Hey friends, thanks for joining a crossover episode with Tim Summers from the Raising Catholic Podcast where we dive into discipline — how to lead, correct, and shape our children from a biblical perspective.

We discuss physical and verbal discipline, the difference between authoritative and authoritarian leadership, practical tools like posture, proximity, volume and the ask–tell–make approach, and how grace, love, and clear consequences build responsible sons.

This episode is for fathers working to raise the next generation of men through faith, fitness, and practical, loving leadership.

This is The Forging of Men, a podcast to help fathers of sons raise their sons into the next great generation of men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventure.

In this episode the host provides an end-of-month update on upcoming shows (budget camping and hunting, Priest-Prophet-King, violence & masculinity, scripture and discipline), shares progress on his 75 Hard challenge and progressive diet, announces the upcoming website launch, and outlines plans for a lightweight, backpackable big-game rifle build.

In this episode Andy Smith shares his decision on December 1, 2020 to change his life — going from 356 lb to a fit, disciplined lifestyle through daily exercise, a simple clean diet, running, weighted rucks, journaling, and steady goals. He explains practical, sustainable steps for beginners (start walking, cut sugary drinks, use small progressive weights or a vest) and the mental and family benefits of consistency.

Andy also describes how his transformation influenced his 14-year-old son, the importance of small victories, realistic goal-setting, and the spiritual and emotional growth that comes with loving yourself to better love others.

Josh Vegors and Taylor Thurston discuss practical rifle and caliber choices for new and young hunters — from the versatile .308 and modern 6mm ARC to youth-friendly options like the .300 Blackout and 5.56.

They compare AR platforms and bolt guns, recommend budget-friendly rifles (Ruger American, Savage Axis, Palmetto State Armory), highlight affordable optics like Vortex Triumph, and share training tips: practice often, train beyond your expected field distances, and match gear to terrain.

Includes real hunt stories, shot-ethics advice, and sponsor mentions from Rugged Rosaries and First Form Supplements.

This episode breaks down why New Year's resolutions often fail and how to make change stick—focusing on the "why" instead of the flashy how. Josh Vegors and guest Sean Harding from Exodus Counseling and Mentorship discuss habit-building tactics (30-day rule, two-minute starts, micro-wins), setting short-term goals (try a Valentine’s Day resolution), and using start/stop/continue reviews.

They also explore mindset, gratitude, creating vs. consuming, mental health and mentorship through Exodus counseling, and personal examples like jiu-jitsu and family priorities to show how small, intentional steps lead to lasting growth.

This crossover episode examines Matthew 1–3, focusing on Jesus’ genealogy, Joseph’s quiet faith and protection, the flight to Egypt, and the themes of adoption and refuge.

Hosts reflect on fatherhood, personal brokenness, Advent preparation, and how God redeems ordinary, flawed lives—calling listeners to act and believe.

Josh shares his 15–16 day carnivore experiment while driving home from a Colorado elk hunt, reporting rapid weight loss, improved focus, better sleep, and stronger gym performance. He and Dr. Taylor Thurston unpack what “carnivore” can mean, practical meat cuts, cooking and rendering tallow, and ways to keep variety without carbs.

The episode also covers a sensible plan for short-term carnivore use, how to reintroduce vegetables systemically, and real-world tips for cooking, smoking, and stretching protein-based meals for a family.

Chad Stillman and Josh share how 1613 (Bibles & Bows) grew from a backyard idea into a large archery-based Bible study that fosters authentic, shoulder-to-shoulder community for men to read Scripture, pray, and serve together.

They explain the simple weekly format, the power of shared vulnerability and prayer, practical tips for starting and scaling similar groups, and the vision to turn outdoor fellowship into tangible discipleship and outreach.

On this first-ever mobile episode of Forging of Men, host and guest Taylor Thurston road-trip home from an October elk hunt, and discuss faith, fitness and outdoor adventure. Taylor shares how he used military tuition assistance to earn multiple degrees, embraced Catholic faith and family life, and reshaped his health with carnivore eating and fasting.

The conversation also covers real-world preparation for backcountry hunting, the rewards of disconnecting in nature, and practical tips for fathers raising sons — all while recording from the truck after a Rocky Mountain hunt.

This episode follows a heartfelt conversation between two friends about the first year of fatherhood—covering surprised moments, hard nights, the radical joy of delighting in a child, and how loss and faith shaped the journey.

They reflect on lessons learned, the importance of presence, the connections between spiritual fatherhood and priestly vocation, and how becoming a parent reshapes priorities, legacy, and personal growth.