The goal of the Forte Catholic Podcast is to inspire, uplift, and share the Good News in a way that will help you take the next step in your faith, no matter where you are on your journey with God.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 76
Holy Week is here! We will look at it at an angle you've never thought of before(we promise!) From not playing pretend, to the reality of the Gospel message today, a beautiful song and tons of laughter, you don't want to skip this episode. We're also joined by the witty author, Shaun McAfee to discuss his newest book.
Warning: This episode was snow-cone induced. "Much silliness ensues" -Yoda
Catholicism can be weird and confusing sometimes. We talk about some of the odd parts of Holy Week that really don't make sense, laugh a bit and then talk about the beauty of what the week really has to offer us with the help of one of our new favorite songs.
We're also joined by author (and Taylor's newest Xbox gamer friend) Shaun McAfee to talk about his newest book "Reform Yourself!"
NOTES
1. Song-"Resurrecting" Elevation Worship
2. This is the last week to vote in the #MinistryMadness bracket. Head on over to ministrymadness.com to cast your votes!
3. New Patreon content includes behind the scenes with this week's guest Shaun McAfee, early access to an interview with Everett Fritz and a Patreon exclusive bonus interview with Everett as well. Click here to join!
BONUS CONTENT-Taylor's 4th appearance on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show
Taylor went on Sirius XM-The Catholic Channel's "Jennifer Fulwiler Show" to debut his newest "Unpublished Worship Song" about the Apostle Paul
Taylor went on Sirius XM-The Catholic Channel's "Jennifer Fulwiler Show" to debut his newest "Unpublished Worship Song." It is an ode to the Apostle Paul's greatness but also a few questions for some odd stories surrounding the great saint.
Tune in as Jennifer and Taylor have a laugh about Paul's run on sentences, large handwriting and sermons that put kids to sleep.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 74
We talked about the launch of the 2nd annual Ministry Madness bracket and how Taylor's chubbiness can benefit you spiritually. We're also joined by Tony Vasinda, host of "The Threshold Podcast."
Exciting episode!
We talked about the launch of the 2nd annual Ministry Madness bracket where you, the listeners, vote on who you think would win in a boxing tournament amongst Catholic ministry leaders. Fill out your bracket here.
In the second segment, we are joined by a man of many talents, Tony Vasinda. We primarily discuss his Threshold Podcast where he talks with people from vast religious backgrounds about what they believe. The podcast is fantastic and is vulnerable and authentic in a way that you don't hear often. Search for "The Threshold Podcast" on your favorite podcasting service.
In the final segment, Taylor shares about how his chubbiness can help you spiritually. Yes...really.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 73
Ever been bored at Mass? Are you Catholic? If you answered yes to the second question, I already know the answer to the first....We've all been there.
In this episode, we talk about what to do when boredom strikes, the importance of repetition(with hilarious proof) and preparing for Mass in a way that helps us take the Gospel lessons home with Ashley Zahorian, creator of the Mass Box.
Ever been bored at Mass? Are you Catholic? If you answered yes to the second question, I already know the answer to the first....We've all been there.
In this episode, we talk about what to do when boredom strikes, the importance of repetition(with hilarious proof) and preparing for Mass in a way that helps us take the Gospel lessons home with Ashley Zahorian, creator of the Mass Box.
The Mass Box is a monthly subscription based service for Catholic families to help parents and children better prepare for Mass through crafts, videos, and more. Taylor's family got one for the month of February and really enjoyed it!
Not a parent? We've got stuff for you too. Our third segment is built just for you and Ashley also shares about a livestream event coming up with Dr. Mary Healey on St. Patrick's day. Find more info at www.makingdisciples2018.com.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 72
The primary focus of this episode is virtue. What is it and how do we grow in it. Great topic for this spiritually focused season of Lent. We are also joined by Doug Tooke to answer some of our burning Catholicism questions in rapid-fire style.
This episode focuses on growing in virtue always, but especially during this focused spiritual season of Lent. Producer Sam shares what virtue truly is and how to grow in it during the first segment.
In the second segment, we are joined by Doug Tooke, the host of the "Renovo" podcast. Taylor recently found his show and loves it! He talks about things you don't typically hear about Catholicism at Church and probably didn't learn as a kid. We found it so interesting finally figuring out who Melchizedek is and why the heck we use candles in prayer. Taylor throws Doug a random topic and he has to explain it in less than two minutes. He is a champ!
In the final segment, Taylor continues to talk about growth in virtue with some help from a new way of looking at why we settle for sin and how we can truly live out the story God has planned for us.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 71
We play "Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?" Lenten edition, interview with Allison Sullivan of the "Sinner, Saint, Sister" podcast and talk about spiritual deserts.
Welcome to Lent!
(0:00-18:00)
In the first segment we play Lenten trivia with two local Catholic school 3rd graders, Silas and Hunter. Find out if your Lenten knowledge makes you smarter than a 3rd grader.
(18:00-37:01)
Then we talk with Taylor's good friend, speaker and podcast host Allison Sullivan. She makes her return to the show after being the guest way back of Episode 2. We talk about the launch of season two of her amazing podcast "Sinner, Saint, Sister." While the podcast is geared toward women, Taylor totally digs it and listens religiously. There's definitely something for everyone. Allison is one of the most passionate, fun and holy people we know so you'll enjoy your time with her!
(37:02-end)
In the final segment, Taylor opens up about his really rough week and the real "spiritual desert" time he went through and how the fog is beginning to lift and what this all has to do with the Lenten season.
Thanks for listening! If you like what you heard, please share this episode with your friends and take 60 seconds to leave a rating/review on iTunes. Have a great week!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 70
Two fantastic guests this week! We talk to Winter Olympic gold medalist Curt Tomasevicz about how his faith played a huge role throughout his career. We also chat with Erin Dooley, creator of the award-winning Christian musical "Broken and Beautiful."
Taylor had a cold this week but was helped along with the support of the team and two amazing guests: a Winter Olympics Gold Medalist and a film creator!
The start of the show was hilarious with Taylor trying to get through a segment without hacking up a lung so producers Sam and Macka helped with conversations about the beginning of Lent, an odd Gospel reading and answered prayer.
In the second segment, we are joined by Erin Dooley, the creator of the award winning Christian musical "Broken and Beautiful". The film launched on Ash Wednesday and focuses on five interweaving storylines of people at the same church, all dealing with some major struggle (stress, pornography, etc.).
And finally, we are joined by three time Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomasevicz. He is a die hard Catholic who shares how his faith played a huge role throughout his incredible career. Don't miss out on this interview as Curt is definitely in the running to be the next "Most Interesting Man in the World." Find out more about Curt's career and motivational speaking at www.tomaseviczbobsled.com.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 69
Fun show this week with Eagles Superfan Rocco rejoining the show, limping into Lent and playing the Catholic Card Game.
We kick off this episode with new jokes from Austin's DCYC, Saturday Night Live and our new friend/character Rocco Cuccozzilio (Eagles Superfan) to talk about the Super Bowl and his faith life.
In the second segment, we are joined by Matt Martinusen to play his latest creation, The Catholic Card Game. It is essentially the Catholic version of Apples to Apples and its hilarious! Help fund the project over on Kickstarter!
In the final segment, we talk about limping into Lent and Taylor reading a women's devotional.
If you enjoyed this episode, do me a big favor and ask a friend of yours to listen, share it on social media and/or give it a rating on iTunes. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 68
Producer Sam's favorite episode. We shared our questions about bilocation, funny stories of what Taylor does when he is tired, and an interview with a (fictitious) Eagles fan in preparation for the Super Bowl. Trey Mirenda helped keep it holy with a discussion on the importance of connecting our hearts and minds in our faith growth.
This episode began with an important public service announcements, a story of Taylor being dumb when he was tired & questions about bilocation.
In the second segment, we welcomed Trey Mirenda of the Dominican Youth Movement to talk about connecting the heart and mind when it comes to growing in our faith.
We closed out the show with some games in preparation for this weekend's Super Bowl with special guest Eagles fan Rocco Cuccozzilio.(He's hilarious).
Producer Sam said this was her favorite episode ever so I hope you enjoy it!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 67
Two new "Unpublished Worship Songs," what the heck do we do in Ordinary Time and Everett Fritz on real discipleship.
In this week's episode we share two new "Unpublished Worship Songs" and talk about what the deal is with Ordinary Time and how Taylor is getting through it with the help of the Shepherds from the Nativity story(huh?).
We are also joined by best selling author Everett Fritz who talks about discipleship. So many people are talking about the popular buzzword of discipleship but Everett is one of the few actually putting in to practice in big ways.
As always, please subscribe, comment, rate and share this episode. If you want more from Everett, check out our behind the scenes content on Patreon.
BONUS CONTENT! My 3rd interview on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show
In Taylor's 3rd appearance on Jen's show, he reveals two new comedic "Unpublished Worship Songs" and they talk about how the Scriptures can come to life.
The saga of Taylor on the Jen Fulwiler show continues!
This time, we talk about the new segment, "Unpublished Worship Songs." This is where Taylor writes comedic songs based around odd or obscure Scripture passages that have never had a song written about them. Click here for a playlist of all the "Unpublished Worship Songs."
Two songs played in this interview made their public debut live on the air. We had way too much fun listening and talking about how the scriptures can come to life in a whoooole new way!
Click to find out more about the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's The Catholic Channel.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 66
What the Church can learn from Top Golf, the coolest monk you will EVER meet and Trent Horn on having pro-life conversations.
Special episode with double the guests!
(Start-17:39)
We start the show off talking about our recent staff trip to Top Golf and my observations on what the Church can learn from Top Golf.
(17:40-36:44)
in the second segment, you will meet the man who blew up my idea of what a monk was! Fr. Augustine is HILARIOUS and wrote a tremendous book on humility.
(35:45-end)
In the final segment, I am joined once again by Catholic Answers own Trent Horn during Pro-life month to discuss how to be persuasive in pro-life conversations.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 65
We had a lot of fun creating this one and hope you enjoy listening! Joined by insanely joyful Ali Hoffman to talk about where she finds her joy. We also talk about Jesus giving a talk at a conference last week and prep you for what you won't hear at Mass this Sunday.
Second episode of 2018 and it was a fun one to create! I hope you enjoy listening as much as we did making it happen!
Segment 1
What God may be trying to teach me through my family being sick the past couple of weeks.
Segment 2
The fantastic Ali Hoffman joins the show to talk about her wickedly hilarious "In the Galli with Ali" videos and Instagram stories. Also, the importance of joy and identity.
Segment 3
Jesus gave one of the talks at FOCUS Ministries' SLS18 leadership conference for college students last week! Also, we do a special "The Rest of the Story" Mass Text segment telling you what you won't hear in this coming Sunday's first reading.
If you liked the show, please subscribe, rate and comment on the show in your podcasting service. Thanks!
Epic Pew says "Forte Catholic" is a podcast to listen to in 2018
The Forte Catholic Podcast made the list of shows to listen to in 2018!
Wow! So honored have this article shared with me today! Not only does it list some of my favorite podcasts, BUT IT INCLUDES MINE as well! Soooo cool.
A big thanks to my twitter friend and listener of the show, Theresa, for including me in her post.
Follow her on Twitter @TheresaZoe for hilarity's sake.
For more info on the show and to listen to past episodes, click here.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 64
First show of 2018! We look back on some highlights of 2017, talk with the Frank Friar about starting off our prayer well this year and we reveal the top ten most listened to podcast episodes of 2017.
First episode of 2018!
First Segment (0:00-18:00)
I share a story from Christmas mass and talk about some Forte Catholic highlights from 2017.
Second Segment (18:00-36:00)
I am joined by Carmelite priest, podcaster and Youtuber "The Frank Friar" to chat about his ministry and podcast. He also shares insights from the Carmelite order on how to pray to kick of the New Year!
Third Segment (36:00-End)
I share the countdown of the top ten most listened to podcast episodes of 2017! We also find out a new way to listen to the Forte Catholic show from a Patreon supporter.
Top Ten Podcasts of 2017!
The countdown of the Top 10 most listened to podcast episodes of the year! Find out who won!
2017 was quite a year for the Forte Catholic show!
Radio
The biggest radio news of the year is that the show now not only airs on RED-C Radio iN Central Texas but expanded in October to also air on St. Michael Radio in Tulsa, Oklahoma!
Podcast
The podcast of the weekly show continues to improve and listeners are responding!
Each quarter of 2017 saw growth in listenership with a total of 6000 downloads for the year from 26 countries!
I would like to thank everyone who helped with the show this year through management,
the producers, and guests.
I look forward to an exciting 2018!
Top 10 Episodes
Here are the most downloaded episodes of the show ranked 10 through 1.
If you're having trouble viewing the rankings and descriptions on mobile (i.e. from twitter) view in your browser on original mode.
Bonus Content! Salt and Light Podcast Appearance
I had the pleasure of being a guest on Chuck and Annie Fulkerson's "Salt and Light" podcast. We had a blast in studio talking about living our faith in a culture that it is difficult to do so.
Such a pleasure to spend the day with Chuck and Annie to do the crossover event where we were on each other's podcasts!
In the episode on Salt and Light, we discuss what it's like to live your faith outloud in a culture that ultimately wants you to keep your beliefs to yourself and practice your faith in private. Be sure to check out their show and website!
*We also talk about my tiny ears...
Listen here: http://bit.ly/2DtGjJ4
or on iTunes: http://apple.co/2v0qokd
You can also check out Chuck and Annie as guests on Forte Catholic here.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 63
Last podcast of the year! I am joined by the hosts of the Salt and Light Podcast to discuss marriage/parenting and play a couple of games with them. I also share my thoughts on Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Last episode of the year! We split this one into two parts as the second part contains full spoilers for Star Wars; The Last Jedi.
In Part 1, I am joined by Chuck and Annie Fulkerson, the hosts of the Salt and Light Podcast to talk about how they've grown in their faith through marriage & parenting. We also do a segment of pitting them in games against each other to see how strong their marriage is ;) Follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. (http://saltandlightonline.com)
In Part 2, I share my thoughts from The Last Jedi(*SPOILERS*) and how it can connect to our faith.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 62
Christmas Episode 2017! Last minute preparations with Rod Stewart and sharing of Christmas joy with Brian Baudoin and Producer Sam!
Final week of Advent and last show before Christmas!
We kick off the episode with the only way I know how....with the vocal talent of Rod Stewart and what the heck that has to do with Advent.
We also look at the readings from the 4th Sunday in Advent which are being overshadowed by Christmas Eve on the same day!
Consistent listener Brian Baudoin makes his on air debut(finally!)as he joins Taylor and producer Sam to talk about the best ways to prepare in Advent and favorite Christmas memories. They also play "True or False" Christmas Story Edition(from Download Youth Ministry). The game is much more difficult than you would think!
From our team at Forte Catholic, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 61
This is hands down the most I have laughed in recording a show all year! It is almost Christmas and this episode is truly a holiday treat! With multiple games, countdowns of favorite Christmas songs and the Christmas story from the mouths of babes, don't miss out on this episode as we all prepare for Christmas together!
This is hands down the most I have laughed in recording a show all year! It is almost Christmas and this episode is truly a holiday treat!
With no guest today, it was just the normal crew in the studio playing games like Advent Bingo and guessing Taylor's favorite Christmas carols and hymns. We laughed the whole time and hope you will laugh along with us as you listen and play the games as you listen. Test your knowledge and see if you are smarter than the Forte Catholic crew(probably not all that difficult) Special holiday gifts for those who beat us at the games!
In the final segment, we hear the Christmas story from the mouths of babes(from this video). Hilarious but also sparks some final thoughts from Taylor on how to prepare and engage in this Advent/Christmas season.
Photo by DJ Christmas