Johnny Kuplak - No Pain, No Gain

Johnny Kuplak - No Pain, No Gain

Author: Paul Michelini and Randy Laya (RIP co-founder Jeff Corrigan) July 16, 2026 Duration: 1:30:21
Our guest on this episode is Jonathan "Johnny" Kuplak, co-founder of Sebaste, an organization in New Mexico challenging young men to become great saints through adventure, brotherhood, physical challenge, and prayer. Johnny is a husband.  He is also a teacher and an endurance athlete. In this episode, you will find the answers to the following questions about Johnny and Sebaste: Did he grow up in a large, sports-oriented family? What kind of school did he attend and how did it affect him? Why is brotherhood so important to him throughout his life? When and why did running become important in his life? What does he say about fear and how does his view affect his life? What is Sebaste and how did he and his friend, Jeremy, develop the Sebaste organization? Why did they name the organization “Sebaste” and what’s the story of the Forty Martyrs? What is the mission, purpose, and goal of Sebaste and why is running so important to the experience? Why is freedom so important to him? What is the difference between a marathon and an ultra-marathon? What is the Via Magna and did he complete it? The four pillars of Sebaste are: Devotion, Adventure, Challenge, and Brotherhood. What do each of these pillars mean to the Sebaste organization? Where does the Catholic identity in Sebaste come from? Are stoicism and comfort the enemies of Christianity? Does Sebaste have any events coming up? Is there a target age and a gender that Sebaste is geared toward? What advice does he have for people who won’t participate in Sebaste but want to practice what they preach? Links: https://www.sebaste.org/ Trailer for Sebaste's documentary "Run so as to Win", chronicling Jonathan's 214 mile race through the Eastern Sierra's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYdMmtZsLNY 40 Martyrs - https://www.sebaste.org/about-us https://melkite.org/faith/faith-worship/melkite-identity/the-melkites https://www.usccb.org/topics/youth-and-young-adult-ministries/saint-pier-giorgio-frassati https://www.sebaste.org/via-magna #catholicsports, #sebaste, #catholicbrotherhood, #faithandphysicality, #understandingmen, #RunsoastoWin  

In a world where stadiums and sanctuaries often feel miles apart, The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast finds the profound connection between them. Hosts Paul Michelini and Randy Laya, alongside the enduring memory of co-founder Jeff Corrigan, engage in thoughtful conversations that explore how the drama, discipline, and community found in sports intersect with a lived Catholic faith. This isn't just a post-game analysis; it's a deeper look at the stories, history, and personalities within athletics, examining them through a spiritual lens. You'll hear discussions that are as likely to delve into the theological virtues demonstrated on the field as they are to appreciate a great historical moment in sport. Recorded within The Diocese of Orange, California, the podcast brings on guests who share this unique perspective, creating dialogues that are both topical and timeless. Whether reflecting on loss, leadership, or pure athletic joy, Paul and Randy offer a space where the universal language of games meets the enduring questions of faith, culture, and society. Tune in for a series that celebrates the athlete's journey while thoughtfully considering its place within a broader spiritual life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast
Podcast Episodes