165: Why Most Men Never Grow Up (And How We Break the Cycle)

As a counselor, pastor, and father, I’ve seen firsthand how many men carry invisible wounds into adulthood—wounds caused by the absence of true initiation into manhood. This episode dives deep into that missing moment that every man longs for: the point where he is looked in the eyes and told, “You’re capable. You belong.” Whether it's your father, a mentor, or a community of strong men, that rite of passage changes everything—and without it, we often grow old without ever really growing up.

In this BraveCo episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment from our men’s conference where we invited boys into manhood through a powerful and symbolic rite of passage. I also break down the emotional toll uninitiated men face in their marriages. Many husbands are trapped in cycles of shame, unable to “hit the mark” emotionally with their wives—not because they don’t care, but because they were never taught how. I explain the differences between sympathy, empathy, and true compassion—and how those three tools can transform your relationships.

This isn't just theory. These are real stories from the trenches of marriage, mentorship, and fatherhood. I offer practical tools and language you can use today to connect with your wife, lead your family, and stop the shame spiral that keeps you disconnected. If you’re tired of surviving manhood and ready to thrive in it, this one’s for you. Let’s get to work.

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.