Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

From hardcore atheist to Catholic convert—author Leah Libresco Sargeant's journey is a story of intellectual rigor leading to faith. In this powerful conversation, Leah explains how a math nerd intentionally raised as an atheist by her university professor parents discovered that moral truth points to God, why her atheism couldn't withstand philosophical scrutiny, and how to build authentic Catholic culture in your own home. Leah shares how she believed in objective morality the same way she believed in mathematics—as something real, transcendent, and independent of human opinion. She explains how her rigorous pursuit of truth created cracks in her atheist worldview at Yale, and why following the philosophical evidence led her to become Catholic. In the second half, she offers practical wisdom on how to actually build Catholic community in your own life...without being performative or Instagram-ready. She talks about hosting "liturgical season poetry parties," why small talk is the enemy of real friendship, and how your home doesn't need to look perfect to be a place where God shows up. If you're trying to defend your faith intellectually, wondering how reason can lead to God, or know someone who's intellectually opposed to the Church, this conversation will bring you hope! Highlights: 00:00 - Intro 02:01 - Raised as an intentional atheist by university professors 03:05 - "I want to know what's true" 05:14 - Moral truth is like math 10:18 - Peak new atheism: trying to liberate Christians from "lies" 13:23 - Joining the Yale Political Union debate group 20:16 - Discovering virtue ethics and Alasdair MacIntyre 24:00 - Virtue ethics and the crack in atheism 27:19 - "I should toast the Nicene Creed and become a Christian" 29:47 - "Morality just loves me or something" 40:12 - Building Catholic culture without Instagram perfection 44:50 - Liturgical season poetry parties and feast day gatherings 47:23 - "God made this person for love" Get "Building the Benedict Option" by Leah Libresco Sargeant: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Benedict-Option-Gathering-Together/dp/1621642178 ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

A lot of people think Jesus was anti-rules. He hated the Pharisees, dined with sinners—so He must be cool with whatever we want to do, right? In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says something that should stop us in our tracks: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets." And then He doesn't just uphold the moral law—He raises the bar. In this reflection, I dive into the difference between legalism and the moral law, why God's rules aren't arbitrary (they're more like the laws of gravity), and what Jesus actually wants from us: not behavior modification, but a complete transformation of the heart. The gift of love is free—you can't earn it. But love costs you literally everything. And as any lover knows, it's totally worth the price. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Do you ever catch yourself treating your faith more like a checklist than a relationship? What does that look like in your life? 2. What is the difference between legalism and following God's moral laws out of love? How can you tell which one is driving your obedience? 3. Chris says God's moral laws are like the laws of gravity—"you don't break them, they break you." How have you experienced this to be true? 4. Is there an area of your life where you’ve assumed, “God’s cool with it”? 5. What is one concrete step you can take this week to give Jesus not just your behavior—but your heart? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

What does your body reveal about God? Christopher West—the world's leading communicator of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body—returns to the show for a timely interview about an essential topic: the human body, gender, and sexuality. Christopher unpacks the revolutionary truth that our bodies aren't just biological accidents. They're a theology—a divine revelation of who God is and how He loves. Whether you're struggling with your body image, wrestling with the sexual confusion dominating our culture, or longing for deeper meaning in your marriage, this message will deepen your understanding of how our physical bodies beautifully connect us to God's divinity. This isn't just theology—it's healing, hope, and the best news you'll ever hear about your body, your sexuality, and God's passionate love for you. More from Christopher West: www.theologyofthebody.com Highlights 0:00 - Intro 1:43 Christopher West’s First Theology of the Body Talk 3:15 The Most Legendary Speaking Injury Ever 11:48 “I Was Catholic My Whole Life and Never Heard This” 14:26 Theology of the Body Explains the Entire Faith 19:36 Your Body Is Not Just Biological 24:42 Why the Devil Is After the Human Body 30:04 Christianity Begins in Mary’s Womb 42:15 The Body Is Not a Prison — It’s a Temple 45:57 What Your Glorified Body Will Be Like in Heaven 52:25 Law, Freedom, and Why Both Sides Miss Grace 1:12:09 Why humiliation is part of authentic ministry 1:27:07 What does "gender" really mean? 1:28:45 Theology of the Body is a "time bomb" ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world." And if you're like most of us, you hear that and think, "Jesus, I love you, but... really? I'm just trying to keep my kids alive today. I'm the light of my living room on a good day. That's about it." Here's the truth: When you're faithful right where you are—in that living room, at that job, with that one person in front of you—you ARE changing the world. You just can't see it yet. Look at the Gospels. Jesus didn't spend His time chasing massive crowds. Most of His ministry was small encounters with individuals. One conversation at a time. That's how the world actually gets changed. The problem is we think so big that we miss what God's calling us to do right under our noses. We obsess over global problems we can't control while ignoring the person right in front of us who desperately needs our love. Mother Teresa showed up late to a global hunger summit because she stopped to feed one dying man outside the door. Everyone else had walked right past him. Jan Tyranowski lived under Nazi and then Communist oppression in Poland. What could one guy possibly do? He started a Catholic small group. He poured his life into a handful of young men. One of them became Pope John Paul II, who helped topple communism in Eastern Europe. Jan never saw it. But he was faithful anyway. Whatever you're doing today, whoever God has put in front of you—even if no one else sees it—He does. Do it well...and see what happens. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. When you hear "You are the light of the world," what's your honest first reaction? Do you believe Jesus when He says this to you? 2. How does focusing on "big impact" cause us to miss the people and opportunities right in front of us? 3. Think about Jan Tyranowski's story. What "small" faithfulness is God calling you to that might have ripple effects you'll never see in your lifetime? 4. In what ways does our culture's obsession with metrics, followers, and "influence" distort our understanding of what it means to change the world? 5. What's one specific way you can be "the light of your living room" this week—faithful to the small encounters God has placed right in front of you? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/ Chapters

Why would anyone confess to a crime when they have the right to remain silent? Former K-9 officer and white-collar detective Jeff Wrigley has spent years in the room where criminals confess—and he's discovered something shocking: most of them feel RELIEF when they finally tell the truth. In this eye-opening conversation, Jeff reveals why guilt and shame work like a "boa constrictor" that squeezes tighter every day, why the interrogation room and the confessional aren't that different, and what physically happens when someone finally comes clean. We also dive into Jeff's powerful conversion story (including his first confession in a police cruiser), why shame makes kids hide instead of heal, and the one phrase every parent needs when their kid messes up. This conversation will change how you think about confession—both the sacrament and the human need to be known and loved anyway. Highlights: 0:00 - Intro 3:07 - From K-9 Officer to White Collar Detective 8:53 - Why Criminals Think They'll Get Away With It 11:55 - The "Boa Constrictor" Effect of Guilt and Shame 18:03 - The Confession Room vs. The Confessional 22:40 - When Shoulders Soften: What Confession Looks Like 26:29 - How a Detective Found God (Conversion Story) 35:25 - "He Can't Redeem What You Won't Confess" ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and g...

What do you do when everything just becomes too much? This Sunday Reflection is deeply personal, as lately God has been bringing me right up to the edge of my own strength—physically, emotionally, spiritually. In prayer, I was reminded of something we all need to remember when we reach our breaking point: You were never meant to be your own source. We’re all afraid of running out—of energy, money, patience, creativity, love. As we get older, that fear can quietly run our lives. But Jesus offers a radically different way: trusting God as an infinite storehouse. In this reflection, I talk about: If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or feeling like you just don’t have it in you right now—I hope this video brings you some peace. You’re not running out. You just need to remember where the supply really comes from. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/ Chapters

You probably have a litany of complaints about your priest. But what does your priest think about YOU? In this episode, I sat down with Fr. Leo Patalinghug (yes, the priest who beat Bobby Flay), and I gave him permission to unload. This priest chef turns the tables to serve up an honest assessment of the parishioner behaviors that drain the life out of priests...and how we can do better at bringing our best to Mass and Confession. And, honestly...we need to hear this! Our conversation is authentic, funny, and convicting as Fr. Leo reflects on his 25 years of priesthood and parish ministry to offer solid advice on how to further engage at Mass and use the sacrament of Confession for its intended purpose of both absolving your sins and healing your mind and heart. He shares some funny stories along the way about people using the confessional as a counseling session or confessing other people's sins and not their own, those who don't pray along audibly at Mass, and his impression of the face that so many people in the pews are making while lifelessly staring back at him during Mass. (Don't miss it! ) He also offers sound reasons for WHY we should care about the way we confess our sins and our approach to attending Mass. He has some beautiful thoughts on God's mercy, the seal of Confession, and showing respect to the Lord by fully immersing ourselves in the liturgy. Let's continue to pray for our priests who have given their lives to serve the Body of Christ. And let's use Fr. Leo's tips to renew our approach to the sacraments and fully embrace God's love and mercy. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Why Catholics love critiquing priests 3:49 Confession is not counseling 6:01 Why saying the sin brings healing 9:00 Scrupulosity, despair, and self-hatred 11:29 Let God love you with his mercy 14:19 Presumption vs. real repentance 18:27 Why confession sets us free psychologically 25:21 What priests need from us at Mass 30:12 “Mouth the words” — why participation matters 35:06 Why you leaving Mass early crushes priests ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ The Chris Stefanick Show will soon be premiering on EWTN+ Streaming! You can start watching more great content at: EWTN.com/ondemand/ ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages ......... Listen to the "Chris Stefanick Show" as a podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZOMMAyrrwyFVVcEPU85vV

Have you ever felt small? Like just one person among nearly 8 billion—how could you possibly matter? That's no doubt how the apostles felt...fishermen of little consequence by the world's standards. Until Jesus called them by using a phrase that rabbis would use to call specially gifted students: "Come follow me." They were hearing something they'd dreamt of their whole lives—something they thought had passed them by. That's why they dropped everything instantly. They mattered to Jesus. And so do you. God’s attention isn’t divided. He’s infinite. Which means He gives you His full, undivided love—right now...and he's calling you the same way: "Come follow me." In those small-feeling moments, remember that God is perpetually pouring His grace over you. Sometimes we forget that God is there loving us, but He never forgets about us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. When do you most struggle with feeling insignificant or unseen? What triggers those thoughts? 2. How does the idea that God gives infinite attention to each person change the way you see your relationship with Him? 3. What would it look like for you to truly believe that God is calling you personally—not just Christians in general? 4. Are there moments in your life when you felt like God's call to you was clear? What were you called to and how did you respond? 5. What is one concrete way you can respond to God's call this week? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/ Chapters

Suicide rates are rising—and almost all of us have been touched by it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happens to someone who dies by suicide?” or felt crushed by fear, guilt, or unanswered questions, this episode will bring you real hope. I sit down with Fr. Chris Alar, author of After Suicide, to unpack what the Catholic Church actually teaches: why suicide is grave matter, why that does not automatically mean someone is damned, and how God can work mercy in ways we can’t see. Our conversation also touches briefly on the lie behind assisted suicide and Fr. Chris tells a beautiful story that explains the power of offering up your suffering as a prayer for the living and those who have died. We also talk about practical warning signs and what to do when someone is struggling with suicidal ideation. If you’ve lost someone, love someone who’s struggling, or you’re carrying silent pain yourself—this conversation is for you. God's mercy is real—and it's powerful beyond our human comprehension. Get Fr. Chris' book "After Suicide": https://www.amazon.com/After-Suicide-Theres-Hope-Them/dp/1596144343 Highlights: 0:00 Intro 5:00 The myth: “Suicide = automatic hell” 9:45 Catechism 2282: mitigating factors & God’s mercy 22:45 Catechism 2283: don’t despair—God can act in ways we can’t see 29:10 Your prayers can still matter (even when it feels “too late”) 37:03 Why some people prefer legalism over mercy 42:12 Suicide today is not an epidemic but a pandemic 44:35 The #1 risk factor for those considering suicide 46:13 Warning signs + what to say when you’re worried about someone 50:11 “I’m a burden” — the lie behind assisted suicide/euthanasia 56:18 Closing prayer + blessing If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or considering self-harm: please call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency number right now. If you’re outside the U.S., look up your country’s crisis line and reach out immediately. ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages

I recently had the honor of being at the funeral of Micah Kim, the five-year-old son of my friend Paul J. Kim. And I don’t use the word honor lightly. Because while the pain of losing a child is unimaginable…what I witnessed there was just as unimaginable: JOY. At Micah’s wake, Paul stood next to his son’s casket—his little body dressed in cowboy boots—and he pointed and said: “That’s my son’s body. He’s not there. My son is alive.” Paul said they gave Micah the greatest gift a parent can give: baptism. His passport to heaven. And then I watched this family walk down the aisle behind the casket—hands on it, tears streaming down Paul’s face—and his other hand lifted high in praise as we sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Listen to my reflection to hear how Paul's witness of joy in the face of tragedy and Micah's brief life are both tied to the truth of our baptism—that we are beloved children of God and he wants us to live forever with him. In baptism, we are sealed in this identity and receive our ticket to heaven. We just need to lean into his love and let his grace transform our lives. Our days here are numbered. But heaven is real, it lasts forever, and you don't need to prove yourself to earn God's love. Receive it! Follow Paul J. Kim on Instagram to see how God is already using Micah for his glory: https://www.instagram.com/heypjk DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever witnessed faith lived out powerfully in the middle of suffering? What impact did it have on you? 2. Do you think our culture understands joy the way Christianity does? Why or why not? How does the Christian understanding of hope differ from simply “staying positive”? 3. Does your baptism shape your identity? What does it mean to you that, at baptism, the Father looks at you and says, “That’s my son. That’s my daughter”? 4. Where in your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's love or prove your worth? How can you work against that mindset? 5. What can you do this week to live like holiness is your top priority? What needs to change? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/

When most people think about where God is, they look to the sky or point to a mountaintop. God is ON HIGH, right? But the reality of the incarnation flips that vision upside down. Christ dwelt among us. God came to the lowest of places to meet us in our brokenness and heal our sin. Did you know the spot where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River is literally one of the lowest places on earth? That can't be an accident. It reminds us that even when we are at our lowest point—a medical diagnosis, marital issues, problems with our children, job loss—God is right there alongside us. He doesn't want us to walk these trials alone. Hear the words God spoke at Christ's baptism. They are meant for you, too: “You are my beloved son… you are my beloved daughter… with whom I am well pleased.” If you find yourself in a low place right now, take it to the Lord. He's already there next to you. ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/ Chapters

Have you ever noticed that when God shows up, he often does so in ways that are...completely ordinary? Think about the Epiphany of the Lord that we are celebrating today. Angels fill the sky. A star bends the universe. Heaven breaks into earth. Kings come to pay homage. And at the center of it all? A poor child. A nursing mother. A scene you could walk right past. Fast forward two thousand years and God is still so often hiding His glory in plain sight, but we've lost the ability to contemplate and truly SEE him in the ordinariness of the world around us. God made Himself small—so ordinary that only the humble can see Him. And that’s exactly why so many of us miss Him. We’ve trained ourselves to scroll past miracles. To numb ourselves when big questions stir in our souls. To distract instead of contemplate. And in doing that, we don’t just lose silence—we lose wonder. As we enter the new year, let's cultivate a contemplative heart that recognizes Jesus in the bread and the wine...and in our spouse, family, friends, and coworkers. When you become humble enough to see God in the ordinary, life becomes a constant epiphany. ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/ Chapters

Why do we keep confessing the same sins… making the same resolutions… and falling back into the same patterns? In this practical and powerful episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Fr. Peter Mussett, a priest who has heard thousands of confessions—and has lots of advice to share about human nature, change, and mercy. In this conversation, we talk about real sins and real solutions so you can make real changes in your life. Fr. Peter explains: -Why most people don’t actually change -The hidden link between unforgiveness, victimhood, and temptation -Why willpower alone never works -How habit stacking, conscience, and mercy work together -Why God sometimes allows us to keep struggling -And the one mindset shift that finally makes real change possible If you’re frustrated with yourself, tired of starting over, and feel like you can't conquer your vices, I hope this interview will give you hope, clarity, and a true path forward. Highlights: 0:00 Why real change is so hard 2:08 Why priests see what most people never notice 7:00 The beauty of Confession 16:58 The movie-scene insight that reveals how people change 19:18 Conscience: where God actually speaks 24:13 Why “deliver us from evil” is where change starts 27:27 The difference between passion-driven and reason-driven living 29:23 Habit stacking: a spiritual key to breaking bad habits 33:31 How unforgiveness fuels temptation 39:28 Why mercy—especially toward yourself—changes everything 57:33 “You are not your sin” (John Paul II’s powerful reminder) 1:07:36 A prayer for anyone frustrated with themselves ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

Happy Feast of the Holy Family! One of the most comforting truths of our faith is also one of the hardest to live. You’re not living the whole story — you’re living your current page. One of the most powerful (and overlooked) truths of the Bible is typology—the way God weaves the same story across centuries, fulfilling promises in ways no human author could plan. Different people. Different centuries. Same Author. In this reflection, we look at the stunning parallels between Joseph in the Old Testament and St. Joseph in the New, and what they reveal about suffering, trust, and God’s plan. Old Testament Joseph didn’t get to see the whole picture. He only saw the chaos of the page he was on—betrayal, exile, fear, uncertainty. And yet, he lived with peace because he trusted the Author...and look what happened thousands of years later! Prophecies fulfilled. A Savior born in a manger. And another Joseph managing the chaos of his current page while trusting in the larger story. If you’re walking through illness, family struggles, anxiety, grief, or confusion…this message is for you. This can be especially difficult to remember during the holidays, but your pain isn’t your story. It’s one page in a much bigger one that is unfolding according to divine plans we may not understand in our lifetime. I hope this reflection puts you on the path to accept the peace that both Josephs found amidst chaos—by trusting in the love of the Lord who knows the glorious ending of your story. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Chris talks about “the chaos of the page you’re on.” What does that phrase bring up for you right now? 2. Can you think of a time in your life when something that felt chaotic later made sense in hindsight? 3. Where do you struggle most to trust God when you don’t understand what He’s doing? 4. The Holy Family experienced fear, displacement, stress, and uncertainty, but had confidence in God's ultimate plan. How does that change the way you think about holiness in family life? What would it look like to invite God’s peace into the “chaos” of your own family? 5. What “page” of your story are you living right now? (Illness, transition, joy, stress, grief, growth, confusion, etc.) How might remembering that this is not the whole story change the way you face it? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on an upcoming pilgrimage: https://reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages/ Chapters

What if Santa Claus wasn’t just a character… but a calling? In this unforgettable episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Eddie Cotter, Jr.—a longtime Catholic youth minister who unexpectedly took on the role of Santa Claus and eventually ended up appearing as Santa at Rockefeller Center in New York City! What starts as a fun conversation turns into something deeply moving as Eddie tells the story of how he became Santa Claus for his autistic grandson, attended the Harvard of Santa training schools, and has had some truly magical experiences serving in this beloved role. And then… Eddie steps out, and Santa Claus himself walks in for an exclusive interview! Yes. I really interviewed Santa Claus. And yes…I cried. Santa gets deep as we delve into the history of St. Nicholas, the backstories behind some well-known Christmas traditions and legends, and how Santa Claus points us to the real reason for the season—the greatest gift of all. This episode is about hope, goodness, repentance, and the deep truth behind Christmas—that God really did come into the world, and love still wins. You do not want to miss this one. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro 02:51 – How Eddie first felt called to become Santa 06:14 – The moment Santa changed Eddie’s autistic grandson’s life 07:17 – “Lord… if You want me to do this, I’m in” 09:05 – Santa school is WAY more intense than you think 14:35 – Why being Santa makes you a better Christian 17:42 – The Rockefeller Center Santa moment 19:37 – “I’ll never live long enough to give back that much love” 31:39 – Santa Claus walks into the studio 36:38 – What it means to be Santa Claus 37:40 – Redemption from the Naughty List 39:12 – The Legend of Receiving Coal 41:20 – The Story of St. Nicholas 46:10 – St. Nick Bows Before the King (A New York Story) 49:54 – Santa's Outift Explained 52:53 – How He Does It All In One Night 59:55 – Milk and Cookies 1:03:01 – Be A Giver 1:04:54 – Santa's Message to Those Struggling This Christmas ........ Learn more about Eddie's work: Eddie's ministry: https://deadtheologianssociety.com Eddie's book: https://deadtheologianssociety.com/product/wisdom-inspiration-from-the-saints-in-a-sentence/ Email Santa: santa@santaclauseddie.com Book Santa Claus Eddie: santaclauseddie.com ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

As we draw close to the mystery of Christmas, we don’t just discover who God is—we discover who we are...and what we're worth. When you look at the face of the Christ child in the manger, you’re not just seeing Emmanuel, God with us. You’re seeing your own value reflected back at you. Your worth is revealed by what God was willing to pay for you. And the price wasn’t silver or gold...It was the precious blood of Christ. In this reflection I offer some thoughts on what your true price tag should mean for your own self-worth—how you take care of your body, how you talk about yourself, how you think about your sin, and what it means when we hear "Body of Christ." Here's the game plan: 1. Take better care of yourself. 2. Value the people around you. 3. See your sins in the proper light. Don't sell yourself to the lowest bidder...especially when that lowest bidder is your own negative self-talk. Take a few quiet minutes this weekend. Look at Him, remember what you're really worth, and honor how precious you are to God. Special thanks to Rick Warren for the inspiration on this one! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. In what ways do you personally struggle to believe your worth is as great as God says it is? 2. Where in your life might you be “selling yourself to the lowest bidder” instead of living from your true value? 3. How does seeing Jesus as an infant in Bethlehem change the way you see yourself? 4. What would it look like—practically—to treat yourself with the dignity God has already given you? 5. How can you better reflect God’s attentiveness and love to the people around you this week? ----- Sign up for Chris Stefanick's daily reflections in The Daily Anchor: https://reallifecatholic.com/daily-anchor-advent/ ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages ----- Learn more about CORE, Real Life Catholic's new Confirmation prep experience for the next generation to be released in 2026: https://bit.ly/4p6HrsW Chapters

Picture a football stadium full of 80,000 people. Research indicates that you will influence that many people during the course of your lifetime. (even if you don't have your own YouTube channel) But who is in your stadium? And what does it sound like in there? Are people cheering for the ways you positively affected them? Are they booing for all the terrible things you did? Or are they silent because you were on your phone most of the time and ambivalent to those around you? In this thought-provoking conversation, leadership expert Tommy Spaulding poses these important questions and talks through his own personal story of hitting rock bottom with hidden depression and familial turmoil despite outward worldly success. He relates the story of how he rediscovered his inherent value as a child of God and his potential for influencing those around him. His wife arranged a 50th birthday celebration that involved giving him 50 handwritten-letters—one each day leading up to his birthday—from family, friends, acquaintances...even the HVAC repairman! These letters showed Tommy that even small gestures for other people can make them feel loved and have a huge impact. This new perspective has led him to live each encounter with another person as if they will one day be sitting in his 80,000-person stadium, and he offers tips from his new book The Gift of Influence so YOU can change your everyday interactions to lean into that idea, too. You matter more than you know. You don't need a podcast or thousands of Instagram followers to be an influencer. Your mere existence is a blessing, and your daily interactions—with family, friends, and even strangers—can change their lives forever. As we approach Christmas and the start of a new year, it's a good time to think about how you're treating the other people in your stadium. Get Tommy's book, The Gift of Influence: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Influence-Creating-Life-Changing-Interactions/dp/0593138635/ HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — You Matter More Than You Think 01:56 — Writing from Pain, Not the Mountaintop 03:16 — Success on the Outside, Rock Bottom on the Inside 07:36 — The Plane Ride Where He Prayed It Would End 09:40 — The Birthday That Saved His Life 14:02 — “She Gave Me the Gift of Influence” 15:25 — Why Social Media Hijacked the Word “Influencer” 17:42 — The 80,000-Person Stadium That Is Your Life 21:56 — “What’s the Sound of Your Stadium?” 38:48 — Mrs. Lynn - An Influencer Story 52:16 — The Caribou Coffee Moment 55:58 — “God Bless You” at Jiu-Jitsu ........ Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for. Get Daily Advent Reflections right now, including exclusive videos with Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages

It’s beautiful to want good things and to build a great life in our time on earth. But here’s where it all gets twisted: When the dream stops being about God and the blessings He’s given us, and quietly becomes all about me—my security, my reputation, my legacy. I’ve seen it in family life. I’ve seen it in ministry. I’ve seen it in my own heart. This is where John the Baptist becomes a perfect model for us as an "anti-influencer." He had a massive following and huge crowds hanging on his words. But his life wasn't built on what his personal legacy could be. He pointed to Jesus. He knew that he was simply a voice...and Jesus was the Word incarnate. In this reflection, I discuss: Oh, and watch til the end to see me try to walk on water. I encourage you to take 10 minutes and pray about this question: What am I actually trying to build with my life? Am I pointing to Christ? Know that I’m praying for you as you lean into these last days of Advent with joyful repentance and a heart that says: “He must increase. I must decrease.” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. When you imagine your “dream life,” what’s at the center of it—comfort, success, security, or Jesus? Be honest. 2. Where have good desires (for family, work, or ministry) started to shift into building “your own kingdom”? What are some signs of that in your life? 3. John the Baptist calls himself “a voice” pointing to the “Word.” If someone looked at your life from the outside, what would they say your life is “a voice” for? 4. C.S. Lewis said that if we put first things first, we get second things thrown in; if we put second things first, we lose both. What are some “second things” you’ve been tempted to put first lately? 5. Where do you get distracted by the things of God instead of God Himself (debates, preferences, liturgical details, online arguments, etc.)? 6. As Advent comes to a close, what is one concrete way you can “decrease” so that Christ can “increase” in your family, your work, or your ministry this week? ----- Sign up for Chris Stefanick's daily Advent reflections: https://reallifecatholic.com/daily-anchor-advent/ ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages ----- Learn more about CORE, Real Life Catholic's new Confirmation prep experience for the next generation to be released in 2026: https://bit.ly/4p6HrsW Chapters

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But what if the hardest person for you to love…is you? In this profound new episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Dr. Peter Malinoski, Catholic psychologist and founder of Souls & Hearts, to unpack one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus: the command to love yourself. Because here’s the thing no one tells you: You can’t love your neighbor if you hate yourself. And you can’t love God wholeheartedly if you’re rejecting the person He created. If you wrestle with negative self-talk, perfectionism, shame, or the belief that you're "not enough"…this episode offers you a strong wakeup call from those lies. We also dive into the psychology of inner conflict, how fragmented “parts” of us block us from God’s love, and why accepting love can sometimes feel scary and painful, but ultimately transforming. We even pray the powerful Litany of Self-Love together — trust me, you need this. Self-love isn't selfish...It's opening yourself up to receive God's goodness. God delights in you. And he wants you to learn to delight in yourself, too. Want more with Dr. Peter? Check out our previous interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoTUVoSSRbU ........ Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for. Get Daily Advent Reflections right now, including exclusive videos with Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ The Chris Stefanick Show will soon be premiering on EWTN+ Streaming! You can start watching more great content at: EWTN.com/ondemand/ ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters

What can you learn from a preacher who wore a camel's hair cloak while eating locusts and wild honey? Plenty. In this week's Gospel, John the Baptist gives us the perfect playbook for entering into Advent...and for taking our spiritual lives to the next level. His ascetic appearance and way of life might seem crazy to us, but his intensity had the goal of stripping away life's distractions to clarify his message and make room for love. Distracted has become our default mode. Advent is the perfect time to slow down and take in the message of John the Baptist. And his message? “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” We’ve heard that line a thousand times. But in this reflection, I explain what the word "repent" really means in this context. The actual translation of the Greek word—metanoia—is much deeper than you think. It implies a changing of the mind and your way of thinking. That's not just penitence as a form of behavior modification. It's not just looking backward and being sorry for the past. It means opening your eyes to the grace you have received and realizing that change is only possible with God—an entirely new perspective. You can't pick yourself up by your own bootstraps to raise yourself to heaven. We need God for that. I pray you are able to enter into a joyful penance this Advent that relies on his grace to make a lasting change in your life. Allow that grace to challenge your approach to everything you do by taking on the mind of Christ. Make space for Christ and let him "meta" your "noia." I'll pray for you...please pray for me! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What’s one distraction you could strip away this Advent to make room for Christ? 2. Before hearing this reflection, how did you understand the word repent? How does the meaning of metanoia change that? 3. Can you think of a time when a shift in perspective — not just behavior — changed your life? How might God be inviting you to a new way of thinking right now? 4. What’s one area where you’ve been trying to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”? How can you invite grace into that instead? 5. Which parts of your life feel “too busy” for God? What practical step could you take this week to open space for Him? ----- Sign up for Chris Stefanick's daily Advent reflections: https://reallifecatholic.com/daily-anchor-advent/ ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/ ----- Learn more about CORE, Real Life Catholic's new Confirmation prep experience for the next generation to be released in 2026: https://bit.ly/4p6HrsW Chapters