The Monk and The Meathead

By Father Craig HolwayReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Monk and The Meathead episodes

October 26Committed, Fascinated, Sustained: What St. Paul Teaches Us
Key takeaways
Paul's mission took years of formation, then about 20 years on the road.
He pressed on through prison, beatings and betrayal, and never sought revenge.
Love drove everything he did, even toward his enemies.
Ask yourself: am I committed, fascinated and sustained by my marriage, kids and work?
When things get hard, go back to what your work is for.
Don't get bitter. Lift others up.
Our struggles are small next to Paul's. If he stayed positive, we can too.

Chapters
0:00 Welcome back and fall baseball
1:26 The trip to Greece
3:21 Athens to Corinth, Philippi and Meteora
4:20 Cruise to Turkey and the Greek islands
4:47 Ephesus and Patmos
6:38 Two book recommendations on St. Paul
8:53 Paul's conversion and missionary journeys
11:59 Paul the tent maker
13:11 Paul's long years of formation
16:24 Nero and the death of Peter and Paul
20:00 Taking the gospel to Greece
21:32 Committed, fascinated, sustained
24:00 Are we in love with our callings?
25:00 What Paul endured
28:16 Staying motivated when work gets hard
30:53 Love as the constant (1 Corinthians 13)
35:13 The airport billboard
37:38 Paul, John and Mary in Ephesus
43:30 Press on without bitterness
48:08 November homily teaser
49:36 Closing prayer and sign-off

Books:
Paul: A Biography by N.
T. Wright.
Saint Paul by Pope Benedict XVI, published by Ignatius Press. Available on Amazon and Kindle.
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
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52 min
September 28 The Real Meaning of the Immaculate Conception, Explained Clearly
Key topics
- What the Immaculate Conception actually means—and what it does not mean
- The doctrine was defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX
- Mary’s freedom from original sin is presented as part of God’s plan of salvation, not just a private honor for Mary
- Mary is described as an advocate, model of discipleship, and spiritual mother based on John’s Gospel
- The wedding feast at Cana is used to show Mary’s trust and her famous line, “Do whatever he tells you”
- The discussion connects Mary’s role to the broader Catholic idea of systematic theology, where doctrines fit together like puzzle pieces
- The hosts compare Catholic teaching on Mary to the logic of other miracles, like the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the Eucharist
- The saints are presented as living intercessors in heaven, not as dead figures, and Catholics are encouraged to venerate them rather than adore them
- The episode distinguishes clearly between veneration, admiration, and adoration
- Catholic practices like honoring Mary and the saints are meant to deepen trust in God, not replace it

Timestamps
00:00 - Opening with listener question and the heat in St. Louis
01:27 - Michael’s question about whether Mary was without sin
02:24 - Defining the Immaculate Conception and Pope Pius IX’s 1854 definition
03:48 - One-sentence definition of the doctrine
05:21 - The co-host’s shift from skepticism to appreciation of Mary
07:19 - Why the doctrine developed from the bottom up
08:52 - The puzzle-piece model of Catholic doctrine
11:12 - Mary as advocate and spiritual mother from John’s Gospel
12:19 - “Do whatever he tells you” as Mary’s only line in John
13:31 - Mary as a model of discipleship in Luke
14:57 - Why Mary’s sinlessness matters for salvation history
16:47 - Mary conceived without sin as part of God’s plan for all people
18:15 - The tension around being chosen, blessed, and set apart
19:39 - La Pietà, sacrifice, and the mother’s role in suffering
21:30 - Trusting the Church’s authority and the beauty of the doctrine
22:28 - Four theological reasons the doctrine matters
24:24 - Connecting the Immaculate Conception to miracles and “mere Christianity”
26:22 - All miracles as acts of love for our good
27:14 - Biblical hyperlinking and how Scripture fits together
29:08 - Drawing lines from Mary’s doctrine to the whole biblical story
30:10 - Why stripping beauty out of Christianity leaves it hollow
31:35 - Michael’s second question about praying to Mary and the saints
32:32 - Defining advocate and veneration
34:11 - Cana, trust, and Mary’s confidence in Jesus
35:33 - Whether Jesus needed nudging at Cana
36:03 - Why the point of the miracle is faith in Jesus
37:22 - Looking to saints like Francis of Assisi, Louis, and Ignatius as examples
38:20 - The Church militant, the Church triumphant, and spiritual communion
39:52 - Saints as intercessors and models, not replacements for God
41:18 - The material and spiritual worlds working together
42:16 - The difference between veneration and adoration
43:47 - Statues, reminders, and the atmosphere of Catholic worship
45:09 - Encouragement to ask questions and seek good sources
46:38 - Catechism paragraphs 490 to 493 on the Immaculate Conception
47:08 - Closing prayer and final send-off

The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
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49 min
September 16The Second Mountain Truth That Changes How You See Success
Key Takeaways
The second mountain is a posture, not a destination.
Ego can hide behind discipline and success.
Vocation is protected by indifference to status.
Community is essential to moral growth.
Christianity already addresses many modern questions about meaning.
Broken commitments require both truth and mercy.
Nuance is not moral relativism.
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome & Listener Questions About Mary
02:26 - Introducing The Second Mountain
05:15 - First Mountain vs. Second Mountain
09:50 - Ambition, Ego & the Ranger School Experience
13:05 - A Christian View of the Moral Life
15:56 - Vocation, Humility & Letting God Lead
27:12 - Community, Service & Moving Beyond Ego
33:18 - Divorce, Mercy & the Search for Healing
41:51 - Final Thoughts, Book Recommendations & Closing Prayer

Links:
supersummary.com
Askthemonk.com
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
44 min
September 14The Second Mountain Truth That Changes How You See Success
Key Takeaways
The second mountain is a posture, not a destination.
Ego can hide behind discipline and success.
Vocation is protected by indifference to status.
Community is essential to moral growth.
Christianity already addresses many modern questions about meaning.
Broken commitments require both truth and mercy.
Nuance is not moral relativism.
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome & Listener Questions About Mary
02:26 - Introducing The Second Mountain
05:15 - First Mountain vs. Second Mountain
09:50 - Ambition, Ego & the Ranger School Experience
13:05 - A Christian View of the Moral Life
15:56 - Vocation, Humility & Letting God Lead
27:12 - Community, Service & Moving Beyond Ego
33:18 - Divorce, Mercy & the Search for Healing
41:51 - Final Thoughts, Book Recommendations & Closing Prayer

Links:
supersummary.com
Askthemonk.com
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
44 min
August 31Why You’re Miserable (And How to Find Meaning)
Key Topics
The definition of meaning as coherence, purpose, and significance

The role of silence and reflection in finding meaning

How modern life and technology impact our sense of purpose

The importance of suffering and how to not waste it

The relationship between happiness, satisfaction, and meaning

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and book overview
01:28 Background of Arthur Brooks and his diverse experiences
03:21 Brooks' motivation for writing about meaning and his Catholic faith
07:33 The core concept: coherence, purpose, and significance
10:20 The three big questions for discovering purpose
14:53 Christian ideas on meaning and the role of suffering
18:45 The happiness equation: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning
24:45 Personal reflections on happiness and purpose
32:45 Work, duty, and calling as sources of meaning
35:02 The importance of not wasting suffering and embracing pain

The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
41 min
August 10Why the Early Church Grew Faster Than Rome
Key topics:
-Christian growth was not mainly about messaging - it was about making life more livable
-A community grows when it asks more of people, not less
-Martyrdom worked as testimony because it made belief visible
-The church’s sexual ethic is not prudishness - it is protection
-Women were not peripheral to the early church - they were structurally important
-Belief becomes stronger when it is organized around a shared center, not generic inclusion
-The real competition is not religion versus unbelief - it is costly meaning versus cheap comfort

Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro, homily writing, and AI as a tool

03:52 — Dream analysis and AI’s “general” answers

05:18 — Pope’s encyclical on AI and the church’s cautionary role

07:51 — Back to Rodney Stark: setting up the chapter on women in Christian growth

09:14 — Summary of the chapter: Christianity’s respect for women

10:27 — Gym tangent: modesty, attention, and clothing

16:29 — Greco-Roman culture and women as property

19:19 — Sexual mores, chastity, and protecting women from exploitation

23:48 — Demographics, abortion, and why Christianity grew faster

27:35 — Women’s roles in the early church

31:14 — Women deacons and women martyrs

34:53 — Oppression, martyrdom, and why persecution spread Christianity

38:27 — Martyrdom as rational choice

44:18 — “Martyr” as witness and testimony

45:57 — The church as a shared vision, not “Walmart”

47:23 — Church community, witness, and modern Christian sacrifice

48:51 — Closing thoughts on Rodney Stark and future books

49:21 — Prayer and outro
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
51 min
July 27Why the Early Church Wasn't Just a Movement of the Poor—It Thrived Because of the Wealthy
Key Topics:
Christianity grew through relationships, service, and trust — not force.

Early Christians often came from the middle and upper classes, not just the poor.

Caring for the sick and vulnerable gave the early church its credibility.

Wealth wasn’t the problem; it became powerful when used for education, healthcare, and charity.

Christian teaching pushed equality, unity, and dignity across class lines.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and overview of Rodney Stark’s sociological approach
02:00 - The myth of forced and propagandist growth of early Christianity
04:30 - How Christian care during plagues and epidemics fostered conversions
07:15 - The role of social networks and family ties in church expansion
10:00 - The importance of community virtue and integrity in Christian witness
13:30 - The class background of early Christians and their social influence
16:00 - How Christian resources and charities served societal needs
19:00 - The dramatic growth rate of the early church and demographic insights
22:00 - The theological message of sharing and material abundance
25:00 - The impact of crises on the spread and resilience of Christian communities
29:00 - The danger of envious narratives and the true contribution of wealth to Christian growth
33:00 - The early church’s support from middle and upper classes, and its societal contributions
36:00 - The importance of community unity and treating all persons equally in worship
40:00 - The symbiotic relationship between clergy, laity, and wealth in the church
43:00 - Practical applications: living out Christian virtues and community service today
45:30 - Preview of upcoming topics and closing reflections
Resources & Links
The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark

Bearing False Witness by Rodney Stark

No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover

Tom Holland's book Dominion

Rodney Stark - LinkedIn | Official Website

The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
47 min
July 08The Surprising Role of the Church in Abolishing Slavery and Promoting Human Dignity
Key Topics Covered:
The ten common lies about the Catholic Church debunked through history

The church’s true stance on authoritarian regimes and tyranny

Clarification on the church's role in slavery and colonialism

How the church supported early scientific inquiry and education

The influence of Protestant Reformation myths on modern perceptions

The development of capitalism within church institutions

The contrast between the church of power versus the church of piety

Historical facts about the church’s opposition to violence and persecution

The importance of understanding historical context through a modern lens

Invitations for listeners to submit controversial questions about the church
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to common misconceptions about the church

00:30 - Unpacking the church's support against tyranny and dictatorships

02:32 - The church's role in early abolition and anti-slavery efforts

05:00 - The historical inaccuracies surrounding the Dark Ages

07:15 - The church’s involvement in scientific advancements

09:40 - Clarifying the myths about the church and capitalism

11:07 - How Enlightenment ideas misrepresent church history

13:04 - The church’s resistance to violence and persecution

15:00 - The influence of the Reformation and the myth of laziness

17:24 - The distinction between the church of power and church of piety

19:48 - The church’s opposition to totalitarian regimes

21:14 - The church and the French Revolution

23:39 - The church’s stance on authoritarianism and religious freedom

25:01 - Liberation theology and political violence

27:23 - The church’s efforts to improve conditions for slaves

30:08 - The true impact of the Dark Ages

33:28 - Slavery in the context of biblical and church teachings

36:23 - The evolution of science and moral understanding

38:14 - Understanding the origins of capitalism within church communities

42:33 - The role of monasteries as economic and cultural hubs

44:27 - Reflection on historical power struggles and the church’s true influence
Resources & Links:
Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History by Rodney Stark

Rodney Stark - Official Website

The Mission (Movie)
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
48 min
June 01The Surprising Truth About the Crusades and Church History Revisionism
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Rodney Stark and revisionist history

01:14 - Stark's background and influence

02:13 - Discussion on apostasy and church history

03:08 - Misconceptions about the Crusades and Dark Ages

05:00 - Revisionist history and its impact

06:28 - The truth about the Crusades

08:21 - Just war theory and intent

09:20 - Early misconceptions about the Catholic Church

10:13 - Importance of nuance in historical understanding

12:07 - History's role in God's plan

13:09 - Evaluating historical events and figures

15:08 - Revisionism targeting the Catholic Church

16:35 - Topics covered in Stark's book

18:33 - The Inquisition and historical myths

21:53 - Witch hunts and the role of the Inquisition

25:10 - Enlightenment and witchcraft

28:02 - Secular authority vs. church actions

30:22 - Dark Ages and Renaissance myths

34:13 - Faith and reason in history

39:02 - The importance of obedience and understanding

41:20 - Reason and faith alignment

44:10 - Christianity's role in ending slavery

45:08 - Anti-Semitism and the Catholic Church

46:23 - Hitler's Pope and historical accuracy

50:39 - Wisdom and truth in history

56:25 -The role of the Holy Spirit in truth
Key topics:
Debunking church history myths.
Distorting church roles in events.
Avoiding oversimplification.
Complementary in doctrine.
Misconceptions about oppression.
Ending slavery and promoting rights.
Protective vs. destructive actions.
Humility in seeking truth
The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
59 min
May 18The Virtue Missing from Stoicism That Can Transform Your Spiritual Life
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Stoicism and its fascination

02:07 - Origins of Stoicism and influential figures

04:32 - Stoicism’s relationship with Christian and Jewish history

05:02 - Common misconceptions about Stoicism being emotionless

06:28 - The founder Zeno and the philosophy’s Greek roots

07:56 - Differences between Stoicism and Epicureanism

09:22 - Key Stoic quotation: "Power over your mind"

10:50 - CS Lewis’s "Men Without Chest" and emotional integration

12:20 - Personal stories of courage, fear, and duty in battle

15:39 - The four virtues of Stoicism: wisdom, justice, courage, temperance

17:35 - How these virtues align with Catholic virtues and Holy Spirit gifts

18:00 - The intersection and differences between Stoicism and Christianity

21:50 - The false pursuit of self-reliance and emotional control

22:49 - CS Lewis’s metaphor: "Stoics pay for their cake and don't eat it"

23:18 - Christian alternative: "Holy indifference" and surrender

24:20 - Saint Paul’s example of suffering and growth in Christ

25:46 - The virtue of hope as essential in Christian life

27:52 - Practical virtues: justice, courage, wisdom, self-control

30:20 - Discerning the right, choosing the right, and mastering emotions

33:22 - The importance of hope’s role in spiritual resilience

34:52 - Infinite vs. discrete events: Stoicism’s perspective

36:18 - Jocko Willink’s "Good" mindset for adversity

38:39 - Applying these principles in marital struggles and suffering

40:51 - The transformative power of Christ compared to Stoic self-discipline

41:09 - The missing virtue in Stoicism: hope

42:28 - The role of grace, forgiveness, and redemption in Christian life

43:55 - Practical takeaways: tools for growth, surrender over control, prayer reflections

Key topics
Origins and misconceptions of Stoicism

Core virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, temperance

Stoic self-reliance vs. Catholic grace and hope

Stoicism as a tool for spiritual growth

Importance of hope in Christian life

Managing emotions with a Christian perspective

"Holy indifference" and surrender to God's will

Personal stories and biblical reflections

The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.

The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.
The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.
If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.

Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.
SHARE this episode with someone.
SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!
49 min

About The Monk and The Meathead

From the publisher's feed

Men today know the value of discipline—whether it's in the gym or golf course or at work at the office, warehouse or boardroom. You push yourself, commit to the grind, and chase excellence. But when it comes to faith, why does sitting in a pew on Sunday feel like a passive, box-checking exercise instead of an adventure?