This Episode is World Changing. Depression is a silent killer amongst men because it capitalizes on the fact that we often struggle to confess we're dealing with it. Why, because this is an illness that makes us feel lonely and lost as we seek isolation so we won't be discovered as "weak". It's a reciprocal nightmare.

Throw Christianity into the mix and guess what...it sometimes even gets harder. Why....didn't you know, Christians  are supposed to have the "joy of the Lord" and not be susceptible to such an emotional rut. Cant we just pray it away in one alter call...maybe not.

But its real talk time...we struggle too. We struggle silently and as Danny says..its not just mental and spiritual, its even physical. So what did this amazing young man do...spoiler alert, he just keep surrendering, praying, fasting, serving and...Waiting. Then he took all that our Great God carried him through and poured it into the thing God created him to do. He made great Music about how he..."Got Through".....Danny Throat Punched the Devil...and His new EP is about to drop this month. Get Through will be his first single released off his EP. Don't miss a word of this amazing interview. As always, the most flattering thing you can do is like...and Share Share Share!

Jimmy James Bannister is a man who understands what makes him tic. He is focused sometimes to a fault. He engrosses himself in the task at hand and becomes almost obsessed with progressing. He decided a long time ago that it didn't matter if a degree wasn't hanging on his wall in a perfect picture frame. Oh it might some day. He just knows deep down, to be successful..Hard work trumps paper. At the beginning of this year he decided to participate in a transformation program called 75 hard. Its no ordinary "get ready for the class reunion" program..its the type of transformation program that develops more than just the body. Listen to Jimmy talk all about it. If you're a MentalEdger..you're gonna love every work he says. Now get ta click'n

Many Men define themselves by what they do for a living, yet most men have chosen to err on the side of provision. Let's just say..a-lot a dudes aren't exactly holding down their dream Jobs... sometimes this leaves them believing that they have compromised their dreams for a paycheck. They start to believe that they've sold themselves out and that they have squandered their gifts.
MentalNation...nothing could be farther from the truth. You and your gifts are very special and to believe that you're not relevant because you didn't chase your adolescent dreams is down right ridiculous. You are only defined by what you do for a living if you so choose to be. The real truth is, the most effective, productive and happy people..find a way to flourish and contribute no matter where the have been deposited. They make the most of all situations by being what nobody else is equipped to be...Themselves...they bring their own unique special spice to the table and it generates appreciation that fosters a sense of relevancy. Because nobody is better at being you than you. now get ta sprink'n that special spice

Flaws Flaws Flaws..I don't know about you..but I'm full of em. But at the MentalEdge we've come to realize that WE get to choose how much power those "flaws" have over us. And to take it to a whole new level that most men cant even fathom...a straight up divine epiphany...we are starting to believe, that flaws are actually essential to development. 

Listen to Pastor and Friend Bill Cumbee lay it all out for us. This is an outstanding conversation with an amazing man.

You're In your 40s now or pretty dang close. You seem to have most things figured out or at least you're well on your way.... But just in case, here are 5 things we think our close friends and MentalEdgers aughta know fo sho before they hit the Big Four Ohhhh. So sit back, relax and soak these 5 tips in and let em marinate. 

5 Life Lessons You Should Know Before 40!!!!

The MentalEdge sits down with another amazing man of God and asks an important question. 

Pastor Sam, "How does a person know when it's time to go?" Wow what a doozy right....you might be asking yourself this very question right now...yes this episode is for you!

Sometimes we stay too long, sometimes we leave too early. Worse even still, sometimes we spend an eternity wondering if we made the wrong choice. But Pastor Sam Hamstra has some sound Kingdome Advice for the answer seekers. He has 3 simple steps he uses to analyze the proposed pivot. But to hear em..you're just gonna haft listen. Sam gets to dropping nuggets like they're going outta style and we just about broke our Midi controller trying to keep up with em.
So sit back, have a listen and we promise.... you won't regret a second. 

Is it possible that the reluctance to say the word "no" in your life might be weighing you down.
Its seems like counter intuitive advice for a Podcast that's all about growth through service but ask yourself one simple question. "Is it possible that your passion and your purpose which are both worthy of your Yes's, are suffering from not getting the attention they deserve because its been diverted toward unnecessary busy work. You're  just trying to people please and you can't seem to say no...yes..your legacy will be delayed, your passion is competing for the attention it deserves. And all you have to do to right the ship and re-prioritize is simply say.."im sorry but that's a no for me this time. I have a full plate"....don't clutter your life up with a bunch of unnecessary yes's..pray about it and understand that you are not the solution to  everybodys problem. if you try to be...you will simply be the solution to none. 

So what are the odds that Fernando and I both experienced the very same parenting epiphany in the same week. Yup..we sure did and we decided it was no coincidence. Are you a parent who is deeply involved with your Kids athletic or academic life and do you catch yourself wearing your "in the moment" dissapointment on your shirt sleeve? Have you blurted out the wrong, hardly inspirational, sarcastic criticism from the stands? Did he or she see you shaking your head  in disappointment? Its ok, its happen to the best of dads and moms. Its a product of insecurity that becomes inflamed when you want the best for your children but something goes wrong..it doesn't play out the way it should have. You were hoping that they would have this moment where all their hard work counted for them but instead....they made a mistake..because they're human...Your blurt, or your facial expression isn't really the best representation of your love....you too, just failed a little in the moment. But don't worry...its certainly salvageable..in fact, you might have just accidentally created an awesome opportunity to express your love with a genuine appology. Don't waste another minute.  As my old baseball coach would say..day lights a burnin.

The MentalEdge sat down with Jays soon to be Son In law Alex Campe. that's right, He's trapped between two seasoned men who are close to his soon to be bride...but have no fear, we have the best of intentions. 
We're actually big Fans of this Stellar young man. According to Alex Its a story as old as time..boy meets gurl, and then , Alex's version goes like this....she relentlessly pursues him until he gives in...twice I had to remind him, hey...you know you're talking about my daughter right...I'm totally right here dude....seriously though. we asked Alex about leadership, expectations and boundaries.. He aced em all. 
I want the world to know. I trust this young man with my daughter. He's impressive on so many levels and his maturity about life far exceeds many of his peers...but most importantly....I know he loves my daughter and I know she loves him. In the end..what else do they really need. 

Verdell TSO Gray stepped into the MentalEdge Studio and didn't miss a beat..Why was it so easy for him...cuz the studio and stage are exactly where Verdell feels comfortable. His mind was made for it. Verdell is a highly accomplished gospel Rapper with chart toping hits speckled throughout his career.  Verdell's Nickname is TSO.  Whats that stand for?...it stands for..."Totally Sold Out"...for the Lord that is. He can't help himself, reasons to be thankful flow from him as easy as his rhymes. He's not shy about letting his life changing phylysophys fly either. He gets it....Hes not interested in normal compensation. He's interested in breathing life into the youth he is so blessed to mentor in order to watch them reach and even exceed their goals. Thats all the compensation he will ever need. Ladies and Gentlemen, sit back and listen to Verdell tell it like it is and we promise you...the way you think will never be the same.