Become Who You Are
What’s the meaning and purpose of my life? What is my true identity? Why were we created male and female? How do I find happiness, joy and peace? How do I find love that lasts, forever? These are the timeless questions of the human heart. Join Jack Rigert and his guests for lively insights, reading the signs of our times through the lens of Catholic Teaching and the insights of Saint John Paul ll to guide us. Saint Catherine of Siena said "Become who you are and you would set the world on fire".
#622 IVF Is Not The Way--The False Promises of Artificial Procreation: With Stacy Trasancos, PH.D.
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Dr. Stacey Trasancos never planned to write a book about IVF, but with President Trump promising to expand access to IVF, she felt compelled to explain why artificial reproduction conflicts with Christian teaching on human dignity and procreation.
The heart of the issue lies in what Trasancos calls the principle of inseparability—anything that divorces "lovemaking" from "life-giving" violates God's design for human reproduction. While contraception suppresses the life-giving aspect, IVF eliminates the lovemaking component. This separation isn't merely theological abstraction but has profound implications for how...
#621 Sacred Warriors: Young Men Reclaiming Their Hearts and Facing Fears Through Prayer
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The human heart has an extraordinary capacity for resilience. Even in our current era—where young men grow up bombarded by toxic influences that rob their innocence and shatter their moral imagination—something remarkable is happening. They're awakening to the sacred.
Mike Pacer, president of Five Stones and author of "Prayers for Catholic Men," joins Jack to explore how prayer is transforming young men's lives against all cultural odds. Pacer shares his own journey of faith—leaving behind a successful career as a trial attorney when God s...
#620 Kurt Mahlburg: Courageous Leadership in Troubling Times: Young People Are Reclaiming Christianity!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The battle for religious freedom has reached new heights in Australia as New South Wales enacts legislation making it illegal to pray with someone about their sexuality—even if they explicitly request such prayer. Kurt Mahlburg, Australian writer and senior editor at The Daily Declaration, brings urgent clarity to this troubling development and its implications for believers worldwide.
What sounds like dystopian fiction is now reality: Christians face potential criminal charges for practicing fundamental aspects of their faith.
Yet amid this encroac...
#619 Defeating Modernism, A Battle for Truth: Satan's Time Is Limited
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Author Jim Valois takes us on a journey through the dangerous waters of modernism – not the technological or cultural kind, but the theological heresy that threatens to undermine Catholic teaching at its core.
For young people seeking solid ground in a world of shifting values, this confusion can be particularly devastating.
The conversation opens with Jim's personal story of reverting to Catholicism after years in evangelicalism. His experience illuminates how poor teaching and modernist influences can drive faithful Catholics away from the Church, only t...
#618 The Great Sacrament of Marriage: A "Divine Story" and a "Human Story"
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Marriage as a divine sacrament is radically misunderstood in our secular age. While many see it merely as a social contract or romantic bond, its true nature runs infinitely deeper – it's a visible sign that reveals God's invisible mystery of Trinitarian love.
Young people today are increasingly abandoning marriage altogether, finding it easier to "just forget it" than attempt to understand its profound meaning. This tragic reality stems from our culture's impoverished view of love and relationships, which has left hearts confused and yearning for someth...
#617 Exposing Corruption: The Deep Church and the Deep State With Professor Janet Smith
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
"Who's going to save the Church? Not the bishops, not the priests, not the religious. It's up to you, the lay people." These prophetic words from Bishop Fulton Sheen echo throughout my conversation with Professor Janet Smith, whose retirement plans gave way to a renewed mission exposing corruption within the Catholic Church.
Professor Smith shares how the 2018 McCarrick scandal shattered her trust in Church leadership, revealing a darkness far deeper than she had imagined. "I keep thinking I'm not certain I've gotten to the bottom of t...
#616 Anxiety: A Catholic Guide To Freedom From Worry and Fear
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Anxiety has infiltrated every corner of modern life, from casual conversations to clinical settings, creating what Art Bennett and Dr. Lianna Bennett Haidar aptly call "the age of anxiety."
Their new book along with Lariane Bennett, Anxiety: A Catholic Guide To Freedom From Worry and Fear... offers profound insights into why anxiety has skyrocketed across all age groups and how Catholic wisdom provides unique pathways to freedom.
Discover how your brain works; how biology, temperament, and past experiences contribute to anxiety; how t...
#615 Pope Francis Passes Away, Trump Battles Judges and Gangs, Faith and the Fight for America's Soul
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
A pivotal Supreme Court decision has temporarily halted deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, creating fresh challenges for immigration enforcement while spotlighting deeper cultural divisions across America.
Join Jack and Tom...discussing how cartels strategically infiltrate communities by compromising local judicial systems. A recent case in New Mexico perfectly illustrates this strategy – a judge resigned after federal agents arrested a Tren de Aragua gang member living in his home with illegal firearms.
Beyond immigration, we're witnessing unprecedented challenges to biological reality through gender ideology...
#614 Early Update For Holy Thursday! Sin, Death, and Salvation: How Christ Destroys the Work of the Devil
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Against all odds, young men across the country are awakening to the sacred residing in their hearts. Jack delivers the Friday Claymore Miletus Christi update on Holy Thursday! Inviting listeners to step back into the most profound story of all time during the holiest weekend of the year.
The battlefield between love and lust, truth and lies, is first fought within each individual human heart. This spiritual warfare represents the fundamental choice we all face: Will we embrace the City of Man, where humans make them...
#613 Finding Truth in a Culture of Chaos: Rediscovering Faith during Holy Week, with Tom Hampson
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The hollowness beneath our culture is beginning to collapse, and young people are noticing. During this Holy Week conversation, we explore the remarkable spiritual awakening happening among Gen Z as they reject the moral emptiness of our hypersexualized society.
When a culture "breathes out" God, it loses its moral compass—first objectifying women, then dehumanizing the unborn, and finally corrupting childhood itself.
Yet amid this darkness, something extraordinary is happening. Young men especially are returning to church, scripture, and prayer in surprising numbers. This is...
#612 Single and Catholic: Finding Meaning In Your State of Life, with Author Judy Keane
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Judy Keene, author of "Single and Catholic: Finding Meaning in Your State of Life," reveals that 47% of Catholics over 18 are single, yet this demographic often feels forgotten in church messaging and ministry.
• Catholic singles include never-married, divorced, widowed, and separated individuals
• Keene's personal journey includes periods of dating, engagement, and ultimately embracing singlehood as God's will
• Prayer and discernment are crucial for single Catholics seeking God's plan for their lives
• Modern dating challenges include the breakdown of community structures that traditionall...
#611 God is a Person, Not an Idea--Transforming Your Spiritual Life With Father Wayne Sattler
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Claymore Milites Christi Friday Episode!
We're living in what might be the most toxic culture in human history, yet something remarkable is happening. Young people are waking up, sensing there must be more to life than what modern society offers. Their hearts are restless, seeking authentic meaning beyond the chaos.
Father Wayne Sattler joins us to share wisdom from his powerful book "Remain in Me and I in You: Relating to God as a Person, Not an Idea." Drawing from his experience as both...
#610 How To Compare Religions; Unmasking the Uniqueness of Christianity
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What makes Christianity fundamentally different from every other religion in human history? Matthew McKenna, Ph.D candidate in theology at Ave Maria University, joins Jack for a fascinating journey through G.K. Chesterton's masterpiece "The Everlasting Man" to answer this crucial question.
Read Matthews Article "How to Compare Religions"
Please support our sponsored business: Aim Utility Advisors
TJ Lally | 630-990-3400
As a leading company in the energy sourcing and management
industry, we are committed...
# 609 The Deep State Versus The Family: The Battle for Homeschooling Rights, When Teaching Virtue Is A Crime
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The freedom to educate your children according to your own values is under unprecedented attack. Tom Hampson, a former private investigator with extensive experience fighting child exploitation, joins the conversation to expose the concerning assault on homeschooling rights.
We begin by examining the shocking levels of government waste and corruption revealed in recent interviews with Elon Musk, highlighting how a survey that should have cost $10,000 ended up with a $1 billion price tag. This systemic financial mismanagement sets the stage for understanding why powerful interests view home...
#608 The Wartime Encounter That Changed Everything: Sergeant Columban Meets Padre Pio
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What happens when a skeptical World War II sergeant decides to "blow a priest out of the confessional" by confessing his extensive list of sins? The result is utterly unexpected and life-changing.
Through the compelling true story of Sergeant Columban's encounter with Padre Pio, we witness how a moment of defiance transformed into a profound spiritual awakening. When this stigmatic friar revealed the sergeant's long-forgotten childhood dream of becoming a priest—something he had never shared with anyone—the hardened soldier found himself weeping outside the conf...
#607 Praying With Temptation: The 3-Simple Morning Solution To Combat Evil Changes Everything
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The battlefield of the human heart is where our greatest struggles—and our most important victories—take place. In this episode of Claymore, we explore how men can use temptation as an invitation to prayer and turn from a cycle of shame into a pathway to freedom and authentic masculinity.
At the core of this message is that temptation itself is not sin. Using the Claymore Battle Plan as our guide, we unpack how the desires and passions God placed within us aren't meant to...
#606 What Reading Crisis? Great Literature Awakens Young Minds to Life's Deeper Questions; with Jon Bishop
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What happens when you hand high school students Aristotle, Aquinas, and Dante instead of dumbed-down material? According to teacher Jon Bishop, they respond with remarkable enthusiasm and depth.
With only 30% of American high school students reading at minimum proficiency standards across the Nation, skyrocketing mental health issues, and declining academic outcomes despite increased spending... Rather than following educational fads, John advocates returning to proven approaches that engage students' moral imagination and foster genuine human connection.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon shares how his "Huma...
#605 Top Reasons To Get Off Birth Control: With Natural Womanhood CEO Gerard Migeon
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Gerard Migeon, CEO of Natural Womanhood, takes us on a compelling journey through the world of fertility awareness and women's health that challenges conventional wisdom about birth control and reproductive healthcare. What began as a personal awakening when he returned to his Catholic faith evolved into a mission to fill the knowledge gap around natural approaches to family planning and women's health.
The conversation reveals how the medical system routinely prescribes hormonal contraceptives as a one-size-fits-all solution for everything from irregular periods to serious conditions like...
#604 Claymore: "The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive": Rediscovering Truth in an Age of Lies
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Friday Claymore!
There's an awakening happening among young men today - a rediscovery of the sacred against seemingly impossible odds. Having grown up in perhaps the most toxic, propaganda-filled culture in history, many are now rejecting moral relativism and asking the fundamental questions that have driven men throughout all ages: What is the truth of things? How should I live?
Here are 4-5 discussion questions based on the episode:
1. Rediscovering the Sacred – Young men today are rediscovering the Sacred despite...
#603 Cassidy's Trans Insanity, When Politics Attack Children; We the People and President Trump at War with the Deep State
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Thomas Hampson, private investigator who works undercover to expose child trafficking and exploitation, joins us for a powerful exploration of dangerous ideologies threatening children's wellbeing. The conversation begins with an examination of Representative Kelly Cassidy's vocal opposition to bills protecting minors from permanent medical procedures, revealing the troubling disconnect between progressive rhetoric and the actual harm being inflicted on vulnerable young people.
Read Tom's article on Substack
Hampson lays bare the disturbing origins of transgender ideology, tracing it to Dr. John Money's thoroughly debu...
#602 Men of Claymore, Happy Friday! "This is My Body, Given for You!"
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What happens when an entire generation of young men grows up amid pornography, hookup culture, and endless lies about what it means to be a man? They start sensing there's something deeply wrong, even if they can't articulate exactly what. That's where Claymore steps in – a discipleship movement for Gen Z men who are done with the emptiness and ready to discover authentic truth.
Discussion Questions From Today:
1. As a young man, how do you interpret the question, “Who is protecting your heart?”...
#601 The Language of the Body as Sacred Liturgy: Exploring Tobias and Sarah's Marriage
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What if the deepest mysteries of love, marriage, and human sexuality are actually encoded in an ancient biblical story most people have never fully explored? In this profound episode, we dive into St. John Paul II's examination of Tobias and Sarah's marriage from the Book of Tobit - a story where the marriage bed became either a place of death or redemption.
At its core, this episode reveals how our current cultural battles over sexuality, gender, and family reflect a cosmic struggle between authentic love and...
#600 Intelligence Agents and Their Polyamorous Chat Rooms: Moral Decay is the real threat to Democracy
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
When over 100 CIA and intelligence agency employees are caught using classified communication channels to discuss their polyamorous lifestyles and sexual exploits, we must ask ourselves: who's protecting our national security?
This corruption in America extends far beyond government agencies. Our educational system has become a battleground where organizations like Planned Parenthood and SEICUS push comprehensive sexuality education on children.
Tom Hampson and Jack discuss this and a whole lot more.
Read Toms Articles on Substack
(The Video-Podcast of this E...
#599 Claymore! Living On The Surface, Never Going Deep...We Lose Our Identity In A Culture Without God
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The Claymore podcast presents a battle plan for Gen Z men who sense something wrong with our increasingly toxic culture and are searching for authentic purpose and identity.
• Miletus Christi and Claymore are initiatives from John Paul II Renewal Center designed as battle plans for young men
• Our crisis stems from rejecting objective truth and embracing subjective constructs of feelings
• When God is forgotten, we lose understanding of ourselves and our purpose
• Satan works by twisting what God created good, especially in distorting a...
#598 Good News! We Have Faith In You! Read Great Literature and Revive Virtues To Save Our Country!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Maximus in the line in the Gladiator, “What we do here echos in eternity!”
The dismal reality of American education hits hard with the revelation that only 30% of children nationwide can read at proficiency standards - a benchmark already twice watered down since 2000. But this literacy crisis merely scratches the surface of a deeper cultural problem: the systematic removal of virtue from our educational systems and social fabric.
Parents must reclaim their rightful role as primary moral educators. Families who read together and discuss...
#597 The Claymore Battle Plan: "On Morality, Conscience, and the Fall of Man" plus Trumps Speech and more!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
The first Friday in Lent! This episode dives into the ongoing battle for the soul of our society amid growing cultural turmoil. We discuss the Claymore Battle Plan and its implications for reclaiming life-affirming values.
- Examining the essence of spiritual warfare in contemporary society
- The significance of the Claymore Battle Plan for personal and communal renewal
- Addressing the pressing issues surrounding culture and morality
- The role of temptation as an invitation to growth and deeper faith
- Unde...
#596 The Populist Counter-Revolution: Trump's Speech and the Spiritual Battle With Thomas Hampson
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
President Trump and the notable reactions from Democrats reveals deeper truths about America's evolving landscape.
This is not about a 2-party system: It is about the Right of the People to take back their Government from the Tyrants and Ideologues who no longer listen or care about them.
(The Video-Podcast of this Episode will be made available on Rumble. For past episodes on Video visit our Rumble Channel and don't forget to subscribe!)
Follow us and watch on X: John Paul II Ren...
#595 "I Am Sick With Love...A Love As Strong As Death" (Song of Songs)
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Our conversation extends beyond traditional romantic notions of love, probing into modern complexities that often lead us astray in our relationships.
In John Paul II's reflections of the Song of Songs, Biblical Erotic Love, and the ero's within us that is forever restless, prodding us on to a higher love. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intricate and often confusing landscape of love in today's world.
Encouraging a hopeful outlook, we emphasize the importance of authentic love—the kind that opens o...
#594 The Question About Eternal Life: What Must I Do So That My Life May Have Value, Have Meaning?
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What if the key to eternal happiness and fulfillment lies not in the material world but within our spiritual journey?
We take a look at the complex personality of Elon Musk, examining his extraordinary career alongside his personal struggles and the philosophical implications of his quest for meaning. By contemplating love, fulfillment, and the human condition, we encourage aligning personal ambitions with a higher purpose.
Finally we explore what it means to seek eternal significance over material success, urging Gen Z to unite their...
#593 Our Schools Are Failing Us...Let's Do Something About it! Join the Discussion
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Jack and Tom explore how certain narratives are reshaping classrooms and their profound impact on student performance and mental health.
The introduction of concepts like Critical Race Theory and Gender Theory, create division and confusion among children who are inherently loving and curious. As educational standards decline, especially in troubled regions like Illinois, we figure out what's at stake and how parents can regain agency over their children's education.
We call for transparency regarding curriculum content, advocating for a collaborative approach between parents and...
#592 Battling Cultural Upheavals and Chaos Is Primarily a Spiritual Battle! -- "God Is Love"
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
There a spiritual battle raging in our culture! Join us as we unpack the profound insights of JD Vance and Sister Lucia of Fatima, examining how marriage and family stand as pillars against modern cultural upheaval. An encounter with Jesus Christ is vital in this ongoing battle against forces undermining life and love.
God's grace, especially as Sister Faustina had painted in the Divine Image, is a powerful antidote to the spiritual void in society today, revitalizing both body and soul. As we address the chal...
#591 "The Culture Project" Inspiring Hope In Young Hearts With CEO Greg Schleppenbach
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Greg Schleppenbach, CEO of the Culture Project, joins us for a riveting discussion on transforming the lives of young people.
Greg takes us on his journey from pro-life advocacy to leading the Culture Project. Working with passionate young missionaries who go out and journey with students while presenting concepts such as their inherent human dignity, self worth, the meaning of human sexuality and how living a virtuous life can change the culture and the world.
"The Culture Project is a team of young peop...
#590 Gen Z! Don't Lower the Bar on Love!! But Embrace the True Meaning of Your Sexual Desires!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Don't miss this episode! This is a Claymore "milites Christi" interim update!!
Linda and I embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of authentic love and truth. Inspired by the teachings of John Paul II, we delve into the profound connection between love and the language of the body. Our conversation turns critical as we examine how modern ideologies impact identity through educational standards and social media narratives. We also touch on a fascinating shift at Google, highlighting a possible change in cultural trends and o...
#589 Claymore! Youth Is a Special Treasure! A Key is Discovering Ero's As a Path to Truth!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Unlock the secrets to living a life enriched with truth, beauty, and integrity as we navigate the modern culture in our Valentine's Day edition of "Claymore Milites Christi": Soldiers for Christ.
This episode addresses the pressing issues of our time, such as the impact of Donald Trump's appointments on family and national values, and the ongoing battle against a "culture of death." We spotlight leaders like Christine Noem, Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel and Robert Kennedy, who champion God, family and Country, encouraging us to rise abov...
#588 "Gift of Self": Gen Z is seeking "something more" and God has the Plan! From Lust to Love and Spiritual Awakening
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Imagine Gen Z, who have been lied to about so many things. They are standing at the crossroads of love and lust, battling today's cultural challenges and we are excited and honored to journey with them.
That's the journey we embark on in today's episode, exploring the profound "gift of self" in relationships, especially marriage. I share my experiences with engaged couples and intriguing conversations with Gen Z, revealing the struggles they face amidst moral relativism and a culture that often misrepresents love, reducing it to a...
#587 Claymore Interim Update--The Battle We Are In: Spiritual Formation, Reading Scripture and More!
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
This is a supplement and interim update: How to face the overwhelming moral complexities of our time. Join Jack and navigate this challenging landscape, drawing inspiration from the prophecy of the "last great battle" over marriage and family as articulated by Sister Lucia of Fatima. This isn't about conflict with individuals but rather a stand against the manifestations of evil. This battle, primarily fought through the power of prayer, the sacraments, and aligning with Jesus’ teachings, we aim to build the "City Of God" and inspire you to pur...
#586 Claymore #3: The Sword, Spiritual Battles and Seeking the Truth: How Shall I live?
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Disillusioned by societal institutions that have failed to provide genuine meaning? Generation Z, especially young men, are awakening to a world that is off-kilter. We dive into the societal pressures and spiritual battles they face, offering practical resources through Claymore and essential practices to find truth and peace amidst the storm of moral relativism. You’ll discover how Jesus's steadfast mercy and the transformative power of a personal relationship with Christ can guide you towards your true purpose and value.
Step into a new morning routin...
#585 Safeguarding Our Children: Education, Moral Values, and Cultural Challenges, With Crime Investigator Tom Hampson
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
Are today's education systems breeding anxiety and depression in our children? Join us as we tackle this pressing issue with Tom, a seasoned crime investigator, who sheds light on the alarming rise of these mental health challenges among the youth. We question the influence of school indoctrination, dissect the shift away from traditional values, and underscore the pivotal role of parents as the primary educators and protectors of their children. From the controversial topics of child sex trafficking to safeguarding innocence, our conversation aims to spark a chan...
#584 The Secret to Unlocking the Mysteries of Humanity Lies in Understanding True Love
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What if the secret to unlocking the mysteries of humanity lies in understanding true love? Join Linda Piper and me on a journey inspired by the transformative teachings of St. John Paul II's theology of the body. We ponder how faith can serve as an anchor amidst cultural chaos, using the Song of Songs as a metaphor for love that transcends mere emotion. By observing the rhythms of nature, especially the renewal found in springtime, we find a reflection of divine love that speaks to the heart's deep...
#583 Claymore #2: Finding Identity and Purpose: JD Vance and Generation Z's Quest to Find the Truth
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”
What if the key to a purposeful life amidst today’s chaos lies in the journey of young Gen Z men? Join us as we explore this intriguing question, diving deep into the heart of moral confusion and the promise of a brighter future. We spotlight JD Vance's incredible transformation, highlighting his conversion to Catholicism and how embracing truth and faith helped him overcome a tumultuous past. Inspired by the insights of John Paul II, this episode sheds light on the enduring virtues of faith, hope, and charit...
