Looking at the Government Shutdown Through a Christian Lens

SummaryIn this Seeking Excellence episode, Nathan Crankfield explores the complexities of social safety nets, particularly focusing on the principles of subsidiarity and personal responsibility. He discusses the debate surrounding welfare programs like SNAP and EBT, emphasizing the need for a philosophical understanding of societal structures. The conversation also touches on the implications of JD Vance's views on the order of love and the ethical considerations of welfare distribution.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Understanding Subsidiarity02:17 The Debate on Social Safety Nets07:04 Philosophy and Theology in Social Issues11:00 Where Our Tax Dollars Are Going15:00 Liberal Christians on The Order of Love20:00 Why Do We Keep Appeasing Liberal Boomer Catholics?25:00 The Problem With SNAP and EBT30:46 How It Relates to the ShutdownIf you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the financial mindset and practical strategies for making wise financial decisions, particularly in the context of buying a home and a car. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting, living below one's means, and the balance between conservative and aggressive financial strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of generosity and long-term planning, encouraging listeners to choose hope and optimism in their financial journeys.Chapters00:00 Introduction04:43 Why Budgeting Matters08:40 Navigating Financial Extremes11:22 Should We Take Ramsey's Advice?15:21 Count The Costs20:55 Do I Really Need The Nicest Car?24:20 Balancing Family Needs and Tithing29:03 Living On Base Salary Alone 33:51 Seeking Financial ExcellenceIf you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

In this conversation, Nathan Crankfield discusses the value and impact of stay-at-home parenting, challenging common perceptions and statistics surrounding the economic worth of stay-at-home parents. He emphasizes the importance of parental presence in child development, the hidden benefits of leisure time for families, and the true worth of motherhood beyond financial metrics. Crankfield encourages families to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances rather than societal pressures or inflated statistics.Nathan's Lila Rose reaction video: https://youtu.be/J7viY4R35AY?si=t07acAlL_23y8m7aChapters00:00Introduction03:41My Initial Response to the Video06:20Nobody Really Outsources These Things09:20Let's Flip This Issue on its Head12:10Parent's Aren't Interchangeable16:10We Agree, Motherhood is Good19:55The Biggest Benefit of Staying Home23:26Motherhood is a Beautiful Vocation27:10What Scripture Says About The Ideal WomanIf you enjoyed this content, please like this video, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Find exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

Find Dr. Dan Schneider's books from TAN here: https://tanbooks.com/search?tanbooks%5Bquery%5D=dan%20schneider^^Use code NATHAN15 for 15% off your order at TAN books^^Discover exclusive Seeking Excellence content as a Locals member!https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/In this episode of the Seeking Excellence Podcast, Nathan Crankfield interviews Dr. Dan Schneider, a military veteran and expert in spiritual warfare. They discuss Dr. Schneider's journey from military service to his role in the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of authority, masculinity, and virtue in both spiritual and familial contexts. The conversation highlights the critical role of the laity in the Church and the necessity of spiritual fitness for men. Dr. Schneider shares insights on the power of the priesthood and the need for order in family life, concluding with a call to action for men to embrace their responsibilities as leaders and protectors.Chapters08:43 The Call to Spiritual Combat: Understanding Exorcism14:04 Conversion Experiences: The Path to Faith19:58 Spiritual Warfare: The Rules of Engagement25:47 The Masculine Call: Embracing the Warrior Spirit38:08 The Importance of Spiritual Fitness45:54 Understanding Masculinity and Fatherhood50:23 The Role of the Laity in Evangelization57:21 The Power of the Priesthood01:01:17 The Importance of Family and Order01:11:44 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Community Engagement01:13:08 Encouragement for Personal Growth and ExcellenceIf you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_

Learn more about the Seeking Excellence coaching programs at the link below! https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1In this episode, Nathan Crankfield discusses the societal perception of parenthood as a financial burden, contrasting it with the rising trend of pet ownership as an alternative.He critiques the misleading narratives surrounding the costs of raising children, emphasizing the importance of mindset and faith in making family decisions. Nathan argues for the fulfillment that comes from parenthood and encourages listeners to embrace responsibility and trust in God's providence when it comes to family planning.Chapters00:00 The Cost of Parenthood vs. Pet Ownership02:48 Debunking the Myths of Child-Rearing Costs14:39 Mindset and the Choice of Parenthood24:55 Faith and the Call to Parenthood32:04 Embracing Responsibility and Trusting in Providence

Learn more about The Excellent Life Program and other coaching opportunities at https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Father Chase Hilgenbrinck explore the themes of resilience, strength, and the challenges faced by the current generation of young men. They discuss the importance of meaningful relationships, the reality of loneliness, and the dual mindset of practical and theological approaches to suffering. Father Chase emphasizes the significance of obedience, accountability, and self-awareness in personal growth, while also highlighting the joy of serving others and the need for holy indifference in navigating life's challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on perseverance and the balance between intimacy and strength in faith.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Father Chase Hilgenbrinck06:58 Understanding the Current Generation of Young Men09:59 The Pursuit of Happiness in Modern Life12:41 Intentional Living and Building Relationships15:34 Facing Adversity and Suffering20:48 The Role of Friendship in the Priesthood23:43 Loneliness and Leadership in the Priesthood32:14 The Balance of Vocation and Life Challenges35:02 The Importance of Obedience in Our Lives40:07 The Virtue of Obedience and Its Challenges43:16 Holy Indifference and Managing Emotions46:42 Self-Awareness and Growth in Virtue50:20 Perseverance in Faith Amidst Challenges56:16 Balancing Intimacy with God and the Call to Action

Buy Jesse's new book on Spiritual Warfare here: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/spiritual-warfare-q-and-a-for-priests-and-laity/ USE CODE NATHAN15 FOR 15% OFF ANYTHING AT TANBOOKS.COM Subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@seekingexcellence_In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Jesse Romero delve into the themes of spiritual warfare, the impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination, and the nature of evil. They discuss the importance of authority within the Church, the role of laypeople, and the necessity of evangelization in combating ignorance. The conversation also touches on the reality of hell and the theological implications of the Charismatic Renewal. Jesse emphasizes the need for resources to guide Catholics in understanding spiritual warfare and the tools available to them.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome04:11 Spiritual Warfare and Cultural Impact08:47 Understanding Evil: Brainwashing vs. Choice13:48 The Role of Truth in Wickedness19:36 Charlie Kirk's Faith Journey24:56 Demonic Affliction and Spiritual Warfare30:13 The Concept of Invincible Ignorance32:45 The Importance of Evangelization37:40 The Role of Evangelization in the Church41:05 The Reality of Hell and Salvation45:01 The Balance of Authority in the Church53:52 Confronting Evil Within Ourselves

Learn more about how Nathan can help you grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially in 2026! https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1 Learn more about the psychology programs run by Dr. Anthony Isacco at St. Mary's University of Minnesota here: https://www.smumn.edu/m-s-in-clinical-psychology/https://catalog.smumn.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=45&poid=6516&returnto=2196In this episode of the Seeking Excellence podcast, host Nathan Crankfield engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Anthony Isacco from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. They delve into the intersection of psychology and faith, exploring how mental health can be enriched by spiritual understanding. Dr. Isacco shares insights on the importance of integrating Catholic teachings with psychological practices, the balance between faith and mental health, and the unique approach of St. Mary's new clinical psychology program. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a virtuous life by harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Anthony Isacco06:28 The Balance of Faith and Mental Health12:34 Recognizing When to Seek Help18:23 The Impact of Physical Health on Mental Well-being24:13 Behavioral Momentum: Building Healthy Habits31:44 The Importance of Action in Health36:24 Navigating Mental Health Stigmas Across Generations41:22 Understanding the Role of Therapy47:37 The Balance of Professional Ethics in Therapy50:53 Innovations in Mental Health Education

In this episode of the Seeking Excellence podcast, Nathan Crankfield reflects on the recent tragic events surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination and draws parallels with the death of George Floyd. He discusses the societal reactions to both incidents, emphasizing the need for courage in faith and the dangers of social media misinformation. Nathan urges listeners to avoid hatred and cowardice, advocating for a life rooted in truth and purpose, while recognizing the challenges faced by those who stand firm in their beliefs.Chapters00:00 Reflections on the Charlie Kirk Situation05:03 Contrasting Responses to Death: George Floyd vs. Charlie Kirk11:17 The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions19:44 Avoiding Hatred and Cowardice in Times of Crisis25:19 The Call for Courage in Faith32:03 Living a Life of Purpose and Integrity

Yesterday, we lost a legend in the Christian movement in our country and world.Charlie was a great force for good.We remain here on earth to continue fighting the same mission - advancing truth, beauty, and goodness against the evil forces who work against us.I encourage you to battle the temptation to hate or become cowardly in the face of hate. More than ever, we need love and courage to guide our words and actions.