Pat is joined by his friends Fr. Austin Gilstrap, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Hendersonville, TN, and Fr. Michael Fye, pastor of St. Anne in Nashville, TN. The three of them have a spirited conversation about OCIA and what it really means to initiate people into the Catholic church. They discuss the importance of excitement, depth, and timeliness in conducting spiritual formation, and explore the different ways that pastors can best serve the people joining their congregation.

Pat and his friend Fr. Michael Andrade, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA, have a vulnerable and practical conversation about the challenges pastors face when taking over a new parish. They challenge the conventional wisdom of waiting to make changes and explore how immediate, prayerful, and intentional leadership fosters healthier transitions. Fr. Michael also shares his personal experiences of forming a supportive team, embracing criticism, and leading courageously for the good of the parish.

Pat and Fr. Mike Schmitz tackle the tension priests encounter between being popular and being authentic. The conversation dives into the spiritual and practical dangers of avoiding conflict, the need for truth-tellers in leadership, and the importance of genuine relationships built on love rather than admiration. Together, Pat and Fr. Mike challenge listeners to choose truth over comfort, love over applause, and authenticity over approval.