Man Up!

Joe Stopulos
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  • Christianity
  • Updated weekly

A show dedicated to helping men live out their call to authentic masculinity

  1. 1 day ago

    Faith, Fatherhood & Legacy: A Son Reflects on His Catholic Upbringing: Part 2 — Joe Stopulos

    Part 2 of Joe Stopulos's Uncommon Good interview with Dr. Bud Maher picks up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Joe is studying at Marquette University — attending daily Mass during Lent (sometimes before the bar closed), seeking out every Jesuit professor he could find, and slowly beginning to ask why the Church teaches what it teaches. Highlights include: College Faith in the Real World: Joe reflects on attending a 10 p.m. Sunday Mass while most of his friend group wasn't practicing. He describes going to daily Mass every day of Lent in college — including a legendary St. Patrick's Day that started at 5:50 a.m. outside a bar and still included 6:30 a.m. Mass. A perfect encapsulation of where he was spiritually. Meeting His First Protestant at 25: A friendship with a Methodist minister friend forced Joe to actually articulate why Catholics do what they do — confession, the sacraments, all of it. He couldn't answer from Scripture. That sent him to CatholicAnswers.com, and every answer he found only deepened his conviction. Father John Ricardo Changes Everything: Introduced to Iowa Catholic Radio through friend John Leonetti (whom Joe famously told "nobody listens to Catholic radio"), Joe started tuning in to Father Ricardo at 11 a.m. and never stopped. He began burning CDs of Ricardo's talks to hand out. Combined with Jeff Cavins' Bible Timeline study and Scott Hahn's The Lamb's Supper, this launched a roughly 24-month transformation that Joe describes as the turning point of his adult faith. The Origin of Man Up: Joe shares how his early on-air appearances during Iowa Catholic Radio fundraisers eventually led to a standing show — made possible, he says, by the theological confidence and credibility of his original co-host, Father Zach. Now approaching 10 years and 400+ episodes, Man Up remains one of the network's cornerstone programs. Life at the Basilica of Saint John: Joe talks about the thriving parish community at Saint John's Basilica in Des Moines, the pastoral transition from the beloved Father Quinn to Father Trevor Sequin, and why surrounding yourself with friends striving for virtue is one of the three most important decisions a man can make. Saint Thomas Classical Academy: Joe highlights this homeschool hybrid co-op as one of the great gifts of his family's life in Des Moines. A major event is coming up — Bishop Conley will be the keynote speaker on October 20th, focusing on his devotion to Saint John Henry Newman. Don't miss it. Hope for the Future of the Church: Joe closes with optimism — men are returning to the Church, communities are growing, and the Forge Conference is proof. As Joe puts it: if Joe Rogan's going to church, a lot of people are going to church. Next week on Man Up: Joe re-airs a two-part interview he recorded with his father during the Heroic Fatherhood series — a tribute to the man he calls the greatest of his life. 📻 Listen to Man Up on Iowa Catholic Radio: IowaCatholicRadio.com 🙏 Support provided by Construction Professionals — learn more at CPCustomHomes.com 📚 Resources mentioned: The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn | Jeff Cavins' Bible Timeline | Father John Ricardo | CatholicAnswers.com 🏫 Saint Thomas Classical Academy event — Bishop Conley keynote: October 20th #ManUp #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicMen #CatholicFaith #FaithJourney #CradleCatholic #CatholicPodcast #FatherJohnRicardo #MensMinistry #FaithAndFamily #HeroicVirtue #CatholicLife #UncommonGood #ScottHahn #JeffCavins #SaintJohnsBasilica #CatholicConversion #DesMoinesCatholic #SaintThomasClassical #CatholicOptimism Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

  2. 8 Jun

    Faith, Fatherhood & Legacy: A Son Reflects on His Catholic Upbringing — Joe Stopulos

    In one of the most personal episodes of Man Up to date, host Joe Stopulos opens by sharing that his father — the self-described hero of his life — recently passed away after a swift battle with cancer. The interview featured in this episode was recorded on February 6th, the very morning Joe's family received word of his father's diagnosis, making its content — a deep dive into Joe's Catholic upbringing — all the more poignant and powerful. Highlights include: A Cradle Catholic Story: Joe, the fourth of six children, grew up in a large Catholic family in Davenport, Iowa, attending Catholic grade school, high school, and college (Marquette University). He reflects on what it meant to be the "big family" at school and how normalcy around the faith was established early. The Role of the Father: Joe makes a compelling case — backed by statistics — that as the father goes, so goes the family. He shares how watching his dad pray silently at Communion left a lasting impression, and how his father's consistent Mass attendance (never missed a single one) shaped all six Stopulos children, all of whom remain in the faith today. "Peasant Catholicism" and Why It Works: Joe and Dr. Maher discuss the value of consistent, humble faith practice — showing up to Mass, praying before meals, living a Christian life — even without formal Bible study or theological depth. It worked for two thousand years, and Joe's family is living proof. A Gift of Faith: Joe shares that he never seriously doubted his faith, even through adolescence and college. His one missed Mass in eighth grade is still something he remembers. He considered priesthood briefly in grade school but ultimately felt called to marriage — and the story of how he met his wife Kristen (thanks to a last-minute band class and AOL Instant Messenger) is both funny and providential. Looking Ahead: Joe closes by noting this is Part 1 of 2. Upcoming weeks on Man Up will include Part 2 of the Uncommon Good interview, re-aired episodes featuring Joe's father, and eventually Joe's own personal reflection on what his dad meant to him. He also notes the recent passing of Father Aquinas, adding to a season of deep personal loss. This episode is for any man who wants to be a better father, who wonders if showing up is enough, or who is still processing what his own father meant to him. 📻 Listen to Man Up on Iowa Catholic Radio: IowaCatholicRadio.com 🙏 Support provided by Construction Professionals — learn more at CPCustomHomes.com 🎙️ The Uncommon Good with Dr. Bud Marr also airs on Iowa Catholic Radio. #ManUp #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicMen #CatholicFaith #CatholicDad #FatherhoodMatters #CradleCatholic #CatholicPodcast #MensMinistry #FaithAndFamily #HeroicVirtue #CatholicLife #UncommonGood #GriefAndFaith #CatholicIowa #DavenportIowa #MassEveryWeek #RoleOfTheFather #CatholicUpbringing #SaintMichaelPrayer Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min

  3. 1 Jun

    Living with Fortitude - Phil Young

    Joe Stopulos welcomes longtime friend and fellow Davenport Assumption alum Phil Young to Man Up for an inspiring conversation about endurance, faith, mental strength, and perseverance. Phil recently became the fourth fastest American ever in the 100-mile race, and in this episode he shares: How he evolved from a solid high school runner into one of America’s elite ultramarathoners The discipline and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level How to persevere through pain, setbacks, and self-doubt Why community and accountability matter when building healthy habits The connection between endurance sports and spiritual growth How faith in Christ frees him from tying his identity to performance Lessons men can apply to fitness, fatherhood, business, and prayer life Joe and Phil also discuss overcoming adversity, learning to “do hard things,” and why perseverance matters both physically and spiritually. #ManUpShow #PhilYoung #Ultramarathon #100MileRace #MentalToughness #Fortitude #CatholicMen #ChristianAthlete #JoeStopulos #IowaCatholicRadio #FaithAndFitness #Perseverance #EnduranceRunning #FleetFeet #RunningCommunity #CatholicPodcast #MensMinistry #HeroicVirtue #PhilYoung #Ultramarathon #100MileRace #MentalStrength #EnduranceRunning #FaithAndFitness #CatholicMen #FleetFeet #Perseverance #ManUpShow Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min

  4. 26 May

    Great Men of the Bible Series Finale - Fr. PJ McManus

    Joe Stopulus concludes the “Great Men of the Bible” series with a powerful recap conversation featuring PJ McManus. In this final episode, Joe and Fr. PJ discuss: The purpose and legacy of “The Great Men of the Bible” series Why the four Gospels were written and who they were written for Key differences between Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John The spiritual maturity reflected in the Gospel of John Lessons Catholic men can learn from St. Matthew, St. Philip, Nicodemus, and others The importance of listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit Why Scripture study is essential for every Catholic man Fr. PJ also reflects on how the early Church handed on the faith and encourages listeners to deepen their relationship with Christ through regular Bible reading and prayer. Joe closes the episode by encouraging listeners to continue using “The Great Men of the Bible” podcast as a Bible study resource and tool for spiritual growth. #Hashtags #ManUpShow #GreatMenOfTheBible #FrPJMcManus #CatholicRadio #BibleStudy #CatholicMen #ScriptureStudy #IowaCatholicRadio #GospelWriters #FaithFormation #CatholicPodcast #StMatthew #BookOfActs #ChristianDiscipleship #BiblicalMen Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

  5. 18 May

    St. Bartholomew - Jon Leonetti

    Jon Leonetti joins the show to discuss St. Bartholomew in our Great Men of the Bible series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  6. 14 May

    St. Paul - Fr. John Hollowell

    Fr. John Hollowell joins me to discuss the life of St. Paul in our "Great Men of the Bible" series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min

  7. 4 May

    St. Stephen - Mike Aquilina

    Mike Aquilina joins me again, this time to discuss St. Stephen in our "Great Men of the Bible" series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

  8. 27 Apr

    St. Peter - Mike Aquilina

    Mike Aquilina, one of the foremost experts on the Church fathers, joins me to discuss our first Pope, St. Peter, in our "Great Men of the Bible" series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
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About

A show dedicated to helping men live out their call to authentic masculinity

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Stopulos
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    390
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017-2026 Iowa Catholic Radio
  • Show Website
    Man Up!

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