Avoiding Babylon was started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult and dark days, when most of us were isolated from family, friends, our parishes, and even the Sacraments themselves, this channel was started as a statement of standing against the tyrannical mandates that many of us were living under. Since those early days, this channel has morphed into an amazing community of friends…no…more than friends…Christian brothers and sisters…who have grown in joy and charity.
As we see it, our job here at Avoiding Babylon is to remind ourselves and those who enjoy the channel that being Catholic is a joyful and exciting experience. We seek true Catholic fraternity and eutrapelia with other Catholics who, like us, are doing their best to live out their vocation with the help of God’s Grace. Above all, we try to bring humor and joy to the craziness of this fallen world, for as Hillaire Belloc has famously said:
“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,
There’s always laughter and good red wine.
At least I’ve always found it so.
Benedicamus Domino!”
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A flooded basement, a dead furnace, and three kids shivering through a New York winter. We start with a human story and a fundraiser that turned into a lesson in Christian charity—how a community can change a family’s life overnight. Then we pivot into one of the most charged theological conversations of the moment: Scott Hahn’s interview with Gavin Ashenden and the fault lines it exposed.
We unpack why Hahn refused to let the conversation stall at labels, and instead zeroed in on a deeper danger: bicovenantalism. Is it anti-Semitic to critique Zionism? Hahn says no—and shows why conflating political critique with hatred is lazy and misleading. Walking through Romans 9–11, he offers a vivid image: remaining within the Old Covenant without Christ is like living in a mansion on fire. That line reframes everything. We explore how Catholic liturgy—altar, priest, sacrifice—fulfills biblical worship, while post-70 AD rabbinic Judaism marks a real discontinuity from temple-centered Israel. Along the way, Augustine and Aquinas remind us why the preservation of the Jewish people is providential and prophetic, pointing toward a future conversion near the eschaton.
The conversation broadens with clips of Benjamin Netanyahu invoking “Jews against Rome” and calling the United States the “new Rome.” We connect that to the Church Fathers on the “restrainer,” the unraveling of Christendom, and how propaganda pressures Catholics to fall silent. The challenge is clear: resist panic labels, reject hatred, speak truth, and stay rooted in doctrine. We close with a heartfelt letter from a 27-year-old father discerning Catholicism while priced out of housing and ignored by leadership. It’s a sobering snapshot of the moment—and a call for the Church to engage young men with honesty and hope.
If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations that don’t dodge the hard questions, and leave a review with your takeaways. Your voice helps others find these talks.
The ground beneath Catholic life is moving: a diocese weighs merger, a flagship university faces succession questions, and a younger right is quietly mastering the mechanics of power. We open with Steubenville’s crossroads and the outsized influence of charismatic figures like Scott Hahn—how donor gravity, faculty recruitment, and reputation hinge on personalities, and what happens when those anchors age out. That sparks a bigger question we can’t dodge: can Catholic institutions renew themselves without a clear plan for leadership and community stability?
From there we zoom out to the media and political ecosystem. Critics warn about Groypers infiltrating DC, but miss what makes the movement resilient: a culture of praxis that turns talking points into step‑by‑step action. We unpack the generational clash as older voices lean on moral alarm while younger Catholics ask for mentorship, not gatekeeping. The real divide forming isn’t over liturgy; it’s over whether we keep outsourcing our hopes to a spent conservative order or build policy around Catholic social teaching—curbing usury, strengthening families, and defending place over “just move.”
We don’t sanitize hard topics or excuse reckless behavior. We insist on charity as a boundary, reject dehumanization, and argue that serious strategy beats viral outrage. If the old guard wants relevance, it must confront the debt, housing, and wage realities that make Gen Z cynical. If the young right wants durability, it must build institutions and habits that outlast personalities. Between these paths lies a rare chance to renew Catholic witness in public life.
Subscribe for future episodes, share this one with a friend who cares about the Church’s future, and leave a review with your take: is the next Catholic fault line already here?
Warning: Some F-Bombs were dropped in this section
Start with a careful read of the room: families are stretched thin, culture is noisy, and the heart still aches for God. We sat down and opened a fresh Church document on charity and the poor, then asked a hard question—why does the guidance we hear so often miss the pain points we face each week? Caring for the poor is essential; the Beatitudes aren’t optional. But parents are also navigating social media modesty battles, identity confusion, and a five-hour Sunday just to reach the sacraments. Where is the pastoral help that speaks to those fires?
We dig into the difference between moral teaching and prudential policy, especially around immigration. Compassion matters, and human dignity isn’t up for debate. Yet the on-the-ground strain—parish distance, stretched budgets, cultural fragmentation—rarely earns direct acknowledgment. We argue for a both/and: real charity and a realistic defense of community life, parish stability, and the spiritual formation of children. That requires leaders who will name the demons of our moment—pornography, contempt, factionalism, and despair—along with the corporal needs we already know by heart.
Along the way, we wrestle with our own tone. Social media rewards scorn, but the Gospel commands love of the person in front of us—even when we disagree. We talk about reverence for the Eucharist, when not to receive, and how to keep Sundays from souring into resentment for teens. Underneath it all is a plea for shepherds to meet spiritual hunger with supernatural hope: clear teaching, reachable sacraments, and courage that transcends politics.
If this resonates—if you’ve felt unseen while trying to hold your family together in a loud age—press play. Then tell us what help you most need from your parish and your leaders. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s on the same road, and leave a review so more families can find the conversation.
What happens when Catholic content creators remove their masks and speak from the heart? In this revealing members-only conversation, we explore the messy reality behind Catholic media partnerships and the profound spiritual journeys that unfold behind the scenes.
The discussion opens unexpected doors as Nick shares his aspirations to potentially run for governor of Texas one day, prompting a candid conversation about balancing public Catholic commentary with future political ambitions. This leads to thoughtful reflection on when to speak boldly and when restraint might be the wiser path.
Most powerfully, a raw testimony emerges about personal transformation through unexpected means. "This show saved me from drug addiction," one host reveals, explaining how the commitment to regular broadcasting became God's instrument for maintaining sobriety and spiritual growth. "I haven't had a slip-up in three years... not one," he shares, attributing this directly to the grace that flowed through this ministry.
Perhaps most revealing is the honest account of a controversy that nearly destroyed the podcast entirely. The hosts recount how a disagreement about co-sleeping spiraled into such tension that they continued broadcasting for months while barely speaking off-air. This story of conflict and eventual reconciliation demonstrates the real human relationships behind Catholic media—complete with hurt feelings, harsh words, and the beautiful mess of forgiveness.
Throughout the conversation runs a thread of genuine friendship, spiritual growth, and commitment to serving others through content that matters. As Catholic media continues to expand, this behind-the-scenes look reminds us that authentic discipleship happens not on perfect platforms but in the crucible of real relationship.
Halfway through our Lenten journey, we encounter perhaps the most challenging spiritual practice of all - forgiveness. Drawing from Luke's Gospel where Jesus heals the sick with his touch, we explore how Christ serves as the divine physician for our spiritually ailing souls. Just as he prescribes humility for pride and meekness for anger, Jesus offers us healing – but with an important condition.
The key to receiving divine healing lies in our willingness to "forgive from the bottom of our heart all offenses we have received." This echoes the Lord's Prayer where we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. The spiritual mathematics is simple yet profound: the measure we use for others will be used for us. This creates urgency to uproot all animosity, resentment, and bitterness before they harden our hearts beyond repair.
Modern life has made forgiveness increasingly optional. Unlike our ancestors who lived in interdependent communities where reconciliation was necessary for survival, we can easily avoid those who've wronged us. We purchase goods from anonymous sources and maintain superficial relationships that never require the vulnerability of true forgiveness. But this convenience comes at a steep spiritual cost. Perhaps even harder than forgiving others is asking for forgiveness - our pride often prevents us from admitting wrongdoing, causing us to become defensive rather than humble. As St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, "Nothing pleases God without charity," especially when we acknowledge our shortcomings and reconcile with our neighbors. Will you join me in praying for those who've hurt us, learning to ask forgiveness sincerely, welcoming others' requests for reconciliation, and preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts?
What happens when those meant to guide us spiritually become sources of our deepest wounds? Today's powerful Lenten reflection tackles the challenge of maintaining goodwill when facing disappointment within the Church itself.
Beginning with the Gospel account of the Pharisees challenging Jesus about handwashing, we explore the timeless problem of religious hypocrisy – honoring God with lips while harboring corrupt hearts. Jesus' rebuke echoes through centuries, speaking directly to our modern struggles with institutional faith.
The meditation candidly acknowledges the pain many traditional Catholics experience: "We're spiritually abused children of the church." This raw honesty frames the central struggle – how to remain joyful in faith when those who should nourish it seem to undermine it instead. Unlike martyrs facing brief but intense persecution with heaven clearly in view, today's faithful endure what feels like an endless tunnel of disappointment without knowing if or when conditions might improve.
Yet within this struggle lies our spiritual challenge: maintaining magnanimity and eutrapelia (good humor) despite circumstances that naturally breed bitterness. The reflection offers practical resolutions for combating ill will: focusing on goodness rather than flaws, struggling against despair by celebrating whatever good remains, bringing pleasantness to our environments, and avoiding hasty judgments.
Most powerfully, we're reminded that the Church, though currently "sick," remains Christ's bride and body. Our response to this sickness should not be bitterness but hopeful perseverance. As we approach the halfway point of Lent, consider how you might cultivate goodwill even when facing spiritual disappointment. Can you find joy in your faith today, especially in the places where it seems most difficult?
Is modern Catholicism failing young men? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we tackle the controversial topic of gynocentric Catholicism and why increasing numbers of young men feel alienated from religious spaces.
The catalyst for our discussion was a viral photo of Catholic influencers that sparked debate about representation, masculinity, and the "optics" of Catholic content creation. While we're careful not to attack individuals, we explore the crucial broader conversation: why do many young Catholic men feel that mainstream Catholic content doesn't speak to them?
We dive fearlessly into topics often considered taboo in polite Catholic circles: the feminist influences that have seeped into Catholic messaging, the diminishment of male leadership, and the reluctance to address women's responsibilities in marriage while freely discussing men's duties. This imbalance creates a vacuum that figures like Andrew Tate exploit by offering a distorted version of masculine identity.
Our guests Josiah and Mike Pantile bring powerful insights about what young men are seeking in authentic Catholic teaching. They highlight the importance of presenting Catholicism as compatible with natural masculine virtues - strength, protection, leadership - while rejecting both toxic masculinity and effeminate Christianity.
Perhaps most valuably, we discuss practical solutions: how men can reclaim their role as spiritual leaders in their homes, set appropriate boundaries, mentor younger men, and present a compelling alternative to both secular culture and hyper-traditionalism.
This conversation isn't about turning back the clock or diminishing women's dignity. Rather, it's about restoring balance and presenting the fullness of Catholic teaching on gender complementarity in a world desperately seeking authentic models of masculinity and femininity. If you're concerned about the future of faith among young men, this episode offers uncomfortable truths and hopeful pathways forward.
The Sacred Heart begins to beat. The Word becomes flesh. Heaven touches earth in the womb of a virgin. The Annunciation marks that singular moment when God's redemptive plan dramatically unfolds through Mary's simple yet profound "yes."
Today's meditation focuses on Mary's fiat—"Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word"—exploring how her lifelong habit of faithfulness prepared her for this cosmos-altering moment. We discover that sanctification hinges not on grand gestures but on consistent fidelity to grace in life's smallest details. As Saint Bernadette reminds us, whatever trials or sacrifices God may ask, we're called to respond with Mary's loving surrender.
The true marvel emerges when we explore the Golden Legend's revelation about March 25th throughout salvation history. This single date witnesses Adam's creation and fall, Cain's murder of Abel, Melchizedek's offering, Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac, John the Baptist's beheading, and according to tradition, Christ's crucifixion. J.R.R. Tolkien, recognizing this profound pattern, deliberately chose March 25th for the Ring's destruction in his epic mythology. This cosmic symmetry—where humanity's beginning, fall, and redemption align on a single date—reveals God's meticulous authorship of salvation.
How might your daily "yeses" transform your spiritual journey? Join us in celebrating this extraordinary feast by attending Mass if possible, praying the Angelus at noon and 6pm, and perhaps substituting today's Rosary with the Joyful Mysteries in honor of this momentous event when divinity clothed itself in humanity, setting in motion our redemption.
What happens when pride confronts the simplicity of God's healing? The ancient story of Naaman washing in the Jordan River provides a powerful metaphor for our Lenten journey and approach to confession.
We're approaching the halfway mark of Lent, and today's reflection invites us into a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Penance through the lens of Naaman's healing. This Syrian general, accustomed to honor and recognition, initially rejected the prophet's simple instruction to wash in the Jordan seven times. His indignation mirrors our own resistance to spiritual practices that seem too humble to bring transformation. Yet when he finally submitted, complete healing followed.
This narrative brilliantly illuminates how we should approach confession – not with reluctance or skepticism, but with the faith St. John Vianney describes as recognizing "God present in the priest," the hope that believes in God's pardoning grace, and the charity that places in our hearts regret for having offended divine love. The daily examination of conscience becomes our practical tool for preparation, helping us identify patterns that reveal the shape of our soul and highlighting areas needing correction.
As St. Padre Pio reminds us, the Lord awaits us with "infinite tenderness" in the Sacrament of Penance. If your Lenten practices have faltered, now is the perfect moment to renew your commitment. Incorporate a nightly examination into your routine, work against your predominant fault, and approach confession with humility. The healing waters of God's mercy are waiting – will you step in?
The battle against impurity might be the most crucial spiritual struggle of our time. In this Lenten reflection, we explore what St. Gregory the Great called "the most common cause of man's damnation" – the devil of impurity that seeks to transform souls from spiritual beings into carnal ones, degrading human dignity below even that of animals.
When children as young as eight are being exposed to pornography, we must recognize the urgency of this fight. The beatitude "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God" reminds us what's at stake – our very capacity to encounter the divine. Through practical wisdom from tradition and modern application, this reflection offers a roadmap for maintaining purity in a world designed to compromise it.
The sacraments provide our strongest defense – Confession heals wounds already inflicted while the Eucharist strengthens our spiritual immune system against future attacks. Yet the enemy is clever, using shame to keep us from confession while removing it during the act of sin itself. We must be "ashamed of the sin, but not of admitting the sin."
Beyond supernatural means, practical strategies matter: implementing technological safeguards, carefully selecting media, avoiding occasions of sin, practicing custody of the eyes, and eliminating idleness – "the mother of all vices." The battle begins not in society but in our own hearts and homes, creating environments where innocence can flourish and virtue is celebrated.
Join us this Lent in recommitting to purity of heart. Share your own strategies for maintaining dignity in a challenging world, and remember that this fight isn't about prudishness but about preserving our capacity to see God clearly, both in this life and the next.
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