EC alumnus, Maximilian Engle ’19, recently launched The Buck Up Podcast. The podcast is designed for all, but specifically geared toward young men striving for sanctity. “The podcast’s goal is to bring hope to men who are trying to identify who they are and who they hope to become. We aspire to do this by bringing on guests who are living out their God-given call to true masculinity and have experienced the meaning of suffering and the joy that comes with it.”
Where did the podcast idea come from?
“Well, I was always so struck with the practices of men now, as compared to generations ago. Though I was not present, reading about and meeting men from past generations seemed as if I was meeting a dying breed. Their convictions, courage, and steadfastness in the face of life really attracted me and helped me to notice how many young men struggle with living out their lives as Jesus did – totally and authentically masculine. Whether it has been the consumption of digital vices such as “scrolling” or the use of pornography, I have seen and experienced this generations lack of responsibility in themselves, and in their quest for truth. The more men can realize how great they are made and that no one can reveal their identity other than Jesus Christ, the better off the world would be.”
What is your long-term vision for the podcast?
“I do not know if I have a “long term” plan for the podcast. I am honestly just stoked that God gave me the pieces to be able to build this for others and the church, and if I can touch one person’s heart each episode, then that would be the goal. I do not have the goal, or at least it is not in my top agenda items to make this podcast “blow up”. I sincerely believe that whatever God wants to do with this however long He wants to do it is enough for me…. All I need to do is show up and do something I love.”
What have been the greatest joys and challenges of getting started?
“Well, as I had prayed with this idea for a year or so, I knew I waned to make the podcast as legitimate as possible, meaning great quality equipment and studio. This obviously costs money, which I would love to say was the hard part, but it really was not. Praise be to God for His generosity and the people that donated to make this happen. (I raised all the money I needed in less than two days!) The most difficult part of the starting of the podcast I would say is twofold. First, finding a place to record and then having to gut an old monastery room and rebuild it into the current studio. This was fun but challenging due to my then lack of knowledge around remodeling. The other difficulty is actually dealing with my own woundedness throughout this process, in particular my perfectionistic tendencies. The more episodes I do, the more I realize how little I am in control, and how much growth the Lord desires for me personally as well as for my guests and listeners. This challenge, among others, has also been the biggest joys of this podcast. I have found that if something is not difficult or there is no trial, then the fruits are not as enjoyable. It is the effort and struggle that makes the final product beautiful.”
Who are your dream guests?
“I would say two dream guests of mine would be Jordon Peterson and Father Mike Schmitz. I’d give honorable mention to Father Joe Krupp, who is a priest at Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, MI.”
