Values in today’s culture are shifting dramatically. Education has replaced faith, financial success has replaced marriage, and comfort has replaced family. Marriage rates around the world are falling at an alarming pace—and this decline isn’t just a byproduct of cultural change; it’s the driving force behind it.It’s a sobering outlook, but all hop…

Whether it’s from past mistakes, broken relationships, or personal struggles, shame can leave us feeling unworthy, isolated, and stuck. But there’s hope.By turning to humility and running toward Jesus—like Peter did after his denial—we can find healing, restoration, and peace.Join John and Victor in the pew this week to unpack the difference betwee…

Happy Easter!During this time of joy and celebration, it’s all too easy to forget the intense period of reflection and prayer we just experienced during Lent. We might be tempted to return to the old habits or vices that we spent the last 40 days working to overcome.Don’t let your life return to “normal.” Through daily prayer, fasting, and small ev…

Men grow up hearing that they need to be as emotional as a rock—never letting their guard down, never baring their heart and soul. And while it’s true that we are called to be strong in our faith and brave in the face of danger, we are also called to show love, compassion, empathy, and even sorrow.Join John and his guest, Jake Khym, for a vulnerabl…

Sometimes Holy Week can feel like an afterthought.We spend all of Lent looking forward to Easter, just wanting to hurry through this final week to get to the “good stuff.” But we need to remember: there is no Easter without Good Friday. There is no resurrection without the suffering and death.Take a moment to realize that Christ died for you. Even …

What kind of man are you when no one is watching?Do you fall to the temptations of sloth, gluttony, or lust? As Christians, we are called to be more like Christ—but sometimes we forget what that actually looks like.A sure way to evaluate whether we are being Christlike is to ask: Am I the same man when I’m alone as I am at church, with my family, o…

Who is the Holy Spirit? How can we get to know Him? We often find it easier to relate to Jesus and God the Father, having spoken directly in the Scriptures and displayed qualities we can understand. But the Holy Spirit often remains mysterious or distant. Join us in the pew as Fr. Dave Pivonka unpacks why that is—and how we can invite the Spirit in…

Sometimes we forget that Lent is more than a season of waiting for Easter—it's a chance to transform our lives.Join us this week as we remember the power of humility and how what the world may call losing will actually bring us closer to true perfection. The cross didn’t look like winning to the Apostles, but through His death and resurrection, Chr…

Lent is a journey filled with challenges, but what matters most is not perfection—it’s perseverance. Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but giving up is the easy way out, and you can’t expect to grow stronger by always taking the easy path. Whether through fasting, prayer, or simply showing up, Lent is an opportunity to repent and draw closer to…

This week we welcome Devin Schadt into the pew to discuss the importance of authentic fatherhood, and how embracing the example of St. Joseph can and will transform your life.Devin Schadt is the co-founder of The Fathers of St. Joseph, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of authentic fatherhood. He is also a host on The Catholic Gentleman podcas…

Happy Fat Tuesday!As we dive headfirst into Lent, take a moment to reflect on the things in our lives that we need to let go of. It could be a bad habit or addiction, a fear or grudge, or even our tendency to test God and demand signs and wonders to justify our belief.Take time to consider what you prioritize over God in your life, then find ways t…

We know what the world considers greatness for men; if you’re rich, famous, piling up accolades and running your life on your terms, you’re great in the eyes of the world. As men, we have a deep desire for greatness, but at the end of the day, if we’re not careful, we can look at our lives and think, “Man, my life is kind of irrelevant.”Now, God bl…

Fr. David Aufiero grew up in a troubled home, and after losing his father and grandmother, he reluctantly met with a local priest to talk through his difficulties. That one conversation led him to become the man he is today.Fr. David knows well the struggles that men face and that the only way to overcome them is to bring the things we hide in the …

Here's something you can count on: When you step away from the world, the flesh, and the devil, they’re going to want you back. We just finished our series on True Transformation, and the sort of radical changes to our lives that happen when we grow closer to the Holy Spirit through fasting, prayer, and the Sacraments. Those changes are sure to dra…

If you’ve ever been to a big conference or a really inspiring parish mission, you might’ve had a moment of encounter that set you on fire for Jesus, only to grow discouraged a little while later when you don’t see immediate progress in your spiritual life. We’ve had that experience too. God doesn't work on our time though. Instant gratification is …

Over the last few episodes, John and Victor have been discussing the habits we need to build, and the gifts of the Church we need to engage in to find true, lasting transformation in our lives. This week we turn our attention to the most effective way to receive God's grace in our lives: the Sacraments.The Sacraments are an outward sign of God's gr…

The Holy Spirit is at the heart of everything we’ve talked about so far in this True Transformation series. It’s the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to fast, the desire to pray, and every grace that flows from the Sacraments. And yet, when we decide we want to make a change and seek to be transformed by God, we so often try to take it all on …

We are in the midst of a series about True Transformation, and we kicked it all off last week talking about fasting. While fasting is one of the great gifts of the Church that can help us to elicit change, it's never going to reach its potential unless it is yoked with a solid prayer life. They are two sides of the same coin. Whenever you see fasti…

New Year New Changes Right?That is the hope of most people at the start of a New Year. Often times we find ourselves giving up hope before we begin. We all know the obstacles and impediments that fill our hearts and keep us from becoming the men that Christ calls us to be. So why do we so often fail? The lack of action. True transformation calls fo…

Welcome to the final episode of 2024! As we wrap up the year, Victor and I reflect on what it means to desire change and align those desires with God’s will. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of not just having holy desires but taking actionable steps to fulfill them.From personal growth goals to the incredible opportunities God gav…

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Victor and I reflect on the true meaning of giving your whole heart to God. Too often, we hold back out of fear—fear of being hurt, fear of what surrender really means, or even fear of giving up the “worldly things” that we think will satisfy us. But here’s the truth: the heart is where transformation happens.…

Today we’re talking about something we see far too often: living with one foot in the world and one foot in the faith. It’s time to make a choice, to stop hedging our bets, and go all in with Christ.In this episode, we share our own struggles with lukewarm faith and explore what it means to commit fully to God. We look at examples from Scripture—li…

Victor and I are diving into something really close to my heart—what Advent is truly about. It’s so easy to let this season slip by in the rush to Christmas, but Advent is such a gift if we really lean in. It’s not just about lighting candles or decorating—it’s about inviting Christ into the deepest parts of our lives.We talk about how Advent chall…

This week, I’m thrilled to have Heather Khym, co-host of the Abiding Together Podcast, join me for a special episode. With Advent in full swing, Heather and I dive deep into the meaning of this beautiful season and how it’s so much more than just a countdown to Christmas.Heather shares the inspiration behind her Advent journal, Encountering Emmanue…

This week, Victor and I dive into the heart of Thanksgiving—not just the turkey and football, but the true meaning of living a life of gratitude every single day. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we reflect on the importance of being thankful for everything—both the joys and the hardships—and how gratitude can transform our lives, bring us clo…

This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re silently carrying the weight of the world—brokenness, shame, or wounds you’ve never been able to share. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it by yourself anymore.Last weekend, the @JPIIHealingCenter hosted the first-ever Restored Men’s Healing Conference, and it was powerful. Men from all…

Today, Victor and I dive into one of the biggest struggles we all face—trusting in God's provision. It’s not always easy to let go, especially when anxiety and fear kick in, but we're here to share some inspiration, a few laughs, and even some of our personal struggles with letting go and trusting that God has us covered.In this episode, we go over…

In this episode, Victor and I get real about those tough, cloudy moments we all face. From intense travel to unexpected challenges, I found myself needing a reminder that even in the storm, God’s light is there for us 🌤️. On a recent flight, as we broke through some dark clouds into the sun, it was a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets us right wh…

Today’s episode is a special one—it’s a heartfelt look at the power of vulnerability, the journey of healing, and the courage it takes to truly cry out to Jesus. This week has been full of travel and connection as I visited multiple cities, witnessing firsthand how God is moving through men’s ministries and drawing us all toward healing and restora…

Hey everyone, welcome to a very special milestone—our 300th episode of Just a Guy in the Pew! 🎉https://justaguyinthepew.com/In this episode, Victor and I take a moment to reflect on five incredible years of sharing our hearts, our struggles, and our faith with you all. From the very first episode to now, this journey has been full of raw conversati…

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the JPII Healing Center and co-host of the Restoring the Glory podcast. Dr. Bob is a renowned author and spiritual leader, known for his transformative books Be Healed, Be Restored, Be Transformed, and Be Devoted. Today, we dive deep into the power of healing, specifically fo…

In this week’s episode, I’m diving deep into a question that we don’t often ask ourselves: “Are you being kind to yourself?” Not in the sense of pampering or indulgence, but in how we speak to ourselves, care for our mental and spiritual well-being, and confront the challenges life throws our way.After a busy few weeks on the road and dealing with …

In this episode, John and Victor dive into the importance of taking action in your life and not procrastinating when you hear God's call. We discuss how easy it is to say "someday, Lord" but remind ourselves that tomorrow isn't promised—action is required today. We also share personal stories, insights from scripture, and examples of how to overcom…

This week, I’m diving deep into what it means to truly wait on God. We live in a world where we’re always on the go, but sometimes, God calls us to slow down and listen. It’s not always easy—trust me, I struggle with it too! But the grace we find in that quiet waiting can be life-changing.Join me as I talk about how I’ve navigated moments of feelin…

In this episode, Victor and I tackle one of the most relatable topics in faith: spiritual desolation. I open up about my personal struggles with feeling distant from God and how even saints like Mother Teresa faced years of spiritual dryness. Together, we explore what desolation really means and how it can impact our prayer life, mindset, and overa…

In this episode, we’re getting real about something I know many of us wrestle with: the fear of fully committing our lives to Christ. Maybe you’ve felt that pull to go all-in but hesitated because of what it might cost you—relationships, your job, or even just the comfort of staying where you are. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing: while Jes…

This week, I'm excited to have my good friend Paul George back on the show! If you caught our last episode, you'll know that Paul is not only the founder of The Art of Living but also the author of some fantastic books like "Rethink Happiness" and "Holy Grit." If you haven’t checked those out yet, I highly recommend you do—they’ve been game-changer…

In this episode, John and Victor dive deep into a topic that affects us all—worry and anxiety. We all have those moments when life feels overwhelming, but what can we do about it? John shares a powerful personal story about how worry was stealing his joy, even during a simple fishing trip. We'll explore what the saints and scriptures have to say ab…

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Paul George to the show. Paul is not just an incredible author and speaker; he’s a man dedicated to helping others discover the joy of living a life rooted in faith.In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to live as a man of God, facing our wounds and seeking true healing. We …

Many of you, after seeing the photos, wanted to know when this powerful conversation was going to be released to the public. I'm so excited to share my conversation with Fr. Malachy from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indy. I was blessed to be one of the 10 podcasters invited to podcast live at the NEC and, as per usual, my conversation with …

I'm thrilled to be back in the studio after an incredible week at the National Eucharistic Congress. In this episode, I’m diving into all the amazing experiences and graces from the event in Indianapolis, where over 60,000 Catholics gathered. It was such a powerful moment for our community, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and stories with you…

Today, we have a super special episode because we’re welcoming our first female guest in the studio – the amazingly talented Marie Miller.Marie is not just an artist; she’s a storyteller who uses her music, humor, and faith to touch hearts. From being signed at 17 by Curb Records to having her songs featured in TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars…

I’m super excited to have my co-host Victor Adams back with me!This episode is all about real-life challenges and finding God in our everyday moments.Victor and I chat about the ups and downs of life, how to stay true to our faith in today’s world, and why being present for our loved ones is so important. We share some personal stories—like my solo…

First off, HUGE thanks to everyone who tuned into last week's solo episode and sent in those heartwarming messages. Your support means the world to me, especially since going solo isn't easy without my friend or guests around.This week, we're diving into "Handling the Hard Stuff." Life throws some real curveballs, right? From tough medical diagnose…

This week, John is flying solo in the studio after his recent Italy trip and a refreshing visit to his dad’s farm in Mississippi. In this vulnerable episode, John shares his personal struggles and reflections on finding hope and direction in life’s challenges.While riding the mower at his dad’s farm, John starts thinking about his failures and stru…

This week, John shares inspiring stories from a recent pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. James Clark and a group of 55 pilgrims. They visited sacred sites like Assisi, Lanciano, and the Vatican, experiencing the profound impact of Eucharistic miracles and venerating the relics of numerous saints. These moments not only deepened their faith but also stre…

This week, John and Dcn. Jeff Drzycimski dive into the vital role of deacons in the church and the unique calling that it representsGet ready for some laughs as they reminisce about Shoney's gift cards, McDonald's fries, and Deacon Jeff’s amusing adventures in Italy (aka Pizza with the Pope). They discuss everything from the joy of serving in the d…

Join John for an engaging and down-to-earth chat with Fr. Jacob DuMont from the Legionaries of Christ. Fr. Jacob shares his incredible story of becoming a priest, from growing up in a devout Catholic family to his ordination in Rome. Hear about his life-changing encounter with Pope John Paul II and his profound journey of faith.Fr. Jacob opens up a…

This week John is joined by his good friend Dcn. Jeff Drzycimski as they dive into the importance of marriage and how to strengthen it. In this episode, they share personal stories, explore the challenges many couples face, and offer actionable advice on building a lasting and loving relationship.Discover why authentic communication, vulnerability,…

In this episode, we also dive deep into the importance of our words. 💬 Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to nurture or destroy. We reflect on how critical it is to be mindful of how we speak to our loved ones. Whether it's encouraging our children, communicating with our spouses, or interacting with others, our words carry signific…