A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on the windswept Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. During the bus ride, I had been listening to an audiobook about the life of Saint Patrick, and I was surprised to learn how dreams had played a significant role in his decision to return to Ireland. Those dreams changed the course of history. Like many other saints that lived in Ireland, Patrick changed the world with nothing but faith and determination. I kept asking myself: How did he do it? No armies, ...
Dec 10, 2024•47 min
In this episode of The Walk, I take you along as I reflect on a small but meaningful change in my life: transforming an old coatroom into a cozy winter office. This tiny space has become my retreat, a place to focus and create without distractions. But the process of clearing out the clutter wasn’t just about tidying up—it became a lesson in making room for what’s really important, both in my home and in my life. As Advent begins, I share how this season invites us to do the same: to simplify, r...
Dec 03, 2024•39 min
I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a digital hoarder. My internet browser is like a virtual junk drawer, with tabs upon tabs open at any given time. Why do I insist on keeping so many tabs open, even when they're just cluttering up my computer and slowing everything down? It's not just the browser either - I used to have bookshelves overflowing with tomes from my university days, and a closet full of memorabilia from my travels. Maybe it all comes down to this deep-seated fear of losing information, i...
Nov 27, 2024•39 min
In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a conversation I had with someone who was wondering what the point is of reading books when you probably have no time of life left to do anything with the knowledge you gain? And what's the point of reading altogether? I share why I try to read 150 books this year, how I manage to read so many books and how the reading process affects me on various important levels. Check out my book reading challenge here: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/5...
Nov 19, 2024•44 min
Ever notice how some days the hum of a leaf blower or other background noise can be more aggravating than others? I explore how my own tolerance for these everyday sounds can fluctuate, and how it reflects my level of sensory regulation (or disregulation and overload). The Impact of Overstimulation In a world filled with constant distractions, it’s easy to find ourselves overstimulated, which can lead to irritability and stress. Growing up, I was taught to be productive every moment, a habit tha...
Nov 12, 2024•48 min
After a month-long hiatus, I'm back with a new episode of The Walk! During my time away, I traveled to Ireland to explore the rich Catholic tradition and the influence of the early Celtic saints. This trip was also a personal quest for me, as I normally like to have everything planned out. But this time, I decided to let go of my fear and just dive in, and I'm so glad I did. The time away gave me a chance to reflect on the direction of my two public podcasts - The Walk and The Break. For The Wal...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min
I'm embarking on an exciting journey to Ireland to delve into the lives and wisdom of the men and women who played a crucial role in the evangelization of Europe. By signing up for my new course, you can join me on this adventure! In this course, I'll reveal how the teachings of these Celtic saints can enrich your personal life, deepen your faith, and help you find balance and inner peace. I tell you all about it in this new episode of The Walk. Don't miss out—my journey begins this week, and I'...
Oct 04, 2024•24 min
In this episode, I talk about the paralyzing effect of self-limiting thoughts and how they can hold us back from achieving our dreams. Whether you're starting a new career, launching a creative project, or just stepping out of your comfort zone, those inner doubts can be overwhelming. I share personal stories from my journey as a priest and coach and I offer practical advice on how to push past the fear and take that first step. Key Takeaways: How self-doubt often surfaces when trying something ...
Sep 05, 2024•14 min
I just finished writing and publishing my newest book, "Tales of Power - A Guide to Epic Storytelling". In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a behind the scenes look at my creative process. The book is a journey into the art of storytelling, inspired by the timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It delves into the transformative power of narrative, teaching you how to weave your messages into compelling stories that captivate and engage. Through my unique storytelling method, you'll learn to...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Imagine discovering one day that you’re immortal, destined to live for centuries, outlasting everyone you know and love. How would you feel about that? It’s the premise of the 1986 movie Highlander , where Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander born in the 16th century, learns he’s one of a rare few who can only die if beheaded. As he navigates centuries of conflict with others like him, he’s forced to grapple with the loneliness of outliving everyone he holds dear. There’s talk of a reboot starr...
Aug 20, 2024•54 min
What I love about my work in television and online is that it brings me into contact with so many different people from all ages and backgrounds. It helps me to constantly broaden my horizon and to keep learning and discovering. In this podcast, I talk a bit more about my work as a TV host and interviewer and I share some thoughts about my future travels. Move your Patreon subscription to my new membership community before time runs out by going to https://fatherroderick.com/join...
Aug 14, 2024•40 min
In this episode of The Walk, I'm sharing with you my recent experiences at the Castlefest fantasy festival. Some visitors I met showed surprise when they discovered that I'm a real priest and not cosplaying as one. What brings so many people to events like these, and why does there seem to be a revival of neo-pagan rituals visitors engage in? And what do I think about this as a catholic priest? Check out my new video course about Storytelling if you want to learn how to become a better storytell...
Aug 08, 2024•41 min
Now that I am back home, I am looking back on what I learned during this first month that I've been living and working abroad as a 'digital nomad'. It has been a very positive and productive experience, and there is one thing I learned that I value above all other aspects of this trip... Join my new community that replaces this Patreon community and get access to many new perks and features: https://fatherroderick.com/join (after signing up, you can stop your Patreon support; you will be able to...
Aug 01, 2024•38 min
I explore the early traces of Christianity and the remains of the medieval abbey in Leicester as I share with you how my plan to create a video course about storytelling evolved into a new teaching project that brings together many of my goals and talents in the years to come.
Jul 28, 2024•49 min
My ideas around the courses I'm producing during my 'digital nomad' weeks are quickly evolving. I'm recording this episode of The Walk at the end of my second week in the UK. I share with you some of my experiences, as well as my early thoughts about how you could join me in my efforts to explore, to learn and to grow during these trips abroad. Go to fatherroderick.com/storytelling to learn how you can get early access to my full course about storytelling!...
Jul 23, 2024•43 min
I share with you my adventures during the first week as a digital nomad in the city of London! More information about my upcoming Storytelling Course and about how to sign up will be coming soon!
Jul 10, 2024•41 min
I have always enjoyed traveling, both for work and for leisure. On the other hand, I'm also a bit of a Hobbit who likes to be at home and who is apprehensive of leaving my routines and familiar surroundings behind. But I realize that if that need for comfort and predictability prevents me from pursuing new adventures, I run the risk of making my life smaller and smaller. So a while ago, I made a decision. Four times per year, I would push myself to go on an adventure. To travel abroad, not to fo...
Jul 02, 2024•42 min
In this episode, I share with you why my visit to Dutch Comic Con was so different from previous years. The migration from Patreon to my new membership community and Premium Podcast feed is now in full swing; all patrons should have received an invitation to migrate. Let me know if you have any issues, I'm here to help!
Jun 26, 2024•41 min
Whether it is about Star Wars: The Acolyte, about politics or about faith: online debate seems to be stuck in a negativity loop that is hard to avoid nowadays. Before you know it, you get sucked into the vortex of online negativity and you feel worse as a result. In this episode, I explore the root causes for this online behavior and I share with you how I try to counterbalance it by 'reprogramming' my own behavior using a simple morning routine.
Jun 19, 2024•41 min
For months I have been working behind the scenes on creating a new home for my community on my own website. I have finally started the process of bringing people over from Patreon to the new system, and I am ironing out the last wrinkles. It is the kind of work that I always forget to 'count' at the end of the day, because it doesn't immediately result in tangible output. But thanks to the 'Got Done' List I add to my journal at the end of the day, I'm starting to become more aware of the fact th...
Jun 13, 2024•42 min
I am writing a new book about my method to create online content that reaches new people and forms community around my podcasts and videos. I have been developing this method for the past 20 years, from my early days as a Star Wars blogger to my recent adventures as an Anime commentator on TikTok. I talk about the focused way in which I am writing this book: by following a specific outline and by writing 1000 words each day of the month of June.
Jun 04, 2024•39 min
Yoda’s famous words—“Do, or do not. There is no try”—resonate beyond the Star Wars universe. But in our daily lives, it’s not always easy to put into practice. Join me as I explore the struggle between productivity and rest. I’ve struggled with endless To-Do lists must as much as with allowing myself some rest and recovery by doing nothing. Like Luke Skywalker during his training, I keep trying. However, there’s one thing I often forget: I’m actually pretty good at ‘having done things.’ I just d...
May 29, 2024•37 min
I often dream of living like a Hobbit. A life in which the only thing I have to worry about is which meal comes next, or in which I only have to follow a wizard and a bunch of dwarves on an adventure. But in reality, I am very good at worrying about almost everything. Instead of living care-free, I am always planning, strategizing and going over all the possible scenarios that life can throw at me. And when reality doesn't match my plans, I get upset and stressed out. In this podcast, I share an...
May 23, 2024•48 min
After the first LEGO movie came out, I was so inspired that I created a short animated video with Lego minifigures in which I explained the meaning of Pentecost. It was an instant hit and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times all over the world. It taught me how much of an impact your message can have if you communicate it in a language that your target audience (in this case: kids and their parents) can understand. Isn't this the core message of Pentecost? The Holy Spirit teaches us new lan...
May 16, 2024•35 min
I share my personal journey of joining the 501st Star Wars cosplay group, along with my commitment to becoming a healthier individual. I share how intermittent fasting not only helps me lose weight, but also reminds me of the importance of setting and prioritizing goals.
May 11, 2024•34 min
On Monday, I got a tour behind the scenes of the Tropical Reef Aquarium of Burger's Zoo in Arnhem. It was a fascinating experience. Our guide explained how the zoo makes its own, high quality sea water, eight million liters in total! This water is first distributed to the most important and most demanding part of the Aquarium: the thriving, colorful coral reef, the largest living coral reef in Europe. From there, the water flows to the other, connected parts of the aquarium. While I was riding m...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Last weekend I spent two full days at the biggest fantasy and costuming festival in Europe: Elfia. In this episode of the Walk, I share how over the years, I have managed to overcome my social restraints and how I'm learning to engage with total strangers on a deeply personal level. I also share what the new communities will offer you now that we are transitioning to the new website environment and I reflect on the various ways I hope to serve you with my podcast episodes, with my videos and liv...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 18 min
I recently discovered why social activities often wear me out: in many situations, I feel that I have to 'put on my happy face' instead of being fully myself. It is an ingrained habit of 'masking', and I have noticed that the more I feel free to 'unmask', the more I actually enjoy social company. What are some of the reasons that we sometimes force ourselves to behave in a way that other people expect of us, instead of fully being ourselves? When can this be useful, and when can it become harmfu...
Apr 16, 2024•59 min
I was staring at the shelves of my fridge. What would I eat? I couldn't decide, and for a reason: I had just had dinner an hour before. And yet, I had felt this urge to grab a snack even though I wasn't hungry at all. Time to pause and to ask myself what was going on. I had been struggling with an important decision I had to take and instinctively I was trying to cope with the tension by eating something. Sounds familiar? In this episode of The Walk I talk about how to 'sit' with your emotions i...
Apr 10, 2024•44 min
In this first episode of The Walk of the second quarter of the year, I look back on all the developments of my online ministry since the start of 2024 and I share with you the exciting next steps I am taking to improve the way in which I help my followers.
Apr 03, 2024•53 min
