In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, I sit down with Joel Bates, Director of Discovery Ministries, to explore how the outdoors shapes the hearts and character of men. Joel shares how Discovery Ministries helps people grow through adventure, challenge, and grit—all in the context of God’s wild creation.

This conversation will encourage you to step outside, embrace discomfort, and rediscover the sacredness of wild places. Because in the formation of the masculine soul, the wilderness is often God's classroom.

Discovery Ministries: https://www.dmchallenge.org/

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Explorer, privateer, and national hero—Sir Francis Drake’s life was anything but ordinary. In this episode, we chart the course of the man who became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and helped shape the rise of the British Empire. From daring raids on Spanish ships to his pivotal role in defeating the Spanish Armada, Drake was both feared and celebrated. But was he a pirate or a patriot? A man of faith or ambition? Join us as we navigate the thrilling, complex life of Sir Francis Drake and the legacy he left on history and the high seas.

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Motherhood is one of God's most beautiful and powerful designs. In this episode, we reflect on the vital role a mother plays in shaping lives and nurturing faith. Scripture teaches us to honor and cherish our mothers, recognizing their strength, wisdom, and sacrificial love as reflections of God's own heart.

We’ll explore why honoring our mothers isn't just a suggestion—it’s a command woven into God's vision for family and flourishing. This conversation calls us to gratitude, respect, and a renewed commitment to bless the women who have blessed us so deeply.

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Every boy longs to know he has what it takes—that he's no longer just a child, but a man. In this episode, we explore the ancient and global hunger for initiation into manhood. From the jungles of the Amazon to the mountains of Mongolia, we take a survey of fascinating and sometimes brutal rites of passage that cultures around the world have used to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. Then we turn our attention to you, Dad—offering practical insight on how to create a meaningful rite of passage for your son. Whether he’s 8 or 18, your intentionality can help forge strength, identity, and purpose in the heart of your boy.

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Few figures in history have shaped the trajectory of Christianity like Constantine the Great. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of the Roman emperor who ended Christian persecution and set the stage for the faith to flourish across the empire. From the dramatic battle that led to his conversion to the Edict of Milan and the Council of Nicaea, Constantine’s story is a complex and pivotal chapter in the spread of Christianity. Join us as we explore how political power, personal belief, and divine providence intersected in the life of the emperor who legalized the cross.

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In a world where manhood is often misunderstood or misrepresented, this episode cuts through the noise by returning to the source of truth—God’s Word. We explore what it truly means to be a man from a biblical worldview.

What did God have in mind when He created men? What purpose did He design them for? And what kind of action has He called them to?

This is a call to live with strength, sacrifice, leadership, and love—not by the world’s standards, but by God’s design. Whether you're a young man stepping into responsibility or a seasoned man striving to live faithfully, this episode is for you.

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Before English Bibles filled our shelves, one man gave his life to make God’s Word accessible to the common people—William Tyndale. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Tyndale’s passion, courage, and unshakable conviction. He defied kings and religious authorities, translating the Scriptures into English at great personal risk. His legacy echoes through every English Bible today. Join us as we explore how one man’s mission helped ignite the Reformation and brought the Word of God into the hands and hearts of everyday people.

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In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, I sit down with Jimmy Snyder—a man who calls himself the prodigal son who came home. Once caught up in a life of drug trafficking, Jimmy experienced a radical transformation when the grace of God gripped his heart. Now a devoted follower of Jesus, Jimmy shares his powerful story with honesty and humility, offering hard-won wisdom for every man along the way.

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Jesus didn’t just change eternity—He changed everything. In this episode, we explore how the life and teachings of Jesus have shaped the world in practical, powerful ways. From the rise of education and healthcare to the dignity of the vulnerable, the fight against injustice, and the value of every human life, His influence runs deep in the fabric of society. This isn’t just a story of personal faith—it’s a story of global transformation. Come and see how Jesus has impacted the world not just spiritually, but socially and historically.

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In this thought-provoking Easter episode, we tackle one of the most important and debated questions in history: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Through historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and the transformative impact of the resurrection, we examine the case for the risen Christ.

Whether you're a believer seeking to strengthen your faith or a skeptic exploring the claims of Christianity, this episode provides a compelling and honest look at the resurrection of Jesus. We explore why the resurrection matters, what it means for our lives today, and how it stands as the foundation of the Christian faith.

Join us as we consider the evidence, reflect on the implications, and celebrate the hope of Easter.

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