Mission: 300 Podcast

Mission: 300 Podcast

By mission300Society & Culture
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Mission: 300 Podcast episodes

  • Episode 121 - What is influence and why does our impact matter?

    In this episode, we explore the nature of influence, how it relates to identity, strength, and courage, and how to intentionally develop authentic influence in our lives and communities. 


    Influence is more than visibility or a large following—it’s the lasting effect your life has on others. In this conversation, the hosts explore how influence grows from identity, strength, and courage: it may happen naturally, but it can also take intentional effort to serve people well. Mentorship and close relationships create change through honesty, commitment, and lived example, while social media reach alone doesn’t guarantee meaningful impact. The practical question isn’t “How do I become famous?” but “Who am I shaping, and in what direction?” Influence starts small, compounds over time, and is strongest when people carry forward what they’ve learned and help others grow.

    Key Topics

    Defining influence and how to measure it

    The relationship between influence and the pillars of identity, strength, and courage
    The role of authenticity and intentionality in influence
    The difference between influence and popularity
    The impact of influence on personal and community growth
    The example of Jesus' influence through the disciples
    The importance of influence in mentorship and leadership
    The influence of personal experience and discipline
    The influence of social media and authentic influence
    The importance of influence in shaping society and individuals

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Influence and Its Importance

    03:55 The Relationship Between Influence and Personal Pillars
    07:55 Influence as a Byproduct of Character and Action
    11:57 The Impact of Influence on Society and Community
    15:56 The Balance Between Influence and Popularity
    20:09 Legacy and Lasting Impact of True Influence
    24:07 Influence as a Reflection of Inner Character
    25:55 The Influence of Personal Relationships and Community
    27:55 The Role of Humility and Discipline in Influence
    30:00 Influence as a Spiritual and Moral Force
    31:57 The Difference Between Influence and Celebrity
    33:54 The Natural Flow of Influence in Life
    35:50 Influence as a Catalyst for Personal Growth
    37:47 The Influence of Jesus and Biblical Examples
    39:53 The Intentionality Behind Influence
    41:55 The Influence of Mentorship and Teaching
    43:59 The Influence of Consistency and Character
    45:59 Creating Influence in Your Circle
    47:56 The Future of Influence and Personal Development
    49:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Grow Influence

     

    56 min
  • Episode 120 - How fatherhood changes your view on life and what matters
    How Fatherhood Changes the Way You See God, Identity, and Story

    The crew start the conversation about Tommy's new baby and quickly opens into something much bigger: how becoming a father changes how you understand God as Father, your own identity, and the stories you live and pass on. The discussion moves from sleepless newborn life to practical fatherhood, spiritual formation, and the weight of example. They discuss how a son becomes a father without losing his identity, why stories shape children more than lectures, and how a father’s daily life becomes the model a child absorbs.

    Key topics
    • In this episode, Tommy shares what changed in him during the first week of fatherhood, from joy and sleeplessness to a new sense of responsibility.
    • Bryan reframes fatherhood around identity, saying a father should not simply react to what he lacked growing up, but learn who each child is and what they are designed to become.
    • Tommy talks about the shift from living centered on himself to living with his son in view, and how that affects his hopes, ambitions, and daily choices.
    • The group explores the idea that small commitments matter, because children learn from the micro examples they see every day.
    • Tommy names courage as one of the main qualities he wants his son to inherit, along with a living awareness that God is his Father.
    • Caleb explains that his own father influenced him most through conversation, consistent character, and stories that matched the way his dad actually lived.
    • The conversation returns often to the power of story, especially how real stories from a father can create lasting conviction in a child.
    • Bryan connects that to Jesus, who said he only did what he saw the Father do, arguing that obedience grows out of relationship rather than pressure.
    • Tommy and Caleb both reflect on “dad lore” as more than a joke, describing it as the collection of lived experiences that become valuable inheritance for a son.
    • Bryan closes by emphasizing that the goal of fatherhood is not merely to avoid being a bad dad, but to help children know the Father and recognize what good actually looks like.
    • YouTube Chapters

      00:00 - Tommy becomes a father and the conversation begins

      01:12 - First-week reflections on sleeplessness, joy, and love
      03:47 - The new weight of responsibility
      05:40 - Why fatherhood requires seeing each child uniquely
      07:47 - Wrestling with identity as Tommy and as dad
      09:22 - Samson, calling, and learning to parent from God’s perspective
      11:08 - Micro commitments and the example a father sets
      13:05 - Courage and helping a son know God as Father
      16:17 - Caleb explains how his dad taught by conversation and example
      18:50 - Why a father’s stories carry so much weight
      21:44 - The power of real stories and listening to God
      23:29 - Story, imitation, and the difference between good and bad influence
      25:21 - Why obedience is a byproduct of relationship
      28:06 - Tommy is already telling dad stories
      29:28 - “Dad lore” and doing hard things worth passing on
      32:12 - What stories from a father actually get inherited
      34:35 - Choosing the right community of men
      35:34 - Bryan’s injury and the example children absorb in setbacks
      36:30 - Letting God teach you so you can teach your children
      37:57 - Jesus as the model of Father and Son
      40:28 - Caleb on dad lore as valuable inheritance
      42:42 - Why stories, history, and lived example are what get passed on
      44:17 - Reading the Bible through story, not just commentary
      49:02 - Fatherhood, insecurity, and learning what children will remember
      51:25 - Even great earthly fathers cannot replace God
      54:13 - Bryan’s final picture of helping a child love God more
      57:05 - Tommy’s closing thought from 1 John 2:6

      59 min
    • Episode 119 - Planning for the future when all seems uncertain

      The crew explore how young adults can navigate career decisions, uncertainty, ambition, and calling without letting money, status, or fear define them. Through personal stories and biblical reflection, they unpack the tension between working diligently and trusting God’s direction—arguing that identity as a loved child of God creates the freedom to serve, take risks, and stay grounded through changing circumstances.

      The conversation closes with practical encouragement to develop your gifts, pursue hard things, listen for God’s guidance, and keep moving forward with confidence even when life does not go according to plans.

      Chapters

      00:00  — Introduction: Navigating the Future with Faith

      01:58 — Challenges Young People Face Today
      02:55 — Tommy’s Journey Through Career Choices
      04:55 — The Role of Character in Decision-Making
      08:59 — Discovering God as Father and Its Impact
      10:56 — Building Relationships and Leaving a Legacy
      12:01 — Slavery, Servitude, and Relationship with God
      13:28 — The Balance of Being a Slave and a Son
      17:20 — Developing Identity and Skills in God
      21:59 — Trusting God in Challenges and Failures
      26:09 — The Power of Listening to God’s Voice
      30:18— Living Out of Love and Freedom in Christ
      36:25 — The Journey of Spiritual Growth and Trust
      43:07 — Mastering What’s Good and Staying Grounded
      48:37 — The Relationship of Obedience and Love
      55:33 — Living with Confidence in God’s Plan
      60:30 — Overcoming Adversity with Faith
      62:12 — Conclusion: Starting Your Navigation with God

      1 hr 3 min
    • Episode 118 - Navigating a world of illusions and finding what is real

      In this episode of the Mission 300 Podcast, the crew explore the nature of truth, belief, and trust in a society overwhelmed with information, skepticism, and spiritual questioning. They discuss personal experiences of knowing what is true, the difference between intellectual belief and relational trust, and how to authentically seek and recognize genuine truth.

      Key Topics:
      • The difference between knowing facts (like gravity) and experiential or relational truth
      • How trust and relationship influence our understanding of truth, especially in relation to God as Father
      • The impact of a broken cultural and institutional foundation on our pursuit of truth
      • The role of personal experience in confirming spiritual beliefs
      • The importance of humility, openness, and seeking God beyond intellectual pursuits
      • Challenges of navigating conflicting evidence, scientific hypotheses, and biblical truths
      • The significance of community, relationships, and personal testimony in discovering truth
      • Practical steps for genuinely seeking God and sensing His presence
      • Reflection on how often we trust the witness of others over direct experience
      • The role of doubts, questions, and honest interaction with scripture in developing faith
      • Timestamps:
        • 00:00 - Introduction: How do we find truth amid illusions?
        • 00:37 - Tommy shares: "My knowable truth is that I'm a son of God"
        • 01:16 - Bryan discusses knowing God as a father through lived experience
        • 02:20 - The difference between experiential knowledge of God and abstract theological understanding
        • 04:36 - How trust in God's goodness is rooted in relationship, not just theology
        • 05:45 - The significance of personal acknowledgment as a father—beyond intellectual acceptance
        • 07:54 - The challenge of media polarization and the quest for authentic truth
        • 13:07 - Broken institutions and the hunger for real truth
        • 15:22 - The importance of family, love, sacrifice, and trust as foundational truths
        • 17:56 - Explaining what it means to trust God as Father to someone unfamiliar
        • 21:23 - Walking out faith through actions and community
        • 22:48 - The evidence of Jesus' life and biblical manuscripts supporting truth claims
        • 27:57 - The historical and archaeological evidence supporting the Bible
        • 30:41 - How all truths are interconnected and point toward a Creator
        • 35:26 - Trusting imperfect people and community as sources of truth
        • 37:53 - The freedom in trusting God without knowing every detail
        • 45:37 - Practical advice: Approach scripture with an open heart and honest questions
        • 49:22 - Facing our hurts and misconceptions about God through honest dialogue
        • 54:46 - Recognizing innate longing for something beyond the material world
        • 58:43 - The importance of personal encounters with scripture and God's word
        • 62:38 - The ongoing journey of seeking truth through relationship, not just facts
        • Final Reflection:

          Seeking truth is a journey that requires humility, openness, and relationship. While evidence and knowledge are important, trusting in a relationship with God as Father provides a foundation that sustains us through doubts and complexities. Embrace honest questions, trust the relational testimony of life change, and remain open to the ongoing discovery of who God truly is.

          1 hr 2 min
        • Episode 117 — Knowing Everything, Yet Still Empty

          In this episode, the hosts reflect on lessons from the most recent Man vs. Wild Expedition and the Appalachian Trail, exploring how hardship, community, and lived experience shape character in ways that theory alone cannot. The conversation moves from physical suffering to spiritual formation, arguing that long suffering builds patience, courage, and a stronger identity rooted in the Father.

          Key Themes
          • Doing vs. Knowing
             — There’s a major difference between talking about hard things and actually enduring them.
          • Long Suffering Builds Character
             — Pain, discomfort, and difficulty are framed as part of growth, not something to avoid at all costs.
          • Community Matters
             — Hard things become transformative when they’re faced together with others.
          • Identity Under Pressure
             — The episode connects the wilderness, temptation, and modern conflict to the challenge of staying secure in who God says we are.
          • Intellectualism vs. Relationship
             — The hosts argue that head knowledge alone can’t replace experiential knowledge of God.
          • Hope and Joy
             — Suffering is not the end goal; it produces endurance, growth, and ultimately joy.
            Highlights
            • Why the Appalachian Trail revealed more than just physical limits
            • How suffering exposes and dismantles false confidence
            • The difference between intellectual arguments and lived truth
            • Jesus’ wilderness temptation as a model for identity, patience, and resisting shortcuts
            • Why “gotcha” arguments often reveal insecurity rather than genuine pursuit of truth
            • How long suffering can produce hope, joy, and spiritual maturity
            • Takeaway

              Growth doesn’t happen by avoiding discomfort. It happens when people choose to walk through hard things with patience, honesty, and confidence in God’s fathering presence. The episode closes with a reminder that hope is powerful—and that long suffering is part of becoming who you’re meant to be.

              Chapters

              00:00 — Opening: Lessons from the expedition

              05:10 — Doing vs. talking: theory and lived experience
              13:07 — Why suffering reveals what really changes us
              20:46 — Pain, intellectualism, and the breakdown of false confidence
              31:03 — Jesus in the wilderness: identity, temptation, and validation
              37:21 — How to respond to attacks, bait, and pressure
              44:48 — Relationship over argument: why knowing God matters most
              52:10 — Insecurity, gotcha questions, and the urge to drag others down
              58:02 — Long suffering, patience, and the joy on the other side
              68:09 — Closing thoughts: patience in a stunted culture

              1 hr 3 min
            • Episode 116 - Why Most Christian Communities Fail at True Brotherhood And What You Can Do About It

              Listen, this episode is a raw, authentic dive into what it really takes to grow as a man — through community, challenge, and relentless pursuit of purpose. If you're tired of surface-level solutions and ready to face what’s truly holding you back, this is for you.

              In this episode:

              Why community is about invitation, not just presence — and how shared struggles sharpen us into effective instruments
              The difference between validation (seeking approval) and valuation (becoming necessary)
              How hardship and exposure lead to authentic growth, and why true joy is found in the process
              The importance of competition and comradery in sharpening men
              Recognizing the enemy’s lies: did God really say that? Proving yourself versus walking in identity
              Practical ways to step into discomfort and learn from being exposed
              The key to developing gifts that bring lasting impact and joy, not just fleeting happiness

              Chapters:
              00:00 - Welcome back! Unpacking the last few months of growth
              02:22 - Defining community: invitation vs mere participation
              03:35 - How shared struggles break down walls and build camaraderie
              05:49 - Seeking validation vs. knowing your worth in God's eyes
              08:05 - The voice of the enemy: Did God really say? Challenging identity lies
              09:23 - The difference between validation and valuation explained
              11:21 - How hardship reveals our true selves and who we rely on
              13:42 - Recognizing the voice that questions God’s word vs. the Father’s loving call 15:22 - The importance of humility and community in growth
              16:49 - The role of authentic, peer-to-peer accountability and sharpening
              18:13 - Forging into God's image: sharpening vs. shaping
              22:51 - Exposing flaws through community and the importance of healthy competition
              27:24 - The value of being exposed in safe, brotherly relationships
              30:30 - Calling each other up: accountability, correction, and love
              36:24 - Jealousy of gifts and labor — honoring the process of development
              39:23 - The danger of validation: fake praise vs. true calling
              43:53 - Creating bonds through shared experience, not just words
              47:15 - The mission of going for the one — love in action
              52:32 - Finding joy in the labor: gifts of the Spirit in perseverance and hardship
              55:09 - Start where you are: building community and stepping out in faith

              Remember, community begins when you stop seeking what it can give you and start asking what you can give. Get uncomfortable, get honest, and start building what only true brotherhood can forge. The fight is worth it — for your soul, your purpose, and the impact you were born to make.

              45 min
            • Episode 115 - Standing in the truth without compromising love

              In this episode of the Mission: 300 podcast, hosts Jayson, Bryan, and Tommy delve into the complexities of our Christian belief systems and their implications. They explore the tension between scientific understanding and faith, questioning how these perspectives shape our worldview. The discussion emphasizes the importance of establishing our faith that guides one's life, rather than getting lost in debates over details like the age of the Earth or the validity of certain religious texts. The hosts encourage listeners to focus on their personal relationship with God and to be comfortable with uncertainty, highlighting the value of maintaining faith amidst differing opinions and societal pressures.

              Chapters:

              Introduction and Purpose (0:01 - 0:30) Overview of the episode's focus on belief systems and their ramifications.

              Information Overload and Truth Seeking (0:55 - 2:25) Discussion on navigating a world full of information and the quest for truth.

              Science vs. Faith (2:25 - 4:16) Exploring the relationship between scientific evidence and religious beliefs.

              Core Beliefs and Challenges (4:46 - 5:59) How to reconcile challenges to core beliefs and the discomfort of cognitive dissonance.

              The Importance of Relationship with God (6:27 - 7:52) Emphasizing personal experience and relationship with God over doctrinal debates.

              Practical Faith and Identity (10:07 - 12:47) The role of faith in everyday life and understanding one's identity in God.

              Navigating Divisive Topics (13:17 - 16:53) Handling divisive issues within Christianity and the importance of unity.

              Truth and Insecurity (19:38 - 22:42) Addressing insecurities and the pursuit of truth in faith.

              Love and Understanding (38:11 - 40:48) The power of love and understanding in conversations with differing opinions.

              Conclusion and Final Thoughts (50:06 - 54:50) Wrapping up with reflections on the importance of maintaining faith and focus.

              47 min
            • Episode 114 - Being fathered by God: Building Resilience and power in your future

              This episode is a bold call to leave comfort zones, face failure, and step into true fathering — both from God and in ourselves. We dive deep into the stories of growth, sacrifice, and identity that shape real resilience. If you're craving more courage to pursue the unknown, this one's for you!

              In this episode:
              • How the concept of maternal comfort can hinder adult growth
              • The importance of rites of passage for becoming a man
              • Stories of stepping out into new environments—college, trail, career
              • The power of identity rooted in God's love for fearless action
              • The difference between being mothered and fathered in life
              • How failure and disappointment are essential for authentic resilience
              • Biblical imagery of exile, wilderness, and promise as metaphors for maturity
              • Practical steps to shift from self-protection to selfless service
              • The role of God as Father in guiding us through danger and discipline
              • How true success is found not in comfort, but in courageous obedience
              • Chapters: 

                00:08 - Resilience and leaving maternal security behind

                00:33 - The myth of community as a crutch for growth
                00:44 - Kipling’s "Captain's Courageous" and rites of passage
                01:26 - The dangers of comfort for manhood development
                03:22 - Hebrews 11 and the call to move forward without looking back
                04:34 - Biblical themes of wilderness and expansion
                05:29 - God's universe as a metaphor for eternal exploration
                06:13 - The necessity of stepping out into discomfort to grow
                06:20 - Personal stories of leaving safety zones – high school, college
                08:46 - Appalachian Trail: endurance, mental challenge, and growth
                10:27 - Moving from comfort into new realms of responsibility
                11:08 - The significance of failure and the space between attempts
                11:46 - Overcoming physical and mental hardship on the trail
                13:14 - Responding to setbacks with resilience and humility
                14:11 - The importance of identity rooted in God's love
                15:11 - Breaking free from waiting for external validation
                17:31 - The power of "knowing who you are" in the toughest moments
                18:02 - Inner growth as the true measure of fathering
                19:23 - The importance of starting before you're "ready"
                20:25 - Legacy of failure and returning stronger
                21:43 - How response to failure builds deep resilience
                22:22 - Inner transformation over external achievement
                23:15 - The dangers of over-mothering and the necessity of fathering
                24:14 - Responsibility over control – passing down authority
                25:28 - Biblical fathering: Hope, discipline, and sacrifice
                26:18 - The analogy of Aragorn in "Lord of the Rings"
                27:31 - God's discipline as fatherly love and training
                28:57 - The Father’s discipline as a pathway to deeper love
                30:07 - Leaving Egypt and stepping into destiny
                31:24 - The importance of identity in stepping into God's promises
                32:19 - The contrast between waiting and action in faith
                33:20 - Psalm 23 and walking through valleys with God
                34:32 - The identity in Christ as the power for victory
                35:29 - The danger of safe but superficial faith
                37:31 - The call to courageous action rooted in identity and trust
                38:39 - The Lord of the Rings metaphor: facing fears with strength
                39:08 - The danger of fear-mongering and over-protection
                40:17 - True confidence in who we are in God
                41:12 - The power of consistency and perseverance in good
                42:45 - Rejecting excuses and embracing challenge
                44:47 - The fatherly love that allows freedom to grow
                45:14 - Walking with God through every part of the journey
                46:45 - The significance of action and relationship with Father God
                48:29 - The reward of suffering and adventure with God
                50:06 - The courage to leave safety and discover your strength

                 

                Walk boldly. Embrace discomfort. Be fathered by the One who knows you best. Success isn't found in safety, but in the courage to follow God's calling into the unknown. Step out — your true journey begins when you leave comfort behind!

                59 min
              • Episode 113 - Unleashing inner motivation: The Heart Behind Greatness

                Are you tired of relying on external factors to push you forward? This episode dives deep into the powerful truth: true motivation comes from within. Discover how biblical heroes, everyday examples, and real-world stories reveal the secret to developing internal drive that sustains through challenges and ignites excellence. If you're ready to stop waiting for a sign and start becoming the person you were truly meant to be, this is your moment.

                In this episode:
                • The biblical example of disciples' internal motivation leading to sacrifice 
                • Why external accountability falls short without internal purpose 
                • The significance of internal motivation in training and development 
                • Practical stories of cultivating motivation—training employees and personal growth
                • The role of details and excellence in building character
                • How the heart's posture influences motivation and impact
                • Biblical heroes like David, Gideon, and how their internal qualities prepared them for greatness
                • The importance of loving what you do for a higher purpose
                • Letting go of external validation to embrace God's view of you
                • The process of becoming, not just doing, as true motivation
                • Detoxing from external pressures and anchoring in God's love
                • The power of brotherhood rooted in love versus superficial accountability
                • How to start growing your internal motivation today—no burning bush required 
                • Chapters:

                  00:01 - Unlocking the true source of motivation: The biblical perspective

                  00:56 - Why external accountability alone isn't enough
                  02:21 - Cultivating internal motivation through real-world stories
                  03:10 - Training in the workplace: Developing heart and character
                  08:28 - The importance of excellence in small details
                  14:05 - From fear of man to love of God as the core of motivation
                  22:05 - Bible heroes as models of internal preparation for greatness
                  33:45 - Becoming the person before the achievement
                  43:19 - Loving and serving for God's glory, not just outcomes
                  45:38 - Letting go of external validation for God's love
                  52:46 - True brotherhood rooted in love, not performance checklists
                  65:14 - Starting now: Practical steps to ignite internal motivation
                  74:30 - The myth of the burning bush moment—growth is a quiet process

                  Resources & Links:
                  • Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
                  • 1 hr 8 min
                  • Episode 112 - Discovering True Identity: Understanding the Role of Father

                    In this episode of the Mission: 300 podcast, Bryan, Tommy, and Caleb delve into the foundational role of a father in shaping identity and purpose. They explore the cultural and personal significance of fatherhood, drawing parallels between earthly fathers and God as the ultimate Father. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, they discuss the journey of understanding one's identity through the lens of being a child of God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of doing and experiencing life with God to truly understand His role as a Father.

                    In this episode:
                    • The significance of father figures in storytelling and culture
                    • Understanding God as the ultimate Father and His impact on identity
                    • How Jesus exemplifies God's nature as a Father
                    • Practical steps to embrace your identity through Scripture and action
                    • Real-life stories of overcoming challenges with God's guidance
                    • Engaging with God in everyday life to hear His voice
                    • The importance of taking action to truly know God and yourself
                    • Chapters:

                      00:00 - Introduction to the role of fatherhood

                      00:30 - Father figures in media and culture
                      01:28 - The universal search for fatherly connection
                      02:24 - Biblical foundations of God as the Father
                      03:20 - Restoring relationships through faith
                      04:16 - Jesus as the representation of the Father
                      05:23 - Tommy's journey into responsibility and sonship
                      06:22 - Embracing responsibility and God's guidance
                      07:45 - Growing in authority as a child of God
                      08:23 - Walking as Jesus walked—learning from the Father
                      09:12 - Caleb's experiences with his father and spiritual growth
                      10:09 - Finding freedom in God's plan
                      11:06 - Lessons from the prodigal son
                      12:05 - The balance of pain and freedom in God's fatherhood
                      13:00 - Understanding God's discipline and forgiveness
                      14:04 - Insights from diverse fatherhood experiences
                      16:24 - How earthly experiences shape our view of God
                      17:18 - The impact of a father's approval and God's love
                      18:14 - Differentiating human discipline from divine correction
                      19:35 - Global effects of fatherhood and God's love
                      20:19 - Recognizing God's pursuit and transformation
                      21:16 - Discovering your true identity in Christ
                      22:37 - Gideon's story and spiritual identity
                      24:50 - Exercises for embracing your divine identity
                      25:08 - Overcoming lies with God's truth
                      26:40 - Scripture as a guide in life
                      28:56 - Prioritizing relationship over knowledge
                      30:28 - Personalizing God's promises
                      31:02 - Applying biblical truths daily
                      34:48 - The value of community and practice in Scripture
                      36:14 - Action as a means to understand faith
                      37:11 - Moving from theory to real experience
                      39:47 - Physical challenges as spiritual discovery
                      42:17 - Walking with God in purpose and confidence
                      50:02 - Healing from past wounds through God's connection
                      52:29 - Seeing yourself through God's eyes
                      54:21 - Knowing God through Jesus
                      55:47 - The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him
                      58:42 - Learning to hear and follow God's voice
                      63:56 - Navigating life with God's guidance
                      66:43 - Trusting God's lead in life's journey
                      67:29 - Final thoughts: Embrace your identity and keep moving forward

                      Resource Links: 
                      • Book of John (Bible) — Explore God's heart and your identity
                      • The Father Factor by Dr. John Townsend — Insights on father relationships
                      • 58 min

                      About Mission: 300 Podcast

                      From the publisher's feed

                      It is not the climb that usually stops men, rather the perception of who they are to the mountain.