What is a blessing, really? Sometimes the things we fear, resist, or even grieve become the very places where God reveals His greatest gifts. In this episode of the KNOT Strong Podcast, hosts Kurtis and Tim welcome guest Aric Berquist to explore how faith, hardship, and surrender can reshape our understanding of what it means to be blessed.

From the shock of learning his unborn son would be born with Down syndrome, to walking through health crises, loss, and family trials, Aric and the hosts share raw stories of pain that ultimately revealed unexpected beauty, humility, and gratitude.

This episode is about learning to see blessings where you may not expect them, even in the midst of life’s hardest seasons.

✅ Stay Connected with KNOT Strong. Subscribe for authentic conversations on faith, manhood, emotional health, and living with purpose.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:
https://youtu.be/f8LCJEqayzA

🙏 Thanks for supporting the KNOT Strong community. Every like, share, and comment helps us reach more men navigating life’s challenges with courage and faith.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Podcast Focus: Exploring real challenges men face when old ways of coping no longer work.

0:47 – Intro & Connections: Meet Kurtis, Tim, and Eric; creative roots, church ties, and “coincidences.”

2:23 – Opening Prayer: Tim asks for open hearts and minds as the conversation begins.

4:54 – Eric’s Story Begins: The shock of learning his unborn son will have Down syndrome.

8:18 – Redefining Blessing: On a bridge, Eric hears God’s words—“Who are you to tell me what a blessing is?”

10:08 – Faith & Identity: Wrestling with scripture, self-worth, and trusting God’s care.

11:09 – Arrival of Asher: Facing major health challenges, including open-heart surgery.

12:50 – Lessons from Asher: Presence, joy, and creating beauty in your circle of influence.

20:42 – Addressing Sadness: Why moving through sadness leads to deeper connection and growth.

24:42 – Tim’s Story: Losing a close friend to cancer and finding assurance in faith and community.

34:14 – Kurtis’ Story: Caring for a mother with dementia and reflecting on his own cancer journey.

40:25 – Gratitude & Perspective: How suffering shifts focus from self to God and serving others.

44:18 – Trials vs. Blessings: Why blessings sometimes come disguised as hardship.

50:38 – Final Reflection: Reaching out in pain, surrendering control, and finding authentic healing.

#KNOTStrongPodcast #FindingBlessings #FaithThroughStruggles #MensFaithJourney #overcomingtrials #BlessingsInDisguise #ChristianMen #MensWellness #MensMentalHealth #SpiritualGrowth

In Episode 15 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis tackle one of life’s biggest realities—aging—and how men can face it with strength, authenticity, and spiritual growth.

Through real stories, biblical wisdom, and candid conversation, the guys unpack:

- Why consistency and reflection shape lasting transformation

- How wounds and challenges can become pathways to deeper faith (inspired by Richard Rohr)

- The identity crisis many men face in retirement and role changes

- The physical and emotional shifts that come with midlife

- How to accept change while still striving with purpose

- Redefining success beyond titles, youth, or performance

- The power of humility, mentorship, and wisdom in later years- Why aging is not decline, but an ongoing spiritual transformation.

This episode offers encouragement and perspective for men navigating midlife, aging, and life transitions with faith, courage, and gratitude.

✅ Stay Connected with KNOT StrongSubscribe for authentic conversations on faith, manhood, emotional health, and living with purpose.

🎧 Listen or Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://youtu.be/XSnz6gHiWjY

🙏 Thanks for supporting the KNOT Strong community. Every like, share, and comment helps us reach more men navigating life’s challenges with courage and faith.

📌 Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:37 – Milestone Reflection

03:21 – Spiritual Transformation

05:41 – The Role of Self-Reflection

07:41 – Learning Through Challenges

10:35 – Identity and Retirement

13:11 – Physical Changes With Aging

16:24 – Navigating Midlife Crisis

20:41 – Accepting Change and Reframing Success

24:25 – Aging With Authenticity

29:54 – The Power of Humility and Wisdom

33:52 – Graceful Aging as Transformation

#AgingWithPurpose

#MensSpiritualGrowth

#ChristianManhood

#MidlifeCrisisSupport

#KNOTStrongPodcast

#AgingGracefully

#MensHealth

#FaithAndLife

#LifeTransitions

#WisdomAndGrowth

What does it really mean to accept life as it is—especially when it’s not what you hoped for? Acceptance is the courageous act of acknowledging reality without denial, resisting the urge to control what cannot be changed, and choosing to entrust oneself to God's presence, provision, and purpose — despite pain, uncertainty, or loss.In this vulnerable and powerful episode, Tim and Kurtis explore the concept of acceptance through real-life struggles—dementia, addiction, loss, and chronic illness. With no pretense of being experts, they reflect on what they’ve lived through and how acceptance is less about giving up and more about surrendering to God’s presence and purpose, even in pain.From Kurtis’ caregiving journey with his mom to Tim’s experience with cancer and watching friends suffer, this conversation challenges men to rethink their definition of strength, success, and spiritual peace. What if acceptance is one of the bravest things we can do?🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversation about authentic masculinity, spiritual growth, and real-life transformation.📌Chapters:00:00 – Opening: What “Not Strong” really means04:45 – Generational silence & Curtis’ story of his mother’s dementia10:20 – The buried emotions we carry and how they shape us15:30 – What is real acceptance? Facing reality with courage and faith21:05 – Western culture’s obsession with status and “achievement”28:50 – Why contentment rarely shows up on our list of life goals35:15 – Addiction recovery: how acceptance changes everything39:00 – Letting go of control and finding peace in who you are43:12 – Aligning goals with core values: faith, service, and relationships47:40 – Suffering, spiritual growth, and gratitude in the hard places51:25 – Christ’s model of acceptance in the face of suffering55:18 – Final thoughts: Acceptance is strength—not surrender

#PodcastLife #MenSupportingMen #MenTalkFaith #SpiritualResilience #FaithBasedPodcast #ChristianEncouragement #WalkByFaith #PurposeThroughPain #GriefAndGrace #InnerPeace#KNOTStrongPodcast #FaithThroughStruggle #AcceptanceNotResignation #ChristianMen #MenOfFaith #SpiritualStrength #SurrenderToGod #FindingPeace #MentalHealthForMen #FaithInHardTimes #GodsGrace #AuthenticManhood #BiblicalManhood #ChristianGrowth #HealingThroughFaith

Superstitions have existed across cultures and since the beginning of conscious thought. More than 70% of the world claims belief in superstitious causation. How does this impact a life? Can we miss the greater good because unfounded rituals interfere with honest spiritual growth?In this thought-provoking episode of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis dive headfirst into the world of superstition, rituals, and faith—with episode 13 aptly exploring how the meaning of “13” and long-held beliefs impact our everyday lives.Join the conversation as they unpack:

• Why human beings cling to superstition in the face of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty

• The roots of rituals, from ancient traditions to modern-day sports “good luck” habits

• Personal stories of overcoming cancer, caring for aging parents, and finding peace through spiritual surrender

• How to distinguish healthy spiritual practice from empty routine or superstition

• Genuine encouragement for men navigating trouble, looking for control, and longing for peace

Kurtis and Tim keep it real, wrestling honestly with control, vulnerability, and what it truly means to surrender to a higher power. They explore the temptations of believing in self-made “protections,” discuss famous athletes’ superstition quirks, and reflect on how faith can mature beyond surface rituals into authentic, resilient relationship.If you’ve ever questioned why you cling to certain routines, or wondered whether your faith is anchored in relationship or just in habit, this episode will challenge and encourage you to move beyond superstition and find true spiritual strength.🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversation about authentic masculinity, spiritual growth, and real-life transformation.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction02:45 – What Is Superstition? Definitions & Roots07:30 – Superstition vs. Faith: Where’s the Line?12:05 – Rituals, Routines, and the Need for Control18:00 – When “Good Luck” Turns into a Trap22:00 – Faith Practices: Authenticity vs. Performance27:10 – The Value of Community and Honest Worship31:15 – Surrender, Strength & Growing Spiritual Maturity35:05 – Personal Stories: Caregiving, Grief, Connection37:00 – Brain health, intentionality, and community38:10 – Spiritual practices—ritual vs. reverence39:55 – World’s top 10 superstitions & their fun side41:33 – Closing encouragement—trust, light & gratitude42:57 – EndWhether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just curious about the role of ritual in personal growth, this episode will help you examine old habits and discover a path to real, deeper faith and freedom.

In Episode 12 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis wrestle with a question every man faces: How do you know if you're making the right decision? Is it intuition? Is it God? Or is it just a well-formed assumption? And what happens when what you're feeling doesn't align with rational thought?They explore the powerful intersection of faith, wisdom, and discernment, sharing stories where their “gut” was right—and times when it wasn't. With honesty and humor, they offer a framework for trusting your God-centered intuition while staying grounded in faith, prayer, and humility. Whether you're facing a big life decision, feeling unsure about next steps, or simply wondering how to know God's will in a noisy world; this episode will encourage you to slow down and listen for the Holy Spirit's voice while also providing some practical tools for doing so.

Related:

“How do I know if God is speaking to me?”

“Christian decision-making strategies”

“How to trust your intuition as a man of faith”

“Is this God’s will or my own idea?”

“Spirit-led living in everyday life”

“Christian podcast for men”

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more honest conversations about faith, mental clarity, and living as a spiritually grounded man in today’s world.

👇 Join the KNOT Strong Community! Listen to All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@knotstrong

#GodCenteredIntuition #ChristianDiscernment #SpiritLedDecisions #decisionmaking #spiritualdiscernment #HolySpiritguidance #Christianmenspodcast #faith #faith-baseddecisionmaking #intuition #assumption #listentoGod #trustyourgut #wisdomfromgod

In Episode 11 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis dive into the transformative power of gratitude—a mindset that can radically improve your physical and mental health, spiritual walk, and overall emotional well-being.Through personal stories, Biblical insight, and scientific research, the hosts explore how gratitude can:Reduce anxiety and stressStrengthen relationshipsDeepen faith and connection with GodShift perspective during life’s toughest seasonsThe episode also features a fun and meaningful 20-item gratitude challenge, where each host shares what they’re most thankful for right now, from life after cancer to personal growth and spiritual renewal.Whether you’re seeking emotional healing, overcoming addiction or illness, or just wanting to grow as a man of faith, this episode will encourage you to start living with more gratitude, intention, and joy.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about men’s mental, physical and spiritual health, Christian living, and overcoming life’s biggest battles with faith.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro02:30 – Why Gratitude Changes Everything06:00 – Tim & Kurtis’ Top 20 Lists18:45 – Science Behind Gratitude25:00 – Biblical Perspective32:00 – How to Build a Thankful Life38:00 – Final Thoughts#Gratitude #ChristianPodcast #MensMentalHealth

In Episode 10 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis unpack the tension between perseverance and self-preservation—how do you know when to keep pushing through life’s challenges... and when it’s wiser to step back?Drawing from faith, personal experience, and scripture, the guys wrestle with questions like:Is burnout a sign of weakness—or a wake-up call?Does God always want us to "power through"?When is rest an act of obedience, not avoidance?This candid conversation hits on themes of masculinity, mental and emotional health, Christian endurance, and wisdom in weakness—with stories of pushing too hard, backing off too soon, and learning to discern the difference.Whether you’re facing stress, burnout, recovery, or major life decisions, this episode invites you to rethink what it really means to be “strong.”🔔 Subscribe for more real talk about faith, healing, and manhood through the lens of Christian brotherhood and experience.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro03:10 – What Is Perseverance vs. Self-Preservation?08:00 – Cultural vs. Biblical Views of Strength14:30 – When Pushing Too Hard Backfires21:00 – Signs It’s Time to Pull Back27:30 – Rest as an Act of Obedience34:00 – Final Thoughts#Perseverance #ChristianMen #MentalHealthForMen

In this special Father’s Day episode of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis reflect on the sacred responsibility of fatherhood—and how men are called to lead not just with strength, but with a steward’s spirit.Through raw conversation and Biblical perspective, the guys unpack:What it means to be a spiritual leader in your homeThe difference between ownership and stewardshipHow fatherhood mirrors God's love and patienceChallenges, regrets, and moments of grace as dadsThe men's daughters even make special appearances to share their views about their dads.Whether you’re a father, stepfather, spiritual father, or a man being shaped into one, this episode will encourage you to embrace your God-given role with humility, courage, and compassion.🔔 Subscribe for more authentic conversations around Christian manhood, emotional health, and living with purpose.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro02:45 – Why Fatherhood Reflects God’s Character07:30 – What Is the Spirit of Stewardship?13:15 – Leading Without Owning18:40 – Personal Stories of Fatherhood Wins and Failures26:00 – Encouragement for Fathers in Every Season34:00 – Final Thoughts + Blessing

In Episode 8 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis share about a special "island" in Northeast Florida, the one that runs from Mayport to Vilano Beach, bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. This is their home and a place that has become a spiritual refuge and bonding ground for all those who love North Florida's boundless outdoor beauty; a natural sanctuary for peace, physical, mental & emotional well-being; and presence.They share the history of the area, and continuing efforts to preserve it, stories from past adventures, and how this simple, quiet place in nature has helped shaped their families, faith, friendship, and mental and emotional recovery after some of life’s hardest challenges.This conversation is more than a trip down memory lane—it's about finding your own “island spirit,” wherever you are. A space where you slow down, reconnect with God, and listen deeply.Whether you’ve been searching for rest, community, or a special space to breathe again, this episode will speak to the part of you that longs to feel grounded and whole.00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 02:10 – What Is the “Island Spirit”? 05:30 – Geography: Mayport to Vilano Beach 08:45 – Personal Stories: Growing Up on the Island 13:20 – The Island as a Spiritual Refuge 17:00 – Nature, Peace & Mental Well-Being 21:40 – Family, Friendship & Outdoor Adventures 27:10 – History & Preservation Efforts 32:00 – Healing After Life’s Challenges 36:20 – Finding Presence & Reconnecting with God 40:10 – How to Find Your Own “Island Spirit” 42:00 – Final Reflections & Closing These timestamps help viewers easily navigate the episode’s key themes: the unique geography and history of the island, personal and spiritual stories, the role of nature in healing, and encouragement to find a place of peace and presence in their own lives.RelatedHow does this podcast inspire me to get outdoors and find my own "island spirit"?#OudoorRetreats, #NortheastFlorida #ChristianMindfulness, #MensWellness #IslandHealingJourney

In Episode 7 of the KNOT Strong Podcast, Tim and Kurtis dive deep into the world of surfing—and how the ocean’s power has shaped their lives, faith, and resilience as men.Through personal stories, raw memories, and honest conversation, the hosts explore:How surfing became a lifelong passion and spiritual anchorThe unique brotherhood and culture of the surf communityLessons learned from the waves: perseverance, surrender, and connectionHow the ocean helped them through life’s toughest seasons, including illness and personal lossThe parallels between surfing and spiritual growth—trust, letting go, and riding life’s stormsWhether you’re a lifelong surfer, someone who’s curious about the ocean lifestyle, or a man seeking inspiration for your own journey, this episode will encourage you to tap into your own “surfer spirit”—living with courage, faith, and a sense of adventure.🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about men’s mental, physical, and spiritual health, Christian living, and overcoming life’s biggest battles with faith.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro02:00 – Why Surfing Captivates Us08:00 – First Waves & Early Memories15:30 – Surfing as a Spiritual Experience24:00 – Brotherhood & Surf Culture35:00 – Lessons from the Ocean47:00 – Surfing Through Life’s Challenges55:00 – Final Thoughts#Surfing #MensMentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #SurferSpirit #KNOTStrongRelatedIn what ways does embracing the surfer spirit inspire your personal growth?