The Raising Catholic Podcast

Two Catholic dads dive into 1 Maccabees chapters 1–3, unpacking its David and Joshua echoes, the crisis of faith under Hellenistic oppression, and how liturgical life and constant prayer sustain resistance. They wrestle with righteous violence, collaboration with oppressors, and the ongoing need for community and discernment.

Two Catholic dads share personal memories of grandparents, loss, and the power of place, then dive into 1–2 Maccabees to explain its importance for understanding Jesus’ time, the Jewish canon, Hanukkah, the Ark, and Catholic practices like praying for the dead. They introduce a "three by three" study plan to read three chapters and discuss three resonant points each week.

Two Catholic dads—Josh Vegors and Tim Summers—walk through the Book of Joshua, focusing on land distribution, the Levites’ cities, and the six cities of refuge. Their conversation links biblical structure to modern concerns: the role and burdens of priests, the importance of liturgy and sacramentality, and how culture and politics are shaped by what people worship.
Practical takeaways include why ordered liturgy forms a life of surrender and freedom, how priests balance sacramental ministry with parish management, and how biblical practices like cities of refuge reveal God’s aim to preserve holiness and curb vengeance.

Two Catholic dads unpack difficult Bible passages about God "hardening" hearts (Exodus, Joshua) and reconcile this language with human free will using the sun/wax/clay analogy. They explore examples like Pharaoh, Judas, and opposing kings, and draw on Augustine to explain how pride, power, and refusal to surrender lead to hardened hearts.The episode finishes with practical takeaways: cultivate a broken, receptive heart through surrender and grace, watch for signs of pride, and apply these lessons at home while continuing their study of Joshua and other warrior books.

Josh and Tim unpack Joshua (chapters 6–10), exploring Jericho, Ai, and the famous sun-standing miracle. They connect Israel’s battles to liturgical worship, discuss the necessity of worshipping God the right way, wrestle with faith and science in Scripture, and reflect on surrender, the fear of the Lord, and God’s desire for a contrite heart.

Two Catholic dads, Josh and Tim, walk through Joshua chapters on the Battle of Jericho and Achan’s sin—covering the unusual siege, archaeological notes about the collapsed walls and stored grain, the brutal aftermath for Achan, and how these stories point to themes of humility, communal responsibility, and God’s relentless search for humanity. They weave Scripture with personal anecdotes, reflections on grace (Bishop Barron and Fr. Mike Schmitz quotes), and what it means to prepare the way for the Lord.

On this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh Vegors and Tim Summers pray for Pope Francis after his passing, reflect on leadership in the Church during the Easter season, and share personal reactions.
They dive into Joshua chapters 4–6, exploring the stones of Gilgal, the second circumcision, the end of the manna, the commander of the Lord, and the lead-up to the battle of Jericho.
The hosts discuss the value of tradition and communal Bible study, and encourage a ‘both-and’ approach to theological and political tensions in the Church today.

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim dig into the opening chapters of Joshua, tracing themes of prayer, courage, and leadership. They explore Eucharistic and baptismal symbolism—from the Ark and the Red Sea to the Jordan River and the city of Adam—and reflect on how the Old Testament points toward Christ.Using map study, personal stories, and practical insights, they discuss how petition prayer shapes and purifies believers, why listening to God builds true courage, and what humble obedience looks like for modern leaders and families.

Two Catholic dads prepare to dive into the Book of Joshua, exploring its big-picture themes: God’s fulfillment of the promised land, Israel vs. Canaan, and the spiritual battle for the human heart. They reflect on humility vs. pride, sanctifying grace, and how Old Testament struggles echo modern moral challenges.Along the way they touch on famous moments like Jericho, Rahab, and the parting of the waters, and consider how suffering, purification, and a contrite heart connect the Old Testament to Christ and Christian life today.

In this episode of Raising Catholic, Josh and Tim dig into Ephesians 4 to explore what it looks like to "speak the truth in love"—from youth ministry and parenting to friendship and accountability. They reflect on humility, the power of testimony, and the importance of spiritual brothers.The hosts also address cultural shifts, the reality of spiritual warfare, and practical ways to build people up instead of tearing them down, urging listeners to love boldly within their immediate spheres of influence.