In this episode of the Brave Co. podcast, I dive deep into the concept that no young man should stumble into manhood. As fathers, the best gift we can give our sons is a clear pathway to adulthood. This journey doesn’t just happen—it's intentional. I discuss the significance of Brave Co.’s Rite of Passage, a 30-hour weekend designed to help fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and leave forever changed. This isn't a retreat or conference—it's a transformative experience.

Join me and NFL Champion Steve Weatherford as we share our insights on fatherhood, leadership, and the power of vulnerability in raising strong, capable men. We discuss how true masculinity is about strength tested, faith forged, and fathers leading their sons by example. Fathers, this episode is for you—if you're ready to give your son the best gift he could ever receive, this is your call to action.

We also explore the upcoming Brave Co. Ride of Passage, a weekend event in Jacksonville, Florida, where we’ll break a wild horse, run a Spartan Race, and set our sons on a path toward manhood. Fathers and mentors, you don’t want to miss out on this powerful, life-changing experience.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Brave Co. Ride of Passage
05:06 - Steve’s Journey: From Super Bowl Champion to Fatherhood Mentor
15:30 - The Power of Intentionality in Parenting
22:25 - Sponsorship Opportunities and How to Support Other Fathers

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to position myself to win—because most men don’t lose because they’re beaten… we lose because we quit. In this episode, I’m challenging you to stop living from comfort and start living from calling. Comfort is the silent killer of potential, and if you want a different life, you’re going to have to take risks, step out of the boat, and run in such a way as to get the prize.

I break down what separates the men who keep winning from the men who keep stalling: they solve the right problems. Not the easy problems. Not the “busy work” problems. The highest-impact problems. We talk about procrastination as emotional regulation, why you can be productive and still not go anywhere, and how vision increases your tolerance for discomfort—like Navy SEALs who endure hell week because they’re locked onto what’s on the other side.

Then I give you five non-negotiables to set yourself up to win: daily discipline, radical ownership, relentless growth, brotherhood, and a purpose bigger than comfort. If you want to look back at 2026 and say, “I crushed it,” get a notebook and take inventory: am I positioned to win—or am I running away? Also—if you want to take action with your son, check out the Brave Co Rite of Passage (Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL) and learn more at BraveCo.

Chapters:
00:00 - No Young Man Should Stumble Into Manhood (Rite of Passage Invite)
02:43 - Most Men Don’t Lose—They Quit (Comfort Kills)
07:17 - Take the Risk: Step Out of the Boat
09:47 - Great Men Solve the Right Problems (High-Impact Focus)
16:07 - Run to Win: Focus, Discipline, and the Prize
17:20 - Tolerance for Discomfort: Vision Creates Endurance
22:27 - Great Men Aren’t Born—They’re Built (Daily Momentum)
28:06 - 5 Non-Negotiables + Final Inventory for 2026

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

Every boy needs a moment where he’s called out of boyhood and into manhood—where his strength is tested, his faith is forged, and a father’s voice calls him forward. That’s why we built the BraveCo Ride of Passage: a 30-hour weekend where fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and come home changed. This isn’t a retreat or a conference—it’s a rite of passage. (Jacksonville, Florida • February 28–March 1, 2026)

In today’s live Q&A, I answer real questions men are facing right now: What do you do when your kids vent to you about their mom and they’re carrying pain? How do you validate your child without throwing your spouse under the bus—and how do you “bridge” the conversation on the back end to help the family communicate better? I also talk to the friend who’s watching a marriage hit a tipping point when one spouse wants help and the other refuses counseling—and why changing one person’s skills and boundaries can start shifting the whole ecosystem.

Then I share my personal experience with OCD and intrusive thought loops—what it felt like, what actually helped, and the simple framework that changed my life: recognize, relabel, refocus (and how thankfulness can become a powerful reset). We also hit temptation in marriage (curiosity about a past relationship) and what to do when separation is on the table—plus the most practical next step I’ve seen work when the stakes are high: get the right guide in your life.

Chapters:
00:00 Ride of Passage: Calling Boys Into Manhood
01:14 Live Q&A: Ask Anything (Anonymous Welcome)
01:50 When Kids Vent About Their Mom: What To Do
02:25 Validate Emotions Without Dismissing Mom
03:16 Don’t Throw Your Spouse Under the Bus
04:01 Be the Bridge: The Back-End Conversation
05:12 Marriage Tipping Point: One Spouse Refuses Help
05:42 Why One Person Getting Help Can Shift Everything
09:04 How I Overcame OCD Loops: The 3 R’s
19:31 Curiosity About an Ex + Separation: Next Steps

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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 I join my dad on Cultural Catalysts to discuss the growing crisis of fatherlessness and how to restore authentic manhood. 

I share my powerful vision for helping boys become men through meaningful rites of passage. Together, we explore how our culture has substituted therapy and medication for true discipleship, leaving many young men without proper initiation into manhood. 

I also go into inspiring stories of transformation from our BraveCo events, where hundreds of men gather to mentor and celebrate young men through challenging physical and spiritual journeys. 

Join us as we reveal BraveCo’s exciting new partnership with Spartan Races for an upcoming father-son Rite of Passage event in Jacksonville, Florida – a powerful opportunity for fathers, mentors, and sons to experience life-changing connection and growth together. Discover how proper initiation into manhood can heal generations and transform communities!

Connect with Kris Vallotton:
Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/
Facebook:   / kvministries 
Instagram:   / kvministries 
X: https://x.com/kvministries

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

As a pastor, counselor, and dad, I’m convinced of this: no young man should stumble his way into manhood. In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my close friend Cole Zick to talk about what most families feel but don’t know how to fix, the lack of a clear, intentional pathway for boys to become grounded, capable men. We get practical about the pain points fathers feel, the pressure of raising teenage sons, and why “just go to church” isn’t enough to form men who can lead, serve, and endure.

We unpack why boys need testing and equipping, and how feedback builds capacity. We talk about the power of coaches, youth pastors, mentors, and a tribe of men, and why “heroes” matter if we want our sons to delay gratification and pursue what’s possible. We also hit real parenting language like trust, freedom, structure, boundaries, and why failure isn’t an indictment, it’s often the training ground when you actually have a plan.

If you’re a dad (or a single mom raising sons) and your boys are in that 10–18 window, I want you to hear this: it’s not too late, but it does require intentionality. If you want to take a real step, join us for the BraveCo Ride of Passage with our Spartan partnership: February 28–March 1, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida (ages 12–19). Register at braveco.org. And if this episode helps you, subscribe, share it with a father who needs a pathway, and let’s rebuild manhood on purpose.

Chapters:
00:00 — No Young Man Should Stumble Into Manhood
01:14 — Cole Zick Returns: The Need for a Real Plan
03:39 — “Come Follow Me, I Will Make You”
04:16 — The Crisis: Men Aren’t Reproducing Discipleship
06:41 — The Weight of Parenting Teenage Sons
07:36 — Building a Network of Trusted Men for Your Boys
15:11 — Testing, Feedback, and Capacity: How Boys Become Men
20:12 — Trust Earns Freedom: Clear Standards at Home
28:46 — The 7 Pillars of Initiation + Ride of Passage Details

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

We just hit 200 episodes, and I wanted to do something different. Instead of one conversation, I’m counting down the 10 moments that have shaped the BraveCo community the most. These are the clips that hit men in the chest, brought real change into marriages, and reminded us what it means to live with a whole heart.

In this episode, you’ll hear why vulnerability isn’t weakness, and why hiding doesn’t make us strong. We talk about relationships and dating without all the pressure, what courage really is, and how the presence of God becomes an anchor when you’re wrecked on the inside. We also go straight at the stuff men don’t want to talk about: anxiety, the lies playing on repeat in your head, and how addiction is often a symptom of pain that never got a voice.

Here's the links to the TOP 10 from our 200 Episodes:
Number 1 - John Eldredge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOg88tcR1gg
Number 2 - Carl Lentz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e3vtBK3eS4&authuser=0
Number 3- Sathiya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY02c6mUukg&authuser=0
Number 4 - Dr. John Delony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aAq04ebRFI&authuser=0
Number 5 - Kris Vallotton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6_Yl7vW3t8&authuser=0
Number 6 - Todd Pierce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLIjbpN9gY&authuser=0
Number 7 - Michael Koulianos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpmAYFRYJY&authuser=0
Number 8 - Danny Silk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMEUtdpTyl0
Number 9 - Alley Vallotton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicz5scd03w&authuser=0
Number 10 - Abi Stumvoll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBxCIvnFPGM

Chapter:
00:00 - 200 Episodes: 10 Moments That Shaped BraveCo
01:17 - #10 Brian Johnson: Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness
04:03 - #9  AlleyVallotton: Dating Without Pressure (Boundaries & Clarity)
06:23 - #8 Danny Silk: Courage, Story, and the Call to Rise
10:22 - #7 Michael Koulianos: Weakness, Pain, and the Nearness of God
12:24 - #6 Todd Pierce: Courage and the Fight Every Man Faces
15:16 - #5 Kris Vallotton: Weaponized Meditation & Spiritual Warfare
17:22 - #4 John Delony: Exposing the Lies Behind Anxiety
19:26 - #3 Sathiya: The Pain Beneath Porn and Addiction
22:14 - #2 Carl Lentz: Truth, Infidelity, and Rebuilding Trust  
24:55 - #1 John Eldredge: Strength on Behalf of Others

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

No young man should stumble his way into manhood. In this episode, I sit down with my dad for a conversation that hit me in the chest: the difference between living like a slave and living like a son. We open John 15 and talk about how obedience is real, but it’s not the finish line. God is inviting us into friendship, into revelation, into the kind of inner transformation where we don’t just “do what we’re told,” we become like Him.

Then we go somewhere most people never take the Joseph story. Joseph didn’t just interpret a dream and “save the day.” We unpack how withholding revelation can create slavery, how a short-term solution can build a long-term prison, and why your gifting without a legacy mindset can accidentally harm the very people you’re called to serve. If you’re a man building a business, a family, or a ministry, this will challenge the way you define wisdom and success.

We also get practical: pruning, discipline, sonship, and the process God uses to mature a man—called, tested, equipped, commissioned. If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, fear mode, performance mode, or you’ve never known what it feels like to be a beloved son, this conversation will give you language and direction. At the end, I share a simple 5-minute daily exercise that can start rewiring your inner world: asking the Lord what He’s thinking about you.

Chapters:
00:00 - Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood
00:50 - Welcome Back + Dad Joins the Conversation
03:44 - John 15: From Obedience to Friendship With God
07:17 - Joseph’s Dream: Revelation That Changes Everything
10:40 - The Twist: Joseph Enslaves Egypt
12:26 - Slavery Comes From Withholding Revelation
15:06 - Symptomatic Cures Become Tomorrow’s Slavery
18:15 - Your Home: Palace or Prison Depends on Revelation
30:49 - Initiation: Beloved to Sage (The Manhood Pathway)
47:32 - How to Build Sonship: 5 Minutes With God Daily

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

Connect with Pedro Adao 👇
Website: https://pedroadao.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedromadao/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedromadao

In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my friend Pedro Adao to talk honestly about what it actually takes to become a man. We unpack why every boy needs a defining moment, why every man must face death before rebirth, and why wisdom—not hustle or hype—is the foundation of a life that truly works.

Pedro shares his raw story of going from success to total collapse—losing his wealth, reputation, identity, and sense of worth. We talk about depression, shame, father wounds, bankruptcy, and what it feels like to believe you’re finished. But we also explore how God uses crushing seasons to strip away false identities and rebuild men from the inside out. This is not a motivational story. It’s a formation story.

We also dive deep into wisdom, kingdom entrepreneurship, and why wisdom is not information but power. Wisdom changes marriages, businesses, families, and futures. If you’re a man who wants to lead well, build legacy, and stop repeating the same cycles, this conversation is for you. And if you’re ready to pursue wisdom intentionally, Pedro shares how you can join the free 31 Day Wisdom Challenge and begin reigning in every area of life.

Chapters:
00:00 – Why Boys Need a Rite of Passage
02:16 – Pedro’s Life Before Faith and Entrepreneurship
05:21 – A Funeral That Changed Everything
07:27 – Stepping Into Faith and Risk
08:38 – From Millionaire to Millions in Debt
11:02 – How God Tests and Forms Men
13:06 – Depression, Shame, and Losing Identity
18:48 – Rebuilding Life Through Wisdom
25:31 – Kingdom Entrepreneurship Explained
35:53 – Wisdom as the Power to Reign in Life

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.

THE BRAVECO RITE OF PASSAGE: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

In this powerful episode of the Brave Co podcast, I dive deep into the importance of fathers guiding their sons through the rite of passage into manhood. Our culture has lost the intentionality and significance of this vital moment in a young man’s life, and I’m here to challenge that. Every boy deserves a clear pathway, a moment where he is called out of boyhood and into the responsibilities of manhood. This isn't just about age—it's about identity, strength, and faith.

We'll explore the historical context of rites of passage across cultures—from the Native American vision quests to the bar mitzvah—and how these practices shaped strong men throughout history. I also share my personal experiences and what I’ve learned from my father. This episode is packed with practical insights for fathers who want to equip their sons with the virtues and values they need to step confidently into manhood. If you’ve been looking for a way to build a lasting legacy for your son, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Stay tuned to hear about the upcoming Brave Co. Ride of Passage, an event that’s designed to break the mold of traditional conferences. This is a 30-hour immersive experience for fathers and sons that will challenge both physically and spiritually, leaving you forever changed. It’s time to stop letting culture dictate what it means to be a man—let’s take back the power of initiation.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - Rite Of Passage
09:00 - Our Standard for Manhood
18:26 - The Seven Pillars Every Young Man Needs to Go Through
18:49 - Pillar 1: The Beloved Son - Knowing He Is Loved No Matter What
19:52 - Pillar 2: The Explorer - Taking Risks and Learning Perseverance
21:25 - Pillar 3: The Warrior - Fighting for What’s Right with Honor
23:36 - Pillar 4: The Brother - Belonging to a Brotherhood
25:00 - Pillar 5: The Builder - Taking Responsibility for Strength
26:08 - Pillar 6: The King - Living with Purpose and Value
28:28 - Pillar 7: The Sage - Passing On Wisdom to the Next Generation
30:00 - The Importance of a Clear Plan for Your Son’s Manhood

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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 episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I’m answering your real, raw questions about dating, marriage, trust, and fatherhood as a man of God. We start with how to actually meet women in person in a world that hides behind screens and dating apps. I share my own story of dating after divorce, how I met my wife Lauren, and why growing your in-person game is one of the most important skills you can build as a single man. If you’ve ever felt stuck, awkward, or intimidated around women, this conversation will give you practical tools to initiate low-pressure, honest, and confident conversations.

From there, we dive into one of the hardest topics I hear about as a pastor and counselor: emotional abuse in marriage. Is it ever a good enough reason to leave? What does it look like to set strong, healthy boundaries without instantly jumping to divorce? I’ll walk you through why emotional abuse is not “less serious” than physical abuse, why you need wise outside counsel, and how to discern what’s really happening in your relationship. We also talk about rebuilding trust after pornography or betrayal—why “I’ve changed” isn’t enough, how to validate your wife’s pain, and how trust is rebuilt not by perfection, but by how you clean up the mess you made.

Finally, we tackle the question so many men carry quietly: “How do I father my kids when my dad never fathered me?” I share stories from my own family, how my dad invited spiritual fathers into his life, and how you can pursue older men, mentors, and healthy community instead of waiting for someone to chase you down. We talk about joining men’s groups, serving leaders you respect, and becoming “good soil” that fathers want to invest in. If you’re hungry to grow as a man, husband, and father—and you’re willing to grind, show up, and do the work—this episode will give you a clear path forward.

Chapters:
00:00 - Why Every Boy Needs a Rite of Passage
01:44 - How to Meet Women Without Online Dating
09:09 - Is Emotional Abuse a Reason to Leave My Wife?
13:20 - Rebuilding Trust After Porn and Betrayal
19:10 - How to Father Your Kids When You Lacked a Father
23:00 - Inviting Spiritual Fathers and Mentors Into Your Life
25:02 - Stop Waiting to Be Chosen—Pursue Father Figures
26:11 - How to Send Your Questions to BraveCo

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: 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.