Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

So much of our struggle in life comes down to one question: do we know who we are in God? In this episode, John welcomes Carrie Daunt—wife, mother of nine, and speaker with the John Paul II Healing Center—for a powerful conversation on identity and family life. Carrie shares how her newest book, Beloved Son, helps parents speak truth into their children’s hearts, and why reclaiming our identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father is the foundation for healing and freedom. Carrie and John also reflect on the challenges men and women face in living out their vocations, the importance of fathers manning their post, and how ordering our lives with God at the center changes everything. Find Carrie's new book: https://a.co/d/3B00HjY Check out more of Carrie's work: https://www.instagram.com/carriedaunt https://www.facebook.com/CarrieDaunt https://x.com/CarrieDaunt https://jpiihealingcenter.org Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Why do so many men feel like nothing they do is ever good enough? Join us in the pew this week as John unpacks the crushing weight of perfectionism, the very thing that keeps men stuck in cycles of inadequacy and self-condemnation. God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s inviting you into greatness. When you show up to Mass distracted or spend an imperfect hour with your kids, He sees your heart and effort, not your failures. If you’re tired of the voice that says “it’s never enough,” this episode offers a biblical shift in perspective. Don’t let your mistakes define you; let them refine you. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

You check all the boxes—good job, nice house, family, success—but still wake up asking, "Is this all there is?" You're not alone. This week in the pew, John is joined by his longtime friend Bart Schuchts, founder of Church on Fire and ministry leader with the John Paul II Healing Center, for an honest conversation about finding your God-given purpose when life feels like you're just surviving instead of thriving. Drawing from Scripture and raw personal experience, John and Bart explore why so many men are stuck in cycles of despair, working jobs that drain their souls while their hearts scream for something more. Check out more of Bart's work: https://www.churchonfire.live/ https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ And follow them on social media: https://www.instagram.com/churchonfire.live https://www.instagram.com/jpiihealingcenter/ https://www.facebook.com/JP2HealingCenter https://x.com/JPIIHealing https://youtube.com/@jpiihealingcenter?si=TgP-gv354daZcC8P Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Sometimes we get discouraged when our imperfect efforts fail our expectations, when in reality it is only God who can provide exactly what we need. Join us in the pew this week as John reflects on this truth through a story about his yard in the Memphis heat, and how one sudden downpour after weeks of drought became a powerful lesson in the way God intervenes with grace. Drawing from Psalm 63, he shows how relying on ourselves is futile, and how opening to God restores our souls—just as rain revived John's grass. You don’t have to hold it all together. God’s grace is real—ask Him to let it rain. Download the Opportunities For Grace spreadsheet: https://justaguyinthepew.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/OFGSheet.pdf Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Who are men listening to in 2025? Join us in the pew this week for a conversation with longtime friend and guest Pete Burak, Vice President of Renewal Ministries. So many young men who desire discipleship are drawn to online influencers because they are validating that desire with a distorted version of masculinity. What they’re really longing for is the radical call of Jesus—the only One who can truly transform a man’s heart. Following Jesus means going all in. It means rejecting a lukewarm heart and letting Him radically transform your life as a man of God. Masculinity isn’t toxic. It’s holy—when Jesus is at the center. Check out Renewal Ministries and the awesome ways they're helping folks pursue true greatness. https://www.renewalministries.net/ Follow Pete on social media! https://www.instagram.com/peteburak https://www.facebook.com/pete.burak/ https://x.com/PeteBurak10 Follow Renewal Ministries on social media! https://www.instagram.com/renewalministries https://www.facebook.com/CatholicRenewalMinistries/ Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Is your life full of noise, stress, and spiritual disconnection? You’re not alone. Join us in the pew this week as John and Victor dive into the chaos that often fills our lives, and the despair that can follow. They unpack how addiction, stress, and misplaced priorities lead us away from peace and into deeper confusion. But there’s hope. Through honest reflection, spiritual discipline, and authentic community, we can begin to reclaim order in our lives. Listen as John and Victor speak plainly about their own past, and the practical ways they were able to move from chaos to clarity, and from despair to hope. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-paul-ii-pilgrimage-to-poland-with-john-edwards-and-fr-kacper-wojcieszko/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Join us in the pew this week as John and Victor reflect on their own seasons of hopelessness and what it means to feel stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break—whether it’s addiction, broken relationships, or the crushing belief that things will never get better. But despair isn't the end. They also discuss that with Christ, you can fight for hope, even when you can’t feel it. When you keep showing up in prayer, the sacraments, scripture, and community, John and Victor share how choosing hope—even a hundred times a day—is the most courageous thing a man can do. If you take anything from this podcast, know that you are not alone. Despair doesn’t get the final word when you place your trust in Christ and rely on the grace of the Holy Spirit. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

This week, John welcomes Catholic evangelist John Sablan for a powerful conversation about healing, discipleship, and what it truly means to live a Christlike life. Sablan shares his personal journey from a wounded and rebellious past to a life on fire for the Lord, revealing how the love of God—and hours spent in Eucharistic adoration—radically transformed him as a husband, father, and man. Together, he and Edwards discuss the difference between going to church and becoming a disciple, and how every man is called to a life of holiness, no matter his story. If you’ve ever felt unworthy, stuck in sin, or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you. God is not looking for perfection—He’s after your heart. Check out more of John Sablan's work at https://www.johnsablan.com/ Check out his new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578734761 And follow him on social media: https://www.instagram.com/johnjsablan https://www.facebook.com/johnjsablan Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Even in the darkest moments, God is at work. This week, join John and Victor in the pew as they explore the mystery of suffering and the surprising beauty that can come from it. From personal struggles and heartbreak to redemption and healing, they reflect on how pain can become a path to deeper trust, renewed purpose, and unexpected grace. Whether it's a lost job, a broken relationship, or hidden shame, God can transform our wounds into witness. What feels like failure may be the very thing that opens the door to transformation. Grace often hides in the places we least want to look. It is there, in our lowest moments, that God begins His greatest work. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

This week, John welcomes back Dr. Bob Schuchts—Catholic therapist, author, and founder of the John Paul II Healing Center—for an in-depth conversation about what it means to truly trust in the Father’s provision. Self-reliance can creep into our lives in subtle ways, and fear and control often mask as responsibility. Listen in as Dr. Bob shares personal stories and insights from his new book Trusting Our Father’s Provision, which demonstrate how real freedom begins when we let go and allow God to provide. If you’ve ever struggled to surrender your finances, your future, or your sense of security to God, the Father sees you. He knows what you need. And He can be trusted. Check out more of Dr. Schuchts work at https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ Trusting Our Father’s Provision: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/trusting-our-fathers-provision/ Healing the Whole Person: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/hwpweekend/ Check out Dr. Bob's podcast, Restore The Glory: https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/ Restoring the Glory Retreat: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/rtg_2/ And follow on social media: https://www.instagram.com/jpiihealingcenter/ https://www.facebook.com/JP2HealingCenter https://x.com/JPIIHealing https://www.youtube.com/@JPIIHealingCenter

You shouldn’t have to tell anyone you’re a disciple of Christ—your life should make it obvious. Join John and Victor in the pew as they explore how true discipleship is revealed not in words, but in the way we live. If you’re truly a disciple of Christ, your life should look different—so much so that others can see it without you ever saying a word. Reflect on the most important question Jesus ever asked: “Who do you say that I am?” Remember on the day of judgment, the answer won’t be spoken—it will have been lived. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

In this week’s episode, John welcomes Dr. John Bergsma—convert, theologian, and professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville—for a rich conversation on faith, scripture, and the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. Dr. Bergsma shares his journey from Protestant pastor to Catholic scholar, and how reading the Bible deeply led him not away from the Church, but straight into it. Together, he and John unpack the meaning of Jubilee, not as a dusty Old Testament tradition, but as a living call to forgiveness, freedom, and restoration. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between scripture and tradition—or if you’re ready for a deeper understanding of how the Church invites us into hope—this one’s for you. Check out more of Dr. Bergsma's work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulcenter https://www.instagram.com/emmausroadpublishing https://www.instagram.com/john.s.bergsma Link to his book, Jesus and The Jubilee: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/jesus-and-the-jubilee-the-biblical-roots-of-the-year-of-gods-favor And the digital companion to the book: https://imgix.stplctr.com/Jubilee-Bergsma_Digital-Companion.pdf?v=1744663611 Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. In this episode, John and Victor talk about the deep need we all have for spiritual friendships—and why trying to follow Jesus without community leaves us vulnerable to isolation, temptation, and burnout. They share personal stories of how God used brotherhood to strengthen them in their darkest moments, and how real transformation happens when we walk with others who know us, challenge us, and love us enough to tell us the truth. Because, we really do need each other. You weren’t meant to carry it all alone. If you’ve been going through the motions or trying to handle everything yourself, this episode is your invitation to open up, reach out, and walk together. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

What’s missing when most Catholic's practice the faith? Care. Love begins with caring, and community begins with accompaniment. In this episode, John challenges us to stop going through the motions and start answering the call to care—for real people, in real tangible ways. If you’ve ever felt unwanted—or if you’ve found yourself missing out on meaningful relationships because of work or technology—this one’s for you. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

What if the solution to parish decline isn’t another event, but a knock at the door? In this week’s episode, John welcomes Austin Habash, founder of Think Catholic and Sent Evangelization, to share his powerful story—from agnosticism to the Carthusian monastery, and now to leading neighborhood evangelization across the country. Austin explains why door-to-door ministry isn’t just possible for Catholics—it’s vital. And how real transformation doesn’t start with a script, but with prayer, presence, and genuine charity. Check out Austin's Ministry: https://www.thinkcatholic.org/ Check out his podcast, Summa in A Year: https://open.spotify.com/show/3esPTruHHZAoZyzrDJ1Dv4?si=7d506c18782c47f1 And follow him on social media: https://www.instagram.com/think__catholic/ https://www.youtube.com/@thinkcatholic. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Struggle doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you. In this episode, John and Victor talk honestly about the shame men carry and the silent battles they face. Too many believe they’re alone. Too many believe they shouldn’t be struggling. But the truth is, you’re not broken beyond repair—and God is not surprised by your weakness. This conversation is a reminder that you are not defined by your failures, rather by this: that God created you out of love and for love. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Many of us stay constantly busy—doing good things, even spiritual things—without asking whether our efforts are truly fruitful or aligned with God's will. Join John and Victor in the pew this week as they reflect on the difference between scattered effort and focused, Spirit-led action. No matter what stage of life you're in, it's time to move beyond spiritual autopilot. Pause. Pray. And ask yourself honestly: What am I doing? Why am I doing it? Where is the fruit? And what is God actually calling me to do? Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

We all deal with negative thoughts, but how we handle them makes all the difference. Join John and Victor in the pew this week as they discuss the power of preaching truth to yourself during moments of doubt. When you face negative self-talk head-on and learn to parry those attacks, it can lead to true spiritual resilience. Life isn’t easy, but we are called to face each challenge with strength and trust in the Lord. Speak truth to yourself and keep moving forward. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Values in today’s culture are shifting dramatically. Education has replaced faith, financial success has replaced marriage, and comfort has replaced family. Marriage rates around the world are falling at an alarming pace—and this decline isn’t just a byproduct of cultural change; it’s the driving force behind it. It’s a sobering outlook, but all hope is not lost. Rebuilding marriage starts in the home and in authentic, supportive community. Join John and his guest, Damon Owens, as they discuss the state of marriage in today’s world. They explore the roots of the crisis, its impact on faith and family, and—most importantly—how we can begin to reverse the trend, one couple at a time. Check out Damon's ministry at https://joytob.org/ https://www.facebook.com/thejoytob/ Follow his work on social media: https://www.facebook.com/damonowensofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/damon.c.owens/ Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK

Whether it’s from past mistakes, broken relationships, or personal struggles, shame can leave us feeling unworthy, isolated, and stuck. But there’s hope. By turning to humility and running toward Jesus—like Peter did after his denial—we can find healing, restoration, and peace. Join John and Victor in the pew this week to unpack the difference between guilt and shame, and share how the Sacrament of Reconciliation, honest community, and God’s mercy can help us rediscover our worth. No matter what you’ve done, you are not beyond the reach of God's love. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyinthepew.com Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey with John 👉https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-with-john-edwards-and-fr-james-clark/ Become a Partner in the Pew! 🤝 http://www.donorbox.org/pew DOWNLOADS📚 Get a copy of my new eBook, “12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus”! http://JUSTAGUYINTHEPEW.COM/EBOOK