In this episode, Brett sits down with one of the most interesting men he’s ever met — Randy O’Connell. Randy’s life is a tapestry of wild adventure, deep faith, and decades of outdoor leadership. From biking 135 miles through 117° heat in Death Valley, to summiting Mount Whitney, to climbing 20,000-foot peaks in Peru with nothing but a couple ice axes and a pack of pemican bars, Randy’s stories feel like they’re straight out of a novel.

But behind the adventures is a man shaped by God’s grace. Randy shares openly about childhood epilepsy, youth-group moments that changed everything, and the privilege of leading countless young people into both the wilderness and a deeper understanding of Jesus.

We talk climbing, parenting, calling, ministry, fear, hallucinating Texaco stations at altitude, and why the wilderness remains one of the clearest places Randy hears the voice of God.

This conversation is funny, profound, humble, and packed with wisdom.

In this episode, Brett sits down with Eric Carmody, a CrossFit Games athlete, husband, father, and Christian, to unpack his journey through elite sport, injury, faith, and transformation. Eric’s story takes us from football fields to CrossFit gyms across the globe, through devastating injury and unexpected detours, and ultimately to a new life built on truth in Christ.

Key Topics & Highlights

• The Injury That Changed Everything

  • Eric tore his rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) and ligament in a freak accident on the rings before the CrossFit Open.

  • Surgery left him sidelined for 9+ months, forcing him to rethink identity, fitness, and recovery.

• CrossFit Journey

  • Former defensive lineman at Jacksonville University → lost 80+ lbs through P90X and running → discovered CrossFit on a trip to Costa Rica.

  • Progressed from early competitions to qualifying for the CrossFit Games (Asia Regional champ, Invictus athlete in San Diego).

  • Reflections on CrossFit’s growth: from ESPN broadcasts to transforming mainstream gym culture (reviving barbell and free weight training).

• Life Abroad: Korea Years

  • Moved to Seoul, South Korea to coach at Reebok CrossFit Sentinel during its explosive boom.

  • Experienced rapid gym expansion, investor culture, and eventually the collapse of the franchise.

  • Shares wild stories about expat life, drinking culture, and gym politics, including immigration challenges and shady business dealings.

• Competition & Training Insights

  • Training twice a day, 5 days a week: “There’s no secret—just suffering consistently.”

  • The truth about zone 2 training vs. hard intervals in elite CrossFit prep.

  • Known for freak strength numbers, including a 255 lb strict press (well above most elite athletes).

• Faith Journey

  • Came to San Diego in 2017, still not a believer.

  • A relationship with a pastor led him into Scripture (Book of John).

  • Conviction about lifestyle led to repentance and leaving sin behind.

  • A pivotal sermon on the Prodigal Son & the 99/1 sheep in Luke broke through: realizing he was the “one” Jesus sought.

  • Shares the cost of obedience, breaking off a relationship, and rebuilding life with God at the center.

• Legacy & Truth

  • Eric’s story is about resilience through pain, the emptiness of chasing performance, and the greater calling found in faith.

  • He emphasizes discipline, honesty, and perseverance as the foundation for both fitness and faith.

Nicholas Duellman’s story is one of radical transformation.

From chasing the rock & roll dream in San Diego… to running one of the largest corporate wellness gym networks in the country… to losing it all during COVID. Through it all, Nick found something greater than success: the truth of the Gospel.

In this episode of Built on Truth, Nick shares:

• Growing up in Minnesota and moving west to pursue music

• The fire, forgotten birthday, and “1129 miracle” that led him to Christ

• Building (and losing) a 16-location corporate wellness business

• Why consistency beats intensity in fitness and in faith

• The call for Christian men to steward their bodies, lead their families, and disciple through example

This is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and what it means to live Built on Truth.

When Adam Aguirre was suddenly paralyzed by Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2021, he found himself trapped in his own body—unable to speak, breathe, or move. But what followed was a story of unimaginable grit, faith, and the relentless love of family. This episode will change the way you look at life.

Zach Zimmerman is a Chick-fil-A owner-operator, former professional spikeball player, and a devoted Christian husband and father. In this episode of Built on Truth, Zach shares his powerful testimony — from growing up with sacrificial parents, to surrendering his life to Christ, to becoming one of the few selected Chick-fil-A operators in the U.S.

We dive into his journey through career uncertainty, learning to trust God’s timing, and leading his business and family with a servant’s heart. This one is for the men striving to lead well, love deeply, and live with eternal purpose.

In this powerful episode of Built on Truth, Brett sits down with Matt Mangaran — a Navy helicopter pilot, husband, and father — to unpack his journey from chasing the “golden path” of career success to finding lasting identity in Christ.

From his Filipino-American upbringing and military legacy to a near-death experience flying blind through an ice storm, Matt’s story is one of clarity through chaos.

They dive into:
– His conversion from Catholicism to a personal relationship with Christ
– The cost of performance-driven living and the idol of career
– What it means to be above reproach and respected by other men
– The new mission God gave him as a father and leader

If you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, identity, or spiritual apathy, this episode will move you.

Rob Denton joins Built on Truth to share a powerful story of transformation—from a troubled childhood on the North Shore of Hawaii to becoming a faithful father, jiu-jitsu coach, and man of God.

In this conversation, Rob opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him: his brother’s imprisonment, a season of rebellion and aimlessness, and the turning point when the Holy Spirit convicted him to take his faith seriously. What followed was a lifelong pursuit of obedience, Scripture, and truth—one that now shapes how he raises his children, coaches young athletes, and navigates the daily grind of fatherhood.

We cover:
→ Why hardship is often the gateway to holy purpose
→ How to worship God through sport and competition
→ The tension between ambition and stewardship
→ What it really means to “fear the Lord”
→ Practical ways to raise strong Christian kids in a loud, distracted world
→ The one thing every believer must do—before another workout, project, or podcast

Whether you're a father, coach, athlete, or man trying to live with intention, this episode will push you toward truth that lasts.

Pastor Brett Schoeneck of Barabbas Road Church joins Built on Truth to talk about strength, leadership, and legacy.

A former super heavyweight lifter and lifelong hunter, Brett brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on what it means to be a man of God in every arena of life.

In this episode:
→ Biblical manhood vs cultural manhood
→ Strength training and spiritual leadership
→ Hunting, risk, and raising resilient men
→ Building a legacy your family can stand on

Listen now and start building truth into every area of your life.

What do water buffalo, broken bones, and Wall Street have in common?
Simon Petro.

In this episode of Built on Truth, Brett Wheeless sits down with financial professional, father of two, and former elite athlete Simon Petro. From setting traps in the jungle as a kid to playing rugby in Australia and soccer in America, Simon’s life has been anything but ordinary. Through every injury, career pivot, and fatherhood challenge, one truth has remained: God’s faithfulness.

This is a story of grit, grace, and godly endurance.

Join us as we explore how Trace Trebilco combines his roles as a father, athlete, and ministry leader to foster spiritual growth within families. Discover the challenges and joys of guiding children in faith and the significance of living out the gospel daily.