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

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for our Lent challenge!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

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.

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

The following is a talk given at a conference Adam and David spoke at with Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio on the topic of keeping your kids Catholic.

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

Magnanimity - this desired greatness of the soul. We also talk about:

• How pride and sloth can hinder greatness
• How gifts are meant for others
• The beauty of magnanimity

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for our Lent challenge!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

The following is a talk given by a Benedictine Monk on the topic mortification.

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

This Lent, take the time to make a good confession. Don't know how to make a good confession? Fr. Michael Pratt lays out how to do it poorly and how to do it well.

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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:

For everyone who desperately wanting to know about our chicken situation, rest assured, we update you in this episode. We also talk about:

• Chivalry and it's relationship to courage
• Honor and how we we can revitalize this in the culture today
• Loyality and it's relationship to chivalry and honor

Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!

Support Us on Patreon

Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!

Click here to join

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: