Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast - podcast cover

Just A Guy In The Pew Podcast

Welcome to the pew. The place where everyday catholic guys, talk about everyday catholic things, in front of the one person that can do something about it. Jesus Christ
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Episodes

O Happy Fault!

Even in the darkest moments, God is at work. This week, join John and Victor in the pew as they explore the mystery of suffering and the surprising beauty that can come from it. From personal struggles and heartbreak to redemption and healing, they reflect on how pain can become a path to deeper trust, renewed purpose, and unexpected grace. Whether it's a lost job, a broken relationship, or hidden shame, God can transform our wounds into witness. What feels like failure may be the very thing tha...

Jul 22, 202549 min

Trusting in the Father's Provision - With Dr. Bob Schuchts

This week, John welcomes back Dr. Bob Schuchts—Catholic therapist, author, and founder of the John Paul II Healing Center—for an in-depth conversation about what it means to truly trust in the Father’s provision. Self-reliance can creep into our lives in subtle ways, and fear and control often mask as responsibility. Listen in as Dr. Bob shares personal stories and insights from his new book Trusting Our Father’s Provision, which demonstrate how real freedom begins when we let go and allow God t...

Jul 15, 20251 hr

Who Do You Say That I Am?

You shouldn’t have to tell anyone you’re a disciple of Christ—your life should make it obvious. Join John and Victor in the pew as they explore how true discipleship is revealed not in words, but in the way we live. If you’re truly a disciple of Christ, your life should look different—so much so that others can see it without you ever saying a word. Reflect on the most important question Jesus ever asked: “Who do you say that I am?” Remember on the day of judgment, the answer won’t be spoken—it ...

Jul 08, 202538 min

Conversion, Scripture, and Jubilee with Dr. John Bergsma

In this week’s episode, John welcomes Dr. John Bergsma—convert, theologian, and professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville—for a rich conversation on faith, scripture, and the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. Dr. Bergsma shares his journey from Protestant pastor to Catholic scholar, and how reading the Bible deeply led him not away from the Church, but straight into it. Together, he and John unpack the meaning of Jubilee, not as a dusty Old Testament tradition, but as a living call to forgive...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 14 min

We Need Each Other

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. In this episode, John and Victor talk about the deep need we all have for spiritual friendships—and why trying to follow Jesus without community leaves us vulnerable to isolation, temptation, and burnout. They share personal stories of how God used brotherhood to strengthen them in their darkest moments, and how real transformation happens when we walk with others who know us, challenge us, and love us enough to tell us the truth. Because, we...

Jun 24, 202543 min

The Call to Care

What’s missing when most Catholic's practice the faith? Care. Love begins with caring, and community begins with accompaniment. In this episode, John challenges us to stop going through the motions and start answering the call to care—for real people, in real tangible ways. If you’ve ever felt unwanted—or if you’ve found yourself missing out on meaningful relationships because of work or technology—this one’s for you. Launch a Life Changing Group for Men in Your Parish! ⛪️ http://www.justaguyint...

Jun 17, 202537 min

Sent Forth with Austin Habash

What if the solution to parish decline isn’t another event, but a knock at the door? In this week’s episode, John welcomes Austin Habash, founder of Think Catholic and Sent Evangelization, to share his powerful story—from agnosticism to the Carthusian monastery, and now to leading neighborhood evangelization across the country. Austin explains why door-to-door ministry isn’t just possible for Catholics—it’s vital. And how real transformation doesn’t start with a script, but with prayer, presence...

Jun 10, 202541 min

It's Ok That You Struggle

Struggle doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you. In this episode, John and Victor talk honestly about the shame men carry and the silent battles they face. Too many believe they’re alone. Too many believe they shouldn’t be struggling. But the truth is, you’re not broken beyond repair—and God is not surprised by your weakness. This conversation is a reminder that you are not defined by your failures, rather by this: that God created you out of love and for love. Launch a Life Changing Group for M...

Jun 03, 202538 min

What Am I Doing

Many of us stay constantly busy—doing good things, even spiritual things—without asking whether our efforts are truly fruitful or aligned with God's will. Join John and Victor in the pew this week as they reflect on the difference between scattered effort and focused, Spirit-led action. No matter what stage of life you're in, it's time to move beyond spiritual autopilot. Pause. Pray. And ask yourself honestly: What am I doing? Why am I doing it? Where is the fruit? And what is God actually calli...

May 27, 202544 min

Preaching the Truth To Yourself

We all deal with negative thoughts, but how we handle them makes all the difference. Join John and Victor in the pew this week as they discuss the power of preaching truth to yourself during moments of doubt. When you face negative self-talk head-on and learn to parry those attacks, it can lead to true spiritual resilience. Life isn’t easy, but we are called to face each challenge with strength and trust in the Lord. Speak truth to yourself and keep moving forward. Launch a Life Changing Group f...

May 20, 202539 min

The World vs Marriage with Damon Owens

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 hope is not lost. Rebuilding marriage starts in the home and in authentic, supportive community. Join John and his guest, Damon Owens, as they discuss t...

May 13, 20251 hr 18 min

A Remedy for Shame

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 between guilt and shame, and share how the Sacrament of Reconciliation, honest community, and God’s mercy can help us rediscover our worth. No matter what...

May 06, 202538 min

The Battle of Two Loves

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 everyday acts of self-giving love, continue allowing yourself to be transformed by the Holy Spirit until the day you are called home. Launch a Life Ch...

Apr 29, 202535 min

The Heart of a Man with Jake Khym

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 vulnerable conversation about identity, surrender, and what it means to live as a beloved son of God. True masculinity isn’t about being a hero or having it a...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 20 min

Holy Week: Love Poured Out

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 if you were the only person on the planet, He still would have embraced His cross. Don’t overlook Holy Week. It’s where the transformation takes pla...

Apr 15, 202536 min

When No One is Looking

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, or at my men’s group? Join us as we prepare for Holy Week, and challenge yourself to become consistent, just as Jesus was consistent. Follow His exam...

Apr 01, 202528 min

Hope Doesn't Disappoint with Fr Dave Pivonka

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 into our lives in a real, transformative way. This Lent, we have an opportunity not just for sacrifice, but to grow in our relationship with the Holy Sp...

Mar 24, 202548 min

Losing to Win

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, Christ won for us the greatest reward of all. Fix your eyes on Christ and take the time to listen and learn from Him. Launch a Life Changing Group for M...

Mar 18, 202533 min

Lent: Keep Showing Up

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 the Lord. Join us in the pew this week for a reminder that failure doesn’t have to be the end—what truly matters is the courage to begin again. Launc...

Mar 09, 202536 min

Like St. Joseph with Devin Schadt

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 podcast. Devin reflects on his faith journey, describing his wayward youth and how God reached him at his lowest point. He explains the four pillars of Jos...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 36 min

Lent: Leaving Your Idols Behind

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 to shift that focus. Lent is one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit and the Church have given us to deepen our faith and realign our lives with Jesus....

Feb 22, 202532 min

What God Calls Great w/ Peter Herbeck

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 bless the guys who can achieve those things. But the Church looks at that and says, “That’s good, but it’s not true greatness. That’s not what is celeb...

Feb 18, 202557 min

Do Men's Groups Really Work? with Fr. David Aufiero

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 dark into the light. But it’s hard for men to open up and be vulnerable. How do you even begin to reach a whole parish? That's when he came across Ju...

Feb 14, 202549 min

Are You Dancing with the Devil?

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 draw the enemy's attention. Our growth in holiness angers the devil, and he'll do whatever he can to try and slip you up. But no matter how hard he might...

Feb 04, 202536 min

What's Taking So Long?

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 what we’ve grown to expect in our culture, but it's not that way in the spiritual life. The devil loves to lean into the discouragement that comes fro...

Jan 29, 202529 min

True Transformation: The Sacraments

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 grace, and they are crucial to maintaining the transformation we desire. They are gifts that Jesus died for us to receive. They are available to us eac...

Jan 21, 202545 min

True Transformation: The Holy Spirit

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 ourselves, and we can become self-reliant. Jesus didn’t want that for us; He told us He’d send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to give us the power and...

Jan 19, 202542 min

True Transformation: Growing in Your Prayer Life

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 fasting in the scriptures, prayer is not far behind. One allows the other to bear lasting fruit. The problem for so many of us, though, is that we don't ha...

Jan 09, 202542 min

True Transformation: Fasting

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 for a plan. It can’t just be about desire. When desires meet action true transformation becomes a reality. Listen in this week as John and Victor start...

Jan 07, 202550 min

2025: What Do You Desire?

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 gave us this year through our ministry, we discuss victories, challenges, and the practical ways we can all begin 2025 with purpose and clarity. Let’s m...

Dec 19, 202440 min
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