Shows
Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloister Episode 31: Andrew Tate is right?
In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius respond to a few clips circulating on Instagram and YouTube of statements made by Andrew Tate on God, Family, and responsibility.
Links to Tate Clips:
What do men want in women?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvXaJiPNVXd/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Fight
https://youtube.com/shorts/U_hEPQPe0zU?feature=share
Importance of Duty
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cr_VzBJgvMI/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Everything in rented
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvgTCNRNSFl/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Change your mindset … you get to
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvapRHIPKgy/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
God always wa...2023-08-181h 05Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloister Episode 30: The Gelgamek CatholicsIn this episode, we discuss the congressional hearing regarding the possible existence of aliens. Br. Adam Dupre joins Will and Fr. Demetrius from the “New Balances” Podcast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-balances/id1572182894
2023-08-101h 15Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloisters Episode 29: A thing is received according to the mode of the receiverIn this episode, we continue our discussion of movies, primarily classic early 2000s comedies. We also discussed how facts and things exist but how someone perceives those facts can vary based on the individual's perspective.
2023-08-021h 02Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloisters: We are not Camping AnymoreIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the new Indiana Jones movie and Sound of Freedom. A spoiler Warning is in effect.
2023-07-291h 09Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 27: " You figure that out without a guide."In this episode, Br. William and Fr. Demetrius discuss Br. Will's recent promotion to Blue Belt and his recent BJJ-related injuries. We also reminisce about the OG Gameboy and some of the game systems of our youth. 2023-07-141h 01Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 26: Catholics have the worst preaching.
Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss elements and issues with some of the clergy in the Catholic Church that has been brought to light, yet again, by a recent Pew Study on Preaching and Understanding in Christian Churches.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/06/PF_2023.06.02_religion-online_REPORT.pdf
2023-06-301h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 25: Tolerance applies only to persons … never to truth. Tolerance applies to the erring, intolerance to the error"Tolerance applies only to persons … never to truth. Tolerance applies to the erring, intolerance to the error." (Fulton J Sheen)2023-06-171h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 24: Sometime you need to crash a plane for YouTube ViewsEpisode 24: Sometime you need to crash a plane for YouTube Views 2023-06-161h 00Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 23: Every School Needs A Boxing RingIn this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the importance of combative sports to the development of a strong mental character. In these, one v. one, sports students and adults learn to be self-reliant and to accept their own errors. If you lose, it is because YOU lost, and if you win, it is because YOU won. Team sports are great, but BJJ, Judo, Boxing, and other like-minded sports also have an important role to play. We also might touch on the whole bud light issue.
2023-05-051h 00Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 22: “Spilt the difference; Participation Ribbons and Not Trophies”
"Description is required"2023-03-241h 06Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)(Re-Upload Full Episode)Episode 21: Capitalism at its finest and its worse.In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius deuces conspiracy theories, comedy clubs in the “good old days”, the TV show “The Black List,” and how some of the toughest guys, like Mighty Mike Tyson, are actually some of the nicest guys you can run into in real life.2023-03-131h 04Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 21: Capitalism at its finest and its worse.In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius deuces conspiracy theories, comedy clubs in the “good old days”, the TV show “The Black List,” and how some of the toughest guys, like Mighty Mike Tyson, are actually some of the nicest guys you can run into in real life.2023-02-2411 minCracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloister: Episode 20 Gym Bros and Precision in Language
In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the recent videos online of various people calling each other out for how they act in a weightlifting gym. The discussion also moves into a conversation about the importance of words and the value of being precise in how you refer to things. For example, the difference between saying someone should treat an animal humanely rather than saying it should be treated ethically.2023-02-1754 minCracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloister Episode 19 There is a difference between embracing something difficult and being a fool.In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss various topics, but at the heart of their conversation is the question about finding the balance between embracing traditional masculinity, so-called “manning up,” and being overly stubborn to the point it causes you irreversible damage. This conversation was spurred on by a recent grappling match between Mikey Musumeci vs. Gantumur Bayanduure.2023-02-031h 06Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 18: Is it a calling and mission, or is it a business?
In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss several topics related to the balancing of mission and business in the Catholic Church, especially in Catholic education. Spurned on by the ongoing debate between the Daily Wire and Steven Crowder, they explore the concept of what needs to be the priority in the discussion and how an institution can find the balance between speaking the Truth in a world that is often at odds with it and maintaining a war chest capable of funding the institution and movement.2023-01-271h 01Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 16: A Philosopher Needs To Have Great HairCracks in the Cloister Episode 16: A Philosopher Needs To Have Great Hair
In this episode Br. will and Fr. Demetrius discusses the wisdom of the Greek and Scholastic philosophers. At point is the idea that things are bot Form (Soul/Ψυχή) and Matter (body).2023-01-231h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 17: That is UnacceptableIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss a variety of topics ranging from the new movie Megan and the implications of AI, Socialized medicine, the “Resurrection Men” of Victorian England, Frank Pavion, and the debate over who can say what words in what context.2023-01-201h 07Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Cracks in the Cloister Episode 15: “First we feast, Then we felony.”In this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the importance of having a spiritual, educational, and emotional foundation built on timeless Truth rather than on some fad. This episode discusses classic movies from their childhood, the Church and Its dialogue with society, Hormonal Birhtcontrol and Divorce rates, Transgender topics, and identity-related concepts. They both fundamentally conclude that the wisdom of God, who is Truth, and the traditional teachings of the faith are fundamental to having a solid foundation that is built on rock to weather the storms of life.2022-12-3000 minCracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 14: Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.In this episode, we sit down with Br. Finbarr. Finbarr is back at St. Mary’s Abbey while on a break from seminary. The discussion talks a lot about some of the classes and experiences he has now that he has gone from teacher to student.2022-12-261h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 13: What's in a name? (Reminiscing about Fr. Beatus and other monastic elements)In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the recent funeral of their confrere Fr. Beatus. They also discuss the story behind why and how Fr. Demetrius ended up with the name Demetrius and other elements of the monastic life. They also discuss the value of art and the moral neutrality of most forms of it.2022-12-161h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 12: The Excitement of the UnknownIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discusses why some things seem fascinating to them. Outer space, SCUBA, the Deep Sea, Etc. They conclude that all these things come with the double edge sword of great discovery but at the cost of possible death. They theorize that the razor edge between life and death that they experience in BJJ and these things is one of the things that keep people interested in movies and TV shows about these topics.2022-12-091h 01Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 11: On “The Menu”- Unintended ConsequencesIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss a recent trip to the local AMC to watch The Menu. Spoilers do occur for the movie as they discuss the theme that actions have consequences. Likewise, they discuss how sometimes, an action can cause a permanent consequence that you didn’t intend but nevertheless have to live with for the rest of your life.2022-12-021h 00Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 10 "The Mark of the Beast" (Br. Will)In this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the importance of free speech and widening your sources of information. 2022-11-2554 minCracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 9 Living in the Moment because sometimes you have to just hangout out with the boys, ignore Taylor Swift and chill with Avenger Sevenfold.In this week's episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss random stories from their high school and college lives. These stories revolve mainly around various concert experiences that they shared with their good friends. Times they chose to live in the moment, enjoy time with the guys, and prioritize living rather than documenting what they are doing. And, Yes, some of the stories do indeed talk about watching a concert from the side of a stage with Avenged and ignoring a young Taylor Swift in order to go check out the county fair.2022-11-181h 00Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 8: Lessons from Malcolm in the MiddleIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss the need for personal responsibility and drive in life. The fact is that even if people have an equal opportunity that does not guarantee equal outcomes, either in the secular world or in the realm of religion. Someone like Jonathan Yong Kim, MD; a retired US Navy Seal and Astronaut, came from a background that one would not suspect to dispose him to all his accomplishments, and yet he succeeded through effort, skill, and luck. So to quote the wisdom of They Might Be Giants, at times, “life is unfair” but th...2022-11-111h 04Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 7: The Dangers of the Echo ChamberIn this episode Br. William and Fr. Demetrius discuss the dangers of listening to only people who agree with you. They discuss how the subjectivization of truth, for example with the phrase “my truth”, has led to a society that sees any challenge to one's way of thinking to be a challenge to themselves and not merely their ideas. This echo chamber also seemed to be something pushed slowly by the technologies and their algorithms that we all take for granted. They ultimately decide about the importance of true dialog to discover objective truth.2022-11-041h 14Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 6: Heaven, Hell, and Horror MoviesIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius talk about the question of heaven and hell. Generally what is and do you think most people will get there?2022-10-281h 03Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 5: What you can learn by being the white belt in the room full of black belts.In this week’s episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss life lessons learned on the Jui Jitsu mats. Learning how to deal with being uncomfortable and recognizing when you are and are not in real danger in tough situations prove to be lessons not only for the mats but for life. Tied to this discussion is the virtue of humility and knowing that you are not the best, someone always has the potential to be better than you, and you are always called to show true respect and love toward those you encounter.
2022-10-211h 09Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 4: Religious life is a life of transitionsIn this episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius are joined by Adam Dupre. Adam is a former Salesian of Don Bosco and a friend of Fr. Demetrius who currently works for the Archdiocese of Boston. They discuss what led Adam to discern that he wanted to join the Salesians, what life was like for a Salesian, and importantly what led Br. Adam to decided to transition back into “regular” life. It turned out to be a fun conversation interrupted by the occasional baby rattle and story of Fr. Demetrius’ escapades from his time as a student in seminary. 2022-10-141h 08Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 3: "Diversity Is An Old Wooden Ship"In this week’s episode Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss a variety of concepts related to people doing the various things that make them feel fulfilled. This includes talking about Shia Labeouf and his recent interviews about the “Latin Mass” and even some stories from their recent visit to the NY Renaissance Fair. Towards the end of the episode Fr. Demetrius reveals a podcast intro theme he has been experimenting with. Perhaps next week will start with a theme song?2022-10-071h 01Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 2 : Everything and Anything Can Be PrayerIn this episode, Br. Will and Fr. Demetrius discuss prayer and life. Especially of interest is that prayer has a much broader meaning than most people think of. Jiu Jitsu, going for a walk, and talking to a close friend can all be things that are a type of prayer or can lead you to prayer. For more information on prayer please consider looking at the playlist of retreat talks given by Fr. Demetrius during the pandemic, links below. Also, if you feel so inclined, please consider supporting the monks with a tax-deductible gift, also linked below.
T...2022-09-301h 02
Cracks in the Cloister (A St. Mary's Abbey Podcast)Episode 1: "Normal People"In this first episode of our podcast Br. William and Fr. Demetrius talk about various elements of monastic and religious life all centered around the idea that they, and other religions, are just “normal people”. The topics of conversation include everything from discussing why they are starting the podcast, a recent vacation to Fr. Demetrius’ family home, training BJJ, music, teaching, and much more. So, please join a few close friends and monastic brothers as they discuss what it means to be a monk and why it isn’t anything too crazy, even when it is a crazy way of life.2022-09-231h 18