Catholic Life Coach For Men
207 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsAs a modern Catholic guy, it's hard to find the balance. We know that God should come first, but what does that really mean? We know we're supposed to love our wife, but how do I do that when I'm overwhelmed by work and kids?
This podcast is dedicated to those guys who really want to grow and become the man God created them to be. You'll find both practical strategies for managing life and better ways to view and engage the world. Join Life Coach Michael Jaquith and take one step closer to standing tall in the sight of the Father.
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Episodes
56 - Winning the Littlest Battles
December 06, 2021 19:21 - 33 minutes - 26 MBEvery guy dreams of slaying the dragon. Or maybe just winning "Dad of the year" award. But that's never the first step. The first step in any great accomplishment, achievement, or life improvement is tiny. So is the next step. And the one after that. We have to learn to celebrate all these little victories, or we'll never reach the big ones. Join me in this episode as I break open the idea of focusing on the littlest battles as the primary way to make real changes in our lives. If ...
55 - Is Lust The Worst Mortal Sin
November 29, 2021 19:22 - 33 minutes - 26.9 MBLust is rampant. Pornography addictions likely affect somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of all Americans. We're all suffering from the damage done by this problem. But there is an even deeper problem with the sins of Lust - We Christians shame the sinners in a way that is not Godly. Join me in this episode as I explore a proper way to look at one's struggle with lust - whether pornography or otherwise. While never approving the sin, we all need to find a way to love and care for the sinner. ...
54 - Mental Health with Dcn Ed Shoener
November 22, 2021 08:00 - 37 minutes - 21.4 MBMental illness is a real problem that affects a significant number of people. But we don't even want to think about it, let alone deal with it! Worse, it's one of the only illnesses that we "define" a person by. We never say "He's a broken arm" or "He's a heart-attack" but we do say "He's bipolar." What does this do to our Christian brothers and sisters who are so reduced? In this episode I am joined by Deacon Ed Shoener. We discuss the problem of mental illness, what we can do as Ch...
53 - The Marriage Manual
November 15, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 19.9 MBWe would all love a manual for our wife. Wouldn't it be great if they could just operate the way that works for us? Does anyone actually think that would work? Or would a guy just be sleeping on the couch? The funny thing is we do have manuals. We just don't share them. And no...they aren't helpful. Join me in this episode as I go over how to be free from placing expectations on your spouse. Free to love, free to serve, free to be an awesome husband. Every husband needs this.
Discerning The Will of God with Fr. Michael Zimmerman
November 08, 2021 08:00 - 42 minutes - 25.5 MBFather Michael Zimmerman is the assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston, and the creator of the new Scivias film series. His goal is to help every Catholic do a better job of discerning the will of God - whether to a particular vocation of the priesthood, or in general in life. In this episode, we discuss what we can do as practicing Catholics to really get back into touch with God's will. Whether you're a young man trying to discern a vocation, a married man trying to ra...
51 - Despair
October 25, 2021 22:01 - 29 minutes - 23.8 MBWe don't talk about despair much...even though we all have plenty of reason to fall into it. Perhaps you've tried for years (or decades) to break free of some vice or shortcoming that has plagued you since childhood. Perhaps despite intensive (herculean) efforts, you cannot seem to do what you think God wants you to...like really loving and serving your wife. Join me in this episode as I dive into the topic of despair. What is it, and more importantly...what do we do about it? You ar...
50 - Elusive Elk Escapades
October 21, 2021 21:33 - 26 minutes - 20.9 MBWhat do you call a trip that doesn't accomplish any of the formal objectives, and ends in everyone getting COVID? Most people wouldn't think so. But what if we measure the success or failure using different metrics? What if we look at relationships built or friendships forged? Join me in this episode as I share some stories and lessons from my elk trip. You don't need to be an elk hunter to appreciate them!
49 - Scott Weeman and Catholic In Recovery
October 11, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 28.6 MBAddiction is rampant in our society, but we rarely want to get help. Why is that? First, it requires admitting that we have a problem - ouch! Second, we're not sure that anyone can really help anyways! Let me tell you about something new: Catholic In Recovery is not only a winner of the OSV Entrepreneurial award, but has an awesome purpose. Combining the time-tested power of 12-step programs ability to conquer addictions with the teachings of the Catholic Faith, this company is rea...
48 - The Gap and the Gain
October 04, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 20.8 MBGuys, this is really important. We all beat ourselves up way too hard and fail to notice just how much good we have done. This is toxic. We are Catholic. We can have Both-And. We can both see our shortcomings, and recognize we have made great progress. Join me in this episode to discuss how the powerful tool of Gap and Gain can make big changes in your mindset in almost any area of your life. It's gonna be worth it!
47 - Identity Wounds
September 28, 2021 21:54 - 30 minutes - 26.1 MBDoes it sometimes seem like you can never do enough to be "good enough" or "lovable?" Do your slowly building pile of failures mean that you are actually a failure? Are you actually a "bad guy" who has managed to fool everyone else, and you're scared they might realize it? Join me in this episode as I discuss 4 of the most common male identity wounds. These are wounds so deeply baked into our sense of self that they become part of who we are. While healing these is not (usually) simp...
46 - Discipline and Freedom with Nathaniel Binversie and Exodus 90
September 20, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutes - 23.1 MBMost Catholic guys know about Exodus 90. A lot of us have done it, and even more are a bit intimidated by it. And...let's be honest...there's a good reason to be intimidated. It's hard! But so is everything else worth doing, ever. So is your journey to sainthood. If you want to finally find the freedom from your addictions and consuming worldly pastimes, you need to listen. In this episode I'm joined by the Director of Content for the Exodus 90 program, Mr. Nathaniel Binversie. He sh...
45 - Anger
September 13, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 29.8 MBSome guys blow the top explosively Some guys simmer quietly and hold resentment and bitterness. Whatever your flavor, most of us guys struggle with anger. We know that we should be less angry, but it seems like life just overwhelms that desire. How do we actually make real progress? Join me in this episode as I give several practical tips to make some real headway on anger.
44 - Self Discipline 201
September 06, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 24.9 MBMaybe you don't need to work on your self discipline. Maybe you've got everything worked out and like what you show up with. Or maybe not... If you're like most of us guys, there are probably some areas to keep working on. Join me in this episode to continue the discussion from Episode 7 about Self Discipline, and how to gain the freedom to be the guy you want to be!
43 - Coaching Hot Topics
August 30, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutes - 27.7 MBSchool, Fall, Yay! Right? Well, but there is that COVID thing still... And marriages are really struggling. Like...for a lot of us! This episode is a bit more timely. I've put together some of the common issues that seem to be affecting a lot of guys right now. Join me and see if you're struggling with something similar!
42 - Perseverance with Jason Shanks
August 23, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 27.5 MBJason Shanks is the president of the Our Sunday Visitor institute and an awesome guy. In this episode he shares with us his story of perseverance. He contracted COVID-19 and had terrible complications to the point the doctors thought he was going to die, leaving his wife and 5 young children. Despite overwhelming odds, this is the story of how his fight, working together with God's grace through the prayers of untold hundreds, created a miracle recovery. Also, he shares some of the awe...
41 - What a Job
August 16, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MBEven before the lockdowns began, finding the right job was tough. So many of us spend away our years working in an environment that didn't bring out our best. Now, as the lockdowns are ending, more employees than ever are looking for something new. We've all gotten a taste of something different, and it's changed what we're looking for. But what should a guy look for? How do you know if this job is a "good fit?" - and what does that even mean?? Join me in this episode as I explore a ...
40 - How to Talk Part 2
August 11, 2021 17:05 - 33 minutes - 27.3 MBLet's face it. Most guys...just aren't great at talking. We'd rather gesture and grunt. I definitely prefer "the look" Yet, despite all our mastery of these essential skills, they don't seem to satisfy our wives and family. Join me in this episode to continue the discussion from last week about how to talk in way that brings us closer to the person we're trying to connect with, rather than further away. It's worth it. Your family, Your friends, and even Your Lord want to have real ...
How To Talk Part 1
August 09, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 35.3 MB"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me..." Fewer ideas could be more incorrect - or more dangerous! Join me in this episode to dive into the topic of how to communicate. This is extremely powerful stuff - especially for your marriage, but also for your other close relationships. The words that come out of your mouth, and the way you let words into your ears, can be one of the most important skills you can develop for a happy life.
38 - The Past
August 02, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 25 MBWe all have a history. We all have stories. These stories often define how we act and what we do - even if when we don't want them to. For most of us, we have pieces of our past that still cause strong emotions. Those emotions are there for a reason! There is work to be done here. In this episode, I discuss the power of exploring our Past. Story Work is difficult, but essential if we really want to grow in holiness and virtue. The past isn't dead...in fact it isn't even really the pa...
37 - Camping With Kids
July 26, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 25.8 MBSome of us grew up camping - and some did not. Especially if you have younger children, it can seem more than a bit daunting to venture out into bug-infested wastelands that can both freeze and burn you on the same day! This episode is something new. Steve Vando joins me and we flip the tables! He interviews me about my experience taking kids camping (along with all the guest-heckling that a host is supposed to do.) We discuss a lot of practical tips as well as share some good stories. ...
36 - A Father's Power
July 21, 2021 17:38 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MBIn the beginning, The Father spoke the Word to create the world. Adam then Named all the animals. Ever wonder why the secular studies show that it's up to Dad to make sure the kids stay in the faith? There is something profound about how men can Name, and it means something? In this episode we explore this God-given gift to men, within the headship of the marriage - and what responsibility that creates for each man.
35 - Gratitude
July 12, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 22.3 MBWe live in a crazy world right now where there's a lot of darkness. Between pandemic, election drama, riots, etc. there's good reason to be skeptical and negative. But it doesn't help you to be so! Join me in this episode to discuss how embracing a spirit of gratitude can transform your life even in the most difficult of moments. It can give meaning and lead to courage and love. The alternative is to simply agree with the devil, that everything is bad. Who wants to be on his team though?
34 - How to work with a Bad Boss
July 05, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 21.1 MBSometimes we are blessed with an awesome boss...And sometimes we are not. So what do you do when you have a Bad Boss? It's time to make a plan, and get busy doing it. Join me in this episode to discuss practical ways to find improvement if you have a Bad Boss.
33 - Work
June 30, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 34.2 MBAdam, dude.... Ever since the apple fell, guys have been workin' hard. But what does it mean to work? Why is it important, and how do we find the job that is right for us? In this episode I offer some philosophical and some practical advice for how to determine the right job for you; a job that offers both money and meaning.
32 - Narrative
June 28, 2021 03:02 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MB"What's your story?" It's undeniable - we live in a scientific mindset world. And it works...right? Well, for some things yes. If you need to get a rocket to the moon, absolutely. If you need to understand why love is fickle and sometimes hurts...not so much. In this episode we explore the other half of reality, that of the story, or the narrative events. It's not about measurements in feet, pounds, or degrees, but is instead about what has real meaning in our lives. Join me to find ou...
31 - 5 Lessons from FitF
June 22, 2021 23:06 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MBI just got back from one of my favorite camping trips of the year. 11 dads. Almost 40 kids. Hot sun. Cold nights. Mosquitos. Lakes. Shooting. Eating. Drinking. But, in case you missed out, I've distilled 5 powerful lessons I learned from this trip. Can't wait to share.
30 - Abundance vs Scarcity
June 07, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 27.1 MBWe all have a viewpoint of the world that is different from each other, but there are patterns. Some people look at the world with the belief that there is so much more goodness out there to be discovered, while some people worry that there simply isn't enough. The former is an attitude of Abundance, while the latter is an attitude of Scarcity. In this episode I open up this subject from a Biblical view. Consistently in the Bible, God invites us to believe in His goodness, and the superabu...
29 - Awareness
June 03, 2021 01:09 - 32 minutes - 26 MBThe first step to solving any problem is to be aware of the problem. Or, said differently, one cannot confess a sin without knowing that one has sinned. Awareness is a critical part of any growth process. Awareness isn't simple, however. There are many different ways to be aware - and specifically, different steps in the mental process for awareness to act. As we become aware earlier in the process, we slowly get closer to sainthood. In this episode, I invite you to become more aware of ho...
28 - Control
May 26, 2021 16:42 - 31 minutes - 25.7 MBControl. Self-reliance. (Ungodly, of course) We all want to control. We all like to trick ourselves into thinking that we actually DO have control. In this episode I really explore what it means to have control, why we want it, and how we use control to further our own perceived need to be self reliant. If you really want to live the life you TRULY want, then instead of gripping more tightly, the only solution is to surrender our will to God. In surrender lies true freedom.
27 - Trauma
May 19, 2021 17:55 - 25 minutes - 20.5 MBProbably the most consistent question I get asked in a phone call is "How is Life Coaching different from Therapy?" It may seem like they are similar - but actually have some pretty significant differences in approach. It all has to do with Trauma. In this episode I discuss what trauma is and how it works. The bigger question most people want to ask - what can you do about it?? We all have trauma (at least all of us whose parents were human.) The extent of the trauma determines what we do ...
26 - Deep Feelings
May 10, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBVery few guys I've met like to talk about their feelings. So much so that a common joke about what guys least want to do is "sit and talk about our feelings." Yet, we do need to talk about them. Furthermore, we need to dig deeper to really find them - then take the even bigger risk and share them with those whom we love. In this episode I really go deeper on the idea of how feelings play a role in our lives. This is often one of the biggest resistance points I have with new clients who rea...
Deep Feelings
May 10, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBVery few guys I've met like to talk about their feelings. So much so that a common joke about what guys least want to do is "sit and talk about our feelings." Yet, we do need to talk about them. Furthermore, we need to dig deeper to really find them - then take the even bigger risk and share them with those whom we love. In this episode I really go deeper on the idea of how feelings play a role in our lives. This is often one of the biggest resistance points I have with new clients who rea...
25 - Relationships - Disordered Love Styles
May 05, 2021 22:31 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBThis was a tough topic for me. When I first learned about my own disordered love style I was really resistant to what I was reading. I didn't see - for quite some time - that what I was doing was wrong. I certainly didn't see how it was hurtful to my wife. We all fail at the commandment to love. God created us from love, and for love. Yet, instead of living out a true covenant-style love of complete and total mutual gift of selves, we close the doors to one piece or another. This created p...
24 - Relationships
April 28, 2021 14:44 - 38 minutes - 32.2 MBRelationships are hard - especially as guys. It often seems that women have a bit of an advantage at understanding, empathizing, and ultimately connecting with others. Yet, despite our frequent claims otherwise, relationships are just as important to guys. This episode focuses on how to live the Lord's second greatest commandment. Love thy neighbor as thyself. If you pause and think, it almost sounds impossible. How can I love someone who has done terrible terrible things? We'll get to tha...
23 - Limitations and Meaning
April 05, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 25.6 MBThis episode is a tough one to hear. We all have limitations - things we want to be a certain way, but they are not. Many of these limitations cause us real problems and real pain. Rarely do we fully understand why God has allowed them to be. Yet, in these limitations, we often find our deepest meaning and purpose. We find the little things that change our lives and help us to become better and more virtuous Christians. We find that God actually does know what He's doing!
S01E22 A Proper Prologue
April 04, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutes - 25.7 MBBooks often start with a prologue - but if you're at all like me, you don't always read them. Yet, they have the power to set the stage for the rest of the story. Similarly in life: rarely do we fully understand how important our thoughts are to what happens in our lives. The Bible does though! Not only does it understand how important the prologue is, it even gives us some really good ones to use. In this episode we explore examples of how a prologue can radically change your understandin...
S01E21 With God
March 30, 2021 02:35 - 44 minutes - 36.8 MBLent is nearly over, and we're just starting Holy Week (at the time of recording at least.) In so many ways God asks us to stay with Him, and stay faithful to Him, and most of all to repent and return to Him every time we stumble. In this episode we explore how we can be the hero, we can receive God's blessing, only when we are faithful and obedient. But, how do we actually do that? In the crazy world we live in, it's so easy to be consumed by the world. Let's turn back to God.
S01E20 Unoffendable Part 2
March 22, 2021 21:53 - 32 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode we continue looking at how God's plan for us humans actually does NOT include our right to righteous anger - or any anger at all for that matter! Sound crazy? So did Jesus! Living a life free from anger feels about as impossible as living a life free from lust. Yet, not only does God invite us to this holiness, He has given us the power, through His grace, to be able to do exactly that. I encourage you to listen to this episode. If you, like me, suffer from anger, perhaps...
S01E19 Unoffendable Part 1
March 15, 2021 20:49 - 37 minutes - 30.4 MBI didn't think I was an angry guy when growing up. Then I got married and had kids, and started to discover just how much I really do struggle with anger. Though I made some good progress in dealing with it, I always thought if anger as somehow a "sometimes OK" kind of thing. The book Unoffendable, written by Brant Hansen, has deeply challenged this view. What if indulging in Anger, like Lust (e.g. Pornography), isn't the sort of thing that is "sometimes OK?" What if, instead, Christ cal...
S01E18 - Change Your Life with Gus Romero
March 02, 2021 15:56 - 53 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode I am joined by Mr. Gus Romero, a business coach who started by working with college students. He shares with us some of the basic steps he takes these kids through to transform their lives. He also shares with us stories of radical transformation! If you want to change your life, your marriage, your career, or improve your faith, this episode will give you some practical advice on how to really dive in and do it! God created us for greatness. You can find Gus at https://t...
S01E17 Reaching Teens with Micah Spader
February 22, 2021 16:56 - 48 minutes - 29.4 MBThis is a must-listen to episode if you have teenagers at home. I'm joined today by Mr. Micah Spader, a missionary with Vagabond Missions. Vagabond works in inner city neighborhoods trying to reach teens who may never even have heard of the gospel. Micah also shares some of his own story with us, and it's a powerful testimony! Not only did he have his own challenges growing up, but he can share the perspective of the teens he works with as well. I'm excited for you to learn more about this...
S01E16 The Power of Fasting
February 15, 2021 19:10 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBNobody likes fasting, yet our Lord specifically instructs us to fast. He even promises power, the power to drive out some demons that prayer alone isn't enough for. I bet most of us have some of those demons in our lives. In this episode, in preparation for Lent, I open up the old idea of Fasting. Why? How? Actually...still stuck on "Why??" Fasting means eating less food, feeling hungry, and creates a space for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives. I encourage you all to fast this Lent.
S01E15 Coaching with Rick Erisman
February 08, 2021 19:16 - 36 minutes - 22.8 MBCoaching is a new phenomenon in Christendom, but it is spreading rapidly. More and more people are finding the power of a coach to make that difficult change they've always wanted to! It's never easy - and generally involves a fair bit of painful self introspection, but it really can work! In this episode, I am joined by Mr. Rick Erisman, a Life Coach who has a diverse experience in helping people through challenges - especially for families and the youth. We have a great discussion about ...
S01E14 Cursillo with Bill Santo
February 05, 2021 17:42 - 44 minutes - 25.3 MBCursillo starts with a 3 day retreat weekend full of both Theological Content and Contemplative Encounter. Many men and women have gone through this program to find their faith deepened and relationship with Christ transformed. The best part (in my humble opinion) is the group support and connection that Cursillo participants have the opportunity to join. In this episode we are joined by Mr. Bill Santo. He's has participated in and helped to run dozens of Cursillo retreats, contributing at...
S01E13 Guilt vs Shame, Change The Game
February 01, 2021 16:55 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBBefore I converted, I really had a negative view of the phrase "Catholic Guilt." It seemed like something people accused Catholics of having to do weird, irrational actions. It wasn't until long after I converted that I understood the proper role of Guilt in my faith. We are in a battle. The forces of darkness have a wide array of weapons they are eager to use against us. Today we open up one of those weapons, Shame, and give really practical tips on how to identify it, as well as to diffu...
S01E12 Too Busy to See the Pareto
January 28, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MB"Busy" has become almost a safe-word now for a lot of us. When asked "How have you been?" most people now answer with "Busy!!" Yet, what does BUSY really mean? Is it helping us become better men? Is it helping us grow in holiness? In this episode, we explore the concept of Busyness. We tie in the Pareto Principle, as well as Price's Law, to demonstrated how most of the things we are "busy" with actually aren't helping us. Like Martha complaining to Jesus about Mary, we have got to see the ...
S01E11 What Really Matters
January 27, 2021 20:43 - 30 minutes - 26.8 MBScience is cool. Confusing sometimes - maybe even overwhelming at moments, but definitely cool. As we continue to further our understanding of the human mind, we find deeper truths about just how wonderfully God has created us. In this episode we're going a bit deeper. Take a good breath, because not only are we discussing the way our brains process information, we're going to be trying to extract meaning from that information. Finally, and most importantly, we're going to learn how to con...
S01E10 Metanoia Catholic with Matt Ingold
January 19, 2021 19:01 - 51 minutes - 34.8 MBNobody likes to think that they have caused their own problems - but for most of them, we have! We all need to get better "bouncers" to guard the doors into our mind. Get those destructive thoughts out! In this episode I am joined by Mr. Matt Ingold from Metanoia Catholic, an organization combining the best of secular thought work and coaching with the time tested truths of our Catholic Faith. He tells us about the work going on there, and especially the journal they have created. It's a t...
S01E09 Exodus 90 with Bob Hover
January 13, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 29.1 MBMost Catholic guys have at least heard of Exodus 90, and usually let out a really deep sigh at even the thought of the program. And let's be honest - it's not easy! Sometimes though, the things that are most important take the most effort. Exodus 90 is not about suffering. It's about freedom. It's about fraternity. It's about using the support of your Christian brothers to open up your life for God's grace to work in! It's tough work! In this episode I bring in a very special guest, Mr. ...
S01E08 - The Quiet TimeOut
January 11, 2021 18:18 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBI remember when I first encountered the concept of a Quiet TimeOut instruction from Dr. Ray Guarendi. I thought it was crazy. I thought it would never work with my kids. I was worried it would look like weakness. I was so wrong. How we control ourselves when interacting with our children is critical not only to their development, but to ours as well. Parenting is HARD, but that's not an excuse for us to just toss in the towel. Our job is to get these kids to Heaven, nothing less! In this...