Apologetics Without the Ego: Joe Heschmeyer on Winning So...

What this episode covers

Joe Heschmeyer has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of Catholic apologetics—first as a blogger and lawyer, now as an apologist for Catholic Answers. In this conversation with Jason Craig, Joe unpacks what the explosion of online apologetics has gotten right, where it goes wrong, and what Catholic men most need to hear about bringing the faith from the internet into actual life.In This Episode:How Catholic apologetics went from the fringes to a dominant force online—and what that shift has produced in the pewsThe ego trap inside apologetics culture: when defending the faith becomes about winning arguments rather than winning soulsPascal's method for correction: why understanding what someone gets right is the key to showing them where they errSt. Thomas Aquinas's four marks of a man growing in wisdom, and how they apply to every conversation you'll have todayWhat new converts most need after RCIAChapters:00:00: Welcome & Jason's Conversion Story02:22: The Rise of Catholic Apologetics Online08:11: Church Architecture as Theology14:28: Joe's Journey From Law to Apologetics24:58: When Apologetics Becomes About Ego32:57: Translating Online Zeal Into Real-Life Witness35:43: Pascal's Method for Winning Hearts45:40: St. Thomas Aquinas on Growing in Wisdom01:10:39: Advice for New Converts01:14:31: Rootedness, Community, and the Faith That BakesResources Mentioned:Catholic AnswersShameless Popery PodcastFraternusThe Rise of Christianity by Rodney StarkPensées by Blaise PascalJOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

CS Lewis's Hidden "Planet Narnia" Code Discovered After 52 Years! (Dr. Michael Ward)

Jun 25, 2026 ·69m

The Bridge-Building Business: Dan Goes Inside the Podcaster's Studio on podCast411

Jun 17, 2026 ·61m

A Teachable Spirit (w/ Dr. A.J. Swoboda)

Jun 14, 2026 ·48m

Hotel Olympus (complete 1-8)

Jun 12, 2026 ·50m

Why Podcasting's Numbers Don't Add Up with Pete Birsinger (CEO & Founder of Podscribe)

Jun 11, 2026 ·55m

Hotel Olympus #8

Jun 5, 2026 ·7m

Similar Podcasts

SPADE: The Podcast Paul Anthony Henderson Jr SPADE: The Podcast stands as a beacon of hope and understanding, addressing critical mental health challenges within the African American community. SPADE (Suicide, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Epilepsy) seeks to shine a light on topics often stigmatized and misunderstood. Our mission is to break the silence surrounding these issues, encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of support and education. By providing meaningful resources and sharing powerful stories, we aim to empower individuals to confront these challenges head-on and build pathways toward healing. Mental health is a crucial but often overlooked subject in the African American community. It’s time to dismantle the barriers of shame and stigma, ensuring everyone feels safe to speak their truth and seek the help they need. This podcast is more than just a platform—it’s a movement to spark change, spread awareness, and inspire action within families, friendships, and communities. The Art of Arms l’Arte Dell Armi At the Art of Arms we have one solitary vision, to bring the historical martial arts we study as HEMA or WMA practitioners to life by telling the stories of those who lived it. The hours of research, writing, transcription and translation are worth it when we get to see Altoni’s Spiedo section in action at the Baglioni Palazzo, Fiore’s armor techniques displayed on the battlefields of San Giovanni in Persiceto, Liectenauer’s rossfechten techniques thundering across the terrain of southern Germany, the Anonimo’s sword and gauntlet brought to bear in the lists of Mantua; these are the moments where history and martial arts meet, and we’re dedicated to bringing these moments to you our dear listeners. We hope you enjoy! A Very Different Catholic Podcast Christopher D. Reibold What does science say about the mysterious sword of St. Galgano? Why do snakes on the island of Kefalonia congregate around an icon of the Blessed Mother on the Feast of the Assumption? What role did St. Teresa of Calcutta play in the Beirut ceasefire of 1982? Join host Christopher Reibold, "The Saint Story Guy" as he brings his signature mix of trivia, storytelling, humor, and personal witness to the cool side of Catholic in this very different podcast. Venice At War DayM0on The flag of Venice uses one symbol—the Lion of Saint Mark—but in two modes:1. Lion with an open book (LIBER)Book shows the words “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus.”This is the peace-time flag.Symbolises Venice as a lawful, commercial, diplomatic republic.Used on state buildings, merchant ships, and most civic occasions.2. Lion with a swordThe lion holds a drawn sword instead of an open book.This is the war-time or military flag.Used historically by the Venetian navy and army.Symbolises defence, sovereignty, and martial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Sword&Spade?

This episode is 1 hour and 20 minutes long.

When was this Sword&Spade episode published?

This episode was published on April 23, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Joe Heschmeyer has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of Catholic apologetics—first as a blogger and lawyer, now as an apologist for Catholic Answers. In this conversation with Jason Craig, Joe unpacks what the explosion of online apologetics...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Sword&Spade episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.