Brave Men Podcast with Paul Louis Cole

From the chaotic streets of a fatherless childhood to the hard knocks of an NFL training camp Otto Kelly made one major decision - he would be the dad that stays. A celebrated college football career put Otto in the middle of the spotlight … it could have gone either way. How does a man react when faced with heavy choices? Otto Kelly shares with us what character does in the midst of pressure and temptation.  Otto Kelly is a significant voice of hope and reason in navigating today’s chaotic culture. He has won NAACP awards for his work with young men at risk, he was the Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Reno, Nevada for fifteen years, has an outreach called “Sons to Men” and is also Vice-President of the Global Fatherhood Initiative. Listen in as my good friend Otto Kelly, a dynamic minister, author, and influential speaker, joins me to uncover the life-altering power life in Christ. Our heartfelt discussion navigates the critical role of faith and fatherhood in fostering societal change. As we reflect on Otto's journey from athlete to the executive director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Reno, we shed light on the profound effects of mentorship, responsibility, and the Global Fatherhood Initiative's mission to combat the root causes of poverty. Our heartfelt discussion doesn't shy away from the tough topics—confronting the "father wound" many face and exploring the healing that faith can bring. By sharing personal stories and insights, Otto and I expose how the absence or presence of a father figure can shape lives. We also celebrate the way sports and family values intertwine to sculpt our sense of self. The episode is a testament to the idea that every individual has the potential to rise above adversity, guided by the steadfast hand of God, faith in Christ and a sense of identity - fueling their inherent worth and purpose. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, President of the Christian Men’s Network. https://CMN.men (00:00) Power of Spoken Words(09:17) Identity Formation and Fatherhood in Conversation(15:52) Father Wound and Healing Through Faith(28:15) Speaking Truth Over Self(38:56) Crisis Pregnancy Center and Pro-Love(50:34) Conversations on Compassion and Love(58:01) Power of Identity and Love(01:07:23) Discovering Purpose Through God's Love

Girls, cars, fame and money. It sounded like the best life. Then it wasn’t. Enter a powerful and deeply moving conversation with our guest Joshua Broome, a former adult film star who has emerged a warrior from the shadows of a life once defined by exploitation and emptiness. Joshua courageously takes us through his struggle with fatherlessness, the allure of the adult film industry and the eventual realization of his true worth. It's an intimate exploration of identity, the impact of absent fathers on life choices, and the remarkable power of mentorship and spiritual guidance that led to his monumental shift from despair to triumph. Joshua's raw account of being called by name at his lowest point is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of faith and community. This episode isn't just a tale of darkness; it's also a beacon of hope for those seeking redemption. Joshua's heartfelt account of his personal awakening to the love and grace of Jesus Christ opens a new horizon for listeners grappling with their own battles. Joshua also introduces his new book, "Seven Lies That Will Ruin Your Life," promising to lead readers away from the empty promises of the world and toward the fulfilling embrace of faith. To build a stronger walk with God, to live in hope, redemption and faith – subscribe to the Brave Men podcast - this is how to build a positive mindset. Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. Hosted by Paul Louis Cole, author, speaker and the host of Monday Night Men. You can find resources for mentorship and Christian discipleship for men at, https://CMN.men. You’ll find Paul at PaulLouisCole on social media. (00:00) Fatherlessness and the Adult Film Industry Journey(12:38) Recruitment Into the Adult Film Industry(26:15) The Impact of the Pornography Industry(39:34) Pornography's Impact on Lives and Recovery(46:42) Encountering Jesus

How does a small Hawaiian fish and a depressive episode lead to healing? When the weight of anxiety began to press heavily on Toby’s shoulders he discovered that healing could start right in the family's heart. That journey led him to create a workshop to strengthen those pivotal connections, laying the foundation for this deeply personal episode.  The small story of “Be a Goby” brings us into a larger story of vulnerability, resilience, and hope, reflecting on Pastor Toby Slough's journey through his own mental health struggles. His candid message that it's "okay to not be okay" resonates throughout our conversation, weaving together the theme of parental well-being and the emotional health of our children. This is a ‘must-share’ episode of Brave Men. The narrative takes a tender turn as we unpack "Be a Goby," Pastor Toby's children's book written as a lighthouse for young minds battling loneliness and anxiety. The pages of this story extend beyond the book, offering a haven of confidence, courage, and compassion through its accompanying website. Our producer Bryce joins me in this show for a look into the healing presence of God and how the love of others is a part of the process. I’ve been reflecting on the remarkable stories that fill this Brave Men podcast season. Stories that echo across generations, for our sons and daughters, grandchildren, spouses and loved ones. It really is about the journey of faith and courage and wisdom and finding Jesus in the midst of our worst moments. Hope! In our final moments, Pastor Toby joins us to call upon bravery and courage in the face of life's challenges. We explore the transformative role of faith and mindset in shaping our futures, touching on how the teachings of Jesus and Paul can renew one's sense of self. The chapter closes with a prayer for bravery, an invitation to listeners to step into their destinies with boldness, breaking free from the cycles that have long held sway over their families. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a passage to God given empowerment for anyone ready to make those pivotal, life-altering decisions. Subscribe to Brave Men — share it. Take a step with us into a future where every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every narrative is a testament to grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to impute resilience into our hearts. Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. Paul is the President of this global movement which can be found at CMN.men. (00:00) Parents' Mental Health and Healing(03:43) Be a Gobi(08:28) Overcoming Fear and Anxiety(20:41) Healing With Truth and Faith(31:15) Family Identity and Mental Wellness Building(44:46) Coaching, Shame, Help in the Church(55:40) Embracing Bravery and Courage in Life

Discover the unexpected treasure trove of wisdom with Robbie Angle, president and CEO of True Face, as he shares his transformative journey from achievement-driven existence to a life steeped in the grace of Christ. Robbie's remarkable stories, including his charitable exploits in Pakistan and profound rooftop realizations, shed light on the true meaning of discipleship and the role of character and courage in exemplifying Jesus in today's world. Our candid conversation traverses the intricate dance between faith and the pressing demands of modern masculinity, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a man fully committed to following Christ. Allow me to take you on a heartfelt exploration of what it means to juggle the responsibilities of leading a ministry with the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Robbie's insights on intentional relationships and the example set by Jesus Himself emphasize the power of focused fellowship in our spiritual walk. Painstakingly we unpack the misconceived notions of grace as a passive attribute, revealing instead its dynamic force that incites love, cultivates the fruits of the Spirit, and reshapes our daily lives. As we conclude this powerful episode, the conversation moves towards the attractive nature of living in true identity through Christ. The theology of grace comes alive as we examine the historical and moral complexities of our faith journey. Robbie and I also highlight the vital role of community in keeping us anchored to the grace that defines us. Join us as we encourage the brave men among us to embrace their spiritual journey with courage, guided by the resources and discipleship programs available to help them thrive in their faith and everyday lives. Visit https://CMN.men for more information and resources. ================== (0:00:00) - Men's Discipleship and True Grace Robbie Angle shares his journey through faith and discipleship, exploring masculinity and the transformative power of living in grace. (0:11:47) - The Convergence and Meaning of Discipleship Father's influence, vocational calling, discipleship, mission work, personal transformation, and service in Christian ministry. (0:16:05) - Understanding the Concept of Grace Grace, identity, and discipleship are explored, challenging misconceptions and inspiring active love through a secure identity in Christ's love. (0:22:59) - Navigating Tensions in Life and Fatherhood Balancing ministry and fatherhood, navigating tensions, and finding wisdom in managing family and work life. (0:38:47) - Intentional Relationships in Discipleship Relationships in spiritual growth, intentional discipleship, Jesus's example, and the allure of social media popularity. (0:50:06) - The Theology of Grace and Living Transformative journey of discipleship, embracing new identity in Christ, tension between seeking answers and embracing mysteries of faith. (0:54:29) - Exploring Grace in Faith Grace transforms Christian life, redefining the relationship between being and doing. Faith in a works-focused world, community, and historical context are discussed. (1:06:56) - Brave Men Christian Men's Network supports men's spiritual journey with resources, discipleship programs, and Brave Men podcast.  

When the hum of an engine syncs with the whispers of faith, life takes a turn toward the extraordinary—this is the story Barry Meguiar and I share in our latest conversation. As I sit with Barry, a car enthusiast with a heart ignited for Jesus, we journey through the lanes of his family's historic car care legacy and how it parallels the spiritual wisdom gained from a life attuned to God's guidance. Personal tales of perseverance and answered prayers serve as signposts, reminding us that unwavering faith can steer us through life's sharp turns and into paths lit with divine purpose. Barry is the President of Meguiar’s, a 100-year-old family business that manufactures the leading Meguiar's brand of car care products for cleaning and protecting automotive surfaces. He has been one of the most visible “car guys” in the world as the two-decade host of the award-winning TV show “Car Crazy”. The episode takes a reflective turn as I share about my wife and me and our own moments of rediscovering joy within our walk of faith. A profound shift in perspective transformed our sense of duty into a powerful life of passion. This enriched our marriage and deepened our understanding of true ministry. It is a strong reminder that sharing our faith shines a beacon of hope in even the darkest corridors, lighting up our walk with Jesus.  Our high-octane discussion culminates with an invitation to embrace the nudges of the Holy Spirit, to defeat fear with faith, and to discover the unshakeable joy that comes from living freely in God's favor. With passionate stories we explore how our smallest gestures can have the largest impact, shaping lives and legacies. Whether you're a gearhead, a seeker, or just someone curious about the intersection of passion and faith, this episode offers a roadmap to igniting a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy. Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. The host, Paul Louis Cole, is president of this diverse multi-national movement, which may be found at https://CMN.men      (0:00:00) - The Power of Following the Nudge (0:05:06) - Barry Meguiar  (0:17:15) - Finding Joy in Full-Time Ministry (0:30:51) - Ignite Your Life (0:44:55) - Follow the Nudge, Live Freely (0:51:19) - Defeating Fear and Finding Joy  

Mike was 21 and suddenly the single dad of Courtney, his 2 year old little girl. Now what do you do? And what will the future hold? The journey from that painful and difficult time to pastoring one of the most vibrant churches in America is a powerful, uplifting and dynamic story. From meeting Jesus to meeting his wife Lisa it is a compelling testimony of the beauty of God’s grace. Join Paul Louis Cole and Mike Kai for a captivating Bravemen Podcast.   Originally from Honoka'a on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Mike’s personal testimony of finding Jesus during a crucial stage of his life sparked his calling to serve God, the people of Hawai'i and the world. Today with his wife Lisa they pastor Inspire Church, a multi-campus community of faith in Hawaii. Mike leads the annual Kingdom Man Conference, and the Equip and Inspire Conference, which has attendees from across the Hawaiian Islands, US Mainland, and Internationally.   Mike and Lisa reside on Oahu and are the proud parents of three daughters and two grandchildren. Mike is the author of The Pound for Pound Principle, That Doesn’t Just Happen and other great titles. Lisa is the author of Perfectly You.   BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. You can find Paul Cole’s bio on that site and resources for discipling men at CMN.men

Paul Cole and thought leader Rawd Jones get into the middle the controversy on the future of Christianity in America. Is it even a Christian nation – was it ever? What’s our responsibility to that as men?   Rawd brings decades of national leadership into a fascinating discussion and surprising conclusions. His Rplenish ministry helps pastors stay spiritually and emotionally healthy - building servant-leaders who are focused and successful.   BraveMen is produced by the Christian Men’s Network, one of the premiere content creators of discipleship tools for men. CMN builds strong men to produce strong families and strong churches. Those resources in over 30 languages are available at CMN.men Paul Louis Cole is the President of CMN.

Vietnam. Just that name brings back memories and pain for many. For others the compelling story of an emerging global economy. For a remarkable group of people it is about the compassion to help so many who are the human toll of a century of conflict. And in the midst of this mix and against many obstacles is an emerging church. Brimming with hope and living in faith that tomorrow will be a better day. That Jesus changes everything. Along with our partner Giving It Back To Kids and traveling with good friend Ps. Joe Onasai we conducted a powerful series of events in Vietnam recently. It was awesome. In a conversation with my son Bryce we recount the stories. BraveMen podcast is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. CMN.men

My friend Chris Harper takes us on a journey of joy, fatherhood, realness and biblical masculinity in this enjoyable and motivating episode of BraveMen. Chris is the Chief Storyteller at Better Man ministries, an ally with Christian Men’s Network and a powerful voice for Biblical masculinity across the nations. Chris is an engaging witness of the power of God and illustrates it by recounting how he went from being a law student to the pastor of a local church. It’s a crazy story – and that’s Chris. He has an earned doctorate from Southwest Seminary and travels and writes extensively. The ministry he leads came out of the “Men’s Fraternity” outreach of Pastor Robert Lewis and “33 the Series”. Harper believes the world needs some bold men for Jesus. And that’s what you’ll get today – you’ll be fired up after listening to Paul and Chris. Chris is married with four children, loves Nashville hot chicken, sports of all kinds and 90’s hip-hop. He believes hospitality is the new evangelism and that art, music, community and commerce are the most powerful mediums for gospel witness. BraveMen is produced by the Christian Men’s Network and supported by friends and brothers across the nations. For resources and discipleship tools – CMN.men

He was a teenage Army private who became a national business owner - from a scuffling childhood to building a powerful ministry to families. This man knows better than most the ups and downs of life … and what it takes to overcome the obstacles. Today on BraveMen the inspirational story of Michael Rasa. Having grown up in a difficult family environment, Michael was forced to quit school at the age of fourteen to go to work. At ‘almost eighteen’ he joined the Army and became a model soldier. Three years later he was honorably discharged and began his business career. In 1994 he and his wife Debbie founded Rasa Floors and it has become a market leader in the flooring industry with eleven Service Centers serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Michael and Debbie both enjoy contributing to and leading their company, as well as flying their airplanes together often. They are happily married and have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law and six grandchildren. This story will fire you up! For more info and tools for mentoring men; CMN.men