In this interview, Matt sits down with the one and only Fr. Mike Schmitz. The conversation focuses on accepting who God made you to be — as it relates to getting older, detachment (even from good things), anxiety, fatherhood, the spiritual life and more.

Also discussed is fitness, the rising interest in Catholicism among young people today, Gen Z vs. Millennials, why Fr. Mike loves being a priest, the impact of Bible in a Year, God's love, grief, Fr. Mike's podcast, and the beauty or religious orders.

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00:00:00 – Introduction and Matt's book
00:03:01 – The challenges and spiritual value of getting older
00:15:16 – Why are Gen Z and Gen Alpha different?
00:23:00 – Are young men becoming more interested in Catholicism?
00:32:52 – Wokeism
00:38:10 – Fr. Mike's early struggles with Catholicism
00:44:52 – How to talk to people the right way
00:50:32 – How Fr. Mike embraced the Church's sexual teachings
01:01:02 – Priestly celibacy and the challenges of being a priest
01:10:18 – Being introverted and dealing with fame
01:25:59 – Fr. Mike's most popular video and Bible in a Year
01:37:16 – Ministering to new Catholics and dealing with discouragement
01:51:05 – Fr. Mike's dating and marriage advice
02:01:28 – Matt loves 2025
02:05:53 – The danger of comparing yourself to others
02:09:13 – Confession and developing a stronger prayer life
02:21:40 – Spiritual reading recommendations
02:28:43 – Questions from viewers and closing remarks

Accepting Who God Made You to Be (Fr. Mike Schmitz) | Ep. 549

Pints With Aquinas