Shawn Ryan Show Episode #194: Father Stephen Gadberry - The Unconventional Priest

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Father Stephen Gadberry
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In episode #194 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in a deep and candid conversation with Father Stephen Gadberry, an unconventional Catholic priest known for his blend of spirituality, masculinity, and diverse hobbies such as hunting, fitness, and knife-making. Father Gadberry challenges traditional perceptions of priesthood by embodying traits often associated with raw masculinity, making him a relatable and inspiring figure for listeners from all walks of life.

Early Life and Personal Tragedy

Father Gadberry shares his humble beginnings, growing up on a family farm in the Arkansas Delta. His early life was marked by significant trauma when, at the age of eight, he lost both his father and older sister, Courtney, in a devastating car accident. This profound loss thrust him into a role of responsibility from a young age, helping his mother raise his younger siblings.

Father Stephen Gadberry [09:56]: "I was an eight-year-old boy, so I didn't get a childhood. So one of the ways that I'm struggling with it now is like all the. It's kind of like the shrapnel of the bomb. I didn't get a childhood, so I had to grow up like overnight almost."

This early adversity instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience, shaping his character and future path.

Military Service and Its Impact

Seeking adventure and a means to explore beyond his immediate environment, Father Gadberry enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2004, serving in logistics roles across Texas, Germany, and central Iraq. His military journey was not without challenges. He attempted to undergo Sear training, a rigorous program, but was washed out due to mental fortitude issues despite his physical readiness.

Father Stephen Gadberry [10:44]: "I got washed out. It was really deflating. So I was really excited about it. I was physically strong, ready to go. But mentally, I wasn't strong enough."

His deployment to Iraq in 2007 provided him with profound spiritual experiences, including recurring signs and a pivotal encounter with a fellow Catholic priest, Joaquin, who affirmed his calling to the priesthood.

Father Stephen Gadberry [13:56]: "He was a very holy guy. So I knew it was like The Lord put it on his heart."

Discovering and Embracing Priesthood

While stationed in Iraq, Father Gadberry began sensing a divine calling towards priesthood. Signs such as recurring numbers (e.g., 444) and significant interactions led him to explore this path further. Upon his return, he pursued seminary education, culminating in advanced theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Father Stephen Gadberry [160:43]: "We believe with Peter. Right, Peter and the disciples. Yeah. So Jesus Christ. The short answer."

Seminary Education and Formation

Father Gadberry's seminary education was transformative, providing him with a deep understanding of Catholic theology, philosophy, and the importance of apostolic succession—the unbroken line of spiritual authority from the apostles to present-day bishops and priests.

Father Stephen Gadberry [144:07]: "The Second Vatican Council was a gathering of the bishops and the cardinals and some representatives of Catholics from all over the world that come together for a number of years and with the goal of identifying the needs of the times and essentially kind of laying out what's gonna be the next steps forward..."

This education not only fortified his faith but also equipped him to lead a large, diverse congregation.

Current Role as Pastor of St. Teresa Catholic Church

Ordained in 2016, Father Gadberry now serves as the pastor of St. Teresa Catholic Church and School in Little Rock, Arkansas—a bustling parish with over 10,000 members, 95% of whom are Hispanic. Managing such a large community requires a delicate balance of spiritual leadership and administrative oversight, akin to a CEO managing a major organization.

Father Stephen Gadberry [10:54]: "I'm essentially in charge of all the operations for the community, for all the members of the parish..."

He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining personal well-being while fulfilling his duties to ensure he can effectively support his congregation.

Balancing Work, Boundaries, and Personal Growth

Father Gadberry candidly discusses his struggles with setting boundaries, a challenge rooted in his early responsibility as a child. This often leads him to take on more than he can handle, resulting in resentment and burnout. Through therapy and conscious effort, he is learning to say no and prioritize his mental health and relationships.

Father Stephen Gadberry [82:43]: "Whenever I see a problem. I feel like I gotta fix it for people."

He advises others, especially those who have experienced similar traumas, to seek out positive role models and surround themselves with supportive individuals.

Father Stephen Gadberry [74:50]: "You know, find some good examples, some good role models, and ask them to take you under their wing."

Spiritual Warfare and Modern Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion delves into Father Gadberry's views on spiritual warfare—the ongoing battle between good and evil forces affecting individuals and society. He highlights how Satan targets families, relationships, and societal structures to lead people away from God.

Father Stephen Gadberry [26:05]: "The sword that is the word of God is like a two-edged knife. So I thought it was kind of fitting."

He also touches upon contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, psychedelics, and remote viewing, offering a spiritual perspective on their ethical and moral implications.

Father Stephen Gadberry [40:21]: "Freedom is. That's ultimately what. When God made Adam and Eve, he made them perfectly free..."

Personal Struggles and Ministry

Father Gadberry opens up about his personal battles with anger, loss, and the immense pressure of leading a large congregation. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and reality in faith, advocating for a life that confronts challenges head-on rather than seeking distractions.

Father Stephen Gadberry [12:11]: "We're all on this journey and it's rough. It's a tough life..."

His approach to ministry is deeply personal, aiming to connect with individuals on a profound level, especially those grappling with trauma and loss.

Engaging with the Community and Media

In an unconventional move, Father Gadberry participates in popular platforms like "American Ninja Warrior," challenging the stereotypical image of priests. This participation fosters greater connection with his community, allowing him to reach individuals who might otherwise feel distant from the church.

Father Stephen Gadberry [42:53]: "The priest is doing something that they don't see a priest doing."

This blending of spirituality with everyday activities humanizes him, making him more approachable and relatable to a broader audience.

Conclusion: Insights and Takeaways

Father Stephen Gadberry's journey from a trauma-stricken childhood to becoming a dynamic and unconventional priest offers profound insights into resilience, faith, and the human spirit. His unique blend of spirituality and masculinity challenges traditional notions of priesthood, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, boundary-setting, and active community engagement.

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of how personal struggles and modern challenges intersect with faith, and how embracing one's true self can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life.

Notable Quotes:

• On preparing for a good death:
  Father Stephen Gadberry [01:16]: "The life of faith is really preparing for a good death."

• On authenticity and confronting reality:
  Father Stephen Gadberry [12:49]: "If we want the fullest life, I mean, you gotta be real. And that requires like, like, don't be fake."

• On freedom and predestination:
  Father Stephen Gadberry [42:53]: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so you mentioned psychedelics..."

• On boundaries and saying no:
  Father Stephen Gadberry [86:53]: "Whenever I would be in these situations... I'm thinking like a kid."

Key Topics Covered:

1. Early Life and Personal Tragedy: Overcoming loss and early responsibilities.
2. Military Service: Lessons from the Air Force and deployment experiences.
3. Discovering Priesthood: Signs, calling, and transitioning from military to faith.
4. Seminary Education: Deepening theological understanding and apostolic succession.
5. Current Role: Managing a large, diverse parish and balancing leadership with personal life.
6. Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the battle between good and evil in modern society.
7. Personal Growth: Addressing boundaries, resentment, and mental health.
8. Community Engagement: Breaking stereotypes through media participation.
9. Modern Challenges: Navigating issues like AI and psychedelics from a spiritual perspective.

Father Stephen Gadberry's story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the importance of living authentically. His unconventional approach serves as an inspiration for both clergy and laypeople, demonstrating that spirituality can coexist with diverse interests and modern lifestyles.