Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

“Judgment is not our job. It's the job of the master.” On this week’s episode John is hosting solo and he talks all about how important it is to leave judgment up to Jesus. He discusses the tendency we have to judge and condemn others based on the negative things happening in the world. John emphasizes the importance of not rushing to judgment, showing mercy and compassion towards others, and bein...

“Ultimately we're distracted from what matters most, which is following Jesus and doing what he's asked of us.” In this episode, Victor and John talk about how easy it is to get swept up in the conflicts of the world and to lose sight of the 'better part.' In their conversation, they discuss diversions and obsessions within the Church and the importance of following Jesus. They also discuss the ne...

“ God created us for a very specific purpose and he yearns for us to come into that purpose.” We are back this Tuesday after a week off and during this episode John is hosting solo. He discusses the importance of God's plan for our lives and how he believes in His power. John tells the stories of Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Israel, Moses and the Exodus and more. He also encourages you to put your...

"Confidence is found in God's love. Arrogance is found in self promotion." During this week's episode, Victor and discuss the difference between self-confidence and arrogance, emphasizing the importance of finding confidence in God rather than oneself. We share that true self-confidence comes from accepting who we are and our place in God's plan, rather than trying to prove ourselves to others. BE...

“GK. Chesterton says this. He says God chooses ordinary men for fatherhood to accomplish his extraordinary plan.” During this special Father’s Day episode, Victor and I discuss the privilege and joy of fatherhood. They emphasize the importance of being present in their children's lives and being a positive example of a loving and caring father. They also discuss the sacrifices and selflessness req...

"I kept thinking, Did He see me there?" In this episode John discusses his pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his wife Angela. They share their unique and emotional experiences, including swimming in the Sea of Galilee, and mass at the Basilica of the Agony. They also stand on the shore where Jesus met Peter and forgiven him. BECOME A MONTHLY SUPPORTER www.donorbox.org/pew START A MEN'S GROUP IN YOU...

In this episode John reviews his pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Victor and explains why many refer to the Holy Land as the Fifth Gospel. John and Victor discuss: - Why the Holy Land is referred to as the 5th Gospel - Why everyone needs to visit the Holy Land - Favorite memories with Angela from the trip - Why he travels with Select International - The dual mission of pilgrimage - Some of the pla...

COME HOLY SPIRIT! We just celebrated the birthday of the Church at Pentecost! On this week’s episode John and Victor dive into the power of the Holy Spirit, that was not only present to the disciples, but is living and moving in each of us. Pentecost reawakens the promise of God’s love! Jesus GAVE us HIS SPIRIT. The Advocate, the Comforter… do we engage this Spirit? In this episode, John and Victo...

Why do we keep settling for less than what Christ has promised us? This week John and Victor chat about our habit of living in monotony. We are made for great fulfillment and lasting joy, but daily life and toil may drag us down to mediocrity if we are not vigilant. In this episode, John and Victor talk about: - The repercussions of living without hope - Modern day idols and fleeting moments of ha...

Matthew Leonard and John tackle all the hard questions about the spiritual life in this very special episode. Give it a listen and learn about: The 3 stages of the spiritual life, consolations, how the Lord is preparing more room in your heart for Himself, and more! John and Matthew talk about these questions: - How do I find rest, but still grow in holiness? - Is “spiritual dryness” bad? - What i...

In this special episode John interviews Brother Mariano, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal. Enjoy their deep and beautiful conversation about Mary, suffering, St. Francis and more! Together, John and Brother Mariano discuss: - Brother’s sudden calling to his vocation - The “dark part” of the Annunciation - Embracing radical abandonment - The Fiasco of the Crucifixion - Receiving the mystery of suf...

Episode 200: Are You Listening to the Right Voices? There are so many voices it’s hard to hear the truth. This week John and Victor talk about the many influencing voices in our lives. From news to social media to Saints and sinners, everybody has something to say… But what are we listening to? In this episode, you will hear: - The truth is quiet - When you’re not seeking the voice of the Good She...

Episode 199: What Could I Possibly Have to Offer Jesus? This week John dives into our feeling of having nothing to offer. Jesus fed the 5000 with just a few loaves of bread that a boy offered, so why do we doubt what he can do with us? You were born for a REASON! Listen to this episode to find out how to live into that reason! In this episode, John points out: - The devil tells you to “sit back do...

Episode 198: The Vitality of Relationship Deacon Jeff joined John in the studio this week! Together they discuss the our vital need for relationship… not only with others, but with Jesus (often THROUGH others). How can YOU can change the world? The answer may be simpler than you think! In this episode, John and Deacon Jeff talk about: - What the words “community" and “relationship” actually mean!...

Episode 197: Witnesses to the Truth This week John and Victor look back to Holy Week and and share the fruits and struggles of living out those very special days. Do you move on from the Passion and Resurrection the day after Easter? Or are you diving into the Easter season with greater zeal? In this episode, John and Victor talk about: - Will this be the year you actually conquer your fears? - Th...

Episode 196: LENT: It’s Time To Look Up In this episode, John recap all of Lent and invite you to live this Holy Week in a very special way! In this episode, you will hear John about: - The Israelites begging for mercy - Not just checking boxes this Holy Week - What we will miss if we do not look up to Jesus #CatholicPodcast #JustaGuyinthePew #LookUp #Lent DOWNLOADS Get a copy of my new eBook, “12...

Episode 195: Roll The Stone Away “The Glory of God is man fully alive.” How do we know if we are fully alive? Jesus brought Lazarus back to life… He also wants to also call us out of our tombs. Yet, we pause before we roll the stone away. In this episode, you will hear John and Victor talk about: - Why does Jesus weep? - He is present in our current sufferings - We have a loving, fatherly God - Wh...

Again and again, we get stuck in our own weaknesses, failures, and the failures of others. It is time to lift your head, look to the cross and start marching forward. Yes, you are broken, but there will be a resurrection. You cannot stay in your tomb. Cry for help and move forward. In this episode, you will hear John and Victor say: “Jesus came down here and broke his body” “It’s time to admit tha...

We are officially in the thick of Lent! There is no doubt that the initial zeal of our commitments may be dwindling. Our temptations to break our promises are not random, and we may actually be able to rejoice in the suffering of these temptations. In this episode, you will hear John and Victor talk about: - The REASON your lent is getting difficult - Being grounded in a “yes”. - Suffering is the...

As John and Victor discussed a few weeks ago, “freedom comes at a price and freedom is difficult”. In this episode they are diving into what that actually means: obedience. Contrary to a common mentality, obedience is not slavery, but actually, it is the MOST freeing thing! In this episode, you will hear John and Victor talk about: - Walking the extra mile giving you the power - Jesus’s obedience...

Bill Donaghy (from the Theology of the Body Institute) joined John in the studio for a riveting conversation about performance mentality, the fruitfulness of wasting time with another, our longing for supernatural powers, and more. Give this incredible episode a listen or a watch, and be inspired to rest well and live on a deeper level. In this episode with John and Bill, you will hear about: - “T...

Episode 191: Lent: Just Let Go Lent starts tomorrow! So it’s about time we take a look at the things we are attached to, the things that are keeping us from Him, and choose to detach. It is time to be led into the desert. In this episode with John and Victor, you will hear about: - Detachment from our idols - Avoiding Hell vs. aiming for Heaven - What did Jesus do when the devil showed up? - The p...

Episode 190: The Man in the Mirror Have you ever just rubbed someone the wrong way? Or they just irk you a little bit? Maybe it is NOT an unsolvable mystery. Sometimes our reactions that seem over-the-top are actually steaming from wounded places deep-down in our hearts. Maybe it is time we REALLY look at ourselves in the mirror. In this episode with John and Victor, you will hear about: - Keeping...

John just returned from a healing retreat! And he has a lot to say from it… starting with: GOD’S CRUCIAL COMMAND FOR US TO REST. We often push ourselves until we are exhausted… we rest in order to work when it should actually be the opposite. The world makes us think that if we aren't busy we are wasting our time; but true rest is its own act of obedience. In this episode you will hear John and Vi...

Episode 188: More than a Feeling Do you ever have a day when you just want to veg out? Sometimes we just have bad days and cracking open a cold beer sounds a lot more appealing than cracking open the Bible. But if we want to be saints, we need to form holy habits, regardless of our feelings. The martyrs have shown us the strength that comes from prioritizing Faith over feelings. In this episode yo...