Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Victor and I reflect on the true meaning of giving your whole heart to God. Too often, we hold back out of fear—fear of being hurt, fear of what surrender really means, or even fear of giving up the “worldly things” that we think will satisfy us. But here’s the truth: the heart is where transformation happens. When God calls us to follow Him, He doesn’t just want our minds or our actions—He wants our hearts, fully and completely. We dive deep into what it means to stop hedging your bets and go all-in with Christ, trusting Him with everything. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing Him each day and giving Him access to every part of your life, even the messy places. From scripture to the wisdom of the saints, we explore why the heart is so central to our faith: - Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” - Ezekiel 36:26: God promises to replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. - Psalm 16: David’s example of choosing God as his “portion and cup.” We also talk about the powerful reflections from Archbishop Fulton Sheen and St. Augustine: - Fulton Sheen reminds us that part of our hearts are with God in heaven, and we’ll always feel incomplete until we turn back to Him. - St. Augustine famously said: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” And let’s be honest—this hits home for all of us. So many of us try to “play it safe” with God, hedging our bets and keeping one foot in the world. We share personal stories and struggles with this, and how we’ve learned (the hard way) that true joy and peace only come when we surrender fully to God’s love. And hey, this isn’t just for “perfect Christians.” We talk about how the journey to giving God your whole heart is ongoing—there are ups, downs, mistakes, and grace-filled moments along the way. Jesus doesn’t demand perfection; He asks for our trust, our surrender, and our love. On this beautiful Christmas Eve, we’re reminded that God gave everything for us. He sent His only Son to take on flesh, to live among us, and ultimately to give His life for ours. If God has already given us His heart, how can we not respond by offering Him ours in return?

Today we’re talking about something we see far too often: living with one foot in the world and one foot in the faith. It’s time to make a choice, to stop hedging our bets, and go all in with Christ. In this episode, we share our own struggles with lukewarm faith and explore what it means to commit fully to God. We look at examples from Scripture—like Elijah calling out the people on Mount Carmel and David’s heartfelt psalm of trust—to remind us that God doesn’t want a half-hearted relationship. Advent is a time to prepare, reflect, and decide: Will we give our all to Him, or keep clinging to the distractions of the world? Victor and I are passionate about helping you find the joy, peace, and purpose that only Christ can bring. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s ready to stop living a "safe" faith and start living a fulfilled one. Don’t miss this one, and as always, share it with someone who might need to hear this message. God bless! Join us for our 2025 Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey! Get ready for an incredible journey through biblical history, breathtaking views, and moments of spiritual renewal. 🇬🇷🇹🇷 Get all the details (and special Black Friday savings!) here 👉 https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/

Victor and I are diving into something really close to my heart—what Advent is truly about. It’s so easy to let this season slip by in the rush to Christmas, but Advent is such a gift if we really lean in. It’s not just about lighting candles or decorating—it’s about inviting Christ into the deepest parts of our lives. We talk about how Advent challenges us to open the doors we’ve kept locked for far too long—the places of shame, hurt, and brokenness. Jesus came into the world as a baby, humble and vulnerable, and He’s waiting to come into our hearts in the same way. In this episode, we break open scriptures like John 1 ("The Word became flesh"), Isaiah 61 ("He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted"), and Philippians 2 ("He emptied himself...") to explore why Christ came and how we can prepare ourselves to welcome Him fully. We also share personal stories about letting Jesus into the messiness of our lives and what happens when we do. I’m praying this episode inspires you to make this Advent more than just a countdown to Christmas. Let’s prepare our hearts, invite Him in, and let His light shine in our darkest places.

This week, I’m thrilled to have Heather Khym, co-host of the Abiding Together Podcast, join me for a special episode. With Advent in full swing, Heather and I dive deep into the meaning of this beautiful season and how it’s so much more than just a countdown to Christmas. Heather shares the inspiration behind her Advent journal, Encountering Emmanuel, and how Jesus wants to meet us in our “messy stables”—the broken, vulnerable places we often hide. We reflect on the importance of slowing down, making space for Christ, and letting Him enter our hearts to bring healing and freedom. In this conversation, we explore some powerful truths: 👉Why Advent feels overlooked and how we can reclaim its importance. 👉How to recognize Christ as the healer who enters our struggles, not just a distant figure. 👉Heather’s personal stories of vulnerability and the real freedom that comes when we let go of control. 👉Practical ways to prepare your heart for Jesus this season, using Heather’s guided reflections and journaling prompts. Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and encounter Christ anew. I hope this episode inspires you to open your heart to Him, whether that means diving into Heather’s journal or simply carving out quiet time to pray. 🔗 Get Encountering Emmanuel: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/encountering-emmanuel PS - #igivecatholic on #givingtuesday is now LIVE 🚨 You can give today. Your support creates safe, transformative spaces for men in need. 👉 https://bit.ly/40TfJHs

This week, Victor and I dive into the heart of Thanksgiving—not just the turkey and football, but the true meaning of living a life of gratitude every single day. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we reflect on the importance of being thankful for everything—both the joys and the hardships—and how gratitude can transform our lives, bring us closer to God, and even unlock true joy. 🙏 Oh, and big news! We’re announcing our 2025 Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey! Get ready for an incredible journey through biblical history, breathtaking views, and moments of spiritual renewal. 🇬🇷🇹🇷 Get all the details (and special Black Friday savings!) here 👉 https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Don’t miss the details, and stick around for practical tips on how to cultivate gratitude in your daily life. PS - Advanced giving with #igivecatholic on #givingtuesday is now LIVE 🚨 You can give today. Your support creates safe, transformative spaces for men in need. 👉 https://bit.ly/40TfJHs

This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re silently carrying the weight of the world—brokenness, shame, or wounds you’ve never been able to share. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it by yourself anymore. Last weekend, the @JPIIHealingCenter hosted the first-ever Restored Men’s Healing Conference, and it was powerful. Men from all over the country (and even other countries!) showed up with open hearts, some for the very first time. These were men who had been silently suffering for years—dealing with wounds from abandonment, addiction, rejection, or just feeling like they’re not enough. Over the weekend, we watched God work in incredible ways as men opened up, shared their stories, and allowed Christ to step into those broken places. It was humbling and hopeful. In this episode, Victor and I unpack some of the key takeaways from the conference and dive deep into the struggles many of us face but rarely talk about. We’ll cover why we feel like we need to hide our pain, how self-reliance is a trap, and most importantly, how God’s grace can reshape the broken parts of our lives. Here’s the truth: Healing is possible. You can start today. You don’t have to have it all figured out; you just have to take one step forward. Let’s talk about how. PS - Advanced giving with #igivecatholic on #givingtuesday is now LIVE 🚨 You can give today. Your support creates safe, transformative spaces for men in need. 👉 https://bit.ly/40TfJHs ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcoming everyone back to The Pew and a shoutout to attendees of the Restored Men’s Healing Conference. 03:15 – Silent Suffering: Why so many men carry hidden burdens and how the conference revealed the depth of that pain. 08:40 – The False Mask of Self-Reliance: How trying to handle everything on your own can lead to deeper wounds. 12:25 – Vulnerability as Strength: Breaking the myth that opening up makes you weak—it’s actually the key to healing. 16:05 – God the Potter: Exploring the biblical imagery of God reshaping us like clay and why it’s so relevant to our lives. 20:50 – Action Steps for Healing: From confession to community, practical ways to start finding freedom in Christ. 26:45 – A Story of Grace: Heartfelt moments from the conference where men experienced breakthrough and restoration. 33:10 – Final Thoughts: Why you’re never too far gone for God’s love and how to take the next step forward. 36:00 – Prayer: Wrapping up the episode with a prayer for healing and trust in God’s provision.

Today, Victor and I dive into one of the biggest struggles we all face—trusting in God's provision. It’s not always easy to let go, especially when anxiety and fear kick in, but we're here to share some inspiration, a few laughs, and even some of our personal struggles with letting go and trusting that God has us covered. In this episode, we go over the importance of surrender, how to recognize God's provision in our lives, and why faith isn’t just about saying we believe—it’s about showing it with our actions. We also reflect on how the Bible reminds us that God knows what we need and always has our backs, even when we’re tempted to take control ourselves.

In this episode, Victor and I get real about those tough, cloudy moments we all face. From intense travel to unexpected challenges, I found myself needing a reminder that even in the storm, God’s light is there for us 🌤️. On a recent flight, as we broke through some dark clouds into the sun, it was a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets us right where we are, even in the hardest times. 🌄 Join us as we share stories from our lives, moments from scripture, and why it’s so important to keep your eyes on the truth of God’s promises. We talk about the lives of Peter and Paul, how they faced their own storms, and what we can learn from their faith and resilience. Whether it’s dealing with grief, challenges at work, or just feeling lost, this episode is here to encourage you to keep pushing through, with Jesus leading the way.

Today’s episode is a special one—it’s a heartfelt look at the power of vulnerability, the journey of healing, and the courage it takes to truly cry out to Jesus. This week has been full of travel and connection as I visited multiple cities, witnessing firsthand how God is moving through men’s ministries and drawing us all toward healing and restoration. We dive into the story of Blind Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark—one man’s encounter with Jesus that reminds us all of the importance of being vulnerable and bold in asking for the help we need. In today’s world, we’re often told to ‘suck it up’ and carry on alone, but Bartimaeus’ story calls us to something deeper. When everyone else tried to silence him, he cried out even louder. In that moment, Bartimaeus showed us the true meaning of courage and faith: daring to believe that Jesus wants to meet us in our brokenness and bring us wholeness. Support the Mission 💪: This ministry is growing, reaching more cities, and impacting more men, but we need your help to continue. With Giving Tuesday on December 3rd (and early giving beginning on November 18th), we’re praying to raise over $50,000 to bring on an additional evangelist and expand our reach. If this episode speaks to you, consider subscribing, sharing, or becoming a monthly partner with us by visiting https://memphis.igivecatholic.org/organizations/pew-ministries ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome back & intro 2:25 - Recent travels: men’s conferences and ministry highlights 5:55 - Why vulnerability and asking for healing is so powerful 9:30 - The story of Blind Bartimaeus: crying out when others say to stay silent 15:40 - Breaking free from “comfort blankets” and reaching for Jesus 21:20 - How community and faith bring real healing 27:30 - An invitation to support our mission & Giving Tuesday details 31:40 - Following Jesus with gratitude and purpose 40:10 - Final reflections and prayer

Hey everyone, welcome to a very special milestone—our 300th episode of Just a Guy in the Pew! 🎉 https://justaguyinthepew.com/ In this episode, Victor and I take a moment to reflect on five incredible years of sharing our hearts, our struggles, and our faith with you all. From the very first episode to now, this journey has been full of raw conversations about vulnerability, faith, and the real challenges we face as men. We’ve laughed, we’ve learned, and we’ve seen how God has worked through this ministry to touch the lives of so many. If you're new here, this podcast isn’t about perfect people or perfect answers. It’s about real guys, talking about real life, in front of the one person who can truly make a difference—Jesus Christ. Our hope is that by sharing our stories, we can help you find hope in yours. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey so far. If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to hit that subscribe button and join us as we continue to grow this ministry. Together, we can reach even more men who need to know they’re not alone in their walk of faith. ___________________________________________________________________________ ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome and Intro: John and Victor celebrate the milestone of 300 episodes 2:35 - Reflecting on the Podcast's Journey: How the show began in 2017 and has grown over five years 6:55 - The Importance of Vulnerability: Discussing how opening up about struggles has been a key part of the podcast’s success 11:45 - Impact on Men's Lives: How the podcast has resonated with men, fostering spiritual growth and connection 16:20 - Faith and Everyday Life: Conversations about navigating faith in the midst of real-world challenges 22:30 - Favorite Moments and Memories: John and Victor share personal stories from past episodes 29:15 - Behind-the-Scenes Insights: How they prepare for episodes and the personal impact of the podcast on their own lives 35:10 - Thanking the Community: Expressing gratitude to listeners and supporters who have been part of the journey 40:25 - Looking Forward: What’s next for the podcast and the ministry 43:00 - Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to subscribe, support, and share the message

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the JPII Healing Center and co-host of the Restoring the Glory podcast. Dr. Bob is a renowned author and spiritual leader, known for his transformative books Be Healed, Be Restored, Be Transformed, and Be Devoted. Today, we dive deep into the power of healing, specifically for men, and how the upcoming Restored Men’s Healing Conference is set to impact men’s lives. 👉 Register for the Restored Men’s Healing Conference (In-Person & Live Stream): https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/ We kick off the discussion with the story behind this new men’s conference, happening from November 14-16, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and what inspired Dr. Bob to create this event, modeled after his successful women’s conferences. Throughout the episode, we touch on several key topics, including why healing is so crucial for men, how we often ignore pain or trauma, and the father wounds many men struggle with. We also reflect on personal stories about how Dr. Bob’s ministry has shaped my life, and how Jesus’ healing can help men confront the issues that have long held them back. Dr. Bob shares how essential it is to move past pain, addictions, and emotional wounds in order to lead healthier relationships and spiritual lives.

In this week’s episode, I’m diving deep into a question that we don’t often ask ourselves: “Are you being kind to yourself?” Not in the sense of pampering or indulgence, but in how we speak to ourselves, care for our mental and spiritual well-being, and confront the challenges life throws our way. After a busy few weeks on the road and dealing with personal struggles—including trying to write a book and battling spiritual attacks—I found myself caught in a cycle of negative self-talk. From questioning my role as a husband and father to feeling overwhelmed by ministry work, it seemed like the devil was hitting me with every doubt and lie he could muster. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t want us to live in that darkness. He calls us to renew our minds, as St. Paul says, and to take every thought captive to Christ. In this episode, I share the powerful moments when God intervened, reminding me of my worth and guiding me to be kinder to myself. I talk about the importance of resting, leaning on God’s grace, and breaking free from the lies that make us feel unworthy or inadequate. We also explore how these personal struggles affect not just ourselves, but those around us—our families, our friends, and our communities. When we’re not kind to ourselves, it’s hard to love others as Christ calls us to . . . _______________________________________________________________________ BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PEW! 🤝 www.donorbox.org/pew

In this episode, John and Victor dive into the importance of taking action in your life and not procrastinating when you hear God's call. We discuss how easy it is to say "someday, Lord" but remind ourselves that tomorrow isn't promised—action is required today. We also share personal stories, insights from scripture, and examples of how to overcome fear, hesitation, and the urge to put things off, whether it's battling addiction, making life changes, or answering God's call to serve. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

This week, I’m diving deep into what it means to truly wait on God. We live in a world where we’re always on the go, but sometimes, God calls us to slow down and listen. It’s not always easy—trust me, I struggle with it too! But the grace we find in that quiet waiting can be life-changing. Join me as I talk about how I’ve navigated moments of feeling distant from God, and what I’ve learned about hearing His voice in the stillness. We all need patience, fortitude, and hope, and I hope this episode helps you find some in your own journey. ___________________________________________________________________________ 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Psalm 130:5 – "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope." Isaiah 40:31 – "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Micah 7:7 – "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." Matthew 10:30 – "But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." Luke 22:44 – "And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

In this episode, Victor and I tackle one of the most relatable topics in faith: spiritual desolation. I open up about my personal struggles with feeling distant from God and how even saints like Mother Teresa faced years of spiritual dryness. Together, we explore what desolation really means and how it can impact our prayer life, mindset, and overall connection with God. Drawing inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola and the teachings of Mother Teresa, we break down how to push through these tough times, offering practical advice on perseverance, prayer, and trusting God’s will even when it feels like He’s far away. If you've ever felt stuck in your spiritual journey, this episode offers a reminder that you're not alone—and that there’s a way forward. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: John 7:37-38 – "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’" Psalm 40:1-2 – "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." James 1:2-3 – "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:12 – "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

In this episode, we’re getting real about something I know many of us wrestle with: the fear of fully committing our lives to Christ. Maybe you’ve felt that pull to go all-in but hesitated because of what it might cost you—relationships, your job, or even just the comfort of staying where you are. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing: while Jesus never sugarcoated the challenges of discipleship, He did promise something far greater—the eternal reward. We’re diving into powerful scriptures like the story of the rich young man who walked away because he couldn’t let go of his possessions. We’ll talk about why counting the cost is important but how focusing on the reward—eternal life and true peace—can help us overcome those fears. Plus, I’m sharing some practical tips on how to live boldly as a disciple, including ways to deepen your prayer life and bring Jesus into every part of your day. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Luke 14:28-34 Matthew 18:19-23 Matthew 19:16-22 Luke 12:16-20 Matthew 19:29 John 14:1-3 John 6:51-56

This week, I'm excited to have my good friend Paul George back on the show! If you caught our last episode, you'll know that Paul is not only the founder of The Art of Living but also the author of some fantastic books like "Rethink Happiness" and "Holy Grit." If you haven’t checked those out yet, I highly recommend you do—they’ve been game-changers for a lot of men, especially in men’s groups. Find more here 👉 https://www.paulgeorge.la/ or here 👉 https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/ In this episode, Paul and I dive deep into what it really means to be a husband and father. We’re talking about the real stuff—the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. We get personal about our own experiences, from how we navigate the daily challenges of marriage and fatherhood to the importance of having authentic friendships with other men. We both know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to go it alone, but let me tell you, that’s exactly where the enemy wants us. We also talk about the power of vulnerability. Paul shares how he’s learned to let down his guard and be real, not just with God but with his wife and kids, too. And I open up about some of the hardest things I’ve faced as a husband and father—things that have also turned out to be the greatest blessings in my life. It’s not always easy, but man, it’s worth it. One of the highlights for me was when we discussed the role of prayer in our lives. The morning we recorded this, Paul and I spent some time just praying for each other—real, honest prayer about the things that weigh on us as men. We realized that the hardest battles we face are often at home, in our roles as husbands and fathers. But that’s also where God is calling us to be the strongest, the holiest. If you’re a guy who’s struggling in your marriage or feeling the weight of fatherhood, this episode is for you. We’re here to encourage you, to remind you that you’re not alone, and to offer some practical advice on how to move forward with God’s help. So whether you’re listening in the gym, mowing the lawn, or just driving in your car, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you. 💡 Don't forget, Register for the JPIIHealingCenter Restored Men's Healing Conference here 👉 https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/

In this episode, John and Victor dive deep into a topic that affects us all—worry and anxiety. We all have those moments when life feels overwhelming, but what can we do about it? John shares a powerful personal story about how worry was stealing his joy, even during a simple fishing trip. We'll explore what the saints and scriptures have to say about overcoming these feelings and how trusting in God can make all the difference. But that's not all—this episode is packed with inspiration! You'll hear a touching story of a young man who found hope and healing through our men's group, a reminder of the incredible impact community can have. Plus, we're talking about the busyness of ministry life, the importance of prayer, and the ways we can all support each other on this journey of faith. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, there's something here for everyone. Don't forget to like, comment, and consider becoming a Partner in the Pew to help us continue this vital work. 📚 Bible verses for reflection: Philippians 4:6-7 1 Peter 5:7 Psalm 55:22 Matthew 6:25-34 Psalm 94:19 Psalm 56:3 Isaiah 41:10 Proverbs 12:25

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Paul George to the show. Paul is not just an incredible author and speaker; he’s a man dedicated to helping others discover the joy of living a life rooted in faith. In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to live as a man of God, facing our wounds and seeking true healing. We talk about everything from Paul's latest book, Holy Grit, to his work with The Art of Living (https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/)—a nonprofit that serves not just churches and parishes, but a wide range of organizations dedicated to making a difference. But it’s not all serious talk—we also share some laughs as Paul brings a little piece of Louisiana up to Memphis, surprising me with some authentic boudin and cracklins. We chat about everything from the best Cajun food to our mutual love for the show Swamp People. If you’ve ever wondered how alligator hunting connects to a man’s spiritual journey, you’re in for a treat! We also dive into some exciting news about our upcoming Restored Men's Healing Conference, happening this November 14-16 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you’ve been feeling the call to deepen your faith, heal old wounds, or just need a weekend of fellowship with other men, this event is for you. We’ll be teaming up with the JPII Healing Center to offer talks, prayer, and plenty of opportunities to connect with God and other men on the same journey. Register for the Restored Men's Healing Conference here 👉 https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/restored_1114/

Many of you, after seeing the photos, wanted to know when this powerful conversation was going to be released to the public. I'm so excited to share my conversation with Fr. Malachy from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indy. I was blessed to be one of the 10 podcasters invited to podcast live at the NEC and, as per usual, my conversation with Fr. Malachy was full of joy and tears! Today, I have a heartwarming conversation with my dear friend, Fr Malachy, a devoted Franciscan Friar of Renewal. From our first meeting at the JP2 Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida, to walking barefoot in reverence during a Eucharistic pilgrimage, our journeys have been nothing short of transformative. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to live a life filled with the spirit of power, inspired by St. Paul's teachings. Fr Malachy shares his recent experience of carrying the Eucharist from New Jersey to Indianapolis, recounting the grace-filled moments and the profound connections made along the way. His stories are a testament to the power of faith and the radical change it brings to our lives. We explore the importance of daily Mass, the Eucharist, and confession in achieving personal transformation. Our discussion is filled with personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, offering you practical insights and encouragement on your own faith journey. In this episode, you will hear: - The inspiring backstory of our friendship and spiritual journey - The significance of the National Eucharistic Congress in revitalizing faith - Powerful testimonies from the Eucharistic pilgrimage, including the profound act of walking barefoot in adoration - How the spirit of power can lead to radical personal transformation The importance of community, daily devotion, and surrendering to God's will