The Catholic Man Show

Ever wake up with that “today is the day” feeling, like you are ready to conquer the world? The guys start there, take a hard left into Pinky and the Brain, and somehow end up pondering what it was like when Christ rose from the dead. From there, it turns into a practical, tradition-packed episode on celebrating Christmas well. Not the Hallmark version, and not the American “Christmas ends on December 26” version either. The kind that actually follows the liturgical calendar, keeps Advent as Advent, and treats Christmas as a season, not a day.Along the way, they review a Taiwanese whiskey from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, talk family customs that make the day feel grounded, and make a strong case for grandfathers and fathers to be the custodians of tradition. One of the best parts is a simple, doable challenge: take the 12 Days of Christmas seriously and mark the feast days with small, intentional practices your family will actually remember.In this episode:The “wake up and conquer the world” mood vs the day Christ resurrectedAdvent vs Christmas, and why our culture gets it backwardsWhy “Merry” used to mean more like blessed than happyMidnight Mass, caroling, real Christmas trees, and reading Luke before presentsA great grandfather tradition: gather the family and speak from the heartGifts for kids: fewer and meaningful vs abundance as a sign of the Father’s generosityThe 12 Days of Christmas, and the feast days that stack up fastSt. John’s Blessing of Wine and why you should do itA practical idea for the Holy Innocents: dads blessing their children out loudEpiphany water and why you should plan ahead to get it blessedWhiskey for the episode: Taiwanese whiskey (Scotch Malt Whisky Society pick), “Dunker’s Delight” style notes, 107 proof, with flavors like caramel and apple pie crust.Challenge for the week: Pick two feast days during the 12 Days of Christmas and do something small but real. Bless your kids, bless wine, invite someone over, go to Mass, or start a tradition worth keeping.

In this episode, Adam and David welcome back longtime friend and mentor Matthew Christoff of EveryCatholicMan.com to talk about what it really means to become a happier Catholic man.Matthew shares the story behind his new devotional, “Becoming a Happier Catholic Man 2026,” and why he believes every man can be happier by drawing closer to Jesus, embracing suffering, and living a zealous Catholic life.Topics discussed:Why God actually wills our true and lasting happinessThe difference between fleeting pleasure and beatitudePracticing the presence of God in ordinary daily lifeUsing “triggers” like sirens, cemeteries, and churches to turn the mind to GodHow technology, curiosity, and pornography are devastating modern manhoodHomeostasis of the soul: breaking habits and building new spiritual baselinesWhy pornography and AI-generated lust are a major assault on men and womenConfession, near occasions of sin, and forming a real battle planThe need for a “penance revival” to accompany the Eucharistic RevivalWhy evangelizing men is decisive for families, parishes, and cultureHow awe of Jesus, not just information about him, is the foundation of conversionThe structure of the book: weekly Gospel commentary, awe-of-Jesus focus, maxims, and prayersUsing the devotional as a couple and in the domestic churchResources mentioned:Becoming a Happier Catholic Man 2026 – devotional for Sundays and feast days of the liturgical yearEveryCatholicMan.com – Matthew Christoff’s apostolate and resources for menBrother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of GodThe Catechism of the Catholic Church (references used throughout the book)Learn more and get the book:Visit EveryCatholicMan.com or search “Becoming a Happier Catholic Man 2026” on Amazon.Support The Catholic Man Show and get access to extra content and community at:TheCatholicManShow.com

This episode is packed — saints, miracles, Marian devotion, vocations, fatherhood, fasting, silence, and the rise of a new generation of men hungry for God.Fr. Charbel, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, joins Adam and David in Tulsa along with first-class relics of St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Charbel, sharing powerful stories of faith, mission, intercession, and what young Catholic men are longing for today.IN THIS EPISODE1. Meet Fr. Charbel — his order, his mission, and why Marian consecration is centralFr. Charbel introduces the Franciscans of the Immaculate, an order founded to continue the Marian mission of St. Maximilian Kolbe:Total consecration to Mary as a fourth vowA spirituality built on St. Francis + St. MaximilianMissionary availability (“Send me anywhere in the world”)Heavy emphasis on prayer, poverty, obedience, and Marian devotionHe explains how Our Lady’s presence has shaped every major moment in salvation history — from Nazareth to the Cross — and why consecration gives Mary “permission” to form us the way she formed Christ.2. A surge of young men seeking GodAs the newly appointed vocations director, Fr. Charbel reveals something astonishing:40+ serious vocation inquiries in just two months.Why the sudden surge?Men want something realThey crave mission and purposeThey want orthodoxy and reverenceThey want a spirituality that demands something of themMarian devotion draws them in a unique way“It’s inspiring,” he says. “Young men want authenticity.”3. Stories of Divine Providence and the adventure of religious lifeThe guys talk about:The Franciscan blend of active + contemplativeThe thrill of trusting God with everythingPoverty that becomes a doorway to providenceWhy Franciscans never seem to fundraise (“God just provides”)Religious life, he says, is more adventurous than most men realize.4. Deep dive: Who is St. Charbel? Why is he exploding in popularity?St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese hermit, is becoming one of the most beloved saints of the century.Father explains why:Lived a hidden, humble, ascetic life23 years in community + 23 years as a hermitEntire life centered on the Holy EucharistBody discovered incorrupt with supernatural light rising from his tombOver 29,000 documented miracles since 1950Miracles among Muslims, Druze, Orthodox, and nonbelieversGlobal pilgrims: 2 million+ per yearOne stunning story:A Muslim sheikh publicly visited St. Charbel’s shrine to thank him for healing his mother of cancer.“Why would God confirm the life of a hermit who spent his life before the Eucharist,” Father asks, “unless the Eucharist is truly what the Church says it is?”5. Lessons from St. Charbel for modern men + fathersWhat does a hermit from Lebanon have to teach us? A lot.Fr. Charbel lays out practical takeaways:Faithfulness in the small thingsSilence — making space for God’s voiceDaily prayer even without consolationsObedience and humilityEucharistic devotionMarian devotion as a way of being formedAsceticism and fasting: dying to self in small waysDoing your duty with...

This episode starts with an apology and an update. It’s been a wild stretch—hospital visits, birthday mishaps, broken teeth, truck trouble, cows and pigs headed to the processor—but also a lot of grace and gratitude.Adam shares about Lady Haylee's recent medical scare during pregnancy, the prayers from patrons, and what it’s like to walk through real uncertainty as a husband and father. The guys reflect on how quickly life can tilt from “normal” to “barely holding it together,” and yet how God can still anchor everything in hope and gratitude.Over whiskey (a Pseudo Sue malt from Iowa), Adam and David shift into the main topic: spiritual blindness—how easy it is for men to be convinced we’re right, standing for the truth, and yet be totally off the mark.Drawing from Scripture, the lives of the apostles, St. John of the Cross, Aquinas, and even Dante, they explore:In This Episode:Real-life trials and gratitudeHaley’s hospitalization and recoveryKids’ birthdays, chipped teeth, and car troubleHow chaos at home can either crush us or deepen our trust in GodMiracles, doubt, and the desire for “proof”“If God would just give us a miracle, evangelization would be easy”The everyday miracles we ignore: the Eucharist, confession, conversionsWhy even those who saw Jesus’ miracles still doubted and fledSpiritual blindness in the apostles and in usPeter’s “I’ll never deny you” moment—and the fall that followedThe apostles missing who Jesus really is, even after years of walking with HimLooking back on friendships and seasons of life and realizing, “I was blind to how unhealthy that really was”How our culture and attachments distort our judgmentBringing politics into our faith and letting ideology outrank the GospelThe overworking dad: when “providing” becomes an excuse to avoid the harder work of fatherhoodAttachment to success, busyness, and being “the guy” who makes everything happenThe “theology guy” who knows tons about the faith but never actually prays or servesSt. John of the Cross and Aquinas on blindness of mindDisordered attachments as a cause of spiritual blindnessMisapplying first principles and deforming prudenceWhy ignorance isn’t always innocent—especially when it’s chosenDante, betrayal, and why some wounds cut so deepWhy Dante places traitors and betrayers at the bottom of hellThe pain of realizing someone you trusted was not who you thoughtHow misplaced trust in people can tempt us to distrust GodPractical ways to grow in spiritual clarityDaily (or even twice-daily) examination of conscienceHonest fraternal correction and asking your friends to tell you the truthLiving a real ascetical life: fasting, temperance, and taming appetitesSubmitting your judgment to the Church instead of making yourself the standardTurning to the sacraments—especially confession and the Eucharist—for renewed visionAlong the way, you’ll also hear:A story about accidentally using cardamom instead of cinnamon on a first dateThe strangely satisfying joy of a perfectly vacuumed game roomThe quiet fulfillment of husbandry—raising animals, caring for land, and stewarding what God has givenThis episode is an invitation to ask hard questions:Where am I convinced I’m right, but might be deeply wrong?What am I attached to that clouds my judgment?Who do I trust enough to tell me what I don’t see about myself?If you’ve ever looked back on a season of life and thought, “How did I not see

Opening: Setting the Record StraightNo, The Catholic Man Show isn’t joining The Daily Wire. A sincere congrats to Matt Fradd on taking Pints With Aquinas to a bigger platform—and a case for celebrating a brother’s success without the cynicism.Why Moves Like This MatterMedia realities, families to provide for, and why “selling out” is usually just a lazy take. Bigger reach can mean more souls reached—full stop.Pilgrimage Debrief: Rome, Florence, and AweFlorence surprises: the David, the Medici footprint, and why the city stole the show.Rome moments: St. Mary Major, the House of Loreto, and the joy of praying where the Holy Family lived.Padre Pio: devotion, controversy, and a frank take on the modern shrine aesthetic.A Feast-Day Field NoteSt. Hubert, patron of hunters, meets a proud dad moment: a 12-year-old’s first solo hunt, patience under pressure, and why rites of passage matter for boys.Main Topic: Obedience Without CaricatureAquinas on obedience: not the greatest virtue (charity is), but among the highest of the moral virtues because it orders us to the good.Catechism on authority (cf. 1897ff): authority is legitimate when it seeks the common good and respects moral law; unjust commands do not bind.Three “levels” of obedienceModern resistance to authority vs. Christian freedom: obedience is not blind; it’s charity and justice in action.Socrates, the Coliseum, and Costly WitnessA lively back-and-forth: unjust sentences, martyrdom, and whether courage sometimes looks like staying put.Fatherhood and the Pattern of ObedienceChildren learn reverence for God’s authority by seeing Dad obey the Church, pray when he doesn’t “feel like it,” and submit his will to the good.House rules and spiritual rule: why outside authority often works better than self-made resolutions.Community CornerThanks to patrons, cookies, and a few inside-baseball notes about keeping a niche Catholic show on the air without taking a dime personally.Key TakeawaysCelebrate good work when Catholic creators get a larger platform.Obedience isn’t weakness; it’s strength directed toward the highest good.Legitimate authority deserves assent; unjust commands do not.Fathers model obedience that forms a family’s conscience.Pilgrimage sharpens conviction—beauty and history catechize the heart.Mentioned in the EpisodeSt. Thomas Aquinas: Summa Theologiae, II–II, q.104 (obedience).Catechism of the Catholic Church: on authority and the common good (around 1897–1904).St. Hubert: patron saint of hunters.Padre Pio: witness of obedience amid misunderstanding.House of Loreto, St. Mary Major, Florence’s David: moments where beauty meets belief.

Recording on the move along the Adriatic, the guys sit down in Italy with their spiritual guide and friend Fr. Stuart Crevecour to talk about Eucharistic adoration—what it is, why it matters, and how to begin. From stories of Eucharistic miracles in Cascia and Orvieto to practical advice for dads bringing kids to the chapel, this episode explores how adoration “holds a moment of the Mass” so Christ can transform our week. Along the way: pilgrimage anecdotes, incorrupt saints, and a few dad-joke detours.Segment GuideOn the Road (and Sea): Why This Episode Is DifferentFirst-ever episode recorded in transit—pilgrimage vibes, College GameDay energy, and what a Jubilee year in Italy feels like.Eucharistic Miracles: From Casual Irreverence to Deep ConversionThe bleeding breviary in Cascia and the miracle preserved in Orvieto become cautionary tales—and catalysts—for reverence and faith.What Adoration Is (and Isn’t)Fr. Stuart offers a simple frame: adoration as a moment of the Mass held in contemplation—the elevation “stretched” so we can gaze and be changed.Does It Really Do Anything? Why GoFrom “just try it” to “I can’t live without my hour,” we hear how steady time before the monstrance re-centers a life and renews prayer.Awkward at First: How to Start a Holy HourBring a rosary or a good spiritual book. Expect silence to feel long. Keep going. Over time, conversation gives way to presence.Spiritual Communion: When You Can’t ReceiveMaking a spiritual communion at home or in church keeps us oriented toward the tabernacle—especially helpful in seasons of waiting or constraint.Benediction: A Different Kind of BlessingWhy the blessing at the end of adoration is unique: you’re being blessed by Christ himself, truly present in the Host.Family Adoration (Without the Panic)Practical ideas: parish “family holy hours,” short come-and-go windows, and training kids gently in reverence (yes, even page-turning).If Your Parish Doesn’t Have AdorationHow to ask your pastor for a weekly hour or occasional exposition—and ways laity can help make it happen.From Medieval Piety to Today’s RenewalHow devotion blossomed after Corpus Christi and grew again in recent decades—feeding vocations, parish life, and personal holiness.Key TakeawaysAdoration deepens Communion. It doesn’t replace the Mass; it disposes us to receive the Eucharist more fruitfully.Start small, stay steady. Twenty minutes grows into an hour; over time, you won’t want to miss it.Bring the kids. Create kid-friendly windows or family hours; let children encounter Jesus and learn chapel habits gradually.Spiritual communion matters. If you can’t receive sacramentally, orient yourself to the tabernacle and keep showing up.Benediction blesses uniquely. The blessing is given with Christ himself, not merely by the priest.Memorable Lines“Adoration is a moment of the Mass held in contemplation.”“You can’t outgive the Lord—show up and let Him do the work.”“Hang out with Jesus often; we become like the people we’re with.”“Correct the [Eucharistic] abuses, but don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.”How to Begin a Holy Hour (Simple Plan)Arrive and acknowledge: a slow Sign of the Cross; “Lord, I’m here.”Read briefly (5–10 min): a Gospel passage or trusted spiritual...

Adam and Dave are broadcasting from the heart of Assisi, Italy—knee-deep in pilgrimage vibes with St. Francis, St. Clare, and the whole crew. They break down the "establish" pillar of fatherhood (you know, the third leg of protect-provide-establish) and get talk about turning your home into fertile soil where your family's faith thrives. Recorded right after a providential run-in with a fan who spotted Adam's voice in the wild—shoutout to Kel from Illinois!Key Highlights:Pilgrimage Gold: Fresh off praying at St. Francis' tomb and St. Clare's incorrupt body. Plus, stories of Francis dodging death in the Holy Land because even the Saracens couldn't handle his holiness. Spiritual overload = total win.The Father's Job: Establish a Culture: Forget the 30-something basement-dwellers—it's time to till that family soil like a pro vintner. They riff on winery chats: Every plot's different, climates change, so adapt your strategy. Build traditions around high feasts (Christmas Nativity read-aloud before gifts? Yes!), guard your wife's prayer time, and echo that husband-wife holiness down to the kids.Resilience Like the Saints: One bad call ruins your day? No. Channel St. Clare ("No suffering bothers me!") and blind-but-joyful St. Francis. Practice gratitude, God's-will-be-done prayers, and bounce back fast—'cause your mood sets the home tone.Focus or Bust: Saints win by laser-focus on holiness. Ditch the noise (X, YouTube, endless projects). Adam's hack: Stopwatch your day. Shocking how 25 minutes of "deep work" gets hijacked by texts. Apply it home—clock real presence with kids over fence-painting busywork.Adam's Four Pillars to Cultivate Christian Life:Silence – God's language. Train kids to quiet appetites at home so they can apply it at Holy Mass.Reverence – Rebel against irreverence. Yes sir/ma'am, genuflect at churches, dress sharp for Mass—builds love for the Eucharist.Hard Work – Outpace 90% by pushing past "I can't." Sports, chess, prayer, fasting—saints weren't smarter, just tougher.Charity – The supernatural crescendo. Serve without quid pro quo (Catechism 2223). Punch in pure love, St. Nick-style.Grandpa Power: You're the tradition custodian! Give "state of the union" fireplaceside talks like Adam's grandpa—wisdom from the trenches and the hilltop.Soul-Crafting Close: Italian churches are stunning, but one holy soul outshines 'em all. You're the craftsman for your wife's and kids' souls—steward God's talents like your life depends on it (spoiler: it does).Action Steps for Catholic Dads:Tonight: List 3 family traditions to start (feast-focused first).Tomorrow: Stopwatch 1 hour of undistracted kid-time. No phone.This Week: Guard your wife's prayer slot—strictly.Pray: "Lord, till my home soil for saints."

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Morey, the prior at Clear Creek Abbey, to discuss the vital role of fathers in passing down faith and tradition. Fr. Morey shares insights from his life as a Benedictine monk, including the importance of spiritual protection for families, the power of fasting as a group, and how manual labor connects men to reality. We dive into why a lack of tradition signals a loss of culture, the spiritual warfare fathers face, and practical advice for men striving for holiness. Plus, learn about the "deposition of charges" at the monastery and why relics, not money, are the true treasure. Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom from the cloister, recorded at the ninth annual Catholic Man Campout at Clear Creek Abbey.Key Points:The role of fathers as spiritual protectors of their families.Why fasting and prayer are essential for building virtue.The connection between manual labor and a man’s soul.How receiving and transmitting tradition is key to a thriving culture.Clear Creek Abbey’s fundraising efforts to complete their monastery.Call to Action: Visit clearcreekmonks.org to support the monastery’s mission.

OverviewAdam shares a sideline story from coaching I-9 flag football—including a bold moment of public prayer—and the guys dive into practical Marian devotion for men. Plus: the legendary Catholic Man Show Campout, a hilarious kiddo/arcade saga, and this week’s whiskey.In This EpisodeCoaching & Courage: How an I-9 format works for big families, simple plays that win, and leading a team in prayer after a teammate’s injury.Being Bold in Public Faith: Why most people respect prayer, overcoming hesitation, and letting charity—not fear—set the tone.Marian Devotion for Men:Mary as Queen Mother and model disciple (why Mariology protects sound Christology).Practical “Marian hacks”: entrusting your prayers to Mary; asking for her heart before Holy Communion; Undoer of Knots novena.Old Testament typology (Jael, Judith, New Eve) and “she will crush your head” (Gen 3:15).Whiskey of the Week: Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottling from Tomatin (Highland), 9-year, charred hogshead, ~59% ABV—hot but opens beautifully with a splash; oak-forward finish.Campout Buzz: Men flying in from across the country; new activities; documentary coming to YouTube.Family & Fun: The token machine misadventure (fire trucks, free passes, and a parental facepalm).Key TakeawaysWhen in doubt, pray anyway—most onlookers receive it as a kind gesture.Daily Rosary is a proven aid against habitual sin (per spiritual masters).Offer your prayers through Mary so she can “clean them up” and present them to Jesus.Consider Total Consecration (St. Louis de Montfort) to root your day-to-day in Marian discipleship.Mentions & ResourcesRosary episode with Dominicans: Fr. Gregory Pine, Fr. Patrick Briscoe, Fr. Joseph Anthony KressSelect International Tours – long-time show sponsor for pilgrimagesDevotions: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots novena; Total Consecration (St. Louis de Montfort); Glories of Mary (St. Alphonsus Liguori)

This week on The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome Chris Carstens—Director of the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, teacher, author, and liturgical scholar.Together, they dive deep into the heart of Catholic worship and explore:How fathers can introduce young children to the beauty of the Mass—even when it feels like a workout.Why children belong in the main body of the church, not just the cry room.The meaning and role of altar serving and how it shapes boys into men of faith.Insights into the ordinary form vs. extraordinary form conversation, and how Pope Benedict XVI envisioned “mutual enrichment.”What the Eucharistic revival accomplished and why the Mass itself is the greatest act of Eucharistic adoration.Practical steps to make parish liturgies more beautiful, reverent, and evangelizing.Resources and books to help families grow deeper in love with the liturgy, such as A Devotional Journey into the Mass and A Biblical Walk Through the Mass.About our guest:Chris Carstens has spent over 25 years in liturgical ministry, teaching at the Liturgical Institute and Christendom College, and serving as editor of Adoremus Bulletin. He is the author of several books on Catholic worship and continues to help parishes and families rediscover the beauty of the Mass.👉 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Adoremus BulletinA Devotional Journey into the Mass (Sophia Institute Press)Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Edward SriJesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre

Why does the Rosary matter? How do you pray it well when distractions hit? And what about devotion to Mary — is it too much, or exactly what we need?In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome three Dominican priests: • Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. • Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P. • Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P.They dive into:✅ The history and power of the Rosary✅ Practical advice on handling distractions in prayer✅ The Luminous Mysteries and why they matter today✅ Mary’s role as Mediatrix of Grace✅ Live audience Q&AThis lively, insightful, and often funny conversation will deepen your love for the Rosary and inspire greater devotion in your prayer life.Looking for a book to turn your home into a saint-making machine?https://ascensionpress.com/products/living-beyond-sunday-making-your-home-a-holy-placeBecome a patron and get TCMS whisky glasses and/or beer glasses just like you see on the show: https://www.patreon.com/thecatholicmanshowNew to the show? Check out these cool episodes we did with guests and without guests: https://thecatholicmanshow.com/new-to-the-catholic-man-show/Check us out on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecatholicmanshow/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatholicManShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicmanshowPodcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/thecatholicmanshow/

On this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome Brandon Sheard — homesteader, butcher, and teacher — to talk about the lost art of traditional husbandry and meat preservation. Brandon shares why skills like butchering, curing, and cooking matter for men, families, and Catholic culture.From the cultural and spiritual meaning of feasts like Christmas, with roast goose and black and white pudding, to the role of men in providing for their households, Brandon offers both practical wisdom and timeless tradition. He also discusses his upcoming book on raising and harvesting pigs, plus the benefits of his membership site featuring step-by-step homesteading videos.Listeners will learn how Catholic tradition, food, and masculinity intersect — and how reviving these skills can strengthen community and faith.Episode Highlights:Why traditional meat preservation is vital for family and cultureThe role of feasts in Catholic traditionPractical skills every man should know in the kitchen and fieldUpcoming opportunities to learn butchering firsthandAction items from this episode:Live lamb harvest and butchering demonstration at the Catholic Man Show campoutOctober 2-day class on harvesting and butchering Dexter cattleJoin the Farmstead Meatsmith Membership and get 1 month free by using "CatholicManShow" as a discount.

What does it mean to be a Christian man, husband, and father in today’s secular culture? Actor and Christian leader Kirk Cameron joins Adam Minihan for a powerful conversation about reclaiming fatherhood, cultivating virtue, and leading your family toward heaven.Kirk shares practical wisdom on:Why dads must be the primary educators of their childrenThe danger of pornography and fractured marriagesLiving by example so your kids know Christ is realBuilding authentic male friendships and brotherhoodHow joy and gratitude give men strength in a hostile cultureThis episode of The Catholic Man Show is a call for men to stop settling for mediocrity and start living with purpose. If you’re ready to embrace your role as protector, provider, and spiritual leader of your family—this one’s for you.

Every man needs a rule of life—a clear, concrete framework that keeps prayer, family, work, and virtue in order. Without it, we risk wasting time, neglecting our duties, and drifting through life. With it, we gain clarity, perseverance, and a spiritual roadmap toward sanctity.In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, we explore:Natural benefits of a rule: better use of time, decisiveness, consistency, and efficiency.Supernatural benefits: transforming daily actions into prayer, combating disorder, and conforming life to God’s will.For your neighbor: how your fidelity inspires others, balances prayer and apostolic works, and sanctifies your community.The right balance: flexibility without laxity, firmness without scrupulosity.Concrete considerations: prayer, family life, work, personal discipline, community, and apostolic action.A rule of life isn’t about rigidity—it’s about freedom: God first, then your soul, your family, and your apostolate.“He who lives by rule, lives unto God.”

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David wrestle with advice, masculinity, and the struggle for holiness. Drawing from the wisdom of Venerable Fulton Sheen, they explore the three causes of love, the mystery of prayer, and why real men must go beyond “average” to pursue heroic virtue. Along the way, they share stories of fraternity, marriage, business, and spiritual battles—and how the simple thought “Just do it” can transform your daily walk with Christ.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why comparing yourself to the “average American man” sets the bar far too lowFulton Sheen’s teaching on goodness, knowledge, and similarity as foundations of loveThe tension between prayer as desire vs. prayer as dutyWhy saints are extraordinary men and women who embrace heroic virtue“Just do it” as a rule for the spiritual life, work, and family lifeThe role of suffering and sacrifice in becoming extraordinaryPractical wisdom on prayer, business, and discipline for Catholic men todayA special tasting of an 18-year Orphan Barrel bourbon whiskeyUpdates on pilgrimages, the Catholic Rancho Campout, and moreKey Quotes:“Extraordinary men and women are saints because they have heroic virtue. Not just virtue—heroic virtue.”“Ordinary does not call you to get up early, to sacrifice comfort, or to fight for your family. Heroic men do.”“Sometimes, you just have to Nike up, bro. Just do it.”

In this episode, Adam and Dave start with a lighthearted story about a suspicious liquor store and end up diving into one of the most serious struggles facing men today: restraining our instincts.They reflect on:The challenges of summer routines, distractions, and drifting prayer livesThe importance of order and rhythm in family and spiritual lifeHow our passions can overwhelm us if not properly trainedPractical steps for purifying the memory and avoiding near occasions of sinThe balance between embracing God’s gifts and remembering the GiverWhat it means to fight temptation as husbands and fathers, especially in seasons of abstinenceEncouragement from the spiritual masters: why pressure can be good and why we must never assume we’re immune from temptationWith humor, honesty, and practical advice, Adam and Dave remind us that peace is the tranquility of order and that holiness requires vigilance, fraternity, and grace.

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam shares a powerful story about his son, a food truck, and an unexpected act of virtue that left a lasting impact — not only on his son, but on him as a father. It’s not a flex… but it kind of is.What does it mean to live virtuously in public? How can one small act of kindness or virtue build up a community, shape a young man’s character, and challenge all of us to do more with what we’ve been given?Adam and David dive into:The deep value of prudence — the “charioteer” of the virtuesThe role of memory in growing in wisdomAnd of course… the return of David from his 17-month “vacation”Plus: whiskey reviews, Clear Creek Abbey updates, the Catholic Man Show Campout hype, and why From Silence to Silence is the book to read for St. Michael’s Lent.This episode is a mix of fraternal storytelling, serious virtue talk, and a challenge to be the kind of man whose actions ripple into eternity.Challenge This Week:Be like the man at the food truck — notice virtue, call it out, and reward it. Then invite a brother to join you for St. Michael’s Lent starting August 15.Mentioned Resources:From Silence to Silence by Fr. Francis BethelAscend Podcast by Dcn. Harrison GarlickThe Intellectual Life by SertillangesBooker’s Bourbon - The “Pond Batch”Exodus 90 – Sign up for St. Michael’s Lent🎟️ Campout info (for patrons first!): TheCatholicManShow.com✈️ Pilgrimage with us to Italy: Spots are filling fast!

Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker and his wife Isabelle discuss marriage, fatherhood, motherhood, and raising virtuous children in a chaotic world.Isabelle opens up about the often unseen strength of motherhood, the beauty of sacrifice, and what young women should look for in a husband. Harrison shares what he admires most about his wife, how they live out their vocations as Catholic parents, and why men must reclaim their role as spiritual leaders in the home.In this episode:The complementary roles of fatherhood and motherhoodWhy suffering well is at the heart of sainthoodAdvice for young men & women discerning marriageHow to form children in faith without losing sight of the homeThe power of presence, prayer, and humility in family lifeWhether you’re a parent, single, dating, or discerning your vocation, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to pursue holiness in your home.

Matt Walsh on Rest, Leisure, and Why Men Need to Get Off Their PhonesIn this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam Minihan and David Niles sit down with Matt Walsh — Catholic commentator, author, and host of The Matt Walsh Show — for a conversation on leisure, manhood, and how technology is reshaping our minds.Matt shares his perspective on the modern man’s crisis of leisure, the dangers of mindless scrolling, and why intentional hobbies like fishing or board games are more than just recreation — they’re necessary for the soul.They discuss:Why men today are worse at leisure than their grandfathersHow social media disorders our view of restThe connection between leisure, joy, and being fully humanHow to foster habits of real leisure in your home and familyWhy every man needs one good hobby — and why that hobby should help you disconnectMatt also reflects on the importance of silence, presence, and being able to simply “be” without needing to consume content or noise.Sponsor:Check out The Catholic Woodworker for heirloom-quality rosaries: https://catholicwoodworker.com/

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles share personal anecdotes and deep spiritual insights, focusing on the challenge of distractions in prayer. From road trip stories to household mishaps, the hosts set the stage with relatable humor before diving into a discussion inspired by St. Thomas Aquinas and Father Frederick Faber. They explore the five fountains of distraction in prayer, offering practical advice for cultivating a deeper prayer life by addressing distractions outside of prayer time.Key Discussion Points:Opening Banter (00:00:19 - 00:04:50): David recounts his family road trip to Wyoming, including an unexpected stop in Denver and the challenges of traveling with six kids. Adam shares his chaotic week of household breakdowns, from a malfunctioning dishwasher to a beeping van door and a broken lawnmower, humorously reflecting on the "throwaway culture" he’s trying to resist.Health Struggles (00:09:01 - 00:11:24): Adam discusses a rare bout of heartburn that kept him up at night, highlighting his lack of Tums and his struggle to lead a meeting while sleep-deprived and feverish. David relates to his heartburn experience from a past "one chip challenge" on the show.Sponsorship Spotlight (00:12:00 - 00:12:39): The hosts thank Select International Tours, a long-time sponsor, for their reliable pilgrimage offerings. They encourage listeners to visit selectinternationaltours.com for details on their upcoming October pilgrimage to Italy, emphasizing the ideal weather and transformative experience.What We’re Drinking (00:37:02 - 00:37:26): Adam and David enjoy Wyoming Whiskey, a bourbon David praises for its affordability ($30 in Wyoming) and delicious flavor, making it a fitting choice for the episode.Main Topic: Distractions in Prayer (00:15:28 - 01:11:09):Personal Reflection: Adam shares a moment of grace in adoration, where he asked God to reveal impediments in his prayer life. A distracting phone check during a conversation revealed his struggle with presence, sparking a realization about the need for focus in both human and divine relationships.Theological Foundation: Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica (Second Part of the Second Part) and Father Walter Farrell’s Companion to the Summa, the hosts discuss prayer as an act of the will, preceded by the intellect. They reference the Baltimore Catechism’s teaching that we are made to “know, love, and serve” God, emphasizing that knowing God fuels love, which leads to service.Five Fountains of Distraction (Father Frederick Faber):Disordered Health: An obsession with health (valetudinarian state) can distract from tranquility in prayer, unlike true suffering, which can draw one closer to God when united with the Cross.Actions of the Holy Spirit: Distractions can serve as a crucible to humble and purify, grounding believers in deeper devotion by burning away self-love.The Devil: Demonic distractions are marked by their abundance, vivid imagery, soul-disquieting nature, disconnection from daily life, repetitive patterns, and potential to lead to sin. Custody of the eyes, especially against sins of the sixth and ninth commandments, is crucial to limit the devil’s influence.Inculpable Self: Unintentional distractions arise from temperament, imagination, or poor spiritual direction, which are not deliberately chosen but still disrupt prayer.Culpable Self: Deliberately entertained distractions are grave sins if knowingly allowed during time owed to God. These include:Bodily Sources: Lack...