The Storydram

Throwback to the National Eucharistic Congress when Chris is convinced he is bringing home a prized case of Spotted Cow—only to discover that he bought something entirely different.What begins as a tale of Wisconsin beer, mistaken packaging, and profound disappointment becomes a conversation about the counterfeits we reach for when our hearts are really hungry for God. The guys reflect on the Eucharist, daily distractions, unexpected interruptions, and the freedom of realizing that prayer does not depend on our ability to manufacture the perfect spiritual experience.Sometimes we think we know exactly what we are looking for. Sometimes God has to open the case and show us what is actually inside.

What does a sketchy neighborhood, a roadside barbecue joint, and the Catholic Church have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Story Drām, Chris shares the story of discovering an unforgettable Kansas City barbecue restaurant—and realizing that sometimes the best things are worth driving through a few rough neighborhoods to find. That experience becomes a surprisingly powerful image for the Church: no parish is perfect, and every community has its weaknesses, but the Church as a whole contains the fullness of what we need in Christ. From smoked meats to the saints, from the Transfiguration to the Eucharist, this conversation explores what it means to recognize Jesus at the heart of the Church even when everything around Him feels imperfect. We also wrestle honestly with the reality that people sometimes find different pieces of their Catholic faith in different parishes—and why that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you've ever been frustrated by your parish, wondered whether you're in the "right" church, or struggled to see Jesus through the imperfections of the people around you, this episode is for you. Sometimes, after all the twists, turns, railroad tracks, and questionable directions, you finally arrive and realize: this is going to be good.

What can a trip to the grocery store teach us about prayer, fatherhood, and the love of God? In this episode of Storydrām, a simple daddy-daughter trip to Cub Foods—complete with clearance meat and frozen slushies—becomes a beautiful reflection on why the ordinary moments of life matter so much. Kory shares how these small, seemingly insignificant moments with his daughter are actually some of the most precious gifts of fatherhood. From there, the conversation turns toward prayer and the surprising truth that every moment of our lives is sacred, even though we often need intentional time set aside to recognize God's presence. What if your time in prayer isn't just about asking God for something, but about discovering just how completely beloved you are? The guys explore the profound reality that the God who holds the universe in existence gives each of us His full and undivided attention.

What does washing a car have to do with prayer?A childhood lesson from Chris's dad leads to a conversation about the difference between checking boxes and truly seeking intimacy with God. Discover how even the ordinary tasks of life can become opportunities for worship, growth, and deeper communion with Christ.

Sometimes one awkward sentence can reveal what's really going on in our hearts.In this episode, Kory shares an embarrassing encounter with Archbishop Hebda after being accepted into diaconate formation—a moment where nerves got the best of him and he completely put his foot in his mouth. What begins as a funny story turns into a deeper conversation about humility, imposter syndrome, and why we often use humor to deflect when life gets serious.Along the way, Kory and Chris explore the biblical wisdom of being "quick to hear, slow to speak" (James 1:19), the surprising origins of familiar sayings, and how God invites us to recognize the sacredness hidden in ordinary moments—from Sunday Mass to family life to everyday conversations.If you've ever replayed an awkward conversation in your head or wondered whether you're really worthy of what God is calling you to, this episode is for you.

What do camping disasters, family road trips, and a last-minute restaurant change have to do with the Mass? More than you'd think. The guys explore how every member of a family—and every member of the Church—has a unique role to play. Whether you feel like the altar or "just a brick," God has a place for you in building His Kingdom.

What starts as a simple attempt to make a men's event a little quieter ends with 800 school lunches, one unplugged milk fridge, and a very embarrassing email to an entire parish staff.In this throwback episode of Storydram Roulette, Kory shares one of his most humbling moments—and how a Peruvian nun, a wise confessor, and the Litany of Humility transformed a public mistake into an unexpected lesson about grace. Together, the guys explore the difference between failure and sin, why we work so hard to protect our reputations, and how God often uses our most embarrassing moments to make us more like Christ.Sometimes the greatest stories begin with spoiled milk.

Chris and Kory kick off Independence Day with fireworks, family traditions, and a festive cocktail before an unexpected encounter takes the conversation in a deeper direction. After a bat invades Kory's century-old home, a dramatic rescue ends with a hawk swooping in for its next meal. What begins as a funny family story becomes a reflection on fear, mortality, and the Christian practice of memento mori—remembering that our lives are finite. Along the way, they explore why modern life keeps death at a distance, how that shapes the way we value life, and why even ordinary stories can point us toward eternal truths.

A routine trip to the gym takes an unexpected turn when Kory finds himself caught in the middle of a heated locker-room confrontation over a missing Star Wars towel. As tempers flare and accusations fly, a simple conflict becomes an opportunity to reflect on mercy, justice, and the surprising way God loves every person involved—even when they're at odds with each other. Along the way, the guys discuss forgiveness and why we're often both the one who has been wronged and the one in need of grace.

What do a Cardinals game, a missing wallet, and a stranger's integrity have in common? More than you'd think. Chris shares the story of losing his wallet at Target Field and how the experience revealed a powerful spiritual truth: we rarely lose the most important things in life on purpose. Faith, patience, trust, and love are usually lost one small decision at a time.

In this Storydram throwback, Ryan O'Hara shares one of the funniest stories in podcast history—a hotel elevator encounter with a group of vampire role-players—and one of the most moving. Ryan reflects on growing up with a father who suffered from early-onset Alzheimer's, the wounds and maturity that came from it, and how God has brought healing, identity, and hope through the years.

We're digging into the Story Dram archives for this special throwback episode. Chris shares the unforgettable story of the day his young daughter accidentally boarded the wrong school bus and seemingly disappeared for a terrifying half hour. What follows is a powerful reflection on what it means to be lost, how God relentlessly searches for His children, and the joy of being found again. A timeless conversation about family, faith, fear, and grace.

What do toothpicks, deodorant, and prayer have in common? More than you might think. The guys begin with a surprisingly passionate discussion about toothpicks before Chris shares a story about borrowing his wife's deodorant and unexpectedly being reminded of her presence throughout the day. That simple experience becomes a powerful reflection on prayer, the Eucharist, and the small reminders God places in our lives to draw us back to Him. Join us as we explore how holy habits, daily rituals, and simple reminders can help us carry the presence of Christ wherever we go.

Hacky sack is back—and somehow that leads the guys into a deeper conversation about friendship, virtue, and the people who shape who we become. From baseball stories to Aristotle to youth ministry memories, this episode is all about the gift of good friends and becoming one for others.

In this episode: why Costco is dangerous, deodorant struggles, Block Blast theology, shepherds vs. wolves!After celebrating Leo’s First Communion on Good Shepherd Sunday, the guys reflect on the mysterious ways God works through ordinary moments, meaningful coincidences, and unexpected patterns. From fatherhood and gift-giving to the fierce love of the Good Shepherd, this episode is about learning to recognize the fingerprints of God in everyday life.A funny, heartfelt episode about grace, family, and the God who never stops pursuing His sheep.

Chris shares the surprisingly spiritual experience of walking into a bank to withdraw cash before a family vacation — and realizing he felt completely out of place. That awkward moment sparks a deeper conversation about imposter syndrome, hospitality, why time seems to speed up and slow down, and what it feels like to walk into a Catholic Mass for the very first time.What might it look like if the Body of Christ became better at welcoming people who feel like they don’t belong? And what if all of us need to recover a little awe at the mystery unfolding every Sunday?

A simple lunch outing turns into an unforgettable moment when Chris takes a hard fall—literally—walking into a sushi restaurant. What starts as a hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) story quickly opens into something deeper: the reality of falling in the spiritual life.In this episode, the guysy reflect on failure, sin, and the mercy of God. Why is it so easy to stay on our feet physically, but so hard spiritually? And what does it mean to get back up—again and again?If you’ve ever felt like you’ve fallen too far, this episode is for you.

What starts as a late-night Easter Vigil run to McDonald’s turns into something much deeper: a conversation about readiness, calling, and the unexpected ways God invites us into His work.The guys share stories from the Triduum—from cheeseburgers and melting ice cream to a powerful Holy Thursday moment where Kory catches a falling 91-year-old woman during the washing of the feet. What unfolds is more than a close call—it’s a glimpse into how God forms us over time for moments we never see coming.Drawing on the witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the beauty of the Easter Vigil, and the daily call to discipleship, this episode explores a simple but challenging truth: God’s call isn’t usually planned—it’s lived.If we want to respond in the big moments, we have to practice saying yes in the small ones.Key takeaway: Stay close to Jesus, live with virtue, and be ready—because you never know when you’ll be called into something holy.

The guys start with wild fun facts—but things take a turn when Chris shares a story from a jungle night hike in Costa Rica… where he came face-to-face with one of the deadliest snakes in the world.What begins as a vacation story becomes something deeper: a reflection on unseen danger, spiritual awareness, and the reality that we often don’t realize how close we are to harm—physically and spiritually.And then comes the question:What does it feel like to make it out alive?In this Easter season, that feeling points to something much bigger. Not as an idea, but as something real, visceral, and worth celebrating with everything we’ve got.

Happy Easter! In this episode of Story dram, Chris and Kory kick things off with Easter candy rankings and a surprisingly meaningful Holy Week idea—praying and sacrificing for someone far from God.But the heart of the episode comes through a real-life story: Kory’s recent knee surgery and the unexpected spiritual shift that followed. What if the hard parts of life aren’t interruptions… but the point? What if “this” is the life God is using to form you?From physical therapy to family travel chaos, the guys explore how to stop grumbling, embrace the present moment, and discover that even the “cost” might actually be the gift.Because maybe it’s true: travel days are vacation days.

Holy Week is here—and while most of us know Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter, what about Spy Wednesday?In this episode, the guys reflect on betrayal, friendship, and one honest email that transformed a simple tradition into something holy.What in your life needs to be said? And who’s bold enough to say it?

Chris accidentally becomes an evangelist… for Ulysses S. Grant after diving deep into a 48-hour biography—and his staff pays the price. From 19th-century emails to unexpected insights about storytelling, Chris and Kory explore how what we consume shapes what comes out of us.But the conversation turns when a simple story about a locked car reveals something deeper: ignorance doesn’t actually change reality—it just changes whether we face it.Why do we sometimes avoid the truth? Does not knowing really make us freer? And what does it look like to trust that God’s way is actually for our good?A mix of humor, history, and honest faith—this one goes deeper than you expect.

Chris and Kory talk about the skills they abandoned when they were younger—and how easy talent can sometimes keep us from growing.Kory shares a childhood story about crashing his brother’s brand-new RC airplane and the surprising moment of healing that came years later. The conversation turns to regret, the story of the rich young man, and why the things we don’t do might haunt us more than the things we did.Plus: hot tub conversations, free oysters for 80-year-olds, and why the Lord often meets us right at our point of pain.

What happens when a toddler turns a training toilet seat into a crown… and then gets it stuck around his neck?Chris shares the unforgettable story of his son Leo, a toilet seat, and the moment that required a hacksaw to fix the problem. What started as a hilarious parenting story turned into a powerful lesson about trust—especially the kind of trust we’re invited to have with God.Sometimes we want healing, freedom, or change… but the way God wants to bring it about feels uncomfortable, vulnerable, or even a little scary. Just like Leo trusting his dad in a tense moment, we’re invited to trust that God knows what he’s doing.The guys talk about why prayer is an act of trust, why God asks us to ask for what we need, and how learning dependence on God might be the key to letting Him remove the things we’ve gotten stuck around our own necks.

After debating overtime hockey and Olympic glory, a family road trip to Wisconsin Dells takes a turn when a flashing dashboard light threatens to derail everything. What follows is a dark country road, a mysterious mechanic, and an unexpected offer of radical generosity.In this episode, the guys explore what happens when self-reliance fails, trust feels risky, and God shows up through the most unlikely people. From sudden-death overtime to sudden grace, this story reminds us that sometimes the ones we least expect reveal the presence of God in our lives.

A simple bus ride turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.When Chris’s seven-year-old daughter was accidentally put on the wrong school bus, what followed was 30 minutes of fear, confusion, and one terrifying question: Will we ever see her again?In this episode of Storydram we explore what it really means to be lost — and why being found is always worth celebrating. From panic to reunion (and ice cream), this story points to a deeper truth: we are never too far gone, and God never stops searching.Heaven rejoices when the lost come home.Let’s go make some stories.

What do facial hair trends, poisonous frogs in Mexico, clogged toilets full of goldfish, and an unexpected indoor fireball have in common? Apparently… youth ministry.In this episode of Storydram, Chris and Kory sit down with Eric Duffy to swap unforgettable (and occasionally alarming) stories from years of ministry—stories that felt like failures in the moment but became moments of grace, growth, and lasting impact.From mission trips gone sideways to retreats that nearly ended in disaster, this conversation explores what it really means to take risks for the Gospel, why God can work through our worst ideas (and our best intentions), and how the only real failure is refusing to show up at all.It’s hilarious, honest, and deeply encouraging—especially for anyone who’s ever been afraid to try, afraid to fail, or afraid to say yes.

What do woodworking, canoe-building, youth ministry, and teaching science all have in common? According to Eric Duffy—more than you’d think.In this episode of Storydram, Eric Duffy joins Chris and Kory to reflect on craftsmanship, vocation, and the kind of faith that’s built slowly, patiently, and with a lot of trust. Did we mention that Eric had a front row seat to Chris' earliest youth ministry years? From constructing a wooden canoe in half-hour increments to discovering that ministry only works when Jesus—not community—is at the center, this conversation traces how joy, belonging, and belief are formed over time.Eric shares how youth ministry shaped his faith, why five faithful adults can change the trajectory of one young person’s life, and how teaching science has become a daily opportunity to witness to Christ. It’s a hopeful, grounded conversation about showing up, building what lasts, and trusting that—by God’s grace—it will still float.

Have you ever failed to recognize someone you know—simply because you weren’t expecting to see them there?In this episode of StoryDram Chris and Kory start with songs stuck in their heads and an awkward restaurant encounter… and end up reflecting on one of the most mysterious moments in the Gospels: why the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus after the Resurrection.A funny, thoughtful conversation about expectation, faith, beauty, and learning to see Christ in places we didn’t expect Him to be.

Kory fails at car repair, rips his pants at church, and ends up teaching baptism prep in a server robe.Somehow, God still shows up.In this episode, The guys talk about strengths, weakness, vulnerability, and why faith often breaks through after things fall apart. A hilarious and honest story about embarrassment, baptism, and learning to let God work through what isn’t perfect.

This episode starts innocently enough: a heated debate about coziness, slippers, and why Americans seem allergic to being comfortable. But somewhere between a youth ministry lockout, a late-night dance-off, and a moment of unchecked confidence, everything goes wrong.What happens when a youth minister tries to hype up a crowd… and suddenly wakes up on the floor surrounded by teenagers asking if he’s dead?Chris tells a true story he’s never told on the podcast before—one involving a packed gym, a DJ, a split-second misstep, and a decision that maybe should’ve ended with a hospital visit… but didn’t. From there, the conversation opens into something deeper: why showing up matters, why fun isn’t a distraction from ministry, and how relationships—not programs—often become the place where the Gospel is actually encountered.If you’ve ever wondered what really makes youth ministry work, why presence matters more than perfection, or how one reckless moment can reveal something true about the Kingdom of God—this story is worth staying up for.

Christmas is over and Ordinary Time has begun—but what if the ordinary is where life’s deepest meaning is found? Chris and Kory reflect on favorite Christmas movies, discovering It’s a Wonderful Life for the first time, and how a costly mistake at the gas pump became a lesson in gratitude. This episode explores how good stories help us see what truly matters especially when things go wrong.

Every year many stay up late, eat too much, maybe drink a little, and expect New Year’s Eve to be unforgettable. And almost every year… it isn’t.In this New Year’s episode of Storydram the guys reflect on why New Year’s Eve so often fails to live up to the hype—and what that disappointment reveals about our expectations and desires. A simple Pizza Hut daddy-daughter date becomes the catalyst for reflecting on how often we get what we want, only to find it doesn’t satisfy us. What do our desires say about us? Why does choosing the good often come before wanting it? And how does faith reshape what we hope for in the new year?

Merry Christmas from Storydram! 🎄In this special Christmas episode, Chris and Kory are joined by Alicia LaCroix for a powerful and deeply human story about mercy, confession, and what happens when we simply can’t find the words.Alicia shares her first confession as an adult convert — a moment marked not by eloquence or confidence, but by fear, silence, and a handwritten list she couldn’t bring herself to read aloud. What happened next became a living icon of Christ’s mercy: a priest who gently carried the burden when she couldn’t.As the conversation unfolds, the guys reflect on:Confession as participation in Christ’s saving workThe Incarnation and a Savior who takes on what isn’t HisWhy God meets us as we are, not as we wish we wereSt. Thérèse, spiritual poverty, and needing mercy “more,” not lessHow simply showing up can be an act of faithThis episode is an invitation to remember that Jesus didn’t come for the capable — He came for those who need saving.Whether it’s been years since your last confession or just days, this story is for anyone who has ever frozen, failed, or felt unworthy — and showed up anyway.Merry Christmas. You are loved. Go make some stories.

As we record on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the house is loud, the stew is hot, and Christmas is almost here. In this episode of Storydram, Chris and Kory reflect on the rising joy of Advent — a season that is both penitential and festive, quiet and loud, already here and still coming.Chris shares a childhood story of sledding gone wrong: a younger sister, a steep hill, and a brick wall at the bottom. What follows is a powerful reflection on what it really means to love someone — not just to watch them, but to actively care for them, warn them, stop them when needed, and stay with them when they fall anyway.Together, the conversation moves from family life to friendship, and from human responsibility to divine mercy. What do we do when someone we love is heading toward harm? When do we intervene — and when do we walk with them back up the hill?As Christmas approaches, this episode reminds us why Christ comes at all: because we are already at the bottom of the hill, and He comes not to shame us, but to pick us up and bring us home.

A moment of humor turns into a moment of charity in this week’s episode. Kory tells the story of accidentally sending a fake episode title (“Signs Your Hemorrhoids Might Be Infected”) to a very normal listener… and how that led into a deeper reflection on crossing thresholds, sacred space, and what happens when life interrupts liturgy.Chris and Kory talk about jumping over pews, fainting parishioners, young parents in the narthex, and why sometimes the right thing to do in church looks nothing like what we think we “should” be doing. What do we do when prayer gets interrupted, when penances get inconvenient, or when the sacred feels messy?This honest, funny, and surprisingly pastoral conversation reminds us: charity always comes first, God shows up in the interruptions, and how Mass can still be worship even when it looks nothing like normal.

From broken tools and hit-and-run garbage cans to being “pretty woman-ed” in a clothing store — a humorous look at reclaiming your peace in everyday annoyances.In this episode of Storydram, Chris and Kory swap stories of stolen recycling bins, shattered garbage cans, and mysteriously disappearing Caribou Coffee rewards. What do we do when someone says something rude, unfair, or just plain weird? How do we keep frustration from stealing our peace?From automatic negative thoughts to choosing charity in the face of irritation, the guys explore how ordinary moments can become training grounds for virtue, forgiveness, and deeper union with Christ — especially during Advent, when we’re invited to stay awake and surrender the little hurts of each day. It’s funny, relatable, and quietly challenging: you may not control what happens, but you can always choose how to respond.

From Elon Musk “flying cars” and AI hymn-writing to a dusty Amazon box under a desk, this episode of Story Time is all about unfinished things. Inside the box: a knife, a half-carved spoon, and a question that won’t go away—Why did I quit?Chris and Kory use that abandoned project to explore a bigger discernment: When is quitting actually wise, and when is it a missed chance to grow in fortitude, self-denial, and love? Along the way they touch on prudence, fasting, and Jesus’ call to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” It’s an invitation to look at your own unfinished projects and ask: What is God teaching me here—about quitting, staying, and truly following Him?

What starts as a goofy chat about missed talents (beatboxing, flip turns, and failed skateboard dreams) turns into a tender story about a son taking his mom out for dinner, dress shopping, and a night at the Guthrie. Chris and Kory reflect on honoring our parents, the power of remembering, and how the love we received as children shapes the way we now love our own kids—right down to simple things like bedtime blessings. This episode is an invitation to call your mom, take her on a date, and see your family as part of the way God has always been faithful to you.

What happens when two youth ministers decide to wander Minneapolis with no phones, no plan, and only one rule: follow every recommendation and meet whoever God puts in front of us?In this episode, Chris and Kory welcome Luke Clavin, who tells the story of a single night that stretched from fancy cocktails and live blues to a speakeasy, stolen glassware, a fake Halloween skeleton, and—right in the middle of it all—a couple looking for hope.The conversation turns toward Jesus, the gospel, and what it really means to be “on” as a Christian even on your day off. Along the way, the guys talk about:Why listening often opens the door to sharing the KerygmaHow our job or vocation can suddenly give us unexpected spiritual authorityThe tension between boundaries and being available when God movesIt’s a story about wandering the city, finding Christ in unexpected places, and remembering that our lives—and our nights—aren’t really our own.

Sometimes the people God wants to reach aren’t the ones we’re talking to—but the ones listening just beyond the conversation.In this episode, Chris and Kory start with stories about family reunion sweatshirts, matching pajamas, and a dad’s running tradition that turns out to mean much more than it seems. Then they move into a reflection on what it means to admonish the sinner—to speak truth with love, humility, and courage.Along the way, they discover how even an overheard word can spark conversion, and how grace often works in ways we’ll never see.And yes, “StoryDram Family Reunion Pajamas” still might be happening.

After a Halloween night filled with candy debates and neighborly cheer, Chris shares a story from Farm Aid 2025 that starts with a $20 warm beer and ends with an unexpected reflection on judgment, mercy, and seeing others’ intentions in a new light.In this episode, Kory and Chris swap their top (and bottom) Halloween candies, talk about trick-or-treating as dads, and somehow find themselves exploring what happens when we retell our own stories — not as the main character, but as someone learning to give the benefit of the doubt.It’s equal parts hilarious, human, and heart-checking — a reminder that sometimes the best lessons come from the most ordinary moments… and even from a lukewarm IPA.

Tyler thought it’d be funny. Rachel said “don’t.” What happened next turned into a lesson on joy, humility, and holy whimsy in marriage. A hilarious and heartfelt conversation about how God delights in our delight.Tyler and Rachel McCollum join Chris and Kory for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about newlywed life. Along the way, the guys explore how whimsy and delight in marriage are not just fun they are essential, and sacred, reminding us that God delights in us and in our joys.

Tyler just wanted coffee. Ten minutes later, he was saving a man’s life. This wild story will make you think twice about where God might be placing you today. In this episode, the guys welcome Tyler and Rachel McCollum and unpack the wild story of how Tyler ended up saving a man’s life, and what it revealed about listening to promptings, providence, and presence. Between the laughs and disbelief, there’s a deeper thread: how God places us exactly where we’re needed, even in the ordinary flow of a Tuesday morning. It’s funny, moving, and one of those stories that sticks with you long after the episode ends.

Chris and Kory check in on an early episodes pumpkin spice predictions, confess their creamer choices, and take a detour into a touching story about a daddy-daughter date that points straight to the Father’s love. Equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and grace — it’s Storydram at its best.Whether you’re sipping a pumpkin spice latte or trying your first dirty soda, this episode will leave you smiling — and maybe a little more aware of the God who delights in you. 

Chris and Kory take a dive into the deadly sin of gluttony — and end up somewhere entirely unexpected. Between talk of Mega Stuf, coffee-flavored cookies, and college peanut butter hacks, they start to uncover a truth about desire, discipline, and what we’re really hungry for.Chris gives us a glimpse into a youth ministry pastime - "midnight basketball" through a story about one bold freshman who gave himself the nickname “The Franchise.” The laughter that followed still echoes years later, but now it means something more.Through these stories, the guys explore how identity shapes action, and how true boldness comes not from confidence but from communion. When we know who we are in Christ, we can live with the kind of fearless joy that turns everyday moments — even a late-night Oreo dunk — into a glimpse of grace.

This week Chris and Kory swap stories about the first shows they ever binged (Lost, Sopranos, Arrested Development). But the conversation takes a turn: from marathon TV days and “rotting” on your phone, to what true rest really means.Is rest just entertainment and distraction? Or is it something deeper—something rooted in Sabbath, worship, and relationship with God? The guys wrestle with John Paul II’s wisdom, the difference between Saturday and Sunday, and what it means to waste time well in the eyes of God.👉 What would it take for you to make this Sunday not just another weekend day, but a day truly set apart?

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever fallen asleep? From teepees to classrooms to parked cars, the guys start with ridiculous laughter before taking flight with monarch butterflies. The guys welcome special guest Brad Zasada as he shares a story of chasing monarchs in the Minnesota prairies — and how it became a lesson on prayer, expectation, and the surprising ways God speaks. Sometimes we run hard, sometimes we wait still, but always we’re invited to listen for the quiet voice of God.

Chris and Kory kick things off with playful fall-food banter — are pumpkin-spice drinks past their prime, and what in the world are “dirty sodas”? Chris shared about tense drive up Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, where fear of heights forced him to stop the climb and hand the drive (and vulnerability) over to his wife. It's a candid conversation about faith, fear, confession, and what it means to act in faith even when you don’t feel it. The guys reflect on the difference between emotional experience and spiritual practice — consistency and honesty in prayer, the value of returning even after failure, and how small acts (picking up the rosary, speaking truth aloud) are acts of hope. Gentle, honest, and practical — it's an episode on choosing faith, love, and hope especially when the feelings aren’t there.

The guys welcome the endearing and insightful Sarah Baudler to Storydram this week. When Sarah Baudler hopped on a train after a solo pilgrimage to Assisi, she didn’t expect to meet Brother Michael — a Franciscan friar whose parting words would stay with her for years: “I’m excited to see you again — if not in this life, then in the next.” In this episode, Chris, Kory, and Sarah reflect on Spirit-led encounters, the hope of heaven, and the profound connections we are made for as members of the Body of Christ.