Sword&Spade

Jason Craig

The Sword&Spade podcast is about...

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    The Value of Catholic Imagination in Forming Young Men w/ Dr. Mark Adderley

    Mark Adderley is an English convert to Catholicism, high school literature teacher, and author of a 10-book Catholic adventure series for boys. In this episode, he traces his unlikely path from militant atheism to the Church through Arthurian legend, C.S. Lewis, and the power of story. In This Episode, We Cover: How Mark went from the Church of England, to atheist, to convicted Catholic through the legend of King Arthur and the Screwtape LettersWhy a well-formed imagination is essential for genuine faith and virtueHow to form sons through story: reading aloud, Saturday movies, poetry, and classic literatureThe fruit of intentional fatherhood: raising children who are still Catholic as adultsThe origin and purpose of the McCracken adventure series for Catholic boys in 6th–10th gradeChapters: 00:00: Introduction & Meet Mark Adderley02:40: From England to America: King Arthur and Graduate School06:05: From Atheist to Catholic: C.S. Lewis and the Screwtape Letters16:25: Why Imagination Matters More Than Data22:07: Forming Sons Through Story: Movies, Poetry, and Reading Aloud29:46: The Fruit: Four Sons, Three Families, One Seminarian37:25: "Stabs of Joy": How Catholicism Magnifies the Beautiful47:53: We're Not Raising Children, We're Raising Adults56:40: The Birth of the McCracken Series01:09:14: Why Catholic Boys Need Catholic FictionJOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/ Resources Mentioned: The McCracken Adventure Series by Mark AdderleyThe Once and Future King by T.H. WhiteThe Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisLe Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas MaloryForbidden IslandProduced by Saint Kolbe Studios

    1h 15m
  2. FEB 26

    You Owe God: Justice, Tithing, and Catholic Culture w/ Dr. Jared Staudt

    In this episode, we discuss:  Why the virtue of religion falls under justice Why tithing is not generosity but justice What Christian Smith's research actually shows determines whether children keep the faith—and why Catholic schools and youth groups rank second How moralistic therapeutic deism has quietly replaced authentic religion, even inside the Church, and what we've lost in the process How to build a Catholic culture in the home through daily prayer and mentorship Chapters Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction & Opening on Justice and Marxism 00:45 — Introducing Dr. Jared Staudt 02:28 — What Is the Virtue of Religion? 07:00 — Sacrifice, Natural Religion, and the Heart of Worship 10:50 — The Modern World and the Turn Toward Self 18:31 — Why Do You Go to Church? The Justice Framework 23:54 — Is Religion Just Paying a Debt? Justice, Love, and the Dark Night 30:17 — Disenchantment, Technology, and the God Who Feels Far Away 35:27 — Piety: What We Owe God, Parents, and Country 41:47 — Abstract Charity vs. Concrete Justice in Community 45:50 — Tithing as an Act of Worship, Not Generosity 57:27 — Almsgiving, the Offertory, and Catholic Giving in America 01:03:18 — Forming Children in the Virtue of Religion 01:11:15 — Mentorship, Adolescence, and Building a Catholic Culture in the Home JOIN 2500+ MEN READING SERIOUS, YET ACCESSIBLE ESSAYS ON VIRTUE, CULTURE, AND LIVING WELL: https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/ Resources: The Primacy of God: The Virtue of Religion and Catholic Theology by Dr. Jared StaudtYoung Catholic America and the Notre Dame report on Catholic religious parenting, w/ Christian SmithWhat is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

    1h 18m
  3. 10/30/2025

    Guiding Children into Work, Wisdom, and Adulthood with Chad Rosamond

    Whether you’re a father, educator, or simply interested in the relationship between faith, work, and family, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom for building a life rooted in purpose. In this episode, Jason welcomes Chad Rosamond for a candid conversation about fatherhood, education, and guiding children into adulthood. Drawing from their own experiences as fathers, homeschoolers, and community builders, Jason and Chad discuss: The evolving role of fathers in helping children discern their paths, from college to trades and beyond.The value of classical education, hands-on work, and the integration of faith, family, and community.Personal stories of raising children, including successes, struggles, and the importance of ongoing parental involvement—even as kids become adults.The changing landscape of higher education, the rise of Catholic trade schools, and the practical realities of preparing children for economic independence.The importance of local community, generational bonds, and finding meaningful work that serves others.Reflections on homeschooling, academic rigor, and the balance between virtue and achievement.The role of family businesses, farm life, and teaching economics through real-world experience.Advice for parents on staying engaged, offering guidance without control, and fostering wisdom and self-knowledge in their children.Join the Readership of Sword&Spade Magazine In a world increasingly shallow and distracted, Sword&Spade offers an antidote—deep, thoughtful engagement with the topics that matter most to Catholic men and their families. https://fraternus.org/sword-and-spade/ About Fraternus We are the largest, oldest, and most effective Catholic brotherhood of its kind: helping Catholic fathers lead in their homes and communities and inspire sons to grow into men of virtue, strength, and service—through a unique framework of prayer, mentoring, and formation. https://fraternus.org/

    1h 15m
  4. 09/18/2025

    Libertarianism is Not Enough: Why We Need Laws that Favor Local Butchers

    In this episode of the Sword&Spade Podcast, host Jason Craig sits down with neighbor and friend Craig Taffaro, founder of Melvin Hill Meats, to discuss the challenges of running a small, community-based butcher shop. Their conversation explores the intersection of tradition, law, and local business, revealing how modern regulations often hinder family enterprises while highlighting the enduring value of local economies, generational knowledge, and community support. About the GuestCraig Taffaro is a banker turned butcher who advocate for local, sustainable, family-based businesses. Learn more about his work at melvinhillmeats.com. Support your local butcher shops, family farms, and small businesses—and recognize the challenges they face in today’s regulatory climate. Share this episode with friends who care about food traditions, sustainable agriculture, and local economies. Key Topics Covered The story behind Craig’s butcher shop and how he integrates work, family, and community life.The philosophical question of laws, freedom, and the common good—are regulations oppressive, or can they promote flourishing?The evolution of liberalism and its effects on rural traditions, family businesses, and local culture.Craig’s personal journey: from banking and robotics to butchery, including zoning, building codes, and agricultural regulations.How community support helped overcome resistance from local government.The disconnect between industrial-scale regulations and the needs of affection-driven small businesses.The role of tradition, generational wisdom, and affection in shaping meaningful businesses.Reflections on sustainable practices, composting, and technology vs. natural, community-based solutions.The long-term consequences of bureaucracy: decline of family businesses, loss of tradition, and erosion of community.

    1h 6m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

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The Sword&Spade podcast is about...

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