The goal of the Forte Catholic Podcast is to inspire, uplift, and share the Good News in a way that will help you take the next step in your faith, no matter where you are on your journey with God.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 53
Two guests this week in two-time surfing world champion and hard core Catholic, Bear Woznick, and the President of Ignatius Press, Mark Brumley. We talk about manhood, being a father and the Protestant Reformation.
This episode, I talk about the birth of my 3rd child Felicity this past week and share another thing I've learned about my relationship with God from being a Father.
In the second segment, I speak with two-time world surfing champion, Bear Woznick. Bear is a hardcore Catholic who is using his platform to call men to a higher standard of faith and excellence. We talk about his TV Show "Long Ride Home" and his new online community for Catholic men called "Bear's Man Cave."
In the final segment, I speak with the president of Ignatius Press, Mark Brumley, about the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this month. Ignatius Press is highlighting a book by Hilarie Belloc entitled "Characters of the Reformation" that goes into detail about some of the key players in the world of religion and politics at the time. I find the whole time period fascinating and enjoyed the interview. I hope you do as well.
As always, please subscribe and rate the podcast on the platform you are listening on. It will really help the show grow to reach more people. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 52
Mass Text segment, talking the impact and influence of hip-hop on culture and the Church with Dr. Alex Gotay and a social experiment with AJ Barrows
We kicked off this week's show with a "Mass Text" segment where we looked at the Gospel for this coming Sunday. It is one of Jesus' lesser known parables and one of Taylor's favorites.
In the second segment, we were joined by Dr. Alex Gotay as he discusses his upcoming documentary "Encultured" about the impact and influence of hip-hop on culture and how it can be used in ministry.
In the final segment, I introduce missionary AJ Barrows and he shares about a social experiment he has been using in youth ministry to break down barriers and stigmas. It is quite intriguing so check it out.
Please like/rate/share the show on your favorite podcasting platform. Your 60 seconds of time will help the show's publicity tremendously. Thank you!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 51
A celebration of the show's 1 year anniversary! We are joined by the guys from the Catholic Man Show with a BIG announcement for the show, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers about reading the Bible like never before and our favorite memories of the show's 1st year.
Huge show to celebrate the show's 1 year anniversary of going live on the air!
First, we were joined by the fellas from the Catholic Man Show to settle who is manlier between them by pitting them against each other in a game of "Who Said It: Adele or King David?" Then we announce some BIG news together about the future of the show.
In the second segment, I am joined by one of the best Catholic speakers alive, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Tune in to hear how the Scriptures have made a huge difference in his life and how he wants to help the Scriptures come to life for you with his new book "Ignite: Read the Bible Like Never Before."
In the final segment, we reminisce on our favorite moments in the show's first year. With stories from guest producers Kyle and Mckenzie, listeners on social media, and a special surprise guest, we recap the year's greatest moments.
THANK YOU to all of you who have listened over the past year. This has truly been a dream come true and I am excited for what is coming in year two!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 48
As we remember the events of 9/11, we talk about how to respond to fear. I also interview Gina Bauer about balance & prayer in the second segment. I also interview Tom Craughwell about his new book "101 Places to Pray Before You Die."
In this week's episode, we remember the events of 9/11 and talk about how to respond to fear.
I also interview two wonderful people, Gina Bauer and Tom Craughwell! I speak to Gina about ministry, finding balance between work and home life and more. Tom and I talk about his new book "101 places to pray before you die" and share quite a few laughs!
Bonus Content! Jennifer Fulwiler Interview Round 2
Had the pleasure of being invited back as a guest on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's "The Catholic Channel." We talked missionary work, the power of music and finding joy in the midst of hardship.
Such a pleasure to be invited back on to the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM 129 "The Catholic Channel." (thecatholicchannel.org)
This time, we recapped the hilarious story about how I got on her show in the first place. We also talk about my work as a missionary with Ablaze, the power of music, and Jen calls me a "brilliant theologian" which makes everyone bellow a good hearty laugh. We also discuss what true joy is and the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Find your favorite way to listen to the recording below!
Forte Catholic Podcast Bonus Content
The Forte Catholic Podcast has bonus content available for the shows supporters on Patreon. Join the community, support the show and get bonus rewards for your contribution. This is a sneak peek at what these outtakes are like. Enjoy :)
We ran out of time in Episode 45 and we had a game planned for producer Jake on his last show before leaving for college. So we decided to stick around and Taylor let the old and new producers play the game, recorded it and hilarity ensured. Tune in to hear Taylor go absolutely crazy not being in charge of the segment and swoop in to save the day. You won't stop laughing as you listen to these producers try to get through a segment alone and play the Pokemon themed game.
Enjoy the Forte Catholic podcast and this bonus content? Head over to Patreon.com/fortecatholic to financially support the show and get some awesome rewards with even more bonus content, merch, and involvement in the show's community. #HelpFeedTaylorsChildren
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 45
We address this week's big event: the solar eclipse. We also connect it to faith in the return of the "Forte Five" segment, interview Fr Terry Ehrman about his book on manhood and wrap up the show with a conversation with long time producer Jake on his last show.
In the first segment of this week's show, we talk about the solar eclipse that came and went the day before. I asked listeners on social media to make connections between the eclipse and faith and we started off the show with a "Forte Five" countdown segment of the five best submissions.
In segment two, I was privileged to interview author Fr. Terry Ehrman on his book "Man of God: Lessons To Young Men About Life, Sex, Friendship, Vocation, and Loving With The Heart of Christ" published by Catholic Answers. We discussed how his vocation came about and the importance of spiritual direction. For those who may have never heard of spiritual direction or have but have questions about it, this is the podcast for you.
In the final segment, Taylor reinstates producer Jake's talking privileges as he is interview on his final segment with the show before leaving for college. We discuss the path God has led him on, play corny songs in Jake's honor and laugh....a lot.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 44
We cover a wide variety of topics this week including bible study, the RCIA process and Young Adult Ministry in the wake of a gathering with the Bishops of the area to explore how to better serve the young Church.
In today's first segment, I explain some crazy things that happened right before the show and share some of the key points from a cool devotional I just finished on the Youversion Bible App.
In the second segment, I interview Toni Hendricks about the RCIA. This is the process of becoming Catholic so whether you are a Catholic and want to learn more about this treasure of the Church and how you can help or if you aren't Catholic and have questions about the faith and want to know more about the Church, this is the interview for you.
In the final segment, I am joined by Christopher Dowling to talk about the Young Adult Listening Session he and I both attended with both of Austin's Bishops. This was a tremendous opportunity the Bishops held to know how to best serve the young Church.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 43
I start this episode sharing from the depths of my heart some of the amazing things God has done for me in the past couple of weeks. After a long period of spiritual dryness, I feel invigorated in my faith for the first time in months.
I also interview Catholic Hip-Hop artist C2six about his music and tremendous conversion story.
What an episode!
In the first segment, I share from my heart some really powerful things that God has done for me in the past couple of weeks. After a long period of spiritual dryness, I have had some huge prayers answered!
In the second and third segment, I interview Carlos Zamora; a man with an incredible story of conversion from gangster to passionate Catholic hip-hop artist and speaker. We talk about his life pre-conversion, how God changed his life in a huge way and what has happened since. This is one of the most powerful conversion stories I have ever heard. He uses his passion for hip-hop and the Church to build the Kingdom of God. I pray that as you listen, his story and music will inspire you to take the next step in growing closer to Christ.
Check out the music of C2six here
If you like the show, please subscribe and click here to rate the show in iTunes as it helps tremendously to help the show reach more people. Thank you!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 41
We had a packed studio of 9 local humans to talk about their experience at a recent Jr High Summer Camp as campers, a high school staffer and parents of the campers. We talk about the impact of youth ministry for teens and their parents. We also play a game that pits the youth against the parents.
We had a Forte Catholic record 9 people in studio for the recording of this episode!
Last month, Ablaze Ministries took Junior High students to camp. Here, I interview 3 campers, two of their parents and a high school counselor on the impact camp and youth ministry have had on their lives from each of their unique perspectives.
I also pit the youth vs. the parents in an epic trivia game called "Taylor Swift or Lamentations"(DownloadYouthMinistry.com) where I read a line and they have to guess who said it. Hilarity ensued.
If you are in ministry, love youth ministry, have kids or have fond memories of your time as a young person in the Church, you will enjoy this episode.
As always, please subscribe to the show and rate in on iTunes. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 40
In this episode I answer listener submitted questions, interview Trent Horn of Catholic Answers on his new book "Why We're Catholic" and play a quick fire trivia game with the producers of the show.
In this week's show, I continue answering listener submitted questions. This week, I tackle two questions about leading young people to Christ, especially when they don't seem to enjoy church. I also want to equip parents with the tools they need to speak with their children about faith. For more, visit beyondthepew.org.
In the second segment, Trent Horn returns to the show to talk about his new book "Why We're Catholic." This book is flying off the shelves due to its non-confrontational style to urge people to grow in their faith instead of trying to win them over simply through argument.
In the final segment, we play a rapid fire question and answer game with those in studio. This is to help get across the point that building trust and getting to know who people are is the necessary first step in evangelization.
Bonus Content! My Interview on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show!
I had the unbelievable privilege to be on The Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's, the Catholic Channel! Tune in as we talk about how the only way I got on her show as the combination of twitter and wine! We also discuss worship, youth ministry and complacency.
What an unbelievable opportunity I had to be a guest on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on Sirius XM's The Catholic Channel!
(TheCatholicChannel.org)
I had so much fun on the air with Jen! I wrote her a song about her show, we talk about how the only reason I got on the show is because of the combination of twitter and wine, and then discuss topics like worship, youth ministry and complacency.
I had so much fun and I look forward to being back on her show on September 1st at 1:20pm Central!
Listen to the interview at any of the locations below.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 39
In this episode, I discuss listener submitted topics from social media like "Is the Church a business" "I don't get anything Mass" "How do I defend my faith" and more.
I also interview long-time friend Brother Sean Stilson on his preparation for the priesthood and what he is most excited about in his vocation.
In the first segment of this week's show, I begin answering questions and topics posed by listeners of the show on social media. The first few questions are all about Church politics/bureaucracy and how we can respond to that.
In the second segment, I am joined by my long-time friend Brother Sean Stilson of the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple. We talk about what the life of a brother/seminarian looks like, what the role of a priest is supposed to be and what we can learn from that truth as lay people.
In the final segment, I continue to discuss suggested listener topics like "I'm not getting anything out of Mass", how to get started in being able to defend your faith(click here for the apologetics cheat sheet I mention in the show) and of course the classic question of whether I wear boxers or briefs.
I hope you enjoy this episode! If you haven't done so already, please subscribe and rate the show and then share it with your compadres. Thanks!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 38
Happy 4th of July! In this episode we talk about freedom, walking in the victory Christ won for us and have an interview with Marcus Guevara about technology and faith.
Happy 4th of July! This episode aired live on Independence Day so we HAD to talk about freedom in the first and third segments of the show. We talk about how so many of us live in guilt and shame instead of walking in the power of the resurrected Christ. He came to set us free!
In the second segment, I am joined by old friend Marcus Guevara, the founder of Thirsting for Truth to talk about his ministry and how technology, math, philosophy and theology all mix to reveal God.
As always, please like, rate, comment, subscribe and share!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 37
My mom joined me in studio for quite an experience talking about prayer and playing a crazy game. Tune in for some laughs as well as insight into the scriptures, prayer in tough times and the importance of taking a Sabbath.
My mom came to the studio! We had a lot of fun talking about how I didn't turn out thaaaat bad because of her billions of hours of prayer for me. We then play the game "Prescription Drug of Biblical King" which was a hoot!
In the first segment, I intro the discussion on prayer by looking at the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
In the third segment, we discuss the importance of taking a Sabbath. So many in our fast paced world, including myself, find it difficult so we look at what the Bible and Catechism have to say to challenge us to do what God knows is best for us.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 36
In this episode, I talk about summer camps, what that has to do with the important and often neglected subject of pre-evangelization and some encouragement for times we struggle to pray consistently.
This week's show was pre-recorded as I am currently leading a Junior High Summer Camp! In the spirit of summer camp, we talked pre-evangelization, what fun has to do with faith and how events like this can really be an avenue to bring people to Christ.
So often, we try to catechize people who haven't been evangelized and evangelize people without making a human connection with them first. In this episode we explore how we can bring Christ to others no matter where they are in their journey with him.
I am also joined by Vern Laborde from Deer Creek Camp to hear how they impact the lives of young people in a huge way each summer! Hear her stories, insights and her love for camp!
In the final segment, we dive a little deeper into the topic of prayer. So many of us struggle with prayer and I will walk through two stories from Scripture that can help us when we don't feel like praying.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 35
What happens when you get six Catholics together in a small studio? Hilarity and sharing of faith. Tune in as we play the trivia game "Worship Song or Love Song," interview Marcel LeJeune about bridging the faith gap with millennials and finally, how an R&B song improved Taylor's relationship with God.
In this episode, Taylor is joined by international speaker, author and a beauty of a man Marcel LeJeune, who enlightens us with his brilliance :) Marcel is an awesome dude with a ton of experience ministering to college students. In his interview, we will talk about bridging the gap between millennials and the older generations of the Church. (second segment)
In the first segment, we play the Scripture trivia game "Worship Song or Love Song" where Taylor faces off against producer Jake and Kyle "the heathen" Turner. SPOILER: Taylor isn't good at this game.
In the final segment, Taylor shares how an R&B love song and reading the Song of Songs caused a huge breakthrough in his spiritual life.
As always, please like/share/rate the podcast in your podcasting app of choice to help build the show's community!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 34
I am joined by Tommy Tighe, the Catholic Hipster, for an interview on how we can use social media to build the Kingdom. I also share insights from my recent yearly retreat.
The highlight of this episode was our interview in the second segment with Tommy Tighe, the Catholic Hipster. Tommy is a master at using social media and the interwebs(that's what hipsters call it, right?) to build community and share his authentic love for the Catholic Faith. He has multiple projects including podcasts(The Catholic Hipster & The Chimney), blogs, a book coming soon and a tremendous presence on Twitter. He is an interesting dude and has a lot of wisdom to share with us on how we can use social media to build the Kingdom.
In the first and third segments, I share some insights into two Scripture stories that connected for me in a big way at my yearly retreat. We will dive in to the story of Lazarus being brought back to life and the Anointing at Bethany story through a new lens.
As always, please like/rate/share the show. You rock!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 33
On this episode, the Director of Resource Development at Lifeteen and author of "True North: A roadmap for discernment" Joel Stepanek joins the show as co-host for the whole hour to enlighten us on the topic of discernment.
On this episode of Forte Catholic, the Director of Resource Development at Lifeteen and author of "True North: A roadmap for discernment" Joel Stepanek joins the show as my co-host for the whole hour!
During our quite enjoyable time together, we get to know Joel and he enlightens us with the knowledge and practical advice on discernment that he has learned throughout his experience and study in preparing to write the book.
He dispels a few myths about discernment, explains that it is a vital part of the Christian life and not just for the "big decision" of our primary vocation. He also explains what discernment looks like with guidance from a spiritual master, St. Ignatius.
Tune in and if you like it, please subscribe to the show, like, rate and share with your social media followers.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 32
In the first and third segment of this week's show, we find out how to be "after God's heart" from David in the Old Testament. We look at how David sought God's will, even through trials, and did not hold back in his worship of the Father.
In the second segment, I was pleased to be joined by Catholic Answers author Eric Sammons on his book "The Old Evangelization." He shares how we need to get back to the basics of sharing the Good News the way Jesus did.
In the first and third segment of this week's show, we find out how to be "after God's heart" from David in the Old Testament. We look at how David sought God's will, even through trials, and did not hold back in his worship of the Father.
In the second segment, I was pleased to be joined by Catholic Answers author Eric Sammons on his book "The Old Evangelization." He shares how we need to get back to the basics of sharing the Good News the way Jesus did.
In your favorite way to listen to podcasts, please subscribe to the channel, like, rate, and share this show with your friends. I would be ever grateful!