InFormation

Episode 1: Making Good Decisions

Episode Summary

Brother Matt Wooters is the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at John Carroll University, a Jesuit Brother, and a trained therapist. In this episode, he explains how the Jesuit practice of reflection can bring clarity to life’s biggest decisions — plus one simple practice you can try for yourself.

Episode Notes

InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg, President-Elect of John Carroll University. This is Episode 1.

About the Guest

Brother Matt Wooters always wanted to be brave and make a difference in the world. A service trip to the Dominican Republic at 16 sparked a lifelong passion to serve others. Today, he is a Jesuit Brother, a trained therapist, and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at his alma mater, John Carroll University. He founded Brothers Keeper to create honest spaces for young men to talk openly about their lives, and he teaches Ignatian Spirituality to students navigating some of life’s biggest decisions.

In This Episode

• Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola — and why is he sometimes called the world's first psychologist
• The difference between making a decision and practicing discernment
• The Examen: a twice-daily reflective practice you can adapt for any context
• Consolation and desolation — what these Jesuit concepts reveal about your choices
• What to do when fear is the loudest voice in the room
• Three practical questions Ignatius recommends for any major decision
• Why discernment is a camping lantern, not a flashlight
• How serving others connects to your own sense of fulfillment

One Thing to Try

 Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

• I felt most alive when...
• I felt afraid when...

Brother Matt explains how noticing these moments can clarify your choices, and this simple exercise is a great place to start.