Forte Catholic Podcast: Making Catholicism Fun Again

Taylor yells at God. Fr. Anthony tries to help. Taylor recently watched a clip of "The Chosen" that he really connected with and gets down to the nitty gritty of why he stays Catholic. In the second segment, the guys play a new game with the help of PodDecks. These are random questions that they haven't seen and have to answer on the show. It led to some good and unexpected conversation. The final segment may just be our best segment of the year. They introduce another new game called "Hypothetical Sin." Taylor shares a story that he may or may not have been involved in(involving the cops) and asks if what he did was a sin. Thanks for listening! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

WHAT! A! WEEK! Hell has frozen over and now living in Texas has become a frozen hell. Edmund Mitchell steps up to cohost. We discuss what life in Texas has been like this week and get to know our stand in cohost. Taylor asks a ton of very strange theological questions and gets a few other things off his chest his been wondering about including the 2 becoming 1, the 99 sheep, cryptocurrency, Jesus the business owner and much more. Thanks for your patience in getting this episode out. It was a rough week in Texas with the winter storm. I hope you enjoy the show. We worked our butts off to get it to ya :) Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect with Edmund

This week's episode is brought to you in conjunction with the Seek Conference hosted by FOCUS. Liv Harrison cohosts as she and Taylor reminisce about the good, bad and ugly of their time in college. How did they grow during college? What would they tell their college selves now? How did Taylor get a professor fired? All these questions answered and more! They also play a college edition of Freestyle Preaching where they have to come up with minute long sermons on the spot. It was a blast to be a part of a FOCUS conference for the second straight year. Find out more about the leading Catholic campus ministry organization at https://www.focus.org/. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Jon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts a show that has hotter topics than usual. We tackle the pro-life issue and tithing for the first time in the history of the show. In regards to the pro-life topic, Taylor has been frustrated with how the pro-life movement has argued things and finally heard a new way of having this discussion that he found helpful. Tithing has always been an awkward topic, especially for someone who works in the non-profit world. But we figured we would finally tackle it by sharing our thoughts on how to best share our time, talents and money. Taylor also led a retreat IN PERSON and had an epiphany about how things we often hear like "God loves you" starts to lose it's meaning over time and how we need to refocus on the basic truths of our faith. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Taylor starts off the show by asking Fr. Anthony to recount his homily. This leads to a discussion of when holy people have absolutely no idea what's going on but can still do good things in the world whilst clueless. Taylor is fed up with cancel culture on both ends of the spectrum. We can't seem to figure it out as a unit. We wanna cancel some forever and anoint some we canceled recently. It's all very confusing. This conundrum leads to a fine discussion The show wraps with the age old problem of trying to do something good and having failures/growing pains along the way. Taylor tells Fr. Anthony why he's not mad at him...but very disappointed. Thanks for listening! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

A Texas miracle! It snowed in central Texas where Taylor and Allison live and they share how wonderful it was for them and their families! Taylor also gives an update on "The Decision" he made on last month's episode with Allison. Was it worth it?!? Then they talk about CUSSIN! Is cussing a sin? Does it hinder our growth in holiness? Can a saint cuss? It's an interesting conversation that probably a bit different than what you heard in youth group. Finally, Taylor shares the "State of the Podcast" by giving an update on how the show is doing well and where it isn't. Also, Allison got a nerdy mom van. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

In an attempt to rein Liv in, Taylor tries a new approach to the first segment by sharing some of his favorite quotes he's heard recently. It doesn't rein her in but it's entertaining none-the-less. Liv then shares about her new positivity challenge she's running for over 300 people and Taylor asks when she became positive. They argue. Only they can make a conversation about positivity negative lol Finally they play a game that doesn't go anything like Taylor expected. Enjoy! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Taylor FINALLY made it back to Mass at his home parish and it came with a HUGE surprise that no one else seemed to notice. Jon Blevins cohosts and the guys share their January 2021 Saint Power Rankings. Who are the saints that are most popular and/or most needed today. In the final segment, they use Jen Fulwiler's Word of the Year generator to find out what their word for 2021 is...and judge their words from previous years. There's also a bit about God saving his people so that's cool too. Enjoy! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

The New Year's Special with Fr. Anthony and Taylor! Taylor looks back on 2020 to try and find something good but instead goes back further cuz he couldn't find anything. The two reminisce about their friendship and how its grown and discuss the balance between poking fun at each other and being genuine. Taylor found the PERFECT new tune for the ABC's and asks Fr. Anthony if it's sacriligious. Fr. Anthony gets another crack at Freestyle Preaching and writing his Christmas homily on the show. Merry Chhhristmas & Happy New Year! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Allison Sullivan cohosts our fourth Christmas special wearing a festive hat! The show kicks off with Taylor sharing the most revolutionary insight he's ever had on the show! It will change the course of Christianity FOREVERRR!!! And also talks about a rare occasion in 2020 where he had too much of a good thing and a difficult decision he had to make. Allison lovingly guides him through this with her motherly love. The second segment, Allison shares how she's super famous now because of TikTok and how her and her son are going to LA to become actors and why she loves it all so much! And finally, Taylor shares how he tried really hard to go to Mass and still screwed it up and the difference between waiting and waiting(we promise it will make sense when you watch). From all of us here at Forte Catholic, we wish you and yours a very Merry Chhhhhristmas! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFu

Taylor had one of the most rollercoaster weeks with huge highs and low lows and he's emotionally exhaused from it. So he invited Liv of all people to...help? Buckle up for story time with Taylor to feel better about your week either because you can commiserate or because you can be thankful you're not him. These stories somehow lead to conversations about true community, growth and the hope brought about from...THE DISNEY ANNOUNCEMENTS!!! Happy last week of Advent y'all! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Jesus played against Mary in a basketball game and the winner determined how we should be praying. Taylor(half a grad theology degree) has a wild theory and Jon "Bearded" Blevins(full grad theology degree (online) tries to correct him. We also brought back two long forgotten segments and had an absolute blast! We rate recent hot takes from our friends at Clerically Speaking and learn that Jon truly has a gift from God in Life Verse where the Lord speaks directly through us to share a message with someone. Tune in for a light-hearted and fun episode with the Wonder Boy Jon Blevins! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Taylor got his beard trimmed for the first time since the pre-covid era and it was...not what he expected! Terrifying and embarrassing! Fr. Anthony received mail two weeks ago from a listener of the show with the explicit instructions not to open until on the air with Taylor. It was one of the greatest reveals of show history and was fodder to make fun of our favorite priest for an entire segment! We also learned more about a lesser known saint we should all appreciate more after this segment. Finally, Father shares his secret talent of Taekwondo, Taylor wants to fight and then rants about spiritual bouquets. Wild show! Enjoy :) Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Allison Sullivan cohosts our Thanksgiving episode that kicks off with a recent revelation about how we relate to God individually. We ask if us from five years ago would be proud of who we are today and how this exercise is important to know where we stand and how we can grow. The final segment may be one of Taylor's favorites in the history of the show. They discuss the quote "A well trained intuition is a good servant and a poor master." Both share their thoughts on how this quote applies to them and how certain things in regards to it drive them crazy! This episode had it all: comedy, insight, laughter, deep thoughts, margaritas. What more could you ask for!?!?! From all of us at Forte Catholic, we hope you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Liv Harrison went to Disney World in the midst of a global pandemic and Taylor has a segment's worth of questions for her. They argue(what's new?) Taylor coaches at the local Catholic school and their football team had a historic win this weekend! He shares with Liv what happened and they have a conversation about the balance between healthy vs. unhealthy pride. Finally, Taylor shares that his week wasn't all roses and complains about his first world problems and how his kids apparently view him. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Jon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts and Taylor kicks off the show with more Spanish. This time, he's interpreting a son he once sang very differently than what the Scriptures intended and it leads to a convo about God being in control and our free will. Comedian David Studebaker joins the show to share his conversion story from Buddhism to Catholicism at 18, being a Catholic in comedy and what he finds funny about some aspects of Catholicism. Finally, Jon shares his weight loss success while Taylor lets us know how he feels like Sisyphus more and more each day. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

The guys recorded on election day so just wanted to bring you people joy as you listen today. And we think we delivered ;) We brought back the fan favorite segment "Chicken Soup for the Schroll" with positive and heart-warming stories. At long last, guests are once again a thing on the show as Mark Shea joins us to share the Church's best kept secret(oooo intriguing). It was a really helpful conversation in light of what our country is going through this week. Finally, Taylor invented a new game where he and Fr. Anthony are beginning a Role Playing Game where they have to decide what kind of Catholics they will be. It was meant to be silly(and it was) but ended up shedding a lot of light on our spiritual lives lolol. Play along at home! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

The show kicks off with Taylor sharing the story of two football games that looked very similar on the scoreboard but were very different experiences for him and his players. It made Taylor realize the unhealthy mindset he's had lately(psst....you might have it to) In the second segment, Allison shares her story of adoption: the beauty, the struggles and the lessons. This is the first tim her and Taylor have discussed it publicly and it gives a big insight into who Allison is. She also shares some of the nuggets of wisdom she's learned through the process. Finally, Taylor shares how different he treats his new car from his old one and what that says about how we view ourselves. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

Taylor went to visit Liv this weekend so they have a lot to share about their adventures together. What went right and what went VERY wrong! Taylor also got the cops called on him this week while trying to do the Lord's work. Wonderful... And finally, he finally has a moment with Jesus instantly ruined by Taco Bell. What a week! Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect

We tried to kick off the show with a beautiful conversation about loving our neighbor but Jon wanted to talk about straws for a while. Taylor talks about Jon's mom(and isn't offensive...wow) and how we can't love a God we can't see if we don't love the people we can. The guys have a conversation about objective and subjective truth in Catholicism and how people often get them confused in both directions. Finally, Taylor shares how big of a failure his is with the help of the trusty dog Airbud. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! Connect