The Monk and The Meathead

Father Craig Holway
  • 4.8 (32)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Monthly

Men today know the value of discipline—whether it's in the gym or golf course or at work at the office, warehouse or boardroom. You push yourself, commit to the grind, and chase excellence. But when it comes to faith, why does sitting in a pew on Sunday feel like a passive, box-checking exercise instead of an adventure? That’s where The Monk and the Meathead steps in. Hosted by Jimmy Vreeland, a West Point grad, Army veteran, and successful entrepreneur who once thought he had it all—until he realized something was missing. And Fr. Craig Holway, a priest who doesn’t give weak answers or sugarcoat the truth tackling real questions from Jimmy and other busy men about purpose, leadership, discipline, and the hard truths of following Christ in today’s world in their marriages, families and life. Subscribe, send us your toughest questions, and get ready to step up. This is The Monk and the Meathead.

  1. 5d ago

    The Real Meaning of the Immaculate Conception, Explained Clearly

    Key topics- What the Immaculate Conception actually means—and what it does not mean- The doctrine was defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX- Mary’s freedom from original sin is presented as part of God’s plan of salvation, not just a private honor for Mary- Mary is described as an advocate, model of discipleship, and spiritual mother based on John’s Gospel- The wedding feast at Cana is used to show Mary’s trust and her famous line, “Do whatever he tells you”- The discussion connects Mary’s role to the broader Catholic idea of systematic theology, where doctrines fit together like puzzle pieces- The hosts compare Catholic teaching on Mary to the logic of other miracles, like the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the Eucharist- The saints are presented as living intercessors in heaven, not as dead figures, and Catholics are encouraged to venerate them rather than adore them- The episode distinguishes clearly between veneration, admiration, and adoration- Catholic practices like honoring Mary and the saints are meant to deepen trust in God, not replace it Timestamps00:00 - Opening with listener question and the heat in St. Louis 01:27 - Michael’s question about whether Mary was without sin 02:24 - Defining the Immaculate Conception and Pope Pius IX’s 1854 definition 03:48 - One-sentence definition of the doctrine 05:21 - The co-host’s shift from skepticism to appreciation of Mary 07:19 - Why the doctrine developed from the bottom up 08:52 - The puzzle-piece model of Catholic doctrine 11:12 - Mary as advocate and spiritual mother from John’s Gospel 12:19 - “Do whatever he tells you” as Mary’s only line in John 13:31 - Mary as a model of discipleship in Luke 14:57 - Why Mary’s sinlessness matters for salvation history 16:47 - Mary conceived without sin as part of God’s plan for all people 18:15 - The tension around being chosen, blessed, and set apart 19:39 - La Pietà, sacrifice, and the mother’s role in suffering 21:30 - Trusting the Church’s authority and the beauty of the doctrine 22:28 - Four theological reasons the doctrine matters 24:24 - Connecting the Immaculate Conception to miracles and “mere Christianity” 26:22 - All miracles as acts of love for our good 27:14 - Biblical hyperlinking and how Scripture fits together 29:08 - Drawing lines from Mary’s doctrine to the whole biblical story 30:10 - Why stripping beauty out of Christianity leaves it hollow 31:35 - Michael’s second question about praying to Mary and the saints 32:32 - Defining advocate and veneration 34:11 - Cana, trust, and Mary’s confidence in Jesus 35:33 - Whether Jesus needed nudging at Cana 36:03 - Why the point of the miracle is faith in Jesus 37:22 - Looking to saints like Francis of Assisi, Louis, and Ignatius as examples 38:20 - The Church militant, the Church triumphant, and spiritual communion 39:52 - Saints as intercessors and models, not replacements for God 41:18 - The material and spiritual worlds working together 42:16 - The difference between veneration and adoration 43:47 - Statues, reminders, and the atmosphere of Catholic worship 45:09 - Encouragement to ask questions and seek good sources 46:38 - Catechism paragraphs 490 to 493 on the Immaculate Conception 47:08 - Closing prayer and final send-off    The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    The Real Meaning of the Immaculate Conception, Explained Clearly

  2. Sep 16

    The Second Mountain Truth That Changes How You See Success

    Key Takeaways The second mountain is a posture, not a destination.Ego can hide behind discipline and success.Vocation is protected by indifference to status.Community is essential to moral growth.Christianity already addresses many modern questions about meaning.Broken commitments require both truth and mercy.Nuance is not moral relativism.Chapters:  00:00 - Welcome & Listener Questions About Mary02:26 - Introducing The Second Mountain05:15 - First Mountain vs. Second Mountain09:50 - Ambition, Ego & the Ranger School Experience13:05 - A Christian View of the Moral Life15:56 - Vocation, Humility & Letting God Lead27:12 - Community, Service & Moving Beyond Ego33:18 - Divorce, Mercy & the Search for Healing41:51 - Final Thoughts, Book Recommendations & Closing Prayer  Links:  supersummary.com  Askthemonk.com The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    The Second Mountain Truth That Changes How You See Success

  3. Aug 31

    Why You’re Miserable (And How to Find Meaning)

    Key  Topics The definition of meaning as coherence, purpose, and significance The role of silence and reflection in finding meaning How modern life and technology impact our sense of purpose The importance of suffering and how to not waste it The relationship between happiness, satisfaction, and meaning Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and book overview 01:28 Background of Arthur Brooks and his diverse experiences 03:21 Brooks' motivation for writing about meaning and his Catholic faith 07:33 The core concept: coherence, purpose, and significance 10:20 The three big questions for discovering purpose 14:53 Christian ideas on meaning and the role of suffering 18:45 The happiness equation: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning 24:45 Personal reflections on happiness and purpose 32:45 Work, duty, and calling as sources of meaning 35:02 The importance of not wasting suffering and embracing pain     The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

  4. Aug 10

    Why the Early Church Grew Faster Than Rome

    Key topics:   -Christian growth was not mainly about messaging - it was about making life more livable -A community grows when it asks more of people, not less -Martyrdom worked as testimony because it made belief visible -The church’s sexual ethic is not prudishness - it is protection -Women were not peripheral to the early church - they were structurally important -Belief becomes stronger when it is organized around a shared center, not generic inclusion -The real competition is not religion versus unbelief - it is costly meaning versus cheap comfort   Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro, homily writing, and AI as a tool 03:52 — Dream analysis and AI’s “general” answers 05:18 — Pope’s encyclical on AI and the church’s cautionary role 07:51 — Back to Rodney Stark: setting up the chapter on women in Christian growth 09:14 — Summary of the chapter: Christianity’s respect for women 10:27 — Gym tangent: modesty, attention, and clothing 16:29 — Greco-Roman culture and women as property 19:19 — Sexual mores, chastity, and protecting women from exploitation 23:48 — Demographics, abortion, and why Christianity grew faster 27:35 — Women’s roles in the early church 31:14 — Women deacons and women martyrs 34:53 — Oppression, martyrdom, and why persecution spread Christianity 38:27 — Martyrdom as rational choice 44:18 — “Martyr” as witness and testimony 45:57 — The church as a shared vision, not “Walmart” 47:23 — Church community, witness, and modern Christian sacrifice 48:51 — Closing thoughts on Rodney Stark and future books 49:21 — Prayer and outro The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    Why the Early Church Grew Faster Than Rome

  5. Jul 27

    Why the Early Church Wasn't Just a Movement of the Poor—It Thrived Because of the Wealthy

    Key Topics: Christianity grew through relationships, service, and trust — not force. Early Christians often came from the middle and upper classes, not just the poor. Caring for the sick and vulnerable gave the early church its credibility. Wealth wasn’t the problem; it became powerful when used for education, healthcare, and charity. Christian teaching pushed equality, unity, and dignity across class lines. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction and overview of Rodney Stark’s sociological approach 02:00 - The myth of forced and propagandist growth of early Christianity 04:30 - How Christian care during plagues and epidemics fostered conversions 07:15 - The role of social networks and family ties in church expansion 10:00 - The importance of community virtue and integrity in Christian witness 13:30 - The class background of early Christians and their social influence 16:00 - How Christian resources and charities served societal needs 19:00 - The dramatic growth rate of the early church and demographic insights 22:00 - The theological message of sharing and material abundance 25:00 - The impact of crises on the spread and resilience of Christian communities 29:00 - The danger of envious narratives and the true contribution of wealth to Christian growth 33:00 - The early church’s support from middle and upper classes, and its societal contributions 36:00 - The importance of community unity and treating all persons equally in worship 40:00 - The symbiotic relationship between clergy, laity, and wealth in the church 43:00 - Practical applications: living out Christian virtues and community service today 45:30 - Preview of upcoming topics and closing reflections Resources & Links The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark Bearing False Witness by Rodney Stark No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover Tom Holland's book Dominion Rodney Stark - LinkedIn | Official Website     The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    Why the Early Church Wasn't Just a Movement of the Poor—It Thrived Because of the Wealthy

  6. Jul 8

    The Surprising Role of the Church in Abolishing Slavery and Promoting Human Dignity

    Key Topics Covered: The ten common lies about the Catholic Church debunked through history The church’s true stance on authoritarian regimes and tyranny Clarification on the church's role in slavery and colonialism How the church supported early scientific inquiry and education The influence of Protestant Reformation myths on modern perceptions The development of capitalism within church institutions The contrast between the church of power versus the church of piety Historical facts about the church’s opposition to violence and persecution The importance of understanding historical context through a modern lens Invitations for listeners to submit controversial questions about the church Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to common misconceptions about the church  00:30 - Unpacking the church's support against tyranny and dictatorships  02:32 - The church's role in early abolition and anti-slavery efforts  05:00 - The historical inaccuracies surrounding the Dark Ages  07:15 - The church’s involvement in scientific advancements  09:40 - Clarifying the myths about the church and capitalism  11:07 - How Enlightenment ideas misrepresent church history  13:04 - The church’s resistance to violence and persecution  15:00 - The influence of the Reformation and the myth of laziness  17:24 - The distinction between the church of power and church of piety  19:48 - The church’s opposition to totalitarian regimes  21:14 - The church and the French Revolution  23:39 - The church’s stance on authoritarianism and religious freedom  25:01 - Liberation theology and political violence  27:23 - The church’s efforts to improve conditions for slaves  30:08 - The true impact of the Dark Ages  33:28 - Slavery in the context of biblical and church teachings  36:23 - The evolution of science and moral understanding  38:14 - Understanding the origins of capitalism within church communities  42:33 - The role of monasteries as economic and cultural hubs  44:27 - Reflection on historical power struggles and the church’s true influence Resources & Links: Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History by Rodney Stark Rodney Stark - Official Website The Mission (Movie) The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    The Surprising Role of the Church in Abolishing Slavery and Promoting Human Dignity

  7. Jun 1

    The Surprising Truth About the Crusades and Church History Revisionism

    Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Rodney Stark and revisionist history 01:14 - Stark's background and influence 02:13 - Discussion on apostasy and church history 03:08 - Misconceptions about the Crusades and Dark Ages 05:00 - Revisionist history and its impact 06:28 - The truth about the Crusades 08:21 - Just war theory and intent 09:20 - Early misconceptions about the Catholic Church 10:13 - Importance of nuance in historical understanding 12:07 - History's role in God's plan 13:09 - Evaluating historical events and figures 15:08 - Revisionism targeting the Catholic Church 16:35 - Topics covered in Stark's book 18:33 - The Inquisition and historical myths 21:53 - Witch hunts and the role of the Inquisition 25:10 - Enlightenment and witchcraft 28:02 - Secular authority vs. church actions 30:22 - Dark Ages and Renaissance myths 34:13 - Faith and reason in history 39:02 - The importance of obedience and understanding 41:20 - Reason and faith alignment 44:10 - Christianity's role in ending slavery 45:08 - Anti-Semitism and the Catholic Church 46:23 - Hitler's Pope and historical accuracy 50:39 - Wisdom and truth in history 56:25 -The role of the Holy Spirit in truth Key topics:  Debunking church history myths. Distorting church roles in events. Avoiding oversimplification. Complementary in doctrine. Misconceptions about oppression. Ending slavery and promoting rights. Protective vs. destructive actions. Humility in seeking truth The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    The Surprising Truth About the Crusades and Church History Revisionism

  8. May 18

    The Virtue Missing from Stoicism That Can Transform Your Spiritual Life

    Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Stoicism and its fascination 02:07 - Origins of Stoicism and influential figures 04:32 - Stoicism’s relationship with Christian and Jewish history 05:02 - Common misconceptions about Stoicism being emotionless 06:28 - The founder Zeno and the philosophy’s Greek roots 07:56 - Differences between Stoicism and Epicureanism 09:22 - Key Stoic quotation: "Power over your mind" 10:50 - CS Lewis’s "Men Without Chest" and emotional integration 12:20 - Personal stories of courage, fear, and duty in battle 15:39 - The four virtues of Stoicism: wisdom, justice, courage, temperance 17:35 - How these virtues align with Catholic virtues and Holy Spirit gifts 18:00 - The intersection and differences between Stoicism and Christianity 21:50 - The false pursuit of self-reliance and emotional control 22:49 - CS Lewis’s metaphor: "Stoics pay for their cake and don't eat it" 23:18 - Christian alternative: "Holy indifference" and surrender 24:20 - Saint Paul’s example of suffering and growth in Christ 25:46 - The virtue of hope as essential in Christian life 27:52 - Practical virtues: justice, courage, wisdom, self-control 30:20 - Discerning the right, choosing the right, and mastering emotions 33:22 - The importance of hope’s role in spiritual resilience 34:52 - Infinite vs. discrete events: Stoicism’s perspective 36:18 - Jocko Willink’s "Good" mindset for adversity 38:39 - Applying these principles in marital struggles and suffering 40:51 - The transformative power of Christ compared to Stoic self-discipline 41:09 - The missing virtue in Stoicism: hope 42:28 - The role of grace, forgiveness, and redemption in Christian life 43:55 - Practical takeaways: tools for growth, surrender over control, prayer reflections   Key topics  Origins and misconceptions of Stoicism Core virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, temperance Stoic self-reliance vs. Catholic grace and hope Stoicism as a tool for spiritual growth Importance of hope in Christian life Managing emotions with a Christian perspective "Holy indifference" and surrender to God's will Personal stories and biblical reflections       The Monk and The Meathead is a production of Mary Queen of Peace Parish is Webster Groves, Missouri. The Meathead: Jimmy Vreeland—West Point grad, Army veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and a man who pushes limits in business and life… now striving to push deeper into his faith. The Monk: Fr. Craig Holway—Roman Catholic priest, teacher, and spiritual coach, guiding men to embrace authentic Christian masculinity with strength, truth, and purpose. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to tackle, send it our way at askthemonk@mqpwg.org. And if you’re in the St. Louis area, come visit us at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves. Check out Mary Queen of Peace at www.mqpwg.org RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone. SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

    The Virtue Missing from Stoicism That Can Transform Your Spiritual Life
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Men today know the value of discipline—whether it's in the gym or golf course or at work at the office, warehouse or boardroom. You push yourself, commit to the grind, and chase excellence. But when it comes to faith, why does sitting in a pew on Sunday feel like a passive, box-checking exercise instead of an adventure? That’s where The Monk and the Meathead steps in. Hosted by Jimmy Vreeland, a West Point grad, Army veteran, and successful entrepreneur who once thought he had it all—until he realized something was missing. And Fr. Craig Holway, a priest who doesn’t give weak answers or sugarcoat the truth tackling real questions from Jimmy and other busy men about purpose, leadership, discipline, and the hard truths of following Christ in today’s world in their marriages, families and life. Subscribe, send us your toughest questions, and get ready to step up. This is The Monk and the Meathead.

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