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. When God calls us to follow Him, He doesn’t just want our minds or our actions—He wants our hearts, fully and completely. We dive deep into what it m...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min
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—like Elijah calling out the people on Mount Carmel and David’s heartfelt psalm of trust—to remind us that God doesn’t want a half-hearted relationship....
Dec 14, 2024•36 min
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 challenges us to open the doors we’ve kept locked for far too long—the places of shame, hurt, and brokenness. Jesus came into the world as a baby, humble ...
Dec 06, 2024•44 min
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 Emmanuel, and how Jesus wants to meet us in our “messy stables”—the broken, vulnerable places we often hide. We reflect on the importance of slowing down, m...
Dec 02, 2024•51 min
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 closer to God, and even unlock true joy. 🙏 Oh, and big news! We’re announcing our 2025 Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey! Get ready ...
Nov 25, 2024•32 min
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 over the country (and even other countries!) showed up with open hearts, some for the very first time. These were men who had been silently sufferin...
Nov 19, 2024•38 min
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 the importance of surrender, how to recognize God's provision in our lives, and why faith isn’t just about saying we believe—it’s about showing it w...
Nov 12, 2024•38 min
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 where we are, even in the hardest times. 🌄 Join us as we share stories from our lives, moments from scripture, and why it’s so important to keep your ...
Nov 04, 2024•32 min
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 restoration. We dive into the story of Blind Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark—one man’s encounter with Jesus that reminds us all of the importance of being v...
Oct 29, 2024•33 min
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 conversations about vulnerability, faith, and the real challenges we face as men. We’ve laughed, we’ve learned, and we’ve seen how God has worked through thi...
Oct 22, 2024•46 min
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 for men, and how the upcoming Restored Men’s Healing Conference is set to impact men’s lives. 👉 Register for the Restored Men’s Healing Conference (In-...
Oct 17, 2024•44 min
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 personal struggles—including trying to write a book and battling spiritual attacks—I found myself caught in a cycle of negative self-talk. From quest...
Oct 01, 2024•35 min
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 overcome fear, hesitation, and the urge to put things off, whether it's battling addiction, making life changes, or answering God's call to serve. 📚 Bible v...
Sep 24, 2024•30 min
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 feeling distant from God, and what I’ve learned about hearing His voice in the stillness. We all need patience, fortitude, and hope, and I hope this episod...
Sep 17, 2024•30 min
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 overall connection with God. Drawing inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola and the teachings of Mother Teresa, we break down how to push through these to...
Sep 10, 2024•48 min
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 Jesus never sugarcoated the challenges of discipleship, He did promise something far greater—the eternal reward. We’re diving into powerful scriptures li...
Sep 03, 2024•38 min
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-changers for a lot of men, especially in men’s groups. Find more here 👉 https://www.paulgeorge.la/ or here 👉 https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/ In thi...
Aug 26, 2024•53 min
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 about overcoming these feelings and how trusting in God can make all the difference. But that's not all—this episode is packed with inspiration! You'll ...
Aug 19, 2024•39 min
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 talk about everything from Paul's latest book, Holy Grit, to his work with The Art of Living (https://www.discovertheartofliving.com/)—a nonprofit th...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min
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 Fr. Malachy was full of joy and tears! Today, I have a heartwarming conversation with my dear friend, Fr Malachy, a devoted Franciscan Friar of Renewa...
Aug 05, 2024•58 min
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. We’ll talk about the highlights, the inspiring speakers, and the impact this Congress had on all of us. Plus, I'll discuss what comes next after thi...
Jul 29, 2024•38 min
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," Marie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her independent album "Little Dreams" is a testament to her faith and talent, with its single "Imag...
Jul 23, 2024•50 min
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 episodes, our recent travels, and a special moment I had with my son Jacob during a fireworks show. Spoiler: it wasn’t about the fireworks . . . We...
Jul 15, 2024•34 min
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 diagnoses to personal losses, how do we cope? I'll share insights inspired by a recent episode of The Chosen and some things the Lord put on my heart. Plus, ...
Jul 08, 2024•43 min
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 struggles. He reflects on the powerful message from Matthew 7:13-14 about the narrow road and how being a Christian is hard—really hard. He shares how, w...
Jul 01, 2024•36 min
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 strengthened the sense of community among the pilgrims. John recounts personal, moving stories, such as an emotional experience at the site of the Euchari...
Jun 24, 2024•44 min
This week, John and Dcn. Jeff Drzycimski dive into the vital role of deacons in the church and the unique calling that it represents Get 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 diaconate to the importance of prayer and intercessory roles in the church. Dcn. Jeff shares his personal journey of rediscovering his faith, the fulf...
Jun 17, 2024•40 min
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 about the importance of spiritual direction, explaining how it helps guide and deepen one's spiritual journey. He shares relatable insights on balanci...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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, and trust are essential for a strong marriage. John and Dcn. Jeff emphasize the Catholic perspective on marriage as a sacred covenant and the founda...
Jun 03, 2024•57 min
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 significant weight. John shares personal stories, including a heartfelt moment with his daughter, emphasizing the impact of choosing kindness and understandi...
May 28, 2024•46 min
