Curiously Catholic
Curiously Catholic
Evangelion
Welcome to Curiously Catholic an Evangelion production. In this podcast we are going to be picking the brains of Catholic enthusiasts to try and get to the bottom of how to live truly as a Catholic in contemporary times. There will be a particular emphasis on the Great Commission (Matt 28:,16-20) where Jesus empowers the Disciples to go and spread the faith to the ends of the earth, well, welcome to the end of the earth... New Zealand. This is our mission territory, we know what we have to do, how do we do it? Well you Curious Cats join this Curious Catholic on a mission to find out so that the whole world might come to know Christ and the fullness of the Church He instituted in the Catholic Church. God Bless
Juggling Catholic Values and Business Ambitions: Matthew Mystczewski’s Journey
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
Ep.82: Raising a Messy Family: Michael and Alicia Hernan on Parenting, Faith, and Modern Challenges
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
The Hard Truth About Discipline & The Catholic Revival in NZ
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
Ep. 80: Deep Dive into Good Friday: Lessons from Pontius Pilate, Sin, and Redemption
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
Ep 79: Ramadan vs Lent: Which Fast Is Harder and Does Intensity Matter?
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
Ep.78: Is Forgiveness Possible? Rachel Wilson on Music, Motherhood, and the Power of Healing
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
Ep. 76: Masculinity in Crisis: Facing Challenges and Finding Strength in Faith
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
Ep 75: Your Plan of Life: Fr Landry’s Guide to Faith, Discipline, and Mission
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
Ep.74 Four Habits for a Winning Year: How to level up in 2026
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
Ep.73 160,000 VIEWS & the Incarnation
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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