Better Preach

DescriptionI've got a great episode today with my trusty, occasional cohost, Connor Flanagan, and we talk about a “seven day spiritual prep plan” that you can do ahead of the SEEK conference or ahead of any conference or retreat that you're getting ready to go into.So seven days of different spiritual activities before the conference starts so that your conference experience, the spiritual moment in your life. can really, kind of be maximized so as to make a transformation and a change in your life after the conference. So the work we're putting in now is really for our future selves.So that's what we're diving into today.Here’s a link to the PDF Overview of the “Seven Day Spiritual Prep Plan for SEEK”And this episode is, is also being released on the Seek podcast. So please check that out.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seek-podcast/id1598918591LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionYou may not realize it, but the truth is, inside of you are an unlimited number of great stories to tell.  For some people, a rare few actually, this is self-evident - stories just seem to flow out as easily as the next breath.  For most, though, it’s a slog - we either keep coming back to the same stories over and over OR we try to come up with new ones, but just can’t seem to recall anything worth sharing.  This is a pain point for people giving talks on a regular basis - BECAUSE stories can often make or break the talks we give.  And today, I brought in two expert storytellers, Chris Kostelc and Kory LaCroix.  Each have served in ministry at the Parish level for the last 15 years.  Legends really, around here in the Twin Cities Catholic world. And they started a podcast over a year ago called “STORYDRAM” - telling stories to lead others to THE story of what God has done for us in Christ.  Link to Storydram Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-storydram/id1688617049LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionWe’ve got a hot one here folks! So many people are asking the question nowadays “How do I get into Catholic speaking?”  or “How do I become a Catholic speaker?” and so often the line from Jeff Goldblum’s character in Jurassic Park comes to mind in response. He famously says to the owner of Jurassic Park - "your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should”And that’s where my conversation with Marcel LeJeune goes right at the question of whether or not you OUGHT to pursue a career as a Catholic Speaker.  Marcel LeJeune is the President and Founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples.As a Catholic evangelist, international speaker, and award-winning author, Marcel loves to share his greatest passion - helping others come to know the love of Jesus and how to share that love with others.Previously Marcel served as the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Center at Texas A&M University for 11 years, and before that he was the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Elizabeth's University Parish at Texas Tech University. He holds a Master of Theological Studies, specializing in Pastoral Theology.The most important part of his life, and his vocation, is being a husband and father. Marcel and his wife, Kristy, have five children. Check out “Catholic Missionary Disciples” here: https://catholicmissionarydisciples.com/And his article: “Why You Probably Don’t Want to Be a Catholic Speaker”  LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionWhen you're handed a microphone in front of a group of people, I’m guessing you have a plan for what you're going to say.But I don't think we always plan on preparing for what will be heard.In this episode Ryan continues his four part series on “Four Pillars of Great Talk”. Today’s episode is on the third pillar, “Make it Applicable” on knowing your audience. The other two that have been covered in the podcast are:“Make it Compelling”, episode 59, “How to Have Something to Say”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000633799273and “Make it Clear”, episode 77, “Simple + Visual = Memorable”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000669646421LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionIt turns out that hip-hop and preaching have a lot more in common than one might think.  In fact, at the core of both of them is an incredible (and surprising) overlap.  My guest today, Oscar Rivera, taught me so much about the beauty, authenticity, and creativity of hip-hop culture and how, in him, (and you too) these same gifts need to shine through our ministry of preaching and teaching in Catholic settings.  Stick around.  This is an unforgettable conversation. Oscar Rivera Jr. (a.k.a. “Two Ten”) lives in Fall River, Massachusetts, with his wife. He serves as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Fall River. He grew up in the inner city of Waterbury, Connecticut, where his method of avoiding “the hood’s” promises was God and hip-hop. For over a decade, he has been an international speaker and performer. Oscar’s life is devoted to the new evangelization, and his upbeat urban approach has made his message entertaining and easy to understand. Our faith is not boring, and neither is Oscar.Connect online at Oscar’s Websitehttps://oscartwoten.com/Listen and Subscribe to his New Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ave-spotlight/id1525458086LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionShould’ve seen this one coming, but didn’t.  From discussing “why do we sing?” to how to break down invisible barriers with audiences -  that all leads to “owning the hell out of talks.” In this fantastically unique conversation Abe Gross shares his unique perspective on teaching and preaching from the perspective of a super gifted worship leader (and speaker too!).  Abe Gross is the Music Director for Saint Paul’s Outreach.  After serving for 10 years as a Missionary and Leader in SPO, he is now building a team of worship leaders to serve the Church and SPO ministry, locally and nationally.  A graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, Abe and his wife Lizzie live in South Saint Paul, MN with their four beautiful children.  Connect on Instagram @abegross_musichttps://www.instagram.com/abegross_music/Listen to his Music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/39Jyznb6CXmjQG3ddCbFgeLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionYou want a surefire way to look like a prideful unprofessional punk as a speaker: BLOW THROUGH THE ALLOTTED TIME GIVEN. :) That'll do it, for sure! In this episode Ryan discusses "why this happens", "why it matters", and "what we can do about it." LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionIn Dostoevsky’s novel, the Idiot, the character Prince Myshkin declares “Beauty will save the world”, This truth and goodness behind this compelling statement has animated such prominent Catholic theologians as Cardinal Hans urs von Balthasar, Bishop Robert Barron, and many others in our day. And if can be so bold “beauty” might just save our talks too. And in my conversation today with Jimmy Mitchell we not only consider the ways in which this may be true in our preparation AND delivery of talks, but also the unique way beauty transforms us and invites us to be all that God has created us to be. BELIEVING DEEPLY IN the power of beauty to evangelize culture, Jimmy Mitchell’s gifts of storytelling and piano-playing have brought him to every corner of the world. On top of being the founder of Love Good, he’s the director of campus ministry at Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL, which has repeatedly made national news for its growing culture of conversion.Between his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt and his masters in moral theology, Jimmy has always enjoyed the cross section between faith, artistry, and entrepreneurship. Whether he’s mentoring young people in virtue or interviewing award-winning artists in his studio, he loves nothing more than helping others fall in love with God.Connect with Jimmy and his book “Let Beauty Speak”: www.letbeautyspeak.comLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionIt says in James chapter 3 and I’m gonna paraphrase “If a man is able to control his tongue, he can control his whole life.” And in my conversation with OG Catholic podcaster Taylor Schroll, the theme woven throughout is how powerful the spoken word can be - both in a really funny story about one of his ‘worst’ talks, but also in Preaching in general.  And more to the point, which WORDS or WORD do we emphasize when we preach.  And do we bring the most powerful WORD to bear every time we speak to Catholic audiences.  His conviction in this area has stuck with me like a pebble in my shoe…ever since we talked!  I hope it has the same impact for you!Taylor Schroll is the President of the evangelization and media ministry, Forte Catholic. He is a highly regarded speaker, worship leader, podcaster and producer. He has traveled the country the share the joy of the gospel through his speaking and worship leading for retreats, diocesan conferences and more. He hosts one of the top Catholic podcasts in the world and has helped over 20 other creators launch their podcasts to share the good news online. He lives in Bryan, Tx with his lovely wife Sam and their three children.Connect with Taylor: his website: fortecatholic.comLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionYour talks for Catholic audiences are too complicated, And mine are too!.  Ha! Whether it’s for teenagers, adults, or little kids we are packing way to much information into too tight spaces. So, as I’ve been asked to speak to Catholic Leaders about “How to Give a Good Talk”, I’ve developed four principles - CLEAR, COMPELLING, APPLICABLE and ACTIONABLE.  These correspond to four questions every Catholic speaker should ask themselves as they are developing and delivering a talk:  Is it Clear?  Is it Compelling?  Is it Applicable? and Is it Actionable? Today I am addressing Principle #1 - “Is it Clear”. And for that question, I’ve come up with an equation: SIMPLE + VISUAL = MEMORABLELinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionKatie Hartfiel is a ‘speakers speaker’.  She was called to speak, has many years of experience, is a mentor to others *and* works really hard on each talk BEFORE she steps on stage. It was the combination of hours of PREPARATION *and* PRACTICE that I think sets Katie apart.  Her process is inspiring and super practical…something for each of us to learn from and imitate. Katie Hartfiel received her theology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and spent the following seven years serving as a youth minister in Houston. She now feels blessed to spend her days with her husband, Mark, and their four children, while still getting to travel to speak about Jesus. For more on Katie, her books, and your first chapters free, visit womaninlove.org.Connect with Katie: her website: womaninlove.orgAnd “She Shall Be Called Woman” - for more info: https://paradisusdei.org/she-registration-opens/LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionJim Beckman has seen it all.  From being a part of the onset of Steubenville Conferences spreading nationally to ministering to Columbine High School students in the wake that tragedy to launching Y Disciple and so much more…he truly has had a generational impact on the Catholic Church in America.  But that “impact” has a cost too…and we dig in to the mark that lifelong ministry can have - and the need for new ways of supporting people giving their lives to serve the Church. Jim Beckman serves as the Executive Director of ImpactCenter, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to ministering to ministry leaders in the Church. He is the former Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Jim has been involved with Diocesan and parish ministry, evangelization and leadership development for many years. A graduate of Franciscan University and the Augustine Institute, Jim has served in various roles of leadership for national, regional and local ministry. He is a dynamic and passionate speaker and has a great love for the Catholic Church. He has built solid and thriving ministry programs in numerous parishes and Dioceses over the years. He and his wife, Meg, live in Littleton, CO with their five children.Connect with Jim: At the Impact Center website: https://impactcenter.com/LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionToday’s episode is a new kind of episode. I plan during Season 3 to add Article Reviews and Book Discussions. Today is a solo episode where I share my three main takeaways from an article by Christian Smith, Sociologist at University of Notre Dame, on “Improving Catholic Homilies”.Here’s a link to the Article: Improving Catholic Homilies, Part 2: Less Moralism, More Gospel(00:27) Introducing the New Episode Format (00:53) Discussion on Christian Smith's Article (02:32) Key Takeaways from the Article (15:08) Applying the Article to Personal Experience (19:21) Conclusion and Listener EngagementLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionWhen it comes to speaking to Catholic audiences  where does one BEGIN when preparing a talk?  Where do you begin?  I know too often I begin with: “have I given a talk on this topic before?”  or “whats inspiring me lately?”.  Again, nothing wrong with either of these, but are either of these the most important place to start?  Well my guest today has some convictions around this question, and you’ve got to stick around to hear all about it. Chika Anyanwu is a Catholic evangelist, former Confirmation coordinator/youth & young adult minister, and the author of "My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer" Her love of God and neighbor enthuses her to share the gospel through testimony, scripture, and honest conversations about the difficult realities of faith and life. She’s had the opportunity to evangelize at NCYC, Given, Steubenville youth conferences, FOCUS SEEK conferences, and The Catholic Feminist France pilgrimage. She’s also a contributor to Blessed Is She as well as “Connected” and “Venture: the Bible Timeline” by Ascension Press. Chika is a part of a beautiful Nigerian family, loves her coffee black, and desires sainthood for herself and you, although bad drivers challenge her sanctity! Connect with Chika: At her website: www.chika.churchOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chikasworld?igsh=ZndkMXRycW9odWZoLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionA powerful theme emerged throughout this conversation which was “how do you know when to pivot” from what’s been planned.  AND HOW EXACTLY do you do it?  This is one of the hardest skills to master for people new to giving talks in Catholic settings…and there are no hard/fast rules.  In each instance…there is a judgment call made, sometimes in just a few seconds to STAY the COURSE or to PIVOT.  Brian Greenfield and I dig deep into this question.  As you’ll see, it takes a whole lot of prayer, preparation, and humility to be confident in making a bold move in the middle of a talk - to go a different direction.  Stick around..this is a good one. Brian Greenfield was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and attended Seton Hall University and then attended Franciscan University of Steubenville. Brian later returned to Seton Hall to finish his studies in theology, receiving his MA in theology and another master’s degree in education leadership. Brian currently lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Genevieve, and three beautiful children. In addition to giving talks around the country at conferences large and small  He serves at Jesuit High School, where he is the assistant principal for Discipline.Connect with Brian’s speaking page here - https://willingevents.com/?profile=brian-greenfieldAnd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mission116/?hl=enAnd X: https://x.com/mission116LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionToday is episode 71, Quick Reactions from the Eucharistic Congress with Ennie Hickman. So I was on the prowl from the moment I landed in Indianapolis until this morning, that was like 10 days ago, I was dead set on connecting with my guest today, my first ever guest on the podcast, any Hickman. And so I brought my stuff to Indianapolis, but that didn't work out to connect up our schedules were.Wild and we didn't even see each other until the last night at about 11 PM. Um, so then we said, Hey, maybe we'll jump on the phone tomorrow. Can we record a podcast on a phone? Neither of us knew I found out that wasn't going to work very well. And so, and he's like, well, Hey, I'm going to Guatemala, uh, for the pilgrimage to beauty.I'm like, that sounds amazing. He's like, but I'm not sure about the wifi. I'm like, well, that doesn't sound amazing. But anyway, we figured it out. We made it, there's no YouTube today. But, uh, Annie and I, after like five or six takes and some internet crashes and all of that, , we have cobbled together a great conversation. And I've titled it quick reactions from the Eucharistic Congress, because it's just the quick reactions. There's nothing definitive here. In fact, I even love Annie's approach to this, this is way too early to begin to assess. And man, I, that's such good . Pushback because I am such a guy trying to analyze in the moment what's going on and what is it all gonna mean.Maybe that's how you feel too, this was a landmark moment in the church, and I think it's gonna be one of those things that we look back at over many years and count it as. a turning point of sorts, uh, for the church as well in America. So love to hear your thoughts, love to connect on Instagram at Better Preach.Please reach out to me at my website, ryanohara.org/BetterPreach. If you have any ideas or thoughts about the Congress, I'd love to hear what was your take. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionThis has come up over and over again. You know, talking with people who experience a call and a desire to do more speaking in Catholic settings, either because it's part of their job in ministry with young people or their directors of faith formation, or their priests or deacons or whatever it might be.But there's also this idea that what if additionally there may be other talks that I might be able to give in particular settings locally, nationally, regionally, again, whatever that might be. And how do I get started? This comes up all of the time. And in fact, it's something that we talk about quite a bit here on the podcast. And so today I want to share some wisdom that I've learned along the way. This has been a 20 to 25 year journey for me. And just now, let's say like. After 25 years or so, I finally gone pro, like this is my job, podcasting, speaking, all that stuff. And, and so I have a little bit of experience to share about that.I'd love to talk about my own experience, but I'm also really trying to bring the wisdom that I've encountered from the podcast around this question.LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.

DescriptionWith every new generation, evangelists, preachers and teachers MUST ADAPT if we hope that this new generation will HEAR THE GOOD NEWS and wholeheartedly RESPOND to it’s promises.   This week I sit down with someone who is serving, teaching, and preaching on the front lines at one of reaching Gen-Z.Dr. Andrew Swafford is professor of theology at Benedictine College, where he teaches courses on Scripture, St. John Paul II, and the moral and spiritual life. Among his publications are his most recent, Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships, AND A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, and Spiritual Survival in the Modern World: Insights from C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. He is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife Sarah and their six children in Atchison, KS.+ Check out Dr. Swafford's WebsiteLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionThis week’s episode is a dream come true. From the first time I pressed record on the podcast till now, I have hoped to support everyday people working in the Church with giving talks - YMs, DREs, Deacons, Campus Ministers, etc..  And it’s happened! Today is proof positive.  Not long after I started this Podcast, my guest today Nick Longo reached out to share his appreciation for the show and the growth in giving Catholic talks that he was seeing in his ministry. And a few months back he said “I’d love to come on the show and talk about the impact it’s had on me!” And I was like - “heck yeah, let’s do it.”  It was a fantastic conversation - in large part because of how honest and real Nick was about his growth as a speaker and digging in to what was really holding him back.  I bet you’ll relate. Born and raised in Central New York, Nick is a proud husband and father of three. By day, he is a director of evangelization and youth ministry in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY, and by night he is a Catholic speaker, podcaster, and writer. Listen to Nick’s podcast, This Catholic Life and follow on social @nickjameslongo.He and his wife are also the founders of “Sent Parish”, a Catholic non-profit aimed at equipping Catholic leaders to make disciples.  In fact, if you want to download his free e-book “Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins of Parish Evangelization”, a link will be included in the show notes. Social Handle: @nickjameslongoSent Parish Website: sentparish.comDownload the FREE E-Book: “Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins of Parish Evangelization”LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  

DescriptionToday is a special episode, because in the last year, about 12 months to be exact I took the biggest leap of faith of my life. It all came to pass at a four-day silent retreat last summer where Jesus invited me to “feed his sheep”, to leave  SPO and the comfort of a steady paycheck, and GO full-time, preaching and teaching. Here were the words that I believe Jesus spoke to me that put the final nail in the coffin, of my discernment.  “If you love me and for only as long as you love me, and only because you love me, feed my sheep and tend my lambs.” Of course this was an invitation to two things, first primarily, was to be in close intimate relationship with JESUS, and then (and only then) would I be able to ‘feed and tend’; to speak, teach, and preach.  But it wasn’t just a call “preach and teach” from a microphone, it was a call to care deeply for people in poverty, to literally feed the hungry, and tend to their very practical needs.  So today, I talk again with my good friend Connor all about it. Please note:  We recorded this episode last December so if any of the time references seem off - that’s why!Connect with Ryan’s Speaking page here - ryanohara.org/catholictalksLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here’s a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan’s FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.  I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here’s a link to get you started.