189. The Missing Foundation in Masculine Formation with Fr. Josh Johnson
Feb 04, 2026
We talk a lot about masculinity — but far less about how it’s actually formed. In this conversation, we step back from the usual talking points and look at masculinity from the ground up.
Drawing on firsthand experience working with men in seminary formation, Dr Mario and Fr Josh Johnson explore what consistently shapes men well, what often gets overemphasized, and what quietly gets overlooked. The patterns that emerge aren’t limited to young men or religious settings — they show up across the board.
Whether you're a seminarian, a priest, or just a dude looking to grow in your understanding of masculinity, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us as we explore how to embrace true masculinity and foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.
Fr. Josh Johnson is a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and director of the Propaedeutic Program for Baton Rouge seminarians. He travels widely as a speaker at conferences, retreats, and youth events, and was one of 3 MCs at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. He is well-known for his popular podcast Ask Father Josh as well as his Q&A videos on Ascension Presents. He is the author of several books including On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision for Race and Discipleship.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:15:20 - The Importance of Vulnerability and Boundaries in Seminary Formation
00:17:35 - Learning and Adapting in the First Year of Formation
00:19:45 - Observations and Surprises in the House of Formation
00:30:58 - Adapting to Individual Needs and Challenges in Formation
00:46:18 - Addressing Distrust within the Seminary and Priesthood
00:49:55 - The Importance of Creating Structure and Trust in Relationships
00:56:02 - The Challenge of Creating Personal Structure and Maintaining Relationships
01:01:14 - The Importance of Perseverance and Grit
01:04:30 - The Simplicity of Faith and the Challenges of Returning to Basics
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