The Monk and The Meathead Podcast

Happy Memorial Day! With Fr. Craig on a pilgramage in Rome, we return to an foundational topic of The Monk & The Meathead. The Hero's Journey. On this episode Father Craig and Jimmy discuss a 5,000 year old pattern that can be seen in every myth, legend, novel, movie, and comic book. Humans love watching the Hero's journey. Father Craig give the introduction to the stages of this journey and talks about how it relates to the spiritual life.The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.  The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.

The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.

If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.  Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org

RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.

SHARE this episode with someone.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

What if your setbacks were actually the stepping stones to a richer life? In a world where external losses are often weighed more heavily than personal growth, we invite you to rethink the game of life. As we celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, we discuss the profound spiritual and personal journey ahead. His quick election and the significance of his chosen name set the stage for an exploration into human formation, drawing inspiration from influential books like "What I Learned by Losing a Million Dollars" and Simon Sinek's "The Infinite Game." These works challenge us to embrace ongoing development rather than viewing life as a win-or-lose scenario.

Join us as we navigate the complex terrain of external and internal losses in sports, business, and theology. While losing a game or business deal is universally acknowledged, the impact of personal setbacks on self-esteem and spirituality is often overlooked. Through a theological lens, we explore how recognizing these internal battles can lead to spiritual growth and reconciliation rather than despair. We delve into the dangers of confusing external outcomes with personal identity and the importance of maintaining an infinite mindset, ensuring that life's finite challenges don't hinder our participation in the greater adventure of life.

Inspiring resilience and hope, we examine the increasing prevalence of athletic injuries and how visualizing a positive future can transform our relationships and spiritual lives. Through the lens of Daniel Kahneman's insights and the timeless narratives of "The Lord of the Rings" and Winston Churchill's words, we find redemption and hope even amidst trauma and personal loss. Finally, we extend an invitation to our listeners to join a study group focused on dissecting dense material, fostering an environment of thoughtful discussion and personal growth. Engage with us as we turn life's challenges into opportunities for redemption and resilience.The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.  The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.

The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.

If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.  Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org

RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.

SHARE this episode with someone.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

We navigate the poignant moment of Pope Francis' passing and the impending conclave to elect a new pope. Reflecting on the surprise and sadness of the Pope's rapid health decline, we balance these emotions with the acknowledgment of his journey to eternal life. We explore Pope Francis' impactful ministry, marked by symbolic acts and a focus on marginalized communities, which, while sometimes controversial, did not alter core Church doctrines. As the Church prepares for the conclave, we shed light on these papal elections' historical significance and variability, ranging from swift decisions to prolonged deliberations.

In our discussion, we also explore the enduring role of the Pope as a spiritual leader, tracing the roots of apostolic succession back to St. Peter and Jesus. The episode highlights the contributions of recent popes, including John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and examines Pope Francis' focus on service to the poor and environmental stewardship. Join us in contemplating the resilience of faith amidst the Catholic Church's rich history and the principle of subsidiarity in maintaining unity and spreading the gospel.

The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.  The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.

The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.

If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.  Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org

RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.

SHARE this episode with someone.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

In this episode, we explore the profound significance of Holy Week, likening it to the Super Bowl of the Christian faith. This week represents the essence of being a follower of Jesus, as we journey through the Triduum—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday. Together, we unravel the depths of the Paschal mystery, rooted in Greek and Hebrew traditions, and its connection to Jesus as the Lamb of God. We also discuss the challenges of setting aside time for spiritual reflection amidst life's busyness and offer insights and strategies for immersing oneself in the spiritual richness of this sacred week.

We explore the concept of the hero's journey through the lens of the Christian narrative, with Jesus as the ultimate hero. His journey, from the comforts of Capernaum to his suffering and resurrection, is the archetype for all hero's journeys. We reflect on how the passion narrative profoundly reflects our own lives, offering a template for understanding and enduring personal suffering. By engaging with the Paschal mystery, we can find meaning and guidance in our struggles, navigating life's challenges through the example of Jesus' journey.

As we conclude, we examine the paradox of suffering and joy, particularly through Holy Thursday and Good Friday. These moments invite us to see suffering not as meaningless but as a path to deeper understanding and fulfillment. Through fasting, abstinence, and the veneration of the cross, we challenge the cultural pursuit of convenience and avoidance of pain. With hope and confidence, we embark on Holy Week, invoking the blessings of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Join us in celebrating Easter as a time of renewal, complete with church services, brunches, and festive attire, as we emphasize the brighter side of the journey through life's challenges.The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.  The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.

The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.

If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.  Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org

RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.

SHARE this episode with someone.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

What if the challenges you face daily mold you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself? That's the intriguing idea we explore with Jimmy in this episode, as we draw from the timeless image of God as a potter-shaping clay, lifted from the pages of Jeremiah. Our conversation spins a tapestry of personal growth, weaving together life's trials, laughter-filled anecdotes from the old man's basketball court, and the lighthearted lessons that come along the way. With each story, we remind ourselves that growth is not just a destination but an ongoing journey.

Together with Jimmy, we untangle the rich tapestry of spiritual and personal formation within the Catholic framework, breaking the myth that faith and reason are at odds. By highlighting the Church's historical contributions to intellectual pursuits and the nurturing of one's soul through prayer and virtue, we show how curiosity and faith can walk hand in hand. Our discussion touches on the importance of excelling in our vocational roles and how these can be pathways to sanctification. As we explore the shaping forces in our lives, we're challenged to consciously choose which values guide us—whether sacred or secular.

In the spirit of growth and accountability, we delve into practical frameworks like Arthur Brooks' "five F's"—faith, family, finance, friends, and fitness. We discuss the power of setting realistic goals and the transformative potential of spiritual detachment as taught by saints like St. John of the Cross and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Closing with a call to embrace the divine potter's hands in our lives, we invite listeners to trust in the discomfort of transformation, as it aligns us with our higher purpose. Tune in to hear how you can incorporate these insights into your journey and become the masterpiece you were meant to be.The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri.  The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.

The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose.

If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at [email protected]. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.  Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org

RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify.

SHARE this episode with someone.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!