Shows
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 113: Leisure vs. LazinessBr. Francisco and Tom discuss the distinction between leisurely and lazy activities and how one contributes to communion, culture, and relationship, while the other does the exact opposite.2025-06-1343 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 112: Becoming a DeaconBr. Francisco shares the story of his diaconate ordination and what it means to him to be a deacon in the Church.2025-05-3136 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 111: An American PopeBr. Francisco and Tom react to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and what it will mean for the Church to have a pope from America.2025-05-0936 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 110: Emmaus - Eden RestoredNate and Br. Francisco reflect on the story of the road to Emmaus and how it is clear recreation of the Garden of Eden.2025-05-0250 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodStations of the Resurrection - Original MeditationBr. Francisco and Sarah Morgan Burger lead you through original guided meditations of the Way of Light (the Stations of the Resurrection).2025-04-2051 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodGood Friday MeditationBr. Francisco leads you in an original meditation on the Lord's Passion based on the Gospel of St. John and the Psalms.2025-04-1844 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 109: Monks and BirthdaysBr. Francisco shares with Nate and Tom how monks celebrate birthdays in the monastery and then the three brothers discuss the importance of celebrating others as a sign of love.2025-04-1135 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 107: RETREAT!!!Br. Francisco and Tom speak about the necessity to take a step back at times and make a spiritual retreat.2025-03-2735 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 106: Metaphysics - the Philosophy of GodBr. Francisco and Nate tackle the basics of metaphysics in order to discuss the transcendent and mysterious nature of God.2025-03-2148 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 104: Dating Advice from a MonkBr. Francisco offers Nate and listeners dating advice based on monasticism and the Rule of St. Benedict.2025-03-0649 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 103: No Parental Controls (Sharing Childhood Memories)Br. Francisco and Tom reminisce about what they did as siblings when they had the house to themselves free of parental supervision.2025-02-2749 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 102: Can We Ever Judge Others?Br. Francisco and Nate respond to the false belief that individuals do not have the right to judge others. This judgement must have its limits though, but what are they?2025-02-2044 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 100: The Benedict ProjectBr. Francisco, Nate, and Tom announce the newest step in their plans for the future and share how St. Benedict has helped them shape a vision for how they can best participate in the New Evangelization.2025-02-0647 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 97: Podcast at 30,000 Feet (ft. SVC students)The podcast takes to the skies as Br. Francisco interviews students from Saint Vincent College about their experience at the 2025 SEEK Conference in Salt Lake City, UT, hosted by FOCUS.2025-01-0926 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 96: There Is ALWAYS HopeBr. Francisco and Tom discuss the new jubilee year of hope and how it is a virtue so necessary for our times, as well as share some personal stories of when they found hope in their lives.2025-01-0239 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 95: Are You Godparent Material?Did you know that the role of Godparents carries both legal and theological weight in the Catholic Church? Nate and Br. Francisco discuss the necessity to choose Godparents wisely and how one ought to take this role seriously.2024-12-2640 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 93: Stigmatists - Their Gifts, Revelations, and Warnings (feat. Dr. Paul Kengor, PhD)Nate and Br. Francisco sit down with renowned author, speaker, and professor, Dr. Paul Kengor to discuss the subject of his latest book, stigmatists of the Church. You can order Dr. Kengor's book here:https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-stigmatists-their-gifts-their-revelations-their-warnings/?gc_id=10316277314&h_ad_id=633454567152&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMlXkYXNWx5pSyo_KFAkLQAUh4b_-uEwITenGURBxwoptSsyxW-wU0RoCg5sQAvD_BwE 2024-12-121h 10
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 92: Meet the Abbot (feat. Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, OSB)Br. Francisco interviews the Archabbot of Saint Vincent, Archabbot Martin, who shares insights and stories from his time as the head of the monastery.2024-12-0541 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 91: Advent - A Preparation for DeathBr. Francisco and Nate share insights on how Advent is more than just a preparation for Christmas, but is even a way to prepare for one's own death. They also offer suggestions on how to make this Advent the most profound one yet!2024-11-2840 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 90: Wounds, Communion, Silence, and Prayer (feat. Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB)Fr. Boniface Hicks, renowned author, speaker, and spiritual director, shares with Br. Francisco and Nate the powerful transformation one can have in prayer if they allow it to be a place of vulnerability, silence, and encounter.2024-11-211h 14
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 89: Answering Fan Questions - 1st LivestreamNate and Br. Francisco go live on YouTube and answer a variety of questions from fans, ranging from their favorite Christmas song, to how to deal with addiction once one enters the religious life.2024-11-141h 09
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 88: Red Flags - Monastic Life vs. DatingNate and Br. Francisco talk about clear red flags they see in both the realm of dating and in life in a monastic community.2024-11-0756 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 87: How Scripture Speaks to UsThe three Whittaker brothers share Scripture verses that have touched them deeply in their respective states as monk, husband and father, and single.2024-10-311h 05
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 86: The Monk MarathonBr. Francisco shares with Nate his experience of running his first marathon and how it became much more of a spiritual event than he had anticipated.2024-10-2456 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 85: On Moderation (feat. Chardonnay)Over a bottle of wine, Br. Francisco and Nate give their thoughts on the virtue of moderation and how it can actually foster greater joy and communion in society.2024-10-171h 05
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 84: How to Always Be LearningBr. Francisco and Nate speak about the nature of learning, how to continuously do it, and what things we should prioritize.2024-10-1050 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 84: How to Always Be LearningBr. Francisco and Nate speak about the nature of learning, how to continuously do it, and what things we should prioritize.2024-10-1054 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 82: Sibling SuperlativesAll four Whittaker siblings get together to reflect on their childhood and growing up together, facilitating their conversation with hilarious and original superlatives.2024-09-2648 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 78: Relationships with Adult Children (feat. our parents)Nate and Br. Francisco are joined by their parents to discuss how their relationship dynamics have changed now that the boys are adults and share feelings and thoughts about growing up.2024-08-291h 05
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 77: The Olympics - A Disgrace but Not a SurpriseNate and Br. Francisco respond to the events of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies and discuss its wider implications.2024-08-2226 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 76: The Monk Talks about Monk StuffNate interviews Br. Francisco with FAQ's that he gets about his life as a monk.2024-08-1541 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 75: Overcoming Idol WorshipRecorded while driving in a car, Nate, Tom, and Br. Francisco discuss the danger of falling into the trap of idolizing others in hope of attention, affirmation, or to overcome a lack of confidence, and how to instead truly place God above all things.2024-08-0851 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 74: You Like the Taste of WhiskeyNate and Br. Francisco play a game in which they ask each other questions about their likes and dislikes and try to anticipate the other's answers.2024-08-0131 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 73: 40 Minutes of Us Being SadNate and Br. Francisco talk about their trip to Alaska and the reality of sorrow one feels after the end of something profoundly beautiful.2024-07-2542 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 72: The Philosophy of Pizza Cake (feat. Vince Lombardi)Live from Juneau, AK, Nate and Br. Francisco are joined by friend and guest, Vince Lombardi, who shares with them a personal philosophy of life centered on doing uncomfortable things which he terms, Pizza Cake.2024-07-1848 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 71: Newlyweds (feat. Michael and Sophie Marinchak)Br. Francisco sits down with recently married couple, Michael and Sophie, to discuss their discernment of marriage and the importance of sacramental marriage in today's culture.2024-07-1149 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 70: Suffering is Necessary for the Christian LifeNate shares with Br. Francisco the Biblical evidence for this conclusion based on his recently complete undergraduate thesis.2024-07-0435 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodTeaching Brainrot to a MonkNate quizzes Br. Francisco in Gen Z slang and Gen Alpha Brainrot to see how up-to-date he is with the lingo.2024-07-0218 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 69: We Need Principles (feat. Fr. Barnabas O'Reilly, OSB)Br. Francisco and Fr. Barnabas speak about the necessity to know and root oneself in basic philosophical principles so one can have rational and informed bases by which to make decisions and arguments. 2024-06-2745 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 68: Professing Final Vows (feat. Br. Bosco Hough, OSB)Br. Francisco is joined by fellow monk, Br. Bosco Hough, who shares with him his monastic discernment processes and the joys and sufferings he went through in preparation for his upcoming solemn profession.2024-06-2044 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 67: Walking the CaminoBr. Francisco shares with Nate his experiences from walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.2024-06-1345 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 63: Why God Had to Become ManNate and Br. Francisco discuss the doctrine of satisfaction - the teaching which explains why Jesus had to become human in order to save us.2024-05-1632 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 62: Go Forth and Preach!Br. Francisco speaks on the need for all people to evangelize and how he has felt the Lord call him to do so in a new way.2024-05-0923 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 61: Diakonia (feat. Deacon Michael Scanga)Brother Francisco and guest, Deacon Michael Scanga, talk about the role and ministry of the diaconate in the Church which is marked by a three-fold duty of service.2024-05-0251 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 60: The Four Causes and the Human PersonNate and Br. Francisco walk through one of the most important features of Aristotelian philosophy, the Four Causes, and how they can help us understand the nature of the human person. 2024-04-2530 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 59: Living Poverty of Spirit (feat. Nick Duer)Brother Francisco is joined by guest, Nick Duer, to discuss the experience of growing in poverty of spirit and surrender of will and life to the Lord.2024-04-1842 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 58: I Forgive YouNate and Br. Francisco speak about the challenges of forgiveness and share personal experiences with the struggles and pain it entails.2024-04-111h 05
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 57: God, Being, and the TranscendentalsNate and Br. Francisco try their hands at explaining the metaphysical understandings of God, existence, Being, and the nature of the transcendentals.2024-04-0446 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 56: Integration of Mental Health and Spiritual Life (feat. Lauren Scharmer)Br. Francisco is joined by licensed counselor, Lauren Scharmer, to discuss the need for a union of mental and spiritual wellbeing for the full development of a human person.2024-03-2847 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 55: We're Failures...Nate, Tom, and Br. Francisco share stories of times of failure and the lessons they learned from them.2024-03-2151 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 54: Making Prayer More PracticalBr. Francisco and Nate offer suggestions on how to take abstract and difficult ideas of prayer and spirituality and make them more practical, doable, and understandable.2024-03-1440 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 53: Finding Dignity in Work (feat. Chris Baker)Br. Francisco is joined by seminarian Chris Baker to discuss how we can discover our dignity and that of others through our daily work.2024-03-0740 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 52: Stoicism: When Things Are Outside Our ControlTom and Br. Francisco sit down to discuss how we can accept what is in our control and what is not through the philosophy of the ancient Stoics.2024-02-2928 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 50: We Attempt to Explain the TrinityNate and Br. Francisco tackle the preeminent mystery of Christianity, the Trinity, approaching the topic from both Eastern and Western rooted theologies.2024-02-1549 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodThe Stations of the Cross Br. Francisco and Sarah Morgan Burger lead you through original guided meditations on the Way of the Cross.2024-02-1453 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 49: Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (feat. Xavier Engle)Br. Francisco is joined by Pittsburgh seminarian, Xavier Engle, to discuss the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.2024-02-0843 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 47: Brother Against Brother - Monks in the Civil War (feat. Evan Portman)Br. Francisco chats with Civil War historian, Evan Portman, to learn about monks who were involved in the Civil War.2024-01-2531 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 46: Personal Experiences in Prayer (feat. Johanna Whittaker)Br. Francisco, Tom, and Johanna share intimate accounts of powerful experiences of prayer.2024-01-181h 01
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 44: Is Beauty Really in the Eyes of the Beholder?Nate and Br. Francisco discuss the nature of art and whether there are objective criteria for beauty, through the lenses of five different philosophers.2024-01-0447 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 43: Elephants Doing What?!The Whittaker boys share in some holiday cheer by playing an original game that generates a lot of laughs.2023-12-2831 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 42: Christian PatriotismNate and Br. Francisco discuss the relation that a Christian must have to their country as a matter of duty and virtue.2023-12-2148 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 41: Random Conversations with a 3-Year-OldBr. Francisco and Tom attempt to have conversations with Phillip... with mixed results...2023-12-1423 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 39: Sainthood is BasedNate and Br. Francisco discuss the universal call to holiness and the necessity for all Christians to become saints.2023-11-3036 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 38: Lectio Divina (feat. Br. Bosco Hough, OSB)Br. Francisco is joined by Br. Bosco to speak on the monastic practice of reading Scripture, known as Lectio Divina.2023-11-2345 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 37: Benedictine Education and Leadership (feat. Dr. Michael Krom)Br. Francisco is joined by St. Vincent philosophy professor, Dr. Michael Krom, as they discuss hallmarks unique to Benedictine Education, especially at St. Vincent, and the lessons one can learn on leadership through the Rule of St. Benedict.2023-11-1637 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 36: The Good Life - Jesus vs. AristotleThe Whittaker brothers compare and contrast Aristotle and Jesus on how to be truly happy.2023-11-0937 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 35: Theology in the Lord of the Rings (feat. Missy Koshute)Br. Francisco and Missy explore some of the Catholic theological themes hidden in J.R.R. Tolkien's great work, the Lord of the Rings.2023-11-0238 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 33: The Scriptural Roots of the Eucharist (feat. Br. Finnbar McEvoy, OSB)Br. Francisco is joined by fellow friend and monk Br. Finnbar to unpack John 6 and the Eucharistic theology found within.2023-10-1940 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 32: Memento MoriDeath. How often do we think about it? Are we afraid or do we have a healthy acceptance of it? Nate and Br. Francisco reflect on these questions.2023-10-1233 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 31: Masculinity Revisited Br. Francisco and Tom discuss the nature of the masculine soul and how men ought to harness its raw qualities through practice and learning of various disciplines and skills.2023-10-0539 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 30: HomesKooledAll three Whittaker brothers join the show to reflect on their experience of growing up homeschooled.2023-09-2842 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 29: What Does the Church Teach about War?Nate and Brother Francisco outline the Catholic Church's principles on the legitimacy of war.2023-09-1431 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 28: The Cell of Society (feat. Kathy Whittaker)Nate and Brother Francisco are joined by their mother to discuss the vital role that the family plays in the building and sustaining of culture and society and the duties we have to the protection and promotion of family life.2023-08-3135 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 27: A Mean Between ExtremesNate and Br. Francisco explore the role that emotions can and should play in the spiritual life and in the cultivation of virtues.2023-08-1736 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 26: Made Perfect in Weakness (feat. Sophie Steiner)Br. Francisco is joined by Sophie, a fellow aficionado of the Clifton Strengths Finder assessment, as they explore their lowest strengths and how to find beauty in our weaknesses.2023-08-0338 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 25 The Grizzliezzzzzz (feat. ChatGPT)Tom and Br. Francisco answer random, AI generated discussion questions for a good laugh.2023-07-2036 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 24: A Plague of Fatherlessness (feat. Dan Whittaker)Nate, Br. Francisco, and their father, Dan, chat about the need for the restoration of fatherhood in society and the consequences which result from a culture experiencing a three-fold fatherlessness.2023-07-0638 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 23: Happy Humility Month (feat. Sarah Whittaker)The Whittaker brothers and their sister, Sarah, discuss the LGBTQ+ Pride movement, and how we are called instead to discover and live our identities in humility.2023-06-2238 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 22: Call Waiting (feat. Chris Baker)Nate and Br. Francisco are joined by Pittsburgh seminarian Chris Baker to discuss the necessity and steps of vocational discernment.2023-06-0831 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 21: Is It All Good in the Brotherhood?In Nate's absence, Tom once again joins the show and he and Br. Francisco discuss the joys and challenges of brotherhood through their own experiences growing up together.2023-05-2545 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 20: DezinformatsiyaThe Whittaker brothers discuss the difficulty we face in discerning truth and reality in the information we receive and how we need to be aware of the threat that misinformation and disinformation pose to the dilution and obstruction of objective truth.2023-05-1140 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 19: Dang, He Kinda Strong Tho...Nate and Br. Francisco talk about the importance of self-knowledge through a discussion on their results from the Clifton Strengths Finder assessment, and how truly knowing yourself and others can lead to a more flourishing life.2023-04-2731 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 18: The Inner ChildNate and Br. Francisco discuss what it means to be childlike and how we can regain this childlikeness in our lives.2023-04-1329 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 17: The Letter and the SpiritNate and Br. Francisco discuss how obedience and following the law involve much more than externals and truly requires charity.2023-03-3029 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 16: Into the DesertThe Whittaker brothers reflect on the nature of the liturgical season of Lent and the role it plays in the shaping and deepening of the Christian life.2023-03-1632 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 15: Utility Without FutilityThe Whittaker brothers introduce the episode with the help of a very special guest. Afterwards, Nate and Br. Francisco turn their discussion towards the relationship between work and leisure. What is the purpose of work beyond utility and how can we have meaningful leisure without letting it become laziness?2023-03-0230 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 14: Burgers, Darth Vader, and Crest ToothpasteThe Whittaker brothers play a comical version of 20 (random) questions, and share in some good laughs.2023-02-1630 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 13: Poverty of RelationNate and Br. Francisco reflect on the growing realities of isolation and loneliness in Western culture and how to restore it to one of hope and authentic relationships.2023-02-0233 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 12: That's Just Your Opinion, ManThe Whittaker brothers discuss the concept of moral relativism and its pervasive influence on our culture. They explore the consequences of following such a philosophy and offer suggestions on how to stand true to a belief in objective truth.2023-01-1931 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 11: Gimme That Old Time TraditionTradition is a part of the human experience in many ways. Yet it is under attack for being "archaic and outdated". Nate and Br. Francisco discuss the need to maintain tradition in our lives and how changing it can often be very damaging to society and individuals.2023-01-0537 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 10: Run So As to WinRecorded 8/01/2022. Sports are an innate part of our culture. Whether it's football, the World Cup, or pickup beach volleyball, we all have a stake in competition. What should be the proper attitude of a Christian towards sports? Is competition an antithesis to charity, or does it teach perseverance and discipline? Nate and Br. Francisco discuss their thoughts on the hidden transcendental nature of sports and the value they have in our lives.2022-12-2228 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 9: Story TimeNate and Br. Francisco make a shift in their normal discussions and instead showcase their love for creative writing by reading aloud two short stories they wrote based on the same story prompt. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!2022-12-0821 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 8: Thanks BroHappy Thanksgiving! Join us for this special episode in which Nate and Br. Francisco share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions and memories as well as reflect on the nature of gratitude.2022-11-2426 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 7: Authentic SacrificeWe all have to make sacrifices in our lives, some basic, some extremely difficult. Are some sacrifices better than others? What constitutes a true sacrifice versus a false one? Nate and Br. Francisco dive into these questions and more as they explore the true meaning of sacrifice and the need for it in our lives.2022-11-1027 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 6: Faith and Science, Friends or Foes?Nate and Br. Francisco discuss the relationship between faith and science. Should followers of faith be suspicious of science, and adherers to science disregard faith or is there in fact a way to reconcile the two? What truths about reality do both disciplines reveal? Listen and discover how science and faith are not in competition but are in fact the two wings by which a soul rises to truth.2022-10-2728 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 5: States in LifeNate and Br. Francisco take a slight step back from philosophical discussions and share about their current life situations as a college student and Benedictine monk. The brothers discuss highs and lows of their present vocations and what it means to find truth, goodness, and beauty in one's present situation, especially in the ordinary.2022-10-1330 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 4: Masculinity, Toxic or Virtuous?Nate and Brother Francisco tackle the controversial idea of 'toxic masculinity'. They explore whether it is masculinity's essence or its misdirection that lead to it becoming toxic. The close by reflecting on the role virtue can play in countering this toxicity.2022-09-2929 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 3: Now That's What I Call GOOD MusicNate and Br. Francisco discuss whether or not there exists objectively good music. If there is, how do we distinguish it from bad music, and what are its causes and effects? If there is objectively bad music, what are the implications of listening to it then? Finally, they explore the role music plays in the shaping of our personality and character.2022-09-1530 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 2: Some True Stories Never HappenedFact may be stranger than fiction, but is fiction truer than fact? Nate and Br. Francisco discuss the role of myth and fiction in the revelation and communication of truth. Is myth to be explored or shunned? Can myth in fact teach us truth beyond normal experience or reality?2022-09-0131 min
All Good in the BrotherhoodEp. 1: Bro, We Doing This?Nate and Br. Francisco introduce themselves and share their inspiration and goal for the podcast. They dip their feet into the transcendentals of truth, goodness, beauty, and unity as they prepare to dive into them head first.2022-08-2928 min