Good Distinctions Good Distinctions

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Stephen Thomas about his book 'Catholic Joe Superhero'. The book is a thriller with a central theme of marriage and is meant to inspire and encourage men to be strong leaders in their families and in the Church. Thomas shares his personal story of growing up in a broken family and his passion for marriage. The book incorporates elements of the Catholic faith and spiritual warfare, and aims to bring people back to God. Wright and Thomas discuss the importance of fathers in the family and the impact they have on their children's faith. They also touch on the corruption within the Church and the need for courageous leaders. Overall, the book is described as a page-turner that appeals to both men and women.
“Catholic Joe: Superhero” by Steven S. Thomas
Buy the book HERE
Book synopsis: “This is the first in the Catholic Joe series. Lieutenant General Joseph Salvatore, husband and father of a large family, is a man’s man. At age 48 he is still considered one of the deadliest men on the planet, able to kill an enemy with his bare hands, and with the same hands tenderly caress his wife and children. Joe brings this same lethal intensity as he fights to save his youngest brother Vinny’s marriage.In fighting for his brother, Joe, later deemed Catholic Joe by a reporter, uncovers corruption in the government and his church. You will feast on courage while you accompany Joe as he is targeted in a raid on his home by the FBI, secretly placed in Cook County Jail to be “Epsteined,” and targeted by Freemasonic assassins before he can share with the world what he has uncovered.”
Who is Steven Thomas?
Steven Thomas (no relation to Joseph Salvatore) is a serial entrepreneur, who has started many culture changing companies and apostolates. Steven was given the grace to complete this book after walking across the country with a small group of men. They traversed over 4500 grueling miles in the form of a cross over the US, praying for God’s mercy and favor on their country and church. Steven resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Ginny, and eight living children.
keywords: book, Catholic Joe Superhero, marriage, faith, inspiration, leadership, family, Church, fathers, corruption, courage


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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Kallie Fell, the executive director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network, about the book 'The Detransition Diaries.' The book explores the rise of the gender affirmation movement and the medical abuses of the past. It also delves into the stories of individuals who have detransitioned and the lasting damage caused by gender transitioning.
The conversation touches on the role of nurses in providing compassionate care, the non-religious and non-partisan nature of the book, and the ethical issues surrounding medical interventions on children and adults. The interview highlights the importance of recognizing biological reality and the erasure of women in the gender ideology movement. The conversation covers various topics related to gender ideology and the impact it has on children and society. The guests discuss the importance of critical thinking and the need to listen to experts in different fields. They also highlight the lack of discernment and understanding among young people regarding family planning and the long-term effects of medical interventions. The conversation emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable individuals and the importance of addressing the root causes of issues rather than just treating symptoms. Kallie express hope for change and mention ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for better policies.
The Detransition Diaries is available for purchase from Ignatius Press (and on Amazon) by Jennifer Lahl and Kallie Fell
* Ignatius Press
* Amazon (Also available on Kindle)
Takeaways
* The book 'The Detransition Diaries' explores the rise of the gender affirmation movement and the lessons not learned from past medical abuses.
* The stories of individuals who have detransitioned highlight the lasting damage caused by gender transitioning.
* Nurses play a crucial role in providing compassionate care and spending more time with patients than physicians.
* The book is non-religious and non-partisan, focusing on the ethical issues surrounding medical interventions on children and adults.
* It is important to recognize biological reality and the erasure of women in the gender ideology movement. Critical thinking and discernment are crucial in understanding the truth about reality.
* Young people need to be taught to think critically, ask questions, and think for themselves.
* It is important to listen to experts and consider different perspectives, regardless of their religious beliefs.
* Children should be given the opportunity to explore their future plans for family building and be aware of the long-term effects of medical interventions.
* The reproductive industry often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problems.
* There is a need to protect the most vulnerable individuals in society and advocate for better policies.
* Change is possible through grassroots initiatives, legal action, and raising awareness.
* Gender ideology and medical transitioning have long-term consequences and should be approached with caution and consideration of the individual's well-being.
* The conversation highlights the importance of treating people as individuals and respecting their personal experiences and struggles.
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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Patrick O'Hearn, author of the book 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion'.
Buy "Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion" by Patrick O'Hearn from Our Sunday Visitor (OSV)
They discuss the apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin and the importance of spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments. They also talk about the challenges of raising children in a secular culture and the need to provide them with a strong Catholic foundation. Patrick O'Hearn also mentions his other book, 'Courtship of the Saints', which explores how the saints met their spouses. Patrick O'Hearn discusses his books on saints and grief, including 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion and Mary's Seven Sorrows for Children'. He emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of saints' failures and the need for resources for fathers who have lost children. O'Hearn also talks about the power of praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin and the impact of apologizing to children when parents make mistakes. He shares his website, patrickrohearn.com, where his books and information about his upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland can be found.
Watch on YouTube here:
Takeaways:
* The apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin is an important but often overshadowed Marian apparition in the United States.
* Spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments is crucial in a secular culture.
* Raising children in a secular culture requires a balance of protecting their innocence while equipping them to navigate the world with a well-formed conscience.
* Children's books should not shy away from uncomfortable truths but should present them in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate.
* Comparing ourselves to Christ and striving for holiness is more important than comparing ourselves to others.
* Patrick O'Hearn's book 'Courtship of the Saints' explores how the saints met their spouses and is a valuable resource for those discerning marriage or interested in the lives of the saints. Sharing stories of saints' failures is important to show that even the holiest individuals made mistakes. There is a need for resources and support for fathers who have lost children.
* Praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin can be a powerful devotion for children.
* Apologizing to children when parents make mistakes cultivates humility and sets a good example.
* Patrick O'Hearn's books, including 'Go and Fear Nothing' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows', can be found on his website, patrickrohearn.com.
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Keywords:
Our Lady of Champion, apparition, devotion, sacraments, raising children, Catholic foundation, Courtship of the Saints, Patrick O'Hearn, books, saints, grief, Our Lady of Champion, Our Lady of Sorrows, children, fathers, Hail Mary, Latin, pilgrimage, Ireland


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I interviewed John Clark, the author of “Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church” - a new, excellent, and timely book from TAN Books defending the Sacrament of Matrimony. Everyone in the Church ought to read this fantastic book.
Check it out HERE on TAN Books or HERE on Amazon (also available on Kindle).
John Clark is a columnist, political speechwriter, and ghostwriter. He has authored two books on fatherhood and written approximately five hundred articles and blogs about Catholic family life and apologetics in such places as The National Catholic Register and the Magis Center. He is also an online course developer for Seton Home Study School. He was homeschooled by his mother, Dr. Mary Kay Clark, and holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from Christendom College. John and his wife, Lisa, have nine children and live in central Florida.
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Summary
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews author John Clark about his book 'Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church'. They discuss the importance of marriage and its connection to the Church, the attack on marriage by figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther, and the role of suffering in strengthening marriages. They also touch on practical ways to nurture a strong marriage and the issues with the annulment process in the Catholic Church. The conversation explores the concept of alienation of affection and its implications in divorce cases. It is revealed that alienation of affection is only recognized as a law in 6 out of 50 states in the US. The conversation also delves into the role of the church in divorce cases and the validity of marriages. The speakers discuss the need for pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse. They emphasize the importance of reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
Takeaways
* Marriage is a sacred institution that is intimately connected to the Church.
* Figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther attacked marriage as a way to undermine the Church.
* Suffering can be a means of growth and sanctification in marriage.
* Living sacramental lives and prioritizing prayer can strengthen marriages.
* The annulment process in the Catholic Church has some issues that need to be addressed. Alienation of affection is recognized as a law in only 6 out of 50 states in the US.
* The church is not concerned about what happens after consent is exchanged in a marriage.
* Pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse can be beneficial.
* Reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
* The church should stop asking the government to adjudicate the sacraments.
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Oblinger, retired law enforcement officer, about hostage negotiation, active listening, evangelization, and much more. Please take a listen and then share! And if you listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, please leave a rating for the podcast!
Summary
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Dan Oblinger, a retired law enforcement officer and hostage negotiator, about the importance of active listening in hostage negotiation and evangelization. Dan emphasizes that listening is about authentic communication and forming relationships through powerful communication. He highlights the role of listening in building trust, empathy, and rapport, and how it opens the doors of the mind for creative solutions and conversions. Dan also discusses the importance of storytelling and receiving others' stories in evangelization, and the need for good holy friendships that provide a safe space for open dialogue. Listening is an essential skill for building relationships, whether it's with friends, colleagues, or even oneself. Active listening involves participation, such as offering observations, summarizing, and reflecting on what is being said. By actively listening and acknowledging someone's story, we honor them and build trust. It is important to listen for emotions and understand the unspoken motivations behind a person's story. Good listening requires humility and the ability to resist the urge to affirm or validate someone's beliefs. Cultivating silence in our lives is crucial for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God. Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, can enhance our ability to connect with others and lead to better decision-making. Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals. The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening. Dan Oblinger, a former hostage negotiator, emphasizes the importance of listening in various contexts, including counter human trafficking work and training cultures in active listening and negotiation.
Takeaways
* Active listening is a vital skill in hostage negotiation and evangelization, as it forms the foundation for authentic communication and relationship-building.
* Listening involves more than just hearing; it requires active engagement, empathy, and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective.
* In hostage negotiation, listening is the key to building trust, creating rapport, and finding peaceful resolutions.
* In evangelization, listening allows us to receive others' stories and understand their needs, which opens the door for sharing the truth of the Gospel.
* Good holy friendships are essential for open dialogue and mutual growth, providing a safe space for sharing and receiving stories.
* Listening should be a lifelong practice, continually honed and improved to deepen connections and understanding with others. Active listening involves participation and acknowledging someone's story, which builds trust and honors the relationship.
* Listening for emotions and understanding the unspoken motivations behind a person's story is crucial for effective communication.
* Cultivating silence in our lives allows for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God.
* Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, enhance our ability to connect with others and make better decisions.
* Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals.
* The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening.
Sound Bites
* "Listening is nothing without dialogue."
* "If you wanted to boil down host

The full written version of the episode can be found further below. Please, also, enjoy a short recording of the Regina Caeli chant by Will Wright at the beginning of the episode. Happy Easter!
Summary
In this episode, Will Wright discusses the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what it means for something to be historical and provides an overview of different historical periods. Wright then presents several proofs for the resurrection, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, and the transformation of the disciples. He also highlights the significance of early Christian creeds and the continuity of belief in the resurrection throughout history. Wright concludes by emphasizing the need for faith and reason to work together in understanding the truth of the resurrection.
Takeaways
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event supported by multiple proofs, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples.
- Early Christian creeds attest to the reality of the resurrection and demonstrate the continuity of belief throughout history.
- Understanding the historical context and the lack of alternative explanations further strengthens the evidence for the resurrection.
- Faith and reason are not in conflict but work together to support the truth of the resurrection.
Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Podcast Promotion
01:38: Understanding History
03:40: Classical Period and Roman Historians
05:08: Medieval and Modern Periods
05:38: Historical Evidence for the New Testament
06:47: Reliability of the Gospels
09:00: Levels of Knowing
09:30: Proofs for the Resurrection: Empty Tomb
11:49: Proofs for the Resurrection: Post-Resurrection Appearances
12:55: Proofs for the Resurrection: Transformation of the Disciples
19:32: Proofs for the Resurrection: Historical Context
20:54: Conclusion and Importance of the Resurrection
23:13: Call to Action and Podcast Promotion
Full Written Transcript:
What is Historical?
Humanity has practiced stewardship and dominion over the Earth for many millennia. However, recorded History is relatively new. Five thousand or so years ago in Mesopotamia, we have archaeological evidence of cave paintings and other artifacts that indicate a culture of storytelling. Oral traditions were the primary means of the historical record in the prehistoric period. This is, of course, why we refer to that time as “prehistoric.”
In the Ancient Period, the record became more extensive and we started to see written content from Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mesoamerica, and the Indus Valley. The texts are legal documents, religious documents, poetry, and other items related to political, social, and cultural life. 
In the Classical Period, the Greeks and Romans left a great deal of historical accounts, works of philosophy, legal writings, and works of literature. The historical record at this time is significant. One of the most famous Roman historians is Titus Livus, known as Livy. He was born around 60 B.C. and wrote during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Over his life, he wrote an astounding 142 books. Today, however, we only have about 35 of these books. 
The most famous Roman Historian during the time of Christ is Tacitus. He wrote two main works: “Histories” and “Annals.” Histories had 16 books, of which we only have 1 - 6 in their entirety and parts of books 11 - 16. Annals had either 12 or 14 books, of which we have 1 - 4 and parts of book 5. These partial volumes are essential historical sources and one of the most significant sources for understanding Roman history and politics.
In the Medieval Period, the historical record was preserved in chronicles, charters, religious texts, and legal records. And in the Modern Period, following the invention of the printing press, the historical record became abundant. In the age of the Internet, the am