Heroic Stories

What do you do when you're trained for war, but life hits harder than combat? Retired Green Beret Colonel Sean Berg reveals the battles that tested him far beyond the battlefield. From leading elite teams through 10 combat deployments with zero fatalities to facing the terrifying unraveling of his own daughter’s mental health, this is the story of a soldier forced to rely on more than tactics—he had to rely on faith. As Sean walks us through the darkest moments of his family’s life, he shows us what it means to be truly heroic: not in action, but in surrender, resilience, and purpose. You’ll hear about impossible decisions, gut-wrenching doubt, and the strength it takes to say "no" to glory in order to say "yes" to love. For every man questioning his worth, fighting unseen battles, or wondering where God is in the pain—this is the conversation that proves you're not alone, and you were made for more.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/TIMESTAMPS0:00 – What Makes a Hero1:00 – Intro to Sean's Story2:34 – Elite Warriors, High Stakes4:47 – “Troops in Contact” Call6:15 – Andre’s Life or Death Fight7:53 – Refusing to Quit9:57 – Brotherhood That Saves Lives13:07 – Hollywood vs Real Heroism16:05 – His Hardest Decision19:53 – When Your Daughter Wants to Die26:26 – Called to the Diaconate32:04 – Turning Down Power to Choose Love

This is the raw, powerful true story of Robert Tunmire, co-founder of Heroic Men, who went from the edge of destruction to a life of purpose and impact. At 16, Robert didn’t care if his future led to death or jail—until a chance meeting with a mentor changed everything. What follows is a story of redemption, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening.In this episode, you’ll hear how a man with no direction found his calling, built a business at 17, and eventually discovered that true strength comes not from doing it all, but from surrendering it all. From dealing with the pain of past mistakes—including the haunting regret of an abortion—to mentoring young men, Robert's story is proof that heroism isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, courage, and becoming the man someone else needs you to be.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/

What if everything you thought made you strong—your beliefs, your community, even your identity—suddenly became the very things holding you back? Dominic lived that question when choosing love meant losing his tribe, his home, and the only version of faith he had ever known. What followed was a decade-long deconstruction and reconstruction—through trauma, spiritual exile, and radical courage.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on one man’s darkest moment and the quiet grit that carried him through. From sleeping on chapel floors to leading a movement of Catholic men toward healing and brotherhood, Dominic’s story is raw, real, and relentlessly human. If you’ve ever wrestled with who you are, what you believe, or how to keep going when everything falls apart, this episode offers a glimpse into the kind of heroism that doesn’t come with applause—but might just change your life.

Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.org

For the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give

| ABOUT HEROIC MEN |

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

Website: https://heroicmen.org

Heroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/map

Join the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhood

Heroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.org

Donate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance

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What if everything you thought was your purpose—your calling, your plans, your identity—suddenly unraveled? That’s what happened to Gabe when he left behind his dream of becoming a pastor, moved across the world, and found himself starting over with no roadmap, no money, and no clear direction.

In this raw and honest conversation, Gabe shares how he faced spiritual silence, identity confusion, and the pressure of being a young father while carrying the quiet weight of self-doubt. From the impact of It’s a Wonderful Life to finding unexpected strength in St. Joseph and Mother Teresa, he opens up about the struggle of showing up when you feel unseen, and the power of doing the next right thing.

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your path, or whether you’re making a difference at all, Gabe’s journey will remind you that heroism isn’t flashy—it’s forged in the quiet, unseen acts of love and courage.

| ABOUT HEROIC MEN |

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

Website: https://heroicmen.org

Heroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/map

Join the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhood

Heroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.org

Donate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance

| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/

What if your darkest moment wasn’t the end—but the beginning of something heroic?

In this raw and powerful episode, Chris shares how perfectionism nearly crushed his faith and mental health—and how one retreat cracked the door open to real healing. From growing up with a mechanical view of religion to battling self-harm in high school, Chris faced a silent storm of shame, isolation, and unmet expectations.

But through unexpected grace, genuine friendship, and one life-changing confession, he began to find freedom—not in fixing himself, but in being loved as he was. Now a father, he’s on a mission to model real heroism: not the flawless kind, but the kind that shows up, fails forward, and loves in silence. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing your way through life or faith, this story is for you.

| ABOUT HEROIC MEN |

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

Website: https://heroicmen.org

Heroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/map

Join the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhood

Heroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.org

Donate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance

| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/

What if the moment you built your life around—your career, your ambitions, your independence—was taken away in an instant? Dean faced that reality when he learned he was going blind. Mid-career, with a family relying on him, he spiraled into self-doubt and isolation. But instead of letting darkness consume him, he found new heroes, a deeper faith, and a mission to serve. From learning how to navigate a world without sight to walking into a maximum-security prison to bring hope to the forgotten, his story is one of resilience, Brotherhood, and faith. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or alone, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true strength looks like—and where to find it.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/

Imagine starting something that no one believes in. That’s exactly what happened when Andre Regnier founded CCO in 1988. Evangelization wasn’t just uncommon in Catholic circles back then—it was almost a dirty word. But he and his wife pushed forward, convinced that God was calling them to bring young people back to the Church.

In this conversation, Andre shares the struggles, the doubts, and the moments that almost made him quit. So how did he keep going? Two things: prayer and perseverance. He describes how his personal prayer life sustained him, how he learned to talk to God like a friend over coffee, and why prayer isn’t just about checking off a list—it’s about real relationship. He also shares the exact steps he teaches young people today to build a meaningful daily prayer life.

If you've ever felt disconnected from prayer, if you've wondered how to hear God speak, or if you've needed encouragement to stay strong in your faith, this episode is for you. Plus, Andre introduces a simple prayer guide that could transform your own spiritual life.

More about Andre Regnier

ABOUT THIS SHOW⁠⁠Heroic Stories⁠⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ. ABOUT HEROIC MENHeroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Heroic Merch⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Donate now⁠⁠

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What if everything you thought you believed was suddenly in question? How do you rebuild faith after walking away? Dr. John Bishop grew up a strong Catholic, but in college, he made the radical decision to abandon his faith in search of truth.

He explored different religions, tested different worldviews, and chased experiences—only to end up more lost than ever. So how did he find his way back? And what can his journey teach men today about faith, purpose, and Brotherhood?

Now the founder of Forge, John is leading a movement to restore masculinity and spiritual leadership in the Church.

His story is proof that no matter how far you’ve strayed, God is always calling you home. The question is: Will you answer?

Visit FORGE: https://myforge.org/

ABOUT THIS SHOW

⁠⁠⁠Heroic Stories⁠⁠⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ.

ABOUT HEROIC MEN

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Merch⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Donate now⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL

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When a Navy SEAL officer transitions from leading elite teams to figuring out personal trials, what happens when faith becomes his ultimate mission? Sam Blair’s journey is one of resilience, surrender, and change—moving from self-reliance to deep trust in God.

From intense military training to the struggles of entrepreneurship and fatherhood, Sam shares the pivotal moment when he let go of control and embraced divine sonship.

His story is a wake-up call for men seeking true strength, not just in battle, but in faith, brotherhood, and leadership

ABOUT THIS SHOW⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Heroic Stories⁠⁠⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ.

ABOUT HEROIC MEN

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Merch⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Donate now⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL

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Alan shares his journey from the dark streets of New York, where violence and survival ruled his days, to a life of faith, purpose, and true Brotherhood in Christ. He opens up about the pain of abandonment, the false promises of gang loyalty, and the moment he cried out to God for a way out. A chance encounter, the love of a good woman, and an unexpected blessing set him on a path to redemption. Now, Alan is a devoted husband, father, and leader in his community, using his testimony to reach the next generation. This is a story of struggle, faith, and the power of real Brotherhood—the kind that lifts men up rather than tears them down.

ABOUT THIS SHOW

⁠⁠⁠Heroic Stories⁠⁠⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ.

ABOUT HEROIC MEN

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Heroic Merch⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Donate now⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠