The Monk and The Meathead

Father Craig Holway
  • 4.8 (28)
  • 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. 12/01/2025

    Build BEFORE IT Rains: What Noah Teaches Men About Spiritual Readiness

    Episode NotesThe 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 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!

    42 min

  5. 11/17/2025

    How We Master Envy Through Sacrifice

    Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary: Part 4 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland continue the discussion of Jordan Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God, exploring the profound nature of gifts and gratitude, emphasizing that everything we have is a gift from God. They discuss the importance of recognizing these gifts and how our actions in response to them serve as a tribute to the divine. The conversation delves into the themes of envy and the contrasting behaviors of Abel and Cain, illustrating deeper spiritual reflections. Takeaways Everything we have and enjoy is a gift. Recognizing our gifts leads to gratitude. Our actions reflect our appreciation for these gifts. Envy arises when we fail to acknowledge our gifts. Tribute to God is shown through our actions. The story of Abel and Cain illustrates deeper truths. Gratitude can transform our perspective on life. Understanding gifts can lead to spiritual growth. Envy can distort our view of others' blessings. Acknowledging gifts fosters a sense of community. 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

  6. 11/03/2025

    The Real Reason Your Life Feels Chaotic (And How God Fixes It)

    Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary: Part 3 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland explore the themes presented in Jordan Peterson's book - Chapter 3 - focusing on the story of Adam and Eve. They discuss the nature of creation, the significance of free will, and the role of temptation represented by the serpent. The conversation delves into the concepts of pride and envy, the metaphor of the garden as a representation of life, and the importance of boundaries. They emphasize the role of Jesus in restoring order and the need for personal reflection and self-examination. The discussion also touches on the complementarity of marriage and the collaborative effort required to cultivate a well-ordered life. Takeaways We are made in God's image and likeness, but not complete mirrors. Genesis serves as a metaphor for the human condition. Pride leads to chaos and disobedience. The serpent represents temptation and the struggle against God. Free will allows for both creation and destruction. Boundaries are essential for a well-ordered life. Jesus is central to restoring order in our lives. Self-examination is crucial for personal growth. Complementarity in marriage enhances the cultivation of life. Community support is vital in tending to our gardens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Trailer 03:11 The Nature of Creation and Free Will 06:11 The Role of the Serpent and Temptation 08:59 Pride, Envy, and the Fall 11:42 The Garden as a Metaphor for Life 14:40 The Importance of Boundaries and Limitations 17:28 The Role of Jesus in Restoration 20:22 Personal Reflection and Self-Examination 23:20 The Complementarity of Marriage 26:09 Conclusion and Call to Action 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!

    43 min
  7. 👉 Stop Trashing Yourself — You’re Made for Greatness

    10/21/2025

    👉 Stop Trashing Yourself — You’re Made for Greatness

    Summary : Part 2 of Peterson's We Who Wrestle With God Series In this conversation, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland explore the various themes present in Chapter One surrounding human dignity and the interpretation of Genesis as presented in Jordan Peterson's book, 'We Who Wrestle With God.' They discuss the essence of human dignity, and the complementarity of men and women. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of recognizing our inherent value as individuals created in the image of God, and how this understanding shapes our relationships and societal interactions. Bonus: Fr. Craig and Jimmy answer the first question emailed to askthemonk@mqpwg.org - please reach out too if you have a question you'd like The Monk & The Meathead to answer! Link to ACTS Retreat Info Page: https://www.osvhub.com/mqpwg/forms/men-s-acts-retreat-nov-20-23-2025 Takeaways Human dignity is a fundamental aspect of Christian anthropology. We are made in the image and likeness of God. Dignity is a gift from the Creator to every individual. Complementarity between men and women is essential for family and society. The concept of inherent value is a distinctly Christian idea. Isolation is the greatest punishment for humans. Treating oneself with dignity allows for better treatment of others. Understanding our divine image helps us recognize our worth. A church wedding should not be expensive. The only necessary elements for a wedding are the couple and the minister. 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!

    45 min
  8. Why God Wants You to "Struggle" : Lessons from Jordan Peterson & Genesis

    10/06/2025

    Why God Wants You to "Struggle" : Lessons from Jordan Peterson & Genesis

    Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary NEW SERIES! In this episode, Fr. Craig and Jimmy begin a new series delving into Jordan Peterson's book 'We Who Wrestle with God', exploring its themes of spirituality, the human experience, and the moral journey. They discuss the significance of the title, the biblical foundations of Western civilization, and the ongoing struggle of wrestling with God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal growth, the transformative journey from good to better, and the role of the Bible in shaping moral values. Through engaging dialogue, they highlight the call to adventure and the necessity of embracing challenges in life. Link to ACTS Retreat Info Page: https://www.osvhub.com/mqpwg/forms/men-s-acts-retreat-nov-20-23-2025 Takeaways Dr. Peterson challenges everyone to aim higher in life. Wrestling with God is a natural part of the human experience. The Bible serves as the foundation for Western civilization. The sanctity of the individual is rooted in Christian values. Struggles and challenges are integral to personal growth. God often speaks to us in a still small voice. The journey from good to better is a continuous process. Transfiguration symbolizes our potential for transformation. Opting out of spiritual growth leads to personal peril. The book refutes the notion of soft Christianity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 'We Who Wrestle with God' 04:59 Exploring the Title and Its Significance 11:52 The Tension of Wrestling with God 19:19 The Foundation of Western Civilization 27:35 The Call to Moral Excellence 34:13 The Still Small Voice of Conscience 39:58 Looking Ahead: Chapter One Preview 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!

    43 min
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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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