Manhood Restored

Bonus Convo: Diagnosing Dad Behavior

A Father's Day special & bonus episode (suggested by Ben, believe it or not)!  A big shout out to dads:  thank you for all you do to keep society sane by keeping your families ordered in ways only a father can!  

To show our appreciation, Ben and Chad strike up an entertaining conversation about what constitutes "dad behavior".  Taking turns calling out behaviors from separately created lists, the two diagnose which ones are a) common to most, if not all, dads; b) probably unique to their own 'daddom'; or c) just plain weird!  

From hygiene habits to 'dad fashion', and from disciplining children to the mis-firing male mind, there's surely something in this episode to remind you of your dad!   We hope you enjoy!

Episode 92 -

In a headline-happy culture that's fraught with daily doses of polarizing sensation, it can be a real challenge to stay sane.  Most of the content within those headlines involve matters outside of our immediate control.  That, in turn, stokes the fires of the mania that is social media, which is perhaps a symptom of the hysterical headlining.  How are we to properly respond this phenomenon?  Enter the "Chad Meme"... and the Chad Meme Mindset.

Chad is (naturally) the leading Meme-man for this episode, as Ben strains mightily as co-host to find the usefulness in meme humor.  The two consider the correct disposition to adopt in the face of the constant lunacy on the left.  How can laughter be the most (and sometimes only?) effective means of contending with Crazy?  Can anything instructive be gleaned from the "gotcha" mentality of online political jousting?  And would St. Paul have resorted to meme-making in an effort to spread the Gospel? 

SHOW NOTES:

Great Chad Meme example:   soyjak (mask) vs chad | Yes Chad | Know Your Meme    

 

Episode 91 -

Deacon Ralph Poyo is the founder of New Evangelization Ministries (NEM), an outreach to parish priests and their staff, helping equip them to lead their flocks to a live-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.  Drawing from over 40 years in ministry, Deacon Ralph leads retreats and conferences across the country, often speaking on the topic of pornography addiction.  He was ordained to the permanent deaconate in 2005, and he and his wife of 39 years have five girls. 

Chad is right at home conducting this interview 'live' at the March 2023 Northwest Men's Conference, as Ben co-hosts and braves being spotted as the lone Protestant at a Catholic men's conference.  The two get right to the good stuff (the difficult stuff, that is) because their guest doesn't make a habit of mincing words.  What is one of the biggest issues facing local parishes and church congregations?  How can a man get serious about breaking free of an addiction to pornography?  How do the 'chains' of pride and fear play into the demonic destruction of manly virtue? 

SHOW NOTES:

NEM website: Meet Our Founder – New Evangelization Ministries (nem.training)

Example "chains" speech of Deacon Ralph: Deacon Ralph Poyo - The Thief - 2015 Steubenville Main Campus 2 - YouTube

Episode 90 - 

In today's "influencer age", podcast personalities and pundits abound.  Some of them reach meteoric status with followers in the millions.  Their voices and opinions, therefore, have a great influence.  As consumers of these kinds influencers, it can be difficult to take in their content with a critical ear.  That fact becomes all the more salient when Christians are listening to non-Christians.

Ben sets his sights on the wizardry of some popular personas as the lead for this episode, while Chad fearlessly follows down Ben's yellow brick road to levelheaded listening.  The two traverse some tricky terrain in hopes of peeking behind the curtain of the influencer's mysterious power.   Should a Christian take in content that comes from someone who doesn't profess Christ?  If we are seeking to gain knowledge from those who don't share our most deeply held beliefs, what's the best approach to doing so?  And does the label 'Christian' automatically guarantee the transfer of trustworthy perspectives?  

Episode 89 -

Popular conservative commentator Dennis Prager recently made headlines for taking a surprisingly lax position on pornography.  Those comments set off a firestorm among many of his Christian fans.  While Prager cited his Jewish faith for his slightly different views on porn, the rationale used for those views might very well reflect that of many in the culture--even conservative Christians.  And that deserves clarification.

Chad takes things up a notch as the fearlessly prudish lead for this episode, while Ben nervously dismisses all disclaimers and comes along for the uncomfortable ride.  The two go where they've not gone before and put the porn conversation front and center.  What are the facts about pornography consumption, and what exactly qualifies as porn?   Does pornography have any place in the life of a Mighty Man of Valor?   What is God's design for sex, and how is porn a distortion of that design?

SHOW NOTES:   

Prager debates Matt Fradd:  Heated Debate on Pornography w/ Dennis Prager @PragerU​ - YouTube

Prager explains his position:  FiresideChat Ep. 286 — My Stance on Porn and Thoughts on Otto’s Death - YouTube

Statistics on Pornography:  The Most Up-to-Date Pornography Statistics (covenanteyes.com)

Podcast recommendation from Chad's challenge:  Ask Christopher West

Episode 88 - Guest hosts, Kory Fletcher and Matt Driggs

A long-overdue return to the four-mic format known as the MAN TALK!  Taking a broad, open-ended question to the table for a lively discussion, your two podcast hosts welcome two guest co-hosts.  Will the four men be able to handle this meandering, oft-maligned topic in such a way as to be taken seriously in their conclusions?  (Email us at [email protected] to weigh in, dear listeners!)

Kory Fletcher and Matt Driggs both have their eyes open to the potential scenarios threatening society-as-we-know-it.  Kory keeps a developing homestead that he hopes would sustain his young family, and Matt's inherited a rolodex of resources that he has holstered for the worst-case.  The two guest hosts have a robust roundtable discussion with Ben and Chad about the finer points of "prepping".  What doomsday scenarios ought we consider, and what are the likelihood of each happening?  How should we approach these kinds of earthly concerns from a heavenly (Christan) perspective?  And what are some tips and tricks for responsibly preparing for the unpredictable?  

Episode 87 - 

There has been a resurgence of interest in homesteading in certain segments of America.  Younger generations turn away from a tech-saturated lifestyle; urbanites migrate to the rural countryside for simplicity and fresh air.  Whatever the reason, the popularity of homesteading in our modern context isn't because it's convenient or immediately practical.  No, it would seem there's something more to it.

Ben leads fully loaded (including one in the chamber) with answers in this do-it-yourself kind of episode.  Chad co-coasts down memory lane, a shadow of his former homesteader-self.  The two plow through the rich reasons behind the impulse many have to engage in the hard work of homesteading.   What did it mean in Scripture that Adam was to 'tend the garden' of Eden?  How is it that the many trials of working at farm-related activities can create a sense of accomplishment?  What are some of the "impractical" reasons for trying your hand at homesteading?

SHOW NOTES:

From Ben's conclusion:  Paul Harvey - So God Made A Farmer - YouTube

Episode 86 – 

Released in February of 2023 (USA), “The Integrity of Joseph Chambers” is a movie that dredges the depths of what it means to be a man.  Joseph, haunted by an insecurity about his manliness, is driven to risk everything he loves to erase that insecurity.  When things go from irresponsible to irrevocable, Joseph’s real test of manliness begins.

Chad, projector and popcorn in-hand, has the lead role for this feature film of an episode.  Playing Siskel to Chad’s Ebert, Ben piggybacks his way into profundity as movie critic and co-host.  The two sit with this movie’s tension and try to learn its greatest lesson.  Has modern society’s “need” for men diminished over time, and if so, what does that do to a man’s psyche?  What do we mean when we say that every man asks himself “Do I have what it takes?”  And what in the end is the real measure of a man?    

SHOW NOTES:

Gospel Coalition review:  Painful Redemption in ‘The Integrity of Joseph Chambers’ (thegospelcoalition.org)

Gospel Coalition article cited in episode:  Savior or Stoics? Why Modern Men Look for Spiritual Wisdom Outside the Church (thegospelcoalition.org)

Episode 85 -

Chris Conley is an author, speaker, and coach.  He currently writes two motivational editorial columns for the Kenton Times and the Bellefontaine Examiner.  In 2021, he published "The Eight Facets of Life", a book chock-full of practical wisdom on topics important to living life well.  He and his wife of over 40 years have two children and four grandchildren.

Chad leads as tour guide through the timeless halls of this wisdom-rich episode, while Ben--insistent that he needs no guide to find this episode's coordinates--follows closely behind as co-host.  The two glean simple truths from their guest by way of helpful resources, relatable stories, and wise sayings.  How can the art of "just asking" lead one to greater and greater opportunity?  What are the '8 facets of life' and how can they be utilized to gauge potential for personal growth?  Whatever happened to the proverbial "pop-in" by neighbors, and what does its rarity say about our relationships today? 

SHOW NOTES:

Chris book PR:  Conley details ‘The 8 Facets of Life’ in new book – Examiner Online

Chris's website:  ImprovePlus – A guide to self improvement

Eight Facets Facebook Group: (2) The Eight Facets of Life | Facebook

Fatherhood resource shared:  All Pro Dad | Advice for Dads on Parenting, Marriage and Relationships
       

Episode 84 - 

We have some fun in this show of light-hearted insights - not necessarily manly insights, just quirky insights from two men; not necessarily insightful complaining, just insightful complaints; and not necessarily angry insights, just personally peevish insights.  It does, however, necessarily give insights into the weirdness of these co-hosts!   

Ben cracks up with the tiniest annoyances "on his mind" as the Grand Instigator of this episode, while Chad channels his own personal peccadillos and finds out how truly peevish he can be.  The two each share and discuss their top three "pet peeves" (and, at the episode's end, what their wives think are their husbands' pet peeves!).  What does Chad have against milk, and why does Ben think labels are so important?  According to Chad, what's the polite way to use the bathroom at someone's personal home?  And does Ben believe there's any place for exaggeration in speech?     

SHOW NOTES:

Ben's favorite Dude Perfect video:  Pet Peeves (Official Music Video) - YouTube