Catching Foxes
Luke and Gomer became friends Freshman year at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and 14 years later they started a podcast. The show oscillates between a conversation between just the two of us and interviews that we do together of other, fancier people. Sometimes we get explicit either by being too honest or by being too stupid. Either way, it's fun!
Can a Machine Convert You?
iiiiii
In This Episode:
How researchers are using AI to dig through thousands of studies that never reach the top journals, and the wheat-allergy drug trial it turned up for Gomer’s daughter that none of her allergists had mentioned Why Marshall McLuhan said a new medium changes people regardless of what’s on it, and what that means for parents who hand a kid a screen to calm them down Gomer’s three weeks of AI brain fog, and the daily handwriting habit that got him out Luke calls AI-generated church art borderline sinful Gomer argues...David Goggins is Gomer's Therapist
"I'm like wildly obese, right?" Gomer says about eight minutes in, somewhere between defending his protein shake and bringing up David Goggins. He's down thirty pounds. Luke's question, which takes him forty-five minutes to ask outright, is why a guy who'll do all this won't call a therapist.
In This Episode:
Gomer's actual answer for why he hasn't gone to therapy — he wants the story to be that he white-knuckled it and everything was fine. He calls that a tool of the devil. A listener with an eating disorder background once wrote in to say that pi...Rethinking How We Apply the Church's Teaching on Birth Control
Luke brings up a topic he has been nervous to raise: does the way American Catholics apply the Church's teaching on birth control account for what happens to a person's freedom under real constraint? It's a good conversation. It's not heterodox (we promise). No need to send that email.
Gomer walks through his own family's case and then through what the Church actually says about grave matter, full knowledge, and consent of the will. The conversation runs long enough that the fellas decide to finish it next episode.
In This Episode:
Luke's caveats before...Luke Takes Out his Anger on Dave VanVickle (Sorta)
Luke opens with a confession—he got fuming mad at a Catholic content creator online, posted about it on Instagram, and deleted it in the middle of the night—which turns the show into a long conversation about what men are supposed to do with rage.
Dave VanVickle walks through lifting, prayer, and the confessional as outlets. He gets into Taekwondo's golden age, cage matches in Buffalo, and the night he took a knife in the back and still loaded the two men he knocked out into his truck bed and drove them to the emergency room.
<...Requiescat in Pace, Donald Gormley
Luke and Gomer talk about the passing of Gomer's father, but the episode isn't all doom and gloom (just the appropriate amount). Also included this week: an attempted murder, gray-market drugs, and a review of The Odyssey.
In This Episode:
Luke and Gomer compare notes on sleep, snoring, and inheriting their dads' blood pressure meds The legend of Dave Van Vickel: grocery deliveries, a mid-street knife fight, and a jury summons A review of The Odyssey movie, mythology demythologized, and Elliot Page's casting Gomer reflects on his father's death, anticipatory grief, the Sirach 38 reading, and the...The Do-Over Myth: What Getting Older Really Costs You
Gomer's dad is out of the hospital and in a care home and this episode starts there, in the territory of walking a parent toward the end of his life. Luke and Gomer work through the lessons Gomer has picked up in the trenches: what hospitals won't tell you, how to have the DNR conversation, and why AI has become an unlikely companion through all of it.
In This Episode:
Why hospitals won't spell out what's actually happening with your loved one and how Gomer used AI to decode his dad's medical charts and communicate clearly...Not Dead! Family Crises, AI Converts, and Things Worth Being Angry About
After a two-month hiatus, Luke and Gomer are back. This episode opens with a conversation about Gomer's father Don's ongoing health decline, the emotional and logistical chaos of elder care, and the conversations no one prepares you to have. From there, the fellas pivot to AI, the World Cup, Hollywood Botox, and the slow enshitification of everything.
In This Episode:
The full story of Gomer's dad Don's hip replacement, repeated ER visits, and the family's difficult reckoning with permanent skilled nursing care What no one tells you about Medicaid's "look back" provisions, the true cost of...Gomer Believes in Giants Now
This is a nephilim-heavy episode. Strap in!
Also, please pray for Gomer's son, Noah. You'll hear all about it in the episode.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Cloisters Ignatian PrayerParishSOFT: ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Catholics to help parishes and dioceses deepen faith.Support Catching Foxes
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Faith Mosher Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode!Weep with those who Weep, Mourn with those who Mourn
The fellas talk about the fragility of life. Also, Luke may or may not have taken a lover (in a tasteful way).
Want to know for sure?
You'll have to listen!
Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios
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Faith Mosher Cloisters Ignatian Prayer ParishSOFTThe One Where Luke Does Impromptu Charismatic Prayer
Luke and Gomer discuss a variety of topics; some light, some heavy. The two recount their experiences at (different) SEEK conferences and offer their thoughts on the heaviness and difficulty that seems to be moving through the lives of many public-facing Catholics, most recently Paul J. Kim.
If you're tired of hearing AI critiques and why AI is killing you (it is), you'll love the first 60 minutes or so. You may want to bow out before the end, if you're a big fan of AI or of Morlocks.
Enjoy!
Thanks to Saint Kolbe...
Into the Darkness has Come a Great Light
This is a heavy one. Heavy in a good way, but heavy all the same. Lots of unpacking trauma, both from childhood and Gomer's recent bathroom renovation.
There's some talk of childhood wounds, betrayal, and other sad topics. If that's not something you've got the energy for around the holidays, no worries. Maybe come back to this one after the new year.
Merry Christmas, and hope you enjoy!
Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios
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Faith Mosher at Dallas Healing House ParishSOFTA Carey Family Reunion: Christina Carey Makes Her Catching Foxes Debut!
Want to get the inside scoop on what it was (and is) like to live in the Carey household? This is the episode for you!
Christina stops by to chat all things Carey, her job in social work, and throw shade at a certain sibling who did not show up for the recording. Which sibling? Only one way to find out.
Enjoy!
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Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode of Catching Foxes!God's Not Dead (Neither is Gomer) or: Aristotle's Poetics Pt. III
Gomer lives! As does the deep dive into Aristotle's Poetics.
This time, it's Beauty and the Beast.
Enjoy!
Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode of Catching Foxes!
Sponsored By:
ParishSOFT: ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Catholics to help parishes and dioceses deepen faith.Support Catching Foxes
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ParishSOFTAristotle's Poetics Pt II: How Much I Am Going to Miss Her
Luke and Gomer spend an hour and a half explaining the nuances of The Little Mermaid, covering what separates a well-written villain from a bad one. It's educational and, at times, entertaining.
Enjoy!
Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode of Catching Foxes!
Sponsored By:
ParishSOFT: ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Catholics to help parishes and dioceses deepen faith.Support Catching Foxes
Links:
ParishSOFT — ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Ca...A Deep Dive into Shakespeare's The Lion King
This episode offers everything you've ever wanted to know about The Lion King and then some.
It's basically a free Shakespeare class.
Plus, why music makes you feel certain ways and the Mary Sue character in the new Star Wars movies.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
ParishSOFT: ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Catholics to help parishes and dioceses deepen faith.Support Catching Foxes
Links:
ParishSOFT — ParishSOFT provides comprehensive church management software and innovative tools built by Catholics for Catholics to he...A Catholic Movie that Doesn't Suck? It Happened!
Anthony D'Ambrosio of Triumph of the Heart stops by the show to talk about the process of bringing Saint Maximilian Kolbe's story to life. Get the inside scoop on what it takes to make a Catholic movie that doesn't actually suck.
Enjoy!
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Triumph of the Heart Anthony D'Ambrosio Sherwood Fellows Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this podcast!The World is Flat...but Not in That Way
Has our world gotten flatter? Are all the edges of culture rounded out and mass produced to the lowest common denominator?
Luke and Gomer discuss how movies have lost their soul and houses have gotten gray and boring (and badly made).
Take a shot anytime two men in their 40s discuss interior design on this episode (maybe don't listen to this one in the car).
Enjoy!
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Support Catching Foxes
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Faith Mosher at Dallas Healing House — You can reach Faith at the Dallas Healing Ho...AI Can't Help You Contemplate the Good Life
AI has plenty of potential upsides. Helping you think more deeply about life isn't one of them. Maybe, if done wrong, it helps us fulfill our worst desires.
Will AI reduce us to simply our desires? Can it free up time in our lives to contemplate the truth?
Also, there's a lengthy discussion about sex with robots towards the end. It's topical, we promise, but maybe don't listen to this one with your kids. Maybe don't listen to any Catching Foxes episodes with your kids.
Enjoy!
Support Catching Foxes
...
Do We Live in Reality? Can We?
Can we know what reality is? Not in some college-freshman-philosophy-major-existentialism way, but in how we see the world. Are reproductions of things real versions of the original?
The fellas continue to talk about the ethics of AI and whether we've lost the ability to truly view realty.
Tune in next week for part two of this discussion!
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Pick Up Some Real Artwork! Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this (real?) episode!Is Using AI a Mortal Sin?
The usage of AI has moral implications, but what are they? Can we use it without losing our souls? Should we all just be listening to Bob Dylan and avoiding AI-generated music?
It's a heady one this week. Enjoy!
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Humanality Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode!There is Nothing More Real than Death
This is a heavy episode with reflections on mortality, earthly burdens, and the time we spend with our family.
Also included, Luke's hope that Pope Leo makes AI usage a mortal sin.
Enjoy!
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Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode!Treat Your Non-Catholic Friends with Dignity w/ Cold Brews and Catholic Truths
Sean Hussey and Ben Zuber of Cold Brews and Catholic Truths stop by to talk about apologetics, JD Vance, Pope Leo, and their approach to evangelization.
Towards the end, Gomer talks for more than five minutes straight about a passionate evangelization topic. Who would have thought? Find out what it was on this week's episode!
Enjoy!
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Cold Brews and Catholic Truths Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this episode!Has Marvel Officially Fallen Off?
Was Thunderbolts a flop? Does it actually do a good job talking about mental health? Luke and Gomer debate this heatedly.
Also on the menu today: important songs, most hated movie tropes, and the death of Alasdair MacIntyre.
Enjoy!
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Support Catching Foxes
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Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this podcast! Support the Show! — Support the show to get free stuff, access to live recordings, and add-free episodes!Has Trump Been Reading Antiwar.com?
The fellas talk tariffs - quite unexpectedly. Also in this episode: Diddy, Trump, George Soros, and other demonetizable topics. Strap in!
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
The Leo House: THE LEO HOUSE Catholic Guest House in the heart of New York City, welcoming travelers of all faiths. Founded in 1889 by Pope Leo XIII, with a mission of hospitality, faith, and service. Operated by a non-profit, The Leo House provides an affordable, peaceful alternative to traditional NYC hotels. The Leo House is not just a hotel. It is an iconic New York City landmark and a fascinating...Da Pope!
Pope Leo XIV has been elected! What can we expect from him? What will the legacy of Pope Francis be?
The guys talk about what we know about Pope Leo, how we try to map American politics onto the papacy, and how the pope is from Chicago. USA! USA! USA!
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
The Leo House: THE LEO HOUSE Catholic Guest House in the heart of New York City, welcoming travelers of all faiths. Founded in 1889 by Pope Leo XIII, with a mission of hospitality, faith, and service. Operated by a non-profit...The Fruits (and Frustrations) of the Francis Papacy
Pope Francis has died, but you probably already knew that. If you didn't, that's genuinely impressive. The guys unpack the most recent pontificate and talk about rabbid trads, Bonaventure, and Dilexit Nos.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Eternize: If you’ve been meaning to start—or restart—a more consistent prayer life, the Eternize Cross will help you reclaim your attention and build a lasting habit. The Eternize Kickstarter campaign launches April 29. This is your chance to get an Eternize Cross at its lowest price ever. Head to myeternize.com to sign up for updates and be rea...Tech, Shakespeare, and Luke's Feelings. You Guessed it; It's Ten Minute Topics!
Is the Minecraft Movie the downfall of culture? If you consider getting wet in a theatre the downfall of culture, then maybe.
The fellas have a wide range of Ten Minute Topics with a lengthy preamble about the Minecraft Movie.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Eternize: If you’ve been meaning to start—or restart—a more consistent prayer life, the Eternize Cross will help you reclaim your attention and build a lasting habit. The Eternize Kickstarter campaign launches April 29. This is your chance to get an Eternize Cross at its lowest price ever. Head t...You are God's Workmanship
Are pithy phrases ever useful? Does "let go and let God" have any theological value? The fellas discuss!
Also on the table for today: children sprinting during Mass, fear as a desire to control, and something incredibly insightful from 'ol Gomer.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Briefcase Marketing: If you need a website and marketing that inspires people to take the actions you want visit http://briefcase.marketing Cloisters Ignatian PrayerThe Leo House: THE LEO HOUSE Catholic Guest House in the heart of New York City, welcoming travelers of all faiths. Founded in 1889 by...Comforter, where, where is your comforting?
How to get out of your head, into the world, and push through obstacles. That and Gomer reads poetry.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Briefcase Marketing: If you need a website and marketing that inspires people to take the actions you want visit http://briefcase.marketing The Leo House: THE LEO HOUSE Catholic Guest House in the heart of New York City, welcoming travelers of all faiths. Founded in 1889 by Pope Leo XIII, with a mission of hospitality, faith, and service. Operated by a non-profit, The Leo House provides an affordable, peaceful alternative to traditional NYC...Gomer is Back!
Gomer makes his glorious return to the show. He's back to tell us all about what he's been up to, as well as discuss the nature of work and whether you should attend the parish that you work at.
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Cloisters Ignatian PrayerBriefcase Marketing: If you need a website and marketing that inspires people to take the actions you want visit http://briefcase.marketing Rooted for Good : Taking care of your skin might not be a priority—but your significant other will notice the extra effort. Shop now & save 10% with code Foxes10 at...On Ukraine and Eureka, California with Paul Joy
One of Luke's oldest friends stops by to discuss a tasteful amount of US international politics and reminisce on life in the Pacific Northwest.
Enjoy!
Support Catching Foxes
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Saint Kolbe Studios — Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios for producing this podcast!Why are the kids so sad? with Nick Sciarappa of Clerically Speaking
The youths are sad. What's up with that? Luke and Nick Sciarappa, producer of Clerically Speaking, discuss the state of youth ministry (and the state of Pittsburgh).
Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Rooted for Good : Taking care of your skin might not be a priority—but your significant other will notice the extra effort. Shop now & save 10% with code Foxes10 at checkout. Rooted For Good—Simple. Effective. Purpose-Driven. Promo Code: Foxes10Rooted for Good : Use Foxes10 for your 10% discount on your next order! Promo Code: Foxes10Support Catching Foxes
Ten Minute Topics with Producer Joe
An exciting round of Ten Minute Topics featuring Producer Joe (once again) of the newly launched Saint Kolbe Studios. They generally stick to ten minutes as well.
Topics include:
The line between gossip and news Weird things your family did when you were young Favorite objectively bad movies And more!Enjoy!
Sponsored By:
Briefcase Marketing: If you need a website and marketing that inspires people to take the actions you want visit http://briefcase.marketing Rooted for Good : Taking care of your skin might not be a priority—but your significant other wi...The Carey Family SNL Mt. Rushmore
Luke and his sister Emily, who watched a LOT of SNL growing up, pick their family's SNL Mt. Rushmore.
Here's a Google Doc with as many SNL skits and moments as I could remember from our discussion.
Luke shares a gorgeous song that speaks to the depths of his soul
Luke loves The Lonely Island. So much. Also, please do not let kids listen to this. Seriously. I'm warning you.
Sponsored By:
Briefcase Marketing: If you need a website and marketing that inspires people to take the actions you want...Movie Draft! Late 90's/Early 00's Edition
Luke drafts the best movies from 1998-2003 with a cast of guest stars. Movies drafted include--but are not limited to--10 Things I Hate About You, Gangs of New York, Moulin Rouge!, and The Big Lebowski.
See if your favorite made the cut and be sure to check out patreon.com/cf to find all the finalized draft boards for free!
Enjoy!
Be sure to share the Holy Wonders Podcast with your kids at https://holywonders.podbean.com/.
Visit Max Studios at https://ustmaxstudios.com/.
And thank you to Cloisters...
Everything You Wanted to Know About Five Iron Frenzy (and Then Some) with Mrs. Ruvi
Mrs. Ruvi stops by to spend 100 minutes talking about one Five Iron Frenzy song. I promise you'll like it.
If you're intrigued by deep dives into things you've probably never heard of, this is certainly the episode for you.
Enjoy!
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On Distant Shores by Five Iron Frenzy Follow Mrs. Ruvi! Coleman Creates — Thanks to Joe Coleman of Coleman Creates for producing this episodeWhat is the Future of Media? With Producer Joe
Gomer is going to be MIA for a few weeks and Luke was scrambling for a guest. That brings us to Producer Joe's appearance on Catching Foxes after two (long) years of producing the show.
Luke and Producer Joe discuss what the future of media looks like, the morality of technology, and whether rich people should buy fancy things or simple things.
Enjoy!
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Coleman Creates — Thanks to Joe Coleman of Coleman Creates for producing (and co-hosting) this podcast! Communio et Progressio Caritas in Veritate The Cure fo...First 10 Minute Topics of 2025
Back, late, and better (debatably) than ever!
Topics include:
Dating in your 30s Notre Dame Evangelizing without being a weirdoEnjoy!
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Coleman Creates — Thanks to Joe Coleman of Coleman Creates for producing this episode!A Messianic Jew, a Baptist, and a Catholic Walk into a Bar - They're All the Same Guy: An Interview with Matthew Wiseman
Dr. Matthew Wiseman discusses his new book, The Two Jerusalems, which is the moving story of a young man's amazing journey to discover the roots of the Christian faith in the Ancient Near East, which led him from Protestantism through the Messianic movement and into the Catholic Church. This journey took him to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea, the NoĹĽyk Synagogue in Warsaw, and the Judean Desert, and into the heart of ancient and medieval Jewish tradition: the Hebrew Bible.
Along the way, he met a cast of odd and wonderful characters, false prophets, and s...
We are Here to Accompany the Sh*t Out of You
Luke and Gomer discuss their themes for 2025 (instead of resolutions). Gomer plans on a "Year of Health," while Luke plans on a "Year of Essays."
Enjoy!
Support Catching Foxes
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Coleman Creates — Thank you to Joe Coleman of Coleman Creates for producing this episode!