Jake & Brett welcome their friend Dominic to the show and explore the complexities of marriage, personal growth, and the foundational role of sonship. They discuss intentionally fathering children, self-reliance, and the importance of a deep prayer life.   Resources: Fathering Sons by Dominic and Christine Polito (available for purchase on Amazon by the end of 2024)    Key Points: When both spouses are committed to growth, marriage gets richer over time Insecurities in marriage...

Jake and Brett are back to discuss the importance of real, unfiltered, and authentic conversations between men about matters of the heart. In this episode, they share why many men struggle to have meaningful conversations, the role of emotions in human connection, and how to train our thoughts and emotions to become more mindful. Whether you feel emotionally regulated or uncomfortable jumping into deep places of the heart, Jake and Brett have practical thoughts, tools, and examples to help...

Jake & Brett have some big announcements to share about the future of the podcast. They share about some exciting endeavors that have begun in their lives & reminisce about some of the best moments, guests & insights from the five years of Way of the Heart. Thank you for listening! If you would like to stay connected with us and stay up to date on these new projects, check out the links below. References -Big Yellow Coffee -Brett’s Life Compass Website -Brett’s Website -Life...

Jake & Brett have worked together with organizations to help solve some of their issues & grow in some places that needed improvement. In this episode, they share these leadership & relational skills with us! Whether you are a leader at your job, your Church or in your home, this episode has tools to help you lead well. Jake & Brett will challenge you & give you the tips & shifts in mindset that you need to be successful in all that God has called you to.   Key...

Jake & Brett just returned from their annual men’s retreat with beautiful reflections on what the Lord did. They discuss the power of praying together, falling back in love with Jesus & how interactions with Christ may not always be what we expect but are always loving. Key Points Returned from the annual men’s retreat with reflections (and a lost voice) Brett got a rare opportunity to participate in a retreat without having to lead it or speak and it was freeing. The...

Dr. Jordan Peterson has been in the news recently so Jake & Brett discuss the situation and what they appreciate about Dr. Peterson. They share the lessons they have learned from Jordan in regards to culture, faith, fathering & more. While Dr. Peterson isn’t perfect, our hosts share that he is still one of the best thought leaders we have in our modern day. Key Points Jordan Peterson has been in the news because the regulatory body that governs counselors in Ontario is...

Brett shares a quote from the movie “Sully” that really struck him: “Can we get serious now?” He and Jake discuss that as a culture and as men, we need to start focusing on what really matters and not the frivolous matters that often keep our attention. This leads to tackling issues such as being too hard on ourselves, not challenging ourselves enough and learning from our mistakes. It’s a great conversation for any man who struggles with stress, self-doubt & complacency. Key Points ...

Jake & Brett are together in person to discuss men & feelings. There is a common narrative that men don’t have emotions but that just simply isn’t the case. Our hosts discuss how this common misconception affects men in their everyday lives, including within the Church. Men’s mental health issues and lack of emotional regulation are rampant so today the guys discuss the importance of addressing men’s emotions in order to become better men. Key Points Suppression of emotions is...

Jake & Brett are back from their summer break! They share the highlights of their summer & dive into a new season by discussing what happens when you let your masculinity grow. They talk about the importance of discipline in our spiritual, physical, family and work lives & share how to find environments and practices that challenge you to be a better man.  Key Points Jake & Brett share the highlights of their summer  Jake’s surprising best place to pray What...

Jake and Brett are taking time off for summer vacation and want the listeners of the podcast to enjoy the break as well. They also remind us that you can take this time as an opportunity to catch up on all the episodes of the show that you may have missed. Have a blessed Summer. We will see you in the Fall!    Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting...

In part 2 of our “Life Compass” series, Jake and Brett dive further into discussion about personal values, virtues & leaving a legacy. They talk about “eulogy virtues” and what they mean for how we conduct ourselves today. They also touch on charisms, perfectionism & regulating our emotions. Key Points Exploration of personal values & charisms  Having eulogy virtues, not only resumé virtues What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family? Integrating our...

Brett has a project called the “Life Compass” that he has been working on for many years. Jake invites him to share where this idea came from & how it has transformed his life. In this two part series, Jake & Brett discuss how to integrate your personal & professional life, live based on your virtues and so much more. Enjoy! Key Points An exploration of Brett’s new venture/retreat called “Life Compass” Where this idea originated in Brett’s life What are the most...

Jake and Brett interview Ralph Martin, the president of Renewal Ministries, which is an organization devoted to Catholic renewal and evangelization. Ralph is also the host of the long running television show "The Choices We Face." This conversation discusses the state of the Catholic church in the United States today and explores the role of modern men in today’s world, culture and Church.   Key Points Key moments in developing your heart as a man for the Lord Giving our “yes” to the...

In this conversation with prolific author and renowned educator George Weigel, Jake and Brett talk through a number of extremely important topics regarding modern man, faith & culture. George shares his deep knowledge and understanding of the Church and its connection with the ever-changing cultures through his lifetime. They also discuss what was actually taught at Vatican II & the wisdom found in the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II. Key Points How the landscape of...

Jake and Brett wrap up the season reflecting on all that they heard from their great guests throughout this series about the Good Life. They discuss the themes that tied many of the episodes from this season together like the importance of brotherhood & seeking truth. At the end, they give a sneak preview of what to look forward to next season. Key Points Revisiting the highlights from the guests this season The importance of brotherhood for living the Good Life Living according...

Jake and Brett talk with Father Boniface Hicks, a monk who serves as the director of The Institute for Ministry Formation at St Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is also Jake’s spiritual director. :) This conversation dives deep into this season's topic of "the Good Life?" from the perspective of a monk. The guys talk about the different ways to be a man and how the lives of the saints contrasts with how society tells us to live.  Key Points What the good life looks like in...

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake & Brett are joined by long time friend, Peter White. Peter is a Registered Clinical Counselor that has known Jake professionally for years and watched Brett hoop during his prime basketball years. They discuss a wide variety of topics including the beauty and difficulties of marriage, how men and women respond differently to conflict, how conflict can lead to great things & the importance of good fathers. This is one of our deepest...

In this episode of Way of the Heart, Jake and Brett are joined by a close friend of the show, Dr. Christopher West. Christopher is a renowned Catholic author and speaker on the topic of human sexuality. This conversation touches on many topics that appear in our everyday lives. The guys also address the temptations of worldly desires and how they give a false sense of what is considered good. Dr. West shares several examples from his life experiences about what “the good life” has meant to...

Jake and Brett sit down this week and speak with Dr John Bergsma. Dr. Bergsma is a professor at Franciscan University and one of the leading Scripture scholars in the nation. The guys talk about “The Good Life” and how it relates to Dr. Bergsma’s personal faith and professional expertise. They touch on how the Catholic faith allows people to connect with the Father through both Scripture & Tradition and what cultivating a deeper relationship with the Lord might look like. Key Points ...

Way of the Heart continues diving deeper into the theme of “the Good Life.” Joined by Bishop Scott McCaig, the guys dive into conversation regarding the 4 levels of happiness and how that contributes towards our fulfillment. They discuss how the levels of happiness help motivate us to become a better person and often leads to improving the quality of life for yourself and family. They also take a look into the many unhealthy desires for success that people hold in their hearts. This episode...

Jake & Brett begin Season 13 with the primary question of “Are you happy?” They discuss where they will be headed in their new season about “the good life.” The guys open up about their personal lives and dive into the matters of the heart on what truly makes them happy and fulfilled. They explain how this season they will be laying out the groundwork for a life worth living. Get ready to explore how we can all live more peaceful, loving and fulfilling lives this season. Key Points Are...

Jake & Brett tease they’re upcoming season called “The Good Life.” They share how excited they are and Brett calls it their most important series yet! Some great conversations, guests and life lessons are coming to you starting January 11th. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!  Connect with Way of the Heart: Facebook: @wayoftheheartpodcast Instagram: @wayoftheheartpodcast Website: www.wayoftheheartpodcast.com   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button...

Jake & Brett close out Season 12 with a conversation about Teddy Roosevelt’s "Citizen in a Republic" speech commonly known as the “Man in the Arena” speech. They discuss how to deal with critics(including your internal one), strive for excellence and battle in the arena of sexuality. Key Points Only voices in the arena matter. Don't listen to external critics. Sometimes the critic is our internal one. In a world of critics, we should be encouraging each other Excellence honors God but...

Have you ever wondered which of your every day thoughts are from God, and which are not? Or have you ever contemplated, “What’s God’s will?” when faced with a decision, big or small? A series of simple principles called the Ignatian Rules of Discernment can bring clarity to these questions and more. They are a 500-year-old playbook to understanding the spiritual movements of our everyday lives and in this bonus guest episode, Jake and Brett unpack the Fourteen Rules of Discernment with the...