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 99
This episode has Catholic Twitter written all over it. From our amazing guests (the co-hosts of the Roman Circus podcast), to twitter-less producer Sam somehow being at the center of Catholic Twitter this week, it’s surely a fun episode! We also give you a peek behind the curtains on how the show is made.
This week was crazy on the Catholic Twitterverse and we talk about it throughout the show! From producer Sam being a hit on Catholic Twitter without even having a twitter account to my wife Sam(different person) being back on Twitter...it led to a lot of confusion and hilarity.
Our guests this week are often at the center of Catholic Twitter...the hosts of the Roman Circus Podcast, Matt Baker & Zac Mabry. We talk about their show, our Twitter beef and share a special instant classic Forte Catholic moment in regards to their intro. We died laughing. We're all dead now...
In the final segment, we share some bloopers and behind the scenes into how the show is made.
Enjoy and please help other find the show by leaving a review in iTunes and sharing the episode on your social media.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 98
This week we find some levity and light in the darkness in the midst of a tough few weeks. We find laughter throughout the show while still addressing the importance of finding hope with the help of some new ideas and a rap song from Taylor’s High School days. Shaun McAfee rejoins the show to talk about his new book “Social Media Magisterium.”
We kick this week's show off trying to find some levity in the midst of troubling times. Taylor shares some recent realizations(and prank ideas) he's had recently & producer Sam gives him a new challenge.
In the second segment, Shaun McAfee rejoins the show to talk about his new book, "Social Media Magisterium" on the proper use of media in our time. It helps that since his first appearance on episode 76, Shaun and Taylor have spent countless hours playing video games & becoming great friends. Tune in for this laughfest with nuggets of truth bombs throughout from señor McA4!
In the final segment, Taylor shares how one of his favorite rap songs from High School has ironically been helping him through the tough last few weeks.
Tune in, subscribe, share with your friends & leave a review for time off of Purgatory!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 97
We have to shift gears this week to respond to the recent news of the abuse scandal. We share our own struggles and try to find a light in the darkness. We find levity in the 2nd segment with a fabulous interview with Emma Fradd of NET Australia.
This week, we have to shift gears and talk about the abuse scandals that have been brought to light over the past few weeks. It is heartbreaking and hard to talk about but we felt like we needed to say something, share our own struggles and try to find a light in the darkness.
In the second segment, we find levity with the amazing Emma Fradd of NET Australia joining the show. We have a fun conversation about Australia & accents. Then she shares what NET is doing "down unda", the importance of intentionality in following Christ & powerful stories of conversion.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 96
Fun with the new Bible Lens app & two great guests! Catholic Twitch streamer extraordinaire, Jonathan Blevins, joins the show! He is living out the New Evangelization by sharing the Good News on Twitch. We also speak with fellow podcaster Chris Agron about the fantastic art of Catholic memes.
We kick off the show talking about the new Bible Lens App and how Taylor is using it to laugh non-stop. We share some of our best creations with you and invite you to play along!
We also have not one but TWO guests this week! In the 2nd segment, we are joined by Catholic Video Game Streamer extraordinaire, Jonathan "Bearded" Blevins. He is a member of the "Royal Family of Twitch Streamers(a title bestowed by Taylor)" as the eldest brother of Ninja and Invictus. By day, Jonathan is a full-time Director of Evangelization and Catechesis at a parish up north and by night he is living out the New Evangelization in a special way by sharing the Gospel & the love of God on his Twitch stream(@BeardedBlevins). He is also answering people's questions about faith while playing. His work is so refreshing in a place that is not usually uplifting. Jonathan is a fascinating dude and was a blast to speak with! Give him a follow on Twitter and Instagram.
In the final segment, Taylor is joined by fellow podcaster Chris Agron to talk about his obsession with Catholic memes. We hope you enjoy this double dose of people not named Taylor talking on the show! Check out his show on iTunes and give him a follow on Insta for great memes.
Appearance on the "Catholic Real" Show
My guest appearance talking youth ministry and Jesus teaching us to flip over tables in Church on the “Catholic Real” podcast.
Yoooo! I went on Chris Agron's podcast. Although he may be clinically insane (diagnosed by yours truly), we had an absolute blast talking about my work with Ablaze Ministries, Jesus teaching us to flip tables, some youth ministry tips and much more.
Listen now on iTunes or on YouTube below!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 95
Taylor talks to a professional model(what!?!) named Kalyn Hemphill from his hometown. The winner of Project Runway talks about how she keeps and spreads her faith in Hollywood. We also play a new game called “Life Verse” and have fun with a new Bible app.
This week’s episode is here! We are joined by professional actress and model, Kalyn Hemphill, to hear her story of living as a Christian in Hollywood. She is from Taylor’s hometown and became so much more successful than him! She is the winner of Project Runway Season 6 and has appeared in Days of Our Lives and NCIS:Los Angeles. She has a great story to share so tune in!
The rest of the show, we play a new game called “Life Verse,” Taylor tells a joke he might regret and we talk about a new awesome app called Bible Lens that Taylor uses for some comedy.
Appearance on the "Dude Catholic" Show
I made an appearance on the Dude Catholic Show to talks about the joys and struggles of fatherhood. Tune in to the podcast here!
Earlier this month, I had a blast as a guest of the "Dude Catholic" podcast!
We laughed, we got serious-ish, we laughed some more... they said I was loved by dustpans around the world....it was great! Me and the fellas shared in the joys and struggles of fatherhood. Listen to the show now on iTunes, Google Play or Soundcloud below.
Appearance on the John 3:30 Podcast
Man I had a blast as a guest on this show! Tune in as we talk the #KikiChallenge, The Little Mermaid, & keeping our flame of faith LIT! Tune in now!
Man I had a blast as a guest on this show! Tune in as we talk the #KikiChallenge, The Little Mermaid, & keeping our flame of faith LIT!
Listen now on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or Libsyn.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 94
Ever had one of those weeks where everything goes wrong? Taylor did last week. Tune in as we talk about dealing with stress & frustration in our every day lives and when it creeps into our spiritual life. This week’s guest is recent HS grad Blaine Tamez on growing in faith through temptation and peer pressure.
"So you had a bad day" -Daniel Powter (2005)
Why yes Daniel, yes I did. And then another...and then another. This week, Taylor talks about his really stupid week that involved a hit and run and everything around him breaking. We address trying to deal with frustrations and stress in our day to day lives and how it creeps into our spiritual life. Taylor opens up about his current frustrations in his spiritual life and the one thing keeping him grounded through it all.
We also have a bit of levity in the middle to talk about the lights in the darkness of this week like how great the Forte Catholic/Everyday Catholics crossover went, a hilarious compliment Taylor received, and a new partnership with Catholic Balm Co.! If you or someone you love has a beard, skin or lips, click here to get a discount on your next purchase while supporting Forte Catholic and Catholic Youth Ministry.
We are also joined by recent High School grad, Blaine Tamez, to talk about continuing to grow in your faith despite peer pressure and temptation.
Bonus Content-Part 2 of the Everyday Catholics/Forte Catholic Crossover!
Part 2 of the Forte Catholic & Everyday Catholics Podcast Crossover event is here! Tune in as I join Fr. Ryan Higdon & Alyssa Trutter on their show to talk about the art of conversation.
This week is the long-awaited Forte Catholic & Everyday Catholics podcast crossover event! Fr. Ryan Higdon and Alyssa Trutter, hosts of Everyday Catholics, joined my show that released yesterday, and today the episode where I appeared as a guest on their's just released! Tune in to the episode entitled "The Art of Conversation" as we talk about super heroes, interviews, and what it means to really enter into dialogue. Together, we’ll discuss what it takes to carry out a good conversation, to understand another person and share your ideas and experiences with them as well. Join us as we explore the art of conversation – an adventure to truly and deeply know the people God has placed in our lives.
Search Everyday Catholics on your favorite podcasting service to tune in now!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 93
The Everyday Catholics/Forte Catholic crossover event is (FINALLY) here! Fr. Ryan Higdon & Alyssa Trutter join the show to talk about having a Catholic world view & TONS of laughter. The rest of the show, producer Sam and I do a deep dive into this week’s “Mass Text” segment.
The epic crossover event is (FINALLY) here! The hosts of Everyday Catholics, Fr. Ryan Higdon & Alyssa Trutter, join the show and I join theirs this week as well!
Here in this episode, I tell them they stole my show name and we have interesting quotes such as "I am the chubby weapon," "Taylor has two volumes: off or on" & a possible heresy involving "By Girth alone." We get an intro to their show, how its expanding my boundaries and I ask them what a Catholic world view is and how do we get it?
Also, after listening to this episode, give part two of the crossover a listen on the Everyday Catholics episode released this week here.
The rest of the show, producer Sam & I do a deep dive into our long-lost "Mass Text" segment on how hilarious the Apostles can be & the importance of finding rest.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 92
Large cast of characters join this week’s show to talk summer camp, the Avengers, RCIA & Star Wars. Special guest Scott Sollom.
Episode 92 had a large cast of characters!
Hunter Batten joins Taylor & producer Sam to talk about the recent Jr High summer camp where we compared the Avengers to our faith.
Then we spoke with Taylor’s former Professor and current bro Scott Sollom about RCIA and how to get involved. He uses some pretty hilarious imagery to describe the great process of people becoming Catholic.
Finally, two HS students who were on the mission trip in Detroit with Taylor wanted to make their radio debut so we talked about their experience on the trip and they face off in Yoda or Bible.
Tune in now! Like/rate/subscribe & share
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 91
Ever felt crazy in Mass? Bad Music? Bad Homily? Bad lectors? We all have. We commiserate together and try to come up with a solution for how to fix it and the role we play in the whole deal. Guest Kevin Kapchinski.
Ever felt crazy in Mass? Bad Music? Bad Homily? Bad lectors? We all have. We commiserate together and try to come up with a solution for how to fix it and the role we play in the whole deal.
We get help from rockstar liturgical musician Kevin Kapchinski as he shares what music at Mass is supposed to be, how he picks songs to bring the Mass to life and more.
We close out the show with a discussion of Jesus feeding the 5000 and what it teaches us about serving those physically and spiritually hungry.
If you like the show, share it with a friend, rate and subscribe on your favorite podcasting service.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 90
Taylor is back from his mission trip in Detroit and has some interesting stories to share to say the least. We also talk with Rich Curran about what makes a successful parish and clap back at “The Coaster” podcast about Texas being better than Canada.
Producer Sam is back and the intro to this show will blow your mind!!!!
Taylor is back from Detroit and boy does he have some stories! From an "interesting" first Mass to hiking in the city to his name being changed, there's a story for everyone.
In the second segment, we're joined by Rich Curran of Parish Success Group to talk about the essentials for making your parish as alive and vibrant as it was intended to be.
In the final segment, I talk about seeing Canada and my response to everyone's favorite Canadian Catholic podcast "The Coaster" since they brought up my name is vain so many times in their latest podcast about Canada. Let the "Texas is better than Canada" argument continue! ;)
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 89
Zac Mabry is here! The actor who starred as "Porky" in every millennials favorite children's movie "The Little Rascals" joins the show to talk about his journey of faith and becoming Catholic.
Zac Mabry is here! The actor who starred as "Porky" in every millennials favorite children's movie "The Little Rascals" joins the show to talk about his journey of faith and becoming Catholic. Check out his podcast "The Roman Circus" here.
Taylor and Zac also have a showdown in a game of debate about the "Greatest of All Time" in a variety of categories. Find amazing games like this at Download Youth Ministry.
Taylor also shares his silly insights into this last weekend's Gospel story.
This is an episode you absolutely don't want to miss! Tune in, subscribe and leave a review. It really does help. Thanks!
BONUS CONTENT-My appearance on "The Paul George Show"
I was honored to be a guest on “The Paul George Show” with the man who played a huge role in my conversion. We talk millennials and the importance of authentic community. Tune in!
For those of you who don't know Paul George(the non-NBA player one), you're missing out!
Paul has played a large role in my story of faith. He was one of the keynote speakers at the conference where I gave my life to Christ so many years ago. He also gave the men's session where I made a commitment to save myself for marriage, signed a pledge card, and gave that pledge card to my (now) wife when I proposed.
I am so thankful for his ministry and how it affected my life, so when he asked me to be a guest on his show, I was in awe. Tune in to our conversation about millennials & the importance of authentic community on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "The Paul George Show" in your podcasting service.
The interview starts at the 10:50 mark.
For more from Paul and I, check out his appearance on the Forte Catholic podcast here.
My EWTN debut! Listen/watch here!
I made my EWTN debut as the guest on Bear Woznick’s “Deep Adventure!” We talked about joy, faith and more all surrounding the “Make Catholicism Fun Again” theme. Tune in now on podcast or YouTube!
What an amazing opportunity! I got to join Bear Woznick on his EWTN radio show "Deep Adventure" as his guest for the full hour! Bear and I have connected a few times as he was a guest on my show a while back and he graciously invited me on to his show.
Tune in as we talk about the "Make Catholicism Fun Again" message!
You can listen on podcast or watch the YouTube vid of the convo.
For more from Bear and I, tune in to his appearance on the "Forte Catholic" podcast.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 88
When doing good sometimes makes do bad, Fr. Anthony Sciarappa(the self-proclaimed King of Catholic Twitter) on being awesome and Brian Baudoin on his support of the show and what he would do if he was in charge.
Sooo many voices on this episode! Producer Sam is back! We catch up with her and talk about this new term Taylor learned called "moral licensing," how it may define his spiritual life...and maybe yours.
In the second segment, we are joined by self-proclaimed "Pittsburgh okayest priest" and "gift to the show," Fr. Anthony Sciarappa. He is a hilarious priest and talks about the things he has done that might have been the first time ever in the eternal priesthood.
In the third segment, the newest Patreon supporter, Brian Baudoin, rejoins the show to talk about why he supports the show, favorite memories, what he would do if he was in charge AND invents a new segment specifically to mess with producer Sam.
This was a fun one! Hope y'all enjoy listening as much as we all did recording. Please rate and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and share the show with a friend.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 87
Surprise guest co-host, the Avengers and the Holy Spirit collide and interview with (another Canadian!) Matt Nelson on indifference & how to combat it.
Lots of laughs in this week's episode as we have a surprise guest co-host(even a surprise to Taylor!) We kick off the show with not one but TWO Forte Five countdowns of Taylor and the mysterious co-hosts' favorite Holy Spirit songs.
In the second segment, Taylor continues his beef with Canada through this week's guest Matt Nelson. But primarily, the conversation is about the role indifference plays in the faith(or lack there of it) in people's lives. He explores this in depth in his new book "Just Whatever." ...but we also try to convince him to move to Texas and away from "Canadia"...and it just might work!
In the final segment, we explore the term "forgotten God" in regards to the Holy Spirit and compare our view of the Holy Spirit to Earth's Mightiest Heroes, "The Avengers."
If you enjoy today's episode, please like/rate/subscribe and share it with your friends/social media followers. Everything helps. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 86
Jam packed show with convos on Taylor attending a priestly ordination, speaking at a senior's day retreat, attending one of producer Sam's talks and learning a new game called "Google Feud."
We also talk with Pam Marvin about root sin, what it means and how to find healing in our deepest wounds.
Taylor had a busy week so we cram a lot of great stuff into this episode from a recent ordination he attended, speaking at a senior's day retreat, attending one of producer Sam's talks and learning a new game called "Google Feud." We cover it in the episode! It is a blend of cool Catholic truth & insight balanced with stupid games and laughter.
We are also joined by everyone's favorite "second mom" Pam Marvin. She talks about her work with "root sin", what the term means and how recognizing our areas of struggle can help us in our search for holiness and healing.
Sneak Peek...
Ordination=long and awesome!
Seniors day retreat=the older people surprisingly don't hate Taylor
Google Feud=wth!
Relational Ministry=Taylor's ridiculous notes during producer Sam's talk