The Monk and The Meathead
by Father Craig Holway
Men today know the value of discipline—whether it's in the gym or golf course or at work at the office, warehouse or boardroom. You push yourself, commit to the grind, and chase excellence. But when it comes to faith, why does sitting in a pew on Sunday feel like a passive, box-checking exercise instead of an adventure?That’s where The Monk and the Meathead steps in.Hosted by Jimmy Vreeland, a West Point grad, Army veteran, and successful entrepreneur who once thought he had it all—until he realized something was missing. And Fr. Craig Holway, a priest who doesn’t give weak answers or sugarcoat the truth tackling real questions from Jimmy and other busy men about purpose, leadership, discipline, and the hard truths of following Christ in today’s world in their marriages, families and life. Subscribe, send us your toughest questions, and get ready to step up. This is The Monk and the Meathead.
Episodes
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Turn Bible Reading into Prayer
Key Takeaways: Retreats build deep friendship and lasting community. Scripture speaks anew across different seasons of life. Lectio Divina turns reading into personal prayer and action. Retreats build deep friendship and lasting community. Scripture speaks anew across different seasons of life....
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Committed, Fascinated, Sustained: What St. Paul Teaches Us
Key takeaways Paul's mission took years of formation, then about 20 years on the road. He pressed on through prison, beatings and betrayal, and never sought revenge. Love drove everything he did, even toward his enemies. Ask yourself: am I committed, fascinated and sustained by my marriage, kids...
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The Real Meaning of the Immaculate Conception, Explained Clearly
Key topics - What the Immaculate Conception actually means—and what it does not mean - The doctrine was defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX - Mary’s freedom from original sin is presented as part of God’s plan of salvation, not just a private honor for Mary - Mary is described as an advocate, model…
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The Second Mountain Truth That Changes How You See Success
Key Takeaways The second mountain is a posture, not a destination. Ego can hide behind discipline and success. Vocation is protected by indifference to status. Community is essential to moral growth. Christianity already addresses many modern questions about meaning. Broken commitments require…
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Why You’re Miserable (And How to Find Meaning)
Key Topics The definition of meaning as coherence, purpose, and significance The role of silence and reflection in finding meaning How modern life and technology impact our sense of purpose The importance of suffering and how to not waste it The relationship between happiness, satisfaction, and...
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Why the Early Church Grew Faster Than Rome
Key topics: -Christian growth was not mainly about messaging - it was about making life more livable -A community grows when it asks more of people, not less -Martyrdom worked as testimony because it made belief visible -The church’s sexual ethic is not prudishness - it is protection -Women were...
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Why the Early Church Wasn't Just a Movement of the Poor—It Thrived Because of the Wealthy
Key Topics: Christianity grew through relationships, service, and trust — not force. Early Christians often came from the middle and upper classes, not just the poor. Caring for the sick and vulnerable gave the early church its credibility. Wealth wasn’t the problem; it became powerful when used...
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The Surprising Role of the Church in Abolishing Slavery and Promoting Human Dignity
Key Topics Covered: The ten common lies about the Catholic Church debunked through history The church’s true stance on authoritarian regimes and tyranny Clarification on the church's role in slavery and colonialism How the church supported early scientific inquiry and education The influence of...
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The Surprising Truth About the Crusades and Church History Revisionism
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Rodney Stark and revisionist history 01:14 - Stark's background and influence 02:13 - Discussion on apostasy and church history 03:08 - Misconceptions about the Crusades and Dark Ages 05:00 - Revisionist history and its impact 06:28 - The truth about the…
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The Virtue Missing from Stoicism That Can Transform Your Spiritual Life
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Stoicism and its fascination 02:07 - Origins of Stoicism and influential figures 04:32 - Stoicism’s relationship with Christian and Jewish history 05:02 - Common misconceptions about Stoicism being emotionless 06:28 - The founder Zeno and the philosophy’s Greek...
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How the Story of Jonah Reveals the Hidden Consequences of Running Away From Your Purpose
Key topics Jonah's Story Jordan Peterson's Insights Divine Mercy Forgiveness and Boundaries Moral Responsibility Symbolism Active Participation Chapters 00:48 - Introduction to Jonah's story 01:17 - Jujitsu benefits 04:06 - Jonah's significance 07:21 - Jonah's call and reluctance 08:19 - Flight…
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From Cross to Redemption: A Spiritual Journey
Key Takeaways: Symbolism of Serpents Role of the Cross Handling Life's Challenges Spiritual Resilience Community and Formation Embracing Adversity Faith Over Fear Moral Responsibility Community Support Symbolic Lessons Chapters: 1.- 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome and reflections on Lent and…
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Divine Order vs. Chaos
Chapters: 1. 00:47 – Introduction and Context 2. The Golden Calf and Materialism - 01:12 3. Peterson's Thesis on Materialism - 02:08 – 4. Critique of Rationalist Atheism - 04:03 - 5. Cultural Reflections: WALL-E and Independence Day - 08:41 6. Divine Order and the Ten Commandments - 14:08 7....
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Freedom Through Struggle: Leadership Lessons From Moses
Key Topics: Leadership vs. Management: Evoking action and creating space Moses’ Leadership: Growth through divine connection Freedom vs. Slavery: The journey through wilderness Suffering and Transformation: The role of wilderness Hierarchy and Subsidiarity: In society and the Church Laws and...
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The Burning Bush Moment: Why Paying Attention Changes Your Entire Life
Key Topics Moses' early life and rise to leadership The significance of the burning bush as a call to adventure The importance of paying attention to divine signs Maturity and self-actualization through divine trust The role of responsibility and calling in personal growth Sound Bites "The…
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The Adventure of Life: Lessons from Abraham
Takeaways Trust is key to unlocking potential. Sacrifice is necessary for growth. Adventure requires stepping out of comfort zones. Abraham's story is a journey of faith. Real estate trends are influenced by cultural shifts. Interest rates impact housing markets. Generational changes affect home...
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Babel and Beyond: Understanding Human Ambition
Takeaways Pride is not just a personal flaw but can unravel communities. Ambition can serve God or sabotage peace. The Tower of Babel story is a cautionary tale about human overreach. Jordan Peterson's interpretation highlights the dangers of intellectual pride. The story's themes are relevant to...
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Transform Your Life Through Exodus 90: The Power of Saying No
Takeaways The importance of discipline, prayer, and community in spiritual growth. Exodus 90 and Beloved 90 as tools for personal development. The power of saying no to distractions. Fraternity as a central aspect of the Christian life. The role of spiritual exercises in connecting with faith....
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Build BEFORE IT Rains: What Noah Teaches Men About Spiritual Readiness
Episode Notes The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith.…
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How We Master Envy Through Sacrifice
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary: Part 4 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland continue the discussion of Jordan Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God,...
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The Real Reason Your Life Feels Chaotic (And How God Fixes It)
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary: Part 3 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland explore the themes presented in Jordan Peterson's book - Chapter 3…
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👉 Stop Trashing Yourself — You’re Made for Greatness
Summary : Part 2 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland explore the various themes present in Chapter One surrounding human dignity and the interpretation of Genesis as presented in Jordan Peterson's book, 'We Who Wrestle With God.' They...
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Why God Wants You to "Struggle" : Lessons from Jordan Peterson & Genesis
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary NEW SERIES! In this episode, Fr. Craig and Jimmy begin a new series delving into Jordan Peterson's book 'We Who Wrestle with God', exploring its themes of spirituality, the human...
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Say No to the Fetal Position & Embrace the Adventure
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland explore the theme of faith as an adventure, drawing insights from Bishop Robert Barron's podcast. They discuss the biblical…
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Fastpass to Catholic Disneyland : Wrapping Up the Spiritual Disciplines
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - 📖 Episode Summary In this episode, Fr. Craig (the Monk) and Jimmy (the Meathead) dive deep into the final five disciplines of the Catholic Christian life. Using stories from jiu-jitsu...
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Controlling the Comfort Train: 3 More Spiritual Disciplines
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary The Interior Life, Silence & Solitude, and Fasting: Spiritual Disciplines for a Magnanimous Heart In this episode of The Monk and the Meathead, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland…
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Bonus! Defeating the Noonday Devil with the Hallow App
Join Fr. Craig and Jimmy as they delve into a modern tool for the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, exploring how these practices can enrich the lives of Catholics today and help you defeat the noonday devil! Discover the benefits of using the Hallow app for daily spiritual exercises...
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Are These Sacraments Actually Working? The Spiritual Metric That Matters
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Most Catholics are doing all the right things—attending Mass, going to confession (fasting during Lent etc.) —but are we actually becoming more loving? In this thought-provoking episode…
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Feeling Spiritually Sluggish? Welcome to the 9 Disciplines
Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary In this conversation, the monk & the meathead, Fr. Craig and Jimmy, explore the intersection of spiritual practices, and daily life, emphasizing the importance of discipline and...
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[Rebroadcast!] I thought life was supposed to be an adventure... (Hero's Journey Part 1)
Happy Memorial Day! With Fr. Craig on a pilgramage in Rome, we return to an foundational topic of The Monk & The Meathead. The Hero's Journey. On this episode Father Craig and Jimmy discuss a 5,000 year old pattern that can be seen in every myth, legend, novel, movie, and comic book. Humans love...
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Habemus Papam! Insights on Pope Leo XIV, Infinite Games, and Resilience
What if your setbacks were actually the stepping stones to a richer life? In a world where external losses are often weighed more heavily than personal growth, we invite you to rethink the game of life. As we celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, we discuss the profound...
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What's up with the Pope??
We navigate the poignant moment of Pope Francis' passing and the impending conclave to elect a new pope. Reflecting on the surprise and sadness of the Pope's rapid health decline, we balance these emotions with the acknowledgment of his journey to eternal life. We explore Pope Francis' impactful...
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It's Christian Super Bowl Week!!!
In this episode, we explore the profound significance of Holy Week, likening it to the Super Bowl of the Christian faith. This week represents the essence of being a follower of Jesus, as we journey through the Triduum—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday....
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Built Not Born: Why Struggle Might Be the Point
What if the challenges you face daily mold you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself? That's the intriguing idea we explore with Jimmy in this episode, as we draw from the timeless image of God as a potter-shaping clay, lifted from the pages of Jeremiah. Our conversation spins a tapestry of...
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Reboot Episode: The Monk and The Meathead
Picture this: two hosts, one with the discipline of a monk and the other with the vigor of a meathead, coming together to explore the balance between faith and worldly pursuits. This episode marks the relaunch of our podcast as "The Monk and the Meathead," inspired by our own unique journeys and...
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Trailer
There are many resources for studying scripture, exploring theological mysteries, or understanding the current events of the church. But what about a forum for those most basic questions? Questions like why is my work miserable? How do I better my family life? Why do I have to go to Church every...
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Lent: Spiritual Spring Training
Send your questions to Father Craig at [email protected] Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes! The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen...
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The Pearl of Great Price and an Invitation to Go Search For It
Father Craig and Jimmy discuss a reading from the Gospel of Luke talking about how the the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, Matthew 13:46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Father Craig invites listeners to sign up...
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The S**TTER IS FULL: Merry Christmas and spiritual analysis on Christmas Vacation movie
In this episode Father Craig and Jimmy talk about the classic Christmas movie Christmas vacation. They also talk about how the real meaning of Christmas and how to best prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ They also mention in the show last years Christmas episode where the talk about…
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Here's the opportunity to be a better husband, father, friend, businessman, and Believer: Sign up for the 2024 Acts retreat
Father Craig could not make this one but Jimmy Vreeland, Justin Basara (Director of this year's Acts Retreat), and Craig Avery (Co Director of the retreat) talk about their experience on the Acts retreat and invite those listening to attend The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen…
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Election Edition: What is the role of Catholics in politics and what is the role of the Church?
In this Episode Father Craig Discusses an article from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops called Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Here is the link to that article: https://www.usccb.org/sjp/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship Father Craig discusses what the...
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Freedom, Rights, Responsibilities and Why To Vote NO on Amendment 3
The conversation today starts with Father Craigs Homily encouraging all parishioners to vote NO on amendment 3 which is Missouri law that will allow anyone with a medical license to perform an abortion and will also allow 9 month abortions. The Conversation then goes into a a deeper dive on...
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Practicing the Way: Becoming an Apprentice of Jesus
Father Craig discusses the book Practicing the Way. This book is very challenging and inspiring because it asks all of us to become an apprentice of Jesus. The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point...
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Teaching and Training the Foundations of Discipleship: The End of Beige Catholicism at MQP
"The worst part of Catholicism is to see people in Church and not know why they are there." - Chris Stefanick Father Craig has a new initiative to introduce in order to end the phenomenon of people not knowing why they are at church and to get more people in the church. In this podcast, he...
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Lessons Learned In the Wilderness
Father Craig and Jimmy discuss one of the greatest themes from the Bible. The fact that every spiritual adventure starts with hearing a call to run towards God, a crossing of some type of threshold, and the straight to the wilderness. And the wilderness is either the place you grow by…
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Becoming a Priest During the Rise of the New Atheists
Father Craig talks about his faith journey during the early 2000s when he entered the seminary. The early 2000s was not the easiest time to join the Priesthood but Father Craig talks about the challenges the Church and society were facing at the that time actually strengthened his faith and his...
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The Surprising Rebirth in the Belief In God
Is there a Revival Brewing? The New Atheists who dominated the early 2000s seem to have lost steam and people are returning back to God and Religion. Here is the recent evidence; Richard Dawkins has said that he is cultural Christian and Bill Maher is turning against the woke crowd. In this…
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Lets Go Get Canceled For Agreeing with Harrison Butker
Special guest, Susie Vreeland, joins the podcast to discuss the Harrison Butker commencement address at Benedictine University. Father Craig, Jimmy and Susie discuss the conclusion that no one male or female will find their ultimate fulfillment in their career. People find their ultimate...
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The Great Commission, The Greatest Commandment, and The Great Challenge
In this episode Father Craig discusses how when you combine the Great Commission that happened at Pentecost with the Greatest Commandment to Love Your Neighbor as yourself, Christians are given the great Challenge. Listen in to hear how to accept and with Gods grace live up this challenge. The…
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It's Ladies Night at the MQP Women's Acts Retreat
Father Craig invited two parishioners to discuss the women's Acts Retreat for 2024. It is occurring in 2 weeks if you are interested. The guests talked about the great results they have experienced in going on the Acts Retreat and what people who are interested in the Acts Retreat can also…
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About this show
Men today know the value of discipline—whether it's in the gym or golf course or at work at the office, warehouse or boardroom. You push yourself, commit to the grind, and chase excellence. But when it comes to faith, why does sitting in a pew on Sunday feel like a passive, box-checking exercise instead of an adventure?That’s where The Monk and the Meathead steps in.Hosted by Jimmy Vreeland, a West Point grad, Army veteran, and successful entrepreneur who once thought he had it all—until he realized something was missing. And Fr. Craig Holway, a priest who doesn’t give weak answers or sugarcoat the truth tackling real questions from Jimmy and other busy men about purpose, leadership, discipline, and the hard truths of following Christ in today’s world in their marriages, families and life. Subscribe, send us your toughest questions, and get ready to step up. This is The Monk and the Meathead.
Hosted by
Father Craig Holway
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