Seeking Excellence with Nathan Crankfield

SummaryIn this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Kelly Lugo to discuss the complex realities of divorce, single parenthood, and how the church can minister compassionately without compromising its teachings. We explore how to balance love, truth, and mercy while embracing God's design for the family.Key Takeaways:Balancing ideals and nuance in family life and divorce How to support and minister to divorced and single parentsThe importance of sharing personal faith stories to strengthen belief Strategies for raising children in faith in a secular environment The role of community and belonging in healing wounds Navigating difficult Church teachings on remarriage and annulments The significance of spiritual maturity and authentic discipleship Embracing the messiness of human relationships with love and truth Subscribe for more episodes on marriage, family, leadership, and masculinity.Find exclusive content on Locals!https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

SummaryIn this conversation, I discuss the current state of masculinity and 5 key factors that undermine it. I outline the five silent killers of masculinity: pornography, escapist entertainment, gambling, neglecting physical strength, and doom scrolling. TakeawaysMasculinity has been under attack for decades.Men are meant to lead, protect, and provide.Pornography is a significant threat to masculinity.Escapist entertainment can distract from real-life responsibilities.Gambling can ruin families and lead to financial instability.Physical strength is essential for overall well-being.Doom scrolling can increase anxiety and depression.Men should strive for personal growth and excellence.Accountability is crucial in overcoming personal struggles.Engagement with family is vital for a fulfilling life.Subscribe for conversations on family life, marriage, leadership, faith, and personal excellence.Join the SE Community on Locals here https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/And access the content I referred to in the video!

SummaryIn this episode of Seeking Excellence, Emily and I explore the dynamics of marriage, focusing on the challenges and joys of maintaining a happy relationship. We share personal experiences from our journey through marriage counseling, how it helped us address recurring issues, and improve our relationship. TakeawaysMarriage requires ongoing effort and communication.Counseling can provide valuable tools for relationship growth.Having fun together strengthens marital bonds.Balancing work and personal life is crucial.Spirituality plays a key role in marriage.Addressing issues early prevents long-term problems.Personal growth contributes to a healthy relationship.Understanding each other's needs is essential.Flexibility and adaptability are important in marriage.Celebrating small victories enhances relationship satisfaction.Subscribe for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

SummaryIn this conversation, I share my insights on becoming a great husband and father, especially the importance of daily habits, spiritual leadership, and financial responsibility. I outline five key habits that can help men thrive in their roles, including prayer, reading, exercise, romance, and budgeting. Key TakeawaysMany men desire to be great husbands and fathers despite lacking role models.A clear set of criteria can guide personal development in faith.Daily habits of prayer, reading, and exercise are essential for excellence.Spiritual leadership in the home is a crucial responsibility for fathers.Children emulate their parents' behaviors, both good and bad.Reading is vital for personal growth and understanding.Physical activity is important for setting a healthy example.Regular date nights foster intimacy and connection in marriage.Financial responsibility is a key aspect of being a family leader.Recognizing areas for improvement is the first step towards growth.Follow along for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Blake Brouillette from Christ in the City and discuss the complexities of poverty, the role of charity, and the importance of personal relationships in addressing societal issues. We explore the challenges of balancing government and personal responsibility, the impact of community and personal encounters, and the transformative power of generosity and service. TakeawaysPoverty is a complex issue that requires both systemic and personal approaches.Personal relationships are crucial in addressing societal issues effectively.Generosity and service have transformative power for both giver and receiver.Balancing government and personal responsibility is key in addressing poverty.Community involvement enhances the impact of charitable efforts.Relational charity is more effective than transactional approaches.Personal encounters can break down barriers and build trust.The role of charity is not just to provide but to empower individuals.Understanding individual stories is essential in effective charity work.Generosity should be guided by compassion and understanding.Follow along for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

In this episode, I explore the concept of giving God your best, particularly as a husband and father. I discuss the importance of striving for excellence in one's spiritual life and offer five key questions to help listeners reflect on their spiritual journey. These questions can aid in intentionality in prayer, evangelization, service, and generosity, encouraging listeners to build a life of sainthood through daily commitment and action.Some Key Takeaways:Reflect on the love of God as seen in the crucifix.Strive to give God your best in all aspects of life.Ask yourself five key questions to enhance your spiritual journey.Embrace the universal call to sainthood.Prioritize prayer and make it a scheduled part of your day.Evangelize by sharing your faith with others.Serve others through acts of kindness and hospitality.Be generous with your time, talents, and resources.Recognize the importance of building a life of sainthood over time.Commit to daily actions that reflect your spiritual goals.Subscribe for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

In this episode of Seeking Excellence, my wife Emily and I discuss the intricacies of family planning, focusing on strategizing, goal setting, and decision-making as a family. We share our experiences and insights on creating a vision for our family, the importance of accountability, and the evolution of our planning process over the years. Some takeaways from this video include: Start family planning early to gain valuable insights.Accountability is key to achieving family goals.Balance planning with flexibility for best results.Incorporate spirituality into family planning.Communication is crucial for successful family planning.Collaborate with your partner to set family goals.Reflect on past experiences to improve future planning.Set realistic and achievable goals for your family.Celebrate achievements and learn from setbacks.Use family planning as a tool for personal growth.Subscribe for conversations on family life, marriage, leadership, faith, and personal excellence.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

In this conversation, I discuss the potential of the new year, emphasizing the importance of setting goals and taking action to achieve them. I highlight common challenges people face in maintaining their resolutions and offer strategies for overcoming these obstacles.In this episode, I cover:Enter the new year with optimism and hope.Recognize the common struggle of maintaining New Year's resolutions.Embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.Let go of entitlement and adopt a mindset of service.Implement rewards and consequences for personal accountability.Prioritize your success and growth over comfort.Make sacrifices to achieve your goals.Reflect on past failures to avoid repeating them.Set clear, actionable steps towards your dreams.This year can be a year of significant progress.Subscribe for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

In this episode of Seeking Excellence, my wife Emily and I sit down to share a full family update after one of the biggest seasons of change in our lives.We talk honestly about moving from Denver to Kansas City, welcoming our second child, living temporarily with family, traveling constantly, finding a new parish, rebuilding routines, and learning how to stay grounded as a young Catholic family during major transition.This is a real conversation about marriage, parenting, faith, finances, community, and peace in the middle of change. If you’re considering a big move, adjusting to life with kids, or trying to build a strong family culture while everything feels new, this episode is for you.In this video, we cover:Moving states as a family and what we learnedLife with two kids and toddler transitionsFinding peace during constant changeBuilding routines, rhythms, and stabilityCost of living, housing decisions, and financesParish life, community, and belongingMarriage, parenting, and faith in real lifeSubscribe for conversations on family life, marriage, leadership, faith, and personal excellence.

2025 was one of the most intense years of my life.In this episode of Seeking Excellence, I share 12 hard-earned lessons from 2025 that helped me grow as a husband, father, leader, and professional. From grief and major life changes to career growth, marriage counseling, discipline, fitness, faith, money, and parenting, these lessons are practical, honest, and tested in real life.If you’re navigating change, feeling stretched thin, or trying to avoid drifting in your personal life, marriage, career, or faith, this episode is for you.In this video, I cover:How to handle major life transitions without losing yourselfWhy routines matter most during chaosThe truth about marriage counseling and accountabilityScreen addiction, discipline, and focusFitness, prayer, and habits that fuel excellenceMoney, contentment, and lifestyle decisionsParenting, discipline, and raising strong kidsLeadership lessons from work, coaching, and speakingWhether you’re preparing for 2026 or just trying to live with more intention, these lessons will help you build a life of personal excellence.Subscribe for weekly content on leadership, faith, discipline, personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and living an excellent life.Join the SE Community on Locals here!! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/

Fill out the SE feedback form to help guide content planning in 2026: https://forms.gle/kgcFYL9W3HU6dRCT8Join us on Locals so you don't miss weekly articles, live streams, and more! https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/landing/videoThank you to our supporters! We greatly appreciate your encouragement and belief in our mission. Let's make 2026 our best year yet!

Without vision, the people will perish. If you don't take initiative and responsibility for your life and for your family, who will? In this video, I walkthrough a great strategy for annual family planning in a way that will impress your wife and bring her clarity, peace, and confidence going into the rest of 2026. For access to the resources mentioned in this video, join our Locals community for free at https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/landing/video

Want to make 2026 an excellent year? Join the SE community on Locals so you don't miss weekly articles, livestreams, and newsletters! Join us here: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/landing/video You can join as a paid supporter for 40% off until 12/31! Nathan Crankfield discusses why New Year's resolutions often fail and offers practical tips for setting and achieving goals in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, creating action goals, and setting checkpoints throughout the year. Nathan also introduces his coaching program, the Excellent Life program, which helps individuals set and achieve goals across six pillars of excellence: mind, professional life, finances, relationships, spiritual life, and physical health.To apply for the Excellent Life Program, visit our website here: https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching

SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of family dynamics during the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and managing expectations to maintain peace and joy. Crankfield encourages listeners to view challenging family interactions as opportunities for personal growth and sanctification, while also advocating for discernment in conversations to foster healthier relationships.Chapters00:00 Navigating Holiday Stress02:15 Prioritizing Family Values04:50 Managing Expectations07:47 View It As Sanctification10:46 The Importance of Self-Care13:31 Quality vs. Quantity in RelationshipsThanks for watching, and Merry Christmas! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and connect with us on social media.LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the importance of budgeting during the holiday season, offering practical tips to manage expenses and avoid financial stress. He emphasizes the need for intentionality in spending, the impact of social pressure, and the significance of staying aligned with one's financial goals. The discussion also touches on the balance between generosity and financial responsibility, encouraging listeners to focus on meaningful connections rather than consumerism.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Updates04:00 Why Holiday Spending Gets Out of Control08:00 How to Build a Simple, Stress-Free Christmas Budget12:00 Avoid the Post-Holiday Debt Trap16:00 Give With Purpose18:05 Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

SummaryIn this recording of the final parish mission talk, Nathan Crankfield explores the concept of hope as a theological virtue, emphasizing the importance of trust in God and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming fear, the significance of failure, and the role of suffering in deepening faith. Crankfield highlights the necessity of participating in the life of the Church, including the sacraments and prayer, as essential components of spiritual growth. He concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace hope and actively engage in their faith community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hope and Its Importance04:59 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith08:32 The Role of Suffering in Building True Hope11:43 Relying on the Holy Spirit for Strength18:39 The Journey of Faith: Trusting God's Plan22:20 The Four Pillars of the Catechism and Their Relevance28:19 The Importance of Prayer in Spiritual Growth33:43 Conclusion: Embracing Hope and Making a DifferenceJoin Pray25 on Hallow ⁠⁠here!⁠⁠If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield emphasizes the significance of the Advent season as a time for spiritual preparation and reflection. He discusses the importance of evaluating who we listen to and how that influences our spiritual growth. Crankfield encourages listeners to prepare for the new year by focusing on their spiritual lives, maximizing their time during Advent, and embracing silence amidst distractions. He challenges listeners to make Advent meaningful and to set goals that align with their faith and personal growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advent and Its Importance03:50 Living with Urgency: Spiritual Preparation06:34 We Need Silence09:43 Maximizing Time for Spiritual Growth12:13 Make Advent Great Again15:28 Conclusion and Call to ActionFind Waiting Well with Father Mike Schmitz here!Join Pray25 on Hallow here!If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

It's the most wonderful time of the year - which means the Santa debate is BACK! Is Santa innocent fun or is it based on immoral lies deceiving children? Watch this video for some sane takes on the Santa debate!

SummaryIn this recording of the second parish mission talk, Nathan Crankfield explores the themes of hope, faith, and personal growth through his own experiences and reflections. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the definition of hope, and how it can be a choice, especially in family life. Through personal stories and biblical references, he illustrates the challenges of life, the role of suffering in building endurance, and the necessity of trusting God during difficult times. The discussion culminates in a call to action for parents and individuals to share their faith and hope with others, particularly the younger generation.Chapters00:00 The Gift of Hope05:00 Trusting Jesus in Family Life10:00 Navigating Suffering and Loss15:00 Building Endurance Through Trials20:00 Choosing Hope Daily25:00 Overcoming Discouragement30:00 Hope in Action35:00 Final Reflections & ClosingJoin Pray25 on Hallow ⁠here!⁠If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

Join the SE Supporters for just $60 for an annual subscription. You will get: -A free book and t-shirt! -Weekly livestream, article, and newsletter -Daily reflections and resources to help you on your path to personal greatness Use promo code ADVENT25 for 40% off the annual subscriptionTALK ABOUT CONTROVERSY This episode has been a long time coming - the battle between Candace and TPUSA has been spiraling out of control. Bridget joins me to share her thoughts on the situation that is rapidly dividing the Conservative movement.