Built on Truth

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.

When his plans fell through, Igor chose faith over frustration—and built a life rooted in strength, service, and truth.

Born and raised in Brazil, Igor Mascarenhas was a practicing respiratory therapist with a lifelong passion for surfing and movement. But when he married his wife and moved to America, the system didn’t honor his degree. So he did what real men do—he adapted.

Igor started a gutter cleaning business from the ground up. He worked, he provided, and he grew. But more importantly, he committed to leading his family well—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The immigrant mindset and a man's responsibility

• Letting go of status to embrace calling

• Being the spiritual head of the household

• The power of physical discipline through surfing, Jiu Jitsu, and strength

• Trusting God when the plan doesn’t go as expected

• The quiet strength of a man who shows up every day

This one’s for every man who’s ever had to pivot, press on, and plant his feet in truth.

In this powerful episode of Built on Truth, I sit down with Matt Smith — a pastor, former Olympic-caliber rower, former trainer, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt — to talk about what it really means to be a man of God in today’s world. We dive into the disciplines that shaped him, his approach to training, and how strength, faith, and purpose are inseparable. This conversation is for the man who’s tired of weakness, ready to lead with conviction, and hungry to live a life built on truth.