The Monk and The Meathead

Father Craig Holway
  • 4.8 (29)
  • 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. How the Story of Jonah Reveals the Hidden Consequences of Running Away From Your Purpose

    3D AGO

    How the Story of Jonah Reveals the Hidden Consequences of Running Away From Your Purpose

    Key topics  Jonah's Story Jordan Peterson's Insights Divine Mercy Forgiveness and Boundaries Moral Responsibility Symbolism Active Participation Chapters  00:48 - Introduction to Jonah's story 01:17 - Jujitsu benefits 04:06 - Jonah's significance 07:21 - Jonah's call and reluctance 08:19 - Flight and storm 09:43 - Prayer and mission 10:40 - Nineveh's repentance 11:12 - Jonah’s anger 13:31- God’s reproach 16:48 - Peterson’s interpretation 18:45 - Speaking truth 19:16 - Divine mercy 21:13 - Responsibility 24:45 - Civic duties 27:40 - Moral leadership 29:07 - Jonah in the Bible 32:14 - Jesus and Jonah 34:47 - Mercy message 36:11  - Forgiveness 39:16 - Boundaries 43:03 - Forgiveness teaching 45:51 - Love and justice 48:10 - Responsibility and well-being 50:31 - Faith and stewardship       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!

    53 min
  2. From Cross to Redemption: A Spiritual Journey

    APR 13

    From Cross to Redemption: A Spiritual Journey

    Key Takeaways: Symbolism of Serpents Role of the Cross Handling Life's Challenges Spiritual Resilience  Community and Formation Embracing Adversity Faith Over Fear Moral Responsibility Community Support  Symbolic Lessons   Chapters:  1.- 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome and reflections on Lent and Easter. 2.- 01:10 - Church Growth: Young people returning to the faith. 3.- 06:23 - Serpents in Numbers:  Symbolism and spiritual lessons. 4.- 15:05 - Bronze Serpent:  Connection to healing and redemption. 5.-21:22 - The Cross:  Jesus as the ultimate symbol of salvation. 6.- 31:19 - Living the Gospel: Embracing spiritual practices and resilience. 7.- 37:03 - Community Role: Importance of formation and moral integrity. 8.-48:35 - Next Episode Preview: Introduction to the story of Jonah.   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!

    50 min
  3. Divine Order vs. Chaos

    MAR 23

    Divine Order vs. Chaos

    Chapters:  1. 00:47 – Introduction and Context  2. The Golden Calf and Materialism - 01:12  3. Peterson's Thesis on Materialism - 02:08 –  4. Critique of Rationalist Atheism - 04:03 -  5. Cultural Reflections: WALL-E and Independence Day - 08:41 6. Divine Order and the Ten Commandments - 14:08  7. Consequences of Abandoning Divine Law - 17:21  8. Moral Responsibility and Civic Duty - 22:14  9. Founding Principles and Civic Responsibility - 23:41  10. Cultural Decline and Hedonism - 30:44 –  11. Christian Responsibility and Moral Courage - 37:43 –  12. Conclusion and Prayer - 46:24    Key takeaways:  Big materialism is rooted in cowardice Nihilism disguises irresponsibility as freedom Order grounded in divine hierarchy sustains society Responsibility is the foundation of true freedom Modern crises trace to neglect of spiritual and moral foundations Responsible community leadership is rooted in moral courage 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!

    48 min
  4. Freedom Through Struggle: Leadership Lessons From Moses

    MAR 9

    Freedom Through Struggle: Leadership Lessons From Moses

    Key Topics: Leadership vs. Management: Evoking action and creating space Moses’ Leadership: Growth through divine connection Freedom vs. Slavery: The journey through wilderness Suffering and Transformation: The role of wilderness Hierarchy and Subsidiarity: In society and the Church Laws and Commandments: From Ten Commandments to Great Commandment Atonement and Sacrifice: Essential for leadership and growth   Timestamps: 00:47 - Introduction to Moses as a leader 01:13 - Leadership, management, and followership 03:34 - Leaders evoke action 06:34 - Moses and divine authority 11:15 - Journey from slavery to freedom 13:41 - Meeting people spiritually 19:13 - Spiritual counsel and growth 22:02 - Freedom and liberation 25:29 - God's law and true freedom 28:33 - Wilderness and transformation 31:02 - Cyclical nature of leadership 34:48 - Prioritization and atonement 36:36 - Subsidiarity and hierarchy 39:27 - Great Commandment and leadership 44:14 - Spiritual choice and law 47:49 - Preview of next chapter     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!

    51 min
  5. The Burning Bush Moment: Why Paying Attention Changes Your Entire Life

    FEB 23

    The Burning Bush Moment: Why Paying Attention Changes Your Entire Life

    Key Topics Moses' early life and rise to leadership The significance of the burning bush as a call to adventure The importance of paying attention to divine signs Maturity and self-actualization through divine trust The role of responsibility and calling in personal growth Sound Bites "The burning bush is your call to adventure." "Moses attends voluntarily to his calling." "Read Exodus as Moses' biography and watch him change." Chapters 1. 00:00 Introduction and Series Context 2. 03:12 Overview of Moses' Life in Scripture 3. 05:59 Moses' Birth and Early Power 4. 09:11 The Burning Bush: Call to Adventure 5. 13:29 Moses as a Leader and Maturity 6. 22:19 Responsibility, Calling, and Divine Trust 7. 34:30 The Divine Life and Personal Growth 8. 42:16 Conclusion and Reading Recommendations       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!

    47 min
  6. The Adventure of Life: Lessons from Abraham

    JAN 26

    The Adventure of Life: Lessons from Abraham

    Takeaways Trust is key to unlocking potential.Sacrifice is necessary for growth.Adventure requires stepping out of comfort zones.Abraham's story is a journey of faith.Real estate trends are influenced by cultural shifts.Interest rates impact housing markets.Generational changes affect home buying.The importance of leaving a meaningful legacy.Spiritual growth involves detachment.Consistency and teamwork are crucial in real estate.  00:00:00 -Introduction to Abraham's Story00:03:00 - The Call to Adventure00:06:00 - Trust and Sacrifice00:09:00 - Real Estate Trends00:12:00 - Cultural Shifts and Housing00:15:00 - Spiritual Growth and Detachment    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!

    44 min
  7. Babel and Beyond: Understanding Human Ambition

    12/29/2025

    Babel and Beyond: Understanding Human Ambition

    Takeaways Pride is not just a personal flaw but can unravel communities.Ambition can serve God or sabotage peace.The Tower of Babel story is a cautionary tale about human overreach.Jordan Peterson's interpretation highlights the dangers of intellectual pride.The story's themes are relevant to modern issues like AI and success.Empathy can become misdirected and harmful.The importance of recognizing the true source of our gifts.The need for humility and gratitude as antidotes to pride.The role of boundaries and order in maintaining peace.The story of Babel is a reflection on human nature and divine order.Sound bites 'Pride can unravel communities.' 'Ambition can serve God or sabotage peace.' 'The Tower of Babel is a cautionary tale.' 'Intellectual pride is dangerous.' 'Babel's themes are relevant today.' 'Empathy can become misdirected.' 'Recognize the true source of our gifts.' 'Humility and gratitude combat pride.' 'Boundaries maintain peace.' 'Babel reflects human nature and divine order.'   Chapters  1. 00:00:00 Introduction to the Tower of Babel 2. 00:03:00 Pride and Its Consequences 3. 00:09:00 Jordan Peterson's Interpretation 4. 00:15:00 Modern Relevance of Babel 5. 00:21:00 Empathy and Misguided Intentions 6. 00:27:00. - Conclusion and 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!

    48 min
  8. Transform Your Life Through Exodus 90: The Power of Saying No

    12/15/2025

    Transform Your Life Through Exodus 90: The Power of Saying No

    Takeaways The importance of discipline, prayer, and community in spiritual growth.Exodus 90 and Beloved 90 as tools for personal development.The power of saying no to distractions.Fraternity as a central aspect of the Christian life.The role of spiritual exercises in connecting with faith.Insights into becoming the person your family, church, and God call you to be.Encouragement for those curious about spiritual exercises.The transformative journey of spiritual growth.The significance of community in personal development.The path to a deeper connection with faith  Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Growth00:03:00 Exploring Exodus 90 and Beloved 9000:09:00 The Power of Saying No00:15:00 Fraternity and Community00:21:00 Becoming Who You're Called to Be00:27:00 Conclusion and Encouragement  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!

    32 min
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4.8
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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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