BRAD GLENN | Thank God the Gun Didn't Fire (Ep. 752)
May 6, 2025
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In this fascinating discussion, Brad Glenn, a custom cowboy boot maker and owner of Cactus Alley Hat Co., shares his gripping story of overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism. He recounts the harrowing night he attempted suicide and his eventual journey to redemption through faith. Brad emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships, especially with his wife, and shares insights into the artistry of making custom boots. His narrative is a powerful reminder of resilience, accountability, and the transformative impact of personal connections.
Brad Glenn's journey emphasizes the transformative power of faith and vulnerability in overcoming addiction and personal turmoil.
The prioritization of relationships over professional success revealed the importance of genuine connections with family and God.
Brad's experience underscores that one's identity should be rooted in spiritual beliefs rather than past mistakes and failures.
Through honest communication and apologies, Brad highlights how openness can deepen emotional connections within marriage and relationships.
Cactus Alley Hat Company serves as an example of how personal passions can evolve into a meaningful ministry that supports others.
Deep dives
The Impact of Personal Appearance
Brad Glein's distinctive mustache serves as a symbol of his personal transformation and unique character. The mustache has become a conversation starter and a point of pride for him, often receiving compliments from others. This humorous take on his appearance reflects his approach to life, embracing his individuality while also fostering connections with others. His light-hearted comments about needing hedge clippers to manage it signify a playful attitude toward his identity.
The Importance of Genuine Connections
Brad's decision to prioritize personal connections over convenience highlights the significance of meaningful relationships. Instead of opting for a virtual conversation, he chose to meet Kyle in person, emphasizing the value of genuine interactions in life and ministry. He reflects on how slowing down and enjoying life has allowed him to connect more deeply with his family and God. This realization encourages others to prioritize quality time with loved ones and to seek divine appointments in their daily lives.
Acknowledging Vulnerability and Humility
Brad openly shares his struggles with vulnerability and his journey to spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of humility. He acknowledges the need to slow down and truly reflect on his relationship with God and his family. The realization that personal time with God had become rushed prompted him to make important changes in his life. By embracing vulnerability, he models humility and encourages others to open up about their own struggles.
The Power of Apology and Communication
Brad recounts a critical moment when he had to apologize to his wife and acknowledge his shortcomings, illustrating the healing power of honest communication. This experience opened the door for deeper conversations about their marriage and allowed them to reconnect emotionally. He emphasizes that such discussions are crucial for building strong relationships, especially in marriage, and highlights the need for men to admit their faults and show vulnerability. This process fosters growth in relationships and strengthens the bonds between partners.
Rejecting Labels and Embracing Identity
Brad challenges the notion of identifying oneself solely by past mistakes, including struggles with addiction and personal failures. He argues that true identity is found in being a child of God rather than being defined by past actions. This perspective encourages others to seek a positive self-image and to focus on their inherent worth as individuals created by God. Stepping away from labels can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of one's purpose.
The Transformation Through Struggles
Brad discusses the role of struggles in his life and the lives of others as they seek transformation. He suggests that life's challenges often serve as catalysts for growth and personal development. Embracing difficulties allows individuals to build resilience and discover their true selves. This journey of transformation highlights the importance of relying on divine strength and support from loved ones during tough times.
Shifting Priorities for Lasting Impact
Brad reflects on how his priorities shifted from work and financial success to focusing on his relationship with God and family. He acknowledges the chaos that ensues when priorities are misaligned, comparing it to a pyramid where God should always be at the top. By realigning his focus, he found a newfound sense of peace and fulfillment. This shift not only improved his well-being but also positively impacted those around him, demonstrating how prioritizing relationships can lead to greater happiness.
Using Past Experiences to Help Others
Brad shares how his past struggles with addiction and life challenges allow him to empathize with and help others facing similar issues. His willingness to share his story creates a bridge for connection, enabling him to guide others toward healing. The lessons learned from his experiences equip him to support individuals in their journeys toward recovery and transformation. By sharing his story, he demonstrates how vulnerability can pave the way for meaningful change in others' lives.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Brad emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming life's challenges, urging others to keep moving forward despite setbacks. He encourages people to view struggles as opportunities to grow stronger and to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a better future. By sharing his own experiences of resilience, he inspires others to cultivate their own strength and perseverance. This message resonates with anyone facing adversity, highlighting the need to embrace resilience as a fundamental aspect of personal growth.
The Evolution of Cactus Alley Hat Company
Brad discusses the growth and evolution of Cactus Alley Hat Company, which began as a fun project and has transformed into a successful lifestyle brand. He highlights how the company embraces a Christian ethos, focusing on authenticity and community. The positive impact of the brand extends beyond fashion, as it provides employment opportunities for individuals seeking second chances. This journey demonstrates how a passion can evolve into a powerful ministry that uplifts others and fosters meaningful connections.
In this episode, we welcome Brad Glenn to the show. He is a custom cowboy boot maker and the owner of Cactus Alley Hat Co. In this interview, we discuss his struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism, the night he pulled the trigger on a revolver eight times to try and kill himself, him narrowly avoiding a lengthy prison sentence, his long and circuitous route to sobriety, how God revealed Himself during this process, the importance of prioritizing your wife over your business, how he got into making custom cowboy boots, the process of making a custom boot, and much more. Let’s get into it…
