The BeatiDudes

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.

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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...

Monty Bennett, CEO of Ashford Inc., brings his leadership wisdom and energy to an incredible conversation with The BeatiDudes.

Ashford Inc. is a leading provider of asset management and other services to companies primarily within the hospitality industry. Monty grew up in the world of hotels and learned about the hospitality industry from a young age. Through his work with hundreds of hotels, Monty has experienced all the opportunities and obstacles of the hotel industry, including the struggles caused during and after the pandemic.

Monty has an identical twin brother who created Christian Union, a...

Greg Price, aka Eagle, is back in the BeatiDudes studio. Greg is the Camp Director of The Pines Catholic Camp, a summer camp and retreat center in Big Sandy, Texas.

In this Friday episode, Grep Price, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein spend time around the spiritual campfire and share in campfire Q&A.

Check out The Pines Catholic Camp

https://www.thepines.org/

Go Trees!

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Greg Price, better known as Eagle to his campers and staff, joins The BeatiDudes for a proverbial nature walk and campfire discussion about The Pines Catholic Camp.

The Pines Catholic Camp gives youth the strength and momentum they need to continue their faith journey and to help them foster healthy vocations. As a result of an experience at The Pines, campers return home with a desire to live joyfully and to confidently build the Kingdom of God. In addition to the summer programs for youth, this thirty-six-year-old camp offers a variety of other experiences year-round for families...

Let us know you're favorite opener from Season Four of The BeatiDudes.

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Johnny Kuplack is running across America for God.

Literally.

Johnny popped into The BeatiDudes studio during the Via Magna, a pilgrimage during which he runs 35 miles daily for 100 consecutive days, while living out of a campervan on funds donated by like-minded Christians. His journey began on January 18th as he exited the Pacific Ocean, dried off, and started his first run. The pilgrimage will end at the shrine of the North American Martyrs on Divine Mercy Sunday.

Having logged 25 miles for the day with 10 more to go, Johnny goes deep with Paul Kolker...

In a great rebound from the contentious Monday appearance of Sam Sorich, The BeatiDudes come back to the Tiny Table for a round of incredible questions and games. Starting with 101 Conversations for Couples (or Co-Hosts), Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein have a great dialogue with Sam and then play Blessed are the Joke Makers.

In addition to directing the new documentary “Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard,” Sam was also a director for one of the 8BEATS, an edgy production of films based on the 8 Beatitudes.

Born from the Catholic Creat...

Sam Sorich, director of the new documentary “Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard,” dives into the deep end with The BeatiDudes to discuss mimetic desire, philosophy, and the pursuit of truth.

Sorich’s exploration of René Girard began in college, during a time when he was deconstructing his faith and grappling with whether to embrace Christianity or dismiss it. Driven by his encounters with Girard’s works, Sorich began developing a documentary in 2016, embarking on a cross-country odyssey in his van to interview key figures in the philosopher’s sphere. The film is now available to...

Straight out of Gettysburg, Bill Phillips joins the BeatiDudes for Round 2 of his exciting visit to the Tiny Table.

Bill is the co-founder and executive producer for Coronation Media, a video production company specializing in animation, documentary, and narrative content. Founded in 2012, Coronation is an ever-evolving team of artists dedicated to creating meaningful, independent, and branded content.

Coronation recently launched Firebreaker, a new exhilarating audio drama that takes the audience on an adventure of courage, friendship, and sacrifice. Firebreaker is a retelling of the legend of George and the Dragon, a story that has inspired...

Draw out the beauty in the ordinary with Coronation Media’s Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Bill Phillips.

Bill left his Gettysburg address to join The BeatiDudes, Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein, at the Tiny Table in Vatican Valley. He recalls his journey, including the major life events that were put into motion during his time at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he studied Theology and Psychology with a minor in fine arts.

Although he did not choose the college for religious reasons, Bill began to deepen his commitment to his...

The BeatiDudes complete their live recordings from the 2025 Dallas Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) with moments of reflection and a powerful impromptu song. DCYC is an annual conference where high school students across the Diocese of Dallas gather for the weekend to encounter Jesus. This is the second visit to DCYC for BeatiDudes Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein.

The first guest is Adrian, who is at DCYC for the third time. The youngest of five kids, Adrian enjoys hearing the testimonies most when at the conference. He is a junior in high school and involved at...

Coming at you from the Amen Corner of the 2025 Dallas Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC), Oscar Rivera joins the BeatiDudes at the traveling tiny table. As the emcee of DCYC, Oscar is the common thread between every speaker at the conference.

A New York Mets and Las Vegas Raiders fan, Oscar Rivera was raised in the inner city of Waterbury, Connecticut, and was taught early on how to be a survivor. His method of avoiding the streets and its promises, became the art of Hip Hop (or Hip-Hop Rap if you’re Jeff). Oscar takes his knowledge of th...

Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein are back for the second time at the Dallas Catholic Youth Conference. Their first visitor is Anthony Gerhart, the Director of Marketing of Lucid Private Offices. After a hilarious exchange about arm candy and marriage and a win for Jeff in Blessed Are the Joke Makers, the BeatiDudes have a returning BeatiDudette join! Sophie Acuna, the Junior High School Ministry at All Saints Catholic Community, shares about her peace sign catapults.

The Dallas Catholic Youth Conference is an opportunity for high school students across the Diocese of Dallas to gather...

The BeatiDudes were invited back for another year at the Dallas Catholic Youth Conference, where Fr. Augustino Torres, CFR, leaves the mainstage to visit with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein.

Fr. Augustino is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and co-founder of Corazón Puro. Fr. Augustino is also the principal author of REAL Formation, an enculturated Confirmation program produced by Corazón Puro. In addition to his writing and leadership roles, he serves as a retreat guide, spiritual director, and an international youth and young adult speaker.

Fr. Augustino sh...

Steven Thomas, author of Catholic Joe: Superhero, is back with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein to talk about the beauty of marriage.

After the sadness of his parents’ divorce when he was young, Steven’s heart was galvanized to fight for marriage. He has been married for 34 years and has eight living children. Steven wrote Catholic Joe: Superhero to show the beauty of marriage and make the Church more inviting. His advice for men, married or not, is to turn to St Joseph, follow the church teachings, and pray the family rosary.

Catholic Joe...

Steven Thomas, author of Catholic Joe: Superhero, flew down to escape the chill of Chicago and enter the eleven-degree weather of Dallas. Steven “Stephen” Thomas came to kick it with the BeatiDudes in between writing sessions for the next book in the series.

Steven Thomas is a serial entrepreneur who has started many culture-changing companies and apostolates. Steven was given the grace to complete Catholic Joe after walking across the country with a small group of men. They traversed over 4,500 grueling miles in the form of a cross over the US, praying for God’s mercy and favor...

Bishop Greg Kelly, the newly installed 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, joins BeatiDudes Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein again for this bonus episode about homilies.

Bishop Greg Kelly was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. Throughout his life, he listened to many boring homilies, and he longed to deliver something better. When the Institute for Homiletics opened its doors in Dallas in 2021, Bishop Kelly was among the first to enroll.

The Institute for Homiletics, a collaboration between the University of Dallas and the Catholic Foundation, was founded to renew preaching in the...

The 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler and longtime friend of The BeatiDudes, Bishop Greg Kelly, joined the BeatiDudes just weeks before his installation to share his gratitude, joy, and excitement. His focus included a message of timeless wisdom to always find Christ and keep our eyes on Him.

Bishop Greg Kelly is a native of Iowa and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1976, he arrived in Dallas. He studied for the priesthood in Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas in Irving and was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. He served as parochial...

Do you believe in miracles?

Dr. Robert Collins joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for miracle stories found at the intersection of prayer and medicine.

Dr. Robert experienced the power of prayer when his son had major surgery on a tumor that was on his spine. Inspired and supported by past patients and faithful friends, Dr. Collins and his wife felt a cloud of prayers as they waited through their son’s procedure.

Healing is much broader than we could ever imagine, so be sure that your work is always under th...