The Devil in The Details

What do you do when evil stands between you and the chapel? In this raw and practical episode, Dan and Jordan unpack Rule 12 from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Discernment of Spirits—a hard-hitting rule about spiritual warfare, temptation, and the tactics of the enemy. They explore real-life stories involving demonic presence, a dog named Max, mountain lions, and the fight against habitual sin.You’ll learn:Why the enemy is like an aggressive dogHow delay makes desolation worseThe role of music, noise, and distractions in spiritual warfareWhat “fast and fierce” resistance really looks like in the battle against sinThis is a no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground conversation for anyone serious about becoming spiritually dangerous.

Some demons won’t leave until you heal.In this episode, Dan and Jordan take a bold look at the real connection between emotional wounds, therapy, and spiritual warfare. Can inner healing make exorcisms more effective? Why are so many Catholics resistant to therapy? And how do wounds become spiritual entry points for the enemy?Drawing from real-world cases, Church teaching, and personal experience, this episode uncovers the hidden barriers to deliverance and how grace works through both spiritual direction and psychology. What You’ll Learn: •How wounds can open the door to demonic oppression •The difference between spiritual direction and therapy •Why rejecting psychology can be a spiritual blind spot •What faithful Catholic therapy actually looks likeReferenced in this episode: •The Exorcism Files by Fr. Carlos Martins •CatholicTherapists.com •Fr. Ripperger’s work on Thomistic psychology •Jordans Article: Vineyard: https://onvineyard.com/dotheharderthing/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and-emotional-healing-2098or on substack: https://dotheharderthing.substack.com/p/the-intersection-of-exorcism-and?r=3076lt====================🔥You know that there are battles all around us. But did you know about the battle in - and for - your mind? Learn how to fight, and win, with this free video course! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3U9qOjqPlease visit the Spotify Podcast page for links to all the other resources mentioned in the show!====================Subscribe to our Podcast: Spotify ➡ https://open.spotify.com/show/4klx2Ao6HQFXQYhJ7lPpuw?si=74cae2f132cd4b49Apple ➡ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-is-in-the-details/id1763882809====================Connect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/====================Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"====================⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 The Intersection of Exorcism, Emotional Healing, and Therapy6:32 Debating the Misuse of Psychology and Religious Practices9:13 Finding Truth Through Science and Faith11:17 The Interplay of Spirituality and Psychology in Personal Growth13:54 The Importance of Addressing Emotional Wounds in Exorcism#spiritualwarfare #catholic #discernmentofspirits #catholicpodcast #catholicspirituality #mentalprayer #danburke #jordanburke #devilinthedetails

If you’re practicing mental prayer and still feel spiritually dry, Rule 9 explains why—and what God may be trying to show you.Why does God allow desolation even when you’re doing everything right? In this episode, we break down Rule 9 from St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. We dive into the three core reasons God permits spiritual dryness: our own negligence, a test of our love, and a deep reminder that we are not the source of consolation—He is. We also get practical about how to recognize desolation, track your progress, and build a concrete Rule of Life that will anchor you in the battle. Whether you’re new to Ignatian discernment or well into your spiritual journey, this one will challenge and encourage you.Timestamp Summary:00:00 The Importance of Mental Prayer01:24 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Discernment02:06 Exploring the First Rule of Discernment03:02 The Role of Dopamine and Temptation04:18 The Importance of Spiritual Commitments07:08 Principle Causes of Desolation16:34 Creating a Rule of Life18:37 Practical Tips for Maintaining Spiritual Health27:43 Using Technology to Support Spiritual Practices28:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"

You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation01:09 The Concept of Patience02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition12:44 Desolation and Human Nature16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace17:57 A Painful Experience18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain21:03 A Stressful Drive22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance24:15 The Battle of Life31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in DesolationYou are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.

When desolation strikes, don’t just endure—fight back. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke unpack Rule 6 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits, revealing how proactive prayer, meditation, and discipline can break the enemy’s grip.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:0:00 Series Continuation7:24 The Intersection of Faith, Psychology, and Spiritual Warfare12:51 Fighting Spiritual Desolation Through Prayer and Discernment18:56 Spiritual and Physical Fitness Require Consistent Training and Endurance22:18 Overcoming Spiritual Desolation Through Intense Prayer and DisciplineKey Takeaways:The importance of acknowledging and addressing the devil's influence in everyday spiritual life.Rule 6 from St. Ignatius' spiritual exercises urges intensified prayer and reflection during times of desolation.A call for integrating psychological understanding with supernatural faith to maintain spiritual health.The potential pitfalls of over-relying on secular psychology in spiritual matters.Strategies to combat spiritual desolation include increased prayer, meditation, and doing the opposite of what desolation tempts.

Learn how the enemy attacks through spiritual desolation—and how to fight back with wisdom from St. Ignatius.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:0:01 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Its Impact on Faith3:48 Spiritual Awakening and Psychological Healing Through Therapy5:45 Understanding Emotions Through Nuanced Language and the Emotions Wheel8:02 Identifying Emotional Triggers Through Spiritual Discernment and Therapy15:39 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Consolation in Daily Life19:36 Awareness and Vigilance in Spiritual and Psychological Desolation29:07 Understanding Desolation and Strategies for Spiritual DiscernmentKey Takeaways:Desolation comprises feelings of disturbance, anxiety, and spiritual heaviness, which may indicate demonic influences.Understanding and naming emotions with precision can be a powerful tool against desolation.Staying "sober and alert" involves spiritual vigilance and self-awareness to counteract any potential misleading influences.Regular spiritual practices such as mental prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the daily examen can aid in maintaining spiritual and psychological awareness.Dan emphasizes the importance of discernment in one's journey to becoming spiritually and psychologically awake.

Discover how the enemy works to derail your spiritual progress—and how God equips you to overcome every obstacle. Resources Mentioned in this series: Immediate Action Plan Habitual Sin Course: Examination of Conscience Holy Habits App Seven Deadly Sins Hidden Faults Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits 3:47 Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles and Finding Support 10:37 Spiritual Strength and Overcoming Temptation Through Encouragement 16:37 The Transformative Power of Consistent Prayer and Self-Awareness 23:38 Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits Key Takeaways: Recognizing Spiritual Influence: Understanding how both positive and negative spiritual forces can impact one's spiritual journey. Importance of Spiritual Companionship: Having a spiritual director or community prevents over-commitment and supports gradual progress. Practical Advice on Overcoming Temptation: Strategies for resisting discouragement and confusion, highlighting the power of prayer and discernment. Role of Spiritual Consolation: Identifying how divine encouragement can enhance spiritual growth and faithfulness. Daily Spiritual Practices: Emphasizing the necessity of regular prayer and examination to maintain spiritual direction and faith.