THE FIREBRAND DISPATCH
In this edition I’m bringing you a couple of new articles a new powerhouse episode of Fire Branded. Also a special announcement of a new spirituality podcast I’m starting this week, and an update on the newly remodeled Discord community.
Contents
THE ESSENTIALS
ARTICLES AND BONUS AUDIO
THE ‘PRECIOUS’ WISDOM IN LORD OF THE RINGS
LOTR is Catholic. More than most people realize. Here are six epic quotes, and the Catholic wisdom they each echo. I also talk about my belief in ‘muses’ and how they influence human creativity (as per St. Thomas Aquinas)
ARTICLE AND VIDEO CLIP
TRUE WORSHIP
THIS IS NOT the same article that I emailed to you last week, it’s different. Thoughts on St. John Chrysostom's Commentary on the Gospel of John. What is true worship and how does it differ from worship “types”? Essential reading for every Catholic, and you’ll only get material like this from Stoking the Embers—the crown jewel of my publication.
SHORT PODCAST
GUARD YOUR IMAGINATION!
This is bonus content! Extending my essay, ‘Live in the Spirit, Not the Flesh,’ I emphasize the crucial role of guarding your thoughts and even your imagination from the devil. In this Afterthoughts session (for paid StE members, but I’m sharing it with you for free), I warn listeners to be cautious of imaginary doomsday scenarios because the devil can manipulate those thoughts and images as material to prompt the person to actions ranging from mildly to greatly irrational, and even to the sinful.
FEATURED PODCAST
CATHOLIC ATTITUDE!
Your Catholic faith may be orthodox… but your attitude can still send you in the wrong direction. A strong Catholic attitude is not optional. It determines the kind of disciple you become—and where your spiritual life is actually going. In this Firebranded episode, we explore the essential components of a true Catholic disposition: humility, obedience to God and His Church, unity—not division—and a love that actually acts.
LISTEN AT STOKING THE EMBERS →
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Watch on YouTube
(Fire Branded is carried on most other podcast apps/networks too)
2.5. minute highlight reel.
Video may not display in email app View in a browswer
NIGHT WATCH - A NEW PODCAST
Night Watch is a Catholic podcast for those who choose to stay awake in a world that is spiritually asleep. Each episode offers quiet formation through Scripture, reflection on spiritual warfare, and sober consideration of the signs of the times. This is not a space for outrage or speculation, but for clear-minded vigilance, disciplined faith, and watchful fidelity—keeping the soul steady, the mind formed, and the eyes open in the dark hours.
The day is long spent. But let us keep watch.
THE DETAILS
This will be experimental as I iron out the wrinkles, see what works, and determine the audience interest. It’ll a brief podcast (about 30 minutes) and stream live to YouTube. I don’t yet know what consistent weeknights I can do this live stream so be sure to subscribe to my YT to be notified as these live streams are scheduled. Live streamed to YouTube and Stoking the Embers on Substack.
DISCORD UPDATE
LEARN, GROW, HANG OUT
I’ve “remodeled” the Firebrand Forum to make it more engaging, better organized, and to give members more room to learn, to converse and share, and to grow. So here’s the lowdown!
DON’T feel overwhelmed by the numerous categories and channels. The channels are intuitive, and you can click/tap on the categories to open and collapse the channel lists within them.
The Chanels have been organized into categories. They include apologetics training, bible study (Scripture Sessions), “The Studio” for episode chat sessions, after-episode gatherings. “The Study” for learning from the Church Fathers. Prayer requests in “The Chapel” and more. It’s more than just chatting, it’s about learning, growing, and being part of a community of Catholic brethren. It’s about all of us, each of us, together.
It’s a great place to hang out, learn and grow. But it’d be better with you there.
Until next time,
