The Raising Catholic Podcast

Two Catholic dads dive into 1 Maccabees chapters 1–3, unpacking its David and Joshua echoes, the crisis of faith under Hellenistic oppression, and how liturgical life and constant prayer sustain resistance. They wrestle with righteous violence, collaboration with oppressors, and the ongoing need for community and discernment.

Two Catholic dads share personal memories of grandparents, loss, and the power of place, then dive into 1–2 Maccabees to explain its importance for understanding Jesus’ time, the Jewish canon, Hanukkah, the Ark, and Catholic practices like praying for the dead. They introduce a "three by three" study plan to read three chapters and discuss three resonant points each week.

Two Catholic dads—Josh Vegors and Tim Summers—walk through the Book of Joshua, focusing on land distribution, the Levites’ cities, and the six cities of refuge. Their conversation links biblical structure to modern concerns: the role and burdens of priests, the importance of liturgy and sacramentality, and how culture and politics are shaped by what people worship. Practical takeaways include why...

Two Catholic dads unpack difficult Bible passages about God "hardening" hearts (Exodus, Joshua) and reconcile this language with human free will using the sun/wax/clay analogy. They explore examples like Pharaoh, Judas, and opposing kings, and draw on Augustine to explain how pride, power, and refusal to surrender lead to hardened hearts. The episode finishes with practical takeaways: cultivate a...

Josh and Tim unpack Joshua (chapters 6–10), exploring Jericho, Ai, and the famous sun-standing miracle. They connect Israel’s battles to liturgical worship, discuss the necessity of worshipping God the right way, wrestle with faith and science in Scripture, and reflect on surrender, the fear of the Lord, and God’s desire for a contrite heart.

Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, walk through Joshua chapters on the Battle of Jericho and Achan’s sin—covering the unusual siege, archaeological notes about the collapsed walls and stored grain, the brutal aftermath for Achan, and how these stories point to themes of humility, communal responsibility, and God’s relentless search for humanity. They weave Scripture with personal anecdotes, reflecti...

On this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh Vegors and Tim Summers pray for Pope Francis after his passing, reflect on leadership in the Church during the Easter season, and share personal reactions. They dive into Joshua chapters 4–6, exploring the stones of Gilgal, the second circumcision, the end of the manna, the commander of the Lord, and the lead-up to the battle of Jericho. The hosts discuss...

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim dig into the opening chapters of Joshua, tracing themes of prayer, courage, and leadership. They explore Eucharistic and baptismal symbolism—from the Ark and the Red Sea to the Jordan River and the city of Adam—and reflect on how the Old Testament points toward Christ. Using map study, personal stories, and practical insights, they discuss how peti...

Two Catholic dads prepare to dive into the Book of Joshua, exploring its big-picture themes: God’s fulfillment of the promised land, Israel vs. Canaan, and the spiritual battle for the human heart. They reflect on humility vs. pride, sanctifying grace, and how Old Testament struggles echo modern moral challenges. Along the way they touch on famous moments like Jericho, Rahab, and the parting of th...

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim dig into Ephesians 4 to explore what it looks like to "speak the truth in love"—from youth ministry and parenting to friendship and accountability. They reflect on humility, the power of testimony, and the importance of spiritual brothers. The hosts also address cultural shifts, the reality of spiritual warfare, and practical ways to build people u...

Josh and Tim unpack the Book of Ephesians, blending history and theology as they explore Ephesus — a bustling Roman port, home to the Temple of Artemis and traditional sites tied to St. John and Mary. They consider how Paul’s letter feels more like a unifying, liturgical encyclical than a personal note, discuss writing styles and theological pitfalls, and sprinkle the conversation with dad-life an...

Josh and Tim unpack 2 Timothy, Paul’s likely final letter written from prison, focusing on themes of perseverance, mentorship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit amid persecution. They explore historical context (Nero’s Rome, secret early-Christian symbols), Paul’s metaphors (soldier, athlete, farmer), practical instructions to Timothy, and the call to pass the faith faithfully to the next generation...

Two Catholic dads unpack Luke 24’s Road to Emmaus, exploring how Jesus reveals Scripture, the take-bless-break-give formula, and the connection between the resurrection and the Eucharist. They trace how this encounter shapes right worship, the origins of the Mass, and practical ways believers can encounter Christ and deepen their faith.

Two Catholic dads unpack 1 Timothy 2, covering instructions on prayer, the controversial verses about women in church, and how the first-century Ephesus context (including the temple of Artemis) helps explain Paul’s meaning. They mix biblical study, historical background, and pastoral reflection to offer balanced takeaways about false teaching, the role of women in salvation history, and faithful...

Josh Vegors and Tim Summers finish their study of 1 Timothy 6, unpacking Paul’s closing instructions about slaves and masters, false teachers, and the warning that the love of money leads people away from faith. They explore “godliness with contentment” as the true gain, the “law of the gift,” and practical implications for family life and church community. They apply the passage to modern struggl...

Two Catholic dads unpack 1 Timothy 5, exploring who the church should support (the “real” widows), how to pick and honor elders, and why prudence and obedience matter in leadership and formation. They situate Paul’s instructions in the context of Ephesus, discuss ordination cautions, and reflect on Christian masculinity, meekness, and service.

Two Catholic dads walk through 1 Timothy 3–4, exploring the qualifications for bishops and deacons, the early church’s liturgical roots, and the tension between true devotion and false asceticism. They offer practical takeaways for fathers and leaders: train yourself in godliness, live your faith by example, and prioritize devotion over performance or virtue signaling.

Two Catholic dads dive into 1 Timothy and Pope Benedict (Ratzinger)'s Spirit of the Liturgy, exploring why worship must be done rightly, how apostolic tradition grounds authority, and how Exodus and Emmaus shape Christian practice. They discuss confession, community, and the lifelong task of handing on the faith.

Josh and Tim unpack 1 Timothy chapter 1, exploring Paul’s brief greeting, his warning against false teachers, and how the law is meant to correct the unruly while calling ministers to humility and love. They reflect on Paul’s own transformation from Saul, emphasize pastoral humility and mercy, close with the Litany of Humility, and preview upcoming episodes on church roles and scripture study.

On this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim move from Ezekiel into the Pauline letters, unpacking Timothy’s mixed heritage, the ancient port city of Ephesus, and the cultural clash with the worship of Artemis. They also discuss traditions connecting John and Mary to Ephesus, the witness of early church fathers to the Eucharist, and set a reading plan to dive into 1–3 Timothy next week.

Josh and Tim deliver a Christmas crossover episode exploring Matthew 1–3: Jesus’ surprising genealogy, Joseph’s faithful silence and adoption of Jesus, the flight to Egypt, and John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way. Blending biblical insight with candid parenting moments and Advent reflections, they unpack themes of broken family histories, God’s relentless love, fatherhood, and how an encoun...

Welcome to Raising Catholic. Two dads wrap up their study of Ezekiel, exploring the temple vision, the Valley of Dry Bones, and the thread of hope woven through doom. They connect Ezekiel’s temple to Christ — blood and water, living water, and the Eucharist — and reflect on the high calling of teachers and the need to reclaim human dignity. They close with prayer and plans to study 1 Timothy next.

Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, dive into Ezekiel 25–29, unpacking prophecies against neighboring nations, the sting of betrayal in Tyre, Egypt’s pride, and the balance of God’s justice and mercy. They weave historical context, St. Augustine’s view of God and time, and practical lessons for faith today. Along the way they discuss translation differences, faith as a super-rational leap, and the di...

Two Catholic dads walk through key passages in Ezekiel, unpacking tough themes like individual responsibility ("God doesn’t have grandchildren"), the fear of the Lord, and the high standard placed on teachers. They warn against easy readings of Ezekiel and emphasize careful, contextual interpretation. The hosts also explore powerful images—the Eucharist woven through Scripture, the wilderness as a...

Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, reflect on the recent Eucharistic conference and the surprising growth of Catholicism before diving into a heavy study of Ezekiel chapters 8–16. They unpack the vision of God leaving the temple, the priest’s mark (the Hebrew Tav) as a sign of hope, and Ezekiel 16’s indictment of Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride, drawing connections to modern faith, morality, and th...