The BeatiDudes

This week, The BeatiDudes welcome Dr. Rob McKenna, psychologist and founder of WiLD Leaders, for a fast-moving conversation about trust, leadership, and the kind of vulnerability that builds thriving organizations. Dr. Rob shares how growing up in a very public ministry home shaped his view of leadership, why Psalm 13 is a masterclass in honest prayer, and how “the little i” in WiLD points to whole and intentional leader development.

Rob and The BeatiDudes (Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein) unpack the WiLD Trust Index, explore how faith fits into a healthy workplace, and WiLDly launch into a ro...

The BeatiDudes are back at the Tiny Table with Patrick Thornton from Catholic.Store and Tiny Saints.

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein start the episode with playful banter about names, shirts, and biceps, before Patrick shares a heartfelt family story that changed his life. Not too long ago, Patrick’s oldest son survived a serious car accident, spent weeks recovering, and then stood at his wedding after a last-minute clearance from the doctor.

The conversation turns to the gift of proximity, since all six Thornton kids now live within fifteen minutes of mom an...

BeatiDudes Special Show Alert!

Dave Moore returns for a truly special and heartwarming visit.

That’s right! The BeatiDudes (Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein) welcome back their longtime friend and collaborator, Dave Moore, the heartbeat behind the Catholic Music Initiative and co-founder of the upcoming benefit concert The More We Are, featuring Dave and Lauren Moore at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on November 4, 2025.

What starts as a fun reflection on the early days of the BeatiDudes quickly turns into a mo...

Patrick Thornton, marketing vet turned Catholic entrepreneur behind Tiny Saints and Catholic.store, joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein, at the famous Tiny Table for an episode that’s part improv, part inside-baseball for Catholic media, and all heart. From Chicago-to-Denver-to-Irving life moves and father-of-many/grandpa stories, to the ‘Tiny Saints Show’ (think “Catholic Bluey”) and why quality family content deserves real investment, Patrick keeps a dry wit while the Dudes serve up URL shenanigans, saint jokes, and a game of ‘Blessed Are the Joke Makers.’ The throughline: build excellent, joyful Catholic storytelling that the whole family can love, and...

A mission-trip porch in Porto Gorgio, waves breaking in the distance, and a priest listening like a dad - that’s the heart of this Friday episode.

Fr. Mark Garrett returns to share how a lifelong attraction to service, prayer, and spiritual fatherhood led him through nine years of seminary and into a vocation that still fills his “father” cup daily. Along the way, the Dudes riff on VHS baptisms, “formators,” the propaedeutic (aka “propaDudes”), and why the Church is very much alive through a new generation of priests. Hosted by Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein...

Fr. Mark Garrett joins BeatiDudes Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a moving, funny, and deeply Catholic conversation about hearing God’s call and answering it with courage.

Fr. Mark shares life on the road as a nomadic vocation director, offering Mass across the Diocese of Dallas, inviting young men to discern with the Church, and showing up when people suffer. The episode centers on the power of the sacraments: anointing the sick during COVID, blessing workplaces on short notice, and the heart-stopping beauty of fully initiating a newborn into the Church before her short li...

The BeatiDudes and Kyle Hatfield are at the tiny table, and this time, Kyle is unpacking the full roller coaster of faith, foolishness, and Divine Providence. From a Lutheran kid who once called Catholics “cannibals” to a man discipled into joy by Fr. Eric Shield, Kyle’s story proves God’s grace has a wild sense of humor. He went from writing a handwritten list of 20 reasons to become Catholic to completely falling away in college, only to find his way home through a Life Teen summer, daily holy hours, and an unexpected transfer to Franciscan University (where he met his...

This week the BeatiDudes welcome Kyle Hatfield. He’s a husband, girl-dad of five, former Pines Catholic Camp director, and the Director of Engagement at the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI). Between insane stories at the Tiny Table, Kyle shares a joy-filled journey from conversion and camp ministry to coaching pastors and bishops.

Kyle breaks down how CLI helps parishes move from vision to implementation. The "Tuesday-afternoon" stuff like prioritizing mission, delegating well, and caring for clergy with ongoing formation and wellness.

Highlights

• From The Pines to CLI: camp director during the pandemic to acco...

The BeatiDudes are at the studio with our brother Joseph “JB” Bionat, who just might be the most prepared (and unprepared) soon-to-be dad in Texas. JB is at the Tiny Table to share what it’s like standing on the threshold of fatherhood, with a baby due any minute.

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein delve into JB’s first-ever diaper-changing adventure, the shock of discovering he and his wife, Caroline, were expecting just four months after their marriage, and the sacred blend of fear, joy, and awe that comes with preparing for life as a parent...

This week the BeatiDudes - Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein -welcome JB Bionat, Marketing & Communications Director at St. Ann. JB shares a winsome conversion arc: cradle Catholic to questioning student, then a reasoned return to the Church through scripture study, history, and a lived encounter with Jesus. Along the way: Aggie hospitality, ministry in the workplace, late-night adoration, grad studies at UD, a stint at Word on Fire, and the joyful story of meeting his wife at St. Ann. We also “prep” JB for new-dad life with a hilariously helpful quiz and a round of Blessed Are the...

Nico Cabrera joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein as he delves into the healing power of family, the beauty of choosing to grow, and why quality time together is what truly matters. From Colombian traditions (yes, cheese in hot chocolate and bananas with soup) to the sacred “movie moments” with nieces, to the case for showing up in person instead of living on Zoom, Nico threads humor, heritage, and holiness into a warm reflection on belonging. Along the way, we detour through pork-chop poetry, airport theme songs, and the working rule of family life: when you’re togeth...

At the tiny table, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome Nico Cabrera - a Colombian‑American Catholic whose path runs from teaching high school students, to leading worship on massive international stages, to building partnerships inside a fast‑paced cybersecurity startup.

This episode mixes humor (Zara cologne, “fat lips,” and the quest for a decent USA chant), culture (Spanish nicknames, rich family traditions, and Latin musical energy), and faith (music that exalts God, business that genuinely adds value, and choosing joy in each circumstance). Nico recalls playing right after the Pope at World Yo...

In this fun-filled episode, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein welcome back Michael Greene, the “grandpa” from Grandma and Grandpa Camp and now officially dubbed the James Bond of Grandparents. Today’s conversation flows around powerful “God moments”, those surprising, providential times when the Lord shows up in unexpected ways.

Michael shares stories of houses that fell through (thankfully, thanks to termites and a title dispute), and how God sometimes needs to hit us with a 2x4 to get our attention. Michael unpacks how prayer and forgiveness have shaped his family through decades of life and marriage w...

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...