The Buck Up Podcast

Thank you all for your understanding as St. Paul of the Cross is undergoing renovations that limit our studio access. We are looking forward to getting more episodes out in the coming weeks!We brought in Michael, a local Catholic personal trainer and owner of Resurrection Personal Fitness, to speak on his story of integrating faith with physical health. If you or someone you know could benefit from personal training services, please check out Michael's instagram and webpage below!Instagram: @resurrectionpfhttps://www.vagaro.com/resurrectionpersonalfitnessWe are honored to host and film our podcast out of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're looking for a beautiful place to pray, a powerful retreat experience, or a lively and loving community, this is the place! There is always so much going on here at St. Paul's so be sure to check out the link below for upcoming events and retreat opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there! https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/st-paul-of-the-cross/visit-us/upcoming-events-and-retreatsThe Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

We were honored to sit down with World War II veteran, Warren Goss, in his home for a special interview that we are so excited to share with you now. Mr. Goss' life story is a witness that true courage means trusting the Lord with everything. We were so inspired by him, and we know you will be too. Merry Christmas! The Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Thank you all for your patience in awaiting this special episode with Marcello Gariffo to continue our College Series. Marcello is in his junior year studying Psychology and Theology at Franciscan University. He joins us to share his beautiful story of conversion during high school, his journey in college, and what it means to be vulnerable with God as a man. We are honored to host and film our podcast out of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're looking for a beautiful place to pray, a powerful retreat experience, or a lively and loving community, this is the place! There is always so much going on here at St. Paul's so be sure to check out the link below for the latest events. We look forward to seeing you there! https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/st-paul-of-the-crossThe Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

This week we are joined in the studio by Andrew Pearce, a junior at Duquesne University, to continue our College Series, where we hear the triumphs and struggles of young men living their faith in college. Andrew is a member of the Army ROTC program, a cybersecurity and mathematic major, and the current coordinator of Opus Novum Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Duquesne University. We are honored to host and film our podcast out of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're looking for a beautiful place to pray, a powerful retreat experience, or a lively and loving community, this is the place! There is always so much going on here at St. Paul's so be sure to check out the link below for the latest events. We look forward to seeing you there! https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/st-paul-of-the-crossThe Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Christian Pinto joins us to share his perspective on integrating all aspects of spiritual, physical, and mental health, his experience of the Lord calling him deeper, and lots of laughter! Though we didn't touch on it during the episode, Christian is an incredible musician and you can check out his music on all streaming services by searching "Chris Pinto."We are honored to host and film our podcast out of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're looking for a beautiful place to pray, a powerful retreat experience, or a lively and loving community, this is the place! There is always so much going on here at St. Paul's so be sure to check out the link below for the latest events. We look forward to seeing you there! https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/st-paul-of-the-crossThe Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Justin Havens, an Air Force veteran and new husband, joins us in the studio today to share his beautiful re-version story, his thoughts on AI, and his perspective on brotherhood in the military and the Church.We are honored to host and film our podcast out of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're looking for a beautiful place to pray, a powerful retreat experience, or a lively and loving community, this is the place! There is always so much going on here at St. Paul's so be sure to check out the link below for the latest events. We look forward to seeing you there! https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/st-paul-of-the-crossThe Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Santonio Hill has been responding to the missionary call his whole life. First as a seminarian, then as a lay missionary with FOCUS and Vagabond, and now as a husband and father of two little ones. He braved our hot sweaty studio today for a beautiful discussion of how the Lord has led him in his journey of faith and masculinity. Santonio has an awesome new catholic men's brand called Catholic Balm Company which sells all-natural handmade beard balm, skin care, soap, and cologne products. Their mission is to draw you deeper into prayer and the mysteries of the Church through high-quality everyday care products that integrate your faith with your daily routine. Please support his business at the links below! Website: catholicbalm.coYoutube:  @CatholicBalmCo  Instagram: @catholicbalmco

Mario Parrotta is a husband, father, and Catholic motivational speaker. His story of rescue from darkness, redemption of suffering, and conversion to God's way powerfully testify to the truth that God can bring glory out of any evil. Please support Mario and the important message God is sharing through him by visiting the links below!Speaking engagements: marioparrotta.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mario_ParrottaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marioparrotta_?igsh=MXQ2MW9qZzV3NDNsNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19UzUtYfpc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fr. David Schmidt is a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, serving at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish and North Catholic High School. He has his Licentiate in Sacred Theology of Marriage and Family, and has been graced with a gift for teaching on these important topics. On this episode, we dive into all things TOB through the story of his call to the priesthood. The Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Kevin Peters is a husband, father of 9, and an on-fire Catholic man. He shares his background growing up in a military family, being immersed in southern Protestant culture, and ultimately how the beauty of the Church's teachings on marriage and sexuality drew him into embracing the Catholic life to the full. The Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

R.E. Lewis is my cousin, an owner of a gym, and a man whose life was radically transformed by God. R.E. has experienced everything that the world offers, but his powerful testimony of redemption reveals that it is all nothing compared to what God offers. The Buck Up PodcastInstagram: @buckuppodcast

Father Scott Seethaler O.F.M. Cap (Capuchin Franciscan) was ordained in 1969, and has been teaching, preaching, and traveling on mission ever since. In the spirit of St. Francis’ love for the poor, Father Scott founded The Anna Seethaler Hospital in Oaxaca, Mexico that provides healthcare to the poor. He joins us to share his wisdom, humor, and insights into masculinity that he has gained as a spiritual director for 55 years. The Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Joe Jacobs is a husband and father of seven, an electrician, and a member of the Pittsburgh-based music ministry Praise Nation. The ways God has worked through his extraordinary life experiences have made him into the husband, father, and man he is today. We are so grateful that he joins us with vulnerability and humility to inspire our masculine hearts to persevere toward the greatness we were created for. Please check out Praise Nation’s music and events:Website: https://www.praisenationpgh.org Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSt6-lpXiz3GPwoFentNjJQ  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3s2aJ5B8ByhwV5xaho1q2e?si=aIDzEGpRSU-NNoilCP9AJw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praisenationpgh/ Support and more: https://linktr.ee/praisenationpgh?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaex7X8cc3xNG0AhKo77nGG9Lkozlu6OO_xJomID0st7NxiGXSGqjyQLhHCBvA_aem_opCGcl1A-1yg6aiBicQIAA The Buck Up PodcastInstagram @buckuppodcast

Kiran Shanker is a young finance professional who had a beautiful conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism during his college years. He joins us to share his testimony, passion for doing God's work, and what it means to be a man 'equipped for the call.'

Fr. John Ferguson is in his first year of priesthood in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He shares his perspective on how the masculine heart is expressed through priesthood, following the model of Jesus Christ!

Fr. Joe Freedy is a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, currently serving at Divine Grace Parish. He joins us to share beautiful insights from his journey of allowing God to “Father” him into the man he was created to be.

Dominic Engle is my younger brother, here to join us for the first episode of the College Series. Throughout this series, we will hear the experiences of young men who are seeking to grow in holiness and authentic masculinity by bolding living their faith as college students. 

Leo Merhaut is my good friend and a proud new father. He shares his testimony of how God's faithfulness poured light into his darkness and taught him what it means to be a father.

Josh Legg is my best friend and a former missionary at Annunciation Heights in the mountains of Colorado. He joins us to share his experience of answering the call to be a missionary and finding God in the present moment.

Xavier Engle is my brother, a seminarian for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, and a true 'man of the heart.'