Testimonials
What leaders, parents, and students say about Joey's talks
Unedited feedback from schools, conferences, parishes, and retreats across the U.S. and abroad — from the teens and young adults in the room, and the people who lead them.
1,600+Attended his SEEK 2025 talk — the room filled and people were turned away
2.5 hrsSpent with college students after that talk, answering their questions
4 talksKeynotes and breakouts for teens, young adults, and the adults who lead them
My team and I saw your speaking video. It was so good! We immediately knew we needed to hire you as a speaker for our 1,500+ person conference. So many young people are giving up on marriage and so many come from broken families. Your message is badly needed.
Joey's talk and testimony was so important and needed for the kids at youth camp. He brought to life how to not just cope, but overcome hurt and pain. Kids would have conversations with me after the talk about how much they loved it and how much they needed it.
We've heard numerous talks from amazing speakers — PhDs, theologians, professors — but Joey's talk was the best I heard all summer. It was so practical and helpful.
I remember feeling hesitant to attend your talk at first, as I struggled to accept that some brokenness still lingered in my heart, but I am so glad I did. Your content on building individual virtue has truly changed the way I work to love my spouse today.
The wedding went great and marriage is such a gift — absolutely not what I thought it would be. It's awesome! We continue to use the advice you gave in the talk about marriage. Thank you for your ministry.
Joey was amazing to work with. He is so genuine and cares about sharing his message. He provided many actionable ideas for our attendees, and his message resonated with listeners of all ages. Joey's message will help heal many hearts!
Better, Not Bitter
How to Transform Pain Into StrengthThe best talk my girls have heard in 3 years of coming to this retreat.
The talk was so engaging that during the entire 45 minute talk, my attention didn't drift once.
It was a 45 minute talk, but it felt so much shorter since it was so engaging.
My middle school students (13 and 14 year olds) loved the talk so much that they gave Joey a standing ovation at the end!
Phenomenal talk! I'll be giving that feedback to my leaders. We already want you to come back!
Best turnout and engagement we've had all summer in our young adult discussion that Joey led!
The high school students asked deep, engaging questions during Q&A for 20 minutes. They haven't engaged like that all summer!
Best speaker of the entire retreat!
Bella just told me that everyone in the INN loved your talk. She also said that you were very attentive during the Q&A and that it was clear how much you cared for them.
By far, Joey's talk was the best talk of the entire retreat!
He was a great, enthusiastic speaker.
I would highly recommend Joey to speak at any event. He cast a broad net to reach people at many different spots in their life while also being very concise in relaying the love of the Father. I loved the talk and think everyone would benefit from hearing him speak!
That was the exact talk my students needed to hear.
In small groups the morning after your talk, everyone loved your talk.
We skip small groups when the talk is really good and students are very engaged.
Joey's talks are my kids' favorite.
Joey's talk impacted my son so much that it brought him to tears.
Your talk was the best of the weeklong retreat.
Your talk was great! Phenomenal!
Your talk was really, really good.
“I'm sorry we didn't have time for small groups.” — “Oh don't worry. When we have a great speaker, we let them use the small group time.”
That talk was fire! Even better than when I heard it 2 years ago.
I don't get emotional. But that talk gave me the chills and made me tear up.
Your talk was amazing, amazing!
Thank you so much. That talk was great!
Joey helped me better understand myself and how to better myself through real examples and his obvious care for everyone.
[On hiring Joey] Do it!! Joey is a fantastic speaker.
Through heroic examples of the saints, his own experiences, and encouragement to choose your hard, Joey left the audience inspired to take on the challenge of suffering in virtuous ways.
He has a great presence and grasp of material. He does not dumb down material for a younger audience and his presentation is worth hearing multiple times.
I told my divorced friend about your ministry and podcast. She sent it to her son, a 20 year old Marine in Japan. He called his mom, crying. He never thought anyone experienced the same thing he did. After that, I told the parish to bring you in to speak.
Love That Lasts
7 Tips to Build Healthy Relationships and a Divorce-Proof MarriageI went to a friend's house this weekend for a girl's game night. The girl I sat next to just got married within the last 7 months – she said she watched your marriage talk 3x because she thought it was so helpful!
Another girl I just talked to on the phone said she was watching over Zoom and thought it was “so good.”
He is a great speaker and easy to follow. For young adult groups I highly recommend him.
How to Break the Cycle of Your Broken Family
Two keys to breaking the cycleI sent it to my friend from a broken family. He said he broke down and it was great. As he was playing the video his dad walked in and started cussing him out, but he said he felt peace.
I met you at SEEK and you gave me some advice with an issue I was having with my fiancé. Anyways, we got married 3 weeks ago! I am so thankful for your encouragement.
Exiting Fr. Mike Schmitz's talk: “You were the best speaker today.”
Phenomenal talk!
Best talk of the day, but you didn't hear that from me.
Absolutely excellent talk!!!!
I'm so proud of you. Great job, Joey! You were very articulate and spoke practically about ways to begin healing. I am confident your words ministered to all who attended!
Best speaker — not hating on the other ones.
Lizzy said they received great feedback afterwards, Fr. Mahoney talked about it in a homily, and they would love to have him back again.
Helping the Hurting & general talks
Equipping the adults who walk with hurting young peopleHe will give you relatable, helpful, practical ways to help deal with broken families.
I was touched by your talk and found your advice very helpful.
I'm glad you are speaking. Much needed topic, and you are the right one to do that.
Did a great job, dude. Let's talk soon.
Fruit of the talks
What happened after the room emptiedDuring the Q&A, a woman shared that she and her husband had only been married civilly, and had two children. They'd thought about marrying in the Church but never did. Because of the talk, they decided to marry in the Church.
Shared during a talk Q&AOne of the students had lost his grandfather days earlier. The talk helped him open up about his pain to one of the leaders for the first time.
Middle school leaderA woman heard the podcast and apologized to her son for over-confiding in him. He forgave her, and their relationship is better now.
Kimberly
Bring one of these talks to the young people you lead
Answer simple questions about your audience and event in 30–90 seconds. We'll firm up the date and travel details from there.
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