Stoking the Embers

A priest says Mass isn’t about worship, but "a meal" — Catholics are outraged. But is the real problem what he said… or what he LEFT OUT? In this Moment of Truth segment, I break down exactly what he said, what he got wrong, what he might have meant, and why the theology behind the Mass actually proves the opposite. Get FIRE BRANDED ! Get the podcast at its new home: The Forge (New Home!) | Apple...

God’s mercy isn’t weakness—and it isn’t permission. It’s power. In this Night Watch episode, we confront one of the most common spiritual traps: shrinking God’s mercy until it can’t actually heal us. Shame, despair, and lingering guilt after forgiven sin aren’t signs of humility—they’re often the enemy’s favorite tactic. Drawing from Scripture and Ignatian spiritual insight, this episode clarifies...

FOLLOW THIS PODCAST Catholic Firebrand Website | Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Castro | Deezer | iHeart | TuneIn | YouTube Many Others! Description In this episode of Fire Branded, I take on a truth many Catholics would rather avoid. Pope Leo warns of a generational rupture in how the faith is handed on — and he’s right. But the problem runs deeper than poor catechesis or weak evangelization. We are...

Catholics are not be as prepared to "face" the Antichrist as they believe and this is why he'll fool so many of them (even You!).In this episode of Fire Branded, TJ issues a blunt warning: the greatest danger facing modern Christians isn’t persecution or atheism—it’s the collapse of intellectual discipline, disabling you from identifying Lies and Deception posing as the Truth. Follow me on X | Ins...

In this episode, TJ Haines breaks down a viral Catholic media claim (LifeSite News) that accused Pope Leo of appointing a “pro-LGBT archbishop” who supposedly “refused to condemn homosexual marriage.” The headline was provocative. The imagery was suggestive. And the claim did not line up with the actual facts. (Social Links at the bottom) By walking through what really happened, this episode expos...

KEEP WATCH WITH CHRIST 🔥 Don’t let your guard down — not even at night. In this Night Watch edition of Fire Branded, T.J. Haines delivers five powerful and practical ways to stay vigilant in the spiritual life. From developing a rule of life to guarding your senses, rooting yourself in Scripture, and living a Eucharistic lifestyle — this is tactical Catholic spirituality for real life. Follow me...

Too many Catholics are missing the point and see themselves through the illusion of a sort of "Matrix" mindset When Catholics don’t get their way, too many of them start talking about leaving the Church. And there are others who see Catholicism as a club to be proud of, but don't actually take the faith seriously. KEY POINTS / TAKEAWAYS• Catholicism is a lifestyle, not a membership• Knowing the tr...

Most Catholics know their doctrine, but few ever examine their attitude . In this episode, I break open why humility, obedience, unity, and a teachable spirit are essential for becoming a saint — and how a bad attitude can quietly push you toward heterodoxy, division, or even apostasy. Featuring commentary on a Colorado Springs schismatic group and what their story reveals about the dangers of spi...

A viral clip sparks a firestorm—and in this episode,I break down the pushback, the misconceptions, and the spiritual psychology behind anti-Catholic hostility. Learn how to respond to Protestant objections, understand true biblical worship, and get encouraged to stand strong in your Catholic identity. This one is part apologetics, part spiritual boot-camp, and all Firebrand. Don’t forget to follow...

In this punchy, fast-moving episode of Myths & Mystery , I tackle three of the most stubborn misconceptions about the Catholic faith—myths that confuse non-Catholics and even mislead some Catholics themselves. From the Real Presence in the Eucharist, to the true meaning of the Immaculate Conception, to the Church’s so-called “changing teachings,” each segment cuts through the noise with clarity an...

A raw and honest look at the muck and mire weighing down Catholic life — from media lies to spiritual negativity — and the surprising strategy that helps you break free, cooperate with grace, and rise toward the eternal. A fiery, practical episode for Catholics who want clarity and holiness in a messy world. Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok | Discord See the episode page at Stoking the Embers f...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com This isn’t just a crash course in Thomistic Philosophy, it’s also a treatment of my personal metaphysical approach to sainthood. Hang on tight though the first have, because the second half brings everything together. I get into Aquinas’ third way of proving God’s existence: the argument from necessary being. But t...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com NOTE: Some references are dated and no longer relevant—such as “Catholic Adventurer” (my former ‘identity’) Catholic Experience, and Locals Community Aquinas considered causality as part of the evidence for God’s existence. Nothing can cause itself; everything has a cause. If we trace every effect/cause backwards,...

Ritual isn’t superstition—it’s rhythm. In this episode, TJ Haines shares practical ways to bring sacred rhythm into your ordinary day: from morning prayers to prayer corners and holy moments woven through daily routines. Simple habits, powerful grace. Follow me on X | Instagram | TikTok Follow StE on X and Facebook My personal Newsletter, with rundowns of the week’s publications and podcasts, and...

In a world that’s gone lukewarm, it’s time to stoke the fire. Here are five bold, practical, and spiritual ways to stay fired up in your Catholic life. This is not just a pep talk. It’s a spiritual wake-up call. NOTE : read the notes I was using , with a little more detail, in this blog post here . Video Version on Youtube Whether you’re a practicing Catholic, a returning wanderer, or someone who...

An awareness of God’s will, and a sincere and earnest desire to serve that will, is a gift of infinite value! Follow me on… X | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook StE is also on… 𝕏 | Facebook Read the full article https://stokingtheembers.substack.com/p/how-i-went-from-my-will-to-thy-will I don’t think we usually see it that way, though. Even I didn’t fully understand that until very recently. I said i...

This podcast is accompanied by an article , for those who are here to read, and aren’t interested in podcasts. Description : I respond to Pope Leo XIV’s comments about Cardinal Cupich’s decision to honor Senator Dick Durbin with an award. The Pope urged Catholics to look at Durbin’s “overall record” — a fair point rooted in Catholic moral tradition — but his remarks raised bigger questions about c...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com You won’t need Scooby and the Gang to solve this mystery. I’ve already done it. Free audio version (full episode, one day only) A Paid Subscribers’ Episode, with a 10 minute FREE preview . Looking for the full episode? Free for one day only, in another post - In this new episode I take on a claim that just won’t di...

Do aliens exist? Drawing from Scripture, theology, and the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, I take on one of the most intriguing questions in our time. I explore why belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life is not only unlikely but also theologically problematic. But this is also a lesson about angels and demons! It’s a necessary component, not random. I talk about the nature of angels and demons,...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com I open the show with a candid and fiery reflection on the current state of Catholic evangelization online. I express my deep concerns about the growing number of unqualified, under-formed voices who dominate independent Catholic media, and challenge the idea that good intentions and internet access are enough to re...

Imagine that ‘Don’ Vito Corleone, boss of the Corleone crime family, left his life of crime and took his Catholic faith seriously. How would such a man, intent on not only living a holy life, but on fulfilling his duty as a father, convince his sons to follow his lead and return to the Catholic faith? I think it would sound something like this… NOTE: Originally published 7/14/2023, republished 6/2...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com This is a followup (sort of an after show) to a recent podcast I recorded live on my Instagram. But here I go just a little deeper, as I talk about the importance of going beyond the surface of the Catholic experience, and journeying “into the deep”. The real riches of the faith lie in its depths, not on the surfac...

The great deceiver; the man of iniquity. What’s should we understand about the Antichrist? In this episode I discuss the characteristics and deceptions of the Antichrist, the trials the Church must endure, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. I talk about some clues and “signs” we’re seeing in the human culture even today, and some hints we’re seeing even in Catholic culture. Could the A...

The Catholic Church is old—dusty, crusty, and ancient. Why would any rational person base their life on what this 2,000-year-old institution says? That’s a question I’ve heard a lot over the years, but I’m hearing it a lot more lately. It’s often the star of the show in social media comments, and YouTube commentary. No actual arguments, no logical responses, just “The Catholic Church is old, the B...

This is both dated, and current. It's from a Substack Live session I hosted back in April, but I never got around to making it available on-demand. In this episode I discuss the theology behind Heaven, Hell, and the Catholic teachings regarding who goes where based on an essay I published in April, titled "Heaven, Hell, and My Prescription for What We Should Be Focused on" here on Substack . We'll...