S2E7 - BONUS Interview w/ Ruslan KD: Godly Ambition, Shame Around Pursuing Work + Communicating Seasons of Busyness

Dec 16, 2025

Ruslan KD, a YouTuber, musician, and author, dives into his journey from a chaotic childhood to becoming a father and a faith-driven creator. He discusses his book, Godly Ambition, shedding light on the balance between ambition and godliness. Ruslan challenges the stigma around seeking success, emphasizing that true ambition serves rather than self-promotes. He advocates for open family communication during busy times and offers practical tips like replacing meetings with meaningful meals. His insights redefine masculinity by incorporating vulnerability and presence in parenting.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

From Baku To Biblical Practice

Ruslan recounts ethnic cleansing from Baku, migration to the U.S., a tumultuous childhood, and early arrests.
He became a Christian in high school and later found practical faith application through the "law of replacement."

INSIGHT

Redefining Ambition Biblically

Ambition can be godly when redirected toward service and kingdom-building rather than selfish domination.
Scripture supports a brotherly, time-focused ambition to use time, talent, and treasure for God's purposes.

ADVICE

Trade Screen Time For Growth

Cut passive media time and reallocate hours to skill development, health, and family to become a greater provider.
Replace half of passive consumption with focused learning to increase value to employers or your business.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, Brook sits down with Ruslan KD — YouTuber, musician, author, cultural commentator, speaker, and father — for a rich and deeply personal conversation around his new book, Godly Ambition: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Time, Talent, and Treasure. Ruslan shares pieces of his upbringing, from a tumultuous childhood to coming to know Jesus, early marriage, becoming a father, and navigating seasons of financial struggle.

We explore the “law of replacement,” the bridge between the supernatural and the super practical, and why ambition — though often misunderstood — is both beautiful and biblical. Ruslan names the tension many men feel between ambition and godliness, pushing back against unhealthy ideas around Sabbath rest, toxic masculinity, and the shame some carry for wanting to pursue more. He reminds us that Sabbath is only meaningful in the context of six days of faithful work, and that Jesus doesn’t rebuke the desire for greatness — He redirects it toward service.

Drawing from scripture, we talk about stewarding time, talent, treasure, and even media consumption. Ruslan encourages men to communicate with their families about seasons of busyness, seek guidance and support rather than isolation, and adopt simple practices like replacing meetings with meals.

The conversation is honest, practical, and inspiring, offering a fresh perspective on ambition, faith, and spiritual leadership in the home.

Ruslan KD: YouTube, Instagram, Godly Ambition: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Time, Talent, and Treasure + Bless God

Video with Cory Asbury and Forrest Frank

Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: February 19-21, 2026 in Costa Mesa, CA

Family Age Chart PDF Download

Scripture Mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Romans 15:20, 1 Timothy 5:1-16, Proverbs 6:5 + Proverbs 27:2

Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalfatherhood.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from.