Épisodes

  • Ep.83 – Kevin Goodnight: Transforming Fatherhood With Faith | Devoted Dads | Virtuous Parenting
    Sep 9 2025

    Kevin Goodnight is the Founder of Dad Voted, where he helps dads and men who struggle with distraction, addiction, and uncertainty in their roles as fathers to rediscover their purpose and become devoted, intentional leaders at home and work. Through books, coaching, and ministry, Kevin’s mission is to develop fathers who are present, purposeful, and grounded in faith—so their children feel truly known, seen, and loved.


    Top 5 Insights from Kevin Goodnight

    • Strong fatherhood starts with strong personal identity: To be a better dad, you have to be a better man—addressing your own struggles and growth comes first.

    • Establishing purposeful family routines, like sharing three meals a week together, significantly lowers risks for kids and strengthens the parent-child bond.

    • Intentionality shifts everything: Simple actions, like putting away your phone when you get home and bookending your day with reflection and prayer, transform how you show up for your family.

    • Dads don’t need to be perfect—they need to be present. Focusing on their child’s heart, not just their outward behavior, is essential for true mentorship and discipleship.

    • Faith-infused leadership can’t be compartmentalized: Kevin’s story demonstrates that serving powerfully at home and in the marketplace often means bringing your whole, authentic self—including your faith—into every role.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Meet Kevin Goodnight: Helping Dads Become Virtuous Leaders

    00:34 Founding Dad Voted: A Journey of Sobriety and Purpose

    01:29 Helping Dads: Coaching and Writing

    03:18 Top Tips for Busy Dads

    05:56 Entrepreneurship and Book Sales

    08:04 C-Suite for Christ: Marketplace Ministry

    12:07 Speaking Engagements and Referrals

    14:05 Conclusion and Contact Information


    Kevin Goodnight

    Founder, Dad Voted

    https://www.dadvoted.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-goodnight/

    https://thewellthyleader.com/


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    15 min
  • EP.82 – JOHN KIRIAKOU: CHOOSING TRUTH OVER CAREER—WOULD YOU? | COURAGE | FAITH UNDER FIRE | WHISTLEBLOWER | CATHOLIC VALUES
    Sep 6 2025

    John Kiriakou is a former CIA officer and renowned whistleblower who stood up for truth and human dignity, even when it put his freedom and family life on the line. He’s committed to helping conscience-driven citizens, leaders, and families who feel overwhelmed by institutional pressures—and who wrestle with the cost of living out their deepest values—find the courage to act with integrity, no matter the consequences.


    Top 5 Insights from John Kiriakou

    • True leadership sometimes requires sacrificing your reputation, career, and comfort to stand for what’s right—even when no one stands with you.

    • Speaking up against injustice comes at a high cost: John shares how moral courage can isolate you from friends, colleagues, and even family, but reveals who your “true people” really are.

    • Surviving adversity (including federal prison) demands not just resilience, but wisdom—John’s CIA background taught him skills of observation, discretion, and the importance of relying on character over brute force.

    • The foundations of virtue, for John, were laid by his immigrant family’s gratitude to America and lasting principles of right and wrong—proof that strong families forge strong leaders willing to do the hard things.

    • Forgiveness and faith enable healing after profound betrayal and suffering. John’s story is a living example of how enduring spiritual and moral values sustain people even when the system fails them.


    Timestamps00:00 Meet John Kiriakou: Whistleblower Standing Up for Truth and Ethics

    00:32 The Decision to Speak Out

    02:33 Facing the Consequences

    07:33 Life in Prison

    10:59 Surviving with CIA Training

    18:11 The Dark Realities of Prison

    20:00 Restoring Voting Rights: A Personal Journey

    23:03 The Dilemma of Pleading Guilty

    24:49 Injustice and Sacrifice: The Story of Pat Winter

    27:01 Family Values and the American Dream

    29:48 Faith and Forgiveness: Lessons from Saint Nick33:33 Friendship with Tucker Carlson

    35:38 Final Thoughts and Hopes for a Pardon

    John Kiriakou

    CIA Whistleblower, Author, Advocate

    https://johnkiriakou.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kiriakou-aba6711/

    https://twitter.com/JohnKiriakou


    Books by John Kiriakou:

    Surveillance and Surveillance Detection: A CIA Insider's Guide

    Doing Time Like A Spy: How the CIA Taught Me to Survive and Thrive in Prison

    Lying and Lie Detection: A CIA Insider's Guide


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    36 min
  • Ep.81 – Jason Shanks: Sparking a Catholic Revival in the Family | Eucharist Mission | Faith Renewal | Catholic Leadership | Traditional Values | Family Formation
    Sep 4 2025

    Jason Shanks is the President of the National Eucharistic Congress, where he helps Catholic communities across the United States who struggle with disengagement and apathy to rediscover a living, vibrant faith centered on the Eucharist. Through bold national initiatives, Jason leads efforts to heal wounds, foster deeper reverence, and inspire a new wave of “Eucharistic missionaries” ready to bring faith from the church to the streets.


    Top 5 Insights from Jason Shanks

    • Pilgrimage and public Eucharistic processions have sparked surprising stories of healing, conversion, and renewed unity among families and church leaders nationwide.

    • A true “revival” isn’t just intellectual; it reignites hearts, combating apathy and indifference by inviting Catholics to deeper devotion and visible reverence in daily life.

    • Leadership in faith movements means humble collaboration: Jason credits a diverse team, from bishops to volunteers, for the momentum of the National Eucharistic Revival.

    • Post-pandemic challenges have been transformed into opportunities for growth and renewal, prompting deeper questions about community, faith, and isolation—and fueling increased conversions among young people.

    • Becoming a “Eucharistic missionary” starts with personal commitment—daily prayer, active participation at Mass, and helping others—supported by training, community, and ongoing national initiatives.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Meet Jason Shanks: Inspiring Eucharistic Revival in the Catholic Church

    00:36 What is the National Eucharistic Revival?

    01:06 From Pilgrimage to Movement: The Story Behind the Congress

    02:19 Success Stories: Conversions, Healings, and Restoration

    03:55 Revival of Faith: Impact on Bishops and Parishes

    04:34 Combating Apathy: Rekindling Devotion to the Eucharist

    05:15 What Happens After the Congress? Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries

    05:59 Leading with the Eucharist: Lessons from Catholic Missionaries

    06:56 How to Become a Eucharistic Missionary

    07:43 Upcoming Events: Pilgrimage, Mass, and Festival in Los Angeles

    08:26 Ongoing Revival: Prayer Series and Future Congress Plans

    09:30 Behind the Scenes: Organizing a National Movement

    10:11 The Role of Collaboration and Leadership

    11:00 Living a Eucharistic Life: Humility, Prayer, and Vision

    12:14 Overcoming Challenges: COVID-19 and the Church’s Response

    13:20 The Revival’s Impact on Young People and New Catholics

    14:00 Simple Ways to Deepen Eucharistic Reverence

    15:23 How to Get Involved: Websites, Apps, and Resources

    16:36 Final Thoughts and Thanks


    Jason Shanks

    President, National Eucharistic Congress

    https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanksjason/


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza


    If you’re seeking hope for the future of faith in America, or a way to rekindle your own family’s devotion and wonder, this episode will inspire you. Jason’s story reveals what’s possible when a community unites around a sacred mission that honors tradition, encourages healing, and moves hearts toward purpose.


    Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@drjohanndsouza for more uplifting stories on virtue-driven leadership, spiritual renewal, and building a life that matters.


    #VirtuousLeaders #EucharisticRevival #FaithInAction #LeadershipMatters #JasonShanks #DrJohannDSouza #CatholicRenewal


    👇How do you help build faith and unity in your community? Share your story below. We truly read every one.

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    19 min
  • Ep.80 – Liz Lantigua: How Parents Can Save Kids from Corrupt Books | Virtue Ethics | Classical Education | Family Conservatives | Legacy Building
    Sep 2 2025

    Liz Lantigua is the founder of Literacy Advocates USA, where she helps parents, educators, and schools who struggle with the growing prevalence of unsuitable and harmful content in children’s literature to provide students with joyful, virtue-forming, and clean reading experiences that support positive character development and a love of learning.


    Top 5 Insights from Liz Lantigua

    • The books children encounter are shaping their moral imagination and values far more than most parents realize—and many books marketed to kids contain hidden, inappropriate, or agenda-driven content.

    • Great reading builds virtue and courage; Liz’s team curates books through parent, author, and media specialist review, focusing on positive values, clean language, and stories that inspire, not deform.

    • Forming children’s habits around reading for fun—not just homework—is linked to lifelong learning and character; modeling this as parents is as crucial as what children actually read.

    • Series and classic favorites are often reissued with “Trojan Horse” content that undermines traditional values—Liz shares concrete examples and tips on how to stay vigilant.

    • True leadership means ordinary parents stepping up for the good of the whole community—by advocating for better options in schools and supporting alternatives that reflect their deeper values.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Meet Liz Lantigua: Championing Clean Reading for Kids

    00:44 Introducing Liz and Literacy Advocates, USA

    02:23 The Birth of Good News Book Fair

    03:35 Curating Clean Reads for Kids

    06:04 The Importance of Parental Involvement

    08:09 Challenges and Trojan Horses in Children's Literature

    10:42 Highlighting Positive and Inspiring Books

    11:49 The Mission and Vision of Literacy Advocates, USA

    12:35 Call to Action for Parents and Community

    14:54 Expanding the Reach of Good News Book Fair

    15:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    Liz Lantigua

    Founder, Literacy Advocates USA & Good News! Book Fair

    https://goodnewsbookfair.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/goodnewsbookfair/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizlantigua/


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    17 min
  • Ep.79 – Pete Burak On Why Catholic Men Must Lead With Grit & Grace | Catholic Dads | Spiritual Leadership | Courage | Raising Boys
    Aug 30 2025

    Pete Burak is the Vice President of Renewal Ministries, where he helps individuals and communities hungry for deeper faith who struggle with stagnation or disconnection to encounter Jesus, become Spirit-filled disciples, and actively lead others toward renewal in the Church.


    Top 5 Insights from Pete Burak

    • Spirit-filled leadership begins with personal discipleship and flows outward—authentic leaders are formed in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to replicate this transformation in others.

    • Humility and obedience are foundational for leadership; true leaders have first learned to follow before inspiring others to move from where they are to where God is calling.

    • Magnanimous vision—seeing and pursuing a “big God” mission—comes alive not just in public figures, but also in ordinary lives lived faithfully and well for the Kingdom.

    • Impactful leadership often happens in hidden places: raising families, influencing local communities, and quietly serving—these leaders are building the Church just as much as high-profile ministers.

    • Expectant listening to God isn’t a buzzword for Pete—it’s a way of life and a core value in organizational leadership, prayerfully pausing to seek and act on God’s direction at every level.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Meet Pete Burak: Forming Spirit-Filled Catholic Leaders

    00:20 Meet Pete: Vice President of Renewal Ministries

    00:33 Mission and Activities of Renewal Ministries

    01:26 Spirit-Filled Leadership Podcast

    02:40 Qualities of Effective Leaders

    04:54 Inspiring Leaders and Their Impact

    10:08 Pete's Vision and Mission

    14:59 Strategies for Effective Leadership

    17:46 Core Message: Repent and Believe

    19:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Pete Burak

    Vice President, Renewal Ministries

    https://www.renewalministries.net/

    https://www.instagram.com/peteburak

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteburak916/

    https://www.facebook.com/pete.burak

    https://x.com/PeteBurak10

    https://www.youtube.com/@RenewalMinistries


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    21 min
  • Ep.78 – Why Most Christian Kids Walk Away: Homeschool’s Answer | Classical Education | Faith Based Parenting | Virtuous Leaders | Family First
    Aug 28 2025

    Robert Bortins is the CEO of Classical Conversations, where he helps Christian families who struggle with secular influences and a lack of control over their children’s education to rediscover their God-given responsibility and raise virtuous, well-educated leaders for the next generation.


    Top 5 Insights from Robert Bortins

    • Homeschooling offers a fundamentally different model of forming virtuous citizens—one where parents guide not just academics, but character, faith, and leadership.

    • The classical model (grammar, logic, rhetoric) equips students to become clear thinkers and articulate defenders of their values, as seen in activities from Latin translation to mock trial.

    • Despite common fears, homeschooling is accessible and transformative for ordinary families—not just the highly educated. Empathy, community, and support are key.

    • Modern schooling systems often promote secular humanist ideologies by default, so parents who want to anchor their children in faith and virtue must be intentional about educational choices.

    • Legislative and cultural change is needed to empower educational freedom—removing mandates that separate children from parents and restoring family authority in education.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Meet Robert Bortins: Empowering Christian Homeschooling Families

    00:40 Introduction to Classical Conversations

    01:20 The Structure and Benefits of Classical Homeschooling

    02:45 Impact and Reach of Classical Conversations

    03:50 Personal Motivation and Vision for Homeschooling

    04:45 Challenges and Misconceptions in Homeschooling

    08:54 Government and Educational Policies

    14:42 Future Vision and How to Get Involved


    Robert Bortins

    CEO, Classical Conversations

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbortins/

    https://classicalconversations.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/therobertbshow

    https://cchomeoffice.com/

    https://x.com/therobertbshow

    https://refiningrhetoric.com/


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    16 min
  • Ep.77 – Juggling Motherhood & Mission: Catholic Wisdom for Today | Faith & Family | Balancing Life | Catholic Moms | Conservative Values
    Aug 26 2025

    Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead is a Fellow at The Catholic Association, where she helps Catholic women—especially mothers—who struggle to find their voice in the public square to share authentically and courageously on issues of faith, family, and culture. Through writing, media appearances, and co-hosting the nationally syndicated radio show "Conversations with Consequences," Leigh and her team empower women to engage the world without stepping away from their primary vocation as mothers.Top 5 Insights from Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead• Navigating professional contributions and family life: Leigh and her all-mom team at The Catholic Association model how women can be deeply present to their families while meaningfully shaping public discourse.• Bringing a Catholic perspective to contemporary issues: From mainstream media to faith publications, Leigh’s group addresses not just traditionally Catholic topics but national news through a lens of faith, reason, and family values.• The power of collaboration among women: By co-authoring articles, sharing research, and picking up slack for each other during busy seasons (like writing books or parenting young children), Leigh’s team exemplifies authentic collegiality.• Addressing tough topics with honesty: Leigh’s upcoming book on infertility weaves together her lived experience, the stories of other Catholic women, and Church teaching, offering real hope and solidarity for those who feel unseen.• Speaking up for families in the culture wars: The Catholic Association tackles controversial issues such as abortion, gender ideology in schools, and religious liberty, aiming to highlight the positive efforts happening in defense of life and family.Timestamps00:00 Meet Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead: Amplifying Faithful Catholic Voices02:09 Mission and Impact of the Catholic Association03:02 Balancing Motherhood and Professional Life04:01 Insights on Infertility and Upcoming Book06:59 Media Presence and Outreach09:04 Key Issues and Advocacy13:37 Concluding Thoughts and Final QuestionsLeigh Fitzpatrick SneadFellow, The Catholic Associationhttps://thecatholicassociation.org/https://www.instagram.com/leighsnead/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-snead-414b6549/https://catholicassociation.substack.com/https://twitter.com/CatholicAssocDr. Johann D'SouzaClinical Psychologist at Values First Therapyhttps://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/https://x.com/drjohanndsouza

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    15 min
  • Ep.76 – Catholic Marriage Advice No One Told Us (Wit From the Frontlines) | Marriage Advice | Catholic Leaders | Family Values | Relationship Wisdom | Husband Role
    Aug 23 2025

    Kevin Lowry is the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Columbus, where he helps Catholic organizations and families who struggle with balancing faith-driven stewardship and modern leadership demands to flourish spiritually and financially. With decades of executive experience in both the corporate and nonprofit world, Kevin focuses on building resilient families, effective church communities, and cultivating leaders who live out virtue in every aspect of their lives.


    Top 5 Insights from Kevin Lowry

    • Building strong marriages through sacramental grace and daily humility can transform families and communities.

    • Financial stewardship in the Church requires principled leadership and balancing scarce resources with long-term mission.

    • Good husbands learn to love their wives the way their wives actually need, not simply by default.

    • Authentic Catholic business leadership is rooted in forming deep, supportive relationships—exemplified by Kevin’s work with Legatus.

    • Little acts of kindness and vulnerability in family life, like public apologies or morning greetings, can have generational ripple effects.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Meet Kevin Lowry: Helping Catholic Men Lead Virtuous Lives

    00:33 Balancing Faith, Family, and Leadership: Kevin's Roles Explained

    01:13 What Does a Diocesan CFO Do? Financial Stewardship in the Church

    01:59 From Corporate CFO to Diocese CFO: Comparing Leadership Roles

    03:07 Financial Challenges in the Catholic Church: Transparency and Stewardship

    04:32 Vatican Finances: Unique Challenges and Hopes for Reform

    05:06 Marriage Renewal for Catholic Men: Insights from "Honor Thy Wife"

    06:42 Learning from Mistakes: Real-Life Stories of Growth in Marriage

    08:57 The Biggest Mistake Good Husbands Make

    10:02 Legatus: Supporting Catholic Business Leaders

    11:24 Catholic Media Leadership: St. Gabriel Radio’s Impact

    12:05 The Role of a Board President in Catholic Organizations

    12:51 Final Encouragement: The Power of Sacramental Grace in Marriage

    13:28 Closing Words: Strengthening Marriage and Family for a Better Society


    Kevin Lowry

    Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Columbus

    ⁠https://columbuscatholic.org/⁠


    Dr. Johann D'Souza

    Clinical Psychologist at Values First Therapy

    ⁠https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/

    ⁠⁠https://www.valuesfirstcollective.com/⁠⁠

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanndsouza/

    ⁠⁠https://x.com/drjohanndsouza


    ⁠If you care about the future of Catholic leadership, marriage renewal, and faith at work, this conversation with Kevin Lowry will encourage you to become a better leader at home and in your vocation.


    Subscribe to⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@drjohanndsouza⁠ for more inspiring episodes on virtuous leadership, family, and building mission-driven lives.


    #VirtuousLeaders #CatholicLeadership #FamilyLife #MarriageRenewal #FaithfulStewardship #KevinLowry #JohanDSouza #CatholicPodcast #LeadershipMatters

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    14 min