The Catholic Coaching Podcast

“Did I miss my calling?” “Is this really God’s will?” If you’ve ever wrestled with those questions, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Matt sits down with Stacey Sumereau—former Broadway performer, reality TV discerner (“Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns”), host of the Called and Caffeinated podcast, Catholic wife, mom of five, and special needs mother. Stacey shares how God led her from the stage to a deeply hidden life of family, ministry, and Catholic coaching… and how He used disappo...

Real vs. Fake Apologies: 8 Red Flags How do you know if an apology is truly sincere? In this episode, Matt and Erin walk through practical ways to evaluate an apology and respond in a way that protects the relationship and your peace. What you’ll learn • The difference between “I’m sorry” and sincere contrition • 8 signs to watch for: 1.Convenient timing (ulterior motives) 2.Vague language (no specific action owned) 3.Defensive ...

How to Make a Sincere Apology | 5 Steps to Real Reconciliation Want to apologize in a way that actually restores trust? In this episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin break down how to make a sincere apology—what to do internally before you speak, what to say (and not say), and how to detach from the other person’s response while still moving toward reconciliation. What you’ll learn • The difference between saying “sorry” and offering a sincere apology • 3 common mindset t...

Overcome Loneliness by Focusing Outside of Yourself In this episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast (Ep. 267), Matt and Erin revisit the growing epidemic of loneliness—especially among Gen Z—and explore how the simple but powerful skill of active listening can be a true antidote. Unlike surface-level interactions, deep listening creates meaningful connection, reduces social anxiety, and helps people feel seen, known, and loved. You’ll discover: •What loneliness really is (and isn’t). •Why ...

How do you discern a risky leap from stable ministry to mission entrepreneurship—and keep your marriage unified while you do it? In this episode, Matt Ingold talks with Nick & Teresa Redd about founding The Freedom Group (helping men get free from porn and reclaim purpose), praying and planning through pivots, fundraising and finances, and practicing unity-in-action as a “couple on mission.” We also hit practical mindset tools from Catholic coaching, why “premature deployment” (with prud...

How do you forgive when everything in you wants to hold on? In this episode, Matt and Erin close out our series on anger and sorrow in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination by tackling forgiveness—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to choose it when it feels impossible. Drawing on Scripture, Aquinas, coaching experience, and neuroscience, we show why unforgiveness keeps you in bondage (and in brain “threat mode”) while forgiveness frees the heart, sharpens the mind, and breaks cycles of v...

Sorrow isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. In this episode, Matt and Erin explore how to process sorrow in a virtuous, Christ-centered way in the wake of a widely publicized tragedy. Building on last week’s conversation about anger, they turn to Aquinas, pastoral experience, and practical tools so you can feel sorrow rightly—without numbing out or falling into despair. What you’ll learn • What sorrow is (Aquinas) and why it’s morally neutral but must be  ...

In this special episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin take on the emotion dominating hearts after the assassination of Charlie Kirk: anger. Is it wrong to feel angry? How do you know if your anger is righteous, vicious, or deficient? Drawing on Aquinas, pastoral wisdom, and lived experience, this episode helps you discern anger as a morally neutral emotion that can lead either to sin or to zeal. What we cover •Anger in light of Charlie Kirk’s death: is it appropriate? •Aqui...

Are the “small” lies we accept actually steering our lives? In this episode, Matt & Erin Ingold map out a practical taxonomy of lies—from subtle errors and misinterpretations to omission and full-on falsification—and show how these distortions quietly shape prayer, relationships, and mindset. You’ll get concrete self-coaching questions to test your thoughts, spot cognitive distortions (minimization/maximization), and bring everything back to facts, truth, and mercy. Distinctively Catholic...

Can you really tell when someone isn’t telling the truth? 🤔 In this episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin unpack the Signs of a Lie—the subtle verbal cues that reveal when someone might be hiding the truth. We explore: ✅ Inconsistencies and evasive answers ✅ Overly detailed stories that avoid the point ✅ Hesitations, filler words, and cognitive overload ✅ Emotional “leakage” like mismatched tone or nervous laughter ✅ Psychological distancing (“that woman…”, passive voice, f...

Ever wonder if someone is lying to you—or if you’ve been believing lies yourself? In this episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt & Erin break down the 3 different types of lies and how they show up in everyday life. From small “errors” and white lies, to subtle denials and omissions, all the way to bold-faced fabrications, you’ll discover how to spot them—and why they matter for your mindset, relationships, and spiritual life. You’ll learn: ✅ How to recognize the least malicious ...

Are you one of the 15% of men (or 10% of women) who can't name even one good friend? You're not alone in feeling alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the epidemic of loneliness that's crushing our generation and reveal a powerful Catholic framework that transforms isolation into unity. What You'll Discover: The real psychological difference between solitude and lonelinessWhy being surrounded by people doesn't cure lonelinessA 5-step process to hack your loneliness mindsetHow saints like ...

Struggling with difficult people in your life? In this episode, Matt and Erin walk you through how to set healthy, Christ-centered boundaries that don’t push people away but actually create deeper connection, respect, and peace. You’ll learn: ✅ Why boundaries must start internally before they can last externally ✅ How reframing boundaries as “guidelines,” “limits,” or “agreements” can change relationships ✅ Practical steps for setting boundaries with compassion, clarity, and...

We all face them — the difficult person at work, the toxic family member, or the friend who drains your energy. You’ve prayed they’d change. You’ve tried avoiding them. But what if God wants to give you peace even if they never change? In this episode of The Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin share a step-by-step, faith-based process for dealing with difficult people without losing your joy. You’ll learn how to reframe your thinking, keep your peace, and show up with love — whether you’...

In this episode of The Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin sit down with Damon and Melanie Owens—Catholic marriage coaches, Theology of the Body experts, and founders of Joyful Ever After—to talk about the real, raw struggles Catholic couples face today. Whether your marriage feels disconnected, you're sleeping in separate beds, or you're silently carrying a cross with no one to turn to, this conversation will show you that joy is possible—and transformation is within reach. You’ll learn...