The Contemplative Dad Podcast

A Personal Update

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecontemplativedad.substack.com [https://thecontemplativedad.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] In this private update, I share a candid reflection on the past year and where The Contemplative Dad is headed in 2026. This video covers: Why the channel has focused so much on career, creativity, and calling — and why that theme resonated so deeply The deeper reason the project is called The Contemplative Dad (and not “creative” or “entrepreneur”) The tension between creating online content and resisting the noise of modern digital life A renewed commitment to contemplation, silence, and interior life as the foundation for everything else How career discernment fits under a larger vision of living a quiet, meaningful, faith-rooted life Why I feel uncomfortable with influencer culture, funnels, courses, and “guru” models My intention to move toward a patronage-based model instead of selling blueprints, cohorts, or programs What paid membership actually supports: the ongoing work of creating films, videos, writing, and future creative projects Reflections on social media, YouTube, and why Substack currently feels like the right home Gratitude for paid members and an invitation to continue walking this path together Thank you for supporting this work and for being part of this slower, quieter experiment.

EP 02: God Called Him To Raise Honey Bees

Title: God Called Him to Raise Honey Bees (with Justin Sofio) Today I’m joined by my friend Justin Sofio, a father of five who heard God speak to him… through a jar of honey. That strange moment on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje sparked a five-year journey of trial, trust, and eventually transformation. He left his job. Built a beekeeping business. And began creating a new life—one that’s rooted in craft, family, and faith.If you’ve ever felt a pull toward something more—but didn’t know where to begin—this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll hear about: → A mystical experience involving a jar of honey in Croatia→ The years of failure and frustration before things clicked→ What it really took to walk away from the 9–5→ Justin’s daily rhythm as a creative entrepreneur and dad→ Advice for others who feel the nudge to step out in faith As a free subscriber, you’ll get: • Weekly reflections• New podcast episodes• Behind-the-scenes updates When you upgrade to paid, you also unlock: • Read-along book studies• Private comment threads and community chat• A growing circle of creative Christians building new paths This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecontemplativedad.substack.com/subscribe [https://thecontemplativedad.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

EP 01: Are You Running From God's Creative Calling?

A lot of people believe God has a plan for their life.But for those of us called to something less conventional—like being an artist, creative, or entrepreneur—that plan can feel harder to discern. Because society isn’t wired for creativity. It’s wired for compliance.So we face resistance. From others—and from within ourselves. "This isn’t practical.""This is selfish.""Stop dreaming. Be realistic." But what if those inner objections are the very things holding us back from what God actually designed us to do? In this episode, I share my own journey—from suppressing my creative calling in the name of safety and provision, to eventually waking up and realizing I’d been hiding. From risk. From purpose. From the voice of God. If you've ever wrestled with how to reconcile your faith, your responsibilities, and your desire to build something meaningful—this episode is for you. 🛒 Buy the book we're discussing — The War of Art [https://amzn.to/3Zwwqql] by Steven Pressfield [https://amzn.to/3Zwwqql](affiliate link) 🔁 Not yet a subscriber? Join the community here. [https://contemplativedad.com] You’ll get weekly reflections, podcast episodes, and interviews with fathers and creatives building lives rooted in faith, family, and meaningful work. ✨ Want more?Upgrade to a paid subscription to access our read-along book studies, private chat, and full comment access so you can join the conversation with others walking a similar path. Thanks for listening.Peace be with you,—MaxThe Contemplative Dad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecontemplativedad.substack.com/subscribe [https://thecontemplativedad.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]