The BeatiDudes

What happens when two intentional grandparents turn a simple idea into a decades-long family tradition?

Meet Michael Green, 80 years young, who, with his bride Rosemary, built “Grandma & Grandpa Camp,” a week of fun, formation, and cousin-to-cousin friendship that’s changed their entire family culture. From “I Wear Pink for Grandma” (a breast-cancer-survivor moment that will hit you right in the heart) to “non-negotiables” like high tea in a tux, outdoor movie night, and murder-mystery dinners, Michael shows the BeatiDudes how ordinary time, shared faithfully, becomes extraordinary grace. Along the way, we talk faith, Eucharistic reverence, Fulton Sheen, and why the ru...

Twenty-year-old Catholic YouTube strategist Evan Raugust is with the BeatiDudes to unpack his recent solo trip through the Holy Land, including places like Bethlehem’s cave, Nazareth’s streets, Golgotha’s stones, and the peaceful waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Evan shares how filming on pilgrimage deepened his faith, how he designs thumbnails and stories that reach millions, and why “vanity metrics” must stay in their place. Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein talk community, humility, and the Church’s mission on the “eighth continent”: the internet.

Highlights:

• Holy Land, handheld: Evan traveled solo...

At the tiny table, hosts Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome Evan Raugust, a 20-year-old Catholic YouTuber and strategist who has already built a reputation for helping channels grow with focus, clarity, and positivity. Evan shares how he left Las Vegas for Dallas, why he locked himself in a room to study thousands of videos, and how he approaches YouTube as both an art and a science. His story moves from a Calvary Chapel upbringing to full reception into the Catholic Church in 2023, showing how faith and media can intersect with purpose.

Episode Highlights:

Mike Pacer is with the BeatiDudes to talk about the gritty, grace-filled reality of Catholic marriage and fatherhood. From why kids actually want boundaries to how husbands can shift from praying “next to” to praying “with” their wives, Mike lays out a hopeful, practical path: witness first, build a shared spirituality, make joy a decision, and apologize quickly.

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein laugh their way through Ignatian holy water, Latin(ish) dad jokes, and a peek behind the scenes of 5 Stones’ work with the Eucharistic Congress.

Top Takeaways

· Witness > Words: Your kids i...

What happens when a trial lawyer hears God tell him to “just leave”?

In this powerful and joy-filled conversation, Mike Pacer shares his remarkable journey from the courtroom to Catholic ministry, publishing, and ultimately the founding of 5 Stones, a powerhouse partner for some of the world's top Catholic apostolates.

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein dive deep into:

- The story behind 5 Stones and how its five core services empower evangelization.

- Mike’s book “Prayers for Catholic Men” and why prayer is both structure...

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome John Egan to share one of the most remarkable stories of faith, redemption, and the unexpected ways God works through ordinary efforts.

John recounts his time as director of The Pines Catholic Camp in East Texas, where the dream of building an air-conditioned chapel, against all odds, turned into more than just a construction project. With limited funds, relentless faith, and the help of staff, family, and alumni, John and his wife literally helped build a church from the ground up.

But the story didn’t end th...

There is no better way to launch Season 6 of The BeatiDudes than to spend quality time at the tiny table with our longtime friend, youth minister, camp director, and culture-builder, John Egan.

This episode blends laughter, faith, and leadership lessons as John shares his winding journey from childhood commercials in New York, seminary life, youth ministry, The Pines Catholic Camp, and eventually into executive leadership at Lucid Private Offices. Along the way, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, Jeff Schiefelbein, and John explore:

• John’s childhood modeling gigs, his quick detour thro...

For our 250th episode (and the close of Season Five!), the BeatiDudes welcome Ryan Skoog, co-author of Lead with Prayer, for a conversation that weaves together humor, holiness, and the heart of true leadership.

In this milestone episode, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein sit with Ryan to explore how prayer is not a checklist or productivity hack, it’s the lifeblood of friendship with Jesus. From global church leaders in war zones to billionaires in Manhattan, Ryan shares how the Holy Spirit leads disciples across the world into strikingly similar prayer practices. 

Together, we...

Ryan Skoog brings stories from the front lines, war zones, Himalayan villages, and places where the gospel has never been heard, revealing the incredible ways God is still moving like the Book of Acts. From Roman coliseum jokes to jaw-dropping miracle stories, the BeatiDudes is a wild blend of humor, faith, and holy boldness.

You’ll hear:

· Miracles in modern times: healings, mass baptisms, and freedom from demonic oppression.

· The “three UNS” of mission: unsafe, unreached, and unresourced, and why Ryan’s team runs toward them.

· Doing it afraid: how fear doesn’t vanish...

Artist and iconographer Garret Hines shares the winding, grace-filled journey that brought his family home to the Catholic faith. In this heartfelt and often humorous conversation with the BeatiDudes, Garret opens up about:

The BeatiDudes welcome Garret Hines, artist, teacher, and iconographer, for a colorful conversation that flows from camping trips and Make-A-Wish moments to the painstaking beauty of egg tempera icons.

Garret shares his journey from creative burnout to spiritual renewal through sacred art. He explains the prayerful process behind "writing" an icon, why traditional techniques still matter, and how each commissioned piece becomes a custom prayer for its recipient.

Of course, it wouldn’t be The BeatiDudes without Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein detouring into Frodo jokes, Dr Pepper ice cream tastings, and Thor re...

In this robust conversation, Jack Beers shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming a devastating Crohn’s disease diagnosis and the heroic, faith-fueled love of his mother that changed everything.

With raw honesty and spiritual depth, Jack reflects on the influence of St. John Paul II and Viktor Frankl in shaping his understanding of suffering, identity, and personal transformation. His story is not one of miraculous healing, but of interior renewal, choosing a new story, a new song, and a new self, even when nothing externally seemed to change.

The BeatiDudes explore:

In this unforgettable episode of The BeatiDudes, the Dudes are joined by Jack Beers, founder of The Catholic Mentor and the Integrated Life Foundation. What begins with a hysterical airport story involving a 4-year-old’s surprise ‘hug’ quickly turns into a deeply meaningful conversation about priestly burnout, spiritual direction, and the urgent need for emotional support in the Catholic Church.
Jack shares how his journey led him to become a certified Catholic mentor, trained in the principles of personalism and integrated human formation. He dives into the powerful work of supporting priests through daily, faithful accompaniment and why it mat...

What happens when a Catholic dad moves his family to a homestead and starts learning theology through pigs, fences, and parables? In this laugh-filled episode, the BeatiDudes welcome Jason Craig, author, farmer, and founder of Fraternus, for a deep and humorous exploration of farm life, fatherhood, and the faith lessons that emerge from both.

From cow returns and donkey escapes to the spiritual logic of agrarian living, Jason reflects on how working the land with his children has transformed his family and made space to encounter God in the rhythms of nature. Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and...

In this thought-provoking and hilarious episode of The BeatiDudes, Jason Craig joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a bold discussion on youth ministry, manhood, and reclaiming authentic fraternity in the Church.

Jason, co-founder of Fraternus and editor of Sword & Spade magazine, doesn’t shy away from controversy as he challenges the current models of youth ministry, compares modern formation to beekeeping, and calls men to take seriously their role in raising the next generation. From the invention of adolescence to rites of passage, Jason dives deep into the need for male mentorship, the failures of...

The BeatiDudes welcome back Jerry Sullivan, a legendary portfolio manager, quick-witted New Yorker, and devoted Catholic husband and father. After a compelling conversation on finance and excellence in his first episode, this follow-up dives into the heart of community, calling, and Christ.

Jerry shares what led his family to move from Boston to Dallas, how they found a deep-rooted Catholic community, and why he believes intentional living is worth the cost. Along the way, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, Jeff Schiefelbein, and Jerry unpack neighborhood coincidences, regional accents, plane seat politics, and a few well-placed...

Buckle up, buttercup – we're going 4K with portfolio management legend Jerry Sullivan! This week, the BeatiDudes sit down with the man who runs the #1 performing mutual fund out of over 650 competitors (yes, you read that right). But don't worry, Jerry's humility is thicker than his Boston accent.

From taking calls on live TV shows like CNBC's Squawk Box to learning the ropes under the legendary Peter Lynch at Fidelity, Jerry shares the "scrappy" investment philosophy that's made him a Wall Street standout. Spoiler alert: it's not about being the smartest guy in the room – it's...

The BeatiDudes continue their conversation with Kurt Klement, a seasoned Catholic leader passionate about evangelization, parish renewal, and servant leadership. If Monday’s episode laid the groundwork for rethinking how we “do church,” this one explores how to live leadership in ministry, the workplace, and family life.

Kurt shares his unexpected journey from a self-described “easygoing floater” to a dynamic leader responsible for thousands of teens, volunteers, and parishioners. But more than just a story of rising through the ranks, Kurt opens up about the interior transformation required to lead with impact and how learning t...

Kurt Klement, the executive director of Divine Renovation and a longtime Catholic missionary in the Diocese of Dallas, joins the BeatiDudes – Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein. Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to walk alongside others, whether through mission trips, street ministry, or formation in daily life.

Kurt opens up about his journey from a high school retreat conversion to leading mission experiences across borders and zip codes. From the heat of West Texas to the chill of Czech pubs, he’s seen that missionary work isn’t about distan...

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of The BeatiDudes, we welcome back Joseph Rodriguez—husband, father, pilgrim, and founder of Vocatio Travel. The Dudes pick up where they left off, diving deeper into Joseph’s family life, his journey through early fatherhood, and the holy (and often hilarious) chaos that comes with raising little saints-in-training.

From pandemic wedding plans and DIY honeymoons to balancing work and diaper duty, Joseph shares how he and his wife surrendered their family plans to God and found unexpected beauty in the mess. With two boys, a third child on the way, and...

The BeatiDudes welcome Joseph Rodriguez, a former theology teacher turned pilgrimage trailblazer and founder of Vocatio Travel. Joseph shares the story of a taco fundraiser that nearly ended with a $20,000 personal debt before launching a global travel agency.

Through stories of seminary shuffles, Irish rock bands, World Youth Day surprises, and Holy Land culture shock, Joseph brings to life the profound spiritual value of pilgrimage and the beautiful chaos that often accompanies it. Together, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein join Joseph to unpack the spiritual DNA of travel, the meaning behind Vocatio’s...

The BeatiDudes go behind the scenes with Armando Parrish, a college student, nonprofit founder, and the youngest guest in BeatiDudes history. Armando shares about his joyful disposition and how a chaotic household of seven siblings, a saintly theology teacher, and a faithful friendship gone sour all worked together to shape his faith-forward worldview.

Armando keeps it real as he shares about his family and his not-so-glamorous road to holiness, which involved teenage party culture and a spiritual gut-punch in junior year theology class.

And yes, he’s still single.  The BeatiDudes revea...

The BeatiDudes welcome their youngest guest ever: the wildly impressive Armando Parrish, a University of Texas student already changing the world with a heart full of fire and a nonprofit to match.

From a childhood friendship with a homeless artist named Lorenzo to launching Project Lorenzo, Armando shares how love, community, and creative courage sparked a mission that’s inspiring Dallas and beyond.

This episode includes a UT trivia battle, powerful reflections on homelessness, and the origins of the Mercy Bag. Armando offers a firsthand look at serving with dignity, organizing community-based compassion, and dreaming bi...

The BeatiDudes - Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein - enter sacred territory with Fr. John Paul Kern, a Dominican Friar from New York City. Broadcasting once again from Catholics at the Shore, we dig deep into the heart of identity, the trials of discernment, and the peace that comes only from total surrender to God.

Fr. John Paul shares his vocation story, his thoughts on monastic community, and the real cost of saying “yes” to God. It’s a conversation that swings from Notre Dame dorm-room conversions to monastery silence, from struggles with pride to joyful...

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein are back at Catholics at the Shore, and this time we stumbled upon the one-and-only Lou Massett, a pro-life warrior with a heart bigger than Jersey. Lou shares his inspiring journey from Star Wars nerd and Ronald Reagan impersonator to his powerful work with Students for Life of America.

In an episode packed with wisdom and laughter, Lou opens up about:

- How his dad’s pilgrimage to Fatima set the stage for 79 grandkids (yes, you read that right!)

- What Students for Life is doing to...

The BeatiDudes coming at you straight from the Jersey Shore, and it's time to GTL: Glorify The Lord.

In this very special episode, we’re joined by our good friend Isaac Sanford, Director of Development at the St. Paul Center. Isaac shares heartfelt wisdom on parenting, marriage, and how to keep your prayer life alive when you’re juggling four little kids, a major capital campaign, and surprise Eucharistic processions through the streets of Stone Harbor with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein.

Together, we unpack:

- How the St. Paul Center buil...

The BeatiDudes recorded live at the 2025 Young Catholic Professionals National Conference with Barry Rowan, a seasoned executive whose resume includes transforming billion-dollar companies — and whose soul was transformed by something far greater: the voice of God in silence.

From contemplating monastic life to navigating Wall Street, Barry’s story is a powerful reminder that your interior life is your most important asset. He shares how the Lord redirected his ambitions, reshaped his identity, and rewrote the definition of success — from status and stock price to service and surrender.

Spoiler: it involves divine nudges...

Hold onto your Howdy hats—Brandon Coleman Jr. is back with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein, and this episode is 100% certified Good Bull. If you’ve ever wondered how a tennis-playing “dumb jock” became a branding genius with Aggieland in his DNA, this one’s for you.

Brandon takes us deep into the heart of Texas A&M tradition, from heartfelt stories about Reveille’s resting place to how he led the end zone branding at Kyle Field – The Zone. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably hear about a koala outbreak (you had to be there...

🎧 Episode Summary:

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein — sit down with branding expert, author, and Texas Aggie Brandon Coleman Jr. for a hilarious and insightful conversation that covers everything from brand alignment to grandparenting strategies. With wisdom, humor, and a whole lot of Aggie spirit, Brandon unpacks how “a brand is a promise wrapped in a delivery” — and why that’s as true for your family as it is for your business.

🪑 Key Moments:

✅ Brandon’s definition of a brand: a promise that meets reality.

✅ The incredible story of Santa’s Wonderland — from dust...

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome back Rich Todd, the dynamic

co-founder of Innovest, for a conversation that spans from karaoke ballads and

Catholic hot tubs to the power of spiritual brotherhood. Rich shares how his

involvement in the Catholic CEOs group, Legatus, completely reshaped his life

and his family’s trajectory, revealing the quiet power of friendship and faith.

🪑 Key Moments:

✅ Rich shares how Legatus became more than just a networking

group — it’s a spiritual formation that shaped his family and career.

Have you ever been asked to set aside your Christian beliefs and morals in the workplace? That happened to our BeatiDudes guest more than 28 years ago, and he eventually said to himself, “Enough is enough.”

Rich Todd, CEO and Co-Founder of Innovest Portfolio Solutions, joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a hot topic discussion at the Tiny Table.

Rich has more than 38 years of experience in investment consulting and currently provides consulting services to institutions and families. Innovest has more than 400 clients with assets of $50 billion under advisement, 61 employees, and 21 partners. Rich hold...

John Singleton is back at the Tiny Table for humor, holiness, and a hero's reflection on our Mother Mary. John is especially drawn to the image and idea of Mary and her ability to crush the evil one.

John is the author and publisher of The Meaning of Mount St. Mary’s, a coffee table book on the history and ethos of Mount St. Mary’s University.

For listeners who love playing TBD (aka The BeatiDudes Question of the Day), this episode promises a power punch of pontification you’ll surely enjoy.

Our Partne...

John Singleton authored and published The Meaning of Mount St. Mary’s, a coffee table book on the history and ethos of Mount St. Mary’s University. He joins BeatiDudes Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a reflection on the greatness of his alma mater and the role that Mary has played in his life.

This episode is full of humor and holiness, providing laughter, spiritual insights, and the authentic fraternity you expect with The BeatiDudes.

Our Partners:

Sock Religious (10% Discount)

Solidarity HealthShare

Aquinas Wealth Advisors

CO...

Celebrated Catholic sculptor Timothy Schmalz is back on The BeatiDudes to discuss his sculptural interpretation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. To honor and celebrate the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death, Timothy Schmalz has created sculptures of each of the 100 cantos of the Divine Comedy.

This collection of sculptures narrating the Divine Comedy acts as a visual introduction to what is considered one of the greatest poems in Western society.

For over thirty years, Catholic sculptor Tim Schmalz has been visually translating sacred scripture and creating spiritual artwork through his bronze sculptures. Tim believes that...

For over thirty years, Catholic sculptor Tim Schmalz has been visually translating sacred scripture and creating spiritual artwork through his bronze sculptures. Tim shares the details of his journey and looks ahead with The BeatiDudes, including Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein.

Tim believes that sculpture is just the skin that covers an idea, a belief, and a truth. As an artist, he is dedicated to making this skin as thin and transparent as possible, so the art does not get in the way of what is being expressed. After being frustrated by the games within...

After an incredible childhood, Kelly Halaszyn experienced the painful loss of his father on December 12, 2001. Facing this trial at the start of high school led Kelly to search for answers and beg God for a sign from above that his father was okay.

Little did he know that the consoling comments of a Deacon, coupled with the Our Lady of Guadalupe holy card found in Kelly’s new car, would lead him to trust and follow God’s will for the rest of his life. In a moment of divine providence, Kelly realized that Mary was with him...

Kelly Halaszyn, Senior Director for the Diocese of Dallas, crams into the Tiny Table with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for an on-air BeatiDudes adventure.

Halaszyn (which might mean - it is Polish) has been in Dallas since 2016 and considers himself blessed to serve the Most Reverend Bishop Burns.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Kelly grew up in Catholic education and attended Strake Jesuit. From there, he continued his higher education at St. Louis University. After graduating, he moved back to Houston and gained his first experience in fundraising while working for...

Have you ever heard a message from God that was so palpable that you knew He was speaking to you directly? Join Father Paul-Michael Piega and The BeatiDudes, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein, for this storytelling bonus episode, which spotlights specific times when God spoke to these men.

Father Piega is an ordained priest serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, Texas. He is the Pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church and is currently serving as a Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, is a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, serves on the Diocese of Austin...

Father Paul-Michael Piega proves that you can simultaneously be a BeatiDude and a thriving young priest. Fr. Piega joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a dynamic dialogue that details his discernment while displaying the hallmark fraternity of the BeatiDudes.

Fr. Piega was born in Queens, New York, and lived there from the age of eight until he and his family moved to Texas. After graduating from Rowlett High School, Fr. Piega pursued pre-medical studies at Texas A&M University, where he initially began with a major in Biology. After a deep reversion experience in...

The Tiny Table gets a first-time shuffle as BeatiDudes co-host Paul Kolker becomes the esteemed guest for this episode hosted by Nick Bezner and Jeff Schiefelbein.

Paul is the host of an incredibly popular series called the Bookmarked Podcast. On Bookmarked, Paul brings children’s books to life through his voice acting talents and improv skills. Each character from these classic children's books jumps off the page through a whole cadre of voices that normally stay trapped in Paul's head.

At the start of the worldwide shutdown years ago, Paul was determined to use his jo...