
Join Naomi Haramai as she sits down with Matthew Mystczewski to talk faith, family, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Discover how Catholic values intersect with building a business, managing time, and navigating today’s challenges.
The role of faith and family in shaping business decisions
Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and parenthood
The discipline required for success in work and spiritual life
The risks and rewards of the entrepreneurial journey
The impact and potential of virtual reality technology in modern life
00:00 Balancing work from home and family
09:18 Balancing family and business priorities
15:57 Defining success in personal terms
18:33 Building a Family Foundation
24:36 Scheduling prayer and spiritual time
27:29 Starting the gardening business
35:05 Structuring the workday with breaks
41:02 Balancing work and passion goals
45:40 Finding purpose in suffering
50:51 Balancing parenting and personal goals
55:38 Balancing business startup with family
01:02:12 Ethics of wealth and success
01:07:28 Reflecting on inner struggles
01:12:37 Struggles and joy in business
01:21:19 Building resilience through challenges
01:23:15 Avoiding video game addiction
01:27:48 Using VR to treat phobias
01:34:53 Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs
Catholicism, entrepreneurship, family, virtual reality, business, faith, parenting, discipline, homeschooling, spiritual life, software engineering, New Zealand, success, sacrifice, grind culture, work-life balance, VR therapy, overcoming phobias, motivation, men's ministry, Fit for the Kingdom, joy, suffering, calling, time management, personal growth, fatherhood, resilience
May 13
1 hr 36 min

Meet the dynamic duo behind the Messy Family Project as they discuss the realities of raising a large Catholic family in the modern world. In this episode, Michael and Alicia Hernan share hard-won wisdom, authentic stories, and practical advice on parenthood and faith.
The Hernans’ journey of having 10 kids and 10 grandchildren, and how family shapes faith
The challenges and growth from parenting young children to adults
Parenting in the digital age: screens, technology, and protecting real relationships
The importance of community, learning from others, and avoiding online parenting pitfalls
How to build virtue and positive behaviours in children through realistic expectations and modeling
00:00 Growing up in large families
06:25 Value of sibling relationships
14:22 Balancing faith and family life
21:16 Thoughts on the traditional wife
23:38 Trad wife expectations and frustrations
31:03 Balancing technology and family life
33:59 Concerns about kids and technology
42:06 Teaching kids to take turns
44:12 Parenting through teen transitions
Messy Family Project, parenting, Catholic family, Michael Hernan, Alicia Hernan, large families, raising children, virtue, faith, technology, social media, community, gentle parenting, family life, marriage, New Zealand, Catholic conference, generational wisdom, kids and screens, modern parenting, family vocation
May 12
1 hr 28 min

Is the "disciplined life" actually sustainable, or is it just a path to burnout? In this episode of the Curious Catholic Evangelion Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Mones-Cason from Fit for the Kingdom to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to live with heroic virtue.
Thomas shares his raw experience balancing the growth of a massive social media platform with the upcoming arrival of his first child. We dive deep into the "soul-crushing" moments of early wake-ups, why quality matters less than consistency in the age of AI, and the explosive Catholic revival currently taking place in Christchurch. Whether you are struggling to stay on the "hard path" or curious about the St. Michael's Troop movement, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for the modern Catholic man.
Key Topics Covered:
The reality of the 4 AM wake-up call and how to stop hitting snooze.
The impact of the Radio New Zealand (RNZ) article on the local Catholic community.
Connect with us:
Follow Evangelion for more episodes on faith and discipline.
Check out Thomas at Fit for the Kingdom for daily virtue-driven content.
Video Chapters
00:00 Struggling with spiritual routine
08:28 Finding motivation in role models
14:49 Importance of intentional leisure
17:28 Finding your reasons to exercise
24:40 Living with stoic mindset
26:24 Finding satisfaction in effort
35:37 Consequences of modern lifestyle choices
38:11 The richness of Catholic traditions
42:35 The purpose of the Church
51:25 Masculinity in church leadership54:55 Discussing gender roles in society
01:02:32 Discussing Andrew Tate's appeal
01:08:56 Young role models in faith
01:11:52 Integrating spiritual and physical virtues
01:15:37 Morning routine and reflections
01:20:27 Parenting through example
01:26:05 Sharing faith through podcasting
Apr 18
1 hr 27 min

Good Friday is tomorrow, and it's time to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ's Passion. In this episode, we explore the real consequences of sin and what Easter truly means for our lives.
Facing the reality and consequences of our sins
The tension between human imperfection and God's forgiveness
Lessons from Pontius Pilate’s role in the Passion narrative
How God transforms our faults and failures
Practical ways to welcome the risen Christ into daily life
00:00 Reflecting on sin and forgiveness
05:43 Reflecting on Good Friday traditions
07:55 Pontius Pilate's role in the story
13:08 Pontius Pilate and the labeling
14:52 Christ’s victory and atonement
19:12 Balancing family visits and energy
21:14 Making time for Christ
Good Friday, Easter, Passion, sin, forgiveness, Psalm 51, repentance, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, heroism, sacrifice, humility, Lent, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, resurrection, Christ crucified, guilt, confession, redemption, Old Testament, Mosaic law, suffering, consolation, routine, relationship with Christ, Messy Family Project, Dr. Robert Haddad, Catholic faith, spiritual reflection, Holy Week
Apr 1
22 min

Are Muslims better at fasting than Catholics? In this episode, Dom breaks down the differences between Ramadan and Lent, asking if the Church has softened or if we’re missing the point.
- Comparing the intensity of fasting during Ramadan and Lent
- How modern Catholic fasting differs from traditional practices
- The importance of engaging with your own vocation during Lent
- Practical ways to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
- Why Lent isn’t about intensity, but building a deeper relationship with Christ
00:00 "Your Vocation Is Your Program"
06:30 "Prioritize Vocation Over Distractions"
10:17 "Benefits of Spiritual Reading"
14:08 "Personal Sacrifice in Fasting"
15:10 "Living Lent with Intentionality"
Ramadan, Lent, fasting, Catholicism, Islam, prayer, almsgiving, spiritual practices, intensity comparison, family life, sacrifice, New Zealand bishops, spiritual reading, silence, vocation, personal growth, religious traditions, spirituality, discipline, self-mastery, church rules, relationship with Christ, Curiosity Catholic, Evangelion podcast
Mar 25
18 min

Join Rachel Wilson and Dom for a direct conversation about forgiveness, authenticity, and Christian success. They tackle tough questions about family, music, and the real meaning behind letting go.
What true success looks like for Christians vs. secular definitions
The struggles and lessons of authenticity in artistry and music production
The power and process of forgiveness, inspired by real-life stories
Gender roles, masculinity, femininity, and their portrayal in society and media
Parenting, family life, and finding purpose amid challenges
Don't miss Rachel's new single "I Forgive"—out March 27th.
00:00 Hillbilly Thomists' Healing Music
09:05 Pursuing Music: A Reflection
14:22 "Authenticity in Christian Success"
19:22 "Success, Perspective, and Purpose"
26:14 "Two Cheers for Manosphere"
27:18 "Men Prepared for Battle"
35:42 "Critique of Marxist Power Dynamics"
38:49 "Faith and Empowering Motherhood"
45:18 Forgiveness and Divine Intervention
50:27 "Self-Reflection Before Criticism"
56:07 Forgiveness and Divine Mercy Journey
01:02:17 Forgiveness Through Confession Reflection
01:06:07 Childlike Faith and Biblical Narrative
01:13:17 "Why Women Struggle: Eve's Legacy"
01:19:53 "God Delights In You"
01:24:44 Family Bonding Through Intentional Choices
01:29:12 "Believing People Are Priority"
01:31:05 Marriage Roles and Shared Life
01:39:32 "Entrepreneurship, Homeschooling, and Independence"
01:41:26 "Finding Music and Wisdom"
forgiveness, Rachel Wilson, music, artistry, Catholicism, Christianity, motherhood, family, healing, creativity, masculinity, femininity, success, vocation, faith, podcast, spirituality, childlike faith, Lent, emotional healing, Catholic podcast, parental roles, authenticity, self-mastery, challenges, reconciliation, inspiration, personal growth
Mar 17
1 hr 43 min

Fit For The Kingdom's very own Tomas joins me to tackle the challenges men face in the world today, what do men need in oder to feel love? Are the way we are dealing with mens issues to actually beneficial for men? We talk about all this and more in this episode!!
Here's what you'll get from this episode:
The realities and challenges of modern masculinity and why men are feeling lost
The influence of culture—social media, toxic masculinity, and the struggle to find true purpose
Why intentionality, discipline, and virtue are essential to authentic manhood
The importance of brotherhood, sacrifice, and taking responsibility in life and faith
Why silence, surrender, and a life modeled on Christ offer true transformation for men today
Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with more authentic conversations just like this!
Get involved in the mission
www.evangelion.co.nz
https://www.instagram.com/evangelion_nz/
https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouslycatholic
masculinity, being a man, Catholic podcast, Fit for the Kingdom, virtue, discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, faith, intentional living, self-improvement, brotherhood, self-control, silence, self-reflection, men’s mental health, purpose, spiritual growth, role models, leadership, St. Joseph, Jesus, podcasting, community, fitness, mentorship, New Zealand, family, perseverance, Christian life
00:00 "Faith, Fitness, and Masculinity"
06:18 Faith, Fitness, and Young Men
13:53 "Creating Content and Finding Voice"
18:46 "Modern Masculinity and Purpose"
23:23 "Modern Masculinity and Society"
27:04 "External Validation vs. Self-Awareness"
36:20 "Falling Asleep in Cars"
42:05 "Surrender to Destined Peace"
44:18 "Finding Calm Amid Anxiety"
50:42 "Physicality's Role in Masculinity"
55:37 "The Sacrifice Play"
01:01:55 Self-Control: A Warrior's Strength
01:05:20 "Masculinity, Suffering, and Identity"
01:14:45 "Parents Change, Just Like Us"
01:17:51 "Finding Virtues Through God"
01:22:00 "Fit for the Kingdom Podcast"
Feb 17
1 hr 24 min

Join Dom and Fr Landry as they dive into practical Catholic living, balancing spiritual discipline, and impactful missionary work. Get actionable advice for building your spiritual "plan of life" and see how small habits can spark big change.
The real difference between Advent and Christmas—and how to decorate thoughtfully
How New York City’s holiday atmosphere connects to evangelization
What the Pontifical Mission Societies really do (and how small efforts multiply worldwide)
Spiritual optimization: combining practical plans with faith
Building habits, overcoming obstacles, and integrating prayer into busy daily life
00:00 "Advent vs. Christmas Distinction"
06:17 "Christmas: Imperfect Yet Meaningful"
08:32 Origins of Pontifical Mission Societies
11:09 Pontifical Mission Societies Overview
17:02 Pilgrimage of Faith and Impact
21:15 "Support Missions: $1 Weekly Sacrifice"
22:40 "Planning and Doing Properly"
27:45 "Forming Lives Through Discipline"
28:53 "Start Your Day with Prayer"
32:52 "Heroic Moments: Rise and Rest"
37:28 "Uniting Life with God"
40:42 Small Daily Steps to Virtue
New York City, Advent, Christmas decorations, Catholic faith, secularization, Pontifical Mission Societies, missionary work, prayer habits, plan of life, discipline, spiritual growth, evangelization, Hail Mary, charity, daily rituals, Eucharistic pilgrimage, personal development, CatholicPreaching.com, mission support, spiritual optimization, family life, resilience, morning offering
Feb 11
47 min

Kick off 2026 with practical strategies to level up your habits, mindset, and daily systems. Dom breaks down four high-impact habits and shares honest advice for sticking to your resolutions all year, and breaks down the advice from @ChrisWillx and Steve Bartlett from an interview on @TheDiaryOfACEO
Four habits that delivered the highest ROI in 2025
Why waking up early and putting your phone across the room works
The importance of planning your day and setting up for success
How going to the gym benefits both physical and mental health
Quality over quantity: finding resolutions you actually care about, and how to bounce back when you slip
Like, share, and subscribe to help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers this year.
Stay curious and stay Catholic!
Feb 5
30 min

A year of growth, milestones, and spiritual reflection—Dom shares what's happened with Curiously Catholic in 2025. Tune in for a recap, key insights on Advent, and a look ahead at what's next for the channel.
Highlights from the Shroud of Turin tour and why it matters for Catholic faith
Impressive channel growth: 160,000 views, nearly 200 new subscribers, and content plans for next year
Reflections on building discipline through weekly episodes and personal spiritual practices
Insights into the meaning and purpose of Advent as a season of waiting and preparation
Ways to get involved, provide feedback, and help spread the gospel through the channel
Stay curious. Stay Catholic. God bless!
Dec 12, 2025
13 min
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