On December 28th, 2011 I made my first appearance on the TWiT tv network

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

On December 28th, 2011 I made my first appearance on the TWiT.tv network. It was an open mic episode of TNT and Jason Howell chose myself and two other TWiT fans to be interviewed. Since that day I've been part of almost 1,000 hours of content, worked with some of the best in the business, interviewed millionaires / billionaires / visionaries, built gadgets and gizmos, traveled the world looking for tech stories, and otherwise enjoyed being part of the peerless community we call the TWiT army. It has been an INCREDIBLE 6 years that I wouldn't exchange for anything. It's been my honor to be part of the TWiT family and a humbling experience to have our fans come back every week to accompany us on a journey of ultimate geekness.

 

However, though it pains me to say so, that journey is coming to an end... for now.

 

Last week I was officially appointed to a position at our Curia in Rome. I campaigned for a continued mission at TWiT, with my superiors agreeing that my work at TWiT has done much for the Catholic Church, but in the end I have taken a vow of obedience -- to serve... and it was decided that my service was needed elsewhere.

 

To those who have followed me over the years, you know that this has been a long time coming. I thank my superiors, and of course the leadership of TWiT, for allowing me 6 wonderful years to do an marvelously unconventional ministry with an incredible company, for a fantastic audience.

 

So... exactly what does this mean? -- In the short-term, nothing. I don't move to Rome until September 2018. Until then, I'll still be at TWiT, making the best content I can. I'm announcing this now to be as transparent with the TWiT army as possible. You WILL notice that Know How has moved from 2 shows a week, to one... and starting in January you may see less of me as I spin up my new department in Rome and transition away from my work at TWiT. -- When it is finally time to say goodbye, I hope you'll all give me the chance to thank you for so much support over the years.

 

There's MUCH more to come... Onward. Forward. TWiT. :)

[G+_Rounak Dutta]

For the time being you're with us, but you'll be missed when you're not.

[G+_Ben Reese]

First Bryan Burnett? and now Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ? ?? You will definitely be missed by the KH community and TWiT won't be the same.

 

I fully understand though and wish you the best of luck on your journey! And, I'll pray that God leads and protects you.

 

Still a year away, but do you plan on producing content of your own after you get settled in? I look forward to seeing where Know How goes in the future.

[G+_Tony Fleming]

You Padre have peeked my interest in so many topics and encouraged me indirectly to try to change careers in my 40s. Thank you for all you do and much success.

[G+_Glenn Dalgliesh]

You will be missed but I am sure you will give us great content until the last moment and beyond!

[G+_Shooter_FPV (Shooter_FP]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ I hope you know how much you mean to us, and the maker community as a whole. I have no right speaking for all of us, since I’ve only been a member since April (but watched for years), but I think I can safely say that we will miss you. As for myself, you inspired me to not only spark my “maker” sense, but also gave me the chance to pass the knowledge to my 10 year old son.

 

I admire your dedication to the Church, but sad at the same time to see you go.

 

I am hoping that Leo and/or TWit plan on keeping available the past shows... they are a valuable reference... I frequently use them for tips/advice.

 

And also... you featured my builds 2 or 3 times on Know How... for that I am humbled and honored (and my son thought it was pretty cool too... lol...)

 

Thanks for everything...

[G+_Gemeinschaft79]

I've learned a lot from you on TWiT and Twitter. You'll be missed while you are in Rome, but I hope some day you'll return to your tech community. We'll be waiting for you :)

[G+_Black Merc]

Uncle Leo... Get on the horn to Rome! If padre' must go, tell them we need a padre' exchange program

[G+_Giligain I.]

Ah, man...I just joined this click and just like all my previous teachers, they move on. It was bound to happen. #mybad

 

Heck, I haven't even backtracked watching videos past 140 yet. I've really enjoyed the topics on wifi and routing and networking. In fact I just purchased a $4 used router to up my security chain. If only I could get one of these to be converted over to DD-WRT, I'd be set!

[G+_Mark Meszaros]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Thank you For what you you did do toward the LED light to buzzer project for my nursing home call light. I appreciated the thought And wish you best of luck in your new adventure. The people in Rome are really getting a bargain out of your services

[G+_Joel Hudson]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ, I'll be sorry to see you go, but knowing that you Go With God, I am happy for you!

[G+_Jason Brown]

Any footage from that appearance?

[G+_Mike Kelly]

Awesome appointment. You can do it and we will carry on. Can I visit you tho?

[G+_j r]

Today is a sad day For me To find out you're going to leave but it is understandable. I wish the best for In your journeys. I Learned a lot from you. You will always be In my thoughts when I do my projects. You help mold Parts of my life. Thank you for being part Leo's army. You will be missed.

[G+_John D. Hawkins]

Congratulations Padre! When you get “called up” it’s not like you can say no. It’s awesome that they have recognized the asset that you are to them and are leveraging it. We will miss you but are so happy for you.

 

Thanks to your making things less intimidating my kids do their school work on a Pi with a keyboard, monitor, and speakers connected. I’ll be moving onto something (not sure what) with an Arduino and Pi in the future because you and “CrankyHippo” made it so approachable.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Your calling has called and now we are left with a void only to be filled when TWIT can find a suitable replacement or we are informed as to the future of KH. This community has had the heart and soul of a close friend, answering questions with out belittling the geek seeking mind. Fingers crossed. I know it is not till 2018 but can't help noticing how rapidly 2017 had flown by. You and CrankyHippo will be missed.

[G+_Chris Druif (Automated]

Just when I was hoping you would replace Leo Laporte on Security Now, you announce your departure. Glad you will be staying until next year, however you will be missed Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ?

[G+_Jeffrey Stinson]

You will definitely be missed but I wish you the best on your next adventure. Here's a little blast from the past from the Dec 28, 2011 TNT episode.

[G+_Jason Brown]

Who do I write snotty letters to about this?

[G+_Russ DiBennetto]

Best of luck to you in your new endeavor. May God bless you.

[G+_John Sullivan]

I too am saddened by this development. You alone have rekindled my interest in electronics experimentation, which I left behind many years ago.

 

I now own a few Arduinos and have built projects based on what you have taught us. Because of your recent remote control re-purposing episodes, I have just purchased by first Raspberry Pi (the 3 model). I have a SMD "rework" station that I bought on your suggestion.

 

As I said, I am saddened by the news, however, I am not fooled. Just because you will be moving out of town is not going to subdue you. I am quite sure you will continue your "Maker" career and will keep cranking out projects.

 

I only request that you keep us in the loop, as they say. Rome / Petaluma don't matter to me .. .(they got Internet in Itally now, right?)

 

just keep comin' up with those mad projects.

 

We'll be right here.

[G+_James Armstrong]

All good things.... We'll still be grateful for your work on Know How.

[G+_Volkan Paksoy]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Sad to see you go too. You made a huge difference in Know How and played a key role to make it what it is today. I'm not sure if it will be able to continue without you.

 

All the best in your new job. Hope you can at least make guest appearances every now and then.

 

Thank you very much for all great content and projects you created all this time.

[G+_Gary Cheney]

You are correct, your time with TWIT has given much exposure for the Catholic Church and the Jesuit mission. The Jesuit's were the only part of the Catholic Church I could relate to. Good luck and God bless!

[G+_Sergio Caballero]

Sad face