Way Of The Heart

Jake & Brett have some big announcements to share about the future of the podcast. They share about some exciting endeavors that have begun in their lives & reminisce about some of the best moments, guests & insights from the five years of Way of the Heart. Thank you for listening! If you would like to stay connected with us and stay up to date on these new projects, check out the links below. References -Big Yellow Coffee-Brett’s Life Compass Website-Brett’s Website-Life Restoration Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake & Brett have worked together with organizations to help solve some of their issues & grow in some places that needed improvement. In this episode, they share these leadership & relational skills with us! Whether you are a leader at your job, your Church or in your home, this episode has tools to help you lead well. Jake & Brett will challenge you & give you the tips & shifts in mindset that you need to be successful in all that God has called you to.   Key Points Sharing key issues that most organizations have in common. Communication tends to be an issue, both from the leaders down & from the employees up the chain. Keeping in mind the gap between what is and what should be. Leaders need to have their ears to the ground so they can hear about small problems before they snowball into larger ones. How common leadership tips work in the home. The importance of building a culture and bringing people in that fit the culture. Defensiveness slows our growth. How thes

Jake & Brett just returned from their annual men’s retreat with beautiful reflections on what the Lord did. They discuss the power of praying together, falling back in love with Jesus & how interactions with Christ may not always be what we expect but are always loving. Key Points Returned from the annual men’s retreat with reflections (and a lost voice) Brett got a rare opportunity to participate in a retreat without having to lead it or speak and it was freeing. The power of praying with other guys. We may fail, but love will never fail. Breaking out of a fun & falling back in love with Jesus…and your spouse! The woman at the well leaves her interaction with Jesus happy, even though He revealed her sin to her.   Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing th

Dr. Jordan Peterson has been in the news recently so Jake & Brett discuss the situation and what they appreciate about Dr. Peterson. They share the lessons they have learned from Jordan in regards to culture, faith, fathering & more. While Dr. Peterson isn’t perfect, our hosts share that he is still one of the best thought leaders we have in our modern day. Key Points Jordan Peterson has been in the news because the regulatory body that governs counselors in Ontario is sanctioning him based on complaints they received. He is fighting against these sanctions This case is concerning for the right to free speech and restriction of non-government approved thoughts on topics like faith and morality. Jordan is a master of critiquing culture. He argues against arguments becoming simple dichotomies. Being radically in the middle is a rare but good place to be. The importance of staying calm in the midst of backlash. Jordan is a good example of fathering people who aren’t your children. Jake &

Brett shares a quote from the movie “Sully” that really struck him: “Can we get serious now?” He and Jake discuss that as a culture and as men, we need to start focusing on what really matters and not the frivolous matters that often keep our attention. This leads to tackling issues such as being too hard on ourselves, not challenging ourselves enough and learning from our mistakes. It’s a great conversation for any man who struggles with stress, self-doubt & complacency. Key Points “Can we get serious now?” is a quote from the movie Sully about the miracle on the Hudson that caught Brett’s attention. As a culture and as men, we need to start focusing on what really matters and not the frivolous matters that often keep our attention. We need to factor in normal human error into our own failings and stop beating ourselves up. Taking on difficult endeavors is admirable and we need to adjust our expectations of ourselves accordingly. We need to apply some common sense combined with deeper thinking i

Jake & Brett are together in person to discuss men & feelings. There is a common narrative that men don’t have emotions but that just simply isn’t the case. Our hosts discuss how this common misconception affects men in their everyday lives, including within the Church. Men’s mental health issues and lack of emotional regulation are rampant so today the guys discuss the importance of addressing men’s emotions in order to become better men. Key Points Suppression of emotions is common in men’s culture and even men’s ministry Men’s mental health issues are a largely unaddressed problem Being able to show our own weakness is actually strength Men often suffer in silence or only their family see their struggles Addressing the root cause of the pornography epidemic Unregulated emotion is dangerous & needs to be addressed The passions are not bad, but they just need to be ordered with reason Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast

Jake & Brett are back from their summer break! They share the highlights of their summer & dive into a new season by discussing what happens when you let your masculinity grow. They talk about the importance of discipline in our spiritual, physical, family and work lives & share how to find environments and practices that challenge you to be a better man.  Key Points Jake & Brett share the highlights of their summer  Jake’s surprising best place to pray What happens when we have let key aspects of being a man go What is the environment that challenges me to be a better man Processing challenges to our masculinity through prayer The importance of avoiding constant comparison Self-awareness is the first step in a process of change Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as

Jake and Brett are taking time off for summer vacation and want the listeners of the podcast to enjoy the break as well. They also remind us that you can take this time as an opportunity to catch up on all the episodes of the show that you may have missed. Have a blessed Summer. We will see you in the Fall!    Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic  

In part 2 of our “Life Compass” series, Jake and Brett dive further into discussion about personal values, virtues & leaving a legacy. They talk about “eulogy virtues” and what they mean for how we conduct ourselves today. They also touch on charisms, perfectionism & regulating our emotions. Key Points Exploration of personal values & charisms  Having eulogy virtues, not only resumé virtues What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family? Integrating our virtues and values “Perfection becomes the obstacle to progress” -Brett Having emotions regulated by reason JPII as a model for masculinity References Build My Life Compass WebsiteDavid Brooks “Road to Character” Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or o

Brett has a project called the “Life Compass” that he has been working on for many years. Jake invites him to share where this idea came from & how it has transformed his life. In this two part series, Jake & Brett discuss how to integrate your personal & professional life, live based on your virtues and so much more. Enjoy! Key Points An exploration of Brett’s new venture/retreat called “Life Compass” Where this idea originated in Brett’s life What are the most important things in your life? Integrating our personal and professional lives Compass vs. Clock mentality “Direction matters more than speed.” -Brett   References The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyBuild My Life Compass Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this p

Jake and Brett interview Ralph Martin, the president of Renewal Ministries, which is an organization devoted to Catholic renewal and evangelization. Ralph is also the host of the long running television show "The Choices We Face." This conversation discusses the state of the Catholic church in the United States today and explores the role of modern men in today’s world, culture and Church.   Key Points Key moments in developing your heart as a man for the Lord Giving our “yes” to the Lord An overview of “Fulfillment of All Desire”, Ralph’s book combining the best of many Catholic spiritualities Ralph’s insights into what is going on in the modern Church How to discern the difference between truth and heresy The importance of knowing Scripture to know the real Jesus The role of men in the modern Church and culture References The Magnificat WebsiteRenewal Ministries WebsiteThe Fulfillment of All DesireRenewal Ministries YouTube Channel Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpod

In this conversation with prolific author and renowned educator George Weigel, Jake and Brett talk through a number of extremely important topics regarding modern man, faith & culture. George shares his deep knowledge and understanding of the Church and its connection with the ever-changing cultures through his lifetime. They also discuss what was actually taught at Vatican II & the wisdom found in the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II. Key Points How the landscape of Catholicism in culture has changed during George’s life The Catholic view of sexuality vs. the modern thought on sexuality What actually happened with Vatican II and common misconceptions Pope St. John Paul II’s view on modern masculinity Lessons from the story of the prodigal son Letter about Pope John Paul II written by George Weigel St Pope John Paul II's talk on penance References George's WebsiteGeorge’s Books Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website:

Jake and Brett wrap up the season reflecting on all that they heard from their great guests throughout this series about the Good Life. They discuss the themes that tied many of the episodes from this season together like the importance of brotherhood & seeking truth. At the end, they give a sneak preview of what to look forward to next season. Key Points Revisiting the highlights from the guests this season The importance of brotherhood for living the Good Life Living according to truth, no matter what the culture is telling us How we can help our children live the Good Life Discussing resources people can use to better live the Good Life Introduction of the theme for the next season References John Eldredge Books & PodcastJordan Peterson Books & Podcast“Live Not by Lies” by Rod DreherGeorge Wiegel’s Book on Vatican II “To Sanctify the World”“Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonaldWide Open Spaces Podcast Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Insta

Jake and Brett talk with Father Boniface Hicks, a monk who serves as the director of The Institute for Ministry Formation at St Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is also Jake’s spiritual director. :) This conversation dives deep into this season's topic of "the Good Life?" from the perspective of a monk. The guys talk about the different ways to be a man and how the lives of the saints contrasts with how society tells us to live.  Key Points What the good life looks like in the priesthood/religious life. Learning from the saints about what life can look like. Dealing with repetitive tasks as a priest, husband and father and how to keep our hearts in it. What it means to let yourself be loved. The false pursuits people often follow that don't actually lead to happiness. Why St. Joseph is a strong male role model. Being overwhelmed in inadequacy.   Key Quotes “Love until it hurts and then there is no more hurt & only more love.” Mother Theresa “St. Joseph was perpetually inadequ

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake & Brett are joined by long time friend, Peter White. Peter is a Registered Clinical Counselor that has known Jake professionally for years and watched Brett hoop during his prime basketball years. They discuss a wide variety of topics including the beauty and difficulties of marriage, how men and women respond differently to conflict, how conflict can lead to great things & the importance of good fathers. This is one of our deepest conversations yet and we hope that it speaks to your heart. Key Points The beauty and difficulties of marriage. A discussion about how people, especially men, get married without an understanding of what it takes for a marriage to thrive. Trends in boy’s/men’s personal growth since the feminist movement Psychologically, men tend to have a fight or flight mentality. Women tend to have a tend and mend mentality. This dates back to the earliest humans. Men tend to fight alone. Women work together.  Conflict in marriage can b

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake and Brett are joined by a close friend of the show, Dr. Christopher West. Christopher is a renowned Catholic author and speaker on the topic of human sexuality. This conversation touches on many topics that appear in our everyday lives. The guys also address the temptations of worldly desires and how they give a false sense of what is considered good. Dr. West shares several examples from his life experiences about what “the good life” has meant to him and the lessons he has learned in his personal life and professional training. Key Points The modern idea of the good life that is pushed on us in today’s culture is actually a lie There is always going to be an unreachable ideal of what society expects you to be Having security in yourself as it comes from the Father A discussion of the 4 levels of happiness The idea of the good life being a journey References Dr. West’s Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wa

Jake and Brett sit down this week and speak with Dr John Bergsma. Dr. Bergsma is a professor at Franciscan University and one of the leading Scripture scholars in the nation. The guys talk about “The Good Life” and how it relates to Dr. Bergsma’s personal faith and professional expertise. They touch on how the Catholic faith allows people to connect with the Father through both Scripture & Tradition and what cultivating a deeper relationship with the Lord might look like. Key Points Why we need more than just the Bible as Catholics. How Scripture and Tradition work hand in hand. What it means for a man to have access to his heart and how that awareness helps us to grow into better men. What the good life means to Dr. Bergsma Maximilian Kolbe - What is sin? We are loved by a God that wants to be our Father What is the weight of the word "good?" Making "Nourish and Cherish" a central part of your relationships References Dr. Bergsma’s Website Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayof

Way of the Heart continues diving deeper into the theme of “the Good Life.” Joined by Bishop Scott McCaig, the guys dive into conversation regarding the 4 levels of happiness and how that contributes towards our fulfillment. They discuss how the levels of happiness help motivate us to become a better person and often leads to improving the quality of life for yourself and family. They also take a look into the many unhealthy desires for success that people hold in their hearts. This episode is a must listen for anyone wanting to learn more about how to use the levels of happiness to satisfy their needs for fulfillment. Key Points The good life is reaching happiness on all four of it’s levels The foundations of the idea of the good life is the Greek philosophers Finding happiness in something external is the most basic level of happiness: material objects, physical pleasures, etc. The pros and cons associated with the pursuit of each level of happiness Owning possessions is fine unless you let the possessions

Jake & Brett begin Season 13 with the primary question of “Are you happy?” They discuss where they will be headed in their new season about “the good life.” The guys open up about their personal lives and dive into the matters of the heart on what truly makes them happy and fulfilled. They explain how this season they will be laying out the groundwork for a life worth living. Get ready to explore how we can all live more peaceful, loving and fulfilling lives this season. Key Points Are you happy? We have to take a step back and get under surface level thoughts to examine what is going on deeper in our hearts What are the things that lead to a good life? “The unexamined life is not worth living” -Socrates We need relationships to help give us perspective on how our lives are going. On our own we can become complacent, too negative or over-confident. How do we find peace? ReferencesWay of the Heart S12 E7 with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram

Jake & Brett tease they’re upcoming season called “The Good Life.” They share how excited they are and Brett calls it their most important series yet! Some great conversations, guests and life lessons are coming to you starting January 11th. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!  Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow as holy men by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic