Episodes

  • #79 How To Build A Financial Ecosystem That Refuses To Compromise On Truth | Chris McMahon

    #79 How To Build A Financial Ecosystem That Refuses To Compromise On Truth | Chris McMahon
    Jul 10 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a lot of events. This July, we have a meetup in Dallas on the 18th, breakfast in Wisconsin on the 25th, and another meetup in Nashville on the 28th. Check out our events here.* ⭐ Learn how we, as business owners, can save America and help build the next 250 Years and beyond on our last week’s special episode for the 250th 4th of July Celebration.* 🖤 Know how to turn your heartbreak into breakthroughs. Check out last week’s episode of CF with Taylor O’Brien, founder and CEO of Candid Dating.* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Our Father Constructors & Associates is your partner for any construction project. If you want to ensure your church, school, monastery (etc) project is done well, on budget (or under budget), and ultimately, that it serves the Church for generations — reach out to Cristian and his team. Go to OurFather.US to learn more. Tell them that we sent you! PS: Cristian is a close friend of mine who I’d entrust my family to. I’ve known him for several years and he is the kind of guy who is very driven to ensure that God is served and the kingdom of God grows. I’d trust him with my life. In Today’s Issue:* Intro to the Guest and Topic — Chris McMahon, Faith and Finance Synthesizer* Core Takeaway: Just do Things * Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:Chris McMahon | Aquinas Wealth AdvisorsToday we are speaking with Chris McMahon, the founder of Aquinas Wealth Advisors. I first encountered Chris back when I was living in New York City at a YCP event where he was on a panel. I just remember thinking that this guy had such a strong personality — very gregarious, frank, and possessing a really awesome attitude. I’m very glad we could finally have him on the podcast.Chris has a wide range of topics he can cover, but we decided to narrow it down and focus on two core themes. First, how can we really align our finances with our faith? This is something a lot of people don’t consider. Specifically, the way I word it is: how do we not ROI-max? Second, Chris has a ton of amazing stories, and I made sure to ask him to share a few because they are just a lot of fun. You’re going to enjoy this conversation, I’m sure of it.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.Core Lesson: Just Do Things! Chris shared numerous stories in today’s short conversation of him taking action. Meeting a girl who had been away from her faith, calling a nun and putting her in touch to go with her to confession. Giving the rosary to the girl named Guadalupe, and that opening her to her faith more because she spoke with her abuela. These are amazing things that happened all because he simply noticed, asked (forwardly), and took action. How often could we be doing this? How often could we be just doing things? Most importantly, how many people could have come back to their faith if we ‘just did things?’One more example: right after our recording, Chris called two different people to introduce us and connect us. It’s things like this that we all need to be doing more as Catholics. To help each other out. That’s your sign! Just do things! God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finder’s fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:Organizations & Ministries* Sisters of Life* Sisters of Mary* Legatus* Students for Life* Mary’s Place* Young Catholic Professionals (YCP)Businesses & Tools* Aquinas Wealth Advisors* Faith and Finance Score* Our Father ConstructorsPeople & Saints* Kristen Hawkins* Father Dan Leary* Fr. Corwin Low, O.P.* ...
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    53 mins
  • #78 Re-Founding America: Our Next 250 Years as Catholic Founders

    #78 Re-Founding America: Our Next 250 Years as Catholic Founders
    Jul 4 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Today we have a special episode. America is turning 250 years old. A monumental occasion for most of our supporters. While I’m very proud to be American and believe it’s the best country in the world, I feel very passionately that America is at a crossroads. What has gotten us to 250 years old is in some ways at risk of death. The only way we make it another 250 is to have a sort of re-founding. This re-founding also happens to be a unique opportunity for us to transform the heart of the culture, of what it means to be American — especially in business and commerce. As Catholics, we have the fullness of the truth, should we choose to apply it. Meaning, that everything we do — business, sports, life— can be the best possible version of that thing because we have the truth. But that requires effort and sacrifice. If anyone knows the meaning and importance of sacrifice, it’s Catholics — who know the sacrifice of Jesus is what gives us hope and confidence in the future. So let’s be willing to make that sacrifice — for the benefit of our fellow man. That he may know God. That He may join us on this journey to re-found America, on the principles of eternal truth. So that many years from now, our grandchildren can be living in a world where love of neighbor is a guarantee. Where architecture is beautiful again. Communities are safe. Wholesome dancing and music fill our homes and communities. The poor are cared for. Charity and patience are the standard in business. Human flourishing is the motive of every business owner. In short, where God reigns in the hearts of all men of our Nation. Will you do your part to build this future? God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerJoin the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.Select Quotes:* “The next two hundred and fifty years are not guaranteed.” - Silas Mähner* “Work is in service of of the family.” - Silas Mähner* “My point in all this is that I think even if you're just running a secular business, you should be unabashed about your faith. You don't have to be necessarily preaching the gospel. But I would say you should have a crucifix in your building. You should have some some Catholic imagery potentially. You should be very unabashed about upholding virtue as a core component of your your work culture.” - Silas Mähner* “We are asked to use these assets and to manage them in a way that helps make them fruitful through our actions and then uses that fruit to benefit those who are less fortunate.” - Silas Mähner* “We have a future in front of us that can either be very good or very, very negative, right? And I think we're kind of as a country specifically really toying with what exactly we want that future to be. And I think some people are very oblivious to the fact that going headlong into an AI future could be negative if not managed properly. unfortunately there's many technologists and financiers of our time who who don't see that.” - Silas Mähner* “It becomes inevitable at some point that you have to start start a business and and do something.” - Silas Mähner* “And we as Catholic entrepreneurs and business owners, we have a very large role to play in deciding that future.”- Silas Mähner* “Let us live our lives in a way that when we reach the end of our lives, God will say to us, Well done, good and faithful steward.” - Silas MähnerKey Moments: (outline)* (00:04) - Intro: Reflecting on the milestone of America 250 and the uncertain future of the nation.* (00:46) - The Core Challenge: Discussing the breakdown of the family as the primary issue in modern society.* (03:07) - The Entrepreneur’s Role: The unique ability of business owners to prioritize human flourishing over profit-seeking.* (04:06) - A Well-Ordered Life: Defining the hierarchy of needs: God, family, and then work.* (05:15) - Intentionality: Emphasizing that our current calling and circumstances are by design, not accident.* (07:23) - Strategy 1: Put God First: The necessity of living out faith through daily actions and business culture.* (09:34) - Strategy 2: Be Pro-Family: Implementing family-first policies and wages in business.* (11:34) - Strategy 3: Build Community: Practical ways to build community in neighborhoods and parishes.* (14:55) - Strategy 4: Civic Engagement: How business owners can leverage their networks to influence local politics.* (17:15) - The Parable of the Stewards: Re-framing the ...
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    23 mins
  • #77 Her Challenges Prepared Her to Build a Catholic Speed Dating Platform | Taylor O'Brien

    #77 Her Challenges Prepared Her to Build a Catholic Speed Dating Platform | Taylor O'Brien
    Jul 2 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a lot of events. This July, we have a meetup in Dallas on the 18th, breakfast in Wisconsin on the 25th, and another meetup in Nashville on the 28th. Check out our events here.* ⭐ Add virtue to your workout routines! Check out last week’s episode of CF with Chase Crouse, CEO and Founder of Hypuro Fit.* 🎙️I recently got a chance to talk with Ben Black (The Dynastus Letters) on his pod, The Dynastus Podcast. Give it a listen.* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* Intro to the Guest and Topic* Core Takeaway * Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:Taylor O’Brien | Candid DatingToday’s guest has a really awesome story (you probably already knew that though; otherwise we wouldn’t have her on). Our guest is Taylor O’Brien, Co-Founder of Candid Dating. A Catholic speed dating app. They are getting people away from the swiping culture and into face to face meetings, and are having a lot of success. But Taylor’s journey to build Candid started out rough. She ended up having to break off an engagement. This led her back to the dating market. An experience that was less than desirable. Through the struggle, she ended up starting what is now Candid Dating. All of which started by sneaking into the computer room of a school and hosting an online speed dating session. It’s fascinating that, had she not gone through those challenges, she would not have had the impetus to start Candid. But here she is, helping many others solve a huge challenge. Maybe this is your sign to embrace that challenge you have in front of you. Maybe it’s preparing you for something that is to come. Sponsor Catholic Founders! Get in front of hundreds of Catholic Businesses every week with your product or service. admin@catholicfounders.com Core Lesson: Challenges are gifts that help us trust in God… if we see them that way. From her own experience of breaking off her engagement just before the wedding, to the challenges of the dating market, to the offshore developer team issues… all of these challenges led her somewhere. The first, to founding the company. The latter to trusting in God more. This is what all challenges are. A moment for us to realize that God is there with us, giving us this challenge. To prepare us, to humble us, to strengthen us, and especially, to bring us back to Him… often on our knees. Let’s start embracing these challenges to come closer to God — they are all intentional gifts. God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:* John 6* Venerable Fulton Sheen* Mother Angelica* Rob Hays* Mike Repole* Candid Dating* Candid Communion* Seek Conference* Milk and Honey Ranch* EWTNSelect Quotes:* “After talking to hundreds of users in Catholic singles, it comes from a very good place. It comes from a place of not wanting to use the other, which is a good noble thing we need to make sure that we're not using each other.” - Taylor O'Brien* “Women, like you don't need, to say decade of the rosary before you decide if you can say yes to a coffee date.” - Taylor O'Brien* “The swiping apps allow you to ghost very easily with no guilt, right? And so, bottom line, I just saw an opportunity to help see if I could solve a problem and it worked.” - Taylor O'Brien* “We recognize that the end of this comes the sacrament of marriage, but we miss the very normal human necessary part in the middle that is being in communion with one another, getting to know one ...
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    57 mins
  • #76 He's Putting Virtue Into Exercise | Chase Crouse of Hypuro Fit

    #76 He's Putting Virtue Into Exercise | Chase Crouse of Hypuro Fit
    Jun 25 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a lot of events. Upcoming in Wisconsin (on saturday), and Dallas (July 18). Check out our events here.* ⭐ Check out last week’s episode of CF with John Cannon, founder of Sent Ventures and Monk Mindset* 🎙️I recently got a chance to talk with Ben Black (The Dynastus Letters) on his pod, The Dynastus Podcast. Give it a listen.* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayWe have 130+ members in the Guild today. People like Jimmy Coleman, Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Zuhair Madanat, Derek McMonagle, and Matchmaker Madigan - to name a few. What are you waiting for? Join today and get access to all the benefits of the guild. The Groupchat | Member Directory | Online Events | Recordings | Special Guild Discounts from Members | CF Content AI ChatBot Our annual membership fee is $100, so joining is a no-brainer. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* Intro to the Guest and Topic — Chase Crouse, Theologian turned personal trainer. * Core Takeaway: Be fit to properly give.* Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:Chase Crouse | Hypuro FitEver wonder how to build a workout plan/routine that is based on Theology of the Body rather than just in service of vanity? Well, you’re in the right place because our guest built that exact thing. Our guest is Chase Crouse. He and his wife built Hypuro Fit. A fitness training/coaching service built on the principles of our Faith. This in itself is interesting and part of our discussion. However, we covered a lot of other things like…* Why they put their pricing transparently on their site… and how that leads to better customer calls. * When he tries to do things his way, it usually doesn’t work out as well. But when it’s God’s way, it’s much better. I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy this convo. Do us a favor, reach out to Chase and tell him he should join the Guild because he’s missing out 😆. Want to sponsor this podcast and get your biz in front of hundreds of Catholic business owners each week? We are taking sponsors now, for as low as $55 per issue. Reach out today: admin@catholicfounders.com Core Lesson: Being fit is important to being able to fully and freely give to others.Chase frames fitness through a profound lens borrowed from St. John Paul II and St. John of the Cross: you cannot give what you do not have. Too often, we look at physical health as either a vanity project or an afterthought. Instead, we should view exercise and nutrition as vital tools for building the capacity to serve our families, our businesses, and our communities with technical excellence. Because if we are to offer our lives to the Lord and for the cause of the mission, shouldn’t we be the best version of ourselves?God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts, and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days (half if they are only part time). To get started, reach out to admin@catholicfounders.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:Organizations* Avila InstituteSpiritual Concepts, Prayers & Church Documents* Theology of the Body* Gaudium et Spes* Divine Mercy Chaplet* Litany of Humility* Eucharistic AdorationBooks* $100 Million Money Models* They Ask, You AnswerScripture Passages* John 3:30Select Quotes:* “People are people to be loved not objects to be used.” - Chase Crouse* “My coaches, they're not means to an end. They are the end, right? They're people.” - Chase Crouse* “We're authentically Catholic while being technically excellent at the same time.” - Chase Crouse* “A lot of this is as a founder as an owner has been just learning to manage my expectations and stay in my lane and being okay with things being done differently as long as they're still done well and managing my expectations of timeline.” - Chase Crouse* “That perfection mentality around like, I can't get somebody to 100 % of the way I do it is I think it's personally something I've struggled with a lot. I have accepted the ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • #75 Silas' Appearance on The Dynastus Podcast with Ben Black

    #75 Silas' Appearance on The Dynastus Podcast with Ben Black
    Jun 23 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 📆 If you’re in Wausau (Central Wisconsin) this Saturday, we’re hosting a Catholic Founders meetup! Join us or check out our events page for an event near you.* We just dropped a killer episode with the legendary Flip Howard. Check it out here! (PS: if you’re not already, pls follow us on your favorite podcast player to never miss a beat). Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* What is this episode? First time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Episode:Usually, I’m the one asking the questions here at Catholic Founders, but recently I had the pleasure of sitting down on the other side of the mic. I joined Ben Black on the Dynastus Podcast for a special cross-post episode.Ben runs an incredible Substack called The Dynastus Letters—honestly, it’s one of the few pieces of media I happily pay to subscribe to. We dive deep into what it actually looks like to build an intentional, multi-generational family legacy, the raw instinct of entrepreneurship, and how our Catholic faith completely reshapes the blueprint of a successful business.If you have not already, I recommend checking out his pod and getting in touch with him for building a family dynasty. It’s really fascinating to help understand your family's multi-generational potential. Learn more here: The Dynastus Letters.PS: I personally really liked the posts he did on the Johnson family from Wisconsin (here is Part 1). Hire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:Books & Literary Works* American Nations by Colin Woodward* Leaving a Legacy by Johann Kurtz* Family Fortunes by Bill and Will Bonner* Raising Heirs by Bill BonnerSaints & Spiritual Devotions* Father Michael J. McGivney* Saint Thomas Aquinas* Saint Thérèse of Lisieux* Exodus 90Bible Passages* Genesis 1:28* The Parable of the TalentsOrganizations & People* Knights of Columbus* Dr. Daniel Tatahe (Mercy Dental Group)* Tim Connors* Becoming NobleSelect Quotes:* “We are created in the image and likeness of God. And what does that mean, right? It has nothing to do with appearances. It has everything to do with the nature of who we are.” - Silas Mähner* “If a family wants to maintain its wealth over the long period, there has to be a a sense of continued growth and continued building.” - Silas Mähner* “We are choosing to enter into the I the the act of co-creation so that we may become an instrument of God's will in the world.” - Silas Mähner* “Well it's a really it's purpose versus reason, isn't it? You can come up with a million reasons but you can only really have one, maybe two purposes.” - Ben Black* “Purpose and intention massively change the outcome.” - Silas Mähner* “If you're an entrepreneur, you just can't help it. You have to do it. Like it's something that eventually will come out of you.” - Silas Mähner* “He(God) doesn't promise us success financially, right? He promises us to be with us” - Silas Mähner* “The world is incomplete when you don't live out your gifts.” - Silas Mähner* “With a bit of unity, what your family can accomplish with that shared faith and with the shared name is immense.” - Ben Black* “And the the idea is you are the genesis. If you aren't inheriting something or you aren't taking over something, then you are the genesis of this. And you are the person that is going to set the things in motion for the next generation.” - Ben BlackKey Moments: (outline)* (00:04) - Intro: Silas introduces the cross-post interview with Ben Black, highlighting Ben’s work with The Dynastus Letters.* (00:58) - In-Group Preference: Ben and Silas talk about how ethnic and religious groups historically preserve faith and wealth by...
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • #74 How to Unlock Ambition that Doesn't Fuel Your Ego | Flip Howard

    #74 How to Unlock Ambition that Doesn't Fuel Your Ego | Flip Howard
    Jun 19 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a lot of events. Upcoming in Dallas (tomorrow), Houston (Monday), and Wisconsin (27th). Check out our events here.* ⭐ Check out last week’s episode of CF with John Cannon, founder of Sent Ventures and Monk Mindset* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.* 💸 Want to invest in other Catholic projects/companies/ventures? Subscribe (for free) to the Faithful Steward newsletter.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* Intro to the Guest and Topic: Flip Howard, Private Office Mogul * Core Takeaway: * Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:Flip Howard | Lucid Private OfficesWorking from home is the answer for some. Most of us see it as a great way to be close to our families. But today’s guest, Flip Howard, the founder of Lucid Private Offices, thinks we should have separation between work and home via physical office space. He has built Lucid into a thriving office space provider with 29 locations around the country. And the thing he spends most of his time really thinking about and chewing on is how he can not ruin his kids with the wealth he’s creating. So we end up talking a lot about that as well. We also cover his perspective on ambition as a Catholic. I’m convinced you’ll enjoy this episode, which I was able to record in person with Flip in Nashville a few weeks ago. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts. Should we work from home? How can we not ruin our children as we gain wealth? And how do you think about ambition as a Catholic? Get in front of 100s of Catholic Business Owners! Sponsor this newsletter to get your product or service in front of many value-aligned buyers of your products or services. Inquire at admin@catholicfounders.com Core Lesson: Be intentional about the workspace that you create for yourself and for your employees. Work is a good thing — God gave us the commandment to work even before the fall of man. God chose to create the universe. Working is, in some ways, an imitation of this. Because this is true, it’s important for us to consider how we create our space to help elevate our souls to do good work and to keep us in a virtuous mode. A priest once told me, "A beautiful and well-ordered exterior is a reflection of a beautiful and well-ordered interior.” Consider this for yourself, and for your employees. Can you help elevate work by making the space beautiful? Regardless of whether you’re in white-collar office work or blue-collar factory/shop work, there are ways for you to elevate your work space and help lift your soul and the souls of your workers. Just ask yourself, does this space look like a space where humans can flourish? God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:Businesses & Venues* Lucid Private Offices* Augustine InstituteLiterary Works & Documents* “On Human Work” (Laborem Exercens) - St. JPII Encyclical* Leaving a Legacy - Johann KurtzPlaces & Landmarks* Vatican Valley, Las Colinas, Dallas* Carnegie Library* Library of Congress* Franciscan University of SteubenvilleScripture* Philippians 4:8* John 6Select Quotes:* “Like, what was Mother Teresa? Clearly she was ambitious. You know, would you say she had ambition? Well, that makes it seem like it was for her, but she was clearly ambitious.” - Flip Howard* “And humans are the only creatures who are able to actually participate in creation through work. And work is what makes us fully human.” - Flip Howard* “And rich people are surrounded by beauty all the time. And that's ...
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    59 mins
  • #73 Asking God to Crush Your Venture Might Be Your Highest Act of Leadership | John Cannon

    #73 Asking God to Crush Your Venture Might Be Your Highest Act of Leadership | John Cannon
    Jun 11 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a bunch of events. In cities like Nashville (tonight), Washington D.C. (next week), Houston (22nd), Dallas (20th), and Wausau, WI. Check out our events here.* ⭐ Check out last week’s episode of CF with Juan Dominguez of Ad Aeternum Media* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.* 💸 Want to invest in other Catholic projects/companies/ventures? Subscribe (for free) to the Faithful Steward newsletter.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* Guest: John Cannon - Topic: When to Close a Chapter* Core Takeaway: Take the Next Step* Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:John Cannon | Monk MindsetToday’s guest is the one and only John Cannon. He started SENT Ventures after many years as a monk. SENT currently puts on one of the biggest conferences for Catholic builders every year (happening in Denver this year). But now John is on to his next venture. We take some time to discuss his journey, and we spend a bit of time on what it looks like to close a chapter and go onto the next one. It’s a core focus of the discussion. John’s genuine spirit and care for the work he’s doing is very evident to all who meet him. Hopefully that comes through in this interview. Do what John has promoted, build like the saints! Want to get your business in front of hundreds of business owners? Sponsor this podcast! — Reach out, admin@catholicfounders.com Core Lesson: The journey you’re called on, is going to be a lot crazier than you imagine. God is helping you take step after step — He doesn’t usually share the next 100 steps. But trust Him! John’s journey, like many of us, did not go in a straight line. As entrepreneurs, we have lived this and seen how many ups and downs the entrepreneurship life has.But what’s funny is often when we start out, we think it’s going to be in a straight line. Growth is going to be up and to the right, and before you know it, we’re going to be millionaires.Anyone who’s been in this for any period of time knows that’s not exactly how it goes.However, despite all of these ups and downs, the point is we must trust in God and take the next step and the next step and the next step. We must follow Him with trust, knowing that He will be with us. The road ahead isn’t likely a straight line, but I assure you its the journey of a lifetime. God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:* SENT Ventures* Monk Mindset* Hallow* Missionaries of Charity - Calcutta* Institute of Christ the King* Mystery of Transfiguration of Jesus* Come Holy Spirit Prayer* Her Last Conversations (book)Select Quotes:* “The faith had transformed my life so much. I was like, well, why don't people like take this seriously out there?” - John Cannon* “It just got me seeing that entrepreneurship has actually been a key ingredient to how the church has renewed historically.” - John Cannon* “I found that there was like a lot of them, one of the things that they really benefited from or that was most important or meaningful to them was having like a community or at least a few other entrepreneurs they could really like, they trusted and they could bring hard problems or issues too to get.” - John Cannon* “There's a saying in entrepreneurship, fail fast, and that's actually preferable. If you just fail very quickly, then you know that doesn't work, and you can move on to the next thing. Like it's actually really painful to fail slowly because then you don't actually know you're like failing over a ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #72 How to reclaim Christian masculinity and build a parallel economy | Juan Dominguez

    #72 How to reclaim Christian masculinity and build a parallel economy | Juan Dominguez
    Jun 4 2026
    Listen on: Fio (Catholic Spotify) | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube News / Updates: * 🤝 We host a bunch of events. In cities like New York, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, and even Central Wisconsin. Check out our events here.* 🇻🇦We released an emergency episode last Tuesday to break down the newest Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas.* ⭐ Check out last week’s episode of CF with Zak Slayback and Edmund Mitchell* 🤖 We recently launched a bot to help you learn from ALL the content we’ve produced. Join the Guild today to gain access.* 💸 Want to invest in other Catholic projects/companies/ventures? Subscribe (for free) to the Faithful Steward newsletter.Join the Catholic Founders Guild TodayGet access to all CF Guild online events, the recordings, paywalled content, the CF Guild community/group chat, and CF Guild member directory.Many members have reported doing business with other CF Guild members within months of joining.With an annual membership fee of $100, it’s a total no-brainer to join. Consider this an association of Catholic business owners, not a high-commitment community that will sap your time.Join today for $100 a year or $10 a month.In Today’s Issue:* Intro to the Guest and Topic* Core Takeaway * Episode References* Select Quotes* Key MomentsFirst time here? Learn more about our mission. And don’t forget to subscribe. Today’s Topic & Guest:Juan Dominguez | Ad AeternumWelcome back, everyone, to another episode of the Catholic Founders Podcast. If you’ve spent any time bouncing around the Catholic part of Substack over the last few years, you have almost certainly crossed paths with the work of today’s guest. I am joined by Juan Dominguez, the founder of Ad Aeternum. A best-selling Substack publication formerly known as Simple Man. Juan has built an incredible global community dedicated to a massive mission: helping young men recover deep virtue, shake off the epidemic of modern loneliness, and start living with radical purpose.In this conversation, we talk about living a faithful life in this modern age. The interior life. Sharing our faith publicly. How building a business can satisfy the desire to conquer in modern times. And what to do about the AI situation (this was recorded pre Magnifica Humanitas FYI). I really had fun chopping it up with Juan. I hope you enjoy this episode as well! Wanna sponsor this podcast or the newsletter? Reach out to Admin@catholicfounders.com to get started, and to get your business or service in front of hundreds of Catholic Business owners… every week (for very affordable rates). Core Lesson: True Catholic entrepreneurship is not false humility. It’s about us using our God-given talents to answer the calling He has for us. Humility doesn’t mean being small. It doesn’t mean disagreeing with people when they compliment a skill you have. Humility is recognizing where it all comes from and directing the praise towards Him. Humility is realizing you’ve been given a mission calling, and answering it, regardless of how unworthy you feel. Humility is what allows you to run a wildly successful business without it going to your head, because you don’t see it as yours at all. Now, in the new AI era, it’s more important than ever that we take this responsibility seriously. God Bless & Happy Building!~Silas MähnerHire Catholic Overseas TalentIn LatAm and the Philippines, there are millions of Catholic remote workers (across all domains) who want to work for ethical bosses.Often, they’re treated as second-class citizens or work for organizations that ask them to do questionable things. They reach out to us in search of a Catholic boss.So, we started ParacleteVA (website coming soon).With ParacleteVA, we’ll find you vetted, Catholic overseas talent who will help you move your business forward.How it works: Pay a $500 finders fee when the candidate starts and $500 if you’re still happy with them after 30 days.To get started, reach out to catholicfounders@gmail.com with what you’re looking for, and we’ll get started.Key Episode References:Creative Works & Publications* Ad Aeternum Substack* Ad Aeternum YouTube Channel* Becoming Noble by Johann Kurtz* Simple Man (Song)* The Fountain of Youth by Dave DurandScripture & Parables* “Be the light of the world” Gospel (Matthew 5:14)* Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)* Isaiah 6:8Select Quotes:* “At times like this, the halos are hanging from the lowest branches.” - Juan Dominguez* “Sanctity and holiness is there for the taking. It’s really up to you to decide to be one of the few ones who are a light in this world, and the encouragement and the motivation are for you to actually do it and strive to become a saint.” - Juan Dominguez* “You are the representation of the Gospel. You are the representation of what the Catholic Church stands for. So it’s a huge responsibility to carry, even if you’re not doing it publicly, of course, especially ...
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    1 hr