Refiner's Fire

Tom Nealon is a seasoned executive, former President of Southwest Airlines, and a dedicated Catholic leader who integrates his faith into the highest levels of corporate strategy. In this episode, host Peter Blute sits down with Tom to discuss the unique perspective he has gained through his leadership at Southwest, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay. Tom shows listeners how to lead with humility, courage, and a servant’s heart. He explains how his Catholic faith isn't just a personal practice, but a vital part of his professional performance and decision-making.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, we sit down with John Heinen, a leader whose career has spanned the heights of both the arts and the corporate world. From performing as a professional trumpet player at the Beijing Olympics to serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of a management consulting firm and leading The Catholic Gentleman, John’s journey is a powerful testament to how God refines us through our work.John opens up about the high-stakes pressure of professional music, the "identity crisis" that occurs when your worth is tied to your output, and the two-and-a-half-year novena to St. Joseph that transformed his life and career.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🌸Join us for our 2026 conference titled “Unshakeable”: ⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/conference⁠ 🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: ⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/⁠ 📍 Find your local chapter: ⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events⁠ ✨ Join Belong: ⁠https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong⁠ 🔔 Subscribe for more stories: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured⁠

In this episode of Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute speaks with guest Brent Beabout. Brent brings an incredible background to the conversation, transitioning from serving as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the Navy to holding Chief Supply Chain Officer roles at industry giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Nordstrom.Brent discusses his journey from an Evangelical upbringing to a profound conversion to Catholicism later in life, driven by a search for accountability and an understanding of suffering. He shares how he navigated high-stakes corporate environments where he was often forced to "vote with his feet" when company ethics clashed with his Christian values. Brent's story is one of radical transformation. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🌸Join us for our 2026 conference titled “Unshakeable”: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/conference 🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/ 📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events ✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong 🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Matt Pana is a financial media specialist, drummer, and devout Catholic with a special devotion to Saint Padre Pio. In this episode, host, Peter Blute, converses with Matt on how to find balance and meaning in our day to day lives. Matt explores how to effectively evangelize through your career and your passions. Matt shows listeners how to turn every platform, from the office to the drum kit, into an instrument to bring God glory. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute sits down with Chris Cottrell, a decorated U.S. Army intelligence officer, co-founder of the made-to-measure suiting company Shepherd’s, and Founding Partner at Verde Peak Partners.Chris's life is a masterclass in committed service, from earning a Bronze Star while deployed with U.S. Special Operations Command to his current mission of helping entrepreneurs protect their legacies. Discover how his Catholic faith is the unifying force behind every endeavor—whether advising at the Department of Homeland Security or launching a company with partners like Harrison Butker.Chris shares the principles of discipline, clarity, and decisive action that he learned in the military and how they apply directly to the challenges of entrepreneurship and living a vibrant faith in the modern workplace. This is an inspiring look at how to build a life of impact, where professional ambition and spiritual calling are perfectly aligned.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute sits down with YCP Founder Jennifer Baugh to explore her extraordinary journey from a high-achieving corporate career to launching a national ministry. Jennifer shares the story of her "restless heart" and the pivotal season of silence that led to a profound spiritual conversion. Discover how she was called to leave a successful career to found Young Catholic Professionals, taking a leap of faith with courage and trust. This is the inspiring story of how a professional’s spiritual "refining" process can lead to a life fully dedicated to a mission, providing a powerful example for every young Catholic navigating their own path to purpose in the world.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Join Peter Blute, Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), as he sits down with Rebecca Salamone, to discuss her inspiring journey of integrating faith and work. Rebecca shares her experiences of discovering YCP during a time of personal turbulence, the impactful community she found, and her transition from chapter leader to board member. Learn valuable insights on fostering Catholic values in the workplace, navigating leadership challenges, and the importance of mentorship and community. Tune in for a conversation that highlights the blend of faith, professional development, and community support.At Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), we’re building a nationwide community where Catholics in their 20s and 30s can grow in holiness, connect with others, and learn to work in witness for Christ - right where they are, in their daily lives and careers.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Join us at the National YCP Conference for a conversation with YCP Member, Kelsie Killian! At Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), we’re building a nationwide community where Catholics in their 20s and 30s can grow in holiness, connect with others, and learn to work in witness for Christ - right where they are, in their daily lives and careers.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Join us at the National YCP Conference for a conversation with Steven Mezzacappa, YCP Regional Chapter Manager!At Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), we’re building a nationwide community where Catholics in their 20s and 30s can grow in holiness, connect with others, and learn to work in witness for Christ - right where they are, in their daily lives and careers.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Dan Catone is the Founder & CEO of Arimathea Investing. In this episode, Dan discussed how the example of St. Joseph of Arimathea can influence our personal and professional life. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Jonathan Doyle is an international Catholic speaker, author, businessman and executive coach. Jonathan discusses strategies to overcome imposter syndrome in the workplace and ways that our Catholic faith can give us hope and an ordered perspective on this topic.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Director of the Institutional Flourishing Lab at The Catholic University of America. Dr. Brandon discusses why beauty is not a word we typically associate with work, and how it can be a powerful lens through which to recognize the presence of God in our work lives.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

John Cannon is the Founder of SENT Ventures. Join us as we talk with entrepreneur John Cannon about how he integrates his faith into his business. This episode explores the powerful connection between evangelism and entrepreneurship, offering a new perspective on sharing your faith through your professional life.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured

Join us for an inspiring conversation with retired U.S. Air Force General Maryanne Miller. With a career that took her to the rank of four-star general, she discusses the importance of humble service and how it shaped her journey. This episode offers powerful insights on leadership and faith from one of the most accomplished women in the military.✨ What You’ll Find at YCPA real, faith-filled community that gets where you areMentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been thereOpportunities to grow spiritually and professionallySupport to live your faith confidently - wherever you work🔗 Ready to take the next step?🌐 Learn more: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/📍 Find your local chapter: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/events✨ Join Belong: https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/join-belong🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYxJByM2VNo4z-lv1IoBHw/featured/featured