Shows
System Mastery299 - Bleeding HeartWe're hard at work on our giant pile of weird old box sets, and that means it's time for Bleeding Heart, a game that Jon assures me is loosely based on something called the Corman Poe film era of the mid-sixties, and he's a total horror nerd so I gotta go with him on this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-04-011h 01System Mastery293 - Alas VegasThis is a little recent for our usual stuff, but Jon was really interested after the Fastlane review to keep looking at games that utilize classic casino games as RPG randomizers, and this one's a doozy! Combining Blackjack and Tarot stuff, no less! Right in Jon's very wheelhouse. The game is neat too! There's a ton in here, it's definitely one of those big rocks that rolled down a Kickstarter success story and accumulated content as it went, so we made some calls on what to focus on that we'll explain within. At the end of the day, this...2025-01-091h 28
Forte Catholic410: Christmas Episode w/ Jon Bearded BlevinsAfter a two year hiatus, Bearded Blevins is back on the Forte Catholic Podcast to celebrate the birth of the little baby Jesus!
Jon was one of the OG cohosts of this show and had to bow out when new live endeavors arose. He's back now to share about those endeavors. We also do a draft of characters from the Nativity story in the Bible & rank Christmas foods and movies!
From our whole team at Forte Catholic, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
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Movie MasteryThe Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue (1998)Special guest Taylor Moore joins us to discuss an animated film that truly nobody asked for and that wastes an all star voice cast on the most direct-to-video sequel you could imagine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-11-011h 30System Mastery286 - Orkworld (Crunch)Oh, oh no. We thought all the worst stuff was going to be in the fluff and descriptive section. We were wrong. If you're a fan of angry Jef and Jon, well, you probably already noticed the 84 minute runtime of the episode and got your hopes up, correctly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-09-271h 26
thecommentary.caJon TaylorThe retired fisherman and boat builder Jon Taylor discusses his memoir Fried Eggs and Fish Scales: Tales from a Sointula Troller (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta.
Fried Eggs and Fish Scales: Tales from a Sointula Troller by Jon Taylor (Harbour Publishing, 2024).
Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Fried Eggs and Fish Scales
Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.
We go to Sointula, for this next conversation. I reached Jon Taylor...2024-09-2342 minthecommentary.caJon TaylorThe retired fisherman and boat builder Jon Taylor discusses his memoir Fried Eggs and Fish Scales: Tales from a Sointula Troller (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta.
Fried Eggs and Fish Scales: Tales from a Sointula Troller by Jon Taylor (Harbour Publishing, 2024).
Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Fried Eggs and Fish Scales
Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.
We go to Sointula, for this next conversation. I reached Jon Taylor...2024-09-2342 min
Just SchoolsLead Learner: Dr. Ann Marie TaylorIn this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert interviews Dr. Ann Marie Taylor. The discussion covers various aspects of educational leadership and the unique approaches taken at Horse Creek Academy. Ann Marie emphasizes the importance of celebrating and honoring teachers to prevent the profession from declining and shares innovative practices at her school, such as on-site daycare and providing amenities like a coffee bar for staff.
Additionally, the conversation explores the distinctions between joy and happiness, drawing on insights from books such as "The Book of Joy" by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, and "Dare...2024-06-1831 min
Hard Beeswax: Experiences in Waldorf EducationEpisode 19: Teacher Spotlight: Jon Metric, Waldorf Class TeacherIn this episode Matthew and Taylor speak with Matthew's dream guest, his class teacher, Jon Metric! 2024-01-2746 min
Expounded Universe266 - Rogue Planet WrapupAll your questions answered! All our thoughts explained! And of course the next book, announced! I, uhhh, I let Jon pick again. I will always vote for the chaos option given the choice, you know this. What horrors are we due? You'll soon find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-10-261h 23
Thin End of the Wedge58. Looking back at RAI Leiden: on conferences, and catching up with guestsThis special episode is a follow-up on the big annual conference. I offer some thoughts on what happened, and on how things might be in the future. As part of this, I catch up with three colleagues who have appeared as guests. Two were among the very first guests, who kindly helped me start the podcast. It was a leap in the dark for all of us. Since then, there have been a lot of changes for Gina and Jana. The third is a more recent guest, but someone who will shape our experience at next year's conference. Saana...2023-08-1036 min
Movie MasterySir Billi (2012)The final film from beloved actor Sean Connery and the first feature length animated film from Scotland. It is also so bafflingly terrible that Jon kind of lost his mind while trying to review it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-05-121h 37System Mastery251 - Heroic VisionsJon's special blend of DrivethruRPG search criteria has kicked us up a truly interesting and unusual blend of superheroes, afrofuturism, strong Christian undertones, and Poser art that is definitely connected to a webcomic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-05-041h 40
Forte Catholic316: Travel Stories, Freestyle Preaching & Best Nuggets w/Jon BlevinsJon Blevins cohosts as Taylor shares stories from a fun ministry trip to Seattle. The stories involve funniest ministry moments, worst biblical pronunciations & Catholics invading non-denominational camps.
They also play one of our favorite games: freestyle preaching. They give each other three random words that they have to include in a 60 second sermon which lead to some great points and good laughs.
Finally, they share some of the "best nuggets" from their real preaching at retreats, youth nights, or conferences. They have both been sharing the Gospel for years and share their favorite insights to...2022-11-301h 12
Forte Catholic312: Lions, Lambs & Mass Class w/Fr. Dave Dwyer & Jon BlevinsJon Blevins cohosts as Taylor shares his mixed feelings on music by a former Catholic, now atheist being played at Mass. It was initially frustrating but then ended in hope. They also discuss how Jesus can simultaneously be the seemingly contradictory Lion and the Lamb and what that means for us.
We're also joined today by very special guest Fr. Dave Dwyer of the "Busted Halo Show" on Sirius XM's "The Catholic Channel." Taylor has looked up to Fr. Dave for years and Fr. Dave's show has been a huge influence on Taylor's approach to Catholic media...2022-11-021h 15
The Connect ShowGoogle your business is a powerful tool with Roy DickansRoy Dickans speaks to groups each month about client attraction and offers paid training programs so that online marketers, storefronts, professionals, and entrepreneurs can develop a consistent stream of Ideal prospects coming to their websites, Google My Business listings, and phones without having to pay for ads or high priced consultants. He believes, there has never been a better time to start a business and/or make it prosperous than there is today if the owners know-how. It is his aspiration to help as many businesses as possible take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Please help us...2022-10-2825 minThe Connect ShowEat, Pray and Write a Book with Randy PeyserRandy Peyser is the Founder of Author One Stop.com. She edits books, ghostwrite books, and helps people get book deals with New York publishers. She works primarily with first-time authors.Her authors’ books have been featured in Oprah Magazine and Time Magazine, and on the Wall Street Journal and the USA Today Bestseller Lists. They’ve also been on Hallmark TV, in airport bookstores, in big box stores, and optioned for Hollywood film.Randy is the author of: The Write-a-Book Program; Crappy to Happy as featured in the movie, “Eat Pray Love”; and The Power of...2022-10-2823 minThe Connect ShowStop Duct Taping Your Business Together Melissa Blair of Cultivating SalesMelissa Blair is a sales and marketing mentor, serial entrepreneur, and all-out, certified tech geek dedicated to helping you launch your gifts and brilliance into the world.Working with Cultivating Sales, you eliminate frustrating tech headaches that waste your precious time and energy… You ditch the patchy web of software programs duct-taping your business together…And instead, accelerate growth — and success! — with a single, sleek, seamless online platform that helps you attract, nurture, enroll, and serve your audience and clients.“I use Cultivating Sales PRO daily, and I cannot imagine running my business without it...2022-10-2822 minThe Connect ShowDon't get hacked , how to avoid scam, hackers and other bad actors on the internetRoger has been working professionally in the tech industry since 2001 and has been working with computers since he was a teenager. Roger builds computer systems, consults on security, develops software and websites, and routinely consults on equipment, software upgrades, virus and spyware security and other computer related activities. Roger’s specialty is his ability to work in mixed environments of Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Roger knows 5 different programming languages and his background in video and audio production combined with his extensive knowledge of computers allows the company to produce some of the best, cost effective, cross-platform solutions available in...2022-10-2813 min
Forte Catholic308: The Four P's, Naked Saints & Parish Life w/Jon BlevinsJon Blevins cohosts as Taylor tries to prove to Jon that his barber is lying to him. They also discuss the Four P's and how they affect our professional and spiritual lives.
Next, Taylor has questions about a famous St. Francis story and why he had to do things the way he did. They also discuss a change to the Mass a few years ago that makes very little sense.
Finally, they discuss parish life and Taylor asks Jon for assistance in an issue he's working through at his parish.
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Forte Catholic302: Regrets, Mountains & Parenting Wins w/Jon BlevinsTaylor kicks off the show by sharing a recent parenting win with Jon: he and his son won a game of Fortnite together! They celebrate and share some of their favorite moments of being a parent.
In the next segment, Taylor asks Jon how he should handle regrets in his life. A few regrets keep popping up in his mind and he wants to know how Jon deals with past failures.
Finally, they start with a conversation about the difference between a mountain and a hill that has Taylor fascinated and annoyed. This leads to...2022-08-181h 01
Forte Catholic300: 300th Episode Celebration! w/Fr. Anthony Sciarappa, Allison Sullivan, Jon Blevins & Liv HarrisonAll the cohosts together to reminisce, laugh and annoy one another ;)
The Forte Catholic hosts unite for a rare episode recorded with all of them involved! This leads to a lot of hilarity, great stories and a fair amount of insanity. They kick off the episode sharing some favorite memories of the show and how much they've all changed since it launched in 2016.
Next, they play a "get to know the cohosts" game where they each submitted random facts about themselves to Taylor before the show. He presents them to the group and they have...2022-08-031h 14Expounded UniverseExpounded Universe 217 – Mohs’ Tavern
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/expounded-universe-217-mohs-tavern.mp3
A man with a gun bursts through the door! And then things get slapstick, confusing, slapstick again, a little weird, maudlin for a second, really really confusing, and finally Jon and Jef fight for like 10 minutes! What an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-07-1551 min
Rose Pricks: A Bachelor RoastJon is Back for More 90 Day FianceStef's husband, Jon Taylor is back to break down the latest episode of 90 Day including a hilarious deep dive into the "coming up this season" tease that ended the show. This episode is sponsored by Trivia StarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2022-06-2157 minRose Pricks: A Bachelor Roast90 Day Fiance with Jon TaylorWhat could be better than sitting down with my husband Jon to discuss all the trainwrecks on 90 Day Fiance. The Black Serbs get the band back together, Kobe gets called out by Emily's dad, Shy insists that Bilal's kids call her mom, Kara refuses to show Guillermo the wedding venue of his dreams and much much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2022-06-1455 min
Forte Catholic292: Jon Unleashed, Unanswered Prayer & Weird Traditions w/Jon BlevinsTaylor has a backhanded compliment for Jon. This unleashes Jon's full potential!!! They discuss an odd article about Jon that Taylor found in the deepest parts of the web.
Taylor shares a few food takes & reactions to some odd news stories with Jon that leads to a conversation about a Scripture verse Taylor has struggled with: Ask, Seek, Knock. They try to figure out how that verse works for seemingly unanswered prayers.
Finally, they rant about a weird Catholic tradition. Enjoy!
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Never miss out on the craziness of each episode...2022-06-0859 min
Top M&A EntrepreneursMaximize Your Multiple - Jon Taylor M&A Investment Advisor - Top M&A Entrepreneur🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 How to Buy Your First Million Dollar BusinessBrought to you by DealFlowSystem.net "If you don't have good deal flow, bad deals look good"Maximize Your Multiple - Jon Taylor M&A Investment Advisor - Top M&A Entrepreneur 2022-05-0417 min
Forte Catholic288: Personal Questions & Breaking the Rules w/Jon BlevinsTaylor & Jon haven't talked in a while so they kick off the show by catching up on each other's lives with stories about life, work, sports.
Next, Taylor shares a story he recently heard in a homily that he's heard many times before, but this time he has some questions about it. It involved following Catholic rules(or not), respect for the Sacraments and martyrdom. Prepare for potential controversy(or to be convinced!)
Finally, Taylor recently led an 8th grade boys small group and thought it would be fun if he and Jon answered some...2022-05-0458 min
Forte Catholic285: Live from Chicago w/Jon BlevinsTaylor went to Jon's house for his annual March Madness party and they recorded a podcast together. This is their first ever recording in person and it was a blast!
They chatted about the weekend: hanging out with 50 dudes & having Mass in Jon's house. They kept the sports theme going with comparing an elusive baseball stat with our spiritual life. And they played an intense round of our saints game of Imitate, Intercess or Ignore!
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Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help...2022-03-3154 min
Forte Catholic278: Bored at Mass, Auxiliary Bishops & Worst Dates w/Jon BlevinsUsually it's Jon bringing the hot takes but Taylor has some things to get off his chest this week. Spicy!
They kick it off with a conversation about the phrase "If you're bored at Mass, you'll be bored in Heaven." It's a common phrase from people in ministry and online personalities but Taylor doesn't agree with it anymore and he explains why.
Next, they discuss how strange the idea of auxiliary bishops actually is and Taylor argues that Bishops making up rules for their comfort makes him wonder why he has to follow random Catholic...2022-02-091h 00
Forte Catholic275: The Internet, Alpha & Catholic Fantasy Draft w/Jon BlevinsJon said this was his favorite episode in a while! Taylor kicks off the show with how he's been thinking deeply about the internet and how we take it for granted. It really is incredible the things we can do with it and we never really give it a second thought.
Next, they discuss the parish program growing in popularity, Alpha. Taylor's parish is starting it this week and Jon has led it a few times at his parish so Taylor picks his brain about it. What worked, what didn't and the importance of the work of...2022-01-191h 02
Forte Catholic271: Christmas, Santa & Church Engagement w/Aaron Weber, Jon Blevins & Fr AnthonyJon Blevins cohosts two segments of our Christmas special. He and Taylor hung out in person this week for only the second time ever. They chat about that & Jon's strange request. Taylor also shares his thoughts on being entertaining vs. being engaging and what that means for the Church.
Next, Fr. Anthony and Aaron Weber join Taylor on the show for what has become an annual Christmas tradition! This is the 3rd year in a row that comedian Aaron Weber has been our guest for the Christmas episode. They discuss Aaron's big year of getting married, losing...2021-12-221h 10System MasterySystem Mastery 214 – Mystic Forces
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/system-mastery-214-mystic-forces.mp3
Heck yeah, one of those weird games so little known I couldn’t GIS the cover and had to take a picture of our copy! Mystic Forces is a 2000 RPG about light vs. darkness featuring some very unique ideas (though Jon has some ideas as to where a lot of them are coming from), and a world that doesn’t have elves, dwarves, or even humans. Are they contained in a probably somewhat too complicated engine? Well yeah, obviously.
Learn more about your ad choice...2021-11-301h 21
Forte Catholic267: Fat Guy in a Little Coat & Cold Takes w/Jon BlevinsTaylor starts the show by getting after Jon for not sharing two big announcements with him. He then shares two new things in his life: one of which is hilarious and the other frustrating.
They both share their experiences of being home with their kids without their wives and how different those two experiences were.
And finally, they close the show with a segment of "cold takes." Some people like hot takes, but these takes are so random that no one could accuse them of being hot.
We hope you enjoy this episode...2021-11-2458 min
The Connect ShowIt starts with a Killer Mindset!Next level success requires next level thinking,and with that the way you got here will not get you to the next level.In this episode, we will be talking with Michael Rampolla of Spearity and David Goodall from tapmental.io about getting your mind SET in your future success.Michael has a few tools to help you map out your strategy for 2022. David will address the mindset around breaking through our barriers.This is an episode you will not want to miss and we have a special Q&A session to get y...2021-11-1349 min
Forte Catholic263: Busyness, Business & Burning Bush w/Jon BlevinsTaylor celebrates his birthday in this episode cohosted by Jon "Bearded" Blevins. They chat about the things we miss when busyness creeps in. Taylor shares two anecdotal stories both involving the NBA. They also discuss the burning bush and it's implications for our modern day lives.
Our newest segment, "Punishment Fits the Crime" returns as the guys take turns being a penitent with a strange confession while the other gives a strange penance to match. All fun and games, but for real, go to confession. Enjoy this week's episode!
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Never miss out...2021-10-271h 02
The Connect ShowThe Connect Show featuring Jennifer Hensley and Sarah SchwabThe Connect Show featuring Jennifer Hensley and Sarah SchwabJon Taylor and Tracy Champagne sit dow with Jennifer Hensley and Sarah Schwab to discuss Content Creation Strategy to improve your social media presence. I loved this episode because they both have proven systems that can help you improve your social media impact today.Wouldnt it be great if social media was fun!And it helped grow your business.Sarah and Jennifer will show you how.We had a special guest this week ,Lorry Rifkin of Lunch with Lorry stopped b...2021-10-1257 min
No ComparisonS1 Bonus B.O.N.C. - That‘s PoeticThis Best Of No Comparison episode features our "That's Poetic" game entries from Season 1. If you've been hankerin' to relive Sarah's rendition of the Full House theme as Bigfoot, or Jon's West Coast hipster spoken word atrocity, then this is the one for you. We shamefully bring you our finest collection of dope rhymes, vocal stylings, and other crimes against culture for your listening pleasure!
2021-10-0426 min
The Connect ShowThe Connect Show with Jon and Tracy Featuring Eleanor Beaton and Matt FoxThe Connect Show with Jon and TracyFOCUS !Today we have Eleanor Beaton and Matt Foxx o the show to talk about what you are focusing on right now in your business and how we can shift our thinking to put our energy into the things that really matter!Join us each week for the Connect Show to learn more about how you can make you business thrive.Full video episodes at:https://theconnectshow.com2021-10-0154 min
Forte Catholic259: Idiotic Idioms & God's Favorite Sport w/Jon BlevinsJon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts and has some big life changing news to share! Hear what has been going on behind the scenes of this big life change and where Jon has found God in the midst of all of it.
Taylor is frustrated with a common idiom used in Christian circles and wants to destroy it once and for all. He also shares his favorite bible verses and gives Jon a pop quiz.
They also debate which sport God loves the most. They go through the pros and cons of many of the major sports...2021-09-2954 min
The Connect ShowThe Connect Show with Jon and TracyCyrina Talbott and Greg Fischer sit down with Jon and Tracy to discuss how to get unstuck and break down some of those barriers we put in place that are holding us back.New episodes every week athttps://theconnectshow.comAt the Connect Show we will deep dive into the mindset and tactics to move your business forward faster.In September we will address the Mindset for SuccessOctober you can learn how to be a Social Media Master andIn November the leading experts in...2021-09-1555 minNo ComparisonSeason 1 Finale - The SlanderbowlWe decide our ultimate champion in the inaugural Slanderbowl! We’ve each picked our favorite topic from Season 1, so it can be taunted, trashed, and torn down by our adversary in this winner-takes-all finale. Sarah cancels Jon’s beloved TV Game Shows, while Jon torpedoes Sarah’s golden child, Shipwrecks. OG guest judge Mary returns to tell us which topic is more thoroughly slandered, and which one will hoist the coveted No Comparison Trophy. This episode's events are “Two Lies and a Truth,” “Word Association,” and “Hey, That’s My Enemy.” As usual, incriminating outtakes round out the fun.
2021-09-101h 14
Forte Catholic255: Biblical Fantasy Draft, Copycats & Proposals w/Jon BlevinsJon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts. We start the show with the story of why he recently had to get stitches in his hand and then he and Taylor each share the story of how they proposed to their wives.
The next segment introduces the "Biblical Fantasy Draft" where Jon and Taylor each select the best biblical characters to run Forte Catholic: CEO, CFO, HR, etc. A really fun segment with some insight into which characters from the Bible would be great at running a modern Catholic media non-profit. Plus, you might learn about some biblical characters you've never...2021-09-011h 01No ComparisonChuck E. Cheese vs. Jacques CousteauWe bring in legal professional and convicted trespasser Chad to decide between two revered contributors to society: Sarah's maritime man, Jacques "cool cap" Cousteau, and the center of Jon's favorite new universe, Mr. Chuck E. Cheese. Join the crew as we strap on the ol' snorkels and cash our game tokens to play "Life Without It," "On the Stand," and "That's Poetic." Stick around for our ball pit of outtakes and stories of crime and punishment.
2021-08-271h 15Expounded UniverseExpounded Universe Special Edition – The Road to Sham-Bone-La
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/expounded-universe-special-edition-sham-bone-la-1.mp3
Jon’s out of town but Jef and Claire are making content now? And holy cow is this ever some content warning content. Instead of trying to catch up on Witch’s Canyon, Claire provides some classic Supernatural fanfic as a springboard for a rousing discussion on fic, pairings, Wincest (that’s capitalized right) and a lot more. We won’t blame you if you sit this one out but come on you know you’re not gonna. Just don’t listen on work speakers.
The Fic in Question...2021-08-131h 24No ComparisonPlanet of the Apes vs. Team MascotsThis one is an all-costumes clash! We've got folks dressed as foam-bodied cheerleaders versus a movie franchise featuring our future primate overlords. Jon pits his simian dream team against Sarah's sweaty walking bobble heads, for appraisal by our guest judge Jared. Our games: "Two Truths and a Lie" and "Hey, That's My Friend," in their normal configuration, plus a remix of "On the Stand," courtesy of our creative judge.
2021-08-061h 07
Forte CatholicJon Blevins makes his podcast debut | Forte FlashbacksWe've been doing this show for five years and we know that not everyone has listened since back in the day. So we've started a new series called Forte Flashbacks highlighting the best moments of the show.
Taylor listens to the interview and then shares his thoughts and highlights from the conversation. This week is Jon’s first appearance back in 2018. It's amazing how much has changed in three years but also seeing the seeds of friendship being sown in this conversation.
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Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hi...2021-07-2328 minNo ComparisonTV Game Shows vs. Tearaway PantsCome on down for a battle between wholesome family entertainment and Magic Mike's wardrobe! Sarah wields Tearaway Pants against Jon's TV Game Shows as guest judge (and legit subject matter expert!) Chapin must decide who will get all the cash and prizes. Our games this time are classics: "Desert Island," "Two Truths and a Lie," and "That's Poetic." A bonanza of episode outtakes features our usual goofs and a bonus game show tale.
2021-07-231h 22Expounded UniverseExpounded Universe 178 – Werewolf Out There, Juliet
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/expounded-universe-178-werewolf-out-there-juliet.mp3
Jon seems fairly confident that this is all right on track, but as far as I can tell this book so far is like a lawnmower that won’t start. But hey, let’s pull the cord again!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-07-161h 05System MasterySystem Mastery 204 – Engel
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/system-mastery-204-engel.mp3
Well hey, surprise OGL! Nothing on the cover, and so when Jon selected this old Sword & Sorcery product to take home and started reading, he was suddenly (after 190 some pages of fluff) shocked to see that 3.x material. So what is this? Well it’s the far future and you play as Latin-speaking angel children who fight giant bugs. OR DO YOU?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-07-141h 11Expounded UniverseExpounded Universe 175 – The Old Fuckin’ Hole
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/expounded-universe-175-the-big-fuckin-hole.mp3
What the hell is this. Stock photo of first season Ackles and Padalecki, photoshopped into Joshua Tree? Jon is grabbing the reins and there’s nothing we can do about it now. Join us on a brand new adventure, as the Winchester Boys encounter a 40-year ghost story in a tiny Arizona town where a new mall is being built. Will they finally make out? Yes. I personally guarantee this is the book where the Winchesters make out. I’ll guarantee whatever for about 5 bucks.
Learn mor...2021-06-1759 minNo ComparisonOctopi vs. Haunted HousesIn a terrifying exploration of killer cephalopods versus building code violations, guest judge David must decide who reigns victorious! We put our horrific wards through a three-game gauntlet: Hook Up the Trailer, I Dream of Genie, and Hey, That's My Friend. Also featured: Sarah's Podcast Takeover continues, and Jon announces a new passion project.
2021-06-111h 10No ComparisonMovie Trailers vs. SlothsLights! Camera! Inaction! We've got dramatic montages going up against an incredibly slow and hairy YouTube sensation in a wrastlin' match for the ages! It's movie trailers facing off against sloths, and guest judge/renaissance man Chapin picks a winner. This episode's games: Life Without It, On the Stand, and a new contest, Tattoo Parlor.
Following the show, we've got an extra large helping of outtakes, highlighted by Jon going through some completely natural "changes."
2021-05-281h 10No ComparisonBigfoot vs. LemonadeWe get gross and controversial in this one - a clash between the legendary 'squatch and an iconic beverage. Jon tries to make the most of the underdog role, and Sarah knows the truth is out there, in the woods. Our guest Jessi must endure the weirdness displayed in two new games: "Taking It Personally" and "Two Truths and a Lie." We also bring "That's Poetic" back for a musical, um, exploration.
Stick around for our usual outtakes and a shocking revelation!
2021-05-141h 13
Forte Catholic238: Reviews, Restaurants & Restrooms w/Jon BlevinsThe show kicks off with a hilarious terrible review of Taylor and the show. He tells John what was said about him, who came to his rescue and...how the mean reviewer was...right??? This leads to a discussion on reviewing things in general and how we can use it as a way to shed light into dark places.
Next, they play the new Imitate, Intercess or Ignore game where they each give each other three saints and have to choose what they will do with each. Hilarity and learning a bit about the saints at the...2021-05-0555 minNo ComparisonMastodons vs. Swim Up BarsA prehistoric beast does battle with an aquatic booze delivery system in three new events: Desert Island, Hey, That's My Friend, and Hook Up the Trailer. Our guest judge Lennox wades through the competition to decide on a champion.
Plus, new show tech arrives! We roll out a time machine and the merciless Random Topic Generator. Elon Musk, eat your heart out. In other news, Jon has a life-changing revelation, Sarah casts a Hollywood blockbuster, and we inexplicably share more outtakes.
2021-04-3054 minNo ComparisonAir Travel vs. Grilled CheeseIn our debut, air travel faces a gooey rival, grilled cheese. Guest judge Mary bears witness to the battle and picks a winner! This episode's trio of ridiculous events: Life Without It, That's Poetic, and On the Stand.
Stay for outtakes from the show and listen in as Sarah and Jon witness the consequences of misused toasters.
2021-04-161h 00No ComparisonIntroducing No Comparison!Jon and Sarah welcome you to the show and describe how we'll face off each episode, waging epic battles between completely unrelated things in front of a guest judge. Conflicts! Laughs! Barely repressed rage! It's all in store on No Comparison. Join us to learn about the show!
2021-04-0903 min
Forte Catholic229: Crosses, Christian Podcast Roulette & Routines w/Jon BlevinsTaylor & Jon kick off this week's episode with a conversation on how it's often hard to ask for and receive help, especially in the things we pride ourselves in. We look at Simon helping Jesus carry his cross and the Our Father for insight into how our spiritual lives seem to be harder to take care of these days.
The second segment brings us to Christian Podcast Roulette. This is a game Taylor found of the interwebs that generates a Christian podcast name for you. Taylor and each of the cohosts get a new name for their...2021-03-0356 min
Forte Catholic221: Bon Jovi, Word of the Year & Saint Power Rankings w/Jon BlevinsTaylor FINALLY made it back to Mass at his home parish and it came with a HUGE surprise that no one else seemed to notice.
Jon Blevins cohosts and the guys share their January 2021 Saint Power Rankings. Who are the saints that are most popular and/or most needed today.
In the final segment, they use Jen Fulwiler's Word of the Year generator to find out what their word for 2021 is...and judge their words from previous years. There's also a bit about God saving his people so that's cool too.
Enjoy!
2021-01-0655 minThin End of the WedgeHello! And welcome to Thin End of the WedgeHello! And welcome to Thin End of the Wedge. This episode explains what the podcast is about, and how and why I brought it to life. Thin End of the Wedge explores life in the ancient Middle East. There are many wonderful stories we can tell about those people, their communities, the gritty reality of their lives, their hopes, fears and beliefs. We bring you expert insights and the latest research in clear and simple language. We won’t talk to you like you’re stupid. But you won’t need any special training to understa...2020-09-2306 min
Forte Catholic205: Tree People, Aliens & Jesus Hurt My Feelings w/Jon "Bearded" BlevinsJon Blevins cohosts and shares about his lovely weekend with his wife celebrating their anniversary. Taylor yells at him for his actions, tries to take his man card and Jon responds by sharing a minor miracle story.
Taylor shares about the tree people who swarmed his home this week which perfectly leads to a discussion on how God interacts with aliens. Do they exist? Did Jesus save them? Is his name Todd?
Finally, Taylor shares how Jesus hurt a lot of people's feelings and Taylor follows in his footsteps.
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Never...2020-09-1656 min
Forte Catholic191: George Floyd w/Jon Blevins & Meg Hunter-KilmerIt's been a very difficult week for our country. This was a tough one to record but we wanted to share our hearts and thoughts with our community in response to the tragedy of George Floyd's death. Jon Blevins joins Taylor to discuss how we're feeling about the whole situation.
Meg Hunter-Kilmer joins to share her radical calling from the Lord and about some of her favorite saints of color.
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Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show...2020-06-0454 min
The Uptake PodcastThe Life of William TaylorA tribute to William E. Taylor's 103 years' worth of challenges, heartaches, and adventures - and the miracle that was a (long) life, well-lived.
2020-05-2532 min
Forte Catholic178: The Random Take Variety Show w/Jon "Bearded" BlevinsTaylor is still a bit overwhelmed this week, but never fear, Jon “Bearded” Blevins is here with a laundry list of random takes he wants to share and Taylor gets worked up about a few of them.
With a wide range of topics, you’re bound to find something you like, including:
-Wendy’s new breakfast menu
-Going to the dentist
-The XFL
-The ups and downs of marriage
-Lenten sacrifices
-Shakespeare being overrated
-Track meets and more!
Come hang out with us! :)
Also, as mentioned in today...2020-03-0456 min
Forte Catholic174: Girls dads, Super Bowl & Taylor's (Prot) Best FriendJon Blevins cohosts AND IS NOW A GIRL DAD! The guys discuss fatherhood: the joys, difficulties and expectations vs. reality.
Then Taylor's best friend joins the fray. He's in town visiting so Taylor brought him on the show. Don't tell anyone, but he's Protestant. So we mostly ask him why he's not Catholic and he shares insight into Taylor's childhood. Really a grand ol time!
In the final segment, Jon and Taylor discuss the Super Bowl and share their respective rants on the Halftime show. Twas fun :)
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Never miss out...2020-02-0556 minSystem MasteryDream Park – System Mastery 166
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/system-mastery-166-dream-park.mp3
This has been on Jon’s to-get list for most of the time we’ve made the show, and who should suddenly show up with a copy of the thing but our network head? He always gets us the best stuff. Dream Park has a PEDIGREE. Based on a Larry Niven/Steven Barnes sci-fi novel series and written by Mike Pondsmith for Talsorian, there’s a lot of promise here. Does it stick the landing? Well, come on it, won’t you?
Learn more about your ad...2020-01-291h 17
Movie MasteryIn Theaters Now – Cats
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/movie-mastery-cats.mp3
You did it. You made us go see Cats. I hope you’re proud of yourselves. Now reality has lost all meaning and Jon can’t seem to stop introducing himself as Jauntypine the Podcast Cat.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-01-241h 24
Forte Catholic170: Salty Jon, Nice Taylor & Uncompromising Purity w/Everett Fritz & Kelsey SkochJon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts and boy is he salty! This is Taylor's favorite version of Jon. We talk about getting back into the swing of things after a rocky Christmas break and commiserate a bit.
Our guests this week are the co-authors of Uncompromising Purity, Everett Fritz and Kelsey Skoch. All too often, the topic of sexual purity is presented as something that’s exclusively a male issue, leaving women who struggle with it feeling alone. Finally bringing this topic to the light, Uncompromising Purity provides encouragement and practical strategies to overcome these and other addictions and temptations that keep wo...2020-01-1056 minForte Catholic170: Salty Jon, Nice Taylor & Uncompromising Purity w/Everett Fritz & Kelsey SkochJon "Bearded" Blevins cohosts and boy is he salty! This is Taylor's favorite version of Jon. We talk about getting back into the swing of things after a rocky Christmas break and commiserate a bit.
Our guests this week are the co-authors of Uncompromising Purity, Everett Fritz and Kelsey Skoch. All too often, the topic of sexual purity is presented as something that’s exclusively a male issue, leaving women who struggle with it feeling alone. Finally bringing this topic to the light, Uncompromising Purity provides encouragement and practical strategies to overcome these and other addictions and te...2020-01-1056 minForte Catholic165: Taylor Got Ejected & Fr. Anthony Homily Review w/Jon BlevinsWe had a blast with this one!!! 😂 😂 😂
Taylor got ejected from a HS basketball game where he is the campus minister...whoops...lol. He shares the story, gets cohost Jon Blevins' take and the surprise reaction from the community.
We only have two segments today because the second is so special! Fr. Anthony sent Taylor his most recent homily knowing EXACTLY what he was getting himself into. So he joins us without joining us as Jon and Taylor give their commentary throughout the homily. Live with us the dream of many lay people to heckle or commen...2019-12-1251 minExpounded UniverseX-pounded Universe 98 – Very Tidy Secondshttps://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/expounded-universe-98-very-tidy-seconds.mp3
Oh goddammit who let Jon pick the book? It was me? Shoot, complaint withdrawn. YES! It’s time to see what the X-Men and the TNG crew (and Worf if he’s into it) can do together! This is going to be ridiculous.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-171h 04System MasteryEoris Essence (Part 2) – System Mastery 156
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/system-mastery-156-eoris-essence-part-2.mp3
Well, after last week with Jef failing to figure out what the heck any of this is using just the rule book, can Jon save the day? Will his comprehensive notes about the story book explain everything? Spoiler alert, no.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-101h 20Forte Catholic147: Millennial Jesus, Crying, Youth Ministry & Video Games w/ Jon Blevins & Work To GameJon Blevins co-hosts on his one year anniversary of first appearing on the show! Taylor shares why he's been crying while listening to podcasts in the woods and wonders if he's progressing or digressing as a human.
In the second segment, we're joined by Brian Montfort of the Work To Game YouTube channel. With two of the biggest names in Catholic gaming, the guys chat about some of the pitfalls of gaming, how to avoid them and ultimately while they still play. Taylor tries to make strange comparisons between video games and the Church. Does it work...2019-08-0854 minSystem MasteryCadillacs and Dinosaurs – System Mastery 143
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/system-mastery-143-cadillacs-and-dinosaurs.mp3
With Jef still recovering in the hospital, Jon turns to fan-favorite guest Claire to join in and help review this RPG based on a comic book. It promises two things up front and delivers on none of it. Booo.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-03-141h 26Forte Catholic122: Humility & Exodus 90 w/ Joel Stepanek & Jon BlevinsJon Blevins co-hosts and gives an update from inside Exodus 90. Taylor's take on the matter has become quite public so we let someone who's in the middle of doing it report on how it's going. Tune in to find out!
Joel Stepanek first came on the show as guest co-host on episode 33 and now rejoins to share about humility. His new book "Chasing Humility" is coming out just in time for Lent! It revolves around the Litany of Humility, which Jon and Taylor are terrible at. Joel gives insight into how many of us misunderstand humility. It...2019-02-1352 min
Experience PointsA Day in the LifeJon & Ted share their daily routines, discuss the importance of habits and explain how you can achieve self discipline.2019-02-0132 minExperience PointsResolving ResolutionsHappy New Year! If you've got a resolution for 2019 that you really want to achieve, then you might want to listen to this episode in which Jon & Ted discuss how to set goals that you will achieve.2019-01-1816 minMovie MasteryMovie Mastery – Truth or Dare (2017)
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/movie-mastery-truth-or-dare.mp3
This week’s review is a little different as we go off from the normal format and Jon picks the movie. It’s a film so insidious that it has haunted his very existence for the past several months and it’s time he inflicted it on other people. Enjoy this double length episode.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-01-111h 56Movie MasteryMovie Mastery – Babes in Toyland (1986)
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/Movie-Mastery-Babes-in-Toyland-1986.mp3
A Christmas movie from Jon’s past comes back to haunt Jef. This fever dream of a movie with no budget and a big name cast will meander around for about a half hour’s worth of content. Just like we do!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-12-151h 21Experience PointsVegans - are they crazy?Going vegan is a bit trendy right now, but why? Is it a fad? or are there real compelling reasons to give up meat for good? Jon & Ted find out in this episode... and the answer may surprise you.
Lab Grown Meat Is Getting Cheap
7 Predictions On The Future Of Clean Meat2018-12-0742 minExpounded UniverseExpounded Universe 62 – 28 Parsecs Later
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/expounded-universe-62-28-parsecs-later.mp3
Whoa, zombies have entered the building! They’re coming in! Hold on, is that a quote from a horror movie or something? I should ask Jon. In the meantime, here’s some Star Wars zombie times!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-11-2853 minExperience PointsHow to Get HiredTed and Jon share unusual interview tips and tricks to help you stand out and get hired. Learn from our experiences so that you can go into your next interview knowing that you'll get the job.2018-11-2327 minMovie MasteryMovie Mastery – Down Periscope (1996)
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/movie-mastery-down-periscope.mp3
Did Jef and Jon enjoy this movies subtle themes? Or did they find the entire thing to be sub par? One things for sure, watch this movie with sub-titles on. SUB JOKES!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-11-161h 14Experience PointsUniversity - a waste of time? (Part II)More and more students in the UK are going to university, causing degrees to be worth less than ever before.
In this episode Ted & Jon discuss whether this is true and how it should effect your decision when considering further education.2018-11-0226 minExperience PointsUniversity - a waste of time? (Part I)More and more students in the UK are going to university, causing degrees to be worth less than ever before.
In this episode Ted & Jon discuss whether this is true and how it should effect your decision when considering further education.2018-11-0224 minExperience PointsStarting UpStarting a business takes extreme levels of gumption, desire and conviction to get you through the tumultuous ride, the doubts of others and reality of standing on your own two feet. Join us as we tell the story of 'The Armoury' so far with nothing off limits, from Jon's breakthroughs and to his breakdowns.2018-10-1919 minExperience PointsRedefining HealthIn the inaugural episode of Experience Points, Jon & Ted discuss 'The Armoury' - an up and coming health and fitness company started by Jon to change peoples' perception of health.
The Armoury
Music by Light House - Keep On Runnin2018-10-0326 minExpounded UniverseExpounded Universe 41 – The Make an Aqualish Foundationhttps://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/expounded-universe-41-the-make-an-aqualish-foundation.mp3
A long long time after the cantina, on a planet far, far away from the cantina, a new story is unfolding. It’s the Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba show, and it’s… a whole big Dr. Frankenstein thing? Star Wars gets extra gothic on today’s exciting episode. Plus, Jon’s childhood!
Got Star Wars questions? We’ve got answers. Send them to the usual place, systemmastery@gmail.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-06-1257 minSystem MasteryMekton Zeta – System Mastery 123https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/system-mastery-123-mekton-zeta1.mp3
Longtime friend of the show and fan-favorite guest Claire comes by to discuss Mekton Zeta with Jon, who knows nothing whatsoever about your precious animes. This episode sadly concludes Jef’s paternity leave, so we’re afraid he’ll be back next time.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-06-051h 12Movie MasteryIn Theaters Now – Deadpool 2
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/movie-mastery-deadpool.mp3
Once again, Jon is joined by Quinn and Josette from the Swallows of the South podcast to provide our thoughts on Deadpool 2. Though mostly it’s our thoughts on weird mouth sounds and talking like a baby.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-06-011h 13Expounded UniverseExpounded Universe 34 – Wuher, I Got You All in Check
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/expounded-universe-wuher-i-got-you-all-in-check.mp3
Though weary and facing insurmountable odds, our heroes manage to put together a podcast this week. Jef is baby-tired and Jon is slowly turning into pure mucous. However, we still manage to bring you the tale of a bartender that doesn’t like droids but then maybe does. Woooo!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-04-2856 minExpounded UniverseExpounded Universe 31 – Built Tonnika Toughhttps://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/expounded-universe-31-built-tonnika-tough.mp3
Jon’s pretty grumpy from the word go in the tale of the “Tonnika Twins” that contains less than 2% of the following ingredients: Tonnika Twins. Timothy Zahn weaves us one of his usual “badass warriors do badass things because of their tactical genius and cool honor code” narratives, with a weirdly brief stopover to recite the events of the Cantina more or less verbatim. Meet the Mistryl Shadow Guard!
Got Star Wars questions? We’ve got answers. Send them to the usual place, systemmastery@gmail.com.
Learn m...2018-04-0358 minMovie MasteryIn Theaters Now – It (2017)
https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/movie-mastery-it.mp3
Something evil is haunting the town of Derry, Maine. It’s a clown that really likes fucking with the protagonists. Can Jon overcome his love of the original Tim Curry It? Can Jef overcome the fact that he hates horror movies and movies in general? Only one way to find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-09-211h 05System MasteryAD&D 2nd Edition – System Mastery 75https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/system-mastery-75-add-2nd-edition.mp3
It’s our three year anniversary here at System Mastery! Jon and Jef entered the bonds of holy podcastimony in August of 2013 and it’s been wonderful ever since, except for those times we’ve cheated with One Shot. As per tradition, every 25 episodes it’s D&D time, and episode 75 is no exception as we take a long hard look at the classic 2nd edition of AD&D. You know the one, it’s got all that bad blue art of nothing in particular and that weird picture of a...2016-08-161h 15System MasteryRifts Parts 1 – System Mastery 70https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/system-mastery-70-rifts-part-1.mp3
We hope you’re as ready for this as we are. After 70 episodes, it’s time to review the game that somehow started both of us down the path that ultimately led to System Mastery existing at all. Rifts was the first game for both teenage Jef and teenage Jon, and somehow we grew into almost functional adults anyway! We can’t even begin to cram everything crazy about this book into one episode, so watch this space in two weeks for Part 2.
Learn more about you...2016-05-241h 07System MasteryNot Exactly 7th Sea – System Mastery 66https://systemmastery.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/system-mastery-66-7th-sea.mp3
April Fools! This is really more about an hour of digressions. People keep asking what the point is, so here’s the point of that. Actually have you ever seen the movie “The Point?” That was weird, right? Just that wobbly 70s line-art cartoon style you see in stuff like Pink Panther and occasional sex-ed cartoons, and a bunch of stuff designed to encourage you to think for yourself. Sorta boring, honestly. So yeah, the basic concept behind the April Fools joke was… y’know what I’ve noticed over the pa...2016-04-0157 min