SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield emphasizes the significance of the Advent season as a time for spiritual preparation and reflection. He discusses the importance of evaluating who we listen to and how that influences our spiritual growth. Crankfield encourages listeners to prepare for the new year by focusing on their spiritual lives, maximizing their time during Advent, and embracing silence amidst distractions. He challenges listeners to make Advent meaningful and to set goals that align with their faith and personal growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advent and Its Importance03:50 Living with Urgency: Spiritual Preparation06:34 We Need Silence09:43 Maximizing Time for Spiritual Growth12:13 Make Advent Great Again15:28 Conclusion and Call to ActionFind Waiting Well with Father Mike Schmitz here!Join Pray25 on Hallow here!If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.
It's the most wonderful time of the year - which means the Santa debate is BACK! Is Santa innocent fun or is it based on immoral lies deceiving children? Watch this video for some sane takes on the Santa debate!
Summary
In this recording of the second parish mission talk, Nathan Crankfield explores the themes of hope, faith, and personal growth through his own experiences and reflections. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the definition of hope, and how it can be a choice, especially in family life. Through personal stories and biblical references, he illustrates the challenges of life, the role of suffering in building endurance, and the necessity of trusting God during difficult times. The discussion culminates in a call to action for parents and individuals to share their faith and hope with others, particularly the younger generation.
Chapters
00:00 The Gift of Hope
05:00 Trusting Jesus in Family Life
10:00 Navigating Suffering and Loss
15:00 Building Endurance Through Trials
20:00 Choosing Hope Daily
25:00 Overcoming Discouragement
30:00 Hope in Action
35:00 Final Reflections & Closing
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TALK ABOUT CONTROVERSY
This episode has been a long time coming - the battle between Candace and TPUSA has been spiraling out of control.
Bridget joins me to share her thoughts on the situation that is rapidly dividing the Conservative movement.
Summary
In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Rigel Raju discuss the widening political gap between young men and women, exploring the factors contributing to this divide. They delve into the impact of family dynamics, the role of virtue in political discourse, and the influence of online masculinity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of dating in today's world and the importance of the church in guiding young men and women towards fulfilling relationships and lives rooted in faith.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:40 The Widening Political Gap
11:41 Navigating Relationships in a Divided Society
14:50 The Role of Virtue in Political Discourse
19:40 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Gender Roles
24:33 Masculinity in Modern Society
31:44 The Balance of Strength and Compassion
35:55 Navigating Modern Masculinity
41:09 The Role of the Church in Guiding Young Men
47:00 The Divide Between Men and Women in Faith
52:56 Finding Hope in Relationships
01:01:00 The Importance of Faith in Marriage
Link to Coffee, Catechesis, & Commerce's website:
https://www.cofcomcat.com/about
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Summary
In this episode of the Seeking Excellence Podcast, Nathan Crankfield explores the theological virtue of hope, breaking it down into its essential components. He discusses the importance of hope in our lives, the contrast between hope and despair, and how personal experiences shape our understanding of hope. Nathan emphasizes that hope is a gift from God that requires acceptance and a desire for holiness. He shares his personal journey of faith, the role of community in fostering hope, and the necessity of prayer in sustaining it throughout life's challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Parish Mission
06:31 Exploring the Theme of Hope
14:23 Understanding Despair & Discouragement
22:23 Personal Testimony: From Broken to Hopeful
30:32 The Gift of Hope & Why It Matters...
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LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.
Summary
In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield explores the themes of masculinity, femininity, and the societal implications of the growing feminization in various sectors. He discusses the debate on virtue between men and women, the emotional versus logical arguments in societal discourse, and the impact of these dynamics on leadership and the church. Crankfield emphasizes the need for balance and collaboration between genders to address the challenges faced in contemporary society.
Chapters
00:00 Are Women Superior To Men?
02:32 What Is The Great Feminization?
04:56 Exploring Feminization in Society
08:26 The Impact of Feminization on Institutions
12:00 Emotional Appeals Are Not Strong Arguments
16:00 Gender and Virtues
20:00 Why This Isn’t Misogyny
25:20 Is There A Solution?
29:24 Final Thoughts
Article Discussed in Episode https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-great-feminization/
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SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses his return to the Locals community, sharing plans to revive engagement and emphasize the importance of giving within Christianity. He reflects on personal experiences, including family changes and community building, while addressing the challenges of generosity in modern life. The discussion also touches on financial management tools and the precepts of the Catholic Church, encouraging listeners to consider their own giving practices and the transformative power of generosity.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:32 The Importance of Giving in Christianity04:16 Personal Life Updates and Family Journey09:33 Understanding the Call to Give12:35 The Precepts of the Catholic Church14:59 Statistics on Catholic Giving20:56 The Role of Generosity in Personal Growth25:45 How Quickly Costs Add Up31:20 Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.
Summary
In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield shares his personal journey and the transformative power of Catholic education. He emphasizes the importance of prayer in leadership, the need for gratitude, and the challenges faced in the mission of education. Crankfield encourages educators to find joy in their work, embrace the pressures of leadership as a privilege, and recognize their role as shepherds guiding their students. Through his experiences, he highlights the significance of community, faith, and the impact of a strong prayer life on mental health and leadership effectiveness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:56 My Testimony
08:39 Why Every Great Leader Starts with Prayer
15:00 How Prayer Impacts Mental Health
18:05 Lessons in Virtue from Ranger School
24:50 Seeing Revival and Learning to Welcome Hardship
31:00 Final Takeaways
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Learn more about Paul’s work here: https://catholicsports.net
Summary
In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield speaks with Paul Spotts, founder and president of Catholic Sports, about the importance of community in the lives of young adults, particularly within the Catholic faith. They discuss the challenges young adults face in finding belonging and purpose, the evolution of Catholic Sports as a ministry, and the need for churches to adapt to the changing landscape of young adult life. Paul shares insights on dating, relationships, and the structure of Catholic Sports, emphasizing the importance of inviting others into community activities. The conversation concludes with encouragement for young adults to take small commitments in their faith and relationships.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:14 Why So Many Young Adults Are Leaving the Church
10:30 Signs of Revival Within the Church
17:12 What Really Counts as a “Young Adult”?
24:07 The Rise of Roaming (or Rootless) Catholics
33:13 The Root Cause of the Loneliness Epidemic
38:00 Why We All Need Encouragement to Belong
42:25 How Catholic Sports Are Structured
52:20 Why Missionaries Need Community Too
58:25 Real Dating Advice for Young Adults
1:01:30 Where to Find Catholic Sports Near You
1:03:03 Outro
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Summary
In this Seeking Excellence episode, Nathan Crankfield explores the complexities of social safety nets, particularly focusing on the principles of subsidiarity and personal responsibility. He discusses the debate surrounding welfare programs like SNAP and EBT, emphasizing the need for a philosophical understanding of societal structures. The conversation also touches on the implications of JD Vance's views on the order of love and the ethical considerations of welfare distribution.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Understanding Subsidiarity
02:17 The Debate on Social Safety Nets
07:04 Philosophy and Theology in Social Issues
11:00 Where Our Tax Dollars Are Going
15:00 Liberal Christians on The Order of Love
20:00 Why Do We Keep Appeasing Liberal Boomer Catholics?
25:00 The Problem With SNAP and EBT
30:46 How It Relates to the Shutdown
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In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the financial mindset and practical strategies for making wise financial decisions, particularly in the context of buying a home and a car. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting, living below one's means, and the balance between conservative and aggressive financial strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of generosity and long-term planning, encouraging listeners to choose hope and optimism in their financial journeys.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:43 Why Budgeting Matters
08:40 Navigating Financial Extremes
11:22 Should We Take Ramsey's Advice?
15:21 Count The Costs
20:55 Do I Really Need The Nicest Car?
24:20 Balancing Family Needs and Tithing
29:03 Living On Base Salary Alone
33:51 Seeking Financial Excellence
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In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the value and impact of stay-at-home parenting, challenging common perceptions and statistics surrounding the economic worth of stay-at-home parents.
He emphasizes the importance of parental presence in child development, the hidden benefits of leisure time for families, and the true worth of motherhood beyond financial metrics.
Crankfield encourages families to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances rather than societal pressures or inflated statistics.Nathan's Lila Rose reaction video: https://youtu.be/J7viY4R35AY?si=t07acAlL_23y8m7aChapters00:00Introduction03:41My Initial Response to the Video06:20Nobody Really Outsources These Things09:20Let's Flip This Issue on its Head12:10Parent's Aren't Interchangeable16:10We Agree, Motherhood is Good19:55The Biggest Benefit of Staying Home23:26Motherhood is a Beautiful Vocation27:10What Scripture Says About The Ideal WomanIf you enjoyed this content, please like this video, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Find exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.
Find Dr. Dan Schneider's books from TAN here: https://tanbooks.com/search?tanbooks%5Bquery%5D=dan%20schneider
^^Use code NATHAN15 for 15% off your order at TAN books^^
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In this episode of the Seeking Excellence Podcast, Nathan Crankfield interviews Dr. Dan Schneider, a military veteran and expert in spiritual warfare.
They discuss Dr. Schneider's journey from military service to his role in the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of authority, masculinity, and virtue in both spiritual and familial contexts.
The conversation highlights the critical role of the laity in the Church and the necessity of spiritual fitness for men.
Dr. Schneider shares insights on the power of the priesthood and the need for order in family life, concluding with a call to action for men to embrace their responsibilities as leaders and protectors.
Chapters
08:43 The Call to Spiritual Combat: Understanding Exorcism
14:04 Conversion Experiences: The Path to Faith
19:58 Spiritual Warfare: The Rules of Engagement
25:47 The Masculine Call: Embracing the Warrior Spirit
38:08 The Importance of Spiritual Fitness
45:54 Understanding Masculinity and Fatherhood
50:23 The Role of the Laity in Evangelization
57:21 The Power of the Priesthood
01:01:17 The Importance of Family and Order
01:11:44 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Community Engagement
01:13:08 Encouragement for Personal Growth and Excellence
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Learn more about the Seeking Excellence coaching programs at the link below!
https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1
In this episode, Nathan Crankfield discusses the societal perception of parenthood as a financial burden, contrasting it with the rising trend of pet ownership as an alternative.
He critiques the misleading narratives surrounding the costs of raising children, emphasizing the importance of mindset and faith in making family decisions.
Nathan argues for the fulfillment that comes from parenthood and encourages listeners to embrace responsibility and trust in God's providence when it comes to family planning.
Chapters
00:00 The Cost of Parenthood vs. Pet Ownership
02:48 Debunking the Myths of Child-Rearing Costs
14:39 Mindset and the Choice of Parenthood
24:55 Faith and the Call to Parenthood
32:04 Embracing Responsibility and Trusting in Providence
Learn more about The Excellent Life Program and other coaching opportunities at https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Father Chase Hilgenbrinck explore the themes of resilience, strength, and the challenges faced by the current generation of young men. They discuss the importance of meaningful relationships, the reality of loneliness, and the dual mindset of practical and theological approaches to suffering. Father Chase emphasizes the significance of obedience, accountability, and self-awareness in personal growth, while also highlighting the joy of serving others and the need for holy indifference in navigating life's challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on perseverance and the balance between intimacy and strength in faith.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Father Chase Hilgenbrinck06:58 Understanding the Current Generation of Young Men09:59 The Pursuit of Happiness in Modern Life12:41 Intentional Living and Building Relationships15:34 Facing Adversity and Suffering20:48 The Role of Friendship in the Priesthood23:43 Loneliness and Leadership in the Priesthood32:14 The Balance of Vocation and Life Challenges35:02 The Importance of Obedience in Our Lives40:07 The Virtue of Obedience and Its Challenges43:16 Holy Indifference and Managing Emotions46:42 Self-Awareness and Growth in Virtue50:20 Perseverance in Faith Amidst Challenges56:16 Balancing Intimacy with God and the Call to Action
Buy Jesse's new book on Spiritual Warfare here: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/spiritual-warfare-q-and-a-for-priests-and-laity/
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In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Jesse Romero delve into the themes of spiritual warfare, the impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination, and the nature of evil.
They discuss the importance of authority within the Church, the role of laypeople, and the necessity of evangelization in combating ignorance.
The conversation also touches on the reality of hell and the theological implications of the Charismatic Renewal.
Jesse emphasizes the need for resources to guide Catholics in understanding spiritual warfare and the tools available to them.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
04:11 Spiritual Warfare and Cultural Impact
08:47 Understanding Evil: Brainwashing vs. Choice
13:48 The Role of Truth in Wickedness
19:36 Charlie Kirk's Faith Journey
24:56 Demonic Affliction and Spiritual Warfare
30:13 The Concept of Invincible Ignorance
32:45 The Importance of Evangelization
37:40 The Role of Evangelization in the Church
41:05 The Reality of Hell and Salvation
45:01 The Balance of Authority in the Church
53:52 Confronting Evil Within Ourselves
Learn more about how Nathan can help you grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially in 2026!
https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1 Learn more about the psychology programs run by Dr. Anthony Isacco at St. Mary's University of Minnesota here:
https://www.smumn.edu/m-s-in-clinical-psychology/
https://catalog.smumn.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=45&poid=6516&returnto=2196In this episode of the Seeking Excellence podcast, host Nathan Crankfield engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Anthony Isacco from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. They delve into the intersection of psychology and faith, exploring how mental health can be enriched by spiritual understanding. Dr. Isacco shares insights on the importance of integrating Catholic teachings with psychological practices, the balance between faith and mental health, and the unique approach of St. Mary's new clinical psychology program. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a virtuous life by harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Anthony Isacco06:28 The Balance of Faith and Mental Health12:34 Recognizing When to Seek Help18:23 The Impact of Physical Health on Mental Well-being24:13 Behavioral Momentum: Building Healthy Habits31:44 The Importance of Action in Health36:24 Navigating Mental Health Stigmas Across Generations41:22 Understanding the Role of Therapy47:37 The Balance of Professional Ethics in Therapy50:53 Innovations in Mental Health Education
In this episode of the Seeking Excellence podcast, Nathan Crankfield reflects on the recent tragic events surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination and draws parallels with the death of George Floyd. He discusses the societal reactions to both incidents, emphasizing the need for courage in faith and the dangers of social media misinformation. Nathan urges listeners to avoid hatred and cowardice, advocating for a life rooted in truth and purpose, while recognizing the challenges faced by those who stand firm in their beliefs.Chapters00:00 Reflections on the Charlie Kirk Situation05:03 Contrasting Responses to Death: George Floyd vs. Charlie Kirk11:17 The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions19:44 Avoiding Hatred and Cowardice in Times of Crisis25:19 The Call for Courage in Faith32:03 Living a Life of Purpose and Integrity
Yesterday, we lost a legend in the Christian movement in our country and world.Charlie was a great force for good.We remain here on earth to continue fighting the same mission - advancing truth, beauty, and goodness against the evil forces who work against us.I encourage you to battle the temptation to hate or become cowardly in the face of hate. More than ever, we need love and courage to guide our words and actions.