Podcast Summary

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast – “I’ll Never Forget What My Ex-Girlfriend Told Me”

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension
Release Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the theme of being “chosen” versus “not chosen”—in sports teams, biblical stories, vocations, and everyday life. Using the stories of King David, the apostles, and his own journey to priesthood, Fr. Mike tackles envy, feelings of inadequacy, and what it means to trust God's unique plan for our lives. A pivotal conversation with his ex-girlfriend stands out as a profound lesson in vocation and acceptance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Being Chosen and the Wound of Being Overlooked

• Fr. Mike opens with a relatable childhood memory: the anxiety of being picked last for sports teams, a universal feeling of not being chosen.
• He ties this in with biblical stories:
  • David and his brothers (1 Samuel 16): David is chosen to be king while his brothers are passed over.
  • Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles out of many disciples.
• Reflection:
  • Many of us imagine ourselves as the main character, but sometimes we might identify more with those who are not chosen.
  • “Every one of us knows what it’s like to not be picked... What do we do when we're not the one chosen?” [03:00]

2. The Blessings and Burdens of Being Chosen

• Fr. Mike highlights a key point:
  • The ones who are chosen (David, the Apostles) receive blessings—but also face burdens.
  • David’s life was marked by struggle and suffering despite his calling.
  • The Apostles’ lives were disrupted; most suffered and died for their faith.
• Memorable quote:
  • “They were blessed, but they were blessed with a burden.” [07:16]
  • “Sometimes we see other people’s blessings and don’t realize the burden because we see their highlight reels.” [05:18]

3. Envy vs. Acceptance of God’s Call

• Fr. Mike warns against envying others’ blessings or interpreting being unchosen as unworthiness.
• God had plans for David’s brothers, for the disciples who were not called to be Apostles.
• “It’s not as if God didn’t have a plan for Eliab’s life… or the other disciples’ lives. He did.” [09:31]
• There isn’t one way to serve Jesus; each person has a unique call.

4. Personal Story: Vocation and the Ex-Girlfriend’s Wisdom

• Fr. Mike shares his own vocation story:
  • He was in a serious relationship for three years before discerning a call to the seminary.
  • After much prayer, he told his girlfriend he felt God calling him to be a priest.
• Her response:
  • “If this is what God wants for you, then this is what God wants for me too. This is part of God’s call in my life. This is part of God’s story for my life.” [12:54]
• Insight: Her acceptance models trust in God’s plan, not just for oneself but for others.
• Fr. Mike:
  • “There’s something so critical about this... It’s very, very critical for Eliab’s story that God didn’t pass over him as a human... I have something else in store for you.” [14:41]

5. Conclusion: You Matter in God’s Story

• Fr. Mike’s reassurance:
  • “You’re not an extra in someone else’s vocation story... None of us are [the main character]. Jesus is the main character. It’s his story. But he invites us to play a certain role—he invites us to play a part in his story of rescuing the world.” [16:12]
  • Rather than envy or self-pity, ask: “God, where are you calling me?”
• Encouragement: God has not forgotten you, and he is calling you for something unique.
  • “The great adventure of life is, God, what is that thing? Help me say yes, no matter what it is.” [17:22]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We cannot judge someone else’s life based off their highlight reels. Yet we do that.” [05:18]
• “They were blessed, but they were blessed with a burden.” [07:16]
• “It's not that you and I weren’t good enough to be chosen, it’s that we weren’t chosen for this.” [09:44]
• On his ex-girlfriend:
  • “If this is what God wants for you, then this is what God wants for me too. This is part of God’s call in my life.” [13:12]
• “You’re not an extra in someone else’s vocation story. Jesus is the main character. It’s his story. But he invites us to play a certain role.” [16:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 03:10: The wound of not being picked: childhood sports, biblical stories
• 03:11 – 07:15: The cost of being chosen: David, apostles, burdens with blessings
• 07:16 – 09:45: Envy, self-doubt, and God’s unique plans for each person
• 09:46 – 13:30: Fr. Mike’s vocation story and his ex-girlfriend’s response
• 13:31 – 16:11: Every person’s unique call in God’s story
• 16:12 – End: Encouragement to find and say yes to your unique calling

Episode Tone

Uplifting, heartfelt, and honest—Fr. Mike blends personal anecdotes with biblical reflections, highlighting both the struggles and joys of following God's unique path for every individual. Listeners are encouraged to trust in God's plan, avoid envy, and embrace their own vocation, whatever form it may take.