Refiner's Fire

After nearly 15 years in MedTech operations and corporate leadership, Chris Wood began asking a deeper question: Was professional success enough, or was God calling him to something more? In this episode of Refiner’s Fire , Chris, now a wealth advisor with Arno Wealth and former president of YCP Fort Worth, shares how prayer, Catholic community, and courageous discernment reshaped the trajectory o...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire , Peter Blute sits down with Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, founders of CatholicCounselors.com, to explore how young Catholic professionals can live with greater integration, purpose, and peace. Together, they discuss why faith, work, relationships, marriage, family life, and personal gifts are not separate compartments, but pieces of one life God is patiently bringing...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Steven sits down with Matt Ingold of Metanoia Catholic to explore how young Catholic professionals can move beyond transactional networking and build authentic human connection. Matt shares practical insights from his conference workshop, including how to notice “mind drama,” take thoughts captive, and shift the spotlight away from self-consciousness and toward t...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Steven sits down with Dave Misch, YCP Pittsburgh Board Chair, former banking executive, and founder of Full Sail Consultants, to discuss what it means to live an undivided Catholic life. Dave shares how retirement, prayer, and the Holy Spirit led him deeper into the mission of YCP and into a renewed understanding of his personal mission: helping young Catholics s...

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with YCP Executive Director Peter Blute at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference to discuss what it means to be unshakable in a rapidly changing world of work. Peter reflects on the witness of Blessed Takayama, the enduring dignity of work, and why young Catholic professionals must build their careers around their relationship with God rather t...

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Rachel Zayas, co-founder of Fiat Events, the Catholic events firm behind the 2026 YCP Conference experience. Rachel shares how beauty, hospitality, and intentional event design can create space for people to encounter Christ. From transforming conference spaces into sacred environments to bringing industry-level excellence into Catholic ministry, Rac...

In this episode, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Claire Keupen, YCP’s Director of Development, for a conversation on what it means to be a young Catholic professional. Claire shares how faith can shape the way we approach work, why follow-up and follow-through matter in building meaningful professional relationships, and how mentorship becomes a gift for both young professionals and experienced lea...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Natasha Goodwin sits down with Fr. Ambrose Criste, O.Praem. at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference to discuss what it means to live as a faithful Catholic witness in the world. Father Ambrose reflects on the inspiring example of Blessed Takayama Ukon, a Japanese samurai and Catholic convert who was willing to lose status, power, and worldly security...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire, Natasha Goodwin sits down with world champion fighter Bas Rutten at the 2026 Young Catholic Professionals Conference for a powerful conversation on discipline, conversion, and becoming unshakable in faith. Bas shares how his years fighting in Japan shaped his admiration for the samurai code, why Blessed Takayama Ukon’s witness resonates with him, and how the disc...

In a world that often separates faith from work, how do you lead with conviction, without compromise? In this episode of Refiner’s Fire , Elizabeth Bryant, Chief People Officer at Southwest Airlines, shares her remarkable 25-year journey of leadership, faith, and vocation. From stepping into roles she never imagined to navigating seasons of intense pressure, Elizabeth reveals what it truly means t...

In a world that values "clout" over craft, how can Catholic creators thrive? Will Hickl is building the solution. As the CEO of Fio and Novum Records, Will is on a mission to ensure that Catholic artists are treated with the justice and dignity they deserve. In this episode of Refiner's fire, Will dives into the "brick" philosophy of building a business, the wisdom of order...

Tom Nealon is a seasoned executive, former President of Southwest Airlines, and a dedicated Catholic leader who integrates his faith into the highest levels of corporate strategy. In this episode, host Peter Blute sits down with Tom to discuss the unique perspective he has gained through his leadership at Southwest, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay. Tom shows listeners how to lead with humility, courage, a...

In this episode of Refiner’s Fire , we sit down with John Heinen , a leader whose career has spanned the heights of both the arts and the corporate world. From performing as a professional trumpet player at the Beijing Olympics to serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of a management consulting firm and leading The Catholic Gentleman , John’s journey is a powerful testament to how God refines us...

In this episode of Refiner's Fire, host Peter Blute speaks with guest Brent Beabout. Brent brings an incredible background to the conversation, transitioning from serving as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the Navy to holding Chief Supply Chain Officer roles at industry giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Nordstrom. Brent discusses his journey from an Evangelical upbringing to a profound conversio...

Matt Pana is a financial media specialist, drummer, and devout Catholic with a special devotion to Saint Padre Pio. In this episode, host, Peter Blute, converses with Matt on how to find balance and meaning in our day to day lives. Matt explores how to effectively evangelize through your career and your passions. Matt shows listeners how to turn every platform, from the office to the drum kit, int...

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire , host Peter Blute sits down with Chris Cottrell , a decorated U.S. Army intelligence officer, co-founder of the made-to-measure suiting company Shepherd’s , and Founding Partner at Verde Peak Partners. Chris's life is a masterclass in committed service, from earning a Bronze Star while deployed with U.S. Special Operations Command to his current missi...

In this episode of The Refiner's Fire , host Peter Blute sits down with YCP Founder Jennifer Baugh to explore her extraordinary journey from a high-achieving corporate career to launching a national ministry. Jennifer shares the story of her "restless heart" and the pivotal season of silence that led to a profound spiritual conversion. Discover how she was called to leave a successfu...

Join Peter Blute, Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), as he sits down with Rebecca Salamone, to discuss her inspiring journey of integrating faith and work. Rebecca shares her experiences of discovering YCP during a time of personal turbulence, the impactful community she found, and her transition from chapter leader to board member. Learn valuable insights on fostering Catho...

Join us at the National YCP Conference for a conversation with YCP Member, Kelsie Killian! At Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), we’re building a nationwide community where Catholics in their 20s and 30s can grow in holiness, connect with others, and learn to work in witness for Christ - right where they are, in their daily lives and careers. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, faith-filled commun...

Join us at the National YCP Conference for a conversation with Steven Mezzacappa, YCP Regional Chapter Manager! At Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), we’re building a nationwide community where Catholics in their 20s and 30s can grow in holiness, connect with others, and learn to work in witness for Christ - right where they are, in their daily lives and careers. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real...

Dan Catone is the Founder & CEO of Arimathea Investing. In this episode, Dan discussed how the example of St. Joseph of Arimathea can influence our personal and professional life. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, faith-filled community that gets where you are Mentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been there Opportunities to grow spiritually and professionally Support to live your faith con...

Jonathan Doyle is an international Catholic speaker, author, businessman and executive coach. Jonathan discusses strategies to overcome imposter syndrome in the workplace and ways that our Catholic faith can give us hope and an ordered perspective on this topic. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, faith-filled community that gets where you are Mentorship from Catholic leaders who’ve been there Oppo...

Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Director of the Institutional Flourishing Lab at The Catholic University of America. Dr. Brandon discusses why beauty is not a word we typically associate with work, and how it can be a powerful lens through which to recognize the presence of God in our work lives. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, fai...

John Cannon is the Founder of SENT Ventures. Join us as we talk with entrepreneur John Cannon about how he integrates his faith into his business. This episode explores the powerful connection between evangelism and entrepreneurship , offering a new perspective on sharing your faith through your professional life. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, faith-filled community that gets where you are Me...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with retired U.S. Air Force General Maryanne Miller . With a career that took her to the rank of four-star general, she discusses the importance of humble service and how it shaped her journey. This episode offers powerful insights on leadership and faith from one of the most accomplished women in the military. ✨ What You’ll Find at YCP A real, faith-filled c...