"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win."
~ 1 Corinthians 9:24

Are youth sports helping or hurting our kids?
Can sports be a healthy way of honoring God?
How can my children and I stay grounded in the midst of their sports?

In Episode 75 of This Whole Life, hosts Pat and Kenna sit down with Super Bowl champion Matt Birk for a lively, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the realities of youth sports today. From hilarious football stories to hard-fought lessons on resilience and parenting, Matt shares his journey as both an elite athlete and a dad navigating the pressures of today’s competitive youth sports culture. Together, they explore the joys and challenges of childhood athletics, the growing professionalization of youth sports, and the importance of keeping play fun and rooted in faith. Whether you’re a parent on the sidelines, a coach, or just a fan of sports and good conversations, this episode is full of wisdom, practical advice, and perspective on how sports can help shape not just athletes, but healthy, resilient human beings—mind, body, and soul.

Matt Birk is a CEO, a fifteen year NFL veteran, and a Super Bowl champion. He played college football at Harvard and graduated with a degree in economics before going on to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. He played for the Vikings for eleven years and then for the Baltimore Ravens for four years, where he won Super Bowl XLVII. Matt was named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011 for his accomplishments on and off the field. Since retiring from the NFL in 2013, Matt has been a vocal pro life advocate, he has cofounded a Catholic high school, and authored a book called All Pro Wisdom. He and his wife have eight children.

Episode 75 Show Notes

Find out more about Matt Birk's work and speaking

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:45: True stories from an NFL veteran
18:57: The mental challenge of sports
28:22: Faith, sports psychology, and resilience
36:30: The current state of youth sports
45:06: The harms of professionalization and specialization
53:18: Best practices for sports parents
1:05:04: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What have your experiences with sports been?
3. What are the benefits of youth sports? What are the dangers?
4. Why is it so tempting for parents to attach their identity to kids' sports?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Join the community of supporters of This Whole Life! ❤️🙏🏻🎙️

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone."
~ Matthew 18:15

Why do I get caught in the middle of arguments in my family?
Why is it so tempting to bring someone else into a tense situation?
How do I break the cycle of being brought into triangles among my family & friends?

In Episode 74 of This Whole Life, Kenna Millea welcomes Ben Baker, LMFT and Addy Diaz for a lively Relationship Roundtable all about “triangulation”—that sneaky dynamic that can pop up in families, friendships, and work relationships alike. The team breaks down what triangulation actually is (spoiler: it’s more common—and human—than you think), how to spot it in real life, and why we’re all tempted to avoid tension by pulling in a third person, habit, or even technology. With honest stories, practical metaphors (think wobbly tables and silent dinners), and plenty of humor, they explore how triangles can sometimes stabilize a relationship—but also block the deeper connection we’re really seeking. Tune in for relatable insights, gentle challenges, and actionable tips on how to recognize, understand, and break out of unhealthy triangles for healthier, more authentic relationships.

Episode 74 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and becoming a therapist
8:32: What is triangulation?
19:48: Triangles are stabilizing - even harmful ones
26:23: How do we recognize triangulation?
33:21: What causes triangles?
44:47: How do I get out of a triangle?
52:55: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. When have you been brought into a triangle? When have you triangulated someone or something else?
3. How does it feel when you've been dragged into a triangle? Why does it feel that way?
4. Why are triangles so stabilizing? When are they healthy and unhealthy?
5. When are you most tempted to triangulate others? How can you get out of triangles when they happen?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Join the community of supporters of This Whole Life! ❤️🙏🏻🎙️

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”
~ John 21:22

Why do I get so angry at others' opinions & actions?
How am I supposed to handle the evil & falsehood in the world?
Why is it easier for me to explain what I'm against than what I'm for?

In episode 73 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna and Pat Millea welcome back Fr. Nathan LaLiberte for a candid conversation about identity, vulnerability, and the subtle trap of living in antithesis—defining ourselves primarily by what we’re against. Together, they explore how easy it is to move through life reacting to what we don’t like or want, rather than proactively following Christ’s invitation to an authentic identity rooted in his love. With honesty and a good dose of humor, the trio reflects on the pitfalls of fear-based living, the grace of following Christ, and the challenge of forging deeper relationships built on shared pursuits rather than shared enemies. From the temptations of social media outrage and cable news to the deeper work of self-reflection and forgiveness, this episode invites listeners to consider what truly forms their identity—and how to embrace a more Christ-centered, joyful life.

Episode 73 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
16:24: Don't be an antithesis
26:34: The temptations & evils of resentment
33:07: Recognizing antithesis in my own life
42:32: Where am I putting my energy?
51:53: The personal invitation to follow Jesus
54:19: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. Is it easier for you to be against things or for Christ?
3. How do media, especially social media, affect your opinions and reactions to others?
4. When have you vowed to "never" be like someone or do something? How did that impact the way that you approached daily life?
5. How can you take practical steps to living for Christ and allowing him to guide your responses to the sins & shortcomings of the world?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Join the community of supporters of This Whole Life! ❤️🙏🏻🎙️

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.