What's the Dill?

Picture this: a sunny Sunday morning in Paris. The Louvre is packed with tourists — and then, bam! A group of thieves pulls off a heist so smooth it feels like a movie. They scale the building, smash a window, and in just four minutes, they’ve stolen priceless jewels from the French Crown Jewels collection. And that got me thinking… Even in a world where everything seems to be taken — peace, time,...

James Franklin got fired — and it’s wild how fast people go from calling you a hero to a disappointment. But if we’re honest… we’ve all felt that pressure before. To perform. To prove ourselves. To live up to expectations — whether at work, at home, or even in our faith. And when we fall short? It hurts. Because deep down, we wonder if we’ve let God down too. But here’s the truth: God’s plans aren...

We’re living in the age of AI—where machines can write, create, think, and even sound human. And if we’re honest… it can be a little unsettling. It raises deep questions: What makes us different? What makes us human? But here’s the thing: technology might imitate humanity, but it can’t be human. Because being human isn’t about efficiency, productivity, or even intelligence. It’s about love. Sacrif...

Kids are experts at asking questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Do dogs go to heaven?” “Why can’t I have ice cream for breakfast?” As parents, we get peppered with questions all day long. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we’re stumped, and sometimes we just say, “Go ask your mom.” But here’s the thing: kids ask questions because they trust us. They know we love them, so they’re not afraid to bring thei...

Your kids head back to school… and suddenly, everyone’s coughing. The runny noses, the fevers, the endless cycle of bringing germs home—it’s part of family life. That was us this week. Sick again. Tired again. And honestly? It’s frustrating. But in the middle of it, I realized something: even when our bodies feel weak, Jesus is still looking out for us. Just like a parent who keeps watch when thei...

Evil is real. We see it on the news every week—innocent lives lost, communities broken, families grieving. And if you’re like me, it leaves you asking: God, where are You in all this? That was me watching the headlines this week. The weight of it hit me—not just the tragedy itself, but the way it made me question: how do we hold on to hope when the world feels so dark? And then it hit me: the Cros...

What if sainthood didn’t look like dusty robes and ancient icons… but sneakers, coding, and mountain climbing?  On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis —a teen “God’s Influencer” who used the internet to spread devotion to the Eucharist—and Pier Giorgio Frassati —a young adventurer who turned hiking and serving the poor into a way of following Jesus.  These two young saints chang...

Everyone expected greatness. Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach, took over at UNC—and the hype was unreal. A new era. A proven winner. A guaranteed success. But then came the first game: a crushing 48–14 loss to TCU. The worst season opener in UNC history. The same media that praised him one week, doubted him the next. And honestly? Watching it, I realized: I’ve felt that way too. Not on ESPN...

You’re budgeting, saving, being frugal—trying to be a responsible dad. But then comes your kid’s birthday… and suddenly, you want to go all in. That was me. I threw a bigger party than I normally would for my son. Not over the top—but more than I usually spend. And here’s the thing: it wasn’t about money. It was about telling him, “You’re worth it. You deserve to be celebrated. You’re loved.” And...

You’re praying, showing up to Mass, trying to grow in virtue—doing the right things. But then out of nowhere… it feels like you’ve slipped backwards. The old sins resurface. The old doubts come back. And you’re left wondering, “Am I failing God?” But what if regression isn’t failure? What if it’s actually part of growth? In this episode, we unpack what my 3-year-old’s sleep regression at 2 a.m. ta...

Potty training is the ultimate test of patience… and not just for your toddler. The smell, the bribery, the “I don’t have to go” standoffs — and somewhere in the middle of it, I had this realization: This is exactly how God parents us. In this episode, I share how those messy, frustrating moments in the bathroom taught me something huge about God’s patience, why He doesn’t force our growth, and ho...

You ever been to the beach as a kid? You just ran straight to the water. But someone had to wake up early. Pack the van. Load the cooler. Lug the tent, chairs, towels, snacks, sunscreen… Then set it all up while you just laughed and played. That’s what God is like. He’s the Father doing all the work behind the scenes—fighting for you, providing for you, loving you—while you barely notice. In this...

The world says you need a platform, followers, and a five-year plan to make an impact. But Heaven doesn’t work that way. In this episode, we explore the stunning legacy of Sister Clare Crockett, an Irish actress-turned-nun whose hidden life of love changed a whole town in Ecuador—and inspired the world. From chasing fame on British TV to laying down her life in service of the poor, Sister Clare’s...

Scottie Scheffler blew away sports media this past week. His thoughts on winning took many by surprise. You’re grinding. Achieving. Hustling for more— Success, recognition, security. But if success was the answer, why do so many men still feel empty once they get it? In this episode, we unpack the recent words of Scottie Scheffler, who—after winning the Masters—openly admitted: “These things don’t...

You’re praying, working, helping others, checking the boxes—doing good things. But deep down… it still feels like it’s never enough. Because the world (and sometimes even your own heart) keeps whispering, “Do more.” But what if rest isn’t weakness? What if leisure is holy? In this episode, we talk about what Pope Leo XIV just reminded the world when he left Rome for his summer retreat house—a powe...

You’ve got the habit trackers. The gym plan. The prayer routine. You’re “doing all the right things.” But underneath it all… you’re exhausted. In this episode, we talk about how self-improvement can quietly turn into self-punishment—and why God is inviting you to live at His pace, not the world’s pressure. If your spiritual life feels more like a checklist than a relationship, this one’s for you....

Confess. Pray. Promise to change. Then… fall again.  If you’ve ever wondered why you keep repeating the same sins , this episode is for you. We dig into the real reason willpower alone doesn’t work—and why God isn’t just interested in fixing your behavior, but healing your heart at the root .  You’re not weak—you’re wounded. And until we let God into those deeper places, we’ll stay stuck in the sa...

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions with God? Like your prayer life feels dry, your passion is fading, and you’re spiritually stuck? In this episode, we get real about those seasons when faith feels flat, and it’s hard to feel close to God. But just because you feel stuck doesn’t mean you’re far from Him. We’ll talk about what’s really going on during these dry times and give you...

Why is it so easy to trust what we see on social media—but so hard to trust God? In this episode, we dive into the reasons we often put more faith in algorithms, influencers, and curated content than in the Creator of the universe. We explore how social media conditions us to seek control, validation, and instant answers—while God invites us into a slower, deeper trust that requires faith, not fil...

Why is it so hard for high achievers to follow God? In this episode, we break down 3 honest reasons why people who are driven, successful, and constantly pushing for more often struggle to surrender to Christ. From pride and control to the fear of weakness, high achievers face unique spiritual roadblocks. But the good news? God isn’t calling us to abandon excellence—He’s calling us to let Him defi...

In this episode, we react to the headlines about Donald Trump and Elon Musk's reported fallout—and unpack what it reveals about the danger of placing our hope in worldly power, fame, or influence.  As Catholics, we’re reminded that no matter how strong or impressive someone seems, only God is unshakable. Whether it’s politics, business, or cultural icons, we can’t build our identity on shifti...

In this episode, I share the heart behind my brand-new children’s book, Where Does Jesus Live?—a project born from prayer, parenthood, and a deep desire to help kids know that Jesus is close. We dive into why this book matters, how it came to life through Backseat Media, and why Catholic parents today are hungry for content that’s not just safe—but soul-forming. Whether you're a parent, godpa...

Anxiety is real—and many young Catholics struggle with it silently, unsure if faith alone should “fix it.” In this episode, we open up the conversation around mental health, faith, and healing. We explore how anxiety doesn’t make you a bad Catholic—and how real interior freedom starts with radical honesty before God. Drawing from Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe (pp. 43–44), we reflect on...

For the first time in history, the Church has elected an American pope—Pope Leo XIV. In this episode, we dive into the significance of this unprecedented moment: what it means for the global Church, how it could shape the faith in the U.S., and what we know so far about our new Holy Father. We’ll talk about the reactions, the hope this brings for a new generation of Catholics, and how young people...

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Church prepares for one of the most sacred and historic processes in Catholic tradition—the papal conclave. In this episode, we demystify how a new pope is chosen, the centuries of tradition that guide this moment, and what it all means for you as a young Catholic today. From white smoke to secret ballots, we explore not just the how, but the why behind the co...