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 safety

Connect with Dr. Henry Cloud:
Website: https://www.drcloud.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/
Twitter(X): https://x.com/drhenrycloud
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrHenryCloud/featured

Chapters:
00:00 - You Were Made for More Than Survival
01:23 - The Missing Rite of Passage for Men
10:55 - How to Lead a Marriage (Even If You Never Saw It Modeled)
24:00 - Psychological Safety: The Secret to a Thriving Home
41:22 - Boundaries Without Walls: Leading Through Connection

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-2025

Timestamps:

00:00 - Masculinity Is Under Fire: Why This Conversation Matters
03:20 - The Hardest Season of My Life: Losing the Use of My Arms
06:59 - The Pressure to Be Enough: Ministry, Family, and Identity
15:00 - Godly Fatherhood Starts With Sacrifice, Not Control
30:00 - Love Means Laying Down Your Life: What Jesus Taught Me About Marriage

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.

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 is the most important message I’ve ever shared.

Brian Tome: https://www.briantome.com/

For generations, young men have grown up without a father, without initiation, and without the confidence they need to thrive. I’ve seen it firsthand—men who look like adults but feel like boys inside. This episode isn't just a podcast—it's a movement to bring back something society lost: the rite of passage into manhood.

At BraveCo, we believe it’s not too late. Last year, we introduced a 3.1-mile Tough Mudder Rite of Passage to our conference. What we thought would be just a powerful experience became the most transformational moment of the entire year—for sons and for fathers. I saw grown men cry. I saw boys stand tall for the first time. This year, we're believing for 300 young men to be changed forever. This is a calling, not just a challenge.

In this episode, I talk with Brian Tome—founder of Crossroads Church and author of The Five Marks of a Man. We dive deep into identity, calling, spiritual maturity, and why the American church is failing to reach men. We don’t hold back. We talk about church, culture, manhood, porn, shame, and what it means to lead a life of honor. If you’re tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deep—this is your episode.

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 most transformational moment in a young man's life is when he is seen, accepted, and welcomed into manhood. As a father of three sons and a man who has walked through his own journey of becoming, I’ve seen how powerful it is to receive that blessing—from a father or a man you respect. Too many men are aging without ever feeling like they've become men. They carry a painful emptiness, unsure of their identity, still longing for validation.

That’s why we created the Rite of Passage at BraveCo. In 2024, we added a 3.1-mile Tough Mudder course to our annual BraveCo Conference. We thought it’d be a challenge—but it became the most powerful moment of the week. Watching grown men speak life into boys—boys who might not even have a father at home—was deeply moving. It wasn't just a physical test; it was a spiritual transition. And now, for BraveCo 2025, we’re going bigger: 300 young men, stepping into purpose, identity, and strength.

If you’ve ever longed to be that kind of man—or to raise one—I invite you to step up. Bring your son. Invite the boy who’s fatherless. Help us reverse the curse that has plagued this generation. Together, we can rebuild a culture where men are known, empowered, and free. You don’t want to miss this. BraveCo 2025 may be the turning point in your story, too.

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.

As a counselor, pastor, and father, I’ve seen firsthand how many men carry invisible wounds into adulthood—wounds caused by the absence of true initiation into manhood. This episode dives deep into that missing moment that every man longs for: the point where he is looked in the eyes and told, “You’re capable. You belong.” Whether it's your father, a mentor, or a community of strong men, that rite of passage changes everything—and without it, we often grow old without ever really growing up.

In this BraveCo episode, I reflect on a pivotal moment from our men’s conference where we invited boys into manhood through a powerful and symbolic rite of passage. I also break down the emotional toll uninitiated men face in their marriages. Many husbands are trapped in cycles of shame, unable to “hit the mark” emotionally with their wives—not because they don’t care, but because they were never taught how. I explain the differences between sympathy, empathy, and true compassion—and how those three tools can transform your relationships.

This isn't just theory. These are real stories from the trenches of marriage, mentorship, and fatherhood. I offer practical tools and language you can use today to connect with your wife, lead your family, and stop the shame spiral that keeps you disconnected. If you’re tired of surviving manhood and ready to thrive in it, this one’s for you. Let’s get to work.

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 powerful conversation, I open up about one of the most defining journeys in my life—fatherhood. From walking through the painful season of divorce to learning how to become the man and leader God called me to be, this episode is a deep dive into healing, leadership, masculinity, and personal transformation. If you're navigating broken relationships, struggling to connect as a dad, or feeling stuck in your growth as a man, this video will speak directly to your heart.

Together with my great friend David Norona, we talk raw and real—about wounds from the past, the pressure to fix everything, and how the unprocessed pain we carry shapes our marriages, parenting, and self-worth. We explore what it truly means to lead like a king and love like a servant, all through the lens of faith and emotional resilience. It's more than conversation—it's a call to step up.

We also share practical tools for inner healing, emotional connection, and the kind of leadership your family and future need. Whether you're a dad, husband, or simply a man seeking more, this is your moment to rise. Don't settle. Don't retreat. The world needs strong men, and it starts with you.

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 open up about one of the most critical foundations a man can build: conviction. In a world where compromise is celebrated and conviction is rare, I walk through my personal journey — the encounters, the battles, the wins, and the ongoing process of becoming a man who stands for something greater.

From wrestling with shame and addiction to encountering the tangible love of God, this conversation digs deep into why real transformation starts with real conviction. You'll hear powerful stories about battles with pornography, living in compromise, and the radical shift that happens when we encounter God's grace. It's not about religion — it's about relationship, about building your true north, and about becoming the man you were born to be.

This episode will inspire you to reflect on your ethos, set your mission, and live life with honor and clarity. Whether you're battling passivity, struggling with shame, or simply hungry to live a higher calling, this conversation gives you practical tools and hope to move forward. Together, let's learn how to build lasting conviction — and rise up in a world that desperately needs strong men.

Connect with Tom: https://www.tomcrandall.com/

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 today’s episode of the Brave Co Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Greg Hendricks to unpack a prophetic call for men: it’s time to stop reacting and start responding. Whether you're a father, mentor, or man looking to reclaim purpose, this conversation will shake you to your core.

We talk about creating ecosystems of health, building emotional resilience, showing up in family and faith, and what it means to be weaponized with wisdom. From real-life marriage challenges to the significance of rites of passage, this isn’t fluff—it’s a real, vulnerable call to reclaim manhood and occupy your space like a lion. You’ll also hear about our upcoming Brave Co Conference and why it may be the most transformative experience for both men and their sons.

If you've ever wondered how to grow past shame, how to father from strength, or how to break cycles in your relationships—this is for you. Whether you're just starting the journey or you're seasoned but stuck, it’s time to answer the call. This isn’t a podcast. It’s a call to action.

Connect with Greg: https://www.greghendricks.life/

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.

Welcome back to the Brave Co Podcast 💪 — this week’s episode is a must-watch for men, fathers, pastors, and leaders who are serious about personal growth and legacy.

Jason Vallotton is joined by his father for an unfiltered, high-impact conversation on building capacity as a man — emotionally, spiritually, physically, and relationally. What stops men from thriving? Often, it's not sin... it's living under the lie of fragility. 💭

You’ll hear inspiring stories of brotherhood, including a rite of passage moment where a young man with cerebral palsy conquered a 3-mile obstacle course with the help of brave men by his side. 🏅 This moment changed everyone who saw it — and it’s a clear picture of what men were made for: adventure, challenge, and brotherhood.

🎟 BRAVECO CONFERENCE 2025:
🗓 June 11–13 (Gala on June 14)
🎯 Register or Sponsor a Young Man: https://www.bethel.com/calendar/braveco-conference-2025
💬 Can't afford it? NO MAN LEFT BEHIND. Just let us know.

📌 Topics Covered:

How to grow emotional & spiritual capacity

The myth of comfort vs. the call to lead

Why your environment shapes your endurance

The secret to long-term, sustainable strength

Discipleship & fatherhood in action

Brave Co is more than a conference. It’s a brotherhood. A movement. A call to step into who you were created to be.

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.