8-Pack Abs & Incense: Muscular Catholicism and Sacred Tradition

Algorithms and Exclusion. Why Catholic Theology is REALLY Paying Attention Now.

On this episode Dan and Jon welcome Jeremy from A Catholic Dad to unpack Pope Leo's new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitatis, and the church's emerging ethics for artificial intelligence. They discuss why AI cannot be treated as morally neutral, how algorithms shape human dignity and the common good, and the importance of vulnerability in pastoral care. The hosts examine practical effects of AI and social media—misinformation, clickbait, and biased algorithms—while offering guidance for Catholics and content creators who want to promote unity, compassion, and responsible use of technology in faith formation.

Faithful Gay Catholic & Theology Questions My Parish Discouraged Me From Asking

Hosts Dan and Jon tackle listeners' tough questions about belonging in the Catholic Church during Pride Month. Using real comments, they discuss how to accept the faith while wrestling with difficult teachings in the catechism, how theology evolves, and the difference between doctrine levels. Conversations range from marriage, procreation and chastity to historical debates (Aquinas vs. Duns Scotus), conversion therapy, abuse, and the lived experiences of gay Catholics—framed with personal stories, humor, and pastoral care.

The Soft Divorce: Where Canon Law and Theology Part Ways

Dan and Jon explore the growing tension between canon law and moral theology, focusing on marriage, annulments, and the church’s pastoral response. They discuss Father Ginter Dzierzon’s critique, the history of moral manuals, and how legalistic approaches can leave people feeling judged or excluded. Using vivid analogies—from traffic laws to Eastern Orthodox oikonomia—the hosts consider alternatives that prioritize mercy, conscience, and accompaniment while still honoring the law’s purpose: the salvation and care of souls.

Theology Textbook Trap: What We Miss About True Catholic Freedom

Welcome to an episode of Theology for the Unwanted where hosts Dan and Jon explore what true freedom means in Catholic life—beyond neat ‘vocation’ buckets. They discuss single holiness, LGBTQ+ Catholics, mercy versus formulas, dangers of clericalism, and practical ways the Church can walk with people in messy, real-life situations, mixing theology with candid personal stories and pastoral insights.

8-Pack Abs & Incense: Muscular Catholicism and Sacred Tradition

Hosts Dan and Jon welcome Meg and Nicole of Catholic Atonement Media to explore why many Gen Z Catholics are drawn to traditional practices, how that compares to Gen X and millennials, and what the Church might be missing about people who left (LGBT issues, abuse, women, single parents) or are returning. The conversation covers beauty in worship, veiling and Latin Mass, confession and pastoral care, the influence of online influencers and muscular Christianity, and practical takeaways: better catechesis, stronger community, and more empathetic, intergenerational dialogue.