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.
Bonus Content-Faith journey conversation with Dan
This bonus content of the show is a long-from interview with my buddy Dan who has had an “almost complete de-conversion from Catholicism” in recent years. We hear his story & the things that led to where he is today. My hope in having the conversation and sharing it with you is that it will give us reason to think, wrestle with questions/topics & grow into a more loving & supportive community as a Church.
Howdy! We did a little something new for this bonus content of the podcast. This is a long-form interview with a friend of mine named Dan about his faith journey from growing up in a nominal Catholic family, to priestly formation, to marriage and now an "almost complete de-conversion from Catholicism." He shares his story & the things that led to where he is now.
I was fascinated with the interview because while our stories have taken different paths, I see a lot of similarities between Dan and I in personality & some of the struggles with faith and Church. It is my hope that in having this conversation and you listening to it, that we will hear the things that he struggles with and other issues that led to where he is now and begin to think about how we address them in our own lives and how we as the Church can become a more supportive and loving community.
While Dan and I may disagree on issues throughout the convo, I truly appreciated my time with him & his honesty. He gave me a lot to think about and I hope it sparks thought & conversation with you. If you have any questions or comments about the episode, send it my way on social media or send me an email to taylor@fortecatholic.com.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 85
Karlo Broussard rejoins the show to talk about overcoming obstacles in sharing the faith. We also talk about our recent retreat, share a Forte Five countdown of key things taken away from the retreat and how shooting free throws brought a big breakthrough in Taylor’s faith.
Taylor and Producer Sam are back from retreat and have a lot to share!
In the first segment, we ask how saints hear our prayers and do the Forte Five countdown(for the first time in forever!) on the top 5 things Taylor took away from the retreat.
In the second, we are rejoined by one of our favorite guests, Karlo Broussard. He yells silly things and then talks about the best ways to overcome obstacles in sharing the faith. For more from Karlo, check out his book "Prepare the Way" from Catholic Answers.
In the final segment, I talk about my first love of basketball and a spiritual breakthrough I had while playing the game a few days ago.
Thanks for listening! Please rate & subscribe in your podcasting service and share with a friend you think may enjoy the show!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 84
Silly thoughts on the Ascension & the one and only Josh Calhoun on a holy desire for marriage and the “Stranger Kings” game.
This week's show kicks off with silly thoughts on the Ascension as Taylor's imagination runs wild.
In the second and third segment, we are joined by the one and only Josh Calhoun on his holy desire for marriage and what that looks like as a single man. If you are a Catholic single who's ready to mingle, tune in!
We also play the “Stranger Kings” game (from DownloadYouthMinistry.com) where we have to identify which king played a role is some bizarre stories from the Old Testament.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 83
We talk hilarious notes taken by a young lady at one of Taylor’s recent talks, a twitter debate about a certain part of the Mass and guest Joe Sikorra to share his powerful family story and how God has helped them through extreme hardship.
Taylor is back from his trip to Sioux City, IA for a couple of speaking events and he has stories :) Usually, his "Spiritual Warfare" talk is pretty serious but this group of students made it an absolute blast! In this show, we go through the talk through the eyes of the young lady who took hilarious notes throughout the evening.
We also discuss a recent twitter debate to end a Mass controversy.
In the second segment, I was honored to be joined by Joe Sikorra. His biography alone is impressive...definitely vying for the title of "Most Interesting Man in the World." He shares his moving story of how his family found joy after their hopes and dreams were shattered by the rare, fatal neurological illness of their two sons. What initially seemed to be a tragedy for Joe’s family became a story of human triumph, an outcome made possible by the compassion and mercy of God. For more from Joe, check out his newest book "Defying Gravity."
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 82
What!?!? It finally happened! After months of public shaming, Fr. Jared Cooke FINALLY came on the show! Tune is as we laugh for 55 minutes interspersed with conversations of ambition, confession, highlights from his first year of priesthood & more! Tune in to this extra special episode of the show!
WHAT!?!? It finally happened! After months of publicly calling out my favorite baby priest, Fr. Jared Cooke finally came on the show! He's the Matt Damon to my Jimmy Kimmel.
We talked highlights from his first year as a priest, confession, who's holier, ambition, & went toe to toe in a trivia game.
We almost lost our voices from laughing so hard. Tune in for this extra special episode of Forte Catholic!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 81
Paul George joins the show to talk about finding true happiness. Other topics include crazy stories from the Acts of the Apostles & a new angle on Catholic guilt.
Speaker, author, podcaster and man who changed Taylor's life, Paul George joins the show this week to talk about how we all want to be happy and how to find true happiness. Check out his work at paulgeorge.la and his new book "Rethink Happiness."
Segment 1 has a fun diversion into a conversion on friendship but centers on two crazy stories from Acts, one of which gives Taylor hope for sainthood(crazy right?!?!)
In the final segment, Taylor has a convo with producer Sam and Catholic Guilt, shame and how to get out of it.
Please like, rate and subscribe on whatever podcasting service you are using. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 80
We talked about how Taylor’s marriage is like Adam and Eve’s, “what’s in it for me?” in serving others and sharing bad puns. Trent Horn also rejoined the show to correct some #FakeNews about the saints.
This week, producer Sam picks from a plethora of topics! She chose marriage and service....so that is what we talked about!
We are also joined by regular guest Trent Horn as he sets the record straight on #FakeNews about the saints! We go through some common sayings attributed to saints or the Bible that aren't actually real. For more on the topic, check out his newest book "What the Saints Never Said: Pious Misquotes and the Subtle Heresies They Teach You."
Next week, YOU decide the topic! Leave a comment in an iTunes review of which of the following topics you would like to hear about next or let Taylor know on social media
Topic ideas:
-Ambition
-Crazy stories from the book of Acts
-Taylor thinking about other religions
-Taking risks
-Producer Sam on Guilt/Shame
-(Insert your topic here)
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Twitter: @TaylorSchroll
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Hello, World!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 79
Fun show this week with Everett Fritz, a convo about the best clip from Spiderman: Homecoming and Taylor's favorite Purgatory joke.
Fun show this week as we(finally!) get to the segment on one of the best clips from Spiderman: Homecoming. We will see how eerily similar this clip is to Taylor's spiritual life, and most likely yours as well.
Then Everett Fritz rejoins the show to discuss the release of his new book "The Art of Forming Intentional Disciples." But first, Taylor teaches him how to open a radio segment(hilarity ensued.) We talk practicals of how to actually get started with discipleship in your parish.
Then Taylor planned on talking about marriage but instead tells his favorite Purgatory joke instead and runs out of time. Totally worth it!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 78
With a discussion of doubting Thomas from a whole new perspective & two amazing guests in speaker/author Katie Hartfiel and Catholic YouTube sensation Daniel Glaze, this is not an episode you want to miss!
We kicked off this week's show in interesting fashion(hint: Taylor lost his voice). So producer Sam helped him along in the first segment in a discussion of the story of doubting Thomas, the power of art and how Taylor is looking at the story completely differently now.
We also have two big time guests this week!
In the second segment, we are joined by Katie Hartfiel, a popular speaker and author and one of Taylor's newest friends. She shares the powerful story of how her and her husband met and fell in love. Everyone in the studio got goosebumps when we heard it because of how it exemplifies the power of prayer. If you like the story, you can hear more in her book "Woman in Love" or buy it for a friend. She also shares about another book she just released on the Marian consecration prayer called "Totus Tuus."
In the final segment, we are joined by Daniel Glaze from "That Catholic Couple," one of the leading Catholic YouTube channels. We talked about how they got started, the greatest moments in the show's history, donuts, him losing to his wife in #MinistryMadness and how they deal with haters.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 77
This week Taylor shared his favorite Easter social media posts, unveiled the results of the #MinistryMadness bracket, discussed expectations & finding your role in the Church with the hosts of "The Coaster" podcast.
Happy Easters!
This week Taylor shared his favorite Easter/Triduum social media posts, unveiled the results of the #MinistryMadness bracket and had a conversation about expectations and when they aren't met.
He is also joined by the hosts of the best(or 2nd best...they couldn't decide) Canadian Catholic podcast, "The Coaster." The guys all made fun of each other for a few minutes before discussing finding our personal roles in the Church. Check them out at www.catholiccoaster.com.
If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes. And if you love the show, show your support & check out the bonus material exclusively on patreon.com/fortecatholic.
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!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 75
Jam packed show this week with a quick update on the closest #MinistryMadness bracket matchups, when hail strikes during Mass, what splitting my pants has to do with why I'm Catholic and an interview with Catholic artist Michelle Arnold Paine.
Packed show this week with so much to talk about!
Kicked off the show with sharing about how Taylor needs a break from an exhausting Spring Break, an update on the closest matchups in #MinistryMadness and "What the hail": when hail strikes your local Mass. If you haven't voted yet, join the fun by clicking here.
In the second segment, we are joined by Catholic artist Michelle Arnold Paine. She shares how art played a huge role in her conversion to the Catholic faith and how Mary is a huge inspiration for her creativity. Check her art out at michellepaine.com.
In the final segment, Taylor shares what splitting his pants at a recent retreat has to do with why he is Catholic. We will answer the question, "Why are you the way you are?"
Thanks for listening! If you like the show, please take 60 seconds to like/rate/review in your podcasting app. It really does help more people find the show. Thanks!
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!