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 46
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, our hearts and prayers go out to those affected. In this episode we talk about the importance of stories. We start by talking about the hurricane aftermath and try to make some sense of it, then interview Eric Sammons about his new short story, and conclude with how stories can lift us up when we are down.
This episode aired just days after Hurricane Harvey devastated the coastline of Texas. Our prayers are with our friends, family and neighbors who have been affected by this tragedy.
In the first segment, we talk about the aftermath of the hurricane: the stories of people hurting, the community rising together to help and try to make some kind of sense out of this tragedy and what can help us get through it. We look at two stories from Scripture that share about suffering to guide our conversation.
In the second segment, I am joined by author Eric Sammons about his new book "The Profession." It is a work of fiction that tells the story of an American Catholic in 2049 living in a Muslim run country. We talk about the power of telling stories to spark ideas, conversation and conversion.
In the final segment, we talk about the power of stories to lift us up, inspire us, help us relax and take us to new worlds. In the wake of the hurricane, I was reminded of the impact that good story telling can have to relax and help decompress us after a stressful time. Taylor and new producer Sam share funny stories about faith to help bring levity and joy to a tough situation.
Again, if you've been affected by the storm, know that we are praying for you and your loved ones.
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
Bonus Content! Catholic Man Show Appearance
I had the pleasure of joining my new friends on their podcast "The Catholic Man Show!" Tune in as we discuss a manly drink, manly gear and the importance of men in the faith lives of young people.
I got to hang out with my buddies Adam and David on their radio show/podcast "The Catholic Man Show." Their show is fantastic! Every week they talk about a manly drink, a manly gear and a manly topic! When I went on the show, we tackled all three with a tequila sunrise, baptizing your phone and the importance of men in the faith lives of young people.
Listen to the full podcast episode here!
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 42
My good ol' pal and youth ministry buddy Joe Mastrangelo drove up from Houston to join me for this whole episode. We chatted about thinking outside the box in the ministry as well as coffee and its connection to faith. We also had a friendly(ish) youth ministry trivia competition.
My good ol' pal and youth ministry buddy Joe Mastrangelo drove up from Houston to join me for this whole episode. We chatted about his ministry, how his parish is doing something very different in order to evangelize their young people and what we can learn from thinking outside the box in the Church.
We also were pitted in a vicious youth minister vs. youth minister trivia game with a perfect balance of questions about Catholicism and Pop Culture in the second segment.
In the final segment, I asked Joe what he is passionate about and he answered coffee, so that's what we talked about. He compares coffee to evangelization about how a familial and home-y atmosphere can do a lot for a Church community.
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!
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 31
This week continues the focus on signs and wonders! So often in the Scriptures, miracles precede people turning to the Lord. We dive in to what we can learn from these stories to improve our prayer and evangelization. I'm also joined by local High School student Ashley Breland to hear her amazing stories of huge answered prayers!
This week, we continue the conversation on signs and wonders! So often in the Scriptures, we see miracles preceding people turning to the Lord. Tune in as we explore what that means for our walk with Christ and especially our prayer this week!
Segment 1-Bible Trivia Game w/Sam and Kyle. I quiz this dynamic duo on their knowledge of the Ten Commandments (Hint: It was pretty brutal)
Segment 2-Ashley Breland Interview. A local student at St. Joseph Catholic school, Ashley has had an amazing experience in her life of prayer this semester. So many huge things she has prayed for have had tremendous results! Tune in to hear her story and how it has impacted so many!
Segment 3-Signs and Wonders in the Acts of the Apostles. This is the book that the Church reads at daily Mass throughout the Easter Season. There are 18 accounts of miracles in Acts alone! We will discover what we can learn from these stories to improve our prayer and evangelization.
Forte Catholic Podcast Episode 30
It's good to be back! After missing a week due to illness, I am back at it with full force with a great episode consisting of big show announcements(possibly including an addition to my family), a great interview with the Catholic Drinkie and a fun Bible Trivia Game with some hooligans in the studio.
Tune in for a good mix of games, faith, mixed drinks and scripture! Only on a Catholic podcast!
It's good to be back! After missing a week due to illness, I am back at it with full force with a great episode. Tune in for a good blend of games, faith, mixed drinks and Scripture! Only on a Catholic podcast!
Segment 1
-Schroll Family Announcement
-Discussion of what Scripture says about children
-Patreon. I explain our new Patreon page and how you can show your support of the show and get some cool extras along the way!
Segment 2
-Interview w/Sarah Vabulas the Catholic Drinkie about Catholicism, alcohol and how they blend together in her book "The Catholic Drinkie's Guide to Homebrewed Evangelism."
Segment 3
-Bible Trivia Game-"Name the Egyptian Plagues"
-Signs and Wonders. We look through the Scriptures and see how miracles almost always precede big moments of conversion and what that means for our life/prayer today.
