Friendship is a mutual concern, interest, and love that exists between two people. This love is the kind the Greeks called philia, or brotherly love. One such friendship was that of Lewis Armistead and Winfield S. Hancock. Although these men found themselves on opposing sides of America's most divisive and deadly conflict, their friendship endured until the bitter end.  

Hosted by Jamie Adams.

Redemption is the process by which a man regains or acquires virtue in an effort to better his life. Whether it comes about as an atonement for wrongdoing or a realization that a life of sin will never bring fulfillment, redemption is the path toward a life of virtue. One of world literature’s most profound examples of redemption is the hardened convict Jean Valjean, the principal character in French author Victor Hugo’s legendary 1862 novel Les Misérables. At the heart of the story is Jean Valjean, a man who only knew hate before he learned to love.

Hosted by Scott Einig.

Join the creators of Virtuous Men for a discussion on part one (episodes 1-6) of Season 5 of the podcast. You'll hear details on the making of each episode, more on the virtues explored and the men who were featured, and a few insights into part two.

Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.

Exploration is the act of traveling to an unknown land in order to investigate its terrain, resources, and benefits to humanity. The explorer's spirit is something many of us have felt ourselves; the need to search out the unknown, and to see the previously unseen. In this episode, we will tell the story of a man who greatly influenced the Pacific Northwest of America and Canada through his survey work in these areas. Though he is often overlooked compared to other great explorers, his influence in the region is undeniable. 

Hosted by Jamie Adams.

Brotherhood is a relationship between men that runs far deeper than friendship. Men who serve together in war, go on a mission, perform a great task, or build one another up in tough times are said to be like a band of brothers. Unlike friendship, however, brotherhood is a bond that transcends time and space. One of the most important and influential brotherhoods of the 19th century was the bond between Vincent and Theo van Gogh. It was a brotherhood that was far from easy, yet what came as a result would have an impact that continues to be felt in the present day.

Hosted by Scott Einig.

Sacrifice is the act of willingly forsaking one’s personal wellbeing for the good of others. The ultimate expression of sacrifice is found in giving up one’s life to save another. One such story is that of Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman. In this episode, we will tell the story of his heroic stand and how his actions not only went above the call of duty, but directly contributed to at least a dozen of his comrades making it off the battlefield alive.

Hosted by Jamie Adams. Valerie Nessel (John's widow) line by Stacey Adams.

Friendship is one of the most special of all bonds between human beings. Without friendship, we as men would never realize our greatest potential. One of the greatest portrayals of friendship in all of fiction is the bond between Andy and Red, the two principal characters of the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and its universally-beloved 1994 film adaptation. In this episode, we will see that a friendship for the ages is often born amid the most difficult and unfair of circumstances.

Hosted by Scott Einig.

Redemption is the act of being brought back from a path of destruction and set on the path of freedom and righteousness. It is a critical piece of anyone’s story who seeks to pursue virtue and live to their full potential. One of American pop-culture's most vivid examples of redemption is in the life of legendary country music star Johnny Cash. In this episode, we will tell the story of his poverty-stricken childhood, his journey to stardom, and his eventual descent down the road of addiction. And we will explore how his story of redemption can also be an example for our own.

Hosted by Jamie Adams.

Survival is a virtue that cannot be attained without great loss, hardship, and danger. In many such cases, a man loses everything and has nothing but his life to hold onto. One of the 19th century’s most incredible tales of survival is the tragedy of the whaleship Essex. To this day, it is widely considered to be the most horrific voyage in the history of American whaling. And would achieve immortality by giving birth to one of the crown jewels of American literature - and becoming a testament to the endless capability of human endurance.  

Hosted by Scott Einig.

Listener note: Due to graphic and disturbing content, this episode may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

An update from Virtuous Men as we end our summer sabbatical and start Season 5. We'll also share some important announcements for 2024.