207: Parents, How Do You Raise Up Godly Men? A Father’s Role in the Formation Process

In this episode, I tackle a question that has been heavy on my heart for a long time: am I simply a Christian, or am I actually a disciple of Jesus? There is a real difference between believing in Jesus and surrendering my entire life to Him. I break down why discipleship is more than church attendance, worship songs, or identifying as a believer. It is about obedience, surrender, carrying my cross, and arranging my life around the commands of Christ.I also talk about how the modern church can sometimes reduce discipleship to participation instead of transformation. Jesus preached to crowds, but His model was never built on crowds alone. His model was life-on-life discipleship. In this conversation, I unpack the Great Commission, why preaching the gospel is the doorway and not the destination, and why every believer is called not just to consume, but to reproduce what God has done in them.This episode is a challenge to men who want more than a casual faith. I speak directly to the call of biblical masculinity, spiritual leadership, repentance, obedience, and kingdom multiplication. If you have ever felt the tension between simply attending church and truly living as a disciple of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to raise the standard and ask the deeper question: who am I becoming, and who am I leading?Chapters:00:00 - A Life Below the Calling of Christ01:15 - The Difference Between a Christian and a Disciple02:29 - Have We Settled for Less?05:42 - From Belonging to Reproducing08:03 - Repentance and the Full Calling of Christ10:48 - Church Growth vs Kingdom Multiplication13:23 - Alignment, Covering, and Real Discipleship15:48 - Final Challenge and OutroCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

We’re living in a moment where masculinity is mocked and a lot of men feel unsure of what strength actually looks like. In this live BraveCo Q&A, I answer real questions men are sending in—marriage conflict, emotional connection, boundaries in friendships, leadership in business, spiritual father wounds, fatherhood, and rebuilding trust after betrayal. My goal is simple: give you practical tools you can use today, not theory.If your conversations with your wife keep turning into arguments, I’m going to show you why it happens and how to change the outcome—starting with a “soft start” and learning how to listen without loading your rebuttal. We’ll also talk about how to help your wife feel heard (and how you can feel heard too), plus what it means to be a safe place for her emotions without trying to fix, shame, or run.Then we go deeper: what to do when a friend relationship becomes draining, how to build reciprocal friendships, how to pursue spiritual fathers without turning them into idols, and how to rebuild trust the right way after lies, secrecy, or betrayal. If you’re ready to protect connection, lead with clarity, and become a stronger man—this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 - Why This Podcast Exists00:54 - Communicate Without Arguing With Your Wife04:16 - How to Help Your Wife Feel Heard (And You Too)08:03 - Kingdom Business: Identity Under Assignment12:20 - Boundaries With a Draining Friend16:40 - Building Reciprocal Friendships20:45 - Spiritual Fathers: Honor Without Idolizing27:46 - Holding Your Wife’s Emotions as a Husband35:01 - New Fathers + Rebuilding Trust After BetrayalCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

As men, we often feel like we're stumbling our way through life, especially when it comes to our roles as fathers, leaders, and husbands. But God's original design for men is not about figuring it out on our own. In this episode, I share the importance of embracing God's plan for manhood — a blueprint for maturing, leading, and ultimately carrying His glory. From the formation process in Genesis to the call, testing, and commissioning that every man faces, this message is a call to rise up, embrace the journey, and walk in the fullness of your identity.God's design isn't just for men to be strong on their own, but to be shaped, tested, and equipped by others. It’s a process — one that we can’t do alone. Through the Brave Co. Ride of Passage and through relationships with other men, we are empowered to walk out God's calling for our lives. It’s time to stop stumbling and start living out the destiny that God has for us. If you’ve ever felt unseen, or like you don’t have what it takes, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore how God's plan for men leads to freedom, strength, and divine purpose.Chapters:00:00 - The Gift of a Clear Pathway to Manhood04:03 - Genesis 2: The Beginning of God's Formation Process09:12 - The Shaping Process: Becoming a Vessel for Responsibility13:52 - Manhood and Leadership: Carrying God's Glory18:47 - Delayed Gratification: Mastering Long-Term Strength24:02 - Equipping: Using Your Struggles for Greater Impact33:27 - God’s Heart for Men: Raising Leaders, Not Just Followers36:03 - Conclusion: Embracing God’s Plan for Every ManCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Two Weeks Left Until Rite of Passage, Join Us: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassageSo many young men stumble their way into manhood because nobody ever gave them a clear pathway. In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my close friend Todd Pierce to talk about what fathers can give sons that culture never will: intentional initiation, identity, and a moment that marks the shift from boyhood to manhood.Todd shares his story of learning fatherhood without a roadmap, how control can masquerade as leadership, and why becoming a man is synonymous with becoming like Christ. We get into the real work of fathering: earning influence, prioritizing connection over compliance, and having the humility to repair what you did not do well early on. If you have ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” you are not alone.We also unpack the living parable Todd is bringing to our Ride of Passage, breaking a wild horse in real time as a picture of self leadership, calm in chaos, and love that wins without manipulation. If you are a dad who wants to lead a healthier son, this conversation will light a fire and give you language for the journey. Subscribe for more episodes, and if you want to join us in Jacksonville February 28 through March 1, 2026, register at braveco.org.Chapters:00:00 - A Clear Pathway Into Manhood04:31 - When “Being a Man” Meant Control06:28 - The Missing Ingredient: Initiation07:23 - The Standard: Being a Man Like Christ11:01 - Feeling Inadequate as a Father and Choosing Intentionality15:00 - Breaking a Wild Horse as a Living Parable of LeadershipCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

In this episode of the Brave Co. podcast, I dive deep into the concept that no young man should stumble into manhood. As fathers, the best gift we can give our sons is a clear pathway to adulthood. This journey doesn’t just happen—it's intentional. I discuss the significance of Brave Co.’s Rite of Passage, a 30-hour weekend designed to help fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and leave forever changed. This isn't a retreat or conference—it's a transformative experience.Join me and NFL Champion Steve Weatherford as we share our insights on fatherhood, leadership, and the power of vulnerability in raising strong, capable men. We discuss how true masculinity is about strength tested, faith forged, and fathers leading their sons by example. Fathers, this episode is for you—if you're ready to give your son the best gift he could ever receive, this is your call to action.We also explore the upcoming Brave Co. Ride of Passage, a weekend event in Jacksonville, Florida, where we’ll break a wild horse, run a Spartan Race, and set our sons on a path toward manhood. Fathers and mentors, you don’t want to miss out on this powerful, life-changing experience.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to the Brave Co. Ride of Passage05:06 - Steve’s Journey: From Super Bowl Champion to Fatherhood Mentor15:30 - The Power of Intentionality in Parenting22:25 - Sponsorship Opportunities and How to Support Other FathersCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassageI’ve been thinking a lot about how to position myself to win—because most men don’t lose because they’re beaten… we lose because we quit. In this episode, I’m challenging you to stop living from comfort and start living from calling. Comfort is the silent killer of potential, and if you want a different life, you’re going to have to take risks, step out of the boat, and run in such a way as to get the prize.I break down what separates the men who keep winning from the men who keep stalling: they solve the right problems. Not the easy problems. Not the “busy work” problems. The highest-impact problems. We talk about procrastination as emotional regulation, why you can be productive and still not go anywhere, and how vision increases your tolerance for discomfort—like Navy SEALs who endure hell week because they’re locked onto what’s on the other side.Then I give you five non-negotiables to set yourself up to win: daily discipline, radical ownership, relentless growth, brotherhood, and a purpose bigger than comfort. If you want to look back at 2026 and say, “I crushed it,” get a notebook and take inventory: am I positioned to win—or am I running away? Also—if you want to take action with your son, check out the Brave Co Rite of Passage (Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL) and learn more at BraveCo.Chapters:00:00 - No Young Man Should Stumble Into Manhood (Rite of Passage Invite)02:43 - Most Men Don’t Lose—They Quit (Comfort Kills)07:17 - Take the Risk: Step Out of the Boat09:47 - Great Men Solve the Right Problems (High-Impact Focus)16:07 - Run to Win: Focus, Discipline, and the Prize17:20 - Tolerance for Discomfort: Vision Creates Endurance22:27 - Great Men Aren’t Born—They’re Built (Daily Momentum)28:06 - 5 Non-Negotiables + Final Inventory for 2026CONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassageEvery boy needs a moment where he’s called out of boyhood and into manhood—where his strength is tested, his faith is forged, and a father’s voice calls him forward. That’s why we built the BraveCo Ride of Passage: a 30-hour weekend where fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and come home changed. This isn’t a retreat or a conference—it’s a rite of passage. (Jacksonville, Florida • February 28–March 1, 2026)In today’s live Q&A, I answer real questions men are facing right now: What do you do when your kids vent to you about their mom and they’re carrying pain? How do you validate your child without throwing your spouse under the bus—and how do you “bridge” the conversation on the back end to help the family communicate better? I also talk to the friend who’s watching a marriage hit a tipping point when one spouse wants help and the other refuses counseling—and why changing one person’s skills and boundaries can start shifting the whole ecosystem.Then I share my personal experience with OCD and intrusive thought loops—what it felt like, what actually helped, and the simple framework that changed my life: recognize, relabel, refocus (and how thankfulness can become a powerful reset). We also hit temptation in marriage (curiosity about a past relationship) and what to do when separation is on the table—plus the most practical next step I’ve seen work when the stakes are high: get the right guide in your life.Chapters:00:00 Ride of Passage: Calling Boys Into Manhood01:14 Live Q&A: Ask Anything (Anonymous Welcome)01:50 When Kids Vent About Their Mom: What To Do02:25 Validate Emotions Without Dismissing Mom03:16 Don’t Throw Your Spouse Under the Bus04:01 Be the Bridge: The Back-End Conversation05:12 Marriage Tipping Point: One Spouse Refuses Help05:42 Why One Person Getting Help Can Shift Everything09:04 How I Overcame OCD Loops: The 3 R’s19:31 Curiosity About an Ex + Separation: Next StepsCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

In this week's episode I join my dad on Cultural Catalysts to discuss the growing crisis of fatherlessness and how to restore authentic manhood. I share my powerful vision for helping boys become men through meaningful rites of passage. Together, we explore how our culture has substituted therapy and medication for true discipleship, leaving many young men without proper initiation into manhood. I also go into inspiring stories of transformation from our BraveCo events, where hundreds of men gather to mentor and celebrate young men through challenging physical and spiritual journeys. Join us as we reveal BraveCo’s exciting new partnership with Spartan Races for an upcoming father-son Rite of Passage event in Jacksonville, Florida – a powerful opportunity for fathers, mentors, and sons to experience life-changing connection and growth together. Discover how proper initiation into manhood can heal generations and transform communities!Connect with Kris Vallotton: Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/Facebook:   / kvministries  Instagram:   / kvministries  X: https://x.com/kvministriesCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassageAs a pastor, counselor, and dad, I’m convinced of this: no young man should stumble his way into manhood. In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my close friend Cole Zick to talk about what most families feel but don’t know how to fix, the lack of a clear, intentional pathway for boys to become grounded, capable men. We get practical about the pain points fathers feel, the pressure of raising teenage sons, and why “just go to church” isn’t enough to form men who can lead, serve, and endure.We unpack why boys need testing and equipping, and how feedback builds capacity. We talk about the power of coaches, youth pastors, mentors, and a tribe of men, and why “heroes” matter if we want our sons to delay gratification and pursue what’s possible. We also hit real parenting language like trust, freedom, structure, boundaries, and why failure isn’t an indictment, it’s often the training ground when you actually have a plan.If you’re a dad (or a single mom raising sons) and your boys are in that 10–18 window, I want you to hear this: it’s not too late, but it does require intentionality. If you want to take a real step, join us for the BraveCo Ride of Passage with our Spartan partnership: February 28–March 1, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida (ages 12–19). Register at braveco.org. And if this episode helps you, subscribe, share it with a father who needs a pathway, and let’s rebuild manhood on purpose.Chapters:00:00 — No Young Man Should Stumble Into Manhood01:14 — Cole Zick Returns: The Need for a Real Plan03:39 — “Come Follow Me, I Will Make You”04:16 — The Crisis: Men Aren’t Reproducing Discipleship06:41 — The Weight of Parenting Teenage Sons07:36 — Building a Network of Trusted Men for Your Boys15:11 — Testing, Feedback, and Capacity: How Boys Become Men20:12 — Trust Earns Freedom: Clear Standards at Home28:46 — The 7 Pillars of Initiation + Ride of Passage DetailsCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

We just hit 200 episodes, and I wanted to do something different. Instead of one conversation, I’m counting down the 10 moments that have shaped the BraveCo community the most. These are the clips that hit men in the chest, brought real change into marriages, and reminded us what it means to live with a whole heart.In this episode, you’ll hear why vulnerability isn’t weakness, and why hiding doesn’t make us strong. We talk about relationships and dating without all the pressure, what courage really is, and how the presence of God becomes an anchor when you’re wrecked on the inside. We also go straight at the stuff men don’t want to talk about: anxiety, the lies playing on repeat in your head, and how addiction is often a symptom of pain that never got a voice.Here's the links to the TOP 10 from our 200 Episodes: Number 1 - John Eldredge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOg88tcR1ggNumber 2 - Carl Lentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e3vtBK3eS4&authuser=0Number 3- Sathiya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY02c6mUukg&authuser=0Number 4 - Dr. John Delony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aAq04ebRFI&authuser=0Number 5 - Kris Vallotton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6_Yl7vW3t8&authuser=0Number 6 - Todd Pierce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLIjbpN9gY&authuser=0Number 7 - Michael Koulianos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpmAYFRYJY&authuser=0Number 8 - Danny Silk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMEUtdpTyl0Number 9 - Alley Vallotton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicz5scd03w&authuser=0Number 10 - Abi Stumvoll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBxCIvnFPGMChapter:00:00 - 200 Episodes: 10 Moments That Shaped BraveCo01:17 - #10 Brian Johnson: Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness 04:03 - #9  AlleyVallotton: Dating Without Pressure (Boundaries & Clarity)06:23 - #8 Danny Silk: Courage, Story, and the Call to Rise 10:22 - #7 Michael Koulianos: Weakness, Pain, and the Nearness of God 12:24 - #6 Todd Pierce: Courage and the Fight Every Man Faces 15:16 - #5 Kris Vallotton: Weaponized Meditation & Spiritual Warfare 17:22 - #4 John Delony: Exposing the Lies Behind Anxiety 19:26 - #3 Sathiya: The Pain Beneath Porn and Addiction 22:14 - #2 Carl Lentz: Truth, Infidelity, and Rebuilding Trust  24:55 - #1 John Eldredge: Strength on Behalf of OthersCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.