James Baxter | The Matt Fradd Show Ep. 14

I chat with Co-Founder & Executive Director of Exodus 90 James Baxter about Exodus 90, manhood, and reclaiming asceticism.

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[andydrozdziak]

I'm doing Exodus 90 at the moment- day 63. Very helpful and life-changing.

[チェリーブラッサム-zq]

Last December I was stressed out, out of shape, and just getting-by in my spiritual life. I remember thinking, "I need to do something." My church leader friend announced to the congregation one Sunday that he would be starting Exodus90 groups starting in January. As he spoke explaining the Pillars and the asceticism I sank into my seat thinking, "No way, no way." But I knew in the back of my mind that I was being called. I'm glad I joined. Gaining the discipline to do everything is empowering. Our fraternity met just once a week but the support and accountability are indispensable. Each of us had our struggles. I never felt quite like Thomas Merton at Gethsemani. But the changes in my life are blessings. I'm much less of a slob(lost 25lbs, no snacks and much less beer now). And I'm gaining on spiritual sloth(not filling my life with junk. Personal monitoring. Reconciliation.) Watching this video brought back many emotions from my journey through Exodus90. God bless you James Baxter, Matt Fradd and Exodus90 team!

[flowinproductions]

that was a great last point on freedom. It reminds me of the freedom of spirit the apostles had, especially Saint Paul in prison. This is the Valley of Tears but we have the choice to always look forward to salvation, even if it feels bad now, and if we understand the beatific vision at least somewhat, then we can certainly agree with Paul that the sufferings of the present are not worth comparing to the glory of salvation.

[tijojoseph]

That’s very humble of you, Matt, to admit how you quit Exodus 90 by taking the cold shower. Good on ya! 😆

Suggested EXODUS 90 modification - try a NAVY shower that we use at sea. Start with lukewarm water, get yourself and soap good and wet, then shut the water off, lather and scrub, then turn water back on and rinse off in COLD water. Works great for those who have a tough time with COLD and is still a fair degree of penance.

[buffdrink]

1:12:07 My fraternity and me are one of those 25 %! haha Its definitely not a American-Catholic thing... Thank you so much for creating it. I will have my first Exodus starting this January the 13th

[brycebrown]

Shout out to Baxter's(?) book on the table: End of Modern World by Guardini. I've been reading this lately; he's really not well known but is profoundly insightful of the times

[deaconken]

exodus 90 was really good experience. Our little group learned a lot. Hopefully we double in size this coming lent.

[myhandleiscreative]

This was a great interview, and I’m very inspired to do Exodus 90 now. One minor thing though, Matt, it would really be helpful if you didn’t interrupt your guests so frequently.

[ryanballantyne]

The fraternity member Baxter describes at 21:44 -
Sounds like he was expecting to meet a Jocko Willink character, or David Goggins.

[connorbergeron]

I love this. My question is how do we balance developing practices of asceticism while encouraging others who are at a totally different level, don't even practice it?

[ZenvY]

Hey Matt! Why is the show not on Spotify?
Best regards!

[michaellilly]

Hey Matt, hey James, your friendly neighborhood AngloCatholic Anglican here. Can non Roman Catholics participate in Exodus90 ?

[flipfish]

Matt, I desperately want a Pints with Aquinas hoodie. Have tried before, . have tried and tried and no cigaro! I have money! I will pay you handsomely and display my hoodie prominently. Please tell me what I am doing wrong and how to get on the straight and narrow path to getting a hoodie!

[_gongon]

Please do the Spanish translation! Speaking for Mexicans here!

[jakerjohnson]

You should get Cameron Bertuzzi to give Exodus 90 a try.

[galexgarver]

Why is the program centered around Exodus instead of the Gospels or Proverbs or something?

[siegfried.]

Never heard of James Baxter. Does anyone have any idea as to who he is?

[johnnyGoosePGH]

Currently finishing up Exodus 90 with my fraternity. Good experience overall. For me, this conversation was relatively shallow and discouraging. James is immature, and he lacks self-awareness. That said, much good has come to many men who have participated in E90. Praise God!

[es]

I find it interesting that you scoffed at the idea of refraining from sex for 90 days. Sex - even under a marital covenant - is still the fulfillment of the materially selfish desire to propagate one's own genes. It's licit within a covenant but practicing self control vis-a-vis it can still be healthy and a means to develop mutual discipline. The time can also be used to focus on charitable acts beyond one's genetic sphere. One of the challenges to people with large families is that all their time, energy and resources get understandably eaten up with familial endeavors/responsibilities. Very little surplus for "neighbor".