Learn how Catholicism is the secret to the human experience so you can stop whiteknuckling life. - - - - - - Summary The Interior Life, Silence & Solitude, and Fasting: Spiritual Disciplines for a Magnanimous Heart In this episode of The Monk and the Meathead, Fr. Craig and Jimmy Vreeland continue their series on the Nine Spiritual Practices of a Catholic Christian Disciple, recorded on the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. They explore how St. Ignatius’ dramatic “cannonball conversion” and his Spiritual Exercises offer timeless guidance for growing in prayer, focus, and love. From the difference between civic and religious inquisitions to the benefits of curbing our appetites, this conversation blends practical wisdom with lighthearted storytelling. You’ll hear: The interior life — why tending your soul is essential to becoming more loving The value of silence and solitude in a distracted, noisy world How fasting and abstinence sharpen self-control and spiritual clarity Jimmy’s West Point contrast story on why “sleep’s a crutch” Why cutting certain appetites can free you to focus on what matters most This is a practical, encouraging guide for living a disciplined Catholic life in the modern world—without losing your sense of humor.