Frank Schwartz, known as “Dark Helmet,” is from F3 Nation, a dynamic grassroots initiative focused on fitness, fellowship, and faith. He discusses the origins of F3 and its mission to enhance male leadership while combatting loneliness. The movement fosters community through accessible workouts and supportive relationships. Frank emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and how F3 helps men reconnect with their purpose. He shares insights on the unique culture, including earned nicknames, and the transformative impact of group engagement.
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insights INSIGHT
F3's Unique Leadership Mission
F3 is more than a workout group; it's a leadership and community-building movement for men.
It combines fitness, fellowship, and faith to empower men to better their lives and communities.
insights INSIGHT
Today's Male Loneliness Crisis
Men today face loneliness and lack deep connections with other men.
Society's design keeps men reactive and disconnected, needing spaces to take responsibility and lead.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Circle of Trust Ritual
End workouts with a 'circle of trust' where men share challenges and support each other.
Use ritual like name sharing and counting to build trust and community.
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In 'Wild at Heart,' John Eldredge argues that men have been conditioned away from their natural instincts and desires for adventure, battle, and exploration. He posits that men need to reclaim their hearts and live from a place of deep passion and purpose. The book critiques modern societal expectations and offers a vision of masculinity that is rooted in biblical principles but also acknowledges the need for men to engage in meaningful struggles and adventures. However, the book has faced criticism for its handling of Scripture and its portrayal of biblical themes[5][6].
Fathered By God
John Eldredge
In 'Fathered by God,' John Eldredge describes the six stages of a man's life: Boyhood, Cowboy, Warrior, Lover, King, and Sage. Each stage has its own lessons and challenges. The book emphasizes God's active role in fathering men, guiding them through initiation, healing past wounds, and restoring their true identity as beloved sons of God. Eldredge encourages men to be intentional about their journey, seeking experiences and mentors that help them grow and mature, and to develop a close, intimate relationship with God[3][4].
In this episode, Jason and Gabe are joined by Frank Schwartz—also known as “Dark Helmet”—from F3 Nation, a grassroots movement built around fitness, fellowship, and faith.
Frank breaks down what F3 is all about, how it started, and why it’s not just another workout group. With a decentralized model, no sign-ups, and absolutely no catch, F3 is on a mission to reinvigorate male leadership and connection in communities across the country.
They talk about:
[0:00] What is F3? Frank Schwartz joins the pod
[1:34] Fitness, Fellowship, Faith: The 3 Fs explained
[3:00] The surprising origin story of F3
[6:00] Nicknames, culture, and what makes it work
[7:24] The mission and the 5 Core Principles (including the “Circle of Trust”)
[10:28] What problems are men facing today?
[14:34] “There is no angle”—this is just about helping guys
[18:30] Scaling through decentralization: Would Frank change anything?
[21:30] You’re responsible for your life in a reactive world
[23:40] Why men miss the warrior stage—and how F3 helps them find it again
[26:50] Rituals and what actually happens at a meetup
[30:21] F3 names are earned (and yes, they’re meant to be insulting)
[35:05] “We leave no man behind, but we leave no man where we found him”
[37:10] Meetups happen anywhere… and everywhere
[40:00] Take this as your sign to join a group
[42:00] “When a man is awakened, he is an unstoppable force”
This is one of those conversations that reminds us: showing up is the first step—and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Jason Khalipa Podcast 
