(Picking Sides / Forgiveness / Personal Growth) Erwin and Aaron discuss the current social culture of having to choose a side; right or wrong, left or right and the lack of space there is to disagree with oneself or to change your mind. Our higher level of thinking is jilted when everyone close to us agrees with us, and we are unable to understand opposing viewpoints when we are consumed with being loyal to one side. They discuss the filter of bias, like when Erwin is categorized and filtered through a ‘right-wing’ lens because he is a Christian pastor. Aaron and Erwin discuss each side that exists on mask-wearing during Covid-19, the shooting of James Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin and the political landscape. Aaron and Erwin discuss how it is okay to be wrong and to later disagree with yourself. They reminisce about the many things in their past they now have changed. including trends, travel and music. The lack of permission to disagree with yourself has created a culture of cancel – no one is given the time to learn they were wrong and to change. Failure is demonized and as a society, we never grow or learn. Erwin and Aaron talk about their own family dinner table having opposing views, and agree that when it comes to politics, you should attack the policy but not the person. Erwin leaves us with the hope that even though we are imperfect humans, we can choose to assume the best in each other. If we could do this, it would create a ripple of positive effect and allow space for a more empathetic and beautiful future. Follow us on IG @battlereadypodcast www.battlereadypodcast.com

Erwin and Aaron are joined by Mariah McManus Goss on Erwin’s 62nd birthday to reflect on his life and what it was like growing up in the McManus home, how until recently they never went on proper vacations, the challenges that came with living up to the standard Erwin set for them, and how as a family they stood behind their dad and refused to conform to the traditional success model of the Christian world.  The wild stories of Aaron’s trips abroad and Mariah’s early experiences in travel illustrate Erwin’s commitment to make his children citizens of the world and see the richness of humanity in different cultures. He taught Mariah and Arron about generosity at an early age, even in their poor beginnings, that there was always enough to give back to God and others.  Erwin takes a few moments to reflect on his journey as a father and how much his children changed the meaning of his life. From reflecting on early parenting mistakes and lessons taught to the evolution of his relationship with his kids, Erwin can’t help but be proud to call his children his friends in this stage in life.  If there’s one thing the McManus’s are not is traditional, and that rebellious spirit ignited a loyal passion between them as Erwin spoke in many traditional Christian platforms, never comprising his calling to speak about Jesus in a way that no one else was.  Aaron sums up the conversation reflecting on the purpose of Battle Ready: “This podcast is a roadmap on how to think. How to change your thinking— how to challenge your thinking. How to think, not just on the left or the right, but to continue moving forward.”

NBA Bubble / Personal Character / Future of the Church In this week’s podcast, Erwin and Aaron McManus use the NBA ‘bubble’ as context to discuss what it means to overcome and achieve greatness in challenging environments. Right now we are watching some basketball players excel, while others are choking. Erwin reminds us that we don’t have the right to complain about something that everyone else is experiencing. We are all being faced with obstacles right now. But, those who prepared ahead of time are coming out on top. To be able to thrive in moments of pressure, we need to be living for an audience of one: God. When we live for the applause outside of our own ‘bubble,’ we cave when the cheers subside. As humans, we are meant to live in a drive that is deeply internal. Our work and our achievements can only take us so far if we depend on praise from others. Aaron opens up about areas in his character he has grown in as well as where he wants to continue to see growth. Erwin reminds him that sometimes, we outgrow relationships as we grow. And growth by nature is incremental. We all need relationships that believe in the best of us. Lastly, the McManus duo answers a question from a listener about how they see the future of the Church. They address the need for a diverse group of thinkers within the Church including: John Mark Comer, Michael Todd, Judah Smith, and Chad Veach. These voices are bringing unique perspectives and messages needed for this time. – Battle Ready Podcast - Season 3 Episode 6 - Trouble In The Bubble For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic / Erwin McManus

On this week’s episode of Battle Ready, Erwin McManus and Aaron McManus discuss what has been ‘wasting their time.’ And before we assume this is by nature a bad thing, Erwin assures is that being entertained and taking time to enjoy things is not necessarily always a waste. It can fuel us. And in some ways it can simply stop us from going (completely) crazy.   While sharing about their favorite shows and documentaries, Erwin emphasizes that what we watch is usually a reflection of us and our passions. The McManus duo express their feeling of loss over sports being paused and how we are currently reflecting a lot on past moments in culture because there ‘isn’t much to talk about,’ as Erwin stated.   Whether in sports, politics or entertainment, there will always be greatness and scandal. Aaron poses the question-why we chose to listen to mediocre voices when there are fascinating voices with something to say. Erwin shares that in some ways, we have come to despise greatness as it can feel like it calls out everyone else.  In this week’s episode, we learn how to and how not to waste our time. We can’t wait to hang with you. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE! For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

Erwin McManus and Aaron McManus discuss different strategies to cope during this pandemic. In the conversation, Erwin addresses the reality of the dangers of life. He uses sharks in the water as a symbol for this danger. As humans, we have to decide to live fully in the face of risk. We either learn to swim and navigate the waters, or stay on the shore-afraid and paralyzed. Aaron highlights that the protests for Black Lives Matter were a direct representation of this; many people risked contracting COVID for the sake of joining the fight for justice.    Aaron also shares on the power of discipline to overcome feelings of depression. He addresses the importance of simple disciplines such as eating healthy, working out and getting enough sleep. With such a lack of external structure, we have to build the muscle of internal discipline. Erwin builds on that statement, explaining that humans are meant for progress. We need attainable short term and long-term goals right now.   Aaron shares that the struggle with progress is that sometimes the process to achievement doesn’t look similar to the intended outcome. And sometimes, failure and mistakes are a part of that process. Erwin reminds Aaron of the importance of not letting mistakes define us, but inform us. Erwin also reminds us that small steps create big outcomes. To cope during this time, it’s important to celebrate even when the victories seem small. For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

(Black Lives Matter, COVID-19 and 2020) Erwin and Aaron McManus sit down and reflect on the current state of the world and how the past five months has been a battle no one saw coming. From COVID-19 shutting down the world as we knew it, to the state of racial injustice and unrest in America, to the unseen crisis looming as we wade into an uncertain future defined by this unprecedented period of isolation and fear. They dive deep into the mental health ramifications of the current quarantine situation, the importance of caring for one’s mental health and soul, and how it is an essential role of the church to care for the spiritual well-being of all people. While we must understand our greater role in responding to the fight against racism and COVID-19, it is equally important that we must not forget to live. We mustn’t be afraid to live fully, even while being safe, in the midst of these difficult times. – Battle Ready Podcast - Season 3 Episode 3 - What I Really Think About You For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

Battle Ready Podcast - Season 3 Episode 2 - Falling Forward Pt. 2 For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

Battle Ready Podcast - Season 3 Episode 1 - Falling Forward For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

Battle Ready Podcast - Season 2 Episode 8 - Fathers + Sons Part 2. For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus

Battle Ready Podcast - Season 2 Episode 7 - Fathers + Sons. For more information, visit erwinmcmanus.com ©Mosaic LA / Erwin McManus