Maverick River

I Built a Brewery and Felt More Miserable Than Ever | Ben Cook, Hangar 24 Founder

What happens when you achieve everything the world tells you to want—a successful, multi-million dollar business, an adventure lifestyle, and a great family—but you find yourself more miserable than ever before?

In this deep, raw conversation in the wild, Ben Cook, the founder of Hangar 24 Brewery, sits down to share his journey from chasing the "American Dream" to a total surrender of his life and business to Christ.

This is not a business interview; it’s a story about the ultimate adventure: discovering what true purpose and peace look like when you step off the path of worldly success and commit to radical, uncompromising faith.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• 0:00 - The Pressure to Achieve and the Illusion of the American Dream
• 4:40 - The Moment of Crisis: Miserable with "Everything"
• 9:00 - The Call to Surrender and Radical Faith
• 15:30 - Balancing Entrepreneurship, Adventure, and Christian Commitment
• 22:15 - Hangar 24: How Faith Changed the Business
• 30:00 - Finding Peace and Clarity in the Wilderness
• 45:00 - Why the Church Matters for Creative Leaders
• 55:30 - Ben's Most Important Advice for Entrepreneurs and Parents

Subscribe to Maverick River Collective for more deep conversations on faith and life's wild journey.

#BenCook #Hangar24 #ChristianTestimony #FaithAndBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MaverickRiverCollective

Can a cold-case homicide detective approach the story of Jesus like an unsolved murder? J. Warner Wallace, an ex-atheist who used his forensic investigation skills to vet the Gospels, shares his compelling journey and evidence for the Christian faith.In this deep-dive episode of the Maverick River Podcast, J. Warner Wallace walks us through the shocking evidence he uncovered by applying his detective skillset to the New Testament. From the "mortis triad" to the logic of miracles, discover the cumulative circumstantial case that convinced him to become a follower of Christ. Learn why your identity matters more than your accomplishments, and how to surrender your life to the "Toolmaker."

https://maverickriver.com/

John Simons (PhD candidate in Ethics & Public Theology at Southern Seminary) is the Men's Pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church. He received his B.A. in Political Science from California Baptist University, as well as a M.A. in Philosophy, and a M.Div from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He also served as a Small Groups & Men’s Community Pastor in Southern California. John and his family live in Franklin, TN.

Check out John Simon's book: The Man you were meant to be. 

https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/the-man-you-re-meant-to-be-2/

In this episode of the Maverick River Podcast, Tim Lukei sits down with George and Tondra Gregory, authors of The Marriage Game Plan and passionate marriage coaches who have helped thousands of couples strengthen their relationships.

With over 25 years of experience, the Gregorys share powerful insights on what it takes to win in marriage. From everyday communication strategies to handling high-pressure seasons, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, grace, and encouragement for every couple—whether you're newlyweds or decades in.

George and Tondra currently serve as the official chaplains of the Los Angeles Chargers and previously led the marriage ministry at Saddleback Church. Their heart for helping couples thrive is evident, and this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Join us as Joel Klatt shares his powerful story—from college athlete to one of football’s most recognized voices. He opens up about battling alcoholism, rediscovering faith, and learning to lead with integrity in broadcasting, family life, and beyond.

You’ll hear about:

Joel’s shift from real estate to sports broadcasting

How sobriety and faith reshaped his identity

Balancing career and fatherhood

Why community and accountability matter

Plus: a few “Would You Rather” questions and Joel’s favorite family meal.

Don’t miss this one—honest, hopeful, and deeply real.

Listen now and experience real conversations in the wild:

Faith, Fitness & Surrender with Matt from ARK Fit | Maverick River Podcast

Join Tim on the Maverick River Podcast as he hosts Matt Huffman from ARK Fit, a gym uniquely driven by faith and community. Dive into Matt's powerful journey of faith, entrepreneurship, and the incredible story behind ARK Fit. Discover how Matt integrates spirituality into fitness, the challenges of expanding a business, and the relentless pursuit of God's will in every aspect of life. Whether you're looking for inspiration in your faith journey or practical tips for a healthier lifestyle, this episode is for you. Tune in and be inspired to surrender, grow, and succeed in all walks of life.

🎧 Listen now and experience real conversations in the wild:

How ARK Fit began with a step of faith

Surrendering idols and walking in obedience

Physical health as a tool for spiritual impact

Biblical principles behind fitness and discipline

Pruning seasons that produce spiritual fruit

Identity in Christ vs. identity in achievement

Tips for men starting their fitness journey

Creating a gym that reflects the heart of Jesus

🌐 ARK Fit Gym – Orange County (Update with correct URL if needed)

Share this episode with a friend, your men’s group, or someone ready to align their body, mind, and soul with God’s purpose.

#ARKFit #FaithAndFitness #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #FitnessTestimony #IdentityInChrist #SurrenderAndObedience #BiblicalFitness #MaverickRiverPodcast #BodyAsATemple #ChristianEntrepreneur #SpiritualDiscipline #KingdomFitness #ChristianPodcast

Welcome to the Maverick River Podcast!

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

How to experience God daily in a distracted world

Becoming an ordinary mystic and reclaiming intimacy with Jesus

How the internet and culture are discipling us away from God—and how to fight back

Why the One Minute Pause App is a powerful tool for spiritual resilience

Practical prayers for spiritual warfare and protecting your family

Building brotherhood and resilience in chaotic times

A fresh vision for men's ministry and the rising hunger for authentic discipleship

The power of the River of Life, the blood of Christ, and how to stand in spiritual authority

🔥 Tools & Resources Mentioned:

Experience Jesus. Really.

Resilient

Wild at Heart

🌐 Learn more about Wild at Heart Ministries:

👊 If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please:

#JohnEldredge #MensMinistry #SpiritualWarfare #OneMinutePause #WildAtHeart #ExperienceJesus #MaverickRiverPodcast #ChristianMen #OrdinaryMystic #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualFormation

Welcome back to The Maverick River Podcast: Conversations in the Wild — where we believe real conversations with men happen best shoulder-to-shoulder, not across a table.

In today’s episode, we dive into fatherhood, faith, and the power of being present as a dad. Justin sits down with Jeff Zaugg, founder of Dad Awesome, a ministry that helps fathers lead with intentionality, joy, and spiritual purpose. From hilarious would-you-rather sauce debates (spoiler: Chick-fil-A sauce wins) to deep reflections on faith, this episode is packed with both fun and wisdom.

Whether you’re a new dad, a seasoned one, or walking alongside men in your church, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to level up in fatherhood.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

Why most meaningful guy conversations happen “in the wild”

The origin story and heart behind the Dad Awesome movement

Jeff’s personal faith journey and how it shaped his mission

Encouragement for dads who want to lead with love and purpose

What makes a sauce truly “awesome” (and yes, we’re looking at you, Chick-fil-A)

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

DadAwesome.org – Get connected to Jeff’s podcast, resources, and fatherhood community

Follow Jeff on Instagram: @dadawesome

In this powerful episode of the Maverick River Podcast, we sit down with Kenny Luck—pastor, author, founder of Every Man Ministries, and longtime leader of men—to talk about calling, identity, fatherhood, freedom from shame, and the power of God’s Spirit in the life of a man.

🎯 Whether you're a pastor, leader, father, or just a guy trying to figure things out—this episode will challenge, inspire, and fire you up for the mission God has for your life.

🌍 Want to join the Maverick River adventure? Check out our upcoming men’s trip to Costa Rica: Get Info Here

🔗 Connect with Every Man Ministries: 👉 https://www.everymanministries.com

📚 Books by Kenny Luck (Amazon Links):

Dangerous Good

Failsafe

Overflow

🔹 Connect with Tim Lukei: