In this episode, the guys continue the "Built for Influence" series by talking about blind spots — those hidden areas in our lives that we often can’t see ourselves, but that others notice right away. The conversation moves from funny real-life examples into a deeper discussion about humility, feedback, accountability, and growth.

• What blind spots are and why everyone has them
• A hilarious story about not noticing toilet paper stuck to the back of your shorts
• Why humility is essential for personal growth
• How feedback from trusted people can reveal what we miss
• The difference between helpful correction and defensive reactions
• Why timely, specific feedback matters in marriage, parenting, and leadership
• How blind spots can affect influence, relationships, and long-term success
• Why anger and defensiveness often point to deeper issues
• The role of confession, repentance, community, and counseling in growth

• A funny story about walking across a public area with toilet paper hanging out of a pair of shorts
• The reminder that “what you can’t see can hurt you”
• The idea that humility is the “seedbed for all other virtues”
• The reflection that truth is still truth, even when it comes from someone rude
• The closing challenge from Psalm 139:23–24

• We usually don’t identify our own blind spots on our own
• Trusted people help us see what we cannot
• Growth requires humility, openness, and a willingness to receive correction
• Defensiveness often protects the very issue we need to address
• The goal is not just to be right, but to be transformed

• Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart...”

• Brad shared a memorable and funny blind-spot story
• The discussion emphasized the value of trusted accountability
• The episode closed with a practical challenge to invite honest feedback

Find someone you trust and ask them: “What do you see in me that I may not see?”

The conversation explores the concept of servant leadership and its contrast with worldly leadership. It delves into personal stories and practical applications of servant leadership, emphasizing the balance between authority and servanthood.

Takeaways

• Servant leadership involves leading by serving others
• Balancing authority and servanthood is essential for effective leadership

Chapters

• 00:00 Built for Influence
• 01:21 Servant Leadership
• 03:07 Worldly View of Leadership
• 04:03 Servant Leadership vs. Worldly Leadership
• 05:01 Personal Stories of Servant Leadership
• 07:24 Balancing Servant Leadership and Authority
• 28:39 Practical Application of Servant Leadership

This episode follows a men’s conversation about what it really means to walk in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The guys move from the tension between self-effort and surrender into a practical, honest look at love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you’ve ever tried to manage your life by willpower alone, this one pushes straight into the root issue.

• In this episode, the guys set up the contrast between striving in the flesh and organic growth through the Holy Spirit.
• They discuss why “fruit” is singular in Galatians 5 and how the qualities of the Spirit work as an interconnected whole.
• They unpack how bad fruit often points back to deeper roots like anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, rejection, or abandonment.
• They share why accountability and trusted feedback help men see blind spots they cannot see themselves.
• They break down the first cluster of fruit - love, joy, and peace - as internal markers that come from trusting God rather than chasing circumstances.
• They talk about love as the foundation, not an emotion, and as something that should flow from God into us and out to others.
• They contrast worldly happiness with Spirit-led joy, especially in seasons of pain, loss, pressure, and uncertainty.
• They discuss peace as more valuable than the appearance of safety, status, or control.
• They move into patience, kindness, and goodness as signs of maturity, not weakness.
• They close with faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as character traits that show real spiritual stewardship, especially over the mouth, temper, and impulses.

• Galatians 5:22-23
• Galatians 5, the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit
• Philippians, especially Paul’s emphasis on joy in prison
• James, on the power of the tongue and self-control
• 1 Corinthians 13, on love as the essential foundation
• James 1:4, on letting patience have its perfect work

• Stop trying to manage only the visible behavior and ask God to deal with the root.
• Invite trusted people to speak into your life and point out blind spots.
• Pray specifically for love, joy, and peace to become internal foundations.
• Treat patience as part of spiritual maturity, not as an optional extra.
• Practice kindness and goodness with strength, not as weakness or passivity.
• Pay attention to your words, because self-control over the mouth is a major test of spiritual growth.
• Yield to the Holy Spirit daily instead of trying to produce fruit by sheer effort.

00:00 - Introducing the fruits of the Spirit and the battle between flesh and Spirit
01:43 - Why self-effort and sin management miss the root issue
05:47 - Why Paul says “fruit” singular, not “fruits” plural
08:30 - How other people can often see our fruit more clearly than we can
11:08 - Love as the foundation of Christian life
14:09 - Joy that survives prison, pressure, and uncertainty
19:19 - Peace as more valuable than safety, status, or control
21:31 - Patience, kindness, and goodness as signs of maturity
27:06 - Gentleness as power brought under control
29:20 - Self-control, especially over the mouth and impulses
32:28 - Surrounding yourself with people who can speak truth and life
35:15 - Closing encouragement to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit

Ask God to expose the root, not just the symptom. Then invite one trusted person to speak honestly into your life this week about the fruit they see.

This episode of Let’s Talk continues the Holy Spirit series by moving from baptism in the Spirit to the gifts of the Spirit. The conversation is practical, funny, and rooted in real-life stories of healing, discernment, and how spiritual gifts are meant to strengthen other people, not spotlight the one operating in them.Brad and Coit share examples from Scripture and their own lives, then get specific about how believers can use spiritual gifts with humility, love, and order in everyday ministry, family life, and church community.

• The guys open by framing the episode as part of their ongoing Holy Spirit series and explain that this conversation is about the gifts of the Spirit
• Why these are called gifts at all, and how God gives them by grace to empower believers for victorious living
• The difference between natural gifts and the supernatural manifestation gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12
• A simple breakdown of the nine gifts into three groups:
  • discerning gifts
  • dynamic gifts
  • declaring gifts
• The discerning gifts:
  • word of wisdom
  • word of knowledge
  • discerning of spirits
• The dynamic gifts:
  • faith
  • healing
  • miracles
• Real testimony from Brad about a seed wart disappearing after prayer
• Another healing testimony about a hole in the esophagus being healed after prayer from a grandmother of faith
• The declaring gifts:
  • prophecy
  • tongues
  • interpretation of tongues
• Why spiritual gifts are for the good of the body, not personal status or spiritual bragging
• Why prophecy should be tested with Scripture, godly counsel, and trusted community
• The importance of using gifts decently and in order, especially in church settings
• Five practical ways to operate in spiritual gifts:
  • awareness
  • blessing others
  • earnestly desiring the right gift for the moment
  • motivation by love
  • order and humility

00:00 - Opening the Holy Spirit series and introducing spiritual gifts
02:01 - The BB gun story and the joking tone of the conversation
04:06 - Why believers need the gifts of the Spirit
06:06 - Natural gifts versus supernatural manifestation gifts
07:25 - The three categories: discerning, dynamic, and declaring gifts
08:10 - Word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and God still speaking
08:37 - Paul’s shipwreck example as a word of knowledge and wisdom
10:07 - Faith, healing, and miracles as dynamic gifts
11:01 - Brad’s seed wart healing testimony
13:17 - The esophagus healing testimony and God’s power to heal
14:58 - Prophecy, tongues, and interpretation as declaring gifts
16:14 - The gift is for the recipient, not the performer
17:23 - Testing prophecy and weighing words carefully
21:38 - Five practical ways to use spiritual gifts well
22:44 - Use your gifts to bless others, not yourself
23:44 - Desire the best gift for the situation
25:01 - Asking God for the gifts you need in your calling
27:27 - Gifts must be motivated by love
29:16 - Operate decently and in order
30:22 - Final charge to seek the Spirit and bless others

This episode of Let's Talk with Ben, Brad, and Coit centers on the Holy Spirit and why spiritual power matters for men who want to live ready for battle. They unpack the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the meaning of tongues, and why Jesus told his followers to wait for power before going out.Brad shares his own powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit after salvation, and Coit explains how the Spirit equips believers for witness, prayer, and endurance in everyday spiritual warfare.

• In this episode, Ben opens the series connection to being built for battle and explains why Holy Spirit power is essential, not optional.
• Coit defines the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity and frames baptism in the Spirit as a separate work from salvation and water baptism.
• Brad shares his testimony of being radically saved in 1995, then later being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
• The hosts walk through Acts 1 and Acts 2, emphasizing Jesus' instruction to wait in Jerusalem for power before ministry.
• They discuss Joel 2 and the promise that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, including sons, daughters, young men, and old men.
• The episode breaks down different uses of tongues, including public tongues with interpretation and private prayer language.
• Coit highlights Romans 8 and the Spirit's role in intercession when believers do not know how to pray as they should.
• The conversation addresses cessation theology and why the hosts believe tongues and Spirit baptism are still for today.
• Brad and Coit both point to the personal, edifying effect of praying in the Spirit daily as preparation for spiritual battle.
• The episode closes with prayer for listeners to receive the fire, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit.

00:00 - Opening the built for battle series and introducing Holy Spirit power
00:38 - Why the Holy Spirit is the central piece of spiritual readiness
01:37 - Who the Holy Spirit is as the third person of the Trinity
02:03 - The three baptisms and why the Spirit baptism matters
02:52 - Brad's salvation story and first radical encounter with God
04:45 - Being filled with the Holy Spirit without human prompting
06:02 - Jesus' command to wait for power in Jerusalem
06:58 - Joel 2, Acts, and the promise poured out on all flesh
08:09 - Why the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for believers today
09:09 - Public tongues, private tongues, and the question of who receives them
10:21 - Why public tongues need interpretation in church settings
11:08 - Two public uses and two private uses of tongues
12:16 - Romans 8 and intercession through the Spirit
12:46 - A story of intercession while a missionary was held at gunpoint
13:44 - Personal prayer in tongues as direct prayer to God
14:38 - How praying in the Spirit builds you up like a house
15:27 - False fire, deception, and protecting the real move of God
16:39 - Why cessation theology misses the ongoing work of the Spirit
17:44 - "Face to face" means Jesus' return, not the closing of gifts
19:15 - Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts with biblical balance
20:20 - Why it is short sighted to close yourself off from God's gifts
21:03 - Jesus baptized and led by the Spirit into the wilderness
21:59 - Brad's story of receiving the Spirit at age 11 and then witnessing
24:14 - Camp testimony and students physically sensing the Spirit
25:39 - Why the church cannot become Father, Son, and Holy Bible only
26:35 - The Holy Spirit as counselor and guide for witness
27:22 - Praying for listeners to receive the fire of the Holy Spirit

Are you aware of the invisible war happening around us and within us? Most men go through their days fighting flesh and blood, unaware of the spiritual forces actively seeking to destroy our purpose, identity, and peace. In this episode, Ben, Brad, and Coit share personal stories, Biblical insights, and practical advice on how to recognize and gear up for the real fight — spiritual warfare.

Join us as we explore the nature of spiritual warfare from a biblical perspective, focusing on how often we fight flesh and blood when the real enemy operates behind the scenes. We discuss the importance of seeing others through God's eyes rather than fleshly reactions, and how to equip ourselves daily with the armor of God. Learn practical steps to discern the unseen battles and to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

• Personal stories of physical and spiritual fights, including Brad’s high school encounter and military experiences
• The biblical foundation of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 and the full armor of God
• Recognizing the enemy behind fleshly conflicts and how spiritual deception influences our perceptions
• The importance of guarding our hearts and minds from spiritual lies about our identity and purpose
• The concept of being "dangerous" spiritually — capable of standing firm and fighting back when needed
• Practical ways to put on the armor every day through prayer, the Word, and intentional spiritual discipline

• Ephesians 6:12-17 — The full armor of God
• John 10:10 — The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy
• Genesis 3:1 — The serpent's deception
• 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 — Spiritual warfare for the destruction of strongholds

• Pray daily for eyes to see and ears to hear what’s happening behind the scenes
• Study and meditate on Ephesians 6 to understand each piece of armor and its application
• Guard your mind and heart, especially regarding your identity, purpose, and the way you see others
• Recognize that every conflict is connected to a spiritual battle — choose love and compassion over fleshly reactions
• Be prepared spiritually by reading the Word and staying in prayer before stepping into the world each day

Start today by making it a habit to put on the full armor of God each morning. Pray, ask for discernment, and look for opportunities to stand firm in faith. Share this episode with a brother in Christ who needs encouragement to see the unseen battle and to fight with spiritual weapons.

00:00 - Recognizing the unseen war around us
03:25 - The spiritual nature of the real enemy
07:55 - Biblical foundation of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6
12:01 - Guarding our identity and purpose against spiritual deception
17:25 - The importance of spiritual readiness and danger in masculinity
22:42 - Seeing people through God's eyes rather than the enemy’s distortion
28:30 - Practical steps to put on the armor of God daily
34:32 - How to make spiritual armor a daily rhythm

• Linktr.ee/Letstalkthepod for more resources and connection

Are men meant to fight alone, or is real strength found in community?In this episode of Let’s Talk, we dig into the biblical and cultural truths about brotherhood, vulnerability, and how isolation is our enemy's greatest weapon. Ben, Coit and Brad unpack the dangerous solo warrior myth we see in media and history — and reveal why true resilience requires surrounding yourself with brothers who will sharpen and protect you, especially in spiritual battles.They share powerful stories, from the surprising lion licks in Africa to the transformative power of authentic community in churches and CrossFit groups. You’ll discover how true community isn’t just about proximity — it’s built on shared passions, healthy conflict, and vulnerability. But avoiding that can leave men exposed to unseen dangers: substance abuse, emotional disconnection, and spiritual attack.Learn how the biblical call in 1 Peter 5.8 to stay alert in the face of an enemy prowling like a lion relates directly to your life today. Ben and Brad emphasize that real strength comes from being honest about your struggles, stepping into safe environments, and leading with vulnerability — not perfection. They challenge you to rethink the solo warrior image and reveal practical steps to find, build, and sustain real community rooted in faith, fun, and shared purpose.Whether you're feeling isolated at church, unsure how to start authentic friendships, or simply want to be a better brother to others, this conversation is your blueprint for fighting the fight with others by your side. Because in this battle called life, one thing’s certain: you don’t have to — and shouldn’t — fight alone.

We explore how God's design for community mirrors the military’s unit strategy — fighting together, standing guard against spiritual lions, and encouraging one another in vulnerability as Christ’s body.

If this episode challenged or inspired you, subscribe and share it with a brother. Tune in every Wednesday at 8AM for more honest conversations on becoming built for battle—together.

In this episode, Ben, Brad, and Coit dive into the often overlooked mental pollutants that Christian men willingly invite into their minds daily—distractions disguised as entertainment and staying informed. They explore how these influences shape our thoughts and spiritual health, and provide practical insights to guard our minds.

• Awareness of common mental pollutants in modern life
• Practical strategies to guard your mind and deepen your faith
• Reflection on how media consumption impacts your spiritual walk

• The influence of negative news and media on mental health
• Why staying constantly informed can be a form of mental pollution
• The impact of pornography, raunchy movies, and inappropriate entertainment choices
• biblical perspective on guarding the mind (Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2)
• Actionable steps to reduce exposure and protect your spiritual wellbeing

• “The way we stay informed can become an entry point for mental pollution.”
• “Limiting negative media is a spiritual discipline.”
• “What we consume shapes our thoughts—make it count for faith.”

• Philippians 4:8
• Romans 12:2

• Audit your daily media consumption and identify pollutants
• Replace negative content with Scripture and faith-building resources
• Set boundaries around entertainment and news intake

• https://linktr.ee/letstalkthepod

Join us as we discuss how to recognize and eliminate the mental pollutants that hinder our spiritual growth, helping you live with greater clarity and faithfulness.

Ready to lead your family with purpose and faith? In this episode, Ben, Brad, and Coit explore the vital, battle-worthy role of men defending and building their households according to God's design. Discover how to be spiritually vigilant, intentionally build legacy, and reflect Christ's love within your family. Your greatest victory isn't just in work or wealth—it’s in cultivating a legacy rooted in love, faith, and steadfast leadership.

• The biblical call to fight for our families with both spiritual and practical weapons
• Balancing the spiritual and physical protection of your home
• Recognizing the subtle signs that your family’s defenses are down
• The power of legacy and how our family’s story impacts future generations
• Practical steps for guarding your home against screen invasions and negative influences
• The importance of sacrificial love and spiritual vigilance in everyday leadership

• "The most important battles we face as men aren’t out in the world—they are within the four walls of our own homes." 🔥
• "Fight for your family. It’s a legacy battle that leaves a kingdom impact." ✝️
• "God didn't design us to be passive; He calls us to stand guard and lead with love."
• "Legacy isn’t about buildings or bank accounts—it’s about the people you raise in faith."
• "Peace on earth starts in the home when men stand up and fight the good fight."

• Nehemiah 4:14 – "Fight for your families"
• Ephesians 6:11-17 – Spiritual armor for protection
• Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming by the blood and testimony

• Prioritize prayer and spiritual vigilance daily—guard your home in the Spirit
• Lead with sacrificial love, humility, and owning your mistakes
• Be intentional with your time: build valuable moments with your family
• Use technology wisely—set boundaries to protect your household from harmful influences
• Remember, your legacy is built in everyday faithfulness, not just big victories

• Reflect on the legacy you're leaving—what story are you writing with your actions?
• Commit to one practical change today: pray with your family, set tech boundaries, or own a mistake openly
• Join a local men's group or accountability partner to stay encouraged and held accountable in your leadership

• Let’s Talk the Podcast — Stay connected, get resources, and continue the conversation!

Never forget, with Christ at the center, you’re equipped to lead your family to victory. Build intentionally, fight bravely, and leave a legacy that lasts for eternity.Blessings in His name—see you next time!

In this episode, Ben, Brad, and Coit explore what it truly means to stand firm in our convictions as men built for battle. They emphasize that the Holy Spirit is our guide, helping us discern God’s voice from the enemy’s, and reveal how biblical conviction leads to freedom, transformation, and alignment with God's purpose.

|KEY TOPICS|

• The difference between common personal convictions and Spirit-led convictions
• How revelation from God produces true conviction and transformation
• The importance of humility and healthy fear of our own capacity for sin
• Guardrails: practical personal convictions to protect your marriage, family, and integrity
• How to discern whether conviction is from Holy Spirit or the enemy
• The significance of aligning our goals with God's calling rather than personal ambitions
• The dangers of following our heart and culture’s “follow your feelings” mentality
• Building spiritual compasses: Holy Spirit vs personal convictions
• Practical steps to respond when feeling defensive or tempted to run from conviction
• How to remain humble, teachable, and receptive to Holy Spirit in everyday life

|SCRIPTURE REFERENCES|

• Jeremiah 17:9 — "The heart is deceitful above all things."
• John 16:8 — "When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment."
• Psalm 139:23-24 — "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."

<|Practical Takeaways / Application|>

• Develop an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and Bible reading, asking Him to guide your convictions.
• Create personal guardrails based on biblical principles—things you will not compromise.
• Regularly evaluate your goals: Are they aligned with God's calling or your own ambitions?
• Practice humility by acknowledging your human frailty and need for God's grace daily.
• Respond to conviction with repentance and obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Trust that as you listen and obey, the Spirit produces freedom, peace, and fruitfulness in your life.

<|CALL TO ACTION|> Brothers, lean into the Holy Spirit today—ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that need conviction and correction. Commit to aligning your goals with God's purpose and build your life on biblical truth and Spirit-led guidance. Share this episode with other men seeking to build relationships God's way, and visit our linktree for resources to deepen your walk with Jesus. https://linktr.ee/letstalkthepod<|TIMESTAMPS|> 00:00 - Welcome & introduction to building a life built for battle
02:08 - The importance of conviction in our walk with Christ
09:55 - What are real convictions? Biblical and cultural perspectives
14:21 - The Holy Spirit’s role in producing conviction and transformation
22:43 - How to discern Holy Spirit conviction from personal preferences
33:20 - Building spiritual compasses aligned with God's purpose
41:14 - Practical steps to respond when feeling defensive or tempted to run
44:30 - The importance of humility and being teachable
47:46 - Encouragement to listen to the Holy Spirit and stay humble
48:10 - Closing prayer and challenge to pursue God's conviction

Links:

Let's Talk Podcast on Linktree