On Poverty and Virtue: Responding To My Critics

Read the Substack articles here: https://substack.com/@nathancrankfield/note/p-199741491?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=28sukc Want to support this ministry? Join us on Locals where you can become a paid member for as low as $10/month: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/landing/videoNathan Crankfield responds to criticism of his article on poverty and lays out a distinction he argues is often missed: material poverty is not a virtue, while detachment from riches and poverty in spirit are essential Christian callings. He connects that distinction to Scripture, the Catechism, and the different responsibilities of religious and lay people, especially husbands, fathers, and providers.He also responds to comments about the widow’s mite, the rich young man, the Good Samaritan, and the prodigal son. Nathan argues that these passages support generosity, sacrifice, and detachment without implying that most lay people should pursue destitution. His main point: money is morally neutral but practically powerful, and Christians should discern how to use it for the good of their families and neighbors.Timestamps00:00 - Opening the conversation and responding to criticism05:18 - Virtue, extremes, and why poverty is different07:12 - Poverty is not a virtue, but a universal call is09:34 - Material poverty and poverty in spirit13:43 - Vows of poverty versus the lay vocation16:06 - How travel reshaped Nathan’s view of poverty19:59 - Why avoidance is not the same as virtue22:45 - Why fathers should not subject their children to destitution23:13 - Money, family life, and providing for loved ones24:41 - Speaking to young men about ambition25:05 - Responding to comments about God, generosity, and the poor27:18 - The widow’s mite and giving until it hurts32:07 - The Good Samaritan and the power to help37:51 - The rich young man and religious life41:14 - James on action, widows, and orphans42:53 - Money, options, discernment, and stewardship

Join the Seeking Excellence Community on Locals! You can join for free or become a paid subscriber to support our work.Discipline, Parenting, and Raising a One in a Hundred KidNathan Crankfield talks with Dr. Ray about modern parenting pressure, why overthinking can make parents timid, and how clear discipline, consistent standards, and calm follow-through shape children over time. They focus on practical hot-button issues like sleep training, bedtime battles, spousal disagreement over discipline, spanking, diet, and adoption.Dr. Ray brings a psychologist’s perspective and speaks directly to the reality of raising kids in a culture that often second-guesses parents. The conversation is especially useful for faith-filled parents trying to balance warmth with authority without becoming permissive.Timestamps03:10 - Why “gentle parenting” often backfires in real homes06:40 - Bedtime battles and why sleep training becomes a family crisis16:24 - When moms and dads disagree about discipline25:56 - What happens when your disciplined child is the only one standing out32:02 - Why eye-rolling and contempt deserve consequences38:36 - Dr. Ray’s answer on spanking44:40 - The goal is not merely a civilized child, but a virtuous one48:47 - Why adoption should be a normal Catholic consideration56:04 - His latest book: Drama Free DisciplineBooks mentionedDiscipline That Lasts a Lifetime: Adoption, Should You, Could You, and Then What?: Drama Free Discipline

Check out the Substack here: https://nathancrankfield.substack.com/Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-crankfield/ Life update, discernment, and the future of the podcast!Nathan Crankfield returns to share a personal update, a reset after a long break from publishing, and the shape of Seeking Excellence going forward. He talks candidly about family news, work changes, mental health, and what he learned by stepping back to reassess his calling, habits, and pace of life.Timestamps00:00 - Returning after a long break and why this episode matters01:58 - Sixth anniversary of Seeking Excellence and why now felt like the right time to pause and reflect02:26 - Family news!03:49 - Career growth at Hallow and why work stability changed the need for a side hustle07:40 - The negativity fast and what it revealed about overload10:51 - The sacrifices required for a truly excellent life14:39 - Counseling, chiropractic care, and taking care of himself wisely21:19 - Closing thoughts, prayer request for Emily, and final encouragement

To learn more about coaching, visit here: https://www.seekingexcellence.us/Most Christians misunderstand the true purpose of wealth—and that misunderstanding can trap you in a life of financial struggle or misguided arrogance. Nathan Crankfield exposes how the modern obsession with poverty or prosperity isn't the Christian virtue it’s often claimed to be, but instead a balance rooted in love, stewardship, and purpose.In this compelling episode, Nathan rewires your perspective on money by breaking down the myth that humility or ambition alone define a virtuous life. You'll discover why true Christian wealth isn’t about accumulation or self-denial but about purposefully aligning your finances with your calling.We dive into the “virtue of the mean”, a concept from Aristotle through Aquinas, explaining how virtue with money exists in a healthy middle ground: provision as an act of love, not a pursuit of status or avoidance of responsibility. Nathan shares real-life examples about the risks of both making money an idol or treating it as inherently suspect, and how spiritualized poverty can undermine your family’s well-being.

Learn more about Nathan's coaching programs: https://www.seekingexcellence.us/Subscribe on Substack: https://nathancrankfield.substack.com/In this heartfelt episode, Nathan Crankfield delivers a powerful message to the Boomer generation, urging them to step up and become the heroes needed in today's world. With a focus on mentorship and active involvement, Nathan encourages older generations to use their wisdom and experience to guide and inspire younger ones.Learn how Boomers can play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by embracing their potential to lead and mentor. Nathan shares personal stories and insights, highlighting the importance of bridging generational gaps and fostering a sense of community and support.Perfect for anyone looking to make a positive impact, this episode is a call to action for Boomers to rise to the occasion and help shape a better future. Join Nathan as he explores the transformative power of hope, encouragement, and intergenerational collaboration.

Subscribe on Substack: https://nathancrankfield.substack.com/Join us on Locals: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/Learn more about coaching here: https://www.seekingexcellence.us/Most habits are easy to start but incredibly difficult to sustain — and week three is often the make-or-break moment. Nathan Crankfield reveals the counterintuitive truth about building resilient routines, sharing personal stories and proven frameworks to help you push past that critical hurdle.In this episode, discover why the "front door" is the heaviest weight at the gym of habit formation, and how to reduce friction in your daily routines to stay consistent, even when life gets chaotic. Nathan explores why most people quit at week three, and offers practical strategies like designing for your worst week, setting clear boundaries for legitimate excuses, and how to use honest reviews to keep yourself accountable.You'll learn:Why the first few weeks aren’t the real test. Week three is.How to prepare for disruptions like travel or illness without abandoning your habits.The importance of reviewing your progress to diagnose and correct course.Why the secret to lasting change isn’t motivation, but persistence.How mastering small victories can lead to lasting transformation across your physical, spiritual, and relational life.

I get asked about working at Hallow constantly. What is the culture like, how did I get the job, what do I love, what do I not love. I finally just wrote it all down. In this episode I read my latest Substack article that covers my full journey to Hallow, what the last five years have been like, and what you actually need to know if you are thinking about applying. I also get into why I love working somewhere that is both mission driven and ruthlessly committed to excellence, and why that combination is not for everyone. If you want to work at Hallow, start here. And then go apply.

It's been a hard year. Work exploded, the kids have been sick for months, and somewhere along the way, I realized I've quietly become a yes man without even noticing it. In this episode, I read my latest Substack article on why I'm giving up people pleasing for the month of May, and what it actually looks like to put first things first when life is pulling you in every direction. If you have been saying yes to everything and slowly losing yourself in the process, this one is for you.

Most people struggle to balance the chaos of family, career, and personal growth — but what if the key to true success is simply saying no?In this candid solo episode, Nathan Crankfield reflects on a year of intense change — moving cities, career promotions, family milestones, and the mental toll of trying to do it all. He shares the raw realities behind building a meaningful life while fighting burnout, explaining how intentional boundaries and a focus on what truly matters can unlock clarity and peace.You’ll discover:Why saying no to extracurriculars can be your most powerful growth toolHow to discern the right commitments for your season of lifePractical steps to protect your spiritual, family, and personal priorities amidst chaosNathan’s personal journey of leadership, faith, and authenticity in the midst of success and setbacksThe importance of a “sabbatical month” approach to rejuvenate your purpose and energyThis episode isn’t just about managing the overwhelm — it’s about creating a life aligned with your deepest values. Whether you’re navigating career pivots, family demands, or spiritual growth, this honest reflection will inspire you to prioritize what truly fuels your excellence.Perfect for busy professionals, parents, and leaders feeling stretched too thin, Nathan’s insights cut through the noise to show you how intentional simplicity and bold boundary-setting can craft a more fulfilling, impactful life.Join Nathan as he shares his raw, stream-of-consciousness thoughts — a candid guide for those committed to excellence without sacrificing their soul.

Bishop James Johnson joins Nathan for a powerful conversation on vocation, leadership, Catholic schools, generosity, and what it really means to trust God. They talk about his journey from engineer to priest to bishop, the challenges of leading a diocese, why Catholic education matters, and how giving reveals what we truly believe.