis kissing one host's daughter in 2015.
• Notable moments: His global benediction during COVID and the phrase "shepherds need to smell like sheep."
• Speculation about the timeline for electing a new pope, with a nod to historical conclave delays.

Eucharistic Miracle Story

• Story of Father Peter of Prague, a 13th-century German priest who doubted the Real Presence.
• During Mass in Bolsena, Italy, the host bled, leading to the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi by Pope Urban IV.
• St. Thomas Aquinas composed hymns like Tantum Ergo and Pange Lingua for the feast.
• The miraculous host is preserved in Orvieto, which the hosts will visit on their October pilgrimage with listeners.

Spiritual Insights from Solid Virtue by Father Balakius

• Discussion of Solid Virtue by Jesuit priest Father Balakius, published by Coresu Press.
• Recollection:
• Defined as watchfulness and awareness of God's presence, akin to an "earthly heaven."
• Benefits: Prevents sin, reduces weariness, and fosters joy in God's love.
• Three sources: solitude, silence, and avoiding news (to curb curiosity and anxiety).
• Particular Examine:
• Focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of faults, not just external behaviors.
• Analogous to treating the cause of a disease, not just symptoms.
• Requires self-knowledge, possibly aided by friends, a spouse, or spiritual direction.
• After correcting major faults, shift to perfecting daily actions and cultivating virtues.
• Spiritual Warfare:
• Involves a firm resolution to amend faults, renewed twice daily (morning and noon).
• Resolutions should be short-term (half-day increments) to avoid discouragement.
• Twice-daily examination of conscience (noon and evening) to track progress.
• Keep a log of faults to compare daily and weekly progress, ensuring empirical improvement.

Practical Applications

• Hosts emphasize the practicality of Balakius' advice, comparing it to business strategies like tracking KPIs.
• Encouragement to stay focused on one vice or virtue at a time, similar to St. Alphonsus Liguori’s 12 Steps of Holiness.
• Modern distractions (e.g., smartphones, social media) hinder recollection and willpower, making these practices challenging but essential.

Personal Reflections

• A host shares a poignant moment with his son, illustrating the power of undistracted presence as a form of adoration.
• Discussion about the struggle to focus on one task at a time, even when the task is good (e.g., mowing the yard vs. listening to audiobooks).
• The monastic principle of dedicating fully to the present task as God’s will.

Closing

• Invitation to join the hosts on their October pilgrimage to Rome, highlighting ideal weather and Eucharistic miracle sites.
• Recommendation to check out Solid Virtue and other Coresu Press publications.
• Cheers to Jesus!

Sponsors: Select International Tours (selectinternationaltours.com)

Drink of the Episode: Dalwhinnie 13-Year-Old Scotch (Scotch Malt Whisky Society, "Scotland the Brave")

Note: Listeners are encouraged to email Dave for more details about Father Peter of Prague or the pilgrimage.

What is Compunction?

In this episode:

• We give some life updates
• What is compunction?
• Why is it good for us?
• How to cultivate the virtue

Join The Catholic Man Show for an unforgettable pilgrimage to Rome, the heart of the Catholic faith! This incredible journey will immerse you in the beauty, history, and sacred tradition of the Eternal City. Together with other Catholic men and their families, you’ll visit the major basilicas, walk in the footsteps of the saints, and experience the richness of Catholic brotherhood.

Highlights include:

• Mass at some of Rome’s holiest sites
• Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Colosseum
• Visits to important relics, churches, and ancient Christian landmarks
• Time for fraternity, prayer, and authentic Italian food and culture
• Spiritual guidance, reflection, and camaraderie throughout the journey

This pilgrimage isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about encountering Christ through the Church’s history, deepening your faith, and growing in brotherhood.

Sister Mary Michael joins us for a conversation on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 12 steps, and our Mission.Summary:

In this episode, we welcome back Sister Mary Michael, a seasoned Dominican Sister from the Saint Cecilia community in Nashville, to Oklahoma for a heartfelt conversation. With over 35 years as a religious sister, she shares her passion for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, her work with Franciscan University, and her unique ministry with men in recovery. At a recent men’s conference, she introduced the power of the 12 Steps—rooted in Alcoholics Anonymous but universally applicable—as a practical path to freedom from destructive habits, paired with insights from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Sister Mary Michael’s warmth, humor, and wisdom shine as she encourages men to embrace their God-given mission and reorder their lives with grace.

Key Topics:

- Who She Is: A Dominican Sister with a doctorate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sister Mary Michael works with four-year-olds on Fridays, teaches at Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, and speaks at men’s conferences.

- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Montessori-inspired, Hebraic approach to children’s faith formation, rooted in the pedagogy of God and the Church’s heart. She’s written a book on it and sees it as a growing movement (highlighted in the 2020 Directory for Catechesis).

- Men in Recovery: Inspired by landscaping help from men in recovery, she’s taken their stories on the road, blending the 12 Steps with Ignatian spirituality to address universal patterns of behavior—addictions big and small.

- The 12 Steps: Sister explores their accessibility and power, starting with Step 1: admitting powerlessness over habits (e.g., anger, control, manipulation) and unmanageability in life. She connects this to grace and personal transformation.

- Universal Application: From vanity to strong opinions, we’re all “recovering sinners.” The 12 Steps offer a fearless moral inventory (Step 4) and accountability (Step 5), helping anyone break free from vices.

- Grace and Nature: The steps align with the Church’s heritage—practical like the 12 Steps or spiritual like Ignatius—showing how grace perfects our disordered nature.

- Men’s Mission: She challenges men to reject Satan’s distortions, embrace their masculine genius, and take action to live out God’s purpose.

Quotable Moments:

- “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori Hebraic approach—it’s how God brings people to Himself.”

- “I’m powerless over this, and my life’s unmanageable—that’s a grace right there.”

- “I’m not taking that drink of criticism or gossip—it’s a shot of vodka to my soul.”

- “God’s got a beautiful mission for you, and Satan’s not gonna leave you alone—so it’s time to do something about it.”

Resources Mentioned:

- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Learn more about this movement online or through Sister’s book.

- The 12 Steps: Google them—read through and reflect on what challenges you.

- Ignatian Spirituality: Explore how it aligns with the 12 Steps for deeper growth.

Closing Thoughts:

Sister Mary Michael’s eclectic life—from teaching kids to guiding men—offers a fresh take on recovery and holiness. Her practical, grace-filled approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking freedom and purpose. Thanks for joining us, Sister—God bless!

In this episode, we interview Tim Carney, a father, husband, and political reporter.

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Carney, a political reporter, think tank fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and author based in Washington, D.C. Tim, a Catholic father of six, shares his unique perspective on raising a family in the nation's capital, challenging the stereotype of D.C. as a "moral wasteland." He discusses his latest book, Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be, and dives into topics like the declining U.S. birth rate, the importance of culture in politics, and practical ways to support families—from walkable neighborhoods to tax policies. Tim also reflects on the role of fatherhood, the need for cultural shifts, and why he believes having more kids (four or more!) can actually make life easier.

Key Topics:

• Life in D.C.: Tim debunks myths about Washington, D.C., highlighting its strong Catholic community, great schools, and notable figures like Justice Clarence Thomas attending Mass.
• Writing & Work: As a political commentator, Tim has authored books on lobbying and corporate welfare, but his recent focus is on family and community—arguing that babies and strong families are vital to society.
• Culture Matters: At AEI, Tim works in the new Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department, emphasizing how marriage, kids, and human values shape politics and the economy—despite resistance from D.C.’s policy-focused elite.
• Low Birth Rates: Tim addresses America’s falling fertility rate (1.62 babies per woman) and the growing political awareness of this issue, citing figures like JD Vance pushing for a pro-family agenda.
• Policy Ideas: From local walkability for kids to federal child tax credits, Tim explores how government can support families without overreach, drawing examples from Hungary and France.
• Fatherhood: He advocates for culturally elevating fatherhood as distinct from motherhood, encouraging dads to prioritize family over work and set an example in their communities.
• Favorite Article: Tim shares the success of his Washington Post piece, “The Ideal Number of Children in a Family: Four at a Minimum,” which sparked debate and highlighted the benefits of larger families.

Quotable Moments:

• “Babies are a good thing. Life is good.”
• “If you want fecundity in the sheets, you need walkability in the streets.”
• “Childhood anxiety is mostly about kids growing up without unsupervised play. Parental stress is this false belief that you control them.”

Where to Find Tim:

• Book: Family Unfriendly – Available on Amazon or your local bookstore (if you convince them to stock it!).
• X: @TPCarney

Closing Thoughts:

Tim’s blend of humor, policy insight, and pro-family passion makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, parenting, or the future of American society.

A problem many people have today is that htye no longer recognize God's will in everything that happens. We also talk about:

• God's Divine Will and Providence
• Active vs Permissive Will
• How we should view being worried as a Christian
• Obeying God's Will

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Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place

Our new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!

“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory Pine

Home life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.

In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.

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In this episode, we sit down with speakers Ennie Hickman and Paul George to unpack the themes of risk, faith, and mentorship.

From Ennie’s grand-slam opening talk to Paul’s reflections on mentorship, this discussion dives deep into what it means to live a risky, faith-filled life as a man today.

Highlights:

• Ennie’s Home Run Start (00:11): Ennie Hickman kicks off the conference with a powerful talk that surprises everyone—described as a “grand slam” after setting expectations low with a “bunt.” We explore his rhetorical flair and the humor that had the crowd laughing, even if it took a moment to sink in.
• The Abraham Joke (01:25): Ennie breaks down his viral moment—a hilarious yet profound take on Abraham’s obedience to God, from circumcision to the sacrifice of Isaac. It’s a wild reminder of the risks faith demands.
• Risky Faith (02:22): Paul George and Ennie reflect on the moments in life where God calls us to step out—like marriage, trusting God’s plan, or simply saying “yes” when it feels insane. Living faith, they argue, should always involve risk.
• Mentorship Matters (04:10): The conversation turns to the crisis of young men unwilling to take risks. Paul shares how mentors—like he was for Ennie—pushed him to grow, even calling him out on a landline in college about smoking weed. The group debates: Are young men missing mentors, or are they missing the willingness to listen?
• Dopamine vs. Pursuit (06:54): Ennie and Paul discuss how modern distractions—gaming, phones, instant gratification—are keeping young men from chasing real goods, like relationships or purpose.
• Trust and Friendship (07:54): The key to mentorship? Trust. Ennie recalls how Paul’s persistent friendship gave him the courage to make hard choices, proving love and accountability go hand in hand.
• Raising Sons with Community (08:33): The group explores the power of men modeling faith and camaraderie for the next generation. From organizations like Fraternus to everyday “Uncle David” moments, it’s about inviting sons into the good life alongside trusted men.

Key Takeaway:

Faith isn’t safe—it’s risky. Whether it’s Abraham chopping off a bit of himself or a mentor calling you out on a landline, the path to manhood demands courage, trust, and a willingness to swing for the fences.

Guests:

• Ennie Hickman: Conference speaker and master of the well-timed Abraham joke.
• Paul George: Mentor, speaker, and the guy who won’t stop calling until you step up.

A quick interview with Dr. Edward Sri on the topic of fatherhood.

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Join Our 2025 Pilgrimage

Select International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won’t miss it.
Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place

Our new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!

“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory Pine

Home life can be difficult and busy, and it’s easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.

In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.

Want to help The Catholic Man Show?

By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.

Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click Here

Looking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.

Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.

SIGN UP HERE: