BraveCo Podcast

12 week : P*rn Recovery // Online Small Group, Starting late August Lead by Aaron Zint w/ 10+ years of experience walking men into Wholeness Sign up here: https://pillar.io/thezints/checkout/002cb6d0-5d07-11f0-a37f-93965abef48bI’m Jason Vallotton, and in this second episode of our Brave Co addiction series, I dive deep with my friend Aaron Zint—one of the most resilient men I’ve ever known. We trace his journey from childhood s*xual trauma and early exposure to p*rnography, all the way through marriage, relapse, and ultimately, healing. Together, we unpack how addictive patterns form not out of weakness or sin, but out of unresolved pain, disconnection, and a lack of agency.Aaron shares how addiction became his “solution” when life’s weight exceeded his capacity to carry it. We talk vulnerability, passivity, and the hard work it takes to confront the pain beneath the behavior. You’ll hear how learning to take responsibility, to embrace uncomfortable conversations, and to connect deeply with a community transformed his life—and continues to guide hundreds of men through recovery.This isn’t a quick‑fix approach. Instead, it’s about lasting transformation: addressing shame, building inner structure, and living within intentional, accountable relationships. Whether you’re dealing with p*rnography, alcohol, or another addiction, this episode gives clear tools to identify your real obstacles—and begin building capacity, connection, and courage.Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Free Brave Co Courses  02:00 – Why This Series Matters (Addiction Series Overview)  05:00 – What Addiction Really Is: Point A to Point B  06:45 – Aaron’s Early Exposure: Abuse & Childhood P*rn  09:00 – Signs You’re Addicted Even When You Don’t Feel “Addicted”  11:10 – A Spiritual Turning Point & Temporary Sobriety  13:00 – How Passivity Leads to Powerlessness and Addiction  16:00 – P*rn Is Not the Problem—it’s How We Cope  18:30 – Building Capacity with Courage, Connection & Community  23:00 – Invitation to “Numb to Known” 12‑Week Group Starting Aug 2025  CONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.

A powerful exploration of addiction reveals it as a misguided response to emotional pain. The speaker shares personal battles with porn and medication, emphasizing that true freedom stems from deep connections, not willpower. Citing the Rat Park experiment, the discussion highlights how isolation fuels addiction while nurturing environments foster healing. The four pillars of courage, authenticity, compassion, and vulnerability are presented as essential tools for building relationships that empower recovery and reclaiming your life.

Dive into the dynamics of marriage where becoming an emotional anchor is key. Discover why emotional safety is often the missing link in relationships. Explore how men can foster deeper connections and effective conflict management to avoid chaos. Learn about the traps of modern masculinity and the importance of leadership in the home. This enlightening discussion encourages men to lead with courage and compassion, shifting the focus from fleeting successes to creating a stable, loving environment.

In this powerful episode of the BraveCo Podcast, Jason Vallotton sits down with his father, Kris Vallotton, to discuss what it really takes to prepare sons for marriage and build strong, lasting relationships. The conversation explores how most men enter marriage unprepared, largely because they were never taught key values like covenant, ownership, emotional responsibility, and flexibility.Kris shares profound insights into the difference between cohabitation and covenant marriage, explaining how true commitment is rooted in sacrificial love and lifelong dedication. They emphasize the importance of teaching young men emotional regulation, spiritual leadership, and practical habits—long before they enter a romantic relationship.The episode also dives into the role of a woman as a “catalyst” in a man’s life, and why many men will never fully step into their purpose without that relational sharpening. They unpack the danger of coddling kids, the necessity of emotional flexibility in marriage, and how confidence is built through consistent ownership and challenge—not comfort.Jason and Kris weave together stories from their lives, including powerful examples of parenting, failure, resilience, and the redemptive grace of God. Whether you're a young man preparing for marriage, a father raising sons, or a man trying to rebuild after a breakdown, this episode offers deep wisdom, practical guidance, and raw encouragement to grow into the man God designed you to be.Chapters:00:00 – Do You Have a Plan to Become the Man God Called You to Be?  01:24 – Why We’re Failing to Prepare Our Sons for Marriage  04:54 – The Power of Intentional Fatherhood: Raising Sons Into Men  06:02 – Marriage Is a Covenant, Not a Contract  09:10 – What Every Man Must Know Before He Marries  12:36 – Teaching Emotional Safety and Responsibility in the Home  15:21 – You’re Not Supposed to Be Complete Before Marriage  18:00 – How a Wife Catalyzes a Man’s Purpose  24:54 – Real Manhood Is Built Through Pain, Ownership, and Grit  33:48 – The Secret to Strong Marriages: Emotional Flexibility and Covenant Leadership CONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.

Ben Armstrong, a pastor who faced a life-altering infidelity, opens up about his journey of radical ownership and rebuilding trust after nearly losing everything—his marriage, kids, and identity. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication in fostering emotional safety. Ben shares the challenges of navigating shame and the healing process, revealing how admitting vulnerability and seeking support transformed his relationship. His story serves as a powerful guide for those looking to strengthen their bonds or heal from betrayal.

In this discussion, Danny Silk, a spiritual father and expert in marriage and communication, dives into the critical concept of emotional safety. He shares insights on why many men fear emotional vulnerability more than physical danger, emphasizing that true power comes from self-control rather than trying to control partners. Danny advocates for honest emotional expression as a path to deeper connections, showcasing that effective dialogue can transform conflict into growth opportunities. His practical strategies aim to cultivate trust and mutual understanding in relationships.

In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my favorite guest — my wife, Lauren, to dive deep into emotional connection in marriage. We’ve spent years leading marriage intensives, learning through trial and error what it really means to build a relationship that lasts. This week’s conversation is all about the “emotional bank account” — what it is, how it works, and why it’s the foundation of a thriving marriage.We talk about what it looks like to turn toward one another on a daily basis — not just when it’s convenient or easy, but especially when you don’t feel like it. From creating healthy routines to responding to emotional bids, we unpack practical strategies you can use right now to strengthen your relationship. Whether you're newly married or deep into the trenches of family life, this episode offers timeless tools for connection.Our hope is that you don’t just survive your marriage—you thrive in it. It doesn’t take massive changes; it takes daily intention. So, whether you’re listening alone or with your spouse, we challenge you this week: Set an alarm, make that small deposit, and choose to turn toward each other. You’ll be surprised how quickly those little actions add up.Chapters:00:00 - Why Most Men Feel Lost in Marriage Today00:34 - Meet My Favorite Guest: My Wife Lauren Valatin02:01 - What Is an Emotional Bank Account?04:08 - How Disconnection Makes Marriage Feel Brittle06:43 - Investing Emotionally: It’s Free but Costly if Ignored12:09 - Why Small Daily Acts Create a Strong Marriage14:22 - Turning Toward Each Other: What It Really Looks Like21:09 - The Power of Alarms and Daily Emotional Deposits23:12 - Understanding Bids for Connection and How to Respond36:12 - Why Predictable Routines Build Secure RelationshipsCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.

What does it really mean to lead in marriage as a man of God?In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with the legendary  @DrHenryCloud —renowned author of Boundaries—to dive deep into how men can lead with strength, emotional intelligence, and spiritual clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, under-equipped, or unsure how to show up in your home, this conversation is for you. We talk about everything from fatherhood and marriage to emotional connection, leadership, and how to create psychological safety in your home.Dr. Cloud lays out a clear framework for what it means to build a house—starting with connection, followed by boundaries, protection, and healthy communication. We also explore the reality that most men were never modeled connection or emotional leadership growing up. But that doesn’t disqualify you—it just means it’s time to build structure and train differently. Whether you're single, newly married, or decades into family life, this episode will equip you with practical tools to become a present, powerful, and emotionally safe man.🔔 Subscribe to grow in:Christian masculinity | Biblical manhood | Marriage leadership | Fatherhood | Emotional health | Spiritual leadership | Healthy communication | Personal development for men | Psychological safetyConnect with Dr. Henry Cloud:Website: https://www.drcloud.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/Twitter(X): https://x.com/drhenrycloudYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrHenryCloud/featuredChapters:00:00 - You Were Made for More Than Survival01:23 - The Missing Rite of Passage for Men10:55 - How to Lead a Marriage (Even If You Never Saw It Modeled)24:00 - Psychological Safety: The Secret to a Thriving Home41:22 - Boundaries Without Walls: Leading Through ConnectionCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.

This episode hits deep. I sat down with one of my closest friends—Michael Koulianos—to unpack the kind of stuff most men never talk about. From the pain of being misunderstood by those you love, to losing the use of my arms for a year, we share the raw and unfiltered journey that forged us into the men we are today. If you’ve ever questioned your calling, struggled to lead your family, or felt like you were drowning in the pressure of life—you’re not alone. This conversation will ground you in truth, inspire your fight, and remind you that pain is often the birthplace of purpose.We dive into how real strength comes from sacrifice—not platform. Michael opens up about pastoring, parenting, and the unglamorous cost of leading a movement. He’s not just preaching a message—he’s living it. We talk about fatherhood, marriage, manhood, and what it means to lay your life down like Jesus. If you're a man who's trying to lead your family with integrity, build something that lasts, or just stay standing through the storm—this one’s for you.Also, don’t miss the end—we share what’s coming at this year’s BraveCo Men’s Conference. It’s more than an event—it’s a brotherhood. If you want to be sharpened, challenged, and sent back home on fire, make it a priority. We’ll be walking through the life of David, from his anointing to his legacy. Join us. Let’s build the kind of men this world desperately needs.BraveCo Conference: https://www.bethel.com/calendar/braveco-conference-2025Timestamps:00:00 - Masculinity Is Under Fire: Why This Conversation Matters03:20 - The Hardest Season of My Life: Losing the Use of My Arms06:59 - The Pressure to Be Enough: Ministry, Family, and Identity15:00 - Godly Fatherhood Starts With Sacrifice, Not Control30:00 - Love Means Laying Down Your Life: What Jesus Taught Me About MarriageCONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.

In this week’s episode of the Brave Co Podcast, I share one of the most powerful and emotional topics we’ve ever covered: the transformation that happens when a boy becomes a man — not by age, but through intentional initiation and affirmation by other men. I talk about what happens when that moment is missing — and how we, as a community, can bring it back.We explore what it means to heal the “father wound,” reclaim masculinity, and become the protector, provider, and leader that God designed every man to be. From the biblical example of David to modern-day rites of passage like our Tough Mudder course for young men, this episode dives deep into the importance of community, challenge, and identity.Whether you're a father, mentor, or a man still figuring out who you are — this episode is for you. It’s a call to step into the front lines of manhood, to raise up the next generation, and to boldly claim the strength and purpose you were born with. Join us at Brave Co 2025 for a life-changing experience.CONNECT WITH BRAVECOJoin Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.menInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/ 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.