Host and guest Tim Forbes trace his journey from school administrator to executive director of a vocational program for justice-involved youth, exploring how faith, mentorship, and hands-on training restore purpose and reduce recidivism.

This episode covers parenting and boundary-setting in the age of social media, the value of vocational education and community, and how physical challenges like ultrarunning and hunting deepen resilience, authenticity, and reliance on faith.

Host Josh Vagers shares an honest update about a season of change and loss: a new job, family milestones, the passing of loved ones, and the shock of losing a good man too soon. He reflects on grief, mental health, and the power of faith, prayer (the rosary), and brotherhood to heal.

Josh emphasizes practical lessons from his men's group—"have people and be people"—and the importance of accountability, preparedness, and teaching sons healthy spiritual and relational habits, while previewing upcoming podcast episodes.

In this episode, we dive into the realm of holistic health with Dr. Michael Lehman, a licensed naturopathic doctor from Washington State. Dr. Lehman shares his insights on supporting the body's natural healing processes through integrative medicine, emphasizing foundational health practices like proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Join us as we explore the importance of consistency in health goals, the role of fellowship and accountability in personal growth, and the balance between self-care and caring for others. Discover the bewildering world of dietary choices, from organic options to nutritional supplements, and how to tailor these to your unique needs.

As we segue into the great outdoors, Dr. Lehman offers invaluable advice on preventing and addressing tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, particularly timely during the height of turkey season and as we progress into summer. Learn preventive measures, symptom awareness, and the importance of tick checks to safeguard your health.

This episode is a rich tapestry of healthful living, blending the spiritual, physical, and communal aspects that contribute to a fulfilling life. Tune in to empower your wellness journey and embrace the full spectrum of life experiences.

This episode delves into the unexpected selection of a new Pope, highlighting the surprise and discussions it has sparked within the Catholic community and beyond. As commentators dissect the implications of electing a younger American pope, questions arise about the church's direction amidst global polarization. With insights into the historical context and challenges the Church faces, this episode explores how Pope Leo XIV might steer the religious institution through a new era, balancing tradition with the need for modern reforms. Listen as we unpack the complexities and potential impacts of this significant moment in the Catholic Church's history.

In this episode of The Forging of Men, delve into insightful discussions on personal growth, fatherhood, and the pursuit of excellence. Our host sits down with AJ, known as the Coffee Viking, who shares his journey towards becoming a better father and how he integrates outdoor adventures and fitness into everyday life.

Listeners will explore the importance of overcoming the fear of failure in fitness, raising children with a strong foundation, and the value of mentorship in the world of hunting. Discover practical wisdom for balancing health, family, and personal aspirations, while also gaining unique tips on supplementing life with positive influences and memorable experiences.

Join us as we ignite a thought-provoking conversation on creating a life of intent and purpose, all underscored by the joys of outdoor pursuits and the power of community support. Whether you're a parent, a fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers enriching content for everyone.

In this episode, we are joined by Jimmy Mitchell.  Jimmy is the Assistant Principal for Missions at Jesuit (an all boys school in Tampa Flordia), is the chief curator of Love Good ministry, and is also the author of Let Beauty Speak.  He has also spent time touring as a Catholic musician and speaker, as well as spearheading an all boys ministry call Fraternus.  Jimmy and I delve deep into the dynamics of all-boys education, the importance of fraternal community, and the challenge of masculine identity in today's culture. Join us for an insightful conversation about the spiritual and communal growth of young men, the significance of faith-oriented mentorship, and how to navigate the cultural arrows that challenge traditional masculinity.  Get ready to be inspired and challenged.

In this episode of The Forging of Men, join us as we discuss the pivotal role faith plays in fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love, even when it isn't easy. We explore how understanding who our enemies are can be a powerful tool for personal growth, challenging us to be better fathers and men.  All of this discussion is anchored in Ephesians Chapter 4

We also reflect on the practical life skills learned through ministry training and the significance of a supportive community. Together, we unpack the spiritual warfare we're all engaged in, illustrating how faith can be a compass in our divided world. With insights from scripture and personal stories, this episode inspires fathers to build their children's lives on a foundation of strength, love, and resilience.

The Forging of Men podcast takes fathers on an inspiring journey of self-transformation, resilience, and brotherhood with Collin Cottrell!!!  Join us as we delve into the stories of they dying ego, the power of discipline, restoring broken relationships, and finding victory in our failures

Collin went being overweight and struggling with purpose to losing 100 pounds and running ultra marathons.  His inspiring story is full of practical wisdom and will have value for EVERY father who is looking to get recentered, find resilience, and rediscover true purpose.

Tune in and be inspired by the compelling stories that fuel the spirit of courage, discipline, and perseverance, and discover how you can apply these life-changing principles to your own journey.

Welcome to The Forging of Men podcast, the show dedicated to guiding fathers in raising the next generation of great men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventures. This episode delves into the redemptive power of archery as a therapeutic tool for veterans, featuring narratives of resilience and personal growth.

Discover how our guest's path through trauma in Afghanistan led to the creation of a nonprofit focused on providing archery equipment and mentorship to veterans, helping them regain purpose and camaraderie.

We explore the psychological and spiritual aspects of using archery as a form of healing and the importance of mentorship in building a supportive community.

Additionally, the episode highlights the shared experience of expressing faith and masculinity, setting personal goals beyond the typical New Year's resolution.

This episode is brought to you in part by Rugged Rosaries and First Form Supplements, dedicated to supporting the journey of men towards physical, mental, and spiritual strength.

Welcome to a new episode of The Forging of Men, where we aim to help fathers mold their sons into the next generation of robust, resilient men through nurturing them in faith, fitness, and outdoor adventures. This episode sheds light on the importance of self-mastery, resilience, and healthy relationships, while also giving a sneak peek into the individuals and companies we wish to collaborate with to offer enriched content.

Join us in our offline adventures like "Forging of Men 101," our retreat aimed at equipping dads with skills in camping, archery, masculine prayer, and fishing, as well as Desert Days, a digital detox excursion in the wilderness. Becoming comfortable with oneself is crucial for building meaningful relationships, and these adventures offer a unique opportunity to foster this connection.

Together, we can forge the next generation of great men. If you want to be a part of our movement and have connections or suggestions for potential collaborations, we would love to hear from you. Let's journey together to create a storm that safeguards our families and shapes robust, resilient, and resourceful sons.

Get ready to forge ahead!