Guest: Susie Erickson

Together, Jeff and Susie share childhood memories, parenting missteps, and the quiet heartbreak of feeling forgotten. They explore three moments that shape a child forever: the times they feel unseen, the times parents show up with honesty and vulnerability, and the small, everyday acts of presence that quietly build trust. From firewood and gender roles to grief, abandonment, and grace, this episode is filled with laughter, insight, and hard-won wisdom. It’s a rare and powerful glimpse into how siblings can unpack the past, find meaning in the mess, and forge stronger bonds through intentional effort.

Chapters
[Start] Different Houses, Same Roof: Jeff and Susie reflect on how growing up in the same household didn’t always mean having the same childhood.
22:35 Seen, Heard, and Human: They talk about emotional validation, why parents should share their mistakes, and how being relatable builds trust more than perfection ever could.
43:11 The Power of Small Moments: From late-night talks to bike tire lessons, Susie and Jeff explore how everyday parenting choices shape a child’s self-worth, independence, and sense of belonging.
1:00:40 Don’t Give Up, Show Up: The siblings revisit one of the hardest truths: that love without presence leaves a void.

Links and Resources

Join the Bonded Brotherhood

• BondedBrotherhood.com
• Bonded Brotherhood Instagram
• Bonded Brotherhood Slack Channel

Crossover Guest Appearance on The Observatory Podcast
Hosts: Scott and LaRae Wright | Guest: Jeff Low

In this special crossover episode, The Bonded Brotherhood Podcast shares Jeff Low’s recent guest appearance on The Observatory Podcast with hosts Scott and LaRae Wright. Recorded in the Wrights’ home, the conversation dives into Jeff’s personal story, one of burnout, regret, transformation, and the raw truth of what it means to finally turn inward and reconnect with your authentic self.

Jeff opens up about the dark emotional spiral that nearly ended his life, and the unexpected conversations and friendships that helped him change course. Together, they explore what it means to live with intention, the importance of self-love, and the transformative ripple effect of choosing to be vulnerable. It’s a powerful, heartfelt episode about healing, accountability, and the sacred work of building something that didn’t exist when you needed it most.

Chapters
[Start] Cracks in the Foundation: Jeff shares the early signs of burnout, the double-life of working two full-time jobs, and the false sense of validation that drove him to exhaustion.
15:10 The Invitation to Change: A friend’s honesty and a chance encounter with Scott and LaRae shift everything. Jeff recounts the pivotal moment that saved his life.
35:18 Building Connection from the Inside Out: The trio reflects on masculinity, emotional numbness, and the real work of helping men find belonging without shame or performance.
51:02 Creating the Space You Wish You Had: Jeff explains how Bonded Brotherhood went from a single retreat to a growing movement built on accountability, joy, and human connection.

Links and Resources

Join the Bonded Brotherhood

• BondedBrotherhood.com
• Bonded Brotherhood Instagram
• Bonded Brotherhood Slack Channel

Listen to The Observatory Podcast with Scott and La Rae Wright

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Jeff Low sits down with licensed clinical social worker Jordan Brown for a vulnerable conversation on loneliness, suicide, masculinity, and the lifelong process of becoming who we really are. Through personal stories and professional insights, Jordan shares what he's learned from years working with men. 

Together, Jeff and Jordan unpack what it means to strip away titles and expectations, how vulnerability and self-worth intertwine, and why the question "Who are you without all your roles?" is one of the hardest, and most freeing, questions a man can ask himself.

Chapters
[Start] Just a Guy That Wants to Help: Jeff introduces Jordan Brown, a licensed clinical social worker whose journey into men’s mental health began with hospice care and crisis work.
08:33 Who Are You Without the Job?: Jordan shares how he helps men question their self-worth beyond what they produce or provide.
21:20 Sit in the Mud With Them: They talk about supporting people through darkness without trying to “fix” them.
32:31 Start Before You're Ready: This chapter emphasizes the power of imperfect action, simple connection, and the reminder that you don’t need it all figured out to make a difference.

Links and Resources

Join the Bonded Brotherhood

• BondedBrotherhood.com
• Bonded Brotherhood Instagram
• Bonded Brotherhood Slack Channel

Connect with Jordan Brown

• Jordan Brown LinkedIn
• Hyde Park Therapy Associates

In this conversation, Jeff Low welcomes Steve Smith back to reflect on the silent epidemic affecting countless men: loneliness. With statistics that are as staggering as they are sobering, the conversation goes beyond the numbers to explore the real emotional toll of disconnection, burnout, and unmet expectations. They reflect on personal experiences with anxiety, emotional suppression, and the subtle ways cultural shame teaches men to suffer in silence.

Through stories of past breakdowns, missteps as fathers and husbands, and the lessons learned from therapy, faith, and fatherhood, Jeff and Steve walk listeners through what it means to live with intention. They talk about boundaries with work and technology, how to process intrusive thoughts, and why reaching out for help isn’t weakness, it’s strength.

Chapters
[Start] More Than Just a Stat: Jeff opens with a shocking truth about male suicide and loneliness.
10:08 Boundaries, Burnout, and the Cost of Always Being On: Jeff shares a moment that changed everything, a sales call on Christmas morning, and how it led to setting intentional boundaries.
27:14 Becoming the Captain of Your Own Life: Jeff and Steve talk about how regret, gratitude, and late-in-life awakenings can lead to deeper healing.
44:49 What to Expect at a Retreat: Curious about joining a Bonded Brotherhood retreat? Jeff and Steve outline the structure, purpose, and values behind the experience. 

Links and Resources

• BondedBrotherhood.com
• Bonded Brotherhood Instagram
• Bonded Brotherhood Slack Channel

Guest: Casey McFarland

Jeff Low sits down with photographer, father, and truth-seeker Casey McFarland, alongside Steve Smith, to talk about one of the hardest emotional shifts any man can face, finding meaning in the middle of suffering without letting it turn into permanent resentment. Casey shares how he transformed personal grief and spiritual disillusionment into a life of intentional connection.

From the rawness of lashing out at loved ones to the quiet courage of starting neighborhood campouts in the name of healing, Casey’s journey offers a roadmap to those struggling with how to move forward after heartbreak. Jeff, Steve, and Casey reflect on what it means to take responsibility for your emotions, reclaim your faith, and build community while creating space for the questions so many men struggle with or are afraid to say out loud. 

Chapters
[Start] Channeling Pain Into Purpose: Guest Casey McFarland shares how a season of personal anger and spiritual loss led to the creation of meaningful neighborhood traditions and community bonding.
08:40 The Freight Train of Anger: Casey talks about visualizing anger like a steam engine and how he learned to use that energy to build rather than destroy.
24:00 The Tunnel Toward Gratitude: Casey describes the long, slow journey of letting go of blame and walking toward peace.
44:55 Faith, Masculinity, and the Power of Being Heard: The hosts explore the emotional challenges men face around therapy, faith, and vulnerability. Casey shares insights on prayer and how embracing emotional honesty changed the way he connects with others and himself.

Links and Resources

• Follow Casey: 
  • Website: https://www.iamcasey.com/ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-mcfarland-36493354/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandguidedtours
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseymcfarlandphoto/ 
  • Pioneering Paradox
    • Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneering-paradox-a-podcast-for-conflicted-saints/id1803660940 
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pioneeringparadox/?hl=en 

• Books Mentioned:
  • Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
  • The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
  • The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
  • The Divine Center by Stephen R. Covey
    
    
• Organizations:
  • The Living School (Richard Rohr): https://cac.org/living-school/

Jeff Low sits down with guest Steve Smith to explore what it means to be present, intentional, and connected through practical habits that help combat anxiety, burnout, disconnection, and internalized shame. Jeff and Steve bring grounded life experience, humble reflection, and honest humor to topics that are often overlooked.

Learn about the warning signs men miss when they're under stress, the subtle ways trauma shapes adult behavior, and how to rewire default reactions through daily decisions. Jeff opens up about a deeply personal moment during a counseling session, while Steve shares stories of fatherhood, sleep struggles, and rediscovering joy through hobbies. Together, they challenge the notion that self-care is selfish, and instead frame it as essential for showing up for the people we love. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel “off” but couldn’t name it, this might help you finally put your finger on it.

Chapters
[Start] Recognizing Stress Triggers: Jeff and Steve dicuss how to spot and identify sources of stress before they turn into bigger problems.
08:30 The Power of Connection (and the Pain of Disconnection): Explore the difference between healthy connection and harmful relationships, and when it's okay to cut someone off.
14:20 Sleep, Phones, and the Fight for Rest: The conversation turns to the often-neglected importance of sleep.
21:54 Hobbies Are Not a Luxury: Jeff and Steve explain why engaging in something can save your sanity.

In this practical and personal episode of The Bonded Brotherhood Podcast, Jeff Low sits down with guest Steve Smith to dig into 16 foundational habits that can help men improve their mental health and reconnect with themselves. Drawing from personal stories, hard lessons, and ongoing struggles, they offer actionable strategies to help men show up more intentionally in their lives, families, and communities. From managing stress and setting boundaries to finding hobbies and practicing gratitude, the episode is packed with grounded advice that feels real and relatable.

Jeff opens up about the moment he finally saw a counselor and learned how to name the things he'd been carrying for years. Steve brings wisdom and humor from his own life, including the power of separating sleep schedules and rediscovering old hobbies like fly fishing and shooting sports. Whether you’re burned out, disconnected, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, this episode invites you to reflect, reset, and build a life that’s truly yours.

Chapters
[Start] The Power of Real Emotions: Jeff and Steve kick things off by exploring how acknowledging your emotions is the first tool for building better mental health. 
08:02 Ask for Help Like a Mechanic: The guys reflect on therapy, marriage counseling, and why seeking professional help might be the strongest move a man can make.
16:00 More Than Muscles: Physical health gets real airtime as Jeff and Steve talk lifting, running, and the unexpected peace that comes from endorphins, gym rituals, and long walks with dogs.
29:26 Micro Goals, Major Impact: From daily gratitude to marriage-saving to-do lists, this chapter unpacks how setting small, intentional goals can reshape your mindset and relationships over time.

Host, Jeff Low, sits down with longtime friend and guest Steve Smith as he shares his personal journey, one marked by childhood abandonment, physical and emotional abuse, and a long, silent battle with undiagnosed PTSD. What emerges from this candid conversation is a story of survival, transformation, spiritual clarity, and the hard-won wisdom of a man who’s chosen to break cycles rather than continue them. Through it all, Steve’s commitment to growth, faith, and fatherhood stands as a powerful example of how a man can rewrite his legacy.

Jeff and Steve unpack how pain can turn into pressure that explodes in anger, burnout, and broken relationships, but also how that same pain, when named and addressed, can become a catalyst for connection, healing, and purpose. Whether through faith, therapy, or even psychedelics, Steve walks listeners through the key moments that pulled him out of survival mode and into a life of intention. 

Chapters
[Start] The Boy on the Plane: Steve recounts being sent alone to live with his father at age five.
20:06 The Challenges of Adult Life: Steve explores how unresolved pain from the past can resurface in moments of stress and struggle.
36:34 Staying Grounded: Steve dives into the daily rituals, solo adventures, and intentional solitude that help reset the nervous system and create lasting clarity.
59:40 A Purpose That Resonates: Steve finds his mission in helping others speak and unpacks what makes Bonded Brotherhood more than a project—it’s personal.

Links and Resources

• The Shawn Ryan Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=6d3b5e0ef9144884

In this powerful first episode of The Bonded Brotherhood Podcast, host Jeff Low invites listeners into the origin story of a mission-driven community built for men navigating life’s deepest challenges. Bonded Brotherhood isn’t about polished production or curated self-help clichés, it’s about real men having real conversations about life’s challenges, from grief and depression to the struggles of fatherhood, burnout, and loneliness. This inaugural episode sets the tone for what listeners can expect: raw honesty, emotional vulnerability, and a deep desire to build something meaningful for men who feel like they're shouldering life alone.

Jeff is joined by longtime friend Steve Smith as they recount how the idea for Bonded Brotherhood sparked during a hunting trip with their sons, when a deep, late-night conversation turned into a shared vision. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, disconnected, or just in need of a reset, The Bonded Brotherhood will make you feel seen. And more importantly, it will remind you that you’re not alone.

Chapters:
[Start] The Brotherhood Begins: The truck ride home from a hunting trip
08:00 Work, Worth, and Burnout: Jeff shares how this relentless drive led to deep depression and near tragedy.
34:03 The Turning Point: Grief and Awakening:
After the unexpected death of his father, Jeff goes hunting and bags banded geese
1:04:34 Why This Podcast Exists: Jeff and Steve outline the core mission of Bonded Brotherhood.

Links and Resources:


The Chosen (TV Series): https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us
Bird banding and wildlife tracking programs: https://www.usgs.gov/labs/bird-banding-laboratory