The Uncrowned

Righteous men are more visible than ever, but many still feel unseen, unknown, and empty.

In this episode of The Uncrowned, Joe Buttice unpacks why so many men who love God, hit the gym, show up for their families, and even go to church still carry a low‑grade ache they can’t explain. You’ll discover how righteousness in Christ is an identity, not a performance (2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9), and why that shift is the difference between constantly proving yourself and finally living from a place of grounded sonship. We’ll also dive into what the data actually says about the so‑called “male loneliness epidemic,” why men are quietly returning to church in record numbers, and why so many still lack the brotherhood and discipleship they were built for.

If you’re a man who’s done “all the right things” and still feels spiritually underbuilt, this conversation will help you name the gap, root your confidence in Christ’s righteousness, and take your next step toward real community and calling.

If this episode hits you, share it with a brother, leave a review so more men can find it, and join the email list at The Uncrowned to go deeper with resources, challenges, and upcoming coaching opportunities.

The conversation delves into the concept of biblical masculinity and the need to bring it back. It explores the idea of facing modern-day Goliaths, including laziness, lust, and ignorance, and provides insights on how to confront and overcome these challenges. The conversation covers the topics of childhood obesity, parental responsibility, the impact of unhealthy habits, the role of churches in addressing social issues, the role of men in the church, addressing taboo topics and personal responsibility, the importance of open communication and intimacy in relationships, and using a personal platform for good.

Takeaways

• Biblical masculinity
• Facing modern-day Goliaths Childhood obesity is a growing concern
• The responsibility of guiding children's health lies with parents

Chapters

• 00:00 Biblical Masculinity
• 06:03 Laziness as a Modern Goliath
• 13:30 Lust as a Modern Goliath
• 22:31 Ignorance as a Modern Goliath
• 28:57 Childhood Obesity and Parental Responsibility
• 33:59 The Role of Men in the Church
• 41:36 The Importance of Open Communication and Intimacy in Relationships
• 47:21 Using Personal Platform for Good

Uncrowned Podcast with host Joe Buttice (Uncrowned Coach, formerly JB Motivation) speaks to men who train hard and want their faith to match their discipline. Expect a mix of Christian masculinity, men’s mental health, leadership, and fitness culture, built around structure, accountability, and living like you actually believe what you say you believe.

In this episode, Joe reconnects with returning guest David “Ziegler Monster” Ziegler (creator, gym traveler, and one of the most positive voices in the lifting space). They break down David’s upcoming GuestPass app, built to help lifters find legit gyms while traveling, especially those low-key, independently owned “hidden gem” spots that barely show up online. The conversation moves through hardcore gym culture in Japan, how social media split bodybuilding into “content fitness” vs. true competitive standards, and what it looks like to rebuild momentum after life knocks you flat. They also touch on competing strategy, long-form growth on YouTube, and why building something real takes time, money, and patience.

If you’re a man trying to level up physically without letting your faith and character stay skinny, you’ll fit here.

Connect + follow:

• Host: Joe Buttice → @theuncrownedcoach
• Guest: David Ziegler → @zieglermonster

If this episode hit you, share it with one brother who needs structure right now, then follow @theuncrownedcoach for faith-driven training + mindset, and follow @zieglermonster for gym travel, lifting culture, and the GuestPass launch.

#UncrownedPodcast #TheUncrownedCoach #ZieglerMonster #MensMentalHealth #ChristianMen #FaithAndFitness #DivineMasculinity #MasculineDiscipline #BodybuildingMindset #FitnessCulture #GymLife #SpiritualDiscipline #MensSelfImprovement #Brotherhood #PurposeDrivenMen #MentalResilience #LeadershipForMen #ChristianMasculinity #GymCommunity #GuestPass

Uncrowned Podcast, hosted by Joe Buttice (Uncrowned Coach, formerly JB Motivation), speaks to men who train hard and want their faith to match their discipline. Expect a blend of Christian masculinity, men’s mental health, leadership, and bodybuilding culture, told through straight conversations with athletes, creators, and builders who’ve taken real hits and kept moving.

This episode brings back a familiar guest: pro bodybuilder and creator David “Ziegler Monster” Ziegler. Joe and David get into GuestPass, a gym directory app built for travelers and the underrated, family-run “hidden gem” gyms you’d never find through the usual searches. They also talk Japan’s old-school training vibe, how social media reshaped bodybuilding (and why “surface-level” fitness fame doesn’t equal stage-ready work), and what it takes to climb out of dark seasons when life, money, and identity collapse at once.

You’ll hear practical competition perspective too: fullness vs. razor condition in men’s open, staying health-minded while pushing size, and why systems beat vibes when you’re trying to grow in body and spirit.

Follow the show, rate 5 stars, and share this with one brother who needs a wake-up shot. For coaching and community, DM “UNCROWNED” to @theuncrownedcoach and join The Uncrowned.

Follow David: @zieglermonster on all socials.

Topics & keywords: Christian men’s podcast, faith and fitness, men’s self-improvement, spiritual discipline, bodybuilding mindset, gym travel, mental resilience, brotherhood, purpose-driven masculinity, fitness culture.

Men soften when comfort wins. Joe sits with Curt Dennis Jr. aka “SilverbackHulk,” a coach, competitor, and straight shooter. Together they tackle validation addiction, weak standards, and rebuilding masculine backbone through mentorship, faith, and hard work.

From three-show prep brain fog to open-division growth, Joe shares lessons while Curt breaks down bar-life situational awareness, coaching wins, and why originality beats copy-paste confidence. Proverbs frames the blueprint: fear of the Lord, wise counsel, disciplined habits, strong households, and brotherhood that holds the line.

Expect blunt stories, earned wisdom, and practical steps you can run today: lead at home, train with intent, drop the need for applause, choose hard paths that sharpen character.

Follow the show, rate 5 stars, and share this with one brother who needs a wake-up shot. For coaching and community, DM “UNCROWNED” to @theuncrownedcoach and join The Uncrowned.

Guest: Curt Dennis Jr. — IG: @SilverbackHulk • X: @SilverbackHulkX

Men fall. Kings rise. I sit down with Steve Morris, host of the Peace, Power & Purpose Podcast, a former Navy officer and trainer who rebuilt after divorce, alcohol abuse, and career fallout to anchor his life in Christ. We swap real testimony, no fluff. Then we run a same-night cross-cast: catch my follow-up appearance on his show right after this episode.

We cover identity in Christ for men, pride vs. covenant marriage, sobriety that starts with humility, fatherhood after chaos, discipline during bodybuilding prep, and building a mission-driven platform from scratch. Expect straight talk, scripture-shaped wisdom, and practical steps you can use before the day ends. The tone stays Uncrowned: stoic, respectful, timeless, bold.

Follow the show, hit the bell, drop a 5-star rating, and share this with one brother who needs it today. For coaching, community, and resources, DM “UNCROWNED” to @theuncrownedcoach. Links in the show notes.

Welcome back to The Uncrowned Podcast—a movement calling men back to what God created us to be: God-first, faith-first, divine masculine expressed through character, discipline, and brotherhood. We don’t chase earthly crowns—we walk in calling.

Today we tackle a verse everybody quotes but few practice well: “Wives, respect your husbands. Husbands, love your wives.” We break down what Ephesians 5:21–33 actually says (not memes, not hot takes), why respect and love are different but complementary, and what it means that husbands are called to love “as Christ loved the church”—which means die to self. We also get painfully practical with daily/weekly rhythms you can start tonight. 

Core Scriptures we unpack:

Mutual submission & marriage design (Eph 5:21–33; Gen 2:24). 

Respect that can win a husband without words (1 Pet 3:1–2).

Husbands: love without harshness (Col 3:19). 

Servant leadership & foot-washing (Matt 20:26–28; John 13).

Christ’s pattern of self-emptying (Phil 2:5–8). 

What love looks like in conflict (1 Cor 13:4–7; Jas 1:19). 

We even zoom in on the Greek: agapaō (self-giving, chosen love) and phobeō (reverence/respect)—a lock and key that fit God’s design for covenant. 

Husbands (tonight): Pray out loud with your wife for 30 sec, then ask, “What’s one weight I can shoulder for you this week?” (Eph 5:25; Col 3:19).

Wives (tonight): Say one sentence of respect: “I see how you ____ and I’m grateful.” (1 Pet 3:1–2; Eph 5:33). 

Both: Memorize James 1:19—quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger—and use it in your next tough convo. 

Drop a ✅ when you finish Day 1. Tell me which you’re doubling down on this week—Respect or Love—and why.

If this served you, follow/subscribe, rate & review, and share with one couple who needs a reset.

I’m Joe Buttice, and in EP03 of The Uncrowned Podcast we press deeper into what this re-centering really means: God first, faith first, same core values—louder conviction. The Uncrowned is a movement calling men to what God created us to be. Not chasing earthly crowns—walking in calling. If you’ve felt “unqualified,” this one’s for you.

I sit down with Benjamin Williams—husband of 22 years, father of 7, church elder, and creator @RelentlessPositivity. Ben shares a raw testimony: hedonism and addiction → Matthew 11:28 → repentance → a life rebuilt in Christ. We talk men’s mental health, the emptiness of success without God, and why mission > metrics in content and in life. I open up about rebuilding after addiction and social media burnout, and how purpose got louder when I stopped chasing vanity numbers and started chasing one transformed life at a time.

We get real about today’s culture—civil discourse, traditional values, and why reclaiming Priest • Provider • Protector isn’t a slogan; it’s an assignment.

Priest: set the spiritual temperature at home and in community (Gen 18:19; Deut 6:7; Josh 24:15).

Provider: more than money—presence, formation, worship, brotherhood (1 Tim 5:8; Luke 5:16).

Protector: not just locks and fists—tone, patience, emotional safety (Eph 5:25; Jas 1:19; Col 3:19; 1 Pet 3:7).

We wrestle with work, economy, and control, then anchor it in Matthew 6:33—seek first the Kingdom, steward hard, and trust God with the rest. We hit idolatry and distraction (“bread and circuses”), and why brotherhood matters now more than ever. If you’re looking for a practical primer on the masculine soul, Ben recommends Wild at Heart (Eldredge): a battle to fight, an adventure to live, a beauty to rescue.

7-Day Challenge:

Priest: Read 1 Proverb daily and pray out loud for 30 seconds—by name.

Provider: Block 1 phone-free hour for wife/kids/brothers this week.

Protector: Ask, “What haven’t you felt safe to tell me?” Listen. Don’t defend. Pray together.

If this hit your spirit, follow/subscribe, rate & review, and share with one brother who needs it today. Join the Uncrowned community for accountability and updates on retreats, and if you’re ready to build a God-first rule of life—habits, leadership, communication—my 1:1 coaching for men is open. DM "Coaching" @theuncrownedcoach on tiktok or instagram or send me an email!

In this week’s episode of The Uncrowned Podcast, host Joe Buttice breaks down the three traits of a Godly man—Priest, Provider, Protector—and why Christian masculinity means more than titles. It’s a God-first lifestyle: setting the spiritual temperature at home, providing more than money (time, presence, and spiritual formation), and protecting emotionally so your wife and family feel safe to speak truth without fear.

You’ll learn:

What spiritual leadership looks like day-to-day (simple rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and worship).

Why provision is more than a paycheck (church, friendships, family worship, and presence).

How true protection includes emotional safety, calm tone, and patient listening.

A 7-day challenge to live out Priest • Provider • Protector right now.

Scripture used (ESV/NKJV):

Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast so we can reach as many men as possible!

Coaching:

Email me: [email protected]

dm me on instagram or tiktok: @theuncrownedcoach 

For the first time in a year, I’m sitting down in front of a microphone again. The past twelve months were a year of silence – no new podcast episodes, no social media motivation, just quiet. During that hiatus, I was wrestling with my own mind and soul. On the outside, I’m a Marine Corps veteran and men’s life coach known for uplifting others. On the inside, I was struggling with men’s mental health, facing creative burnout and even battling waves of depression. I had poured so much into helping others overcome their pain that I hadn’t fully acknowledged my own. When I finally hit a wall, it felt like depression and doubt had locked me in a lonely room, questioning my purpose and direction.

What kept me going through those dark days was a spark of faith that refused to die out. In the stillness of that year-long break, I found myself praying more honestly than ever before. God met me in the silence. Little by little, I felt a pull back toward my calling. This wasn’t a lightning-bolt moment or a quick fix. It was more like a gentle nudge, a divine redirection that guided me out of the gloom. I realized I couldn’t carry these burdens alone. So I leaned into my faith and reached out to a few close brothers for support. That combination of honest prayer, faith-based self-development, and brotherhood became my lifeline and the path to reclaiming the fire I thought I had lost.

Going silent for a year wasn’t a marketing move or a planned sabbatical—it was pure survival. I hit a point of creative burnout where the passion I once had for sharing my voice just fizzled out. Every time I tried to record an episode or write a post, I felt empty. Instead of forcing it, I stepped back completely. At first, I felt guilty and even ashamed about needing a break. Wasn’t I supposed to be the strong one? As a former Marine, I’ve pushed through all kinds of pain. And as a men’s life coach, I often encourage other men to speak up about mental health. Yet there I was, unable to find words for my own struggles. Admitting that I felt broken and depressed was humbling and hard. It meant confronting the stigma around men’s mental health head-on, even within myself.

During that quiet year, I learned to sit with my discomfort instead of running from it. Some days I journaled my thoughts; other days I just sat in prayer asking God why I felt so lost. There were mornings I woke up with a weight on my chest, the kind that makes it hard to even get out of bed. I wondered if my season of purpose had passed. But in that stillness, I also started to hear a whisper of hope. It’s amazing how, when everything else is quiet, God’s voice becomes clearer. Through late-night conversations with my wife and heartfelt talks with close friends, I began to see that taking care of my own mind and spirit wasn’t weakness—it was necessary. This period of silence and reflection was painful, but it was also healing. It forced me to prioritize my mental health as a man and get real about emotions I had buried for years.

As I worked through my internal battles, I found myself reexamining what being a man truly means to me. I’ve always identified with being a tough guy—the Marine, the weightlifter, the provider. But during my hiatus, I felt God reminding me that Christian masculinity isn’t about never cracking or always having the answers. It’s about humility, faith, and leading with love. True strength can mean having the courage to say, “I need help” or “I can’t do this alone.” This was a wake-up call that living a God-first lifestyle had to be more than a slogan. I started making my relationship with God the foundation of my day-to-day life again, not just something I squeezed in on Sunday.

Putting God first changed how I saw my responsibilities and ambitions. Instead of measuring myself by career success or macho standards, I started focusing on character and faithfulness. I asked God to guide my decisions—whether it was how I spent my mornings or how I could return to podcasting with the right heart. Slowly, I felt my purpose being renewed. The more I leaned into prayer and scripture, the more my identity shifted from “Joe, the guy who has it all together” to “Joe, a servant of God trying to live with purpose.” In practical terms, that meant starting each day with prayer, getting back into reading the Bible for wisdom, and being present with my family and community in ways I hadn’t before. I can’t emphasize enough how much relief it brought to let go of my ego and let God lead. This is what faith-based self-development looked like for me: less of me trying to control everything, and more trusting God to shape me. It’s an ongoing process, but it truly set me on the path to reclaiming my purpose as a man of faith.

One of the biggest challenges I had to confront in that year was overcoming depression. I haven’t talked about this much publicly before, but I want to be real about it here. There were days in the past year when a dark cloud hung over me. I felt like I was letting everyone down—my family, my listeners, myself. Depression is a heavy word and an even heavier experience. For me, overcoming it wasn’t about “manning up” in the traditional sense; it was about breaking down my pride and allowing God and others to help build me back up. My faith became a lifeline in this fight. I remember nights when I couldn’t sleep, and I’d open my Bible to the Psalms. King David’s raw honesty in those pages—crying out in despair one moment and praising God the next—made me feel less alone. It gave me permission to cry out, too, and to believe that God was listening to my pain.

I also took some very practical steps as part of this faith-based self-development journey. I started seeing a Christian counselor who helped me sort through the tangle of thoughts in my head. We worked on how to align my daily habits with my values. That meant setting healthier boundaries with work, making time for rest (real rest, not just crashing in front of the TV), and surrounding myself with people who speak life into me. I can’t overstate how much these small, faithful steps added up. Day by day, through prayer, counseling, and personal development rooted in faith, the fog of depression began to lift. I found myself laughing again, dreaming again, and creating again. It felt like spiritual growth in real time—each prayer, each honest conversation was like climbing one step out of a deep hole. I’m not going to say I’ve got it all figured out or that I’ll never struggle again. But I now have tools and a community grounded in faith to lean on. And most importantly, I have a renewed understanding that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (as Scripture beautifully reminds us). That truth carried me through and gave me hope that I could not just survive that season, but come back stronger and more purpose-driven than before.

As the haze of burnout and depression cleared, I started to feel genuinely excited about life again. It was like waking up after a long sleep. With God’s guidance, I began reclaiming my purpose instead of letting negative thoughts tell me I didn’t have one. I realized my calling hadn’t vanished—it was just waiting for me to pick it back up with a new perspective. In fact, what I went through refined that calling. I’m more convinced than ever that helping men grow in faith, mental wellness, and character is what I’m meant to do. But now I’m approaching it with a humbler heart and a more patient spirit.

This renewed sense of purpose led to an unexpected burst of creativity. The floodgates opened after that long drought. I found myself writing again, but this time with more honesty and heart than before. One of the projects closest to my heart is my upcoming book, “The Stoic Marine.” I poured my journey into those pages during the hiatus. It’s part memoir and part guide, weaving together lessons from my time in the Marine Corps, the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosophy, and the faith that ultimately anchors me. Writing The Stoic Marine was therapeutic—it helped me process my experiences and also turn them into something that could serve others. The book delves into what it means to be disciplined and resilient while still staying tenderhearted and God-centered. In a way, the process of writing was another layer of spiritual growth for me. It kept me grounded and gave me a tangible mission to work on each day, even when I wasn’t in a place to speak publicly. I can’t wait to share it with you all, because I believe so many men out there struggle with that same balance of toughness and vulnerability, and I want them to know they’re not alone.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned in my year off is that we’re not meant to do life alone. Yes, personal faith is crucial, but so is community. I credit a huge part of my healing and growth to the brotherhood I have around me—godly men who checked in on me, prayed with me, and sometimes just sat with me in silence. It reminded me of why I started the Uncrowned community in the first place. We men might act tough, but inside we all crave connection and understanding. When we isolate ourselves, we deprive ourselves of one of God’s most effective tools for growth: each other.

Coming back into the public space, I feel a strong pull to foster that sense of brotherhood for others. That’s why I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m planning a men’s retreat. This retreat is going to be all about brotherhood, personal growth, and faith in action. Think of a long weekend where a group of us guys can get away from the noise—maybe out in nature somewhere—unplug, and really connect with God and with each other. We’ll share stories, encourage each other, maybe even shed some tears and have some laughs around a bonfire. It’s going to be a space where we can drop the “I’m fine” act and get real about the challenges we’re facing, whether it’s overcoming depression, finding purpose, or just trying to be a better man for our families. I’ll be bringing some of the insights from The Stoic Marine to this retreat as well, blending those ideas of discipline and faith in our activities and discussions. My hope is that every guy who joins leaves feeling recharged, supported, and reminded that he’s part of a brotherhood of uncrowned kings. We might not wear literal crowns, but each of us has a God-given greatness and purpose inside—we just need to help each other see it and live it out.

Now that I’m back, consider this episode (and this post) a personal invitation. If any part of my story resonated with you, I want you to be part of this next chapter. Subscribe to the Uncrowned Podcast so you won’t miss upcoming episodes where we’ll dive even deeper into men’s mental health, faith, and growth. Follow along and join our community—whether it’s through social media, our Discord group, or at the upcoming retreat. I genuinely want to hear from you. Leave a comment or reach out and let me know what struggles you’re facing or what topics you’d love to hear about in future episodes. The whole point of Uncrowned has always been to uplift and empower men through faith and brotherhood, and now I’m doubling down on that mission with a fresh perspective.

You are not alone in this. If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck in your own silent year, or battling thoughts that you’re not living up to your potential, remember that there’s an army of brothers out here ready to support you. I’m rebuilding this platform not just for me, but for all of us uncrowned kings who are still in the fight to become the men God created us to be. So hit that subscribe button, follow along for more content and updates on The Stoic Marine and the retreat, and let’s walk this journey together. Your story isn’t over, and neither is mine. This is just the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with faith, purpose, and a brotherhood that has your back every step of the way.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings

#MensMentalHealth #ChristianMasculinity #FaithBased #GodFirst #OvercomingDepression #ReclaimingPurpose #SpiritualGrowth #MensRetreat #Brotherhood #UncrownedKings