The CLIMB with Teko Bailey: For Men Ready to Rise in Purpose

Dr. Chris Harper is the co-founder of Better Man, a discipleship movement for men built on the principles of Robert Lewis’s Men’s Fraternity. On this episode of The Climb, Chris breaks down the father wound — actual, functional, and spiritual orphans — and why he believes 70–80% of young men today grew up without a real father figure.

Chris and Teko talk about how the invention of “adolescence” and “teenager” reshaped the American family, why men without responsibility spin out like a truck with no weight in the bed, what every culture in history had in common for turning boys into men, and how to find a real mentor when you didn’t grow up with one.

If this episode names something you’ve been carrying, start with the free 5-minute Legacy Assessment or book a discovery call for The Guided Climb — links below.

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Stephen Kendrick is co-founder of Kendrick Brothers Productions and a co-founder and board member of the Fatherhood CoMission. On this episode of The Climb, Stephen talks about the father wound and what God offers men who never heard their dad say "I love you." He also covers raising sons toward strength, why every calling goes through seasons of preparation, what separates a secure leader from an insecure one, and what he learned making Courageous. He also shares what's coming next, including Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul in theaters October 16.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul (US theaters Oct 16, 2026): https://flywheelignitionofthesoulmovie.com/

Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley: https://www.habitsofthehousehold.com

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Glenn T. Stanton is the director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family and the author of several books on marriage, gender, and family. On this episode of The Climb, Glenn and Teko dig into where the term "toxic masculinity" actually came from, why Glenn argues it's the wrong word for a real problem, and what healthy masculinity looks like in scripture and in practice.

They also get into the father wound — why it's such a specific, common wound among men, and what it actually takes for a man to break the cycle instead of repeating what was done to him.

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The Hele Fitness co-founder on burnout, emptiness, and learning to trust God's timing over his own hustle

Episode Description:

Connect with Gus Mello / Hele Fitness:

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Tags/Keywords: Christian entrepreneur, faith and business, Gus Mello, Hele Fitness, Christian podcast, burnout, kingdom builders, hearing God's voice, Teko Bailey

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Kent Evans is the co-founder of Manhood Journey and author of Don't Bench Yourself. On this episode of The Climb, Kent unpacks why so many good men quietly disqualify themselves the moment they fail as a husband, father, or leader — and lays out what it actually takes to get back in the game.

Kent and Teko talk about the difference between criticism worth listening to and criticism that isn't, the three support systems every man needs, what legacy really means versus what most dads think it means, and the conversations every father should be having with his sons before it's too late.

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Elio Alcindor is a Christian father, gospel artist, and the founder of the Canadian SELAH Music Awards. On this episode of The Climb, Elio opens up about the sudden loss of his wife, the two years he spent wrestling with God afterward, and how he found his way back to faith while raising three young kids on his own.

This conversation is for any father who has ever felt like God went silent right when he needed Him most.

Elio also shares the vision behind the Canadian SELAH Music Awards, what's next for his music, and his upcoming tour dates.

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Book: Awakening the Hero Within

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Canadian SELAH Music Awards:

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Teko Bailey sits down with fitness coach and calisthenics trainer Michael Castro to explore the connection between physical health, spiritual growth, and becoming the man God created you to be.

Michael shares his journey from traditional weightlifting into calisthenics, explaining why bodyweight training develops more than strength—it builds mobility, discipline, and a deeper connection to how the body was designed to move. Rather than chasing appearance, he encourages men to pursue health that serves their families, communities, and calling.

The conversation quickly moves beyond fitness into the deeper battles men face. Michael speaks candidly about lust, pride, and sexual temptation within the fitness industry, explaining how following Christ transformed his understanding of purity and self-control. He shares how surrendering these struggles to God became part of his daily walk rather than a battle he could win through willpower alone.

Brotherhood and accountability remain central themes throughout the episode. Michael explains why every man needs trusted brothers who can speak truth, offer encouragement, and help carry burdens through difficult seasons. Rather than trying to overcome life's challenges alone, he encourages men to lean into authentic community and honest relationships.

The discussion also explores suffering, refinement, and spiritual growth. Michael reminds listeners that following Christ often requires letting go of old identities, unhealthy relationships, and worldly ambitions. Although the process is painful, God uses hardship to strengthen character and prepare men for greater purpose.

The episode closes with practical advice for developing healthy habits. Michael emphasizes that the greatest investment a man can make isn't simply exercising more—it's spending consistent time in Scripture and building a personal relationship with God. Physical strength may improve your body, but spiritual discipline transforms your life.

(00:00) Welcome + Michael's fitness journey

(01:50) Why calisthenics changed everything

(04:20) The hidden temptations of the fitness industry

(07:00) Brotherhood and accountability

(09:30) Following Christ costs something

(12:00) Growth through suffering

(14:00) Daily habits that sustain faith

(16:15) Integrating faith with your work

(19:00) The problem with modern fitness culture

(21:10) Building a healthy body without idolizing it

(24:00) Keep it simple and sustainable

Michael Castro is a calisthenics coach, fitness educator, and founder of Base Theory Training. Through his coaching and online content, he helps people build sustainable strength, improve mobility, and pursue long-term health while openly integrating his Christian faith into every aspect of his work.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basetheorytraining

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BaseTheoryTraining

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, author, and founder of The Climb—a movement helping Christian men break free from drift, deepen their faith, strengthen their families, and become the men God created them to be. Through coaching, speaking, practical tools, and honest conversations, Teko equips men to live fully, lead boldly, and leave a legacy that matters.

Website: https://tekobailey.com

FREE 5 Mins Legacy Check: https://tekobailey.com/legacy-assessment/

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Sponsorship Inquiries: [email protected]

CHAPTERSABOUT MICHAEL CASTROABOUT Teko Bailey

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Teko Bailey sits down with Glenn Stanton, Director of Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family, to discuss marriage, family, fatherhood, and why many men are struggling to build lasting relationships in today's culture.

Drawing from decades of research in sociology, anthropology, and theology, Glenn explains why marriage has historically been the foundation of healthy societies and why commitment between a man and woman continues to provide stability for families and communities. He challenges the modern idea that marriage should be delayed until every career, financial, and personal goal is achieved, arguing instead that marriage was designed to be a cornerstone for building life together rather than a reward earned after success.

But the conversation quickly becomes personal.

Glenn candidly shares his own experience walking through divorce, depression, shame, and the painful separation from his children. He describes the season when simply getting out of bed felt impossible and the lessons he learned about identity, resilience, and God's faithfulness in the darkest moments. Rather than hiding his failures, he offers a rare look into the realities many men quietly face.

The discussion explores bitterness, communication, emotional awareness, and the slow ways marriages drift apart over time. Glenn explains why marriages rarely fail overnight and why small unresolved wounds can eventually create deep division if left unattended. He also shares practical wisdom for husbands who want to strengthen their marriages before reaching a crisis point.

Fatherhood remains a central theme throughout the episode. Glenn encourages men facing broken relationships with their children to play the long game, meet hurt with kindness, and trust God with restoration. He reflects on the importance of community, honest friendships, and allowing trusted people to speak both truth and encouragement into a man's life.

This episode is a powerful reminder that marriage is not about self-fulfillment, leadership is not about control, and failure does not have to define a man's future.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Welcome + Understanding family formation

Glenn Stanton serves as Director of Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family, where he researches marriage, family, fatherhood, and cultural trends affecting relationships. He is a sought-after speaker and author whose work combines sociology, anthropology, and biblical insight to help families thrive.

Glenn's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/201756/secure-daughters-confident-sons-by-glenn-t-stanton/

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, author, coach, and host of The Climb Podcast, guiding men to live fully, lead boldly, and leave a legacy that matters.

Website: https://tekobailey.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamtekobailey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtekobailey

https://www.instagram.com/climbwithteko/

Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Awakening-Hero-Within-Strength-Purpose-ebook/dp/B0GTWRDLZY

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Teko Bailey sits down with German to talk about faith, obedience, and what it really means to follow God when the path is uncertain.

German shares his journey of learning to trust God beyond comfort and control. In seasons where clarity was limited, he was faced with a choice: rely on his own understanding or step forward in obedience. Through those moments, he began to realize that faith is not proven when things are easy, but when the cost is real.

The conversation explores the tension many men face between control and surrender. German explains how striving for certainty can keep men stuck, while obedience often requires movement without full understanding. Growth, he shares, comes through trusting God step by step, even when the outcome is unclear.

They also discuss identity and calling. German reflects on how God often strips away false identities before revealing true purpose. What feels like loss can actually be preparation — a necessary process of refinement before stepping into what God has planned.

The conversation moves into discipline, prayer, and consistency. German emphasizes that faith is not built on emotion, but on daily commitment. In seasons where motivation fades, structure and spiritual rhythm become essential.

Throughout the episode, themes of perseverance, humility, and trust remain central. German challenges men to stop waiting for perfect clarity and start walking in obedience with what they already know.

The episode closes with a clear message: faith is not about having all the answers — it’s about trusting God enough to take the next step.

(00:00) Welcome + Journey of faith

About Teko:

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, and host of The Climb Podcast, guiding men to live fully, lead boldly, and leave a legacy that matters.

Website: https://tekobailey.com/

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Teko Bailey sits down with former NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp to talk about leadership, identity, and why many men slowly drift at home without realizing it.

After years in professional football, Jeff recognized that success on the field could not define who he was off of it. That realization led him into a deeper understanding of identity rooted in faith, not performance — and a calling to help men lead where it matters most: at home.

The conversation confronts a common pattern: men who provide but disengage. Jeff explains how passivity, distraction, and pressure can quietly erode connection in marriage and family life. Leadership, he argues, is not about control or intensity, but about consistent presence, intentional love, and daily engagement.

They also explore marriage and communication. Jeff shares how many men stop pursuing their wives over time, and why friendship, attention, and small, consistent actions are what rebuild trust and connection.

Fatherhood is central throughout the episode. Jeff reflects on raising sons, modeling character, and leading with both strength and humility. He emphasizes that fathers don’t need to be perfect, but they must be present, aware, and willing to grow.

The conversation also highlights the importance of brotherhood. Isolation weakens men, while strong relationships with other men provide accountability, clarity, and direction.

This episode is a direct challenge to the man who feels busy, stretched, or disconnected: stop drifting, re-engage, and start leading your family with intention.

(00:00) Welcome + NFL career

ABOUT JEFF KEMP

Jeff Kemp is a former NFL quarterback, speaker, and ministry leader dedicated to strengthening marriages and families. After his professional football career, he has spent decades equipping men to lead with faith, integrity, and intentionality in their homes and communities.

Website: https://jeffkempteam.com/

Jeff's Book: https://jeffkempteam.com/receive/

ABOUT Teko Bailey

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, and host of The Climb Podcast, guiding men to live fully, lead boldly, and leave a legacy that matters.

Website: https://tekobailey.com/

Production, Distribution, and Marketing by MassifKroo

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