Heroic Stories

What happens when you say yes to God… even when it means giving up your own dreams? In this powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Gil Alderete opens up about his unexpected journey from UPS driver to president of Catholic Men's Fellowship of California. Gil shares how God redirected his life, pulling him away from his plans to become a deacon and into building ministry for men across California,...

What if the path to heroism didn’t start with strength—but with panic? In The Hero’s Journey That Started with Anxiety, we follow Nick Pierlot, a Catholic husband, father, and missionary, as he walks us through his darkest hour: a breakdown on a spiritual pilgrimage. In the face of crippling panic attacks, emotional repression, and a crisis of identity, Nick uncovers an unexpected truth—heroism be...

What if the day you lost your father was the day you became one? In this moving episode of Heroic Stories, Jay Wonacott opens up about the most painful turning point of his life—the sudden death of his dad—and how that loss became the moment he had to grow up, take responsibility, and lead with heart. From tearful hospital visits and lucid dreams to finding spiritual strength in daily prayer and b...

Politics, Concentration Camps, & St Catherine of Sienna? What do a medieval saint and a concentration camp survivor have to say to a modern man trying to do the right thing? A lot, it turns out. Deacon Eric Paige opens up about his own turning point—from a fast track in politics to a life of faith and service. He talks about why St. Catherine of Siena’s fierce love and clear calling speak so d...

What if everything in your life came down to a single choice—a leap of faith that took just 20 seconds of insane courage? In this fire-starter episode of Heroic Stories, Kevin Phillips of Made for Greatness shares how ancient poems, unsung war heroes, and his own bold decisions shaped a life of purpose. From the story of Horatius at the bridge to crawling through enemy territory in Vietnam, these...

What do you do when you're trained for war, but life hits harder than combat? Retired Green Beret Colonel Sean Berg reveals the battles that tested him far beyond the battlefield. From leading elite teams through 10 combat deployments with zero fatalities to facing the terrifying unraveling of his own daughter’s mental health, this is the story of a soldier forced to rely on more than tactics—...

This is the raw, powerful true story of Robert Tunmire, co-founder of Heroic Men, who went from the edge of destruction to a life of purpose and impact. At 16, Robert didn’t care if his future led to death or jail—until a chance meeting with a mentor changed everything. What follows is a story of redemption, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. In this episode, you’ll hear how a man with no directi...

What if everything you thought made you strong—your beliefs, your community, even your identity—suddenly became the very things holding you back? Dominic lived that question when choosing love meant losing his tribe, his home, and the only version of faith he had ever known. What followed was a decade-long deconstruction and reconstruction—through trauma, spiritual exile, and radical courage. This...

What if everything you thought was your purpose—your calling, your plans, your identity—suddenly unraveled? That’s what happened to Gabe when he left behind his dream of becoming a pastor, moved across the world, and found himself starting over with no roadmap, no money, and no clear direction. In this raw and honest conversation, Gabe shares how he faced spiritual silence, identity confusion, and...

What if your darkest moment wasn’t the end—but the beginning of something heroic? In this raw and powerful episode, Chris shares how perfectionism nearly crushed his faith and mental health—and how one retreat cracked the door open to real healing. From growing up with a mechanical view of religion to battling self-harm in high school, Chris faced a silent storm of shame, isolation, and unmet expe...

What if the moment you built your life around—your career, your ambitions, your independence—was taken away in an instant? Dean faced that reality when he learned he was going blind. Mid-career, with a family relying on him, he spiraled into self-doubt and isolation. But instead of letting darkness consume him, he found new heroes, a deeper faith, and a mission to serve. From learning how to navig...

Imagine starting something that no one believes in. That’s exactly what happened when Andre Regnier founded CCO in 1988. Evangelization wasn’t just uncommon in Catholic circles back then—it was almost a dirty word. But he and his wife pushed forward, convinced that God was calling them to bring young people back to the Church. In this conversation, Andre shares the struggles, the doubts, and the m...

What if everything you thought you believed was suddenly in question? How do you rebuild faith after walking away? Dr. John Bishop grew up a strong Catholic, but in college, he made the radical decision to abandon his faith in search of truth. He explored different religions, tested different worldviews, and chased experiences—only to end up more lost than ever. So how did he find his way back? An...

When a Navy SEAL officer transitions from leading elite teams to figuring out personal trials, what happens when faith becomes his ultimate mission? Sam Blair’s journey is one of resilience, surrender, and change—moving from self-reliance to deep trust in God. From intense military training to the struggles of entrepreneurship and fatherhood, Sam shares the pivotal moment when he let go of control...

Alan shares his journey from the dark streets of New York, where violence and survival ruled his days, to a life of faith, purpose, and true Brotherhood in Christ. He opens up about the pain of abandonment, the false promises of gang loyalty, and the moment he cried out to God for a way out. A chance encounter, the love of a good woman, and an unexpected blessing set him on a path to redemption. N...

Jeff Joaquin shares his raw and emotional journey from a life of addiction, idolatry, and despair to a profound encounter with God's mercy. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Jeff's struggles began early, leading him down a path of alcoholism, drug abuse, and poor choices. A cocaine-induced heart attack at age 24 became the turning point, compelling him to call out to Jesus Christ in desp...

Heroism isn’t born—it’s made. And sometimes, it’s forged in the darkest of moments. In this powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers shares his raw and deeply personal journey through loss, grief, and a crisis of faith. From childhood friendships to the shocking death of his best man, this story will challenge, inspire, and remind you that faith is not about having all the an...

Father John Riccardo doesn’t hold back. He opens up about the darkest moment of his life—a moment that brought shame and pain. But instead of hiding it, he leans in, making a bold call for men to confront their traumas head-on. Why? Because healing starts with honesty, and no one should fight their battles alone. Father John credits his hero: his dad. A man who lived humility, prayer, and a God-fi...