Personal Growth Episodes

When Nancy Houston and I sat down to record this podcast, little did we know that our conversation would travel such depths of the human heart, exploring the rhythms of building healthy relationships. This is part two of a remarkable and healing conversation. Enriched by personal stories and a shared history with our spouses, we discuss the vital shift from self-centered desires to a nurturing, selfless love. What it means to live a strong, honest, authentic life as a man following Jesus. This ...

Nancy’s life was like a movie. A bad one. One traumatic moment after another followed by repeated intense drama. Her life looked like it was headed to an apocalyptic crushing conclusion … then an unexpected turnaround when she met Jesus and Ron. What Nancy went through is the foundation of one of our most open, uninhibited conversations about emotional abuse, sexual trauma, healing and freedom. In this Brave Men episode Paul talks in depth with noted therapist Nancy Houston about her life, her ...

Girls, cars, fame and money. It sounded like the best life. Then it wasn’t. Enter a powerful and deeply moving conversation with our guest Joshua Broome, a former adult film star who has emerged a warrior from the shadows of a life once defined by exploitation and emptiness. Joshua courageously takes us through his struggle with fatherlessness, the allure of the adult film industry and the eventual realization of his true worth. It's an intimate exploration of identity, the impact of absent fat...

How does a small Hawaiian fish and a depressive episode lead to healing? When the weight of anxiety began to press heavily on Toby’s shoulders he discovered that healing could start right in the family's heart. That journey led him to create a workshop to strengthen those pivotal connections, laying the foundation for this deeply personal episode. The small story of “Be a Goby” brings us into a larger story of vulnerability, resilience, and hope, reflecting on Pastor Toby Slough's journey throu...

Discover the unexpected treasure trove of wisdom with Robbie Angle, president and CEO of True Face, as he shares his transformative journey from achievement-driven existence to a life steeped in the grace of Christ. Robbie's remarkable stories, including his charitable exploits in Pakistan and profound rooftop realizations, shed light on the true meaning of discipleship and the role of character and courage in exemplifying Jesus in today's world. Our candid conversation traverses the intricate d...

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...

A tough former NFL football player becomes the director of a crisis pregnancy center and rescues gang members on the streets of Reno. Sounds like a movie but it’s the true story of our friend Otto Kelly. Here’s a powerful story of redemption that will help us all focus our lives as men and servant-leaders. Otto’s heart was broken as a young teenager when his father died. Finding Jesus began the healing of his heart. Following Jesus with the passion of a high-level athlete began the healing proc...

Transition. A code word for big changes and sometimes big fear – how do we carry faith in Christ and make it through the toughest times? Here’s some tools and hope. A compelling conversation with a global leader who is in the middle of transition himself. Duane White is a servant-leader whose personal pursuit of Christ has influenced the lives of thousands of people around the world. Duane leads the O2 Network of Churches, planted a significant church “The Bridge Church” in Denton, Texas and ha...

Jon Tyson is a man on a mission – to cultivate renewal in the culture of the church – and rebuild the culture of nations. That’s a man you need to meet at the Lions Roar Global Summit on Manhood in Dallas – Nov. 3-5, 2022. Just being in the same room with Jon Tyson will move your life to a new level. He is a noted shaper of cultural thought - author, teacher, pastor and provocateur of Christian culture. His teaching, writing, and media are helping pastors and leaders navigate a quickly changing ...

How do you get your hope back when life is filled with chaos? Today a powerful word with Ps. Jamaal Bernard, a leading voice in American faith. He is a pastor, author, dad and cultural thought leader based in Brooklyn, NY. Today on BraveMen we talk to Jamaal about the fight for your heart - how to find the battle rhythm of hope. We deal with grief and trust and the residual effects of the pandemic. Jamaal will be a keynote speaker at the CMN global summit on manhood, "Lions Roar" in Dallas, Nov ...

Abraham was depressed, he feared that all was lost, that he wouldn’t fulfill his destiny because he didn’t yet have a son. He had a promise from God - but couldn’t see how it would happen. Abraham would later be called the ‘Father of Faith’, but at this moment he was the victim of fear. Then God told him, “Look up, see the stars, your descendants will be more numerous than all of them. Take heart. I will fulfill my promise to you!” (paraphrase) In this powerful podcast Brandon Cole walks us th...

Guilt can be a burden, but shame can be devastating. Guilt can mess with your mind, but shame will mess with your soul. What’s the difference? How do we defeat shame? What’s the answer and what’s the process? Paul Cole takes us into a personal discovery of life after shame. Diving into the story of Peter in John 21 we find the answer. It’s simple, but it’s a complex situation. Peter has followed Jesus with all of his heart, but he’s made the ultimate mistake – he denied Christ. At the most crit...

Neil Kennedy is an author, speaker, and founder of FivestarMan ministries. He's authored numerous books including: FivestarMan: The Five Passions of Authentic Manhood, God's Currency: The Entrepreneurial Drive, Speaking the Father's Blessing. Today on Brave Men Neil takes us on the journey of authentic manhood. What are the five key ingredients to a fulfilled life. How do we navigate a life that is adventurous, significant and generous to others. How do we build a life that is resilient and pow...

Clinical psychologist Dr. Cameron Staley in his widely viewed TEDx Talk, said “... it’s time to change the narrative around the sexual addiction story”. Today in a wide ranging conversation with Paul Cole, Cameron shares details from his extensive research and counseling experience regarding helpful ways to talk about sexuality. Today on Brave Men we discuss practical ways to overcome sexual temptation, what triggers most unwanted porn viewership and the new powerful tools of Acceptance Commitm...

Rawd B Jones is an entrepreneur, positivity coach, key influencer and irrepressible encourager. Rawd directs an outreach that helps pastors rescue their hearts and dreams – Replenish. For decades Rawd has spoken into the lives of hurting people helping them find hope in Jesus Christ. Today on BraveMen we find out what it takes to rescue our soul – our dreams and deepest desires. What does ‘soul-care’ mean? How do we make this journey in which we overcome the desperate times with the dependable f...

Pastor Anthony Fleming talking about Jesus and being proactive with what you can control and not being reactive with what you can’t control. Anthony Fleming is a man of tenacity and action. He pastors a vibrant church called Church Alive in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. To get in touch with us here at Christian Men’s Network, send emails to office@christianmensnetwork.com

Will Ford talking about Jesus, prayer, a soup kettle pot, and Critical Grace Theory. Will Ford is the founder of 818 the sign, he is known for his ability to help people restore and find direction through tough times. Will served as the Director of the Marketplace Leadership Major at Christ for The Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas. He also is the co-founder of Dream Stream Company. To get in touch with us here at Christian Men’s Network, send emails to office@christianmensnetwork.com

Pastor Venshard Dobbins talking about Jesus being the center of his life and how we can live a faithful life. Venshard Dobbins is a wordsmith, he knows how to simplify the word in ways that brings practical application and understanding to the listener to better their lives. Venshard is an Associate Pastor at the Potter’s House of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. To get in touch with us here at Christian Men’s Network, send emails to office@christianmensnetwork.com

Today on BraveMen the unforgettable true story of one man’s escape from the school-to-prison pipeline, how he reinvented himself as a pastor and education reform advocate, and what his journey can teach us about turning the collateral damage in the lives of our youth into hope. “A heart-wrenching and triumphant story that will change lives.”—Bishop T. D. Jakes Today on Brave Men you’ll meet our friend Michael Phillips. His powerful story encourages all of us that have journeyed down the wrong ...

Steve Weatherford, Super Bowl champion and one of the fittest men in the world. His body was shaped by intense workouts, his character shaped by intense problems. Steve is a 10 year veteran of the NFL and a fifteen year veteran of marriage. Today on BraveMen we talk to a champion, philanthropist, wellness coach, father and Christian brother. Steve uses his influence to help people come to know greatness is in them because greatness made them. In addition to winning a Super Bowl with the Giants, ...

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....

A powerful day with a remarkable man on Brave Men. Michael Murphy is one of leading coaches in the world for building a healthy team, a healthy church and a healthy life. As the founder and director of Leaderscape he speaks into the lives of thousands of leaders around the world every week. Michael has been a pastor, businessman, coach and author. He lived a wild life until God arrested him at a church service in Sydney, Australia. He became a key part of building one of the fastest growing chu...