Who was your very first hero?

In this episode of MidMen, Paul and Sean take a deep dive into the idea of heroism and how our definition of a hero changes as we move through life.

From childhood icons like He-Man, Batman, Luke Skywalker, Rambo, and the Ninja Turtles, to the celebrities, athletes, antiheroes, and larger-than-life personalities we admired as teenagers, the guys explore why certain figures captured our imagination—and what those choices revealed about who we wanted to become.

But what happens when you get older?

Do heroes become quieter? More ordinary? Are the real heroes fathers, mothers, teachers, veterans, survivors, and everyday people who simply show up when it matters? Is discipline heroic? Is sacrifice? Is consistency?

The conversation also turns toward patriotism, national identity, military service, gratitude, and what it really means to love your country without pretending it’s perfect.

Plus, the guys play a brand-new game: HERO OR ZERO?

Batman. Wolverine. John Wick. Captain America. Elon Musk. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Keanu Reeves. Dolly Parton. David Goggins. The Costco Sample Lady. The guy who returns shopping carts. Nobody is safe.

Along the way, they tackle some bigger questions:

• Do heroes save people or inspire people?
• Is being dependable more important than being impressive?
• Do we secretly want to be seen as heroes ourselves?
• And can older men still be cool… or are we all destined to become chopped uncs?

Funny, thoughtful, nostalgic, and occasionally surprisingly deep, this is one of MidMen’s most personal conversations yet.

Topics Include:

• Childhood heroes and role models
• Action movies, comics, and pop culture
• Hero worship and antiheroes
• Patriotism and national identity
• Military service and sacrifice
• Parenting and setting an example
• HERO OR ZERO
• Growing older and redefining what matters

Because sometimes the heroes we admire tell us exactly who we’re trying to become.