The Struggling Catholic

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The Struggling Catholic is about encountering God in the complexity and trials of daily life. Together, we will explore what it means to overcome and persevere through life's greatest challenges.

Alex Lambis


    • Jun 2, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES

    4.8 from 33 ratings Listeners of The Struggling Catholic that love the show mention: consoling, grit, religion, alex, insightful, amazing, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Struggling Catholic podcast is a gem in the world of Catholic resources, providing insightful and informative discussions about the things that truly matter. One aspect that sets this podcast apart is its ability to strike a balance between emphasizing spiritual realities and addressing physical and psychological aspects. All too often, Catholic resources focus solely on the spiritual aspect, neglecting the real-world struggles and challenges faced by individuals. Conversely, secular resources often disregard or downplay the importance of spirituality. The Struggling Catholic podcast manages to bridge this gap, offering a comprehensive approach to faith and life.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its prayerful and introspective nature. Listeners can expect deep, insightful, and consoling words that resonate with their own experiences. The discussions are thought-provoking and provide both intellectual stimulation and emotional comfort. The host, Alex, is commended for his genuineness as he shares his own struggles with honesty, demonstrating how God can bring beauty out of difficult situations. This authenticity creates an atmosphere of relatability and fosters a sense of community among listeners.

    Furthermore, The Struggling Catholic covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to both mindset and religion. Listeners can look forward to episodes delving into themes such as grit, determination, never giving up, and discerning God's will in our lives. Through Alex's personal experiences and the perspectives shared by his guests, there is much wisdom to be gained from each episode.

    If there were any critique to offer about this podcast, it would be that at times it may feel slightly one-sided in terms of its target audience. While it presents itself as being welcoming to all listeners regardless of their religious background or beliefs, some non-Catholic listeners may find certain episodes more difficult to connect with due to the heavy emphasis on Catholicism.

    In conclusion, The Struggling Catholic podcast is a refreshing addition to the world of spiritual podcasts. With its insightful and informative discussions, it strikes a necessary balance between spiritual and physical/psychological realities. Alex's genuine approach, coupled with the prayerful nature of the discussions, creates an enlightening and comforting atmosphere for listeners. The range of topics covered ensures that there is something to be gained by all who tune in. Overall, this podcast is a must-listen for those seeking a prayerful discussion that delves into the depths of faith and life.



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    Latest episodes from The Struggling Catholic

    What to Do When You Want to Give Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 25:42


    In this episode Alex talks about going through seasons of discouragement and finding hope in God. 

    BONUS EPISODE: Dealing with Stress w/ Peter Santiago

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 54:17


    In this episode, Alex sits down with friend, Peter Santiago to talk about stress and finding God in the midst of it.

    BONUS Episode: Let's Talk Politics and Religion with Nathan Crankfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 64:17


    In this episode, I speak with speaker Nathan Crankfield about all things politics and religion from COVID to Biden to prayer. 

    Community and Belonging w/ Eden Invitation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 35:38


    In this episode, Alex speaks with Anna Carter of Eden Invitation about the importance of community and taking initiative to invest in friendships. 

    Breaking Generational Chains w/ Kiki Rocha

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 55:50


    In this episode, Alex talks with guest Kiki Rocha about confronting traumatic chains and seeking healing in God. 

    Overcoming Depression w/ Rachel Wong

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 59:38


    In this episode, I talk with Rachel Wong about her experiences with depression.

    Brotherhood & Fraternity w/ Dustin Bertrand and Stephen Caruso

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2021 61:50


    In this episode, Alex talks with guests Dustin Bertrand and Stephen Caruso about the strong impact that brotherhood has had on their lives and how it builds up men. 

    Love and Discipline w/ Dakota Lane

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 67:46


    In this podcast episode, Alex's discusses with personal trainer Dakota Lane how love and discipline go hand in hand. 

    CrossFit and Catholicism Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 42:47


    Alex continues his conversation with Fr. Dan Molochko and Arleen about connecting the faith with CrossFit. 

    CrossFit and Catholicism (Part 1) w/ Fr. Daniel Molochko and Arleen Spenceley

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 45:47


    In this episode, Fr. Dan Molochko and Arleen Spenceley discuss the unique intersection of CrossFit and Catholicism and what the Church can learn from the world of CrossFit. 

    Perseverance w/ Kramer Soderberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 67:08


    In this episode, Alex talks about withstanding trial and discouragement through the virtue of perseverance with guest, Kramer Soderberg.

    Awkward and Embarrassing Moments w/ Gabby Ospina

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 48:35


    In this episode, Alex sits down with co-host/guest Gabby Ospina to talk about seeing God and dealing with the frustrations of embarrassing/awkward moments. 

    Earth is Ghetto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 30:36


    In this episode, Alex talks about navigating the turmoil and complexity of the world and our personal lives. He draws insight from current events, struggles, and scripture to illuminate the truth that despite the fallen state of the world, God still reigns. 

    Relationships and Dating w/ Arleen Spenceley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 67:52


    In this episode, Alex chats with Arleen Spenceley about navigating the complexities of relationships and dating and trusting God in the process. 

    Life is Beautiful w/ Rocio Esther

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 65:55


    In this episode, Alex speaks with Rocio Esther about the beauty of life and how God imbues meaning from our existence. This episode was produced by Ashley Jones.

    Paciencia y Fe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 18:04


    In this episode, Alex talks about cultivating the virtues of faith and patience throughout our earthly pilgrimage. 

    Accountability w/ Chase Crouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 59:48


    In this podcast, Alex interviews the founder and director of Hypurofit, Chase Crouse. They talk about ways to grow in the virtue of humility and the importance of creating community and accountability as disciples.  Don't forget to check out Chase's podcast "Catholic with Bibles" available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

    I am Beloved w/ Rachel Bulman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 49:45


    In this episode, I sit down with speaker and writer Rachel Bulman and discuss our primal identity as being the beloved of God. 

    Loneliness w/ Dr. Mario Sacasa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 71:47


    In this episode, Alex chats with therapist Dr. Mario Sacasa about the effects of loneliness on our overall health and well being.  They also discuss ways to find connection with others and seek further accompaniment though life's struggles. 

    loneliness mario sacasa
    Bonus Episode: The Struggles of Religion in a Modern World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 57:01


    Alex drops in as a guest in "This Shit is Real", a podcast hosted by Ali Jaffer and Julio Rivera to discuss his pursuit of religion and faith in the modern world. 

    Roe, Wade, & Hyde: Unveiling the Truth with Democrats for Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 73:27


    Xavier Bisits, Vice President of Democrats for Life and Ashley Jones, Financial and Marketing Strategist of Democrats for Life unveil the truth behind the pro-life position by tackling the science and sharing holistic public policies that are essential to creating a culture of life.  Xavier and Ashley discuss controversial topics such as what is the legal precedent behind Roe v. Wade, what is the Hyde Amendment; the abortion lobby's hold on the DNC; and opportunities for hope and healing to post-abortive women.  Check out DFLA's membership page at: https://support.democratsforlife.org/dfla-membership

    Longing & Desire w/ Bill Donaghy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 76:13


    In this episode, Alex talks with guest Bill Donaghy about desire and how it relates to the human experience, pop culture, prayer, and God. 

    The Pursuit of Excellence w/ Vaughn Kohler

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 68:16


    In this episode, Alex speaks with Vaughn Kohler about excellence, discipline, and working for God. 

    Nunc Coepi "Now I Begin"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 30:46


    In this episode Alex talks about his struggles with depression and how abiding and hoping in God leads to healing and new paths. 

    Season 1 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 11:17


    Just a brief wrap up of all of the best moments from season 1! 

    Episode 22 - I Got Corona: Lockdowns, Vaccines, and What's Next

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 30:17


    In the season finale, Alex discusses his experience of testing positive for corona virus, what it was like being in quarantine, and his take on vaccines and lockdowns. 

    Episode 21 - 2020: An Unlikely Space for Courage and Generosity to Grow w/ Ashley Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 72:02


    Ashley, a finance/business consultant shares her journey of learning the virtues of courage and generosity during 2020.  She shares with us the spirit of the Catholic Social teaching, which calls humanity to support life from womb to tomb, to cherish and respect our environment, to welcome the immigrant, to support the dignity of the worker - and, to give our talents, time, and money to implementing these values in society. We discuss all the good that has happened in 2020 and some organizations that we can support to make our world a more loving, more human space.

    Episode 20 - Commitment w/ Stephen Caruso, Nathan Crankfield, and Leo Gallegos

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 77:32


    In this episode Alex speaks with Stephen Caruso, Nathan Crankfield, and Leo Gallegos about commitment and the role it play in authentic masculinity.

    Episode 19 - Uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 13:21


    In this episode, Alex discusses how uncertainty can invite us into a stronger relationship with God and how we can confront fear in the midst of it. 

    Episode 18 - The Struggles of Leaving Seminary

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 34:10


    In this episode, Alex discusses the many obstacles confronted from those who step out into the world after leaving seminary/religious life. 

    Episode 17- Beauty will Save the World w/ Kate Capato

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 67:01


    In this episode Alex chats with artist, Kate Capato about the role beauty play in evangelization and restoring culture. 

    Episode 16 - Hope & Redemption w/ Daniel Boyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 65:05


    In this episode, Alex discusses how hope strengthens us in times of distress with guest, Daniel Boyd. 

    Episode 15 - French Fries, Corn Muffins, and Discouragement

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 30:05


    In this episode, Alex discusses the experience of desolation/discouragement and encountering Christ amidst our toxic coping mechanisms. 

    Episode 14 - Imperfection

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 20:48


    In this episode Alex discusses encountering God in our messiness and imperfections. He also discusses compassion and listening to the voice of God in our rough days. 

    Episode 13 - Living with Joy w/ Fr. Stephen Gadberry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 59:21


    In this episode, Alex speaks with Fr. Stephen Gadberry about being a Christian witness in the world. What does it mean to live with joy, and strive for virtue? Check it out! 

    Episode 12 - Money & Taking Risks w/ Janelle Lara

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 64:46


    In this episode Alex speaks with entrepreneur Janelle Lara about how money affects our personal/spiritual lives. 

    Episode 11 - Rigid AF

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 26:11


    In this episode, I talk about the rigid shortcomings of the Church and how it affects other people. 

    Episode 10 - The Gift of Empathy w/ Dr. Anurag Mani

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 68:48


    In this episode, Alex discusses the beauty of empathy and the vital role it plays in building connection and trust. 

    Episode 9 - Grief & Suffering w/ Leticia Ochoa Adams

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 48:27


    In this episode, I speak with speaker and writer, Leticia Ochoa Adams about her journey of grief and encountering God in suffering. 

    god suffering grief leticia ochoa adams
    Episode 8 - Friendship w/ Regina Boyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 50:10


    In this episode, Alex discusses the value and importance of friendship with mental heath counselor, Regina Boyd. 

    Episode 7 - Finding Peace in Chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 32:53


    In this episode, Alex discusses and shares stories of having peace in God in the midst of tragic and difficult circumstances. 

    Episode 6 - Love in the Time of Corona (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 37:11


    In the second part of this episode, Gabby and Cristian discuss how God lead them through their engagement and getting married in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. 

    Episode 6 - Love in the Time of Corona (Part 1) w/ Cristian and Gabriella Cardona

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 69:31


    In this episode, Alex speaks with Cristian and Gabby Cardona about the complexity and beauty of chastity, dating, and trusting God in their relationship. 

    Episode 5- Toxic Environments and Nonsense Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 21:13


    In this episode, Alex discusses how to identify unhealthy environments and being attentive to the needs of your body and soul during such times. 

    Episode 4 - Doing the Hard Things w/ Lindsey Mutchler

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 59:33


    In this episode, we talk with Athlete and Fitness/Nutrition Coach, Lindsey Mutchler about embracing difficulties and mental toughness. 

    Episode 3 - Prayer w/ Fr. Boniface Hicks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 55:56


    In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of prayer and vulnerability with God with Benedictine priest and monk, Fr. Boniface Hicks. 

    Episode 2 - Anxiety w/ Amy Roza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 54:06


    In this episode, Alex sits down with licensed mental health counselor,  Amy Roza, to talk about the crisis of stress and anxiety in our culture. 

    Episode 1 - When God Ruins Your Plans (My Story)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 53:42


    In this episode, Alex shares his story of leaving seminary and how God redeems traumatic situations. 

    Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2020 2:28


    Welcome to the Struggling Catholic! This is a brief introduction on the purpose and mission of the podcast. 

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