My Stogie Mystagogy Podcast

What does it really mean to rest? In a culture that celebrates busyness and measures successby productivity, Christians are called to something radically different. In this episode, Mark returns after a brief hiatus, and we explore one of the most overlooked virtues of modern life: leisure. Drawing from the insights of philosopher Josef Pieper, wediscuss why leisure is far more than simply "d...

This week on My Stogie Mystagogy , Don flies solo after Mark loses an unexpected battle with a nest of wasps... and then a second battle with Benadryl. But in a providential twist, the evening becomes a fitting reflection on one of Christianity's central truths: God rarely waits for perfect circumstances or perfect people before accomplishing extraordinary things. As the Church celebrates the...

This week, Don flies solo behind the microphone for a Father's Day-themed episode reflecting on the unique role fathers play in shaping the faith and character of their children. Drawing from both Catholic teaching and modern research on religious transmission, Don explores why a father's witness often has a lasting impact on whether children continue practicing their faith into adulthood....

What happens when a blockbuster alien movie raises questions about God, faith, and humanity's place in the universe? This week, Don is joined by special guest co-host Kevin Gonzalez, who steps in while Mark celebrates his father's 90th birthday. Together they discuss Steven Spielberg's new film Disclosure Day and the controversy surrounding claims that the movie is anti-religious or an...

What does the Catholic Church actually teach about the Eucharist? On this Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Don and Mark discuss the Church's belief that Jesus Christ is truly, really, and substantially present in the Eucharist. They examine the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6, the Last Supper, and the witness of the earliest Christians. Why did so many disciples walk away when Jesus spoke about eati...

We discuss the Church's doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Then we explore how we can grow in understanding of a mystery that is beyond our comprehension. The answer lies in relationship, in participation. What Ya Smokin Fuente Hemingway Work of Art Knuckle Sandwich, Guy Frieri Cigars What Ya Drinkin Redbreast 12

This episode explores the significance of Pentecost, confirmation, and the Holy Spirit in the Catholic faith. Don and Mark discuss the spiritual gifts, charisms, and the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, emphasizing maturation and active participation in faith. Apostolates Cited in Episode Christian Community of God's Delight Encounter School of Ministry What...

A brief Joe Catholic talk in which we discuss the Christo-centric nature of the Rosary.

This episode explores the papacies from John XXIII to Leo XIV, analyzing their historical context, metaphysical themes, and spiritual guidance. It emphasizes the providential guidance of the Holy Spirit in selecting popes and the importance of living out faith authentically.

"Have we forgotten the true wonder of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist?" ✨ Drop a 🙏 if you agree it’s time we see this gift with childlike wonder again. We often approach Communion casually, forgetting it’s not just symbolic — it’s an ontological encounter with Christ himself. When you receive the Eucharist, you're actually taking in Jesus, becoming more like Him each time. This isn’t routine, i...

This episode of My Stogie Mystagogy opens with the familiar pairing of cigars and spirits (see below for links for reviews) before moving into a thoughtful and candid conversation on two central themes of the Easter season: Mystagogy and Divine Mercy. Don and Mark explore Mystagogy as more than a brief post-Easter program; they present it as a lifelong process of “living the mysteries,” reflecting...

This past Sunday's Gospel reading is often used to discuss vocations. In this archived episode, Mark is joined by Patrick Norton, a pipe smoker and mead maker. During their Holy Smoke, they discuss the meaning of vocation and how it applies to the laity.

It's summer time and vacation and side projects have Mark and Don unavailable for a new episode. We did some hunting and digging around and uncovered the original episode one. Over the 9 years the podcast has existed, we had lost content because of platform changes. Thankfully the old Internet Archive has many of the originals. We cleaned up the raw audio. In this short, first outing Mark and...

In this episode from the archives of the early days of the podcast, hosts Don Gonzalez and Mark Connolly delve into the world of cigars, specifically the Monte Cristo #2 and the Arturo Fuente Work of Art, discussing their experiences with different cigar and drink pairings (Glen Moray scotch and Pyrat Rum). The conversation transitions into a deeper discussion on fatherhood, exploring themes of sa...

This is a lost file from the early days of the podcast. Neither Mark nor I can figure out how it came to be. Mark and I start ournormal cigar talk and delve into our Catholic EDC (every day carry). Suddenly I am no longer present and it's a whole new episode with just Mark and my son Kevin. We discussed the pairing of tequila with cigars. Kevin and Mark speak about prayer and struggle to commi...

In this conversation, we explore the importance of experiencing literature rather than just analyzing it, and the implications of Pope Leo XIII's teachings on labor rights and human dignity (cf. Rerum Novarum ). We discuss the relevance of these teachings in today's context, particularly in relation to unbridled capitalism and the treatment of workers. The conversation culminates in reflec...

We explore the significance of prayer in our lives, recounting miraculous experiences and the impact of faith on our journeys. The discussion highlights the importance of community, intercessory prayer, and the belief that God answers prayers in various forms, ultimately emphasizing the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges.

Mark and Don discuss their reactions and thoughts about the election of Pope Leo XIV.

We explore the art of cigar and whiskey pairings, delve into literary discussions about imagination and poetry, and critically examine the role of AI in modern life. We discuss the importance of intentional reading, and reflect on how AI can enhance creativity and productivity. In this conversation, we discuss various applications of AI in education, writing, and spirituality, while also addressin...

We return from a 6 month hiatus/sabbatical with a discussion on the death of Pope Francis. We then discuss whether it is fair to call Thomas doubting. Are we in fact identifying him with his worst day? What Ya Smokin' Nameless Williams' Cigar Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art What Ya Drinkin' Benromach 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Glen Fohdry Fion Frangach What Ya Readin' An Experi...

The conversation delves into various themes including philosophical concepts like the veil of ignorance, personal reflections on cigars and drinks, and a deep exploration of discipleship and apostolic work within the Catholic faith. The speakers discuss the importance of intentional discipleship, the distinction between ministry and apostolate, and the transformative power of a relationship with C...

We discuss the 5 pillars of Catholic Social Doctrine: the Common Good, Human Dignity, Solidarity, Subsidiarity and Participation. Included is a discussion of the proper meaning of justice and mercy. Cigars Gurkha Cellar Reserve Platinum Gurkha Ghost Rocky Patel 1990 Drinking Messina's Special Reserve Tawny Port Dewar's White Label Reading The God Delusion, Dawkins Mark's Substack Revie...

In addition to our regular segment - What ya drinkin' and what ya smokin', we introduce a new topic, entitled DAN: Doubts, Answers and Non-Sequiturs. We also discuss our Lenten practices. In our main segment, we discuss Gaudium et Spes. In particular we examine the role of the Church in the modern world and some of the world issues predicted by the Second Vatican Council. Cigars El Pulpo by Artesa...

Our main focus is a discussion of the meaning and make up of Catholic Moral Theology. We conclude by unpacking a series of scenarios to discuss real world applications. Subtopics: Formed and informed conscience; venial and mortal sin; willful ignorance. What Ya Drinkin' Dewars White Label Liquid Death Grim Leafer Tea Glenmorangie 10 ⁠Story⁠ about dad packing beer in son's lunch. What Ya Sm...

We discuss the role of the laity in evangelization and ways we can be intentional in personal apostolate. Books Through Winds and Waves Plan of Life Coached by Josemaria Escriva Witcher Series Tolkien's Faith Divine Mercy in My Soul Free Will and the Rebel Angels in Medieval Philosophy Cigars Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Arturo Fuente Hemingway Between the Lines Gurkha Ghost Exorcist Whisky Glenmorangi...