Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

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 Chapters (00:00:00) - Your Life Decodes(00:00:33) - Joy to the World(00:03:14) - When you were 49, you were financially on the edge of life(00:10:13) - A Mother's Love Letter for Her(00:11:17) - The Gift of Influencing Lives(00:15:43) - In the Elevator With Jay-Z(00:17:11) - The Average Human Being Influences 80,000 People in Their Lifetime(00:21:44) - Chris Farley on His Book(00:24:39) - Sum Up: How to Make Friends and Influence People(00:26:53) - Don't Network, Net-Give(00:29:33) - 3 Eyes: Influence, Investment, Intent(00:34:05) - Don't Let Your Story Be About You(00:38:10) - A Story about Mrs. Lynn Lin(00:42:15) - The Gift of Influence(00:48:44) - How to Reach the People(00:49:49) - A Story of My Child(00:53:46) - The Story of Tate influencing a teen's love life(00:56:59) - Chris Melvoin on How Much Does My Life Matter?

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: What it really means to say, “He must increase, I must decrease” How to keep “first things first” and let everything else fall into place John the Baptist as a pattern of Christian living C.S. Lewis’ line: “Put first things first and you get second things thrown in…” How to examine your dreams and “drain your legacy” so it’s truly about Jesus 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 (00:00:00) - Baby's First Christmas(00:00:27) - What Dream Life Are You Trying to Build?(00:03:11) - John the Baptist(00:07:26) - A Legacy of Christian Living(00:11:11) - Walking On Water(00:11:43) - Advent is Over: Keep Lifting In

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 (00:00:00) - Beautiful reflections from Cardinal Cantalmasa(00:01:24) - Dr. Peter Malinowski on EWTN(00:01:41) - The Importance of Self Love(00:07:43) - Mission: Mission of Joy(00:14:58) - How to Love Yourself(00:19:26) - How to Accept the Love of God First(00:25:38) - How to Love Your Neighbors(00:30:58) - The Hero's Journey(00:33:12) - Self-Love for Catholics Podcast(00:37:41) - The Litany of Self-Love(00:39:56) - Deliver Me, Jesus From the Pain of Self-Hatred

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 (00:00:00) - The Secret to Flying Through Airport(00:00:13) - John the Baptist in the Airport(00:00:43) - John the Baptist(00:01:23) - John the Baptist: Stripping Down His Life(00:06:01) - Advent: To Be Converted

Why does marriage hurt—and why is that actually a good thing? In this powerful and incredibly vulnerable episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher West, the world’s leading communicator of Theology of the Body, for one of the deepest conversations we’ve ever had on this show. Christopher doesn’t just teach TOB…he lives it. And today he opens up about the most intimate parts of his story—the childhood wounds that shaped him, the pain that almost broke him, and the moment his wife told him he was "in no place" to write a book of advice for husbands. Christopher has spent his career sharing the truth that the path to true joy always passes through suffering, especially in marriage, where spouses should be carrying the cross together. This interview is PACKED with wisdom on what a real marriage looks like—backed up by Church teachings, the writings of St. John Paul II, and Christopher's lived experience. The ups and downs of married life are not always pretty...but they are beautiful. You might need to watch this one a few times to take in all the nuggets of advice! Highlights: 00:00 Intro02:59 Chris & Christopher: friendship, vulnerability, and real ministry07:50 The book deal & Wendy’s truth bomb: “You’re in no place to write that book.”13:40 The ache of desire: Star Wars, Springsteen, and the hunger of the heart 15:50 The “starvation gospel” vs. the “fast-food gospel” 19:52 Dorm-room trauma & the desperate prayer that began his conversion 25:02 “You don’t know how to love me” — the breakup that launched his mission 30:04 Discovering John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and realizing “this is the answer” 41:03 When ideals hit real marriage: masks, control, and Wendy’s long, painful honesty 50:45 Trying to protect your spouse—but causing harm 55:19 The “sweat lodge prayer” of marriage 56:20 Marriage pain as a feature, not a bug — the cross, purification, and real hope for couples 1:02:14 Why marriage pain is lifelong (and worth it) 1:04:18 Theology of the Body as a North Star in marriage 1:07:01 "Hell is the destiny of those who who refuse purification." 1:14:35 Any path to true fulfillment requires suffering 1:17:37 Prayer for healing your heart and marriage ........ The first 10 people to sign up for The Daily Anchor at this link will receive a free copy of Christopher West's book "Eating the Sunrise": https://bit.ly/4ant67d ........ Take 20 percent off of Christopher West's book "Eating the Sunrise" with promo code SUNRISE. https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback ........ Make a Giving Tuesday Donation to support CORE, a new Confirmation prep experience for today's teens: https://reallifecatholic.com/giving-tuesday-core/ ........ 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

What story is dominating the headlines of your life? As we enter the Advent season, we are preparing our hearts to receive the ONLY headline that matters: Jesus is our savior. And this headline should change EVERYTHING. In this reflection, I introduce a word most Christians have never heard: kerygma. In the ancient world, a kerygma was a headline delivered by a herald—news that was so big it rewrote your whole day...and maybe your entire identity. And the early Church used that exact word to describe the Gospel. Because the good news that God loves you, that He sent His Son for you, that He calls you into eternal life—that’s not just another news brief in your spiritual life. That’s the headline under which everything else gets reorganized. And if you're living with the Gospel as your headline, then your life is not a story written by your sin, weaknesses, and wounds. It's a much bigger story rewritten by a baby born in Bethlehem...a savior who dies on a cross...and a Resurrection that makes all things new. I invite you to slow down this Advent and really soak in the power of the Gospel headline and what it means for you: Our savior is coming! Let him be born anew in your heart this Christmas. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Kerygma means a life-changing announcement. What parts of your life are still competing with Jesus for the “headline spot” today? 2. Think of a time when an announcement seemed to restructure everything (pregnancy, job change, illness, etc.) How did God show up in that moment? 3. If Jesus rewrote the headline of your life today, what would it say? 4. What area of your life feels the least “made new," and how might Jesus be inviting you to see it differently? 5. What would "believing the Good News" look like in your habits this Advent? What are you willing to do in your spiritual life to make this season different? ----- Giving Tuesday is three days away and we could really use your support this year as we begin producing CORE, a transformative Confirmation prep series for today's teens.  We need to raise $2.1 million to complete it in a way that is high-quality, relevant, and effective to lead our youngest generation to a life of joy and purpose in Christ. We are more than halfway to our goal, so please make a gift to get us the rest of the way! Thank you for partnering with us on this life-changing program that will have a generational impact on the Catholic Church. ----- 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/

Michael Miley is one of the best rock & roll drummers in the world. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss secrets to his outlier excellence that can help you in your own life, the wild road to his conversion to Catholicism, and what it's like to witness as a Christian sharing the stage with legendary rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Guns 'n Roses. We cover everything from the state of popular music today, why joy is necessary to make you an outlier in any field, Miley's routines that have made him so good at his craft, and how you can glorify God in all that you do—from office work to hobbies to keeping the beat for a rock band. As someone who considered himself a spiritual seeker, Miley went from a gnostic...to a Krishna...to a Christian...to a Catholic. He beautifully describes his conversion story, why he feels at home in the Catholic Church, and how he offers up every performance as a sacrifice to co-create the kingdom of God on earth. How cool is that?! This interview contains so much practical wisdom on how to be successful from someone who is at the height of his craft, as well as spiritual insights about actively witnessing your faith in a secular setting and glorifying God through your work. Plus, be sure to watch to the end for some bonus footage of me and Miley jamming in my living room! It's amazing to see how God works through the unlikeliest of people and places—even rock & rollers at rock concerts—to reveal his love for us. Rock on.  Check out Mike Miley's band Rival Sons: https://www.rivalsons.com/ Timecodes: 0:00 Intro0:55 Michael Miley on the drums4:00 Why modern music feels “soulless”8:00 What Rival Sons set out to revive in rock13:35 What makes an outlier in ANY field15:09 Miley’s pre-show routine: offering it up to God23:25 "Lord, make them dance!"33:40 Why discipline and sacrifice matter42:57 From Gnostic → Krishna → Christian → Catholic1:00:39 Making the Leap to Christianity1:07:03 The prayer that changed his life1:13:28 Why he feels at home in the Catholic Church1:15:57 How his faith shapes his career1:18:10 The gift of offering up his performances1:24:11 What it's really like touring with major rock bands1:27:48 Striving for excellence and living his faith1:33:47 What's next for Rival Sons1:25:50 Miley’s message to young artists1:36:24 Miley and Stefanick’s living-room jam session ........ 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: 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

In this on-the-road Sunday Reflection, I'm talking about the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (how's that for a title?!) along with Fr. Burke Masters of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale, Illinois, where we held a sold-out REBOOT event a couple weeks ago. Jesus is king. Full stop. And it's not the typical kind of kingship. He doesn't take more when he has everything. He gives more when he has nothing left. In today's Gospel, Jesus is literally about to die and he is promising eternal life to a criminal hanging on a cross next to him. When you are hanging on the cross of your own struggles, do you trust in the Lord's kingship? He's right there with you...offering you so much more than your current circumstances. If you make him the center of your life, he will transform you in every way and you can live out your royal identity through him—even when you are at your weariest or most broken. But we can't let other distractions and "priorities" take his throne. In his youth, Fr. Burke Masters was obsessed with baseball—and he was good at it. He hit a game-winning grand slam to send his team to the College World Series! But eventually he converted to Catholicism and realized that God, not sports, should be at the center. In this video, he shares his beautiful vocation story that took him from the baseball diamond to the priesthood—and back again. In addition to being pastor of a thriving parish outside Chicago, he serves as chaplain for the Chicago Cubs! You never know what path God has in store for you, but he is lifting you up on that journey. Be sure you are lifting him up as your king, too. Timecodes 0:00 Christ the King: a different kind of royalty 1:03 Jesus gives more when He has nothing left 2:35 When you feel drained, that’s your time to shine 4:36 Fr. Burke Masters: from baseball dreams to priesthood 6:03 Putting God first (even above sports) 8:20 The danger of making anything else your “god” 10:10 The prince who forgot he was royalty DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Who or what is most likely to become a “false king” in your life? 2. Think of a time when you felt drained, discouraged, or “empty.” Looking back, how did God meet you in that weakness? 3. Jesus shows kingship not by taking but by giving when he has nothing left. How does this challenge your idea of what power, success, or dignity looks like? Where might Christ be calling you to give more? 4. Fr. Burke Masters gave up baseball for God—and God gave him something better. Have you ever experienced God returning something you surrendered to Him in a transformed way? If not, where might God be asking you to trust Him like that? 5. Who in your life models “royal dignity” in Christ—even in suffering? What's one practical way you can proclaim Christ as king in your life this week? It could be a prayer, a sacrifice, giving up a habit, or something you stop giving power to. ----- 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 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

As a 10-year-old, Sister Marilyn of the Sisters of Mary watched her father murdered by family friends—then grabbed his gun to take revenge and had her finger on the trigger. Something stopped her in that moment, but the trauma of that experience hardened her heart with thoughts of anger and revenge. She felt like a failure and couldn't trust anyone. In front of the Blessed Sacrament years later, Jesus met her in that memory…and turned a would-be taker of life into a spiritual mother who gives life to thousands of the poorest children on earth. She found her vocation and the Lord miraculously healed her wounds. In this powerful conversation, we talk about trauma, forgiveness, Eucharistic healing, and the Sisters of Mary’s mission to the poorest of the poor around the world. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:35 Sisters of Mary: “Sisters and Mothers” 5:19 The day her father was killed 12:10 Running for the gun… and why she didn’t pull the trigger 16:00 The hidden lie: “I’m a loser” 18:10 A priest’s counsel that opened the door to healing 24:10 Adoration: meeting Jesus inside the memory 26:50 From taking life → giving life: discovering her vocation 33:05 Saying the killer’s name before Jesus—and forgiving 39:00 The Sisters of Mary across 7 countries 41:15 “The poorest of the poor” (more than material poverty) 49:45 A student’s story: “Why do I feel nobody loves me?” 53:40 Final encouragement: your wounds can become windows to God Whatever you've gone through, the Lord is ready to heal you. In all things, God works for the good of those who love him. Pursue his grace in the sacraments. Bring your trauma to the foot of the cross and spend time in Adoration. The Resurrection is on the other side of your trauma. You are not alone. ........ Learn more about the Sisters of Mary: https://worldvillages.org/sisters-of-mary/ ........ 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: 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

Are you afraid it will get instantly awkward around the water cooler if you mention Jesus or talk about your faith? Yeah, it might. And Jesus told us it would be this way! His message is uncomfortable because he claims divinity. If he is who he said he was, then it has to change everything. We have to change EVERYTHING about the way we are living. And a lot of people don't want to do that. But you know what we should fear more than an awkward silence? Denying Christ...or depriving others of the chance to know and love the Lord because of our lack of an invitation. We should care about other people's souls! Evangelization is not easy. There are countless martyred saints who gave their lives while proclaiming Christ to people who didn't want to hear it. But you have so many opportunities to share the hope of our faith with other people in your every day life. Don't be a sissy when it comes to sharing your faith. Risk the awkwardness. Be yourself. Lead with love. You might save someone's life. ----- 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 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

What if your calling isn’t something you have to chase… but something God already wrote into your soul? In this new episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, Dr. Bob Rice—Franciscan University professor, deacon, and joy-filled Catholic dad—joins me for a deep dive into how to discover your unique charisms, live out your personal vocation, and find meaning in being the one-of-a-kind person God made you to be. We discuss how to discern your own personal gifts, how to see your family as a “religious order” and identify your family charism, and why holiness doesn’t make you boring. He also offers some thoughts on the vocation of a deacon—what it is, what it isn't, and why it's important. This conversation is so packed with insights (and great analogies) from Dr. Bob that you might have to watch it twice! As St. Catherine of Siena reminds us, "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." I pray this conversation can be the spark that helps you to discern and share your unique gifts as a precious child of God. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:56 What is a charism? (Dr. Bob explains) 6:00 Your vocation is now—not “someday” 10:00 Holiness doesn't make you boring 14:09 Discernment 101: stages, signals, and the “gift card” analogy 22:00 What a deacon really is (and isn’t) 27:24 Priest vs. Deacon 30:28 Your family as a religious order with a mission 40:00 How to name and guard your family’s charism 52:29 Praying the Magnificat together ........ 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: 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

On the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Jesus reminds us: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” He was speaking of his Body—and by baptism, you are joined to that Body. That means the Church is a living temple right now: the Church Triumphant (in heaven), the Church Suffering (in purgatory), and the Church Militant (us!). As a member of the Body of Christ, you are consecrated for holiness. And you've got some work to do! Namely, building up the kingdom of God on earth in your everyday life. And you know who did that really well? The saints! In this on-the-road reflection, I'm joined by Fr. Jonathan Meyer, a priest in Bright, Indiana where I recently hosted a REBOOT event, to talk about making the invisible visible—icons, sacramentals, and relics—and how surrounding yourself with the saints can inspire you in your personal pursuit of holiness. Fr. Meyer shows us his incredible saintly relic collection (including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, St. John Paul II, St. Padre Pio, St. Mother Teresa, and even a reliquary with the Twelve Apostles and fragments of the True Cross!). We also peek at his St. John Vianney–inspired bedroom setup (epic!) that reminds him how he is supposed to live when he wakes up in the morning. And we visit Ars Café, the parish's no-distraction coffee shop space to actually listen and build real relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro with Fr. Meyer & the Feast of St. John Lateran 0:46 – “Destroy this temple…” What Jesus meant 0:49 – Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant (Lightning round!) 1:45 – Why Catholics use tangible reminders (icons, sacramentals) 2:35 – Fr. Meyer's relics collection 6:15 – St. John Vianney’s room… in Indiana?! 8:07 – You are consecrated for holiness 8:45 – “Go to Mass” (yes, even the license plate!) 9:01 – Ars Café: listen, slow down, evangelize through friendship Together—saints and fellow sinners—we are all part of the living temple of the Church! Heaven is closer than you think. The saints are praying for you. And Jesus is building his temple in you. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. How does seeing the Church as the Body of Christ—rather than just a building—change the way you think about your faith life? 2. What helps you keep your heart fixed on heaven in the middle of ordinary life? 3. What visible signs in your home or parish help you remember that you belong to something eternal? 4. Where is God calling you to “build the Church” in your daily life—home, work, friendships, community? 5. What could you change in your environment—music, images, schedule—to draw your heart closer to God? ----- 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://moj.reallifecatholic.com ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/

What happens after we die? If the answer is "nothing," then what are we doing here? The good news is that we ARE headed somewhere. Our Christian hope changes everything—we have our eyes fixed on heaven as a final destination. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote, our entire story can be redeemed by a good ending. Jesus won that victory for us, so death becomes a comma instead of a period. This hope also grants us the opportunity to perfect ourselves after death—and to pray for those who have died before us who are in Purgatory preparing to meet the Lord. We can even reconcile with our loved ones through these prayers and sacrifices for their souls. You can help get them to heaven...and they will be made pure once they get there. The sin and wounds of their earthly existence will be erased. It's a beautiful and healing aspect of our theology! Learn more in my video reflection and join me in praying a decade of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the holy souls in Purgatory. Hope does not disappoint! Chapters: 0:00 Is your life going somewhere? 1:52 Pope Benedict XVI on hope 4:38 Proof from near death experiences 6:30 The Church’s teaching on purgatory 9:40 How to reconcile with loved ones who have died 11:30 Pray a decade of the Divine Mercy Chaplet with us DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. When you think about your “final destination,” what emotions come up—fear, apathy, hope? Why? 2. How does believing that “if the ending is good, the whole story is redeemed” change the way you view your struggles and failings? 3. What are your thoughts on Purgatory? Did any part of the Church’s teaching on purgatory surprised you or bring relief? 4. Is there someone who has died with whom you still feel “unfinished business”? What concrete prayer or sacrifice can you offer for them this week? 5. After praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, did you notice any shift in your heart (peace, forgiveness, gratitude)? Who can you invite into this hope right now? ----- Watch my interview with John Burke on near death experiences: https://youtu.be/-9Y-hE_ZFQM ----- Sign up for updates from Real Life Catholic to hear about our upcoming series on joy: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/chaplet-of-the-divine-mercy-387 ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/  

Remember when making friends was simple? Somewhere between adulthood, social media, and COVID…we forgot how. In this new episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Maggie Craig—speaker and author of Friendship Reset—to talk about the loneliness pandemic that is eating away at society and how we can turn the tide in our own lives and relationships. We unpack why we’re more connected than ever yet more isolated than ever, what toxic friendships really look like, whether men and women can really be friends, how to form relationships that actually help you become a saint, and much more. You’ll laugh, be challenged, and walk away with actionable tips to cultivate the friendships God made you for. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 5:43 Loneliness statistics 6:18 Why have we forgotten how to make friends? 8:12 What’s a toxic friendship? 12:03 When is it time to reset a friendship? 16:04 How to rebuild a broken friendship 17:00 Courage, vulnerability, and holiness 24:05 Can men and women really be friends? 29:35 How to be vulnerable 34:39 A message to introverts 39:54 Everyone wants new friends If you’ve been feeling isolated, this conversation will remind you: you were made for real, life-giving relationships. Build a community of holy friends who will help get you to heaven. Don't settle for less! Check out Maggie's book "Friendship Reset": https://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Reset-Ditch-Drama-Find/dp/164680385X ........ 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: 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://moj.reallifecatholic.com/   ........ Join Chris Stefanick and Fr. Dave Pivonka on pilgrimage to Assisi: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/1226/ ........ Join Chris and Natalie Stefanick on a pilgrimage to beauty in Kauai: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/kauai/ ......... Join Chris Stefanick on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/cs-holyland2026/  

We all know it's impossible to avoid suffering. But what if there was a way to respond to the suffering in your own life—from serious tragedies to everyday difficulties—in a way that ultimately led to peace? In this powerful episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Dave VanVickle, a husband and father who’s walked through some of the deepest suffering imaginable. From raising multiple children with serious health challenges to losing his beloved wife Amber to cancer when she was only 40 years old, Dave has faced hardship and grief that would break most people. But through this pain, Dave found a path that allows him to surrender his suffering to Christ and transform it into a peaceful acceptance grounded in love. Suffering is STILL hard, but Dave shares a perspective of gratitude and grace that will help you to offer up your daily crosses and not take any of your blessings for granted. This episode isn’t just about grief—it’s about finding hope in the resurrection when you're living through Good Friday. Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:51 His children's health challenges7:20 His wife Amber's journey through cancer 14:33 What it means to “offer it up” 17:28 Managing grief 19:24 Preparing your spouse for death 26:30 The peace that surpasses understanding 29:00 Learning to live again after loss 32:13 Living in the moment with gratitude and love 35:41 When you feel abandoned by God Jesus didn’t suffer so you wouldn’t have to. He suffered so you’d know how to. If you’re in pain, if life doesn’t make sense right now—this conversation is for you. You’re not alone. Christ is with you in the cross, and he’s preparing you for heaven through these trials. ........ 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: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/subscribe ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/ ........ 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 and Fr. Dave Pivonka on pilgrimage to Assisi: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/1226/

I’m so excited for you to watch this week’s Sunday Reflection that I filmed on a recent pilgrimage to Mexico City while literally climbing up Tepeyac Hill—the place where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531. The story of Juan Diego ties in perfectly to what Jesus tells us in the Gospel: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." It doesn’t get much humbler than Juan Diego. He was a peasant…an absolute nobody by the standards of the world. But God chose to work through him to bring about the largest mass conversion to Christianity in history! Are you feeling like a nobody? God doesn’t see you that way. Mary never appeared to celebrities, politicians, or influencers. She spoke to people that no one else was paying any attention to. God is exalting you in your humility. Don’t reject his invitation. Be like Juan Diego and change the world—even for just one person. How might God use you in your personal sphere of influence? Who are the people in front of you right now that need your love? Turn your attention there. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! Timecodes: 0:00 At the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 3:59 Mary appears to a “nobody” 5:11 Juan Diego’s humility 6:39 Mary’s message of comfort 7:51 The miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe 8:44 The greatest conversion in history 9:46 Ongoing signs: preservation, studies, and protection 10:10 Three Takeaways from St. Juan Diego 13:47 Prison ministry witness—love who’s in front of you 14:28 See St. Juan Diego's tilma 500 years later DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Every Marian apparition was given to someone who seemed insignificant in the eyes of the world. When have you felt like you didn’t matter or weren’t “enough”? How might God want to use you in your humility? 2. Mary said to Juan Diego, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” What part of that message hits your heart today? Where do you most need to trust that Mary’s protection and God’s love are real? 3.What does humility look like for you in your daily life—at work, in your family, online? What’s one small, hidden act of love you can do this week? 4. Juan Diego’s tilma still hasn’t decayed after 500 years. How does that ongoing miracle strengthen your faith? What miracles—big or small—have you seen in your own life?5. True greatness comes from focusing on the person right in front of you. Who is that person for you today? How could you love them in a way that might change their world? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com ----- Join Chris Stefanick on an upcoming pilgrimage: https://reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages/

As we celebrate St. John Paul II's feast day on October 22, it's the perfect opportunity to revisit his life and legacy—especially his efforts to free Poland from communism through a peaceful revolution grounded in the public witness of deep faith. In this episode of the Chris Stefanick Show, I discuss all things St. John Paul II with Drs. Peter and Kasia Drag, professors at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow. They experienced the last gasps of communism in Poland—and share the stark reality of that existence. We delve into the history of Poland and rise of communism, the tragedies John Paul II faced in his early life under Nazi and Communist rule, and how God raised him to the papacy at just the right moment to begin undoing the Communist regime in Poland…and beyond. Timecodes: 0:00 — The story of Chris Stefanick's heroic great-uncle standing up to communism 06:36 — History of Poland 08:12 — The “Miracle on the Vistula” 12:27 — John Paul II's childhood tragedies and upbringing under communism 23:31 — Daily life under communism 31:12 — “Nine days that changed the world” 36:15 — The assassination attempt on JPII and Providence at Fatima. 39:36 — John Paul II's ongoing impact 49:13 — How Divine Mercy will change the world When you look at Poland’s story, you see how God turns suffering into strength. A nation crushed by war, communism, and loss became the cradle of some of the greatest saints of modern times—Maximilian Kolbe, Faustina Kowalska, and John Paul II. Their secret? They allowed grace to transform them in the midst of evil to unleash God’s goodness. Oppression has the power to raise up saints—and it certainly did that in Poland through Pope John Paul II. But he reminded us that the true spark to renew the face of the earth isn’t a pope or a politician. It’s Divine Mercy—God’s love poured out on a wounded world. Divine Mercy has the power to tear down walls, topple empires, and heal hearts. It took down the Iron Curtain without a single shot being fired. And if it can break the chains of communism, just imagine what it can do in your own heart. St. John Paul II, pray for us! ........ 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: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/ ........ Join Chris Stefanick and Fr. Dave Pivonka on pilgrimage to Assisi: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/1226/

Are you waiting to find "the one?" The perfect job? Maybe just a general feeling of contentment in your life? God's timing is often (usually!) not our timing. So what can you do? Meet Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio—a man who built roads, made a fortune, and waited decades for his deepest prayer to be answered, but it didn't go quite like he envisioned it. His story is a powerful reminder that what seems like a delay from God is actually just the unfolding of his perfect plan for you. Sebastian longed for marriage and waited until he was 60 to find “the one.” Both wives died soon after. Only later, at 72 years old, did he finally discover his true vocation as a Franciscan friar—and eventually become known as the Angel of Mexico. In this reflection, I offer three tips for what you should (and shouldn't) do while you play the waiting game. Keep living, keep loving, and keep praying. God is never late, and he will not be outdone in generosity. Blessed Sebastian, pray for us when we’re in a rush and God is not. Timecodes:0:00 – When you’re in a rush and God’s not 0:45 – The incredible life of Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio 3:15 – Don’t abandon God’s plan when life feels slow 5:20 – Keep living: the danger of waiting for “real life” to start 7:45 – Keep praying and trust God’s perfect timing ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 ----- Join the mission! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com

He was a practicing satanist. A successful comedian. And totally lost. Then one day, while sitting in the back of a Catholic church, comedian Shayne Smith had a vision of the Virgin Mary that changed his life forever. In this 100th episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, Shayne opens up about his journey from abuse, violence, and satanism…to freedom, faith, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. He shares how laughter became a way to heal, how radical forgiveness rewired his brain, and how the love of Christ transformed his woundedness into a life of joy—illuminating comedy as a pathway for sharing that joy with others. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:00 How Shayne found comedy (and what makes people laugh) 10:28 The challenge and gifts of ADHD and creativity 18:39 From “the everything guy” to the “Jesus guy” 22:22 Comedy as a sacred calling 26:45 "Laughter is getting close to God." 28:10 Using comedy to uplift rather than tear down 36:00 How conversion redeemed his childhood trauma 43:27 Covering a satanic tattoo to reveal the Trinity 50:07 Shayne's conversion story 56:10 A vision of Mary that changed him instantly 1:06:36 Forgiving those who hurt him 1:11:05 How God redeemed his life experiences 1:15:53 Shayne’s prayer for healing and freedom God can reach into the depths of darkness to remind us that we are his beloved children and redeem any story—no matter how bleak it might seem right now. I hope Shayne's story is a source of hope and inspiration for you if you're still struggling to overcome your wounds or if you're seeking a way to use your talents for the glory of God. ........ 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: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/   ........ Join Chris Stefanick and Fr. Dave Pivonka on pilgrimage to Assisi: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/1226/

We love to overcomplicate things—especially when we're trying to make a lasting change in our lives. But in reality, the road to healing and holiness is paved with a commitment to small, simple steps. Want a better marriage? A deeper prayer life? Better health? Freedom from a bad habit? Don’t overthink it. What is the simplest step toward your goal? And why aren’t you taking it yet? In this reflection, I outline four things holding you back from living the life God intended for you...and the small, incremental steps you can take to break free from stagnation in any area of your life. 1. Pride: “If it were that simple, I’d have done it already.” 2. Desire: Sometimes we don’t really want to change.3. Distraction: We stay too busy to make room for change.4. Fear: The simple step feels too hard, so we avoid it. You probably already know what you have to do, and you just need to create and live out some simple rules for yourself to get there. Stop looking at things from 30,000 feet. Ask God for help. And step out in faith today to take that first, simple step on the journey to transformation. ——— DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Which of the four—pride, desire, distraction, or fear—do you struggle with most right now? What’s one small, concrete step you can take this week to defeat it? 2. Can you think of a time when a simple act of obedience or discipline led to real change in your life? What helped you take that first step? 3. Where are you overcomplicating your relationship with God? How might returning to something simple—like daily prayer, Scripture, or confession—help restore peace? 4. St. Benedict changed the world with a “simple rule of life.” What’s one simple rule or habit you could commit to that would draw you closer to holiness? 5. Naaman almost missed his miracle because he thought God’s command was too simple. Is there an area in your life where God might be calling you to trust and act, even if it seems too easy or small? ——— ✉️ Sign up for Chris’s Daily Anchor for free daily encouragement: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 Help us transform hearts for Jesus! Join the mission as a monthly donor (a Missionary of Joy): https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/ Come on Pilgrimage and Retreat with me in Assisi! https://canterburypilgrimages.com/1226