In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, Jordan and Dan Burke react to a video raising a serious question: Should Catholics ever receive spiritual direction from someone who isn’t Catholic?With honesty and charity, they unpack the theological and practical problems with this scenario—covering sacramental life, moral theology, Church teaching, and the dangers of syncretism. Along the way, they explore how true spiritual direction is meant to work, why it requires a shared foundation in the Catholic faith, and the risks of ignoring that reality.This conversation is both a cautionary tale and a call to charity—urging Catholics to lead others to the fullness of the truth in Christ and His Church.Resources Mentioned: •Spiritual Direction School: AvilaInstitute.org •Find a Faithful Catholic Spiritual Director: SeekDirection.app •Book: Navigating the Interior Life by Dan Burke

What do you do when evil stands between you and the chapel? In this raw and practical episode, Dan and Jordan unpack Rule 12 from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Discernment of Spirits—a hard-hitting rule about spiritual warfare, temptation, and the tactics of the enemy. They explore real-life stories involving demonic presence, a dog named Max, mountain lions, and the fight against habitual sin.

You’ll learn:

• Why the enemy is like an aggressive dog

• How delay makes desolation worse

• The role of music, noise, and distractions in spiritual warfare

• What “fast and fierce” resistance really looks like in the battle against sin

This is a no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground conversation for anyone serious about becoming spiritually dangerous.

God humbles us in consolation so we can fight better in desolation. Rule 11 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits teaches how humility protects us from pride—and prepares us for battle.

Timestamp Summary:

00:00 Opening

00:36 Understanding Rule 11: Humility in Consolation and Desolation

01:06 Practical Applications of Humility

03:18 Personal Experiences and Reflections

06:08 Strategies for Overcoming Desolation

12:19 Balancing Rest and Effort

22:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Some demons won’t leave until you heal.In this episode, Dan and Jordan take a bold look at the real connection between emotional wounds, therapy, and spiritual warfare. Can inner healing make exorcisms more effective? Why are so many Catholics resistant to therapy? And how do wounds become spiritual entry points for the enemy?Drawing from real-world cases, Church teaching, and personal experience, this episode uncovers the hidden barriers to deliverance and how grace works through both spiritual direction and psychology. What You’ll Learn: •How wounds can open the door to demonic oppression •The difference between spiritual direction and therapy •Why rejecting psychology can be a spiritual blind spot •What faithful Catholic therapy actually looks likeReferenced in this episode: •The Exorcism Files by Fr. Carlos Martins •CatholicTherapists.com •Fr. Ripperger’s work on Thomistic psychology •Jordans Article: Vineyard: https://onvineyard.com/dotheharderthing/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and-emotional-healing-2098or on substack: https://dotheharderthing.substack.com/p/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and?r=3076lt====================🔥You know that there are battles all around us. But did you know about the battle in - and for - your mind? Learn how to fight, and win, with this free video course! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3U9qOjqPlease visit the Spotify Podcast page for links to all the other resources mentioned in the show!====================Subscribe to our Podcast: Spotify ➡ https://open.spotify.com/show/4klx2Ao6HQFXQYhJ7lPpuw?si=74cae2f132cd4b49Apple ➡ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-is-in-the-details/id1763882809====================Connect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/====================Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "[email protected]"====================⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 The Intersection of Exorcism, Emotional Healing, and Therapy6:32 Debating the Misuse of Psychology and Religious Practices9:13 Finding Truth Through Science and Faith11:17 The Interplay of Spirituality and Psychology in Personal Growth13:54 The Importance of Addressing Emotional Wounds in Exorcism#spiritualwarfare #catholic #discernmentofspirits #catholicpodcast #catholicspirituality #mentalprayer #danburke #jordanburke #devilinthedetails

Dan and Jordan Burke unpack Rule 10 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits—how to prepare during times of peace for future spiritual battles. They share personal stories of suffering, grit, and grace, revealing why storing up consolation is vital for hope and perseverance. Learn to love the fight, not just the victory.

If you’re practicing mental prayer and still feel spiritually dry, Rule 9 explains why—and what God may be trying to show you.

Why does God allow desolation even when you’re doing everything right? In this episode, we break down Rule 9 from St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. We dive into the three core reasons God permits spiritual dryness: our own negligence, a test of our love, and a deep reminder that we are not the source of consolation—He is. We also get practical about how to recognize desolation, track your progress, and build a concrete Rule of Life that will anchor you in the battle. Whether you’re new to Ignatian discernment or well into your spiritual journey, this one will challenge and encourage you.

Timestamp Summary:

00:00 The Importance of Mental Prayer

01:24 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Discernment

02:06 Exploring the First Rule of Discernment

03:02 The Role of Dopamine and Temptation

04:18 The Importance of Spiritual Commitments

07:08 Principle Causes of Desolation

16:34 Creating a Rule of Life

18:37 Practical Tips for Maintaining Spiritual Health

27:43 Using Technology to Support Spiritual Practices

28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with us!

Instagram:

Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/

Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/

Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "[email protected]"

Dan and Jordan Burke reveal why new Catholics are prime targets for spiritual attack, expose the lies that endanger souls, the common tactics that the enemy uses against new converts, and share how to fight back with the truth of the Church.

Timestamp Summary:

0:00 The Devil's Influence and Catholic Responsibilities

3:05 Challenges and Importance of Authentic Discipleship for New Converts

7:46 Heaven and Hell: The Stakes of Faith and Salvation

17:00 The Importance of Understanding Sin and Salvation in Catholicism

22:23 Authentic Discipleship and the Consequences of Knowing Jesus

29:07 The Importance of Mental Prayer and Authentic Discipleship

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the significance of being an "authentic disciple" is critical for new Catholics, involving full adherence to Church teachings.
• Mortal sin is a fundamental rejection of God, and confession is crucial to maintain a state of grace.
• Spiritual practices, including regular mental prayer and sacramental participation like the Eucharist, are vital to deepening one's relationship with Jesus.
• Misconceptions such as "being a good person" is sufficient for salvation are highlighted as dangerous pitfalls.
• The episode stresses that church membership does not equate to automatic salvation, underscoring the higher responsibility and potential for strict judgment.

Connect with us!

Instagram:

Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/

Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/

Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "[email protected]"

You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.

In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course: 

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation

01:09 The Concept of Patience

02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions

02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges

05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition

12:44 Desolation and Human Nature

16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace

17:57 A Painful Experience

18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance

19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain

21:03 A Stressful Drive

22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance

24:15 The Battle of Life

31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia

34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in Desolation

1. You are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.

   One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.

2. Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.

   Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.

3. Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.

   Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.

4. Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.

   Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.

5. Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.

   Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.

Even in desolation, God has not abandoned you. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke explore Rule 7 of St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises, revealing how faith, prayer, and mental discipline can help you recognize God’s presence—even when He feels distant.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course: 

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

0:01 Overcoming Desolation Through Adjusted Thinking and Spiritual Guidance

3:10 Spiritual Growth Amidst Mental Health Challenges

5:19 Embracing Trials to Achieve Virtue and Strength in Faith

9:31 Balancing Physical and Spiritual Strength Against Life's Challenges

12:50 Delayed Consequences and Human Decision-Making

15:26 Overcoming Sin and Building Virtue Through Divine Grace

18:25 Navigating Spiritual Growth Through Consolations and Desolations

21:42 Strategies for Resisting Desolation in Spiritual Practices

23:41 Renouncing Negative Thoughts Through Faith and Prayer

26:09 Harnessing Divine Help for Spiritual and Psychological Challenges

31:36 Overcoming Trauma Through Faith and Scripture

40:13 Combating Temptation Through Scripture and Spiritual Identity

Key Takeaways:

• Rule 7 of Ignatius’s guidelines provides strategies for overcoming spiritual desolation by recognizing and resisting negative influences with divine help.
• Feelings of weakness during desolation are opportunities to reinforce one's faith, leveraging God’s unwavering presence, even when it is not felt.
• Practical steps include using renunciations to counteract lies and distractions, replacing them with scripture-based truths and prayer to invite divine assistance.
• The episode highlights a robust interaction between faith and psychology, illustrating how spiritual teachings can support mental health and emotional well-being.
• Ignatian spirituality draws deeply from biblical teachings, offering time-tested strategies for personal and spiritual growth.

Even in desolation, God has not abandoned you. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke explore Rule 7 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits, revealing how faith, prayer, and mental discipline can help you recognize God’s presence—even when He feels distant.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course: 

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

0:01 Overcoming Desolation Through Adjusted Thinking and Spiritual Guidance

3:10 Spiritual Growth Amidst Mental Health Challenges

5:19 Embracing Trials to Achieve Virtue and Strength in Faith

9:31 Balancing Physical and Spiritual Strength Against Life's Challenges

12:50 Delayed Consequences and Human Decision-Making

15:26 Overcoming Sin and Building Virtue Through Divine Grace

18:25 Navigating Spiritual Growth Through Consolations and Desolations

21:42 Strategies for Resisting Desolation in Spiritual Practices

23:41 Renouncing Negative Thoughts Through Faith and Prayer

26:09 Harnessing Divine Help for Spiritual and Psychological Challenges

31:36 Overcoming Trauma Through Faith and Scripture

40:13 Combating Temptation Through Scripture and Spiritual Identity

Key Takeaways:

• Rule 7 of Ignatius’s guidelines provides strategies for overcoming spiritual desolation by recognizing and resisting negative influences with divine help.
• Feelings of weakness during desolation are opportunities to reinforce one's faith, leveraging God’s unwavering presence, even when it is not felt.
• Practical steps include using renunciations to counteract lies and distractions, replacing them with scripture-based truths and prayer to invite divine assistance.
• The episode highlights a robust interaction between faith and psychology, illustrating how spiritual teachings can support mental health and emotional well-being.
• Ignatian spirituality draws deeply from biblical teachings, offering time-tested strategies for personal and spiritual growth.