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Join Naomi Haramai as she sits down with Matthew Mystczewski to talk faith, family, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Discover how Catholic values intersect with building a business, managing time, and navigating today’s challenges. The role of faith and family in shaping business decisionsBalancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and parenthoodThe discipline required for success in work and spiritual lifeThe risks and rewards of the entrepreneurial journeyThe impact and potential of virtual reality technology in modern life 00:00 Balancing work from home and family 09:18 Balancing family and business priorities 15:57 Defining success in personal terms 18:33 Building a Family Foundation 24:36 Scheduling prayer and spiritual time 27:29 Starting the gardening business 35:05 Structuring the workday with breaks 41:02 Balancing work and passion goals 45:40 Finding purpose in suffering 50:51 Balancing parenting and personal goals 55:38 Balancing business startup with family 01:02:12 Ethics of wealth and success 01:07:28 Reflecting on inner struggles 01:12:37 Struggles and joy in business 01:21:19 Building resilience through challenges 01:23:15 Avoiding video game addiction 01:27:48 Using VR to treat phobias 01:34:53 Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs Catholicism, entrepreneurship, family, virtual reality, business, faith, parenting, discipline, homeschooling, spiritual life, software engineering, New Zealand, success, sacrifice, grind culture, work-life balance, VR therapy, overcoming phobias, motivation, men's ministry, Fit for the Kingdom, joy, suffering, calling, time management, personal growth, fatherhood, resilience

Meet the dynamic duo behind the Messy Family Project as they discuss the realities of raising a large Catholic family in the modern world. In this episode, Michael and Alicia Hernan share hard-won wisdom, authentic stories, and practical advice on parenthood and faith. The Hernans’ journey of having 10 kids and 10 grandchildren, and how family shapes faith The challenges and growth from parenting young children to adults Parenting in the digital age: screens, technology, and protecting real relationships The importance of community, learning from others, and avoiding online parenting pitfalls How to build virtue and positive behaviours in children through realistic expectations and modeling 00:00 Growing up in large families 06:25 Value of sibling relationships 14:22 Balancing faith and family life 21:16 Thoughts on the traditional wife 23:38 Trad wife expectations and frustrations 31:03 Balancing technology and family life 33:59 Concerns about kids and technology 42:06 Teaching kids to take turns 44:12 Parenting through teen transitions Messy Family Project, parenting, Catholic family, Michael Hernan, Alicia Hernan, large families, raising children, virtue, faith, technology, social media, community, gentle parenting, family life, marriage, New Zealand, Catholic conference, generational wisdom, kids and screens, modern parenting, family vocation

Is the "disciplined life" actually sustainable, or is it just a path to burnout? In this episode of the Curious Catholic Evangelion Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Mones-Cason from Fit for the Kingdom to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to live with heroic virtue. Thomas shares his raw experience balancing the growth of a massive social media platform with the upcoming arrival of his first child. We dive deep into the "soul-crushing" moments of early wake-ups, why quality matters less than consistency in the age of AI, and the explosive Catholic revival currently taking place in Christchurch. Whether you are struggling to stay on the "hard path" or curious about the St. Michael's Troop movement, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for the modern Catholic man. Key Topics Covered: The reality of the 4 AM wake-up call and how to stop hitting snooze. The impact of the Radio New Zealand (RNZ) article on the local Catholic community. Connect with us: Follow Evangelion for more episodes on faith and discipline. Check out Thomas at Fit for the Kingdom for daily virtue-driven content. Video Chapters 00:00 Struggling with spiritual routine 08:28 Finding motivation in role models 14:49 Importance of intentional leisure 17:28 Finding your reasons to exercise 24:40 Living with stoic mindset 26:24 Finding satisfaction in effort 35:37 Consequences of modern lifestyle choices 38:11 The richness of Catholic traditions 42:35 The purpose of the Church 51:25 Masculinity in church leadership54:55 Discussing gender roles in society 01:02:32 Discussing Andrew Tate's appeal 01:08:56 Young role models in faith 01:11:52 Integrating spiritual and physical virtues 01:15:37 Morning routine and reflections 01:20:27 Parenting through example 01:26:05 Sharing faith through podcasting

Good Friday is tomorrow, and it's time to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ's Passion. In this episode, we explore the real consequences of sin and what Easter truly means for our lives. Facing the reality and consequences of our sins The tension between human imperfection and God's forgiveness Lessons from Pontius Pilate’s role in the Passion narrative How God transforms our faults and failures Practical ways to welcome the risen Christ into daily life 00:00 Reflecting on sin and forgiveness 05:43 Reflecting on Good Friday traditions 07:55 Pontius Pilate's role in the story 13:08 Pontius Pilate and the labeling 14:52 Christ’s victory and atonement 19:12 Balancing family visits and energy 21:14 Making time for Christ Good Friday, Easter, Passion, sin, forgiveness, Psalm 51, repentance, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, heroism, sacrifice, humility, Lent, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, resurrection, Christ crucified, guilt, confession, redemption, Old Testament, Mosaic law, suffering, consolation, routine, relationship with Christ, Messy Family Project, Dr. Robert Haddad, Catholic faith, spiritual reflection, Holy Week

Are Muslims better at fasting than Catholics? In this episode, Dom breaks down the differences between Ramadan and Lent, asking if the Church has softened or if we’re missing the point. - Comparing the intensity of fasting during Ramadan and Lent - How modern Catholic fasting differs from traditional practices - The importance of engaging with your own vocation during Lent - Practical ways to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - Why Lent isn’t about intensity, but building a deeper relationship with Christ 00:00 "Your Vocation Is Your Program" 06:30 "Prioritize Vocation Over Distractions" 10:17 "Benefits of Spiritual Reading" 14:08 "Personal Sacrifice in Fasting" 15:10 "Living Lent with Intentionality" Ramadan, Lent, fasting, Catholicism, Islam, prayer, almsgiving, spiritual practices, intensity comparison, family life, sacrifice, New Zealand bishops, spiritual reading, silence, vocation, personal growth, religious traditions, spirituality, discipline, self-mastery, church rules, relationship with Christ, Curiosity Catholic, Evangelion podcast

Join Rachel Wilson and Dom for a direct conversation about forgiveness, authenticity, and Christian success. They tackle tough questions about family, music, and the real meaning behind letting go. What true success looks like for Christians vs. secular definitions The struggles and lessons of authenticity in artistry and music production The power and process of forgiveness, inspired by real-life stories Gender roles, masculinity, femininity, and their portrayal in society and media Parenting, family life, and finding purpose amid challenges Don't miss Rachel's new single "I Forgive"—out March 27th. 00:00 Hillbilly Thomists' Healing Music 09:05 Pursuing Music: A Reflection 14:22 "Authenticity in Christian Success" 19:22 "Success, Perspective, and Purpose" 26:14 "Two Cheers for Manosphere" 27:18 "Men Prepared for Battle" 35:42 "Critique of Marxist Power Dynamics" 38:49 "Faith and Empowering Motherhood" 45:18 Forgiveness and Divine Intervention 50:27 "Self-Reflection Before Criticism" 56:07 Forgiveness and Divine Mercy Journey 01:02:17 Forgiveness Through Confession Reflection 01:06:07 Childlike Faith and Biblical Narrative 01:13:17 "Why Women Struggle: Eve's Legacy" 01:19:53 "God Delights In You" 01:24:44 Family Bonding Through Intentional Choices 01:29:12 "Believing People Are Priority" 01:31:05 Marriage Roles and Shared Life 01:39:32 "Entrepreneurship, Homeschooling, and Independence" 01:41:26 "Finding Music and Wisdom" forgiveness, Rachel Wilson, music, artistry, Catholicism, Christianity, motherhood, family, healing, creativity, masculinity, femininity, success, vocation, faith, podcast, spirituality, childlike faith, Lent, emotional healing, Catholic podcast, parental roles, authenticity, self-mastery, challenges, reconciliation, inspiration, personal growth

Fit For the Kingdom's very own Tomas joins me to tackle the challenges men face in the world today, what do men need in oder to feel love? Are the way we are dealing with mens issues to actually beneficial for men? We talk about all this and more in this episode!! Here's what you'll get from this episode: The realities and challenges of modern masculinity and why men are feeling lost The influence of culture—social media, toxic masculinity, and the struggle to find true purpose Why intentionality, discipline, and virtue are essential to authentic manhood The importance of brotherhood, sacrifice, and taking responsibility in life and faith Why silence, surrender, and a life modeled on Christ offer true transformation for men today Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with more authentic conversations just like this! Get involved in the mission www.evangelion.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic masculinity, being a man, Catholic podcast, Fit for the Kingdom, virtue, discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, faith, intentional living, self-improvement, brotherhood, self-control, silence, self-reflection, men’s mental health, purpose, spiritual growth, role models, leadership, St. Joseph, Jesus, podcasting, community, fitness, mentorship, New Zealand, family, perseverance, Christian life 00:00 "Faith, Fitness, and Masculinity" 06:18 Faith, Fitness, and Young Men 13:53 "Creating Content and Finding Voice" 18:46 "Modern Masculinity and Purpose" 23:23 "Modern Masculinity and Society" 27:04 "External Validation vs. Self-Awareness" 36:20 "Falling Asleep in Cars" 42:05 "Surrender to Destined Peace" 44:18 "Finding Calm Amid Anxiety" 50:42 "Physicality's Role in Masculinity" 55:37 "The Sacrifice Play" 01:01:55 Self-Control: A Warrior's Strength 01:05:20 "Masculinity, Suffering, and Identity" 01:14:45 "Parents Change, Just Like Us" 01:17:51 "Finding Virtues Through God" 01:22:00 "Fit for the Kingdom Podcast"

Join Dom and Fr Landry as they dive into practical Catholic living, balancing spiritual discipline, and impactful missionary work. Get actionable advice for building your spiritual "plan of life" and see how small habits can spark big change. The real difference between Advent and Christmas—and how to decorate thoughtfully How New York City’s holiday atmosphere connects to evangelization What the Pontifical Mission Societies really do (and how small efforts multiply worldwide) Spiritual optimization: combining practical plans with faith Building habits, overcoming obstacles, and integrating prayer into busy daily life 00:00 "Advent vs. Christmas Distinction" 06:17 "Christmas: Imperfect Yet Meaningful" 08:32 Origins of Pontifical Mission Societies 11:09 Pontifical Mission Societies Overview 17:02 Pilgrimage of Faith and Impact 21:15 "Support Missions: $1 Weekly Sacrifice" 22:40 "Planning and Doing Properly" 27:45 "Forming Lives Through Discipline" 28:53 "Start Your Day with Prayer" 32:52 "Heroic Moments: Rise and Rest" 37:28 "Uniting Life with God" 40:42 Small Daily Steps to Virtue New York City, Advent, Christmas decorations, Catholic faith, secularization, Pontifical Mission Societies, missionary work, prayer habits, plan of life, discipline, spiritual growth, evangelization, Hail Mary, charity, daily rituals, Eucharistic pilgrimage, personal development, CatholicPreaching.com, mission support, spiritual optimization, family life, resilience, morning offering

Kick off 2026 with practical strategies to level up your habits, mindset, and daily systems. Dom breaks down four high-impact habits and shares honest advice for sticking to your resolutions all year, and breaks down the advice from ‪@ChrisWillx‬ and Steve Bartlett from an interview on ‪@TheDiaryOfACEO‬     Four habits that delivered the highest ROI in 2025  Why waking up early and putting your phone across the room works  The importance of planning your day and setting up for success  How going to the gym benefits both physical and mental health  Quality over quantity: finding resolutions you actually care about, and how to bounce back when you slip   Like, share, and subscribe to help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers this year. Stay curious and stay Catholic!   Time Codes 00:00 "Reflecting and Planning for 2026" 04:48 "Facing the Wall of Rain" 08:16 "Phone-Free Wind Down Benefits" 09:49 "Intentional Living Shapes Your Life" 14:38 "Building Willpower Through Challenges" 17:18 "Winning 2026 with Better Systems" 21:50 "Nature Abhors a Vacuum" 25:23 Consistency Over Intensity 26:50 "Getting Back on the Horse" 30:22 "Goal: TH000 Subscribers"

A year of growth, milestones, and spiritual reflection—Dom shares what's happened with Curiously Catholic in 2025. Tune in for a recap, key insights on Advent, and a look ahead at what's next for the channel. Highlights from the Shroud of Turin tour and why it matters for Catholic faithImpressive channel growth: 160,000 views, nearly 200 new subscribers, and content plans for next yearReflections on building discipline through weekly episodes and personal spiritual practicesInsights into the meaning and purpose of Advent as a season of waiting and preparationWays to get involved, provide feedback, and help spread the gospel through the channelStay curious. Stay Catholic. God bless! connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic https://open.spotify.com/show/5sxmEIgD7JKnuIYhF0dgzh

In this episode of Curiously Catholic, Dean and Dom unpack what truly sets the Catholic Church apart — not just historically, but in the way faith is lived today. This conversation blends theology, real-world experience, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking clarity about Catholicism. 🔍 We Explore: The origins and growth of Evangelion — how the podcast began, how the team has changed, and what’s next Catholic parish amalgamations — what they mean, why they happen, and how they shape community Protestant vs Catholic perspectives — unity, authority, and how different traditions understand “the Church” Scripture & prayer — simple, practical ways these habits can transform your spiritual life Judging the Church fairly — why understanding Catholicism requires looking at its teachings, not just its scandals If you’ve ever wondered why the Catholic Church is structured the way it is, what makes it distinct, or how to live your faith more intentionally, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a lot to think about. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support the mission of Evangelion and help more people grow in their faith. #CatholicChurch #CuriouslyCatholic #EvangelionNZ #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast #ChurchHistory #ChristianUnity #PrayerLife #ScriptureStudy #catholiccommunity Evangelion, Catholicism, Protestantism, podcasting, parish life, Christchurch, Holy Family Parish, conversion, catechesis, Bible reading, OCIA, faith journey, Church structure, unity, tradition, apologetics, liturgy, saints, Christian community, spiritual growth, evangelization, New Zealand, mega churches, religious orders, doctrine, private interpretation, faith formation, witness, diversity, scripture

Turning 40 isn’t just about getting older—it’s about waking up to what truly matters. 💫 In this raw and honest conversation, Rachel Holden and Naomi Haramai unpack what it means to embrace the feminine genius in today’s world — diving deep into the realities of parenthood, marriage, faith, and purpose beyond the glamour. From the chaos of family life to the quiet moments of grace, they share wisdom on: ✨ Finding identity through faith 💪 Balancing vocation and personal growth 💔 Healing from wounds and rediscovering joy 👨‍👩‍👧 Living out Catholic values in a modern culture Whether you’re navigating your 30s, 40s, or just figuring out who God’s calling you to be — this conversation will challenge, comfort, and inspire you to live with purpose. connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic https://open.spotify.com/show/5sxmEIgD7JKnuIYhF0dgzh #FeminineGenius #Turning40 #CatholicLife #FaithJourney #Parenthood #MarriageMatters #LegacyBuilding #RealTalk #SpiritualGrowth #MySpaceChannel 👉 What’s been the most surprising part of adulthood or parenthood for YOU? Let us know in the comments! Watch, engage, and join us on this powerful journey! [00:00:02] - Opening & Introduction [00:01:30] - The Reality of the Grind [00:03:00] - The Middle Years: Faithfulness in the Ordinary [00:04:23] - Chaos, Mundanity, and Small Wins [00:05:56] - The Unseen Work of Parenthood [00:07:23] - Not Selling Parenthood [00:08:14] - Disillusionment and the Divorce Culture [00:11:45] - Redemption Through Suffering [00:13:07] - Leaning Into Church Wisdom [00:15:07] - The Quiet Grind and Lost Legacy [00:18:42] - Population Crisis and Countercultural Family Life [00:25:24] - Resisting a Self-Centered World [00:29:47] - Discovering Gender Complementarity in Marriage [00:33:22] - The Deeper Meaning of Giving & Receiving [00:35:48] - Two Wholes, Not Two Halves [00:41:04] - Wholeness, Completeness, and Uniqueness [00:47:44] - Original Wounds and Redemption [01:01:56] - Healing One Another’s Wounds in Marriage [01:13:33] - Modern Gender Dynamics & Resignation [01:16:13] - The Sacrifice Play: Reversal of the Fall [01:19:30] - The Four Pillars of Feminine Genius [01:24:45] - The Call to Spiritual Motherhood [01:27:24] - The Beauty in the Grind: Life Beyond the Highlight Reel [01:33:21] - The Fruits of Faithfulness [01:35:26] - Finding Beauty in the Mess [01:39:02] - Sacrifice and Courage in Gender Roles [01:41:43] - Persecution and Respect [01:45:30] - Remember Your Identity. [01:52:18] - Closing Thoughts: Vocation, Identity, and Resources.

In this episode, I sit down with April Holden, who’s been married less than a year — but her journey to get there is nothing short of incredible. From leaving her Baptist family to becoming Catholic, facing deportation from the UK, getting trapped in Germany, and even living in a convent — April’s story is one of courage, surrender, and divine providence. 🙏 Now living in New Zealand and working with Loving for Life, April shares how every challenge led her closer to God — and ultimately, to her husband. 💍 💬 In this episode: How faith can cost you everything — and give you more in return Finding love after loss, confusion, and waiting How God writes the best love stories when we let Him 🎧 This is part one of a two-part conversation — stay tuned for next week’s episode as we continue April’s incredible journey! 👉 Learn more about Loving for Life here: [Insert link] #FaithJourney #CatholicConversion #CatholicLoveStory #Vocation #MarriageAndFaith #ConversionStory #CatholicPodcast #EvangelionNZ #CuriouslyCatholic

What does it really mean to be a Catholic husband and father in today’s world? After spending just 12 hours living like a bachelor again, I realised something profound: fatherhood isn’t just a role, it’s a calling — and it requires four non-negotiables: 1️⃣ Live Virtue 2️⃣ Be Selfless 3️⃣ Take Responsibility & Sacrifice 4️⃣ Prioritise Your Time In this episode of Curiously Catholic, I share stories from fatherhood, insights from voices like John Clark, James Baxter, Jordan Peterson, and Bishop Barron, and practical ways we men can reclaim our mission as husbands and fathers. 👉 Do we really need to give up bachelor freedoms? 👉 How do we balance work, family, and faith? 👉 And why is virtue the most powerful legacy we can leave our children? This is a call to men everywhere: the world doesn’t need more distracted men chasing dopamine — it needs fathers who love God, love their wives, and love their children. 🔔 If you found this inspiring, like, subscribe, and share this with another man who needs encouragement in his vocation. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: What do YOU think is the most important role of a father today? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’ll be replying! 🙏 Support the mission: https://www.evangelion.co.nz/support-us 🌍 Follow Evangelion: 📸 Instagram: @evangelion_nz 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/evangelionnz Website : www.evangelion.co.nz #Masculinity #CatholicFatherhood #RoleOfAHusband #CatholicPodcast #Fatherhood #Virtue #CatholicMen #StayCuriousStayCatholic #father

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has divided the world — with some mourning his death, while others disturbingly celebrated it. This raises a deeper question: have we lost the human dignity at the heart of real discourse? In this episode of Curiously Catholic, I sit down with returning guest Fr. Isaac Fransen to tackle tough and timely questions: What does the Catholic Church teach about human dignity? How should we approach disagreement and debate in today’s culture? Is the death penalty ever a legitimate deterrent to crime? And even the most difficult: Does someone like Hitler still have human dignity? 👉 This is a raw and thought-provoking conversation about faith, justice, and morality that will challenge the way you see the world. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and share this with someone who cares about truth and justice. Join the conversation in the comments below; I’d love to hear your thoughts. 🙏 Support the mission: https://www.evangelion.co.nz/support-us 🌍 Follow Evangelion: 📸 Instagram: @evangelion_nz 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/evangelionnz TikTok: @curiouslyCatholic #CharlieKirk #Assassination #HumanDignity #CatholicPodcast #CatholicChurch #FaithAndReason #DeathPenalty #Justice #CatholicFaith #ChristianPodcast #catholicism