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 44
We cover a wide variety of topics this week including bible study, the RCIA process and Young Adult Ministry in the wake of a gathering with the Bishops of the area to explore how to better serve the young Church.
In today's first segment, I explain some crazy things that happened right before the show and share some of the key points from a cool devotional I just finished on the Youversion Bible App.
In the second segment, I interview Toni Hendricks about the RCIA. This is the process of becoming Catholic so whether you are a Catholic and want to learn more about this treasure of the Church and how you can help or if you aren't Catholic and have questions about the faith and want to know more about the Church, this is the interview for you.
In the final segment, I am joined by Christopher Dowling to talk about the Young Adult Listening Session he and I both attended with both of Austin's Bishops. This was a tremendous opportunity the Bishops held to know how to best serve the young Church.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 43
I start this episode sharing from the depths of my heart some of the amazing things God has done for me in the past couple of weeks. After a long period of spiritual dryness, I feel invigorated in my faith for the first time in months.
I also interview Catholic Hip-Hop artist C2six about his music and tremendous conversion story.
What an episode!
In the first segment, I share from my heart some really powerful things that God has done for me in the past couple of weeks. After a long period of spiritual dryness, I have had some huge prayers answered!
In the second and third segment, I interview Carlos Zamora; a man with an incredible story of conversion from gangster to passionate Catholic hip-hop artist and speaker. We talk about his life pre-conversion, how God changed his life in a huge way and what has happened since. This is one of the most powerful conversion stories I have ever heard. He uses his passion for hip-hop and the Church to build the Kingdom of God. I pray that as you listen, his story and music will inspire you to take the next step in growing closer to Christ.
Check out the music of C2six here
If you like the show, please subscribe and click here to rate the show in iTunes as it helps tremendously to help the show reach more people. Thank you!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 42
My good ol' pal and youth ministry buddy Joe Mastrangelo drove up from Houston to join me for this whole episode. We chatted about thinking outside the box in the ministry as well as coffee and its connection to faith. We also had a friendly(ish) youth ministry trivia competition.
My good ol' pal and youth ministry buddy Joe Mastrangelo drove up from Houston to join me for this whole episode. We chatted about his ministry, how his parish is doing something very different in order to evangelize their young people and what we can learn from thinking outside the box in the Church.
We also were pitted in a vicious youth minister vs. youth minister trivia game with a perfect balance of questions about Catholicism and Pop Culture in the second segment.
In the final segment, I asked Joe what he is passionate about and he answered coffee, so that's what we talked about. He compares coffee to evangelization about how a familial and home-y atmosphere can do a lot for a Church community.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 41
We had a packed studio of 9 local humans to talk about their experience at a recent Jr High Summer Camp as campers, a high school staffer and parents of the campers. We talk about the impact of youth ministry for teens and their parents. We also play a game that pits the youth against the parents.
We had a Forte Catholic record 9 people in studio for the recording of this episode!
Last month, Ablaze Ministries took Junior High students to camp. Here, I interview 3 campers, two of their parents and a high school counselor on the impact camp and youth ministry have had on their lives from each of their unique perspectives.
I also pit the youth vs. the parents in an epic trivia game called "Taylor Swift or Lamentations"(DownloadYouthMinistry.com) where I read a line and they have to guess who said it. Hilarity ensued.
If you are in ministry, love youth ministry, have kids or have fond memories of your time as a young person in the Church, you will enjoy this episode.
As always, please subscribe to the show and rate in on iTunes. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 40
In this episode I answer listener submitted questions, interview Trent Horn of Catholic Answers on his new book "Why We're Catholic" and play a quick fire trivia game with the producers of the show.
In this week's show, I continue answering listener submitted questions. This week, I tackle two questions about leading young people to Christ, especially when they don't seem to enjoy church. I also want to equip parents with the tools they need to speak with their children about faith. For more, visit beyondthepew.org.
In the second segment, Trent Horn returns to the show to talk about his new book "Why We're Catholic." This book is flying off the shelves due to its non-confrontational style to urge people to grow in their faith instead of trying to win them over simply through argument.
In the final segment, we play a rapid fire question and answer game with those in studio. This is to help get across the point that building trust and getting to know who people are is the necessary first step in evangelization.
Bonus Content! My Interview on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show!
I had the unbelievable privilege to be on The Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's, the Catholic Channel! Tune in as we talk about how the only way I got on her show as the combination of twitter and wine! We also discuss worship, youth ministry and complacency.
What an unbelievable opportunity I had to be a guest on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's The Catholic Channel!
(TheCatholicChannel.org)
I had so much fun on the air with Jen! I wrote her a song about her show, we talk about how the only reason I got on the show is because of the combination of twitter and wine, and then discuss topics like worship, youth ministry and complacency.
I had so much fun and I look forward to being back on her show on September 1st at 1:20pm Central!
Listen to the interview at any of the locations below.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 39
In this episode, I discuss listener submitted topics from social media like "Is the Church a business" "I don't get anything Mass" "How do I defend my faith" and more.
I also interview long-time friend Brother Sean Stilson on his preparation for the priesthood and what he is most excited about in his vocation.
In the first segment of this week's show, I begin answering questions and topics posed by listeners of the show on social media. The first few questions are all about Church politics/bureaucracy and how we can respond to that.
In the second segment, I am joined by my long-time friend Brother Sean Stilson of the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple. We talk about what the life of a brother/seminarian looks like, what the role of a priest is supposed to be and what we can learn from that truth as lay people.
In the final segment, I continue to discuss suggested listener topics like "I'm not getting anything out of Mass", how to get started in being able to defend your faith(click here for the apologetics cheat sheet I mention in the show) and of course the classic question of whether I wear boxers or briefs.
I hope you enjoy this episode! If you haven't done so already, please subscribe and rate the show and then share it with your compadres. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 38
Happy 4th of July! In this episode we talk about freedom, walking in the victory Christ won for us and have an interview with Marcus Guevara about technology and faith.
Happy 4th of July! This episode aired live on Independence Day so we HAD to talk about freedom in the first and third segments of the show. We talk about how so many of us live in guilt and shame instead of walking in the power of the resurrected Christ. He came to set us free!
In the second segment, I am joined by old friend Marcus Guevara, the founder of Thirsting for Truth to talk about his ministry and how technology, math, philosophy and theology all mix to reveal God.
As always, please like, rate, comment, subscribe and share!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 37
My mom joined me in studio for quite an experience talking about prayer and playing a crazy game. Tune in for some laughs as well as insight into the scriptures, prayer in tough times and the importance of taking a Sabbath.
My mom came to the studio! We had a lot of fun talking about how I didn't turn out thaaaat bad because of her billions of hours of prayer for me. We then play the game "Prescription Drug of Biblical King" which was a hoot!
In the first segment, I intro the discussion on prayer by looking at the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
In the third segment, we discuss the importance of taking a Sabbath. So many in our fast paced world, including myself, find it difficult so we look at what the Bible and Catechism have to say to challenge us to do what God knows is best for us.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 36
In this episode, I talk about summer camps, what that has to do with the important and often neglected subject of pre-evangelization and some encouragement for times we struggle to pray consistently.
This week's show was pre-recorded as I am currently leading a Junior High Summer Camp! In the spirit of summer camp, we talked pre-evangelization, what fun has to do with faith and how events like this can really be an avenue to bring people to Christ.
So often, we try to catechize people who haven't been evangelized and evangelize people without making a human connection with them first. In this episode we explore how we can bring Christ to others no matter where they are in their journey with him.
I am also joined by Vern Laborde from Deer Creek Camp to hear how they impact the lives of young people in a huge way each summer! Hear her stories, insights and her love for camp!
In the final segment, we dive a little deeper into the topic of prayer. So many of us struggle with prayer and I will walk through two stories from Scripture that can help us when we don't feel like praying.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 35
What happens when you get six Catholics together in a small studio? Hilarity and sharing of faith. Tune in as we play the trivia game "Worship Song or Love Song," interview Marcel LeJeune about bridging the faith gap with millennials and finally, how an R&B song improved Taylor's relationship with God.
In this episode, Taylor is joined by international speaker, author and a beauty of a man Marcel LeJeune, who enlightens us with his brilliance :) Marcel is an awesome dude with a ton of experience ministering to college students. In his interview, we will talk about bridging the gap between millennials and the older generations of the Church. (second segment)
In the first segment, we play the Scripture trivia game "Worship Song or Love Song" where Taylor faces off against producer Jake and Kyle "the heathen" Turner. SPOILER: Taylor isn't good at this game.
In the final segment, Taylor shares how an R&B love song and reading the Song of Songs caused a huge breakthrough in his spiritual life.
As always, please like/share/rate the podcast in your podcasting app of choice to help build the show's community!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 34
I am joined by Tommy Tighe, the Catholic Hipster, for an interview on how we can use social media to build the Kingdom. I also share insights from my recent yearly retreat.
The highlight of this episode was our interview in the second segment with Tommy Tighe, the Catholic Hipster. Tommy is a master at using social media and the interwebs(that's what hipsters call it, right?) to build community and share his authentic love for the Catholic Faith. He has multiple projects including podcasts(The Catholic Hipster & The Chimney), blogs, a book coming soon and a tremendous presence on Twitter. He is an interesting dude and has a lot of wisdom to share with us on how we can use social media to build the Kingdom.
In the first and third segments, I share some insights into two Scripture stories that connected for me in a big way at my yearly retreat. We will dive in to the story of Lazarus being brought back to life and the Anointing at Bethany story through a new lens.
As always, please like/rate/share the show. You rock!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 33
On this episode, the Director of Resource Development at Lifeteen and author of "True North: A roadmap for discernment" Joel Stepanek joins the show as co-host for the whole hour to enlighten us on the topic of discernment.
On this episode of Forte Catholic, the Director of Resource Development at Lifeteen and author of "True North: A roadmap for discernment" Joel Stepanek joins the show as my co-host for the whole hour!
During our quite enjoyable time together, we get to know Joel and he enlightens us with the knowledge and practical advice on discernment that he has learned throughout his experience and study in preparing to write the book.
He dispels a few myths about discernment, explains that it is a vital part of the Christian life and not just for the "big decision" of our primary vocation. He also explains what discernment looks like with guidance from a spiritual master, St. Ignatius.
Tune in and if you like it, please subscribe to the show, like, rate and share with your social media followers.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 32
In the first and third segment of this week's show, we find out how to be "after God's heart" from David in the Old Testament. We look at how David sought God's will, even through trials, and did not hold back in his worship of the Father.
In the second segment, I was pleased to be joined by Catholic Answers author Eric Sammons on his book "The Old Evangelization." He shares how we need to get back to the basics of sharing the Good News the way Jesus did.
In the first and third segment of this week's show, we find out how to be "after God's heart" from David in the Old Testament. We look at how David sought God's will, even through trials, and did not hold back in his worship of the Father.
In the second segment, I was pleased to be joined by Catholic Answers author Eric Sammons on his book "The Old Evangelization." He shares how we need to get back to the basics of sharing the Good News the way Jesus did.
In your favorite way to listen to podcasts, please subscribe to the channel, like, rate, and share this show with your friends. I would be ever grateful!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 31
This week continues the focus on signs and wonders! So often in the Scriptures, miracles precede people turning to the Lord. We dive in to what we can learn from these stories to improve our prayer and evangelization. I'm also joined by local High School student Ashley Breland to hear her amazing stories of huge answered prayers!
This week, we continue the conversation on signs and wonders! So often in the Scriptures, we see miracles preceding people turning to the Lord. Tune in as we explore what that means for our walk with Christ and especially our prayer this week!
Segment 1-Bible Trivia Game w/Sam and Kyle. I quiz this dynamic duo on their knowledge of the Ten Commandments (Hint: It was pretty brutal)
Segment 2-Ashley Breland Interview. A local student at St. Joseph Catholic school, Ashley has had an amazing experience in her life of prayer this semester. So many huge things she has prayed for have had tremendous results! Tune in to hear her story and how it has impacted so many!
Segment 3-Signs and Wonders in the Acts of the Apostles. This is the book that the Church reads at daily Mass throughout the Easter Season. There are 18 accounts of miracles in Acts alone! We will discover what we can learn from these stories to improve our prayer and evangelization.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 30
It's good to be back! After missing a week due to illness, I am back at it with full force with a great episode consisting of big show announcements(possibly including an addition to my family), a great interview with the Catholic Drinkie and a fun Bible Trivia Game with some hooligans in the studio.
Tune in for a good mix of games, faith, mixed drinks and scripture! Only on a Catholic podcast!
It's good to be back! After missing a week due to illness, I am back at it with full force with a great episode. Tune in for a good blend of games, faith, mixed drinks and Scripture! Only on a Catholic podcast!
Segment 1
-Schroll Family Announcement
-Discussion of what Scripture says about children
-Patreon. I explain our new Patreon page and how you can show your support of the show and get some cool extras along the way!
Segment 2
-Interview w/Sarah Vabulas the Catholic Drinkie about Catholicism, alcohol and how they blend together in her book "The Catholic Drinkie's Guide to Homebrewed Evangelism."
Segment 3
-Bible Trivia Game-"Name the Egyptian Plagues"
-Signs and Wonders. We look through the Scriptures and see how miracles almost always precede big moments of conversion and what that means for our life/prayer today.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 29
Huge episode with the winner of the Ministry Madness Bracket revealed live on the air! Tune in now to find out who won and to hear an interview with the fellas from "The Catholic Man Show."
Howdy!
This is a HUUUUUGE episode with the hosts of the "Catholic Man Show" joining me for an interview AND I reveal the WINNER of the Ministry Madness Bracket!
1st Segment-Mass Text. We dive into last Sunday's readings and I explain how the connection between the 1st reading and the Gospel absolutely blew my mind!
2nd Segment-The hosts of the popular radio show and podcast "The Catholic Man Show" join me to talk about manly spirituality. Adam Minihan and David Niles are hilarious dudes doing great things for the Church!
3rd Segment-The moment we have all been waiting for! After two weeks of voting, the Ministry Madness winner has been decided by you, the fan. Tune in to hear the top ten finisher countdown and a look into some key matchups that ended neck and neck!
Patreon
So a ton of podcasters are starting to use this fan support site called Patreon. It is a way for podcasters to both interact with their listener base, create community and be financially supported for their work. The site provides a way for creators and listeners to engage in a special way through bonuses for each level of support. So if you like what the Forte Catholic show has become and want to become part of the community and help us grow, please check out the Forte Catholic Patreon page and see what special bonuses you can get for supporting the show!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 28
Episode 28 of the show covered a wide range of topics. I talked about the joy of Holy Week and we looked at Sunday's Gospel reading. I also had the pleasure of interviewing popular worship leader Andrew Laubacher and was joined in the studio by some other hooligans to talk about the Ministry Madness bracket.
Episode 28 of the show covered a wide range of topics...
Segment 1-Easter Joy
First show during the Easter Season! I talked about my Holy Week experience and we did the "Mass Text" segment where we took a deeper dive into the Gospel reading from Easter Sunday and what it means for the times where we don't understand what God is doing.
Segment 2-Andrew Laubacher
In one of my favorite interviews, I talk with Andrew about his music ministry, extreme conversion of heart in his teen years and one of his favorite topics, the Holy Spirit.
Segment 3-Ministry Madness Update
It has been a week since we launched the bracket of ministry leaders from across the US deciding once and for all "which ministry leader would win in a boxing competition." In this segment we finish introducing all of the candidates and I give a sneak peak into how some of the matchups are going. Head to ministrymadness.com to cast your votes now!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 27
Introduction of the Ministry Madness Bracket that you can vote on which Catholic Ministry leader would win in a boxing tournament.
I'm also joined by Chris Bartlett to talk about his work with Next Level Ministry and how we can have the best Holy Week possible.
Forte Catholic has a tremendous new game you can play online! We have made a bracket of 64 Catholic Ministry leaders from across the nation to ask one question..."Who would win in a boxing match?"
Fill out your bracket and decide who wins the whole thing while you listen to the podcast taking a deep look into the bracket.
This show is about two things:
1. Introducing the Ministry Madness Bracket with help from our producer Jake and Becka Landry who helped with the creation of the bracket. We also have guest appearances by some of the contenders like Chris Bartlett and Tony Vasinda.
2. I interview Chris Bartlett about his work with Next Level Ministry and how we can have the best Holy Week possible!
Tune in now on Soundcloud or iTunes and don't forget to like, subscribe, share and leave a rating of the show. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 26
Lent has been a struggle for me this year. I share what has been going on and how a little book written by a monk over 1000 years ago is helping me through it.
I am also joined by "The Catholic Hack" Joe McClane. He shares his amazing life story about how God completely changed his life and what he learned about Fatherhood through it.
Let's be honest....Lent has been a struggle for me this year, and in talking to others, I know I'm not alone. I share what has been going on and how a little book written by a monk over 1000 years ago is helping me through it.
I am also joined by "The Catholic Hack" Joe McClane. He shares his amazing life story about how God completely changed his life and what he learned about Fatherhood through the ups and downs and life.
0:00-16:20 Lent Struggles
16:20-43:30 Joe McClane
43:30-51:57 Our Father in Heaven
References in the Podcast:
"How A Muslim on TV Made Me A Better Catholic" Blog
"Good Good Father" Song by Chris Tomlin