Fatherhood & Family Episodes

After his five-year-old son was kicked out pre-school, Chris Harper had a word ... or two. My friend Chris Harper is a storyteller, he builds word pictures that we can touch and see and leads men into truth. Better known as "Harp" he serves as the CEO of BetterMan. A ministry equipping more than 2500+ churches and 300,000+ men across the U.S. So, what do you do when your little boy is told he can't stay in his pre-K classroom, and what was the egregious nature of his crime? Harp takes us on a j...

Jeremy Stalnecker was at war. As commander of a counter-mechanized platoon providing navigation and lead security for the First Battalion in Operation Iraqi-Freedom he was in the middle of the action. Today he helps men heal the unseen wounds of combat. As CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, the actions he takes every day bring new life to hundreds of veterans and men who have been sidelined by the trauma and abrasions of battle. Post-traumatic stress has been a huge issue for many veterans and ...

Phil Pringle is a world-renowned artist, author, speaker and pastor. Join me and Dr. Phil Pringle and my son Brandon Cole in a heartwarming and profound discussion about the intersection of fatherhood, leadership, and spirituality. This episode of Brave Men will help you uncover the power of emotional bonds, particularly between fathers and sons, and how these connections shape young men's lives both inside and outside the church. Phil is my pastor and close friend. Come inside the CMN office/s...

When the echoes of my son's laughter blended with the crackling of the campfire, a realization struck me: these are the moments that forge a legacy. That's the heart of our latest episode, where Brian Molitor and I explore the transformative role of fathers and mentors in shaping future generations. The conversation is charged with purpose as we discuss not just the duty but the art of raising boys to become men of integrity, conviction and character in Christ. The path from boyhood to manhood ...

We often push “Father wounds” to the rear of the trauma list … but often they are the underlying causation to most of them. In this candid and vulnerable conversation Dave Novak leads us into the depths of despair and pain from father wounds as recounted in his remarkable book “No More Dad Issues”. Dave deals with the burdens, wounds, and frustrations so many men have with their fathers … a trauma that has led many into the depths of depression, suicide and dysfunction. Are you prepared to brea...

Vice President Mike Pence reveals a battle every dad faces and how a simple choice can transform your legacy. Every evening's journey back home is a choice—a quiet rebellion against the demands of an unyielding schedule. That's the ethos former Vice President Mike Pence and his daughter Charlotte discuss in their book "Go Home for Dinner," and it's the centerpiece of our heartfelt conversation in this powerful episode of Brave Men. A candid conversation with a man who stood in the middle of sha...

From the chaotic streets of a fatherless childhood to the hard knocks of an NFL training camp Otto Kelly made one major decision - he would be the dad that stays. A celebrated college football career put Otto in the middle of the spotlight … it could have gone either way. How does a man react when faced with heavy choices? Otto Kelly shares with us what character does in the midst of pressure and temptation. Otto Kelly is a significant voice of hope and reason in navigating today’s chaotic cult...

Mike was 21 and suddenly the single dad of Courtney, his 2 year old little girl. Now what do you do? And what will the future hold? The journey from that painful and difficult time to pastoring one of the most vibrant churches in America is a powerful, uplifting and dynamic story. From meeting Jesus to meeting his wife Lisa it is a compelling testimony of the beauty of God’s grace. Join Paul Louis Cole and Mike Kai for a captivating Bravemen Podcast. Originally from Honoka'a on the Big Island o...

He was a teenage Army private who became a national business owner - from a scuffling childhood to building a powerful ministry to families. This man knows better than most the ups and downs of life … and what it takes to overcome the obstacles. Today on BraveMen the inspirational story of Michael Rasa. Having grown up in a difficult family environment, Michael was forced to quit school at the age of fourteen to go to work. At ‘almost eighteen’ he joined the Army and became a model soldier. Thre...

What does legacy look like? How do we put it into motion? Here’s a three-generation pattern that will inspire and teach us. Bishop Dale C. Bronner is son of one of Atlanta’s leading entrepreneur’s Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr. He is the founder/senior pastor of one of America’s most significant churches, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia. His son Dale C. Bronner, II is the Executive Pastor. In a far-ranging conversation they unpack the answers and bring clarity to how t...

Chris McRae was shot and rapidly dying. A hunting accident left Chris mortally wounded on the ground and they couldn’t get him up into a truck … he told his friends, “Just let me die right here.” His buddy leaned down and said, “Chris, if you’re going to live, you’re gonna have to get yourself up.” This is the story of how he got up … and lived to share it. A compelling yet sometimes humorous look at a man’s life and what it takes to truly live in Jesus Christ. An overcoming story of the pastor...

Pastor Pierre du Plessis brings us into a clear vision of how Jesus lived - he only did what he saw the Father do. Then he shares how we as fathers must raise up the next generation. Pierre du Plessis is a creator he knows how to articulate the word in a way that paints pictures for us – imprinting the listener with an indelible memory. Pierre pastors Father’s House in Rochester, New York. To get in touch with us here at Christian Men’s Network, send emails to office@christianmensnetwork.com

Pastor Javon Ruff talking about Jesus showing up in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. Javon is a master communicator; he knows how to connect with his audience leaving them inspired desiring to apply the practical steps he shares. Javon Ruff is Campus Pastor of Free Chapel in Spartanburg, South Carolina. To get in touch with us here at Christian Men’s Network, send emails to office@christianmensnetwork.com

Jeff Zaugg is a great friend and founder of the mega-podcast Dad Awesome! He was inspired to build a large podcast and ministry by his dad who took major risks throughout his life - demonstrating what it is to be an Awesome Dad. Today on BraveMen with Paul and Jeff you will learn how to overcome being risk averse and why it is worth taking the risk now! Jeff says, “If we don’t take a risk and try something, we won’t have much to write down on our poster board.” And won’t be much to remember you ...

Mike Goodwin is a refreshingly funny comedian, speaker, and leader with a master’s in education and a 12-year career in the military. While comedy and military don’t seem to go together Mike has used his gift of humor to become one of the leading comedians in the nation. Humor was his way of dealing with the dysfunction of his childhood and the difficulties of his life. His signature bowtie is a nod to his expectation-defying brand of comedy – and that he’s a clean comedian makes him stand out....

Jamaal Bernard is a pastor, author, dad and cultural thought leader based in Brooklyn, NY. Today on BraveMen we talk to Jamaal about the stress of pastoring in the pandemic season, about grief in the loss of two brothers, about the joys of community and family. Jamaal is well known across the nation as a pastor at the New York based Christian Cultural Centre founded by his father Dr. A.R. Bernard. The influence of this ministry is felt around the world. Pastor Jamaal manages over 700 people who...

Jeff Zaugg is the founder of the mega-podcast DadAwesome! He’s been a minister, coach, mentor and teacher for fathers and children for many years. Jeff is also an experienced dad with a growing family. With Paul and Jeff today you’ll pick up some great points, tips, dad-hacks and embrace the passion of raising the next generation of champions. Jeff grew up in a strong family environment and wanted to pass it on to his family. But then he saw the dysfunction of family life all around him – and d...

The world is full of examples of men who weren’t there for their kids. But there are good and even great dads out there, who inspire their children and the men around them to reach for more. How do you become a dad like that—even if your own dad wasn’t such a good example? Dr. Bryan Loritts has written a book that answers that key question – The Dad Difference. On Brave Men today Dr. Loritts will share with Paul Cole biblical wisdom, simple truths, and practical advice on fatherhood. Our desire...

Paul and Judi Cole open up and get real in a special Mother's Day edition of Brave Men. From humor to tears and everything in between Paul interviews Judi on motherhood and marriage and staying married. This is experience, faith, joy, grit and fifty years of marriage out in the open. Paul is President of the Christian Men's Network and the Global Fatherhood Initiative. Judi is an artist, designer and vocalist. Paul is one of the world’s leading experts on men’s issues, character maturity and pe...

Growing up surviving the streets and housing projects of Atlanta, Ray Ray McElrathbey never thought Disney would make a movie about his life … and yet Disney+ has made a movie about what he did in helping raise his little brother, it’s called “Safety” and it’s out now. Ray Ray’s inspiring story began when his family moved into a housing project in Atlanta, where Ray Ray picked up sports. As he excelled in athletics, his mother struggled with drugs and his parents divorced. Raised by loved ones ...

From drug dealer to dealer of hope. This story will inspire you to attempt the impossible. Robert Kalatschan is a Huntington Beach businessman who with his wife Dorothea founded Giving It Back To Kids, a charity that helps at-risk orphans, children and families in VietNam and Southeast Asia. Robert is a successful businessman that was transformed by the ministry of Maximized Manhood. His remarkable story is now the subject of the book, What If You Took a Step?. Robert simply asked the question,...

Our friend Darrel Young had so many setbacks in his life most men would have gone home. But Darrel not only didn’t quit – he took the hits and then began to give out his own as the starting fullback for one of America’s top NFL football teams. Undrafted and cut, he didn’t give up. He even changed from being a linebacker on defense to a fullback on offense. After his multi-year pro career Darrel is now a leading executive with the National Football League. Darrel is current manager of NFL Player ...

Otto Kelly was a bruising tough running back in the NFL and holds the NCAA record for most yards gained in a quarter. Otto Kelly is the Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Reno, Nevada. Those two seemingly contradictory statements describe a man on a remarkable journey, from professional sports to saving babies. Today we talk about true manhood with Otto – how he can be a muscular hard charging man of God and the gentle loving voice of grace to desperate girls who are abortion m...

What is Advent? How do I live in the tension of the birth of a baby and the coming of the Messiah? “Honest Advent” is a poetic and visual book that inspires our spirits and fills our hearts with wonder. It’s a book about hope and real life, the pain of childbirth and the joy of the new. Today on BraveMen we explore the mystery and power of the coming of Jesus Christ – and the power of Advent with Scott Erickson, the author of a fresh new book “Honest Advent”. Scott Erickson is a touring painter,...