The FORGE Podcast Sun, 03 May 2026 01:58:38 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277782 en-us © 2026 The FORGE Podcast yes 2db4246e-1ad8-553e-93e3-f0f9a47ec84a j.mazariegos2000@gmail.com FORGE episodic false The FORGE podcast empowers men to fight for a culture of strong families. We talk practical advice and inspiring ideals for you to be the best father that your family needs. 

Learn more about our organization at myforge.org

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) FORGE j.mazariegos2000@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/mwvf7d1nwg9z7uyrqfx7ma6s1jt9?.jpg The FORGE Podcast Episode 13: Big News: Forge is Expanding to Wichita! Episode 13: Big News: Forge is Expanding to Wichita! We’ve got exciting news to share—Forge is expanding its on-the-ground mission to a new city: Wichita, Kansas! Beginning this September, Forge Wichita will begin hosting men’s nights, coordinating small groups, and helping build a brotherhood of men committed to becoming saints in their families and communities.

Leading the charge in Wichita is Eric Doerneman, a Wichita native with a powerful story. Eric left behind a promising career as an aerospace engineer to follow a deeper calling. He’s smart, faithful, passionate, and charismatic—and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join the Forge team. Learn more about Eric and what’s coming in Wichita here:
👉 myforge.org/wichita

Want to meet Eric?
Take a listen to today’s brand-new podcast episode. John Bishop sits down with Eric to talk about one of the most pressing spiritual battles of our time: the epidemic of pornography addiction. Never in human history has such a massive portion of the population been enslaved by the same thing. But there is hope. As St. Paul writes, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). God has the power to turn even a man’s greatest weakness into the very source of his strength.

🎧 Don’t miss it—listen now and share with a friend.

]]> We’ve got exciting news to share—Forge is expanding its on-the-ground mission to a new city: Wichita, Kansas! Beginning this September, Forge Wichita will begin hosting men’s nights, coordinating small groups, and helping build a brotherhood of men committed to becoming saints in their families and communities.

Leading the charge in Wichita is Eric Doerneman, a Wichita native with a powerful story. Eric left behind a promising career as an aerospace engineer to follow a deeper calling. He’s smart, faithful, passionate, and charismatic—and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join the Forge team. Learn more about Eric and what’s coming in Wichita here:
👉 myforge.org/wichita

Want to meet Eric?
Take a listen to today’s brand-new podcast episode. John Bishop sits down with Eric to talk about one of the most pressing spiritual battles of our time: the epidemic of pornography addiction. Never in human history has such a massive portion of the population been enslaved by the same thing. But there is hope. As St. Paul writes, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). God has the power to turn even a man’s greatest weakness into the very source of his strength.

🎧 Don’t miss it—listen now and share with a friend.

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-17579394 Tue, 05 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2580 full false Episode 12: The Most Important Habit a Man Can Build | Fr. Boniface Hicks Episode 12: The Most Important Habit a Man Can Build | Fr. Boniface Hicks Prayer is not optional. 

In a world where men are bombarded with noise, screens, and temptations, distraction isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a spiritual war. And in that war, prayer is your lifeline, your foundation, and your compass.

That’s why we’re urging you to listen to this conversation with Fr. Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine monk and the lead chaplain for Exodus 90. In this episode, Fr. Boniface breaks open the why behind daily prayer—and just as importantly, the how.

Because this isn’t about adding another task to your to-do list. It’s about becoming a man who knows who he is, where he’s going, and what it takes to get there.

Prayer roots you. Prayer strengthens you. Prayer makes you dangerous—in the right way.

You’ve never needed it more than now. So take 20 minutes to listen, and let this be the spark that ignites your prayer life.

Because a man who doesn’t pray… is a man who’s drifting.

And a drifting man is easy to destroy.

]]> Prayer is not optional. 

In a world where men are bombarded with noise, screens, and temptations, distraction isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a spiritual war. And in that war, prayer is your lifeline, your foundation, and your compass.

That’s why we’re urging you to listen to this conversation with Fr. Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine monk and the lead chaplain for Exodus 90. In this episode, Fr. Boniface breaks open the why behind daily prayer—and just as importantly, the how.

Because this isn’t about adding another task to your to-do list. It’s about becoming a man who knows who he is, where he’s going, and what it takes to get there.

Prayer roots you. Prayer strengthens you. Prayer makes you dangerous—in the right way.

You’ve never needed it more than now. So take 20 minutes to listen, and let this be the spark that ignites your prayer life.

Because a man who doesn’t pray… is a man who’s drifting.

And a drifting man is easy to destroy.

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-17460689 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2321 full false Episode 11: Grandfathers Matter - Intentional Catholic Grandparenting | Dan Spencer Episode 11: Grandfathers Matter - Intentional Catholic Grandparenting | Dan Spencer Faithful Catholic grandparents care deeply about passing down their faith to their family. But our post-Christian world seeks to destroy their grandchildren’s faith in God. This leaves grandparents confused about just exactly what role, if any, they should play in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. Listen to the full conversation that John Bishop had with Dan Spencer on the critical role of  grandfathers and how to steward that role with intentionality.

]]> Faithful Catholic grandparents care deeply about passing down their faith to their family. But our post-Christian world seeks to destroy their grandchildren’s faith in God. This leaves grandparents confused about just exactly what role, if any, they should play in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. Listen to the full conversation that John Bishop had with Dan Spencer on the critical role of  grandfathers and how to steward that role with intentionality.

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-17354009 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0500 4150 11 full false Ep 10: Digital Destruction: A Call to Action | Dr. Johann D'Souza Ep 10: Digital Destruction: A Call to Action | Dr. Johann D'Souza  Today, we face an unprecedented challenge: the digital world. In this episode John Bishop sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Johann D'Souza to discuss the destructive nature of technology and how it effects young people, how to build healthy brain habits, and practical solutions for parents living in today's world. 


]]>  Today, we face an unprecedented challenge: the digital world. In this episode John Bishop sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Johann D'Souza to discuss the destructive nature of technology and how it effects young people, how to build healthy brain habits, and practical solutions for parents living in today's world. 


]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-17292412 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0500 2356 10 full false Ep 9: Michael Foley | Drink Like a Saint: Alcohol, Kids & the Good Life Ep 9: Michael Foley | Drink Like a Saint: Alcohol, Kids & the Good Life What does it mean to drink like a Saint? In this episode John Bishop sits down with Baylor professor, Michael Foley Ph.D., author of the bestselling book, "Drinking with the Saints." Dr. Foley paints a picture for virtuous drinking and gives tips on how to raise children with healthy sense for alcohol. 

]]> What does it mean to drink like a Saint? In this episode John Bishop sits down with Baylor professor, Michael Foley Ph.D., author of the bestselling book, "Drinking with the Saints." Dr. Foley paints a picture for virtuous drinking and gives tips on how to raise children with healthy sense for alcohol. 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-17191930 Mon, 19 May 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2155 9 full false Ep 8: Keith Nester on Walking with New Catholic Converts Ep 8: Keith Nester on Walking with New Catholic Converts In this episode John Bishop sits down with recent Catholic convert Keith Nester. Keith was a pastor in several protestant churches before he became Catholic in 2017, a decision made after decades of prayer and study. Keith now devotes a portion of his professional life to accompanying new Catholic converts and has spoken widely on the topic. Keith gives concrete advice on how to support fathers who have recently joined the Catholic Church. 

Check out Keith's book, "The Convert's Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church" https://a.co/d/elO2xNC


]]> In this episode John Bishop sits down with recent Catholic convert Keith Nester. Keith was a pastor in several protestant churches before he became Catholic in 2017, a decision made after decades of prayer and study. Keith now devotes a portion of his professional life to accompanying new Catholic converts and has spoken widely on the topic. Keith gives concrete advice on how to support fathers who have recently joined the Catholic Church. 

Check out Keith's book, "The Convert's Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church" https://a.co/d/elO2xNC


]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-16780232 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2789 8 full false Ep 7: Fathers, Bless Your Children Ep 7: Fathers, Bless Your Children Dr. John Bishop sits down with Taylor Fernholz, OP. Should dads bless their kids? If so, how? Fernholz is a theology professor and trained theologian, currently writing a doctoral dissertation on the subject of blessings. Obviously a dad's blessing is different than the blessing of a parish priest, but how so? Fernholz provides sound theology and valuable practical advice on a topic that is important for any father. Want to view this article in written form? You'll find the corresponding article in the link below. The article includes discussion questions for your men's group. 

https://myforge.org/courses-content/articles/fathers-bless-your-children/ 

]]> Dr. John Bishop sits down with Taylor Fernholz, OP. Should dads bless their kids? If so, how? Fernholz is a theology professor and trained theologian, currently writing a doctoral dissertation on the subject of blessings. Obviously a dad's blessing is different than the blessing of a parish priest, but how so? Fernholz provides sound theology and valuable practical advice on a topic that is important for any father. Want to view this article in written form? You'll find the corresponding article in the link below. The article includes discussion questions for your men's group. 

https://myforge.org/courses-content/articles/fathers-bless-your-children/ 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-15366876 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0500 1975 1 7 full false Ep 6: Parenting in a Digital Age Ep 6: Parenting in a Digital Age Dr. John Bishop talks to Michael Moynihan about navigating technology in our homes. How do we make sure our children are not harmed by tech they are not ready for? How will our kids combat the dangers that tech poses past their childhood, such as endless distractions or pornography?

Michael talks about why tech is addicting the way it is today. He also provides key principles and very practical suggestions. Read his article on the FORGE website here: https://myforge.org/courses-content/articles/technology-in-the-home/

Michael Moynihan resides in Rockville, MD with his wife, Angela, and their eleven children. He is the Head of the Upper School at The Heights School, an independent day school for boys in 3rd to 12th grade. In his free time, Michael enjoys family excursions, reading stories with his children, hiking, and camping. He has authored three books on parenting available through Scepter Publishers. He is featured in the first FORGE online course, “Fathers and Sons: Conversations on Sex Ed, Marriage, and Masculinity.” 

]]> Dr. John Bishop talks to Michael Moynihan about navigating technology in our homes. How do we make sure our children are not harmed by tech they are not ready for? How will our kids combat the dangers that tech poses past their childhood, such as endless distractions or pornography?

Michael talks about why tech is addicting the way it is today. He also provides key principles and very practical suggestions. Read his article on the FORGE website here: https://myforge.org/courses-content/articles/technology-in-the-home/

Michael Moynihan resides in Rockville, MD with his wife, Angela, and their eleven children. He is the Head of the Upper School at The Heights School, an independent day school for boys in 3rd to 12th grade. In his free time, Michael enjoys family excursions, reading stories with his children, hiking, and camping. He has authored three books on parenting available through Scepter Publishers. He is featured in the first FORGE online course, “Fathers and Sons: Conversations on Sex Ed, Marriage, and Masculinity.” 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-14607732 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0600 3540 1 6 full false Ep 5: Compost Parenting – How to FORGE Your Family After Messing Up Ep 5: Compost Parenting – How to FORGE Your Family After Messing Up Irene Pruitt joins John Bishop to talk about how to recover from the mistakes we make as parents. In order to keep intimate bonds with your children at the center of your parenting, what practical things can we do to transform mistakes into bonding opportunities. 

Irene Pruitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Supervisor in Virginia. She has over twelve years of experience in providing counseling in a variety of settings. She holds a Bachelors in Science from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Science from Virginia Tech, where she studied Marriage and Family Therapy. A practicing Catholic, one of her interests is integrating faith and counseling. 

]]> Irene Pruitt joins John Bishop to talk about how to recover from the mistakes we make as parents. In order to keep intimate bonds with your children at the center of your parenting, what practical things can we do to transform mistakes into bonding opportunities. 

Irene Pruitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Supervisor in Virginia. She has over twelve years of experience in providing counseling in a variety of settings. She holds a Bachelors in Science from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Science from Virginia Tech, where she studied Marriage and Family Therapy. A practicing Catholic, one of her interests is integrating faith and counseling. 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-14505361 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0600 2505 1 5 full false Ep 4: Thomas Wurtz and John Bishop on How to Kill a Small Group Ep 4: Thomas Wurtz and John Bishop on How to Kill a Small Group How do you make a make or break a small group? In this episode, Thomas Wurtz and Dr. John Bishop talk about 10 ways to kill a small group. They also give 10 practical corresponding pieces of advice to make your men's group flourish.

Thomas Wurtz is the founding director of Varsity Catholic, the division of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) reaching out to college athletes. He has extensive experience with men's groups and men's ministry. Thomas lives in Colorado with his family. 

]]> How do you make a make or break a small group? In this episode, Thomas Wurtz and Dr. John Bishop talk about 10 ways to kill a small group. They also give 10 practical corresponding pieces of advice to make your men's group flourish.

Thomas Wurtz is the founding director of Varsity Catholic, the division of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) reaching out to college athletes. He has extensive experience with men's groups and men's ministry. Thomas lives in Colorado with his family. 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-14408167 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0600 2945 full false Ep 3: Peter Herbeck on a Practical Christ-centered Marriage and Family Ep 3: Peter Herbeck on a Practical Christ-centered Marriage and Family Dr. John Bishop sits down with Peter Herbeck to discuss Peter's experience in his 37 year marriage, fighting to keep Christ at the center of his marriage and closeness to his children. They talk honestly about the challenges of choosing love over one's ego. Filled with stories and practical ideas, this conversation helps make the ideal of raising your children in the faith a more tangible reality. 

]]> Dr. John Bishop sits down with Peter Herbeck to discuss Peter's experience in his 37 year marriage, fighting to keep Christ at the center of his marriage and closeness to his children. They talk honestly about the challenges of choosing love over one's ego. Filled with stories and practical ideas, this conversation helps make the ideal of raising your children in the faith a more tangible reality. 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-14291127 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600 2301 1 3 full false Ep 2: Monica Ashour Talks Theology of the Body in Sexual Formation of Children Ep 2: Monica Ashour Talks Theology of the Body in Sexual Formation of Children How can Theology of the Body be practically applied to sexual formation of children? Monica Ashour, President at the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, discusses educating children in their sense of identity and security. They discuss how parents have the responsibility to help their children understand their bodies and what they can do about it. 

For more about Monica's important work, visit tobet.org

For more about our mission forming families through masculine flourishing, visit myforge.org 

]]> How can Theology of the Body be practically applied to sexual formation of children? Monica Ashour, President at the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, discusses educating children in their sense of identity and security. They discuss how parents have the responsibility to help their children understand their bodies and what they can do about it. 

For more about Monica's important work, visit tobet.org

For more about our mission forming families through masculine flourishing, visit myforge.org 

]]> FORGE Buzzsprout-14153086 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0600 2715 1 2 full false Ep. 1: Pete Burak Talks the Importance of Community Ep. 1: Pete Burak Talks the Importance of Community In this episode, FORGE executive director John Bishop sits down with Pete Burak, VP at Renewal Ministries, to talk about the wisdom learned from Pete's own father, as well as their own experiences raising children in different communities. 

]]> In this episode, FORGE executive director John Bishop sits down with Pete Burak, VP at Renewal Ministries, to talk about the wisdom learned from Pete's own father, as well as their own experiences raising children in different communities. 

]]> Javier Buzzsprout-13986846 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0600 2694 1 1 full false