In this episode, Jesse French and Chris Bruno explore the themes of playfulness and recognition of Jesus during the Advent season, particularly through the lens of the Road to Emmaus story. They discuss how Jesus engages with his disciples in a lighthearted manner, emphasizing the importance of shared joy in shaping identity and recognizing Jesus in our lives. The conversation highlights the interplay of joy and grief, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences of recognizing Jesus in playful and unexpected ways.

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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

What happens when Jesus stops everything for one desperate, unclean woman? In this Advent reflection, Jesse French and Chris Bruno delve into the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5:21-34. Together, they unpack her bold faith, her risk to touch Jesus, and the deeper healing she receives—not just in her body but in her soul. Through cinematic storytelling and thoughtful insight, they invite us to see the tenderness of Jesus as He kneels beside her and listens to "the whole truth." This episode challenges us to reflect: what healing might Jesus offer when He calls us to step out of the shadows?

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

In this Advent series, Chris Bruno and Jesse French dive into the profound story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, exploring layers beyond the physical miracle. The episode unpacks how shame and a fear of divine wrath can leave us spiritually paralyzed, disconnected from the life Jesus calls us to live. By reflecting on this miracle, they invite listeners to consider their own "paralysis"—the hidden beliefs that hold them back. As the busiest season of the year begins, this episode challenges us to focus less on outward fixations and more on the soul's healing. Advent, they remind us, is an invitation to spiritual restoration, disrupting our norms with the deeper gift of Christ's arrival.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
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• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast by Restoration Project, Chris and Jesse pull back the curtain on Restoration Project's six core values, offering insight into what makes the organization tick. They dive into each value, from embracing relentless curiosity to being grassroots-driven, and share why these values are more than just words—they shape daily decisions and interactions. The hosts also reflect on the importance of celebrating accomplishments, staying humble as participants in the "meta-narrative," and crafting unique experiences that avoid the "rubber chicken" standard.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

Join Jesse French and Chris Bruno as they open up about their recent mountain adventure, where an unforgettable lesson on ego and soul emerged. Jesse shares a powerful story from a horse-riding clinic led by the legendary Buck Brannaman, who gave them a choice: feed your soul or feed your ego. This conversation unpacks the everyday ways we can decide between validation and true fulfillment in our passions, relationships, and work. Together, they reflect on how our intentions shape our experiences, from being present with loved ones to embracing the journey of growth.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Restorative Man Podcast! Today, Chris Bruno and Jesse French share an exciting announcement: after years of building community and resources through The Forge Podcast, they're re-centering around the vision of “The Restorative Man.” In this conversation, Chris and Jesse dive into what this shift means and the heart behind the new name. They reflect on how the “forge” concept captured the process of growth, while “The Restorative Man” captures the goal—a lifelong journey to become men who actively bring restoration to themselves and the world around them. Join us as we explore what it means to become restorative men and how that mission shapes everything Restoration Project is about.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project

In this deeply emotional episode of The Restorative Man Podcast, Chris Bruno and Jesse French are joined by Bart Lillie as he courageously shares the profound story of losing his father. Bart reflects on the tragic day his father was taken from him in an unexpected act of violence and how this pivotal moment shaped his life and faith journey. He recounts precious memories, including the last moments he spent with his dad during a trip to Turkey. As Bart opens up about the grief and the enduring impact of his father's legacy, he offers a poignant reminder of the power of love, loss, and hope. Join us for a raw and heartfelt conversation that explores the depths of sorrow and the resilience that follows.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project
  
  

In this episode of the Restorative Man Podcast, Chris Bruno and Jesse French sit down with Bart Lillie to explore the legacy of fathering and how it has shaped their lives. Bart reflects on his father's journey from a Michigan farm to Chicago, where he worked at an orphanage and eventually helped launch Spring Hill Camps. He discusses how these stories, some of which were lost to time, have recently come to light, revealing deeper connections between his father’s life and his own work with Restoration Project. Bart also shares how his father’s example of intentionality and care for children foreshadowed his own heart for fathering.

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project
  
  

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast, Jesse French and Chris Bruno sit down for a second conversation with Brayden Lans, a man deeply invested in his community through his coffee business and his ministry, Half Step Ministries. Brayden shares the origins of his calling, how he and his wife, Abby, built their outreach to high school students from the ground up, and the risks they've faced along the way. He reflects on the fear of responsibility that comes with success and how stepping into vulnerability has shaped his journey. This episode is a deep dive into the challenges and rewards of following a dream, and the importance of support from a close-knit community. 

Connect with Brayden Lans:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brayden.Lans
• Instagram: @sirlansalot
  
  

Get to know more about Half Step Ministries:

• Website: www.halfstepministries.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/halfstepministries
• Instagram: @halfstepministries
  
  

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project
  
  

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast, Chris Bruno and Jesse French dive into the importance of creating an intentional plan for the year ahead. Through personal stories of adventure and unexpected encounters in the wilderness, they explore how God shows up in surprising ways—whether it’s through a bear in the woods or a cooler of cold beers floating down a river. What’s your plan for the next year? Are you carving out time for meaningful experiences with your kids, or are you letting the year slip by? Join Chris and Jesse as they challenge us to think deeper about how we spend our time and why intentionality matters for the journey ahead.

Join our 2025 Experiences! Head to restorationproject.net/experiences for details and to secure your spot today!

Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!

Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/

To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Instagram: @restorationprojectco
• Facebook: Restoration Project
• LinkedIn: Restoration Project