Exceptional Man Podcast

Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of America’s greatest leaders—but behind the speeches, the Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation was a man locked in a lifelong struggle with faith.

In this episode, bestselling author and historian Stephen Mansfield joins Chad Zueck to discuss his book Lincoln’s Battle with God.

Together they explore:

• Why Lincoln’s faith was so hard to define

• How his parents shaped his early rejection of Christianity

• The role adversity, suffering, and self-education played in his spiritual journey

• Why he came to view the Civil War as divine judgment on America

• How his Second Inaugural Address reveals his deepest convictions about God and providence

Lincoln’s greatness wasn’t in having a simple faith—but in wrestling honestly with God in the midst of unimaginable national and personal suffering. His battle still speaks to men today who struggle with doubt, belief, and the shaping of their own vision.

If you’ve ever wrestled with your faith—or wondered how leaders are formed in the crucible of struggle—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

How to connect with Stephen:

StephenMansfield.TV — author, speaker, and podcast hub

Social Media Profiles

Apple Podcast link here

Spotify Podcast link here

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Prayer isn’t weak—it’s war. In this episode of the Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad Zueck unpacks how men can pray with precision, power, and persistence. Learn how to fight battles with God's help, live connected to God, and unlock the strength to move mountains.

For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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“Ships are safest in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

Masculinity is risky business—and that’s exactly how God designed it. Playing it safe might protect a man from failure, rejection, or conflict, but it also keeps him from adventure, purpose, and growth.

In this episode, Chad unpacks the role of necessary risk in a man’s life—the kind of faith-stretching, courage-building, and character-shaping risks that separate the average man from the exceptional man. From Peter stepping out of the boat, to David facing Goliath, to the real risks we face in relationships, career, and faith, this conversation will challenge you to move beyond comfort and into calling.

You’ll discover:

• Why every stage of a man’s life demands new risks.

• The difference between reckless risks and faith-led risks.

• Five areas where men must be willing to risk: spiritual, relational, vocational, personal, and social.

• Practical ways to step out with prayer, courage, and wisdom.

The risk of rejection, failure, or conflict is real—but so is the reward of legacy, influence, and brotherhood.

Because the truth is this: men weren’t made for safety. Men were made for risk.

To have Chad or Tom speak at your men's event, [email protected].

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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In this episode, Chad and Tom explore the beauty and tension between being a man and a woman. From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Adam needed a helper fit for him, and Eve’s creation reveals God’s design for both difference and dependence. Rather than erasing distinction, the Scriptures celebrate it: man and woman are made in God’s image, equal in worth, yet distinct in form and role.

As Jon Tyson reminds us, “Be the man God is calling you to be. Put your effort into formation, not opinion.”

We’ll unpack how both sexes radiate glory in different ways. Paul teaches that man reflects the glory of God, while woman reflects the glory of man (1 Corinthians 11:7). That doesn’t mean inequality—it means polarity. Distinction is part of the design. Galatians 3:28–29 affirms that in Christ, men and women are equally heirs of God’s promise, yet that equality doesn’t flatten God’s good order. Biological, relational, and even psychological differences point to a deeper truth: men and women were made to complement, not compete.

But what does this mean for us today, in a culture often confused about identity and gender roles?

Masculinity and femininity are not caricatures—they are rooted in God’s design.

When men step into biblical manhood, and women embrace biblical womanhood, the result is not rivalry but flourishing.

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Let’s talk gospel and evangelism.

Does it sound like a scary religious word?

Without it, the world would be void of the kingdom of God, and you may miss one of the most beneficial aspects of your spiritual formation. Our working definition of spiritual formation comes from Dallas Willard.

 “Spiritual formation is the process of character transformation toward complete trustworthiness before God.”

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Masculinity, or the quest for masculinity, has become a religion in itself for some in the manosphere. Why? How can an exceptional man pursue his own greatness without going too far?

1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Let's talk, man to man!

To receive the free Exceptional Man Action Planner or to be one of the first five listeners to receive a free "Be Exceptional" hat, hit chad up at [email protected].

Stephen Mansfield's Book, Band of Brothers, provided some great nuggets in this episode. To check out his work, https://stephenmansfield.tv.

For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Celebrations matter to God, so they need to be a part ofour lives.

Celebrations form us spiritually, and joy forms usspiritually!

A joyless life is not a Christian life, for joy is one constant in the recipe for Christian living. J. M. Boice, Foundations of theChristian Faith

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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You’re not trying to win arguments. You’re trying to win her heart.
But let’s be real—miscommunication, short tempers, and silence can wreck the connection between you and your wife before the real conversation even starts.

In this episode of the Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad and Tom get real about one of the hardest—but most vital—skills every man needs: how to communicate in a way that builds trust, not tension.

Exceptional men don't settle for average communication.

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Books referenced:

Love That Lasts by Gary and Betsy Ricucci

5 Love Needs of Men and Women by Gary Rosberg

Marriage by Paul David Tripp

Stewarding our time requires, at minimum, two things: decision-making and discipline. The two complement one another and allow for some rails that your life can go down without losing your legacy or your mind.

Chad and Tom drop wisdom on how to make the best decisions for your life and legacy. They are two men who are on the path to being exceptional, and their honesty and vulnerability are much needed in our day and age.

For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. 

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Email to get your free weekly Exceptional Man Planner

Book reference:

The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McConigal

Bonus:

Your Future Self will Thank You by Drew Dyck