The Catholic Experience

In this episode I start out with a special announcement, introducing two new exciting short-form podcast projects focused on scripture. One project targets adults with in-depth reflections and historical context, while the other caters to children, presenting Bible stories with interactive discussions for parents and kids. Both podcasts will be newsletter-exclusive (Sign Up Here!), and the one geared toward adults will start rolling out this week . Then a shocker opens the main segment as I state "God isn't 'love' " I explain that scripture is not just a revelation of facts and moral principals but as a revelation of God's character and nature, emphasizing that God's love is purposeful and heartfelt, not automatic like an AI chat bot. Sign up for the newsletter, "Notes From the Field" for weekly content updates, access to bonus content and features, and access to private podcasts, starting with the Bible series this week. https://bit.ly/4enK6sD My Bio Link, mentioned in the episode. Social links, latest works, and all things "Catholic Adventurer" - https://linktr.ee/catholicadventurer Chapters: 01:58 Special Announcement - Bible Podcasts 05:41 Bible Matters Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this clip from a Locals-exclusive episode on spiritual fatigue—and what I call 'Catholic' fatigue— I talk about why true spiritual warfare involves focusing on Jesus rather than the conflict itself. Drawing parallels to temporal warfare, I speaker highlight that the objective is not the fight but achieving the goal of growing in holiness and overcoming temptations. I also cover the nature of temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil and answer the question 'Which of the three is the worst, and why?' Finally I talk about the upcoming launch of a newsletter-exclusive short-form podcast that offers reflections on scripture. Sign up for my newsletter on my website here Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Exploring Hell, God's Mercy, and the Hope of Heaven. This is A segment from "Focus and Attention", an episode of my #podcast "The Catholic Experience" available now on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and on my website (link in bio) #catholic #catholicism #catholicpodcast Full Episode on my website or search through the episodes on iTunes, Spotify, etc. It's episode 19 from January 2024 Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this loaded episode I cover a range of topics, starting with the challenges of integrating faith with ordinary daily life, and the 'pain' often associated with practicing religion—particularly Catholicism. That's an important segment for every Catholic, regardless of their experience level and spiritual development. Midway, I offer an impromptu reaction to a series of late-night comedians' clips about Trump's victory, criticizing their humor and the emotional responses from the liberal side. Taking the show tot a close, I encourage the audience to seek holiness through their struggles, underscoring the need to live a balanced life that harmonizes religious beliefs with everyday experiences. Subscribe to the "Notes from the Field" newsletter! Chapters 05:49 The Challenge of Integrating Faith and Life 29:54 Reactions to Trump's Reelection 35:56 Late-Night Meltdowns 53:01 Reflections and Closing Thoughts Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

A lot of people misunderstand my mission with this podcast, social media, and my online apostolate as a whole. Let me set the record straight. Keep up with everything I do, using the links below. God bless you all! Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

A day after All Souls Day I wanted to say a few words about Purgatory and to encourage people to restore an old tradition—devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Support my apostolate! Your "tips" don't line my pockets, they help me pay the bills associated with this apostolate. If you'd like to pitch in and be a part of the mission, click here to send a tip of any amount. Thanks for considering it! Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

What's everybody so angry about all the time?? Anger and rage are everywhere in our modern society and culture. People are angry over small things and they rage over everything. Why is that? And what are the fundamental difference between anger and rage—and why should we take notice? Using Jesus Christ as a model, I discuss how anger can be righteous and constructive, while rage is harmful and leads to injustice. I address the different ways liberals and conservatives express these emotions and highlight an underlying identity crisis fueling this anger. Additionally, I provide updates on my Locals community and encourage viewers to sign up for an account on CatholicAdventurer.com to stay connected with my content and newsletter. Throughout, I emphasize the importance of managing anger positively and remembering that Jesus Christ as Lord. Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

I discuss my frustration with an 80s music station DJ who shared Stevie Nicks' abortion story for what I consider duplicitous purposes. Additionally, I reflect on the moral implications and the broader cultural divide in America. 00:00 Morning Annoyance: DJ's Controversial Story 00:23 Stevie Nicks' Abortion Story 00:53 Offense Taken: DJ's Inappropriate Commentary 01:17 Election Cycle and Abortion Debate 01:35 Valuing Life Over Music 03:02 Critique of Leftist Culture in America 03:34 Final Thoughts and Podcast Promotion Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this clip from Episode #36, "Catholic Fairy Tales" I address a very bold statement made by the Future Pope Benedict XVI regarding authority of conscience pitted against the authority of the Church. What are we to take from this? Full Episode on my Website, and everywhere you get podcasts Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this clip from Episode 38, "Catholic Fairy Tales" (Linked Below) I explain that being true to who God made you to be means prioritizing holiness. Orthodoxy, while important and indispensable, isn't enough, because we son't be judged on it. We'll be judged on our holiness. God will assess our holiness when we stand before Him, based on your actions and efforts in life—and our failures, too. I draw an analogy with boxing: every experience in training and fighting contributes to who you are in the ring, similar to how every aspect of your life—rising, faulting, trying, succeeding, failing— contributes to the overall picture of you holiness. Ultimately, at judgment, it's your holiness that counts, determining your fate in heaven, hell, or purgatory. Episode Link: Website | iTunes | Spotify (Also available everywhere else you get your podcast) Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Let's look into the ongoing discussions and heated debates surrounding the Synod on Synodality. I'll share my thoughts on recent articles, including the surprising arguments supporting a Catholic vote for Kamala Harris. I discuss the importance of pure thinking and clarity of mind in as necessities for seeing God, and seeing all TRUTH, and why our connection to the historical church and martyrs matters so profoundly. Additionally, I'll cover the value of local synods, the risk of decentralization of doctrinal authority, and ask the question "Where are Men in the Church?". Article: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259631/synod-on-synodality-breaking-news-and-analysis-live-from-the-vatican Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

I dive into themes of holiness and pursuits beyond earthly treasures, influenced by the Book of Wisdom. Reflecting on my journey as a Catholic communicator, I challenge the Catholic faithful to embrace genuine wisdom above all. Are practicing Catholics still pursuing the essence of their faith? Have we been fooled into missing the whole point? I discuss this vital question along with personal stories and observations. Stay tuned till the end for an announcement about my podcasting journey. Subscribe, enjoy, and let this episode connect us deeper with our faith. 00:00 Welcome to the Catholic Experience 00:29 Introduction to the Special Episode 00:48 Catholic Conundrums: Wisdom and Holiness 03:37 Mass Reading: The Book of Wisdom 04:56 Personal Reflections on Wisdom 06:49 Challenges in Modern Catholicism 09:38 A Journey of Faith and Evangelism 19:41 The Path to Holiness 27:03 The Value of Wisdom 28:07 Pride in the Church 30:00 Faith and Politics 31:05 The Journey to Holiness 34:02 The Importance of Humility 36:20 The Sin of Idolatry 39:00 A Call to Action 45:53 Future Plans and Announcements 51:49 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Drawing inspiration from an article on the Catholic News Agency about Nigerian youth reverting to the religions of their ancestors, I discuss this concerning trend and its implications for the church at large. We explore what drives these youth back to traditional pagan practices and how this phenomenon mirrors broader global shifts away from Christianity and into pagan or paganistic religions and religious ideologies. Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

I also discuss current political issues, including immigration and how it's portrayed in the media, and explain the cultural crisis of identity that affects both individuals and society. This episode seems political, but through a Catholic lens. There's a lot here for faithful Catholics to learn from. 00:00 The Catholic Adventurer Returns 00:39 Life Updates and New Beginnings 02:48 The Struggles of Unemployment 03:43 Faith and Gratitude in Difficult Times 11:17 Podcasting Challenges and Future Plans 18:31 Immigration and Political Commentary 30:43 Unemployment Benefits and Illegal Immigration 31:54 Fantasyland Christianity and Immigration 32:34 Misconceptions About the Holy Family 33:41 Legal vs. Illegal Immigration 33:56 Shark Tank and the Immigrant Success Story 38:17 Abortion and Cultural Issues 40:06 Global Stupidity and Lack of Creativity 42:46 Tattoo Culture and Identity Crisis 44:48 Political Cults and Identity 47:15 The Real Enemy: Lack of Identity 55:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Debunking Catholic Fairy Tales: Pope Francis, Traditionalism, and Conscience In this episode, I tackle some of the common myths circulating within the Catholic community. We explore whether Pope Francis is truly a heretic, the actual meaning of progressivism and traditionalism in Catholicism, and the misunderstood role of conscience versus church teaching. Join me as I delve into these topics, providing clarity and challenging widely held misconceptions. 00:00 Introduction and Session Setup 00:22 Discussing Canonical Crimes 03:02 Addressing the Pope Heresy Claims 19:13 Exploring Progressivism in Catholicism 26:42 Traditionalism in Catholicism 28:55 Understanding Catholic Purity 29:29 The Role of Tradition in Catholicism 29:58 Misconceptions About Traditionalism 30:53 Defining Pure Catholicism 31:30 The Importance of Serving Others 33:01 Personal Reflections on Traditionalism 36:39 The Authority of Conscience 47:28 Final Thoughts and Announcements 49:39 The Essence of Holiness Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this X Spaces session I discussed the lack of response from the Vatican and other Church leadership (Priests, Bishops) following a controversial drag performance at the Olympic opening ceremony that mocked The Last Supper. I explore the significance of the silence from church leaders, the reactions from the faithful, and the broader implications for the Church’s role in addressing such secular disrespect. Chapter Markers 03:00 Lack of Response from the Vatican 05:40 Zeal and Reaction in the Faithful 08:05 Defending the Faith 09:20 Critique of Atheist Reactions 15:05 Call for Church Leadership 24:02 Experience and Leadership in the Church 24:40 The Danger of Silence and Inaction 25:24 Addressing Extremism in the Church 27:23 The Role of Social Media in Understanding the Faithful 30:46 Jesus' Response to Injustice 32:36 The Need for Pastoral Leadership 34:24 Criticism of the Vatican's Silence 38:08 Challenges Faced by Evangelizers 41:58 The Church's Role in Supporting the Faithful 47:47 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this episode I address the controversial drag show at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which mocked the Last Supper and discuss the pushback I've received on social media. I elaborate on the reaction (and inaction) from the French bishops and how it contrasts to responses from other prominent Catholic figures. I offer my personal thoughts on religious mockery, and advocate for peaceful yet firm responses. Join me as I explore the implications of this event and call for proper reactions from the Catholic community. Chapters: 01:18 Pushback and Diverse Opinions 04:52 Critique of the French Bishops' Response 16:18 Scriptural Reflections and Broader Implications 21:50 Critique of The Last Supper Artwork 22:45 The Importance of Seeing the Good 23:11 Taking Ourselves Seriously 23:40 Jesus and the Money Changers 24:18 Moral Indifference and Tolerance 24:42 Responding to Injustice 26:20 Peaceful Responses to Outrage 29:02 Reactions from Religious Leaders 31:45 Criticism of French Bishops 32:18 Broader Cultural Implications 41:09 Call for Constructive Dialogue 42:58 Conclusion and Sign-Off Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this episode, hosted as an X Spaces session, we dive into the complex issue of declining church attendance among American Christians, with a particular focus on Catholics. Hosted on X Spaces, the discussion explores five main reasons behind this phenomenon, ranging from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the allure of personal spirituality over organized religion. I talk about these points with a mix of anecdotal observations and theological insights. Additionally, I reflects on the impact of social media on spiritual practices and emphasize the importance of active, lived witness of faith in restoring the counterculture of Christianity. Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

In this episode, I interview John Kramer, also known as J.M. Kramer, a master Lego builder and faithful Catholic from Saginaw, Michigan. John shares his journey of using his talent in building intricate Lego churches to evangelize, to share his Catholic faith, and bring awareness to the intersection of faith and disability. Despite living with cerebral palsy and other health challenges, John discusses how he turns his struggles into strengths, creating inspiring Lego church displays and engaging in discussions about faith and disability, and trust and surrender to God. He also touches on his writing projects, such as his Substack newsletter 'Praying at the Bricks,' and emphasizes the importance of using one's unique talents to serve God and others. The conversation highlights John's resilience, creativity, and deep faith, showcasing how he navigates life's challenges while staying true to his mission of evangelization. John is very deep but very real. There are a lot of nuggets of wisdom in this conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening to it. John's Substack: https://prayingbricks.substack.com Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegoChurchProject Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Spiritual maturity and immaturity are real conditions. I fear many in the Church are trapped in spiritual immaturity, and may sadly even be content with it. I hope to encourage listeners to be better than that. Starting things off with an article on NC Register about British Catholics fearing the rumored cancelation of the Traditional Latin Mass, I get into the theme of spiritual maturity contrasted with spiritual immaturity from a scriptural and historical Catholic perspective. The discussion begins with an analysis of the culture surrounding the Traditional Latin Mass, critiquing the subculture without opposing the TLM Mass itself. The episode also explores the difference between 'milk' and 'solid food' in Catholic teachings, using examples such as simplified teachings from Fulton Sheen and the contrast between the Traditional Latin Mass and Novus Ordo Mass. The evolving teachings on the death penalty are highlighted as an instance of the Church's complex and layered guidance. Article Read in this episode: "Agatha Christie Letter 2.0: The Traditional Latin Mass as a Cultural, as Well as Liturgical, Treasure" Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer") Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week) Newsletter Sign-up Send a Tip, Support the Mission