Catching Foxes

Latest Episodes:

Episode 33: 33 I Don't Even Care If I Get Fired Feb 13, 2016

Show notes

Luke and I discuss Confirmation retreats, failure in Catholic schools and ministries, and the ongoing need for evangelization. Luke uses the "Who do you say that I am?" verse like 60 times in this episode, and he relates a sad story about the phrase "personal relationship with Jesus".

Here's the great Dr. Carole Brown article: The Problem with 'Not' Having a Personal Relationship with Jesus. This was a rebuttal piece to Dr. Jay Boyd's article critiquing Forming Intentional Disciples.

“But in catechetical practice, this model order must allow for the fact that the initial evangelization has often not taken place. A certain number of children baptized in infancy come for catechesis in the parish without receiving any other initiation into the faith and still without any explicit personal attachment to Jesus Christ; they only have the capacity to believe placed within them by Baptism and the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

— Pope John Paul II, Catechesis in Our Times, 19

Find Us Online!

facebook.com/catchingfoxespodcast
https://twitter.com/cfoxespodcast
https://www.instagram.com/catching_foxes/
@LayEvangelist
@theLukethe (Twitter only on the weekends! See Deep Work for the reason why)

Check out these great companies!

Catholic Beard Balm Make your beard smell like Baptism!
CatholicMatch.com Build community, find love, by visiting our sponsor!

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 31: 31 Donald Trump for President of Nothing! Feb 05, 2016

Show notes

We answer listener questions about Trump, climate change and other non-controversial things! We really do a fun dive into the heart of Trump Populism and analyze some ridiculous statements he's made.

        <img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56b4acb52fe131a34f318ee3/1454681271540/" data-image-dimensions="592x255" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="56b4acb52fe131a34f318ee3" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56b4acb52fe131a34f318ee3/1454681271540/?format=1000w" />

Then we hop on the Climate Change train and try to figure out why Republicans hate it, why Democrats milk it, and where we can do something constructive together. There's some other stuff, too, like 90's alternative music and some sad stuff at the end.

Find Us Online!

Check out these great companies!

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 30: 30 Shane Claiborne Interview Jan 22, 2016

Show notes

Luke interviews Shane Claiborne while Gomer is on a flight to L.A. that he wishes he wasn't on. Poor Gomer.

Shane is a founder and board member of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner city Philadelphia that has helped birth and connect radical faith communities around the world. He is married to Katie Jo, a North Carolina girl who also fell in love with the city (and with Shane). They were wed in St. Edwards church, the formerly abandoned cathedral into which homeless families relocated in 1995, launching the beginning of the Simple Way community and a new phase of faith-based justice making.

Shane writes and travels extensively speaking about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus. Shane’s books include Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow Me to Freedom, Jesus, Bombs and Ice Cream, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers – and his classic The Irresistible Revolution. He has been featured in a number of films including “Another World Is Possible” and “Ordinary Radicals.” His books are translated into more than a dozen languages. Shane speaks over 100 times a year, nationally and internationally.

His work has appeared in Esquire, SPIN, Christianity Today, and The Wall Street Journal, and he has been on everything from Fox News and Al Jazeera to CNN and NPR. He’s given academic lectures at Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Liberty, Duke, and Notre Dame. Shane speaks regularly at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe. Follow him online at:

Facebook: ShaneClaiborne
Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 29: 29 We Cuss A Lot Jan 15, 2016

Show notes

Luke and Gomer are back and very much hate 2016. Luke has irrational anger problems and Gomer just wants to play Minecraft. We also talk about the "Voice, but no Vote" issue of the Episcopalian Church within the Anglican Communion and the problem of Talking Head culture in the Church today.

Support our Sponsor:

CatholicMatch.com Faith-Focused Dating!

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 28: 28 Audrey Assad is the Busiest Person Alive Jan 08, 2016

Show notes

We interview Audrey Assad, one of the brightest lights in the Church today. She's most famous for her devotional music and her role as a worship leader in events and conferences across this country. You will not regret listening to this. Well... you may regret listening to us. But not to her!

First, her website: http://www.audreyassad.com/
Where to pre-order her next album (and send money to St Vincent de Paul Society): http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/audreyassad
Visit her online store: http://store.audreyassad.com/
Luke’s Obsession: http://www.gasolineheart.com/
Luke’s Other Passion: http://badchristian.com/badchristian/

        <img class="thumb-image" alt="CopticMartyrs" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/568fedc0a128e65d0d4123ea/1452273090274/CopticMartyrs" data-image-dimensions="500x277" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="568fedc0a128e65d0d4123ea" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/568fedc0a128e65d0d4123ea/1452273090274/CopticMartyrs?format=1000w" />

EVEN UNTO DEATH, how she wrote the song about the Martyrs: http://audreyassad.tumblr.com/post/130350198505/even-unto-death-the-story
Death Be Not Proud (Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sikF_phQHZw
Francis Chan’s Apology to Audrey and Matt at IHOP Conference, #OneThing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujDzyUctrR4
Audrey’s Amazing Talk for Women at SEEK2015 on Porn Addiction
http://www.layevangelist.com/journal/2015/3/3/audrey-assads-amazing-talk-for-women-on-porn-addiction.html
ThePornEffect’s Interview with Audrey Assad
http://theporneffect.com/blog/post/audrey-assad-on-female-porn-addiction/
Madd Fradd’s “Delivered” wherein Audrey shares her story
http://www.mattfradddelivered.com/
SEEK2015
http://seek2015.com/
LEVV’s Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LEVVmusic/
Husband’s New Movie “To Catch a Falling Knife” Kickstarter Page
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2055994648/to-catch-a-falling-knife

Follow Audrey Online

Tumblr - http://audreyassad.tumblr.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/audreyassad
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/audreyassadmusic?_rdr=p
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/audreyassad/

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 27: 27 Bonus Episode! 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Review! Jan 03, 2016

Show notes

We did it! A few weeks later than anticipated! Here's our review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Not going to lie, I'm pretty proud of this episode. Luke and Scott sat down and had a pretty nuanced conversation about The Force Awakens. Enjoy!

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 26: 26 Star Wars Pre-Game Show Dec 18, 2015

Show notes

In this episode you will discover just how crazy much we are in love with the Star Wars franchise. Yes, at one point Gomer connects some themes to theology or morality, but we let Star Wars be Star Wars, for the most part. ( I don't quote this article, but wish I had! Fun read for Thomists.)

This is where we go off with Ring Theory and Darth Jar Jar Binks. If you haven't heard about this, it might break your brain or roll your eyes. For Gomer, he rolls his eyes. For Luke, his brain hath broke.

Gomer reveals how many books he's read to prepare his heart. Luke reveals how much he's cried in anticipation of the movie. Then we mock George Lucas for a bit and Luke makes such an inappropriate comment, even for our show, that I had to edit it out. But, most importantly, CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW AND RESCUE YOUR CHILDHOOD FROM GEORGE LUCAS! (or watch this documentary on Netflix)

And finally, what if you hate the prequels? What if a film student decided to rewrite history and suggest to George Lucas' finished script certain alterations that would make the prequels actually good movies with actual characters you care about and an actual plot surprise, rather than boring characters, stupid CGI set pieces, and the prequels simply explaining everything in the original triology. Here's a pitch for a new plot to Episode I, II, and III.

      <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLsvexWBVM8IYSGopKuSfsGk5YIgCwQWd23bqb5ryD4/preview" target="_blank">


        <img class="thumb-image" alt="When George Lucas ruined your childhood because of his own peccadillos, Harmy's restoration of the Original Triology in this Despecialized Edition will warm your heart. Click it to discover a whole new world." data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567450e21c121018863c655f/1450463460815/" data-image-dimensions="1437x808" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="567450e21c121018863c655f" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567450e21c121018863c655f/1450463460815/?format=1000w" />


      </a>




      <p>When George Lucas ruined your childhood because of his own peccadillos, Harmy's restoration of the Original Triology in this Despecialized Edition will warm your heart. Click it to discover a whole new world.</p>
















      <a href="http://amzn.to/1OcxiBz" target="_blank">


        <img class="thumb-image" alt="Lost Stars... Where Twilight meets Star Wars. Enough said. I read it just to find out why that Star Destroyer crashes on Jakku. This book chronologically starts with pre-Star Wars A New Hope and ends after The Return of the Jedi." data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/5674519940667a2b56886827/1450463642374/51PhgY9aWRL._SL300_.jpg" data-image-dimensions="300x300" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5674519940667a2b56886827" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/5674519940667a2b56886827/1450463642374/51PhgY9aWRL._SL300_.jpg?format=1000w" />


      </a>




      <p><em>Lost Stars...</em>&nbsp;Where Twilight meets Star Wars. Enough said. I read it just to find out why that Star Destroyer crashes on Jakku. This book chronologically starts with pre-<em>Star Wars A New Hope</em> and ends after <em>The Return of the Jedi</em>.</p>
















      <a href="http://amzn.to/1mcUlG3" target="_blank">


        <img class="thumb-image" alt="This one wasn't as awful as the reviews make it out. Listen to it on audiobook and it's fine. The ending is not as great as it should be, but it's probably because they are setting up for more. This book starts right at the end of Return of the Jedi." data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/5674525b2399a3bb143bc6e9/1450463835954/51EAv3L9PGL.jpg" data-image-dimensions="329x500" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5674525b2399a3bb143bc6e9" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/5674525b2399a3bb143bc6e9/1450463835954/51EAv3L9PGL.jpg?format=1000w" />


      </a>




      <p>This one wasn't as awful as the reviews make it out. Listen to it on audiobook and it's fine. The ending is not as great as it should be, but it's probably because they are setting up for more. This book starts right at the end of <em>Return of the Jedi</em>.</p>
















      <a href="http://amzn.to/1mcUKrQ" target="_blank">


        <img class="thumb-image" alt="This is a book about a video game about the movies. Yes! But it is good. It gives you a grunt's eye view of the Rebellion and is a great audiobook." data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567452f005f8e2dd00662f86/1450463984882/" data-image-dimensions="329x500" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="567452f005f8e2dd00662f86" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567452f005f8e2dd00662f86/1450463984882/?format=1000w" />


      </a>




      <p>This is a book about a video game about the movies. Yes! But it is good. It gives you a grunt's eye view of the Rebellion and is a great audiobook.</p>

















        <img class="thumb-image" alt="This sets up the Star Wars REBELS cartoon show and is a good back story. The guy with the lightsaber was the last Padawan, with his Jedi master being killed by the Clone Troopers. This will lead into the Rebellion, as the green woman here is helping gather resistance fighters. Good stuff. " data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56745347841abaf154fd7c80/1450464071662/616p2RlCTwL._AA300_.jpg" data-image-dimensions="300x300" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="56745347841abaf154fd7c80" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56745347841abaf154fd7c80/1450464071662/616p2RlCTwL._AA300_.jpg?format=1000w" />





      <p>This sets up the Star Wars REBELS cartoon show and is a good back story. The guy with the lightsaber was the last Padawan, with his Jedi master being killed by the Clone Troopers. This will lead into the Rebellion, as the green woman here is helping gather resistance fighters. Good stuff.&nbsp;</p>
















      <a href="http://amzn.to/1OcyMvJ" target="_blank">


        <img class="thumb-image" alt="A buddy comedy. The Emperor and Vader get stranded on a planet that yearns to be free of Imperial rule. This book's anti-Emperor protagonist is the daddy to Hera, the green girl above and in the Star Wars REBELS cartoon. It seems like everything is a prequel these days. Oh well. It's a fun story of Vader slaughtering things and the Emperor being all manipulative, but of Vader." data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567454812399a3a13cb8ed08/1450464385878/" data-image-dimensions="300x300" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="567454812399a3a13cb8ed08" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/567454812399a3a13cb8ed08/1450464385878/?format=1000w" />


      </a>




      <p>A buddy comedy. The Emperor and Vader get stranded on a planet that yearns to be free of Imperial rule. This book's anti-Emperor protagonist is the daddy to Hera, the green girl above and in the <em>Star Wars REBELS </em>cartoon. It seems like everything is a prequel these days. Oh well. It's a fun story of Vader slaughtering things and the Emperor being all manipulative, but of Vader.</p>

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 25: 25 Andy Talks Social Media Evangelism Dec 04, 2015

Show notes

Ah yes. Our old pal from college, Andy Lesnefsky. Luke and I remember the living embodiment of a prank phone call. Andy is all grown up now and helped evangelize tens of thousands of people through his #ShareJesus campaign at RedeemedOnline.com last Lent, and is going even bigger for this Advent.

But even more important that #ShareJesus is the way Andy is dedicated to his original work as a high school youth minister. He ditched ladder-climbing years ago and has remained at the same parish for the last 10 years, building relationships and changing lives.

We talk about his founding RedeemedOnline.com because of the total lack of a Social Media strategy by Catholic ministries to engage the billions of people online. His videos last year got 1.5 million views and he's learned a lot from this campaign, which he freely shares on this episode. This one is a keeper. And a sharer. #ShareAndy

Theme music brought to you by BenSound.com.

Support Catching Foxes

Episode 24: 24 Dying because I do not die Nov 13, 2015

Show notes

This was a tough one. That's all I got. Love you, Matt!

        <img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56457ca7e4b03c048d1fbe5b/1447394472781/" data-image-dimensions="604x453" data-image-focal-point="0.7244444444444444,0.591715976331361" data-load="false" data-image-id="56457ca7e4b03c048d1fbe5b" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551def6fe4b09619c3abc306/t/56457ca7e4b03c048d1fbe5b/1447394472781/?format=1000w" />

I Live yet do not Live in Me

I live yet do not live in me,
am waiting as my life goes by,
and die because I do not die.

No longer do I live in me,
and without God I cannot live;
to him or me I cannot give
my self, so what can living be?
A thousand deaths my agony
waiting as my life goes by,
dying because I do not die.

This life I live alone I view
as robbery of life, and so
it is a constant death — with no
way out until I live with you.
God, hear me, what I say is true:
I do not want this life of mine,
and die because I do not die.

Being so removed from you I say
what kind of life can I have here
but death so ugly and severe
and worse than any form of pain?
I pity me — and yet my fate
is that I must keep up this lie,
and die because I do not die.

The fish taken out of the sea
is not without a consolation:
his dying is of brief duration
and ultimately brings relief.
Yet what convulsive death can be
as bad as my pathetic life?
The more I live the more I die.

When I begin to feel relief
on seeing you in the sacrament,
I sink in deeper discontent,
deprived of your sweet company.
Now everything compels my grief:
I want — yet can’t — see you nearby,
and die because I do not die.

Although I find my pleasure, Sir,
in hope of someday seeing you,
I see that I can lose you too,
which makes my pain doubly severe,
and so I live in darkest fear,
and hope, wait as life goes by,
dying because I do not die.

Deliver me from death, my God,
and give me life; now you have wound
a rope about me; harshly bound
I ask you to release the cord.
See how I die to see you, Lord,
and I am shattered where I lie,
dying because I do not die.

My death will trigger tears in me,
and I shall mourn my life: a day
annihilated by the way
I fail and sin relentlessly.
O Father God, when will it be
that I can say without a lie:
I live because I do not die?

Translated by Willis Barnstone

St John of the Cross

Support Catching Foxes