Way of the Heart Podcast

Jake and Brett wrap up the season reflecting on all that they heard from their great guests throughout this series about the Good Life. They discuss the themes that tied many of the episodes from this season together like the importance of brotherhood & seeking truth. At the end, they give a sneak preview of what to look forward to next season. Key Points Revisiting the highlights from the guests this season The importance of brotherhood for living the Good Life Living according to truth, no matter what the culture is telling us How we can help our children live the Good Life Discussing resources people can use to better live the Good Life Introduction of the theme for the next season References John Eldredge Books & PodcastJordan Peterson Books & Podcast“Live Not by Lies” by Rod DreherGeorge Wiegel’s Book on Vatican II “To Sanctify the World”“Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonaldWide Open Spaces Podcast Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Brett talk with Father Boniface Hicks, a monk who serves as the director of The Institute for Ministry Formation at St Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is also Jake’s spiritual director. :) This conversation dives deep into this season's topic of "the Good Life?" from the perspective of a monk. The guys talk about the different ways to be a man and how the lives of the saints contrasts with how society tells us to live.  Key Points What the good life looks like in the priesthood/religious life. Learning from the saints about what life can look like. Dealing with repetitive tasks as a priest, husband and father and how to keep our hearts in it. What it means to let yourself be loved. The false pursuits people often follow that don't actually lead to happiness. Why St. Joseph is a strong male role model. Being overwhelmed in inadequacy.   Key Quotes “Love until it hurts and then there is no more hurt & only more love.” Mother Theresa “St. Joseph was perpetually inadequate but never weak.” -Jake References Fr. Boniface’s WebsiteThe Institute for Ministry Formation @ Saint Vincent Seminary Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic  

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake & Brett are joined by long time friend, Peter White. Peter is a Registered Clinical Counselor that has known Jake professionally for years and watched Brett hoop during his prime basketball years. They discuss a wide variety of topics including the beauty and difficulties of marriage, how men and women respond differently to conflict, how conflict can lead to great things & the importance of good fathers. This is one of our deepest conversations yet and we hope that it speaks to your heart. Key Points The beauty and difficulties of marriage. A discussion about how people, especially men, get married without an understanding of what it takes for a marriage to thrive. Trends in boy’s/men’s personal growth since the feminist movement Psychologically, men tend to have a fight or flight mentality. Women tend to have a tend and mend mentality. This dates back to the earliest humans. Men tend to fight alone. Women work together.  Conflict in marriage can be generative. The importance of fatherhood. Inviting our sons to something higher by letting them punch a little above their weight. The distorted desire to build an empire instead of serving your neighbor. How to drop the facade and get to more of your true self.   Key Quotes “Most men are far more sensitive than they let on.” -Peter “Your wife cannot fully understand the contents of your heart if you’re shouting at her.” -Peter    References Peter’s Website Warren Farrell’s Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake and Brett are joined by a close friend of the show, Dr. Christopher West. Christopher is a renowned Catholic author and speaker on the topic of human sexuality. This conversation touches on many topics that appear in our everyday lives. The guys also address the temptations of worldly desires and how they give a false sense of what is considered good. Dr. West shares several examples from his life experiences about what “the good life” has meant to him and the lessons he has learned in his personal life and professional training. Key Points The modern idea of the good life that is pushed on us in today’s culture is actually a lie There is always going to be an unreachable ideal of what society expects you to be Having security in yourself as it comes from the Father A discussion of the 4 levels of happiness The idea of the good life being a journey References Dr. West’s Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Brett sit down this week and speak with Dr John Bergsma. Dr. Bergsma is a professor at Franciscan University and one of the leading Scripture scholars in the nation. The guys talk about “The Good Life” and how it relates to Dr. Bergsma’s personal faith and professional expertise. They touch on how the Catholic faith allows people to connect with the Father through both Scripture & Tradition and what cultivating a deeper relationship with the Lord might look like. Key Points Why we need more than just the Bible as Catholics. How Scripture and Tradition work hand in hand. What it means for a man to have access to his heart and how that awareness helps us to grow into better men. What the good life means to Dr. Bergsma Maximilian Kolbe - What is sin? We are loved by a God that wants to be our Father What is the weight of the word "good?" Making "Nourish and Cherish" a central part of your relationships References Dr. Bergsma’s Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic  

Way of the Heart continues diving deeper into the theme of “the Good Life.” Joined by Bishop Scott McCaig, the guys dive into conversation regarding the 4 levels of happiness and how that contributes towards our fulfillment. They discuss how the levels of happiness help motivate us to become a better person and often leads to improving the quality of life for yourself and family. They also take a look into the many unhealthy desires for success that people hold in their hearts. This episode is a must listen for anyone wanting to learn more about how to use the levels of happiness to satisfy their needs for fulfillment. Key Points The good life is reaching happiness on all four of it’s levels The foundations of the idea of the good life is the Greek philosophers Finding happiness in something external is the most basic level of happiness: material objects, physical pleasures, etc. The pros and cons associated with the pursuit of each level of happiness Owning possessions is fine unless you let the possessions own you Happiness by comparison. Being happy due to your successes. Happiness from doing good for others. Happiness from reaching out with our hearts to other people. Perfect happiness recognizes that our deepest fulfillment yearns for something not of this world: Heaven.  References“Fulfillment of All Desire” by Ralph Martin “Finding True Happiness” by Fr. Robert Spitzer“Flourishing: Why We Need Religion in a Globalized World” by Miroslav Volf Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett begin Season 13 with the primary question of “Are you happy?” They discuss where they will be headed in their new season about “the good life.” The guys open up about their personal lives and dive into the matters of the heart on what truly makes them happy and fulfilled. They explain how this season they will be laying out the groundwork for a life worth living. Get ready to explore how we can all live more peaceful, loving and fulfilling lives this season. Key Points Are you happy? We have to take a step back and get under surface level thoughts to examine what is going on deeper in our hearts What are the things that lead to a good life? “The unexamined life is not worth living” -Socrates We need relationships to help give us perspective on how our lives are going. On our own we can become complacent, too negative or over-confident. How do we find peace? ReferencesWay of the Heart S12 E7 with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett tease they’re upcoming season called “The Good Life.” They share how excited they are and Brett calls it their most important series yet! Some great conversations, guests and life lessons are coming to you starting January 11th. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!  Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett close out Season 12 with a conversation about Teddy Roosevelt’s "Citizen in a Republic" speech commonly known as the “Man in the Arena” speech. They discuss how to deal with critics(including your internal one), strive for excellence and battle in the arena of sexuality. Key Points Only voices in the arena matter. Don't listen to external critics. Sometimes the critic is our internal one. In a world of critics, we should be encouraging each other Excellence honors God but it cannot take His place We should be using our charisms to honor God and build up our family and friends, not for our own personal gain. How to battle in the arena of sexuality Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Have you ever wondered which of your every day thoughts are from God, and which are not? Or have you ever contemplated, “What’s God’s will?” when faced with a decision, big or small? A series of simple principles called the Ignatian Rules of Discernment can bring clarity to these questions and more. They are a 500-year-old playbook to understanding the spiritual movements of our everyday lives and in this bonus guest episode, Jake and Brett unpack the Fourteen Rules of Discernment with the modern master of discernment, Fr. Timothy Gallagher. Fr. Timothy has written countless books on St. Ignatius’s teachings and hosts a podcast to bring these foundational spiritual principles to a modern audience. Though they are simple, they are transformational for growth in the spiritual life. Discussion Questions What stood out to you in this episode? Before listening to this episode, had you heard of discernment? What did you think it was? How has your understanding of discernment changed after listening to this episode? Resources The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living, Fr. Timothy Gallagher (book) The Discernment of Spirits in Marriage, Fr. Timothy Gallagher (book) Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making, Fr. Timothy Gallagher (book) The Examen Prayer, Fr. Timothy Gallagher (book) Discerning Hearts - The Discernment of Spirits (podcast) frtimothygallagher.org (website) Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Today, Jake and Brett welcome their last guest of Season 12, Simon Kyne, to the podcast. You may not recognize his name, but Simon is the ‘friend’ mentioned in many stories throughout our episodes. In fact, Way of the Heart would not be here without Simon, since he introduced Jake and Brett years ago. For more than two decades, Simon has walked with Brett and Jake individually as a foxhole friend, at different times feeling called to pray for each of them for one hundred days straight. Simon joins the conversation to tackle the absolute necessity of brotherhood, loneliness and what to do when the longing for close friendship is unfulfilled. Discussion Questions What stood out to you in this episode? Who can you ‘lend strength’ to as a brother? Do you believe you are worthy of belonging and deep friendship? Resources The Pope & the CEO, Andrea Widmer (book) Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

In this episode, Jake and Brett sit down with Fr. John Riccardo, a priest from the Archdiocese of Detroit who leads a ministry called Acts 29 which helps ordained and lay leaders in this apostolic age. Fr. Riccardo is passionate about preaching the Gospel, responding to the crisis of fatherhood in the priesthood, and being authentically human. Pull up a chair and get comfortable because Fr. Riccardo is about to share a pulse on the Church like you’ve never heard it. Discussion Questions What stood out to you in this episode? How did Fr. Riccardo’s comments about the struggle of priests impact you?  Have you heard the Gospel message shared that way before? What is the response of your heart? Resources Acts XXIX Ministry You Were Born for This Podcast Episode 133:The Heart of a Shepherd, You Were Born for This Podcast Episode 47: Leading and Leadership (Part 2) with Archbishop Sample, Restore the Glory Podcast From Christendom to Apostolic Mission (book) Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Employing true critical thinking in our current cultural environment requires no small measure of courage. Our guest today, Fr. Raymond de Souza, is no stranger to making his thoughts known in the public sphere as one of the longest standing columnists for the National Post (among countless other titles and accolades). Father de Souza shares with Jake and Brett his proudest commentaries published by the paper, how his critical thinking was developed at the family dinner table, and the importance of reading books by those you do not agree with.    Discussion Questions   What stood out to you in this episode? How would you describe the line between courage and arrogance? How can we be more courageous with voicing our opinions while not becoming arrogant? What do you think of Father de Souza’s encouragement to read more, especially books by those you disagree with?   Resources   The National Post The writings of GK Chesterton The writings of GS Lewis, including “The Problem of Pain” The Hungry Soul, Leon Kass (book) The writings of Peter Kreeft Father de Souza’s website: fatherdesouza.com   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Navy SEAL? How do SEALs stay the course under the most brutal circumstances and what can we learn from them as men living in our own arenas? In this episode, Jake and Brett sit down with Sam Blair, a trained and experienced SEAL who shares the importance of being called to your work, how excellence comes down to training, and why knowing your why is the secret to persevering when things get tough.     Guiding Quote:   He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how. - Viktor Frankl   Key Points   Sam’s connection with mutual friends of Jake’s, the Benzinger family Sam’s experience of a call to join the Navy SEALS The importance of feeling called to your line of work instead of doing it to prove your worth Why excellence simply comes down to training When things get hard, you have to be confident in your why After you complete a phase in training or the spiritual life, you can expect to feel like a beginner again Healthy outlets for dealing with adversity How knowing your ‘why’ can prevent you from giving in to temptation and distractions Stepping into the arena vs being an armchair quarterback   Discussion Questions   What stood out to you in this episode? When adversity strikes, what are your outlets? Are they healthy or unhealthy? What is your ‘why’ in the arenas of your life? Where do you currently feel like a ‘beginner’ in your work, spiritual life or vocation? Could it be because you have entered into a new phase?   Resources   Sam’s Interview with Matt Fradd on Pints With Aquinas The Frassati Company   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Do you feel disillusioned by the state of the world? Are you feeling lukewarm in your faith? Jake and Brett talk to Peter Herbeck of Renewal Ministries about judgment, the grinding down of truth, redemption and hope. Peter shares pieces of his own story and how he is unafraid of dark places and hard things because of what Christ has done for him. Peter Herbeck is the Executive Vice President of Renewal Ministries, a leading voice in evangelization and renewal throughout the world.   Guiding Quote:   “I am a sick man and I need help. Please help me.” - Peter’s father   Key Points   Peter shares about his upbringing and acting out as a young boy The transformative, divine intervention that healed his father’s alcoholism Peter takes an honest look at some of his areas of weakness God’s judgment and mercy, what Peter is seeing in the culture today in a prophetic sense What you can do in your own life when you recognize the negative state of the world Why it matters that we recognize when we are ‘sick’ Peter asks, ‘Where is space to grieve?’ in the Church, and the men look at the struggles faced by the Church today How can we hope?   Discussion Questions   What stood out to you in this episode? Do you find yourself in a place of being lukewarm in your faith, or have you in the past? How do you respond to Peter’s exhortation to step into the light? Have you experienced situations where going to dark places actually gave you greater hope in the long run? How did God meet you in those places and draw you back?   Resources   Renewal Ministries Renewal Ministries on YouTube Evangelii Gaudium Restore the Glory Podcast: Episode 49 with Peter Herbeck   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Brett share their highs and lows of the summer, and introduce the theme for Season 12: Men in the Arena. Over the next few weeks, we’ll hear from five men who are living ‘in the arena,’ including a Navy SEAL, a priest and columnist for a major publication, a ministry leader, a priest engaged in parish renewal, and a high-level business executive. Jake and Brett explain what made them choose to interview each man, and tease some surprising turns in the conversations.    Guiding Quote:   “It’s not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” - Theodore Roosevelt   Key Points   Brett shares a summer high: being together face to face for the first time with his men’s group Jake’s summer high: his motorcycle trip Jake’s low: health issues with a family member and the dynamics that accompany it Brett’s low: a heart-level grasping at not wanting the summer to end In the midst of many good things/blessings, it’s easy to focus on the one or few things that aren’t going right or that have been ‘missed’ What it means to ‘be in the arena’ and how it matures us The difference between low-level and high-level-risk arenas The kind of courage that being in the arena requires Redefining failure for life in the arena The introduction of five special guests who demonstrate what it means to be a man in the arena   Discussion Questions   What stood out to you in this episode? What are the arenas I’m in? What are my low, medium and high level arenas? How do I handle failure? What do I do when a brother is in the arena? How do I respond to him?   Resources   The Men’s Retreat 2022: Man in the Arena   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett have some big announcements to share about the future of the podcast. They share about some exciting endeavors that have begun in their lives & reminisce about some of the best moments, guests & insights from the five years of Way of the Heart. Thank you for listening! If you would like to stay connected with us and stay up to date on these new projects, check out the links below. References -Big Yellow Coffee-Brett’s Life Compass Website-Brett’s Website-Life Restoration Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett have worked together with organizations to help solve some of their issues & grow in some places that needed improvement. In this episode, they share these leadership & relational skills with us! Whether you are a leader at your job, your Church or in your home, this episode has tools to help you lead well. Jake & Brett will challenge you & give you the tips & shifts in mindset that you need to be successful in all that God has called you to.   Key Points Sharing key issues that most organizations have in common. Communication tends to be an issue, both from the leaders down & from the employees up the chain. Keeping in mind the gap between what is and what should be. Leaders need to have their ears to the ground so they can hear about small problems before they snowball into larger ones. How common leadership tips work in the home. The importance of building a culture and bringing people in that fit the culture. Defensiveness slows our growth. How these principles apply to our Church & Church leaders.   References -Big Yellow Coffee-Patrick Lencioni’s Website-”Good to Great” by John Collins-”The Leadership Challenge” -Brett’s Website-Restore the Glory Podcast-”Becoming a King” by Morgan Snyder-”Waking the Dead” by John Eldredge   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett just returned from their annual men’s retreat with beautiful reflections on what the Lord did. They discuss the power of praying together, falling back in love with Jesus & how interactions with Christ may not always be what we expect but are always loving. Key Points Returned from the annual men’s retreat with reflections (and a lost voice) Brett got a rare opportunity to participate in a retreat without having to lead it or speak and it was freeing. The power of praying with other guys. We may fail, but love will never fail. Breaking out of a fun & falling back in love with Jesus…and your spouse! The woman at the well leaves her interaction with Jesus happy, even though He revealed her sin to her.   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic  

Dr. Jordan Peterson has been in the news recently so Jake & Brett discuss the situation and what they appreciate about Dr. Peterson. They share the lessons they have learned from Jordan in regards to culture, faith, fathering & more. While Dr. Peterson isn’t perfect, our hosts share that he is still one of the best thought leaders we have in our modern day. Key Points Jordan Peterson has been in the news because the regulatory body that governs counselors in Ontario is sanctioning him based on complaints they received. He is fighting against these sanctions This case is concerning for the right to free speech and restriction of non-government approved thoughts on topics like faith and morality. Jordan is a master of critiquing culture. He argues against arguments becoming simple dichotomies. Being radically in the middle is a rare but good place to be. The importance of staying calm in the midst of backlash. Jordan is a good example of fathering people who aren’t your children. Jake & Brett share examples Men need to be dangerous, but good.   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   References -Big Yellow Coffee-Brett’s Blog on Frodo being reluctant hero that Jordan Peterson retweeted-Brett’s Blog on Jordan Peterson   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic