In the second mansion of St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, the battle gets loud. You have started praying, you are doing the daily examen, and suddenly you see your sin, your patterns, and your past more clearly than ever. The enemy rushes in with shame, discouragement, confusion, and the lie that “all of this was easier before you started getting serious.”
In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, Dan and Jordan continue their series on The Devil in the Castle and unpack the spiritual warfare of the second mansion, where the soul is spiritually awake but still fragile.
You will hear about
• How daily mental prayer and the examen wake you up to the real state of your soul
• The way the enemy weaponizes shame, universal negatives, and “you will never change”
• Why quitting prayer to “make the attacks stop” is like paying protection money to the mob
• Practical tactics to resist temptation in the first wave and train your will to fight
• The need to flee near occasions of sin, change life systems, and sometimes even leave relationships or environments
• How detachment from media, noise, and certain friendships actually weakens the enemy’s grip
• Why small daily mortifications and physical discipline strengthen you for spiritual battle
They also touch on redemptive examen, the sovereignty of God in the middle of the fight, and concrete tools like Into the Deep, Finding Peace in the Storm, and the Holy Habits app to help you keep going when the battle feels most intense.
This episode is part of a series on The Devil in the Castle. For full context, start with the introduction and first mansion, then continue through the playlist. Resources and free courses on mental prayer, spiritual warfare, and discernment of spirits are available at SpiritualDirection.com and ApostoliViae.org.
If you are not practicing mental prayer every day, are you really on the road to heaven? The saints would say that you're not.
In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, Dan and Jordan continue their series on The Devil in the Castle and Saint Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, stepping from the courtyard into the first mansion. They unpack why the saints, including Teresa of Avila, Alphonsus Liguori, and Aquinas, insist that daily mental prayer and a daily examen are not optional extras, but essential for salvation and authentic discipleship.
You will hear about
• Why Aquinas can say it is a sin not to pray
• How mental prayer actually gives you self knowledge and heals self delusion
• What a simple daily examen looks like in real life
• The “handles” sin creates for the enemy, and how they fall off as you grow in charity
• The lies that keep people from engaging in spiritual warfare, especially fear of “stirring things up”
They also walk through the "demonic goal" for those in the first mansion, the enemy’s tactics to keep you from daily prayer, and the concrete remedies the Church gives us, such as Mass, confession, mental prayer, and a spiritual rule of life.
When Catholics actually pray the Rosary well, hearts heal, families are protected, and hidden lies lose power. Gabriel Castillo (Gabby After Hours) joins Jordan to unpack real spiritual warfare (the 95% that happens in our minds and hearts), how Mary personally heals father/mother wounds, and why a daily Rosary fuels Confession, the Eucharist, and peace of soul.Gabriel’s new book: The Power of the Rosary• Book: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-power-of-the-rosary/• Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Power-of-the-Rosary-Audiobook/B0FNS35SBB?srsltid=AfmBOorwoJ7b_vCPR-FXfXmf-lQ-kkJZkn6yTCHvJEZzK_TEZZ2xq6rf• Gabriel’s channel (Gabby After Hours): https://www.youtube.com/@gabiafterhours
We’re launching a new series on Dan’s book The Devil in the Castle, a practical guide to spiritual warfare through St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle—with help from St. John of the Cross and St. Ignatius. We unpack authority (who can command what and when), why we defer to priests, how prayer + reflection mark true discipleship, and why “deliverance ministry” needs guardrails.
What you’ll learn
Why Teresa’s “castle” map matters for everyday Catholics
How the enemy’s tactics change as you advance toward union with God
Realms of authority: family, spouses, clergy—where boldness is wise and where it’s reckless
Why prayer & reflection are the two turning keys into authentic discipleship
A sober, non-sensational approach to spiritual warfare that avoids common abuses
It's been HOW LONG since we posted?! Wow. Apologies, because we have certainly been recording... As a token of apology, here is an episode earlier than scheduled. Or is it still later...? Either way you're getting it earlier than the youtube subscribers so that's gotta count for something. They still have to wait another 2 days! But onto business...
Today we tackle a neglected battlefield of spiritual warfare: communication. Scripture warns that we’ll answer for “every careless word” and that mercy received must become mercy given (James 2–3). We unpack how the enemy distorts messages, inflames wounds, and pushes us from charity into accusation—especially online. We also walk through practical rules to slow down, pray, reread, and respond with a charitable assumption rather than the devil’s favorite weapon: rash judgment.What you’ll learn: •Why the enemy targets communication to divide spouses, priests, bishops—and the Church •How negative assumptions and interior wounds make us easy to manipulate •The difference between fraternal correction and the sins of detraction & calumny •A simple discipline for hot emails/comments: pause → pray → reread → delay •Why James 3 is a must-read before you post •A call to conversion: show the mercy you hope to receive at judgmentScripture referenced •James 2–3 (mercy & the power of the tongue) •1 Peter 5:8 (the enemy prowls) •Matthew 18:6; 12:36 (causing scandal; every careless word) •Luke 6:36–37 (be merciful; judge not)Chapters:00:00 Spiritual Warfare and the Pope's Interview01:44 The Enemy's Tactics in Communication02:51 Misinterpretations and Emotional Reactions03:59 The Devil's Strategy to Divide08:23 The Pope's Interview: Different Perspectives11:38 The Impact of Miscommunication on Tradition14:58 Criticism and the Sin of Assumption16:49 Confronting Sin and Mercy17:31 Pharisee Behavior and Hypocrisy17:52 The Traditionalist Dilemma18:20 Vitriol and Hatred in Comments18:40 Madonna and Charitable Assumptions19:58 Respecting the Pope20:27 Challenges Faced by Traditionalists21:50 Negative Assumptions and Their Consequences30:09 The Power of the Tongue
The devil doesn’t guess. He watches. Learns. Waits. And when he finds your weakest point, he attacks.
In this final episode of our Ignatian Discernment series, Dan and Jordan unpack Rule 14 — a chilling but liberating truth: the enemy studies your life like a general preparing to breach a fortress. Your wounds, your past, your patterns — all are potential entry points. But once you know them, you can fight back.
This episode gets deeply personal as Dan and Jordan share stories of past trauma, addiction, and relational wounds — and how the enemy used them as open doors. But they also offer hope: practical steps, spiritual disciplines, and encouragement for building a life the enemy can’t conquer.
You’ll learn:
How demons exploit your wounds and vices
Why unresolved trauma becomes spiritual vulnerability
The difference between clubs and true Catholic community
How to fortify your soul through self-knowledge, mental prayer, and sacramental grace
What comes after Rule 14
This is the end of the series — but not the war. Whether you’ve followed from Rule 1 or just discovered this episode, this conversation will help you close the door to the enemy and walk freely in the grace of God.
“The devil may be in the details—but God is on the throne.”
And for those who have read this far down - Our next series will be on The Devil in The Castle!
Demons thrive in the dark. That’s why St. Ignatius’ 13th Rule of Discernment urges us to expose their lies — fast.
In this episode, Dan and Jordan dive into one of the most underrated spiritual warfare tactics: calling out the devil’s schemes and sharing them with others. You’ll hear stories from police work, deliverance ministry, and personal battles with desolation that reveal how the enemy loses power the moment we bring his plans into the light.
They discuss:
•The spiritual and psychological power of naming desolation
•Why texting “I’m in desolation” can shift everything
•The importance of holy friendships and spiritual accountability
•How demons act like cowards — and why exposure makes them flee
Timestamp Summary:
00:00 Rule 13: Exposing the Enemy's Efforts
05:19 Practical Steps to Combat Desolation
06:13 The Power of Writing and Confession
08:09 Spiritual Direction and Confession
10:30 Analogies and Real-Life Examples
17:49 The Gift of Fear and Ignoring Intuition
18:50 Recognizing and Responding to Threats
19:57 Spiritual Awareness and the Enemy
24:58 Levels of Response to Desolation
29:48 The Importance of Reaching Out for Help
30:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, Jordan and Dan Burke react to a video raising a serious question: Should Catholics ever receive spiritual direction from someone who isn’t Catholic?With honesty and charity, they unpack the theological and practical problems with this scenario—covering sacramental life, moral theology, Church teaching, and the dangers of syncretism. Along the way, they explore how true spiritual direction is meant to work, why it requires a shared foundation in the Catholic faith, and the risks of ignoring that reality.This conversation is both a cautionary tale and a call to charity—urging Catholics to lead others to the fullness of the truth in Christ and His Church.Resources Mentioned: •Spiritual Direction School: AvilaInstitute.org •Find a Faithful Catholic Spiritual Director: SeekDirection.app •Book: Navigating the Interior Life by Dan Burke
What do you do when evil stands between you and the chapel? In this raw and practical episode, Dan and Jordan unpack Rule 12 from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Discernment of Spirits—a hard-hitting rule about spiritual warfare, temptation, and the tactics of the enemy. They explore real-life stories involving demonic presence, a dog named Max, mountain lions, and the fight against habitual sin.
You’ll learn:
Why the enemy is like an aggressive dog
How delay makes desolation worse
The role of music, noise, and distractions in spiritual warfare
What “fast and fierce” resistance really looks like in the battle against sin
This is a no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground conversation for anyone serious about becoming spiritually dangerous.
God humbles us in consolation so we can fight better in desolation. Rule 11 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits teaches how humility protects us from pride—and prepares us for battle.
Timestamp Summary:
00:00 Opening
00:36 Understanding Rule 11: Humility in Consolation and Desolation
01:06 Practical Applications of Humility
03:18 Personal Experiences and Reflections
06:08 Strategies for Overcoming Desolation
12:19 Balancing Rest and Effort
22:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Some demons won’t leave until you heal.In this episode, Dan and Jordan take a bold look at the real connection between emotional wounds, therapy, and spiritual warfare. Can inner healing make exorcisms more effective? Why are so many Catholics resistant to therapy? And how do wounds become spiritual entry points for the enemy?Drawing from real-world cases, Church teaching, and personal experience, this episode uncovers the hidden barriers to deliverance and how grace works through both spiritual direction and psychology. What You’ll Learn: •How wounds can open the door to demonic oppression •The difference between spiritual direction and therapy •Why rejecting psychology can be a spiritual blind spot •What faithful Catholic therapy actually looks likeReferenced in this episode: •The Exorcism Files by Fr. Carlos Martins •CatholicTherapists.com •Fr. Ripperger’s work on Thomistic psychology •Jordans Article: Vineyard: https://onvineyard.com/dotheharderthing/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and-emotional-healing-2098or on substack: https://dotheharderthing.substack.com/p/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and?r=3076lt====================🔥You know that there are battles all around us. But did you know about the battle in - and for - your mind? Learn how to fight, and win, with this free video course! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3U9qOjqPlease visit the Spotify Podcast page for links to all the other resources mentioned in the show!====================Subscribe to our Podcast: Spotify ➡ https://open.spotify.com/show/4klx2Ao6HQFXQYhJ7lPpuw?si=74cae2f132cd4b49Apple ➡ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-is-in-the-details/id1763882809====================Connect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/====================Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"====================⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 The Intersection of Exorcism, Emotional Healing, and Therapy6:32 Debating the Misuse of Psychology and Religious Practices9:13 Finding Truth Through Science and Faith11:17 The Interplay of Spirituality and Psychology in Personal Growth13:54 The Importance of Addressing Emotional Wounds in Exorcism#spiritualwarfare #catholic #discernmentofspirits #catholicpodcast #catholicspirituality #mentalprayer #danburke #jordanburke #devilinthedetails
Dan and Jordan Burke unpack Rule 10 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits—how to prepare during times of peace for future spiritual battles. They share personal stories of suffering, grit, and grace, revealing why storing up consolation is vital for hope and perseverance. Learn to love the fight, not just the victory.
If you’re practicing mental prayer and still feel spiritually dry, Rule 9 explains why—and what God may be trying to show you.
Why does God allow desolation even when you’re doing everything right? In this episode, we break down Rule 9 from St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. We dive into the three core reasons God permits spiritual dryness: our own negligence, a test of our love, and a deep reminder that we are not the source of consolation—He is. We also get practical about how to recognize desolation, track your progress, and build a concrete Rule of Life that will anchor you in the battle. Whether you’re new to Ignatian discernment or well into your spiritual journey, this one will challenge and encourage you.
Timestamp Summary:
00:00 The Importance of Mental Prayer
01:24 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Discernment
02:06 Exploring the First Rule of Discernment
03:02 The Role of Dopamine and Temptation
04:18 The Importance of Spiritual Commitments
07:08 Principle Causes of Desolation
16:34 Creating a Rule of Life
18:37 Practical Tips for Maintaining Spiritual Health
27:43 Using Technology to Support Spiritual Practices
28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with us!
Instagram:
Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/
Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/
Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"
Dan and Jordan Burke reveal why new Catholics are prime targets for spiritual attack, expose the lies that endanger souls, the common tactics that the enemy uses against new converts, and share how to fight back with the truth of the Church.
Timestamp Summary:
0:00 The Devil's Influence and Catholic Responsibilities
3:05 Challenges and Importance of Authentic Discipleship for New Converts
7:46 Heaven and Hell: The Stakes of Faith and Salvation
17:00 The Importance of Understanding Sin and Salvation in Catholicism
22:23 Authentic Discipleship and the Consequences of Knowing Jesus
29:07 The Importance of Mental Prayer and Authentic Discipleship
Key Takeaways:
Connect with us!
Instagram:
Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/
Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/
Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"
You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.
In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
00:00 Introduction and Series Overview
00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation
01:09 The Concept of Patience
02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions
02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges
05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition
12:44 Desolation and Human Nature
16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace
17:57 A Painful Experience
18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance
19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain
21:03 A Stressful Drive
22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance
24:15 The Battle of Life
31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia
34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in Desolation
You are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.
One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.
Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.
Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.
Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.
Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.
Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.
Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.
Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.
Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.
Even in desolation, God has not abandoned you. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke explore Rule 7 of St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises, revealing how faith, prayer, and mental discipline can help you recognize God’s presence—even when He feels distant.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
0:01 Overcoming Desolation Through Adjusted Thinking and Spiritual Guidance
3:10 Spiritual Growth Amidst Mental Health Challenges
5:19 Embracing Trials to Achieve Virtue and Strength in Faith
9:31 Balancing Physical and Spiritual Strength Against Life's Challenges
12:50 Delayed Consequences and Human Decision-Making
15:26 Overcoming Sin and Building Virtue Through Divine Grace
18:25 Navigating Spiritual Growth Through Consolations and Desolations
21:42 Strategies for Resisting Desolation in Spiritual Practices
23:41 Renouncing Negative Thoughts Through Faith and Prayer
26:09 Harnessing Divine Help for Spiritual and Psychological Challenges
31:36 Overcoming Trauma Through Faith and Scripture
40:13 Combating Temptation Through Scripture and Spiritual Identity
Key Takeaways:
When desolation strikes, don’t just endure—fight back. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke unpack Rule 6 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits, revealing how proactive prayer, meditation, and discipline can break the enemy’s grip.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
0:00 Series Continuation
7:24 The Intersection of Faith, Psychology, and Spiritual Warfare
12:51 Fighting Spiritual Desolation Through Prayer and Discernment
18:56 Spiritual and Physical Fitness Require Consistent Training and Endurance
22:18 Overcoming Spiritual Desolation Through Intense Prayer and Discipline
Key Takeaways:
Rule 5 in spiritual warfare: When the enemy turns up the volume, stay the course—never make a change in desolation.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
0:01 The Importance of Rule 5 in Spiritual Warfare
5:00 Challenges of Translating Spiritual Texts and Their Impact
7:39 Spiritual Warfare: Desolation, Sin, and the Voice of the Enemy
15:57 The Importance of Consistent Prayer Despite Physical Challenges
18:33 Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Spiritual Desolation
25:15 Spiritual Decision-Making and the Influence of Desolation
Key Takeaways:
Learn how the enemy attacks through spiritual desolation—and how to fight back with wisdom from St. Ignatius.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
0:01 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Its Impact on Faith
3:48 Spiritual Awakening and Psychological Healing Through Therapy
5:45 Understanding Emotions Through Nuanced Language and the Emotions Wheel
8:02 Identifying Emotional Triggers Through Spiritual Discernment and Therapy
15:39 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Consolation in Daily Life
19:36 Awareness and Vigilance in Spiritual and Psychological Desolation
29:07 Understanding Desolation and Strategies for Spiritual Discernment
Key Takeaways:
Discover the joy, peace, and clarity of spiritual consolation as we unpack Ignatius’ Rule 3 and its life-changing impact.
Resources Mentioned in this series:
Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits
Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits
Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits
Timestamp Summary:
0:00 Understanding Consolation in Spiritual Warfare and Discernment
4:15 From Anti-Catholicism to Embracing Marian Devotion
5:25 A Cleansing Sorrow and Spiritual Liberation
9:52 Understanding Consolation and Desolation in Everyday Life
12:12 Emotional Reflections on the Passion of Christ
14:04 Understanding Consolation and Desolation in Spiritual Discernment
Key Takeaways: