The Catholic Experience

“They Live” isn’t fiction anymore. TJ uses the cult classic to call out how our world, and even parts of the Church have traded truth for illusions. NOTE: THIS IS THE LAST episode of The Catholic Experience. Follow the links to the new podcast “They Live” isn’t really about aliens—it’s about blindness. In this episode, T.J. Haines tears into the eerie accuracy of John Carpenter’s They Live, showing how the film’s “glasses” reveal not aliens, but our willingness to believe lies. From the Church to culture, he shows how people today see what isn’t there—and ignore what’s right in front of them.Stoking the Embers Podcast Substack | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Also available on most other podcast apps. Just search for “Stoking the Embers”LINKSThe Quiet Ember, short article on “They Live” SOCIALSFollow me on… X | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookStE is also on… 𝕏 | Facebook (00:00) - Welcome and announcement of Stoking the Embers (05:30) - What They Live teaches about seeing truth (09:00) - Modern blindness: comfort over clarity (12:30) - Clearing confusion about Church teaching (30:00) - How to recognize manipulation and spiritual lies (44:00) - Final exhortation: “Put on the glasses”

The Church has just canonized young St. Carlo Acutis. A new, young saint who had all the markers of holiness from a young age. Perhaps this is the perfect time to publish this episode about my encounter with another young saint in the making. It’s the reason that I launched The Saint Foundry.

This is FREE only for one day, then only paid subscribers have access to it. In this new episode I take on a claim that just won’t die: that Vatican II is to blame for the collapse in Mass attendance. A recent economics study made the rounds, arguing that the Council caused pews to empty out. But when you scratch the surface, the evidence is flimsy, and the real story points somewhere else entirely. Was Vatican II really to blame for the decline in Catholic Mass attendance—or is the deeper issue Catholic culture itself? I dig into the cultural shifts of the 1960s, sloppy implementations of Vatican II at the parish level, and the dangers of weak catechesis and watered-down homilies. But there are many signs of renewal today, which I get into as well.Links & Resources:Read the CNA article discussed in this episode: Economics paper suggests Mass decline tied to Vatican II implementationPodcast home: catholicexperience.fm

Do aliens exist? Drawing from Scripture, theology, and the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, I take on one of the most intriguing questions in our time. I explore why belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life is not only unlikely but also theologically problematic. But this is also a lesson about angels and demons! It’s a necessary component, not random. I talk about the nature of angels and demons, examine UFO sightings with both logic and faith, and explain why what people often call “aliens” may be better understood as demonic manifestations—or even human technology cloaked in secrecy. BONUS: What if these ARE aliens? They’re not. But as a fun thought experiment, I explain why, if these are aliens, humanity should be very afraid!This isn’t just a conversation about outer space—it’s a deep reflection on man’s unique place in creation, God’s order, and the spiritual battles that shape our world.Show notes, chapters found below📖 Show NotesKey Topics Covered:Scripture on Humanity’s Place in Creation: Genesis 1 and Colossians 1 reveal why mankind is God’s highest earthly creation, making other intelligent species unnecessary.The Redundancy Problem: Why God wouldn’t create another race of “men” with free will and intellect on another planet.UFO Sightings Examined: Natural phenomena, government technology, or something spiritual? Why most footage fails the logic test.Theological Issues with Aliens: Would they need a Redeemer? If so, who—and how? Why Christ’s one sacrifice makes alien redemption impossible.Angels and Demons 101: What Aquinas teaches about angelic nature, free will, infused knowledge, and why demons can manifest physically—with limits.Demonic Deception: How alleged ghostly encounters and UFO sightings may be tactics to confuse, terrorize, and pull us away from God.A Thought Experiment: If aliens did exist, could God allow them as punishment for mankind’s global transgressions—similar to Israel’s history in Scripture?TakeawayAliens? No. Angels and demons? Yes. Our faith and reason point to humanity’s unique place in creation—and warn us not to be distracted by phenomena that might, in reality, be spiritual deceptions.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Tonight's Topic 00:54 Exploring the Existence of Aliens 02:58 Scriptural Insights and Human Uniqueness 08:14 Analyzing UFO Sightings and Theological Implications 25:49 Debating 39:04 Understanding Angels and Demons (00:00) - Introduction and Tonight's Topic (01:16) - Exploring the Existence of Aliens (03:20) - Scriptural Insights and Human Uniqueness (08:36) - Analyzing UFO Sightings and Theological Implications (26:11) - Debating the Nature of Alien Spacecraft (26:52) - Understanding Angels and Demons (39:30) - Theological Implications of Aliens (48:45) - Engaging with the Community and Final Thoughts

In this lively and deeply reflective episode of The Catholic Experience, the Catholic Adventurer tackles the provocative theme: “God is Real. You Are Not.” Drawing from theology, personal testimony, and real-time audience interaction, I unpack what it means to become “real”—the True version of what God envisioned when he "thought you up", before you came into the world.— shedding the distortions of sin and returning to the person God originally envisioned. But I talk about a lot more than that! See show notes below.NOTE: See your player/app for chapters, if supported (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and several other podcast apps support the feature)LINKSCatholicExperience.FM: Episodes, video episodes (when available), articles, exclusives. Subscribe for weekly updates and announcements, and bypass the algorithm! Be part of the tribe, not just a bystander The Live Sessions podcast: Raw, largely unedited, casual live sessions streamed to social media. This link goes to the podcast's page on Substack, with latest episodes, and links to other podcast networks/apps that carry the podcast.The Waypoint Dispatch newsletter: Brief articles or summaries of what I've published to my Substack throughout the week. Subscribing is free!Major Segments & FlowIntro & ContextLighthearted confession about “fraud podcaster” status (episode meant for Live Sessions).Explanation of the difference between Live Sessions and The Catholic Experience.Push for direct listener connection via CatholicExperience.fm.Main Theme: “You Are Not Real”Theological explanation: God’s perfect idea of you vs. what sin and life’s experiences have shaped.How original sin, personal sin, and life’s hardships distort God’s vision.Holiness as the process of “becoming real” — becoming who God originally thought up.Practical Implications of HolinessThe holier you are, the more “real” you feel and the more you experience life differently.How holiness intensifies your joy in good things and sharpens your awareness of what needs to change.Challenges & AnalogiesThe road to sainthood likened to The Lord of the Rings: highs, lows, and being pursued by darkness.The need for perseverance, toughness, and embracing both joy and struggle.Practical Roadmap to HolinessPrayer life, sacraments, Mass attendance, frequent confession.Honest self-assessment of virtues and flaws.Patience with failures while refusing to tolerate sin.Audience Q&ARecognizing and avoiding scrupulosity.How the devil uses both laxity and excess to derail progress.Finding balance between taking yourself too seriously and not seriously enough.Closing ChallengeEmphasizing the dignity of the human person — our nature is compatible with God’s.Persevering through the “sticky” process of peeling away sin and distortion.Final encouragement: take yourself seriously because God does, but stay humble.Brief Show NotesTheme: Becoming the person God intended by growing in holiness.Key Insight: “The holier you are, the more real you are — and you begin to feel it.”Practical Tips:Commit to a prayer life, even if it starts small.Frequent the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist.Identify what’s objectively good and bad about yourself; thank God for the good and ask His help to purge the bad.Be patient with failures, but don’t tolerate them.Memorable Analogy: The journey to sainthood is like The Lord of the Rings — peril, pursuit, highs, lows, and ultimate victory if you endure.Special Moment: Audience question on scrupulosity leads to practical, down-to-earth advice on spiritual balance. (00:00) - In troduction of the Episode (02:52) - Episode Begins (03:22) - Why You're Not Real! (06:48) - Being Holy is Being the REAL Y ou (08:28) - Engagement Spreads the Truth (10:23) - How to Become REAL (10:55) - Your "HOLY" Is Unique (13:09) - TikTok is 'Tripping" (14:22) - The Recipe for Real-ness (14:48) - "Lord, Make me Holy" (15:33) - Lord of the Rings is a Saints Story (17:45) - Pursuit is Hard. Surrender is Easy (21:01) - Checking in with the Chat (24:33) - Tips for Your Journey (30:35) - Why is Being a Saint "Easy" but "Hard"? (31:40) - You Have to be TOUGH! We React to Peril (34:00) - Scrupulosity, and Self-Sabotage (37:00) - Devil Tempts to Excess, and Laxity (39:51) - Find Balance, not Extremes (41:00) - Surrender - The Challenge of Catholicism (45:08) - Amazing Value of Humanity: You UNDERESTIMATE Yourself

In this raw and passionate episode, I get into some uncomfortable truths about the state of the Church today. From the undisciplined and unholy behavior of the faithful to the alarming trend of irreverence in the sanctuary, I challenge listeners to confront the reality of the Church's position in the world today. Do we stand up to, or challenge to the secular counter-culture, or do we merely coexist with it—sometimes even cooperating with it? I call on all Catholics to a return to seriousness and to take a collective stand against a culture that is increasingly hostile to the faith. Not by violence, arrogance, or even rage, but by a fresh effort to grow in holiness and more fearless evangelization, even on a person-to-person level. It’s time to stop tolerating mediocrity—if we want to win the battle between good and evil, we must first learn to take our faith seriously, both individually and as a community, and to inspire others to do the same. Join the conversation and reflect on how we, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, can raise the standard and strengthen the Church.Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (Links Below)Show Notes:00:00 - 01:00 – Introduction: Setting the tone for a hard-hitting discussion on the current state of the Church.01:00 - 06:00 – A disturbing pattern of irreverence: A personal story from John about an incident at Mass that exemplifies the lack of respect for the sanctuary.06:00 - 10:00 – A bold call to action: Addressing the need for serious commitment to Catholic teachings, both in individual lives and as a collective Church.10:00 - 20:00 – Church's position in the world: Why the Church is not taking a collective stand against the surrounding culture and the need for more disciplined action.20:00 - 30:00 – The failure during COVID-19: Reflecting on how the Church's response to the pandemic highlighted its weaknesses, and the consequences of not taking the faith seriously.30:00 - 35:00 – Generation Z and the future of the Church: Discussing the influx of young people back to the Church and the importance of solid catechesis to support them.35:00 - 40:00 – The final battle: Exploring the idea of the spiritual battle between good and evil and how the Church is currently not in a position to win it.40:00 - End – Wrapping up with a call for greater commitment to the faith, and a plea for stronger, more clear leadership from the hierarchy to guide the Church forward. (00:00) - Introduction and Opening Thoughts (02:28) - Frustrations with Modern Catholic Practices (14:44) - The State of the Church and Its Challenges (25:26) - The Crisis in Catechesis (29:01) - Church Fires and Arson in Canada (32:12) - Call to Action and Community Engagement

In this short clip from a recent episode of The Live Sessions I respond to a question asked from someone in the live chat room: Are Catholics obligated to obey the Pope under any circumstances? Using a relatable analogy of fatherly authority, military discipline and spiritual combat, I explain the theological basis for obedience to the Pope, how far it goes, the role of humility in spiritual warfare, and how this obedience ultimately empowers personal growth and holiness. With a few examples from Pope Francis’s papacy, I examine misunderstandings about Church teachings and how obedience, even in moments of frustration or confusion, contributes to the unity and strength of the Church. Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (Links Below)Show Notes:* Introduction: Answering the question of whether Catholics must obey the Pope under any circumstance.* Fatherly Authority Analogy: Drawing parallels between parental discipline and obedience to the Pope.* Case Study of Pope Francis: Understanding Pope Francis’ teachings, including the revisiting of the Church's stance on the death penalty.* Obedience and Spiritual Warfare: Why obedience to the Pope is vital for spiritual strength and discipline, likened to the structure of an army.* Holiness vs Orthodoxy: A discussion on the imbalance between orthodoxy and holiness in the Church today.* Humility as a Weapon in Spiritual Combat: How growing in humility through obedience to ecclesiastical authority strengthens our spiritual combat.* Final Thoughts: A call to respect the authority of the Pope, regardless of personal frustrations, and how it leads to personal and spiritual growth.Check out The Waypoint Dispatch. A new newsletter focusing on weekly roundups of my work, and brief rundowns of new podcast episodes.Also, the new podcast website is catholicexperience.fm with video episodes, articles, and bonus content. You can subscribe and be notified of new episodes, upcoming hot topics, join the Discord server and more.Key Takeaways:* Obedience to the Pope is integral to maintaining the unity and discipline of the Church.* Even when a Pope’s actions or words are difficult to understand, the call to obedience remains foundational.* Humility, born out of obedience, is a secret weapon in overcoming spiritual challenges.Get the Catholic Experience PodcastApple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Pandora | Amazon Music | Castbox | Deezer | Overcast | Pocket Casts | And many othersThis is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

I unpack what it means to be innocent in a world that no longer believes in innocence. From a surprising (and partly bizarre) podcast clip featuring Barack Obama (‘on raising sons’) to memories of James Evans Sr. saving the day in Good Times, I explore masculinity, fatherhood, the erosion of family authority, and the danger of outsourcing a child’s moral compass to “better parents.”In the second segment of the show, I open the Mass readings and get into the topic of Innocence, with a sprinkling of Thomas Aquinas’s take, and my prescription for how you can reclaim purity of heart—no matter how far you’ve fallen. Oh, and there's a big announcement: introducing The Waypoint Dispatch, a new newsletter that bridges the gap between the fast food of social media and the rich meal of Substack.Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (Links Below)🗒️ Chapters and Show Notes * 00:00 Audio chaos, mic magnets, and the reverb from the abyss* 03:00 Barack Obama’s comments on gay professors, empathy, and co-parenting* 08:15 Why the “diversity of dads” idea is more dangerous than it seems* 13:30 Pop culture fathers: James Evans Sr. vs. Mike Brady* 18:45 Modern progressivism and the family as target #1* 22:10 The special announcement: introducing The Waypoint Dispatch newsletter* 28:00 Innocence in Scripture: Abraham, Sodom, and the Gospel* 33:00 Aquinas on innocence: it's not just about not sinning* 36:10 How we actually reclaim innocence: grace, penance, persistence* 40:00 Modern culture’s assault on innocence—from store displays to PG-13 content* 47:00 A call to arms: prayerfulness, penance, and building back spiritual muscleMentioned:* Good Times and James Evans Sr. as a masculine ideal* The cultural gap between social media and longform Catholic thought* New newsletter: The Waypoint DispatchGet the Catholic Experience PodcastApple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Pandora | Amazon Music | Castbox | Deezer | Overcast | Pocket Casts | And many othersThe Catholic Adventurer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

When life pulls you in a hundred directions, how do you make prayer the anchor? In this fiery, honest, and often hilarious episode, I talk about rebuilding my own spiritual life (for YOUR edification, not to talk about myself), why my prayer went from “being drawn into the deep” to barely staying afloat—and how I’m getting back to that place of depth and intimacy with God. Along the way, you'll hear about shadow bans, spiritual warfare, demonic resistance to the rosary, and why TikTok finally got the boot.💥 Plus:* The power of “building a house of prayer”* Why prayer isn’t optional—it’s oxygen* What demons said during an exorcism about a woman who always prayed* A breakdown of the Gospel of Martha and Mary and what it means for your spiritual life* After-Show: Take a trip down musical memory lane! 🎶(After-Show is for paid subscribers)Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (Links Below)Whether your prayer life is strong or struggling, this one will remind you why it's worth fighting for.👉 Tune in. Recommit. Choose the better part.Get the Catholic Experience PodcastApple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Pandora | Amazon Music | Castbox | Deezer | Overcast | Pocket Casts | And many othersPaid Subscribers: Don’t miss this special After-Show that totally breaks the mold! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s explore the idea of “peaceful places”—those sacred, personal spaces (both physical and spiritual) where we can rest, recharge, and reconnect with God and ourselves. But why do we so often wait until we're burnt out to retreat there? Why isn’t peace our Plan A? Why are our “peaceful places” only rest stops, rather than dwelling places?I then dive into the tension between our desire for peace and our compulsion to chase noise, even when we know it’s draining us. Along the way, I share deeply personal insights—including the powerful truth that even our peaceful places can be infiltrated by negative thoughts and temptations. In those moments, the Lord asks us to choose—to choose peace, to choose grace, to choose Him or to choose the temptation to anxiety.Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)Another key moment comes when I drop some deep spiritual insight: in every temptation, there’s a clue to your escape. The enemy always tips his hand—if you’re paying attention. So whether you’re battling anxiety, anger, or distraction, this episode shows how awareness and grace can help you reclaim your peace and fortify your soul.It’s not just about resting in your peaceful place. It’s about living there—intentionally, frequently, and faithfully.Thank you How To Be Catholic, KM Jacik, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

*The Scripture Sessions is now a subset of The Catholic Experience Podcast*This special live edition of The Scripture Sessions looks at St. Paul’s letter to Timothy with fresh eyes — and a bit of grit. I break down what it means to compete well, why finishing isn’t enough, and why aiming only for purgatory is a spiritual trap we fall for too easily.Midway through, this episode turns into a conversation with you — my Substack readers and listeners — as we riff on questions, side notes (yes, even Batman vs. Superman through a Catholic lens), and what it all means for the fight for holiness.Don’t coast. Don’t settle. Don’t just get by. You’re made for greatness — so run to win.Chapters* 00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement* 01:44 Scripture Reading and Reflection* 18:55 Competing to Win: A Call to Action* 24:54 Competing for Greatness* 25:53 Judgment and Effort* 31:42 Faith and SuperheroesGreatest American Hero This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

In this raw and unscripted live session simulcasted to Substack and Instagram , I dive into Cardinal Burke’s recent appeal to Pope Leo XIV to lift the restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass—and what I really think is going on behind the scenes. Spoiler: Church politics isn’t always what it seems. (NOTE: This is re-published to The Catholic Experience from The Live Sessions)The Live Sessions is also on iTunes | SpotifyI break down the historical and spiritual context of the TLM controversy, share a personal story about how a reverent Novus Ordo Mass once rescued my faltering faith, and challenge both traditionalist and modernist assumptions about the liturgy. Plus, I explain why holding too tightly to any “spiritual crutch” stops us from moving forward—and how we must move beyond it to encounter the deeper reality of the mass and the Catholic experience.Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)This episode kicks off my new podcast section, The Live Sessions—a gritty, honest, and totally unscripted window into Catholic life, commentary, and conviction. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

In this passionate and personal episode, I take aim at the rising tide of disunity and disloyalty within the Church—especially among radical traditionalists, but also modernists. Reflecting on my near-detour into sedevacantism 30 years ago, I share hard-won wisdom about loyalty, liturgy, and what it really means to be a traditional Catholic.Follow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)You'll hear a response to a viral Instagram comment about the Latin Mass (Find the image below), a strong defense of the Church’s authority over the liturgy, and a no-nonsense call to unity in a time of growing factionalism. If you're tired of the tribalism infecting Catholic discourse and you're ready to stand with Holy Mother Church, this one's for you.AFTER SHOW segment (9 minutes) is linked at the bottom of this post, for paid subscribers💥 No hot takes—just the truth, straight up.🛡️ The Church is our Mother, not our servant.🔥 Get ready. This episode pulls no punches.Follow me on: TikTok | Instagram | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)👉 Subscribe on Substack for more longform reflections, essays, and live sessions: https://linktr.ee/catholicadventurer.AFTER-SHOW (Paid Subscribers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s talk about going deeper in the lived experience of the Catholic faith, beyond the surface. Basing my points on a revelation I recently had on social media (“the surface”) I discuss how viewers often miss important points in my podcast clips because they swipe away too soon, having not found the “surface level” substance they’ve come to expect from a “Catholic video” This is emblematic of what Catholic culture has become even outside of social media, out in the real world. There is some richness on the surface of Catholic life, and so we’re tempted to stay there, resisting invitations to journey into the deep. continues belowFollow me on: Instagram | TikTok | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)I compare content on Instagram and TikTok, emphasizing the need for deeper, more meaningful exploration and receptivity to Catholic-based material. The takeaway? True Catholic faith and understanding lie beneath the surface, in the depths.Chapters* 00:00 Introduction and Greetings * 00:18 Catholic Rant: Go Deeper * 00:52 Analyzing Viewer Engagement * 04:30 Reflections on Social Media Content * 07:50 The Depth of Catholic Faith * 09:55 Concluding ThoughtsAfter-ShowAvailable to everyone for a limited time and then available only to paid members This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

The great deceiver; the man of iniquity. What’s should we understand about the Antichrist? In this episode I discuss the characteristics and deceptions of the Antichrist, the trials the Church must endure, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. I talk about some clues and “signs” we’re seeing in the human culture even today, and some hints we’re seeing even in Catholic culture. Could the Antichrist already be among us? Tune in to find out what I think! BELOW: Chat Thread, Chapters timecode, Afterthoughts (Paid only)Follow me on: TikTok | Instagram | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)PAID SUBSCRIBERS: There’s an “Afterthoughts” section down below, with a writeup of what the Fathers had to say about the Antichrist. Be part of the adventure. Subscribe for free.Chat Thread (Share what YOU Think)Chapters* 00:26 Introduction to the Antichrist Discussion* 01:06 Engagement and Audience Interaction* 03:57 Clarifying Misconceptions about the Antichrist* 07:32 The Church's Ultimate Trial* 09:38 The Great War Between Good and Evil* 16:31 The Deception of the Antichrist* 25:21 Recognizing Truth in a World of Lies* 32:09 Engaging with the Audience* 33:20 Instagram Experiment: Will It Work?* 33:59 Understanding Social Media Algorithms* 35:40 The Church Fathers and the Antichrist* 39:10 The Antichrist in Revelation* 41:36 Cultural Shifts and the Antichrist* 45:18 Signs of the Antichrist Today* 49:40 The Church's Resilience and Future* 56:11 Final Thoughts and FarewellThank you, Ellis, The Critic. , Michael Koopman, PricklyPublius, Dear Clary, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.AfterthoughtsPaid Subscribers Only: The Fathers Weigh In on the AntichristThis was moved off of this post and made into its own post. Link below. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Catholic Rants' a TikTok LIVE series. I’m making the audio available to my podcast audience here, and on my podcast carriers. In this session, I talk about cancer, the suffering it brings, and I explore the question "Why!?" I share personal anecdotes, including the compartmentalization of grief and difficult questions of faith sparked by my mother's passing and personal experiences with prayer requests. I wrestle with tough questions about why suffering and illnesses like cancer exist, and explore how faith has to enter into the picture.ClipFollow me on: TikTok | Instagram | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:37 Social Media Presence02:29 Rant on Cancer and Suffering07:13 Theological Reflections on Suffering12:54 Personal Stories and Reflections22:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts25:26 Outro and Farewell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

In this short segment, originally shared on social media, I explore what the Catholic Church teaches about the Antichrist, the significance of this figure in Catholic doctrine, and my personal views on the possibility of the Antichrist's imminent arrival. I also address the controversial and often divisive claim that the Pope is the Antichrist, tracing its roots back to the Protestant Reformation. This is concise yet compelling overview, perfect for those short on time but eager to understand a complex and often misunderstood subject.Follow me on: TikTok | Instagram | Catholic Experience Podcast (All Carriers)If you find this discussion engaging, let me know in a comment. And please tap “Like” if you enjoyed this because it helps me, and my work a comment, or tapping “Like” on this post. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

This is both dated, and current. It's from a Substack Live session I hosted back in April, but I never got around to making it available on-demand. In this episode I discuss the theology behind Heaven, Hell, and the Catholic teachings regarding who goes where based on an essay I published in April, titled "Heaven, Hell, and My Prescription for What We Should Be Focused on" here on Substack.We'll explore the concepts of mercy, justice, and the importance of staying true to Church teachings. I'll share personal anecdotes, and outline the essentials for salvation—baptism and belief in Jesus Christ. I also tackle complex questions surrounding unbaptized souls, the impact of good works, and the nuanced theology that makes Catholicism both rich and challenging. Are nice people guaranteed a place in Heaven? Let's find out!If you're not a member of my Substack, you're missing a lot of good stuff! It's free, so come along. All you need to do is drop your email address in the box when prompted.Chapters and Links belowGet on this Truth Train! Subscribe today.Hey, The Catholic Experience Podcast is also available your favorite podcast app - iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon, Pandora, and many other podcast apps and networks Chapters:* 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview* 00:19 Discussion on Heaven, Hell, and Catholic Teachings* 03:23 The Importance of Baptism and Good Works* 07:07 Why Good Works?* 08:44 So Who Goes to Hell?* 09:36 Baptism by Desire , and Limbo* 12:34 Why Sacraments are Necessary* 14:10 The Complexity of the Theology* 14:10 The Salvation of Those We Care About* 16:48 Who Goes to Heaven?* 24:24 Living a Life of True Belief* 26:07 Excercises This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe (00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:19) - Discussion on Heaven, Hell, and Catholic Teachings (03:23) - The Importance of Baptism and Good Works (07:07) - Why Good Works? (08:44) - So Who Goes to Hell? (09:36) - Baptism by Desire , and Limbo (12:34) - Why Sacraments are Necessary (14:10) - The Salvation of Those We Care About (16:48) - Who Goes to Heaven? (24:24) - Living a Life of True Belief (26:07) - Excercises

This is the free, abbreviated version. Paid subscribers, get the full, video version here In this abbreviated episode (Full version, for paid subscribers) I share my initial reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV, my initial hope for Cardinal Sarah, and what I think of Pope Leo so far. Learn why I felt a sense of both surprise and optimism when I saw the new pope, and hear my thoughts on the damage done during Pope Francis's papacy – not as an attack, but as a cautionary tale for the future. For those passionate about understanding the Catholic Church's direction, this episode is a must-listen. Let's dive into this important moment in church history together!Substack - Don't be Strangers, Subscribe for free to join the conversation and get the full experience here at my Substack. Full, video episode for paid subscribers.Chapters* 01:44 Reactions and Thoughts* 03:42 The Election of Pope Leo: A Personal Account* 08:48 Comparing Pope Leo and Pope Francis* 26:24 The Importance of Tradition in the Church* 33:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe

This is the free, audio-only version of a Substack Live session from last week. There’s a lot of wisdom and substance in this episode, and I know you’ll love it. Paid subscribers get longer episodes, video, and other enhancements to the experience. Consider upgrading, if you already subscribe for free.I share my personal struggles with the idea of abandoning everything to God Drawing on Father Jacques Philippe's book 'Finding and Maintaining Peace,' I reflect on a common fear that surrendering everything to God might lead to losing everything we value in our lives, and I explain why it’s an irrational fear…even if I struggle with it in my own heart.This episode is loaded with applicable and peripheral wisdom and practical advice. The Holy Spirit was in on this one in a big way, and I hope you enjoy it.Listen to “My Dilemma Trusting God” a past episode that I mentioned in this episode.Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction and Greetings* 00:39 Topic Introduction: Abandoning Everything to God* 03:47 Exploring Trust Issues with God* 07:31 Reading from Father Jacques Philippe's Book* 14:36 Personal Reflections on Trust and Detachment* 18:00 Technical Issues and Apologies* 18:47 Reflecting on Detachment and Disposition* 20:28 Finding Good in Life's Pleasures* 22:24 Trusting God's Plan* 25:39 Struggles with Faith and Trust* 29:04 Blaming God and Self-Awareness* 31:47 Encouragement and Personal Sharing* 35:51 Final Thoughts and FarewellThe Catholic Adventurer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit catholicadventurer.substack.com/subscribe