Brave Men Podcast with Paul Louis Cole

Invest some time in an inspiring conversation with CMN President Paul Cole. Start cranking the fundamentals of becoming a champion. It’s doing the basics and doing them well over and over that creates a successful season … and a successful life in Christ.

Building a life that overcomes adversity doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of determination and purpose and discipline. Using Maximized Manhood, the global best-selling book written by Paul’s father Dr. Ed Cole, as a guide we dive in to the basics of manhood. Read by over thirty million men in fifty languages MaxMan is the Biblically based fundamental roadmap to a resilient life.

When a seed is put in the ground you don’t expect it to become dirt … and a man that is mentored in Christ, when he is put into culture, doesn’t become the culture. That’s why we’re passionate about discipling men.

BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. CMN is active in over 100 nations in the fight against fatherlessness and apathy - building strong men, strong families and strong churches. CMN resources help pastors and leaders disciple men. Access those resources at CMN.men

(00:04) Back to Basics
(12:24) The Pursuit of God's Presence
(17:43) Path to Maturity and Maximized Manhood
(22:50) Internal Battles and Heart Issues

The power of brotherhood, forgiveness and restoration with my good friend Javon Ruff on this episode of the Brave Men podcast. Together, we unpack the timeless parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and explore how shallow relationships can derail our purpose. This is as real as it gets – authentic and gritty. Javon is a man that speaks in a way we can all understand, answering the hard question - how does a man get back to God when he’s gone off the rails?

As one of America’s leading voices for manhood, Javon mentors men across a large network of churches. This episode shines a light on the power of godly community, accountability, and brotherhood. At the heart of our conversation is the liberating work of God’s forgiveness. We examine how bitterness can distort identity—and how grace and healing can restore it. Through candid stories and biblical truth, we call men to release the weight of the past, speak life over one another, and embrace the freedom found in God’s grace. This is a true Jesus story … redemption, restoration and renewal. 

BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network—a global movement committed to defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse, and raising up strong men of God. For tools to disciple your family, launch a men’s movement, or become the man God created you to be, visit CMN.men.

(00:04) Men's Ministry and Fatherhood Discussion
(10:12) Impact of Male Mentors on Life
(23:49) Unleashing Forgiveness and Healing
(37:45) The Power of Words and Forgiveness
(44:50) Building Men Through Mentorship and Forgiveness

What does Noble manhood look like? Will it change things – or just add to the issues? Stephen Mansfield is a best-selling author and influential statesman. His counsel is sought by key leaders across the nations which has taken him from the halls of Washington to the shores of Tripoli. Stephen has answers. They’re not easy – it involves men accepting responsibility. 
Stephen has written numerous best-sellers from Lincoln’s Battle With God to Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men. But success came from deep valleys of pain and perseverance. He’s open about what it takes to access great faith from deep hurts. 
Mansfield has been in the warzones of the world – so he doesn’t mess around or speak lightly. It’s direct as dirt, but with a passionate desire to see men level up their lives in Christ. In a very open and free convo we discuss the cultural pressures young men face today—including the effects of toxic masculinity and cancel culture—and the urgent need for strong father figures and mentors. 
It’s a fascinating time together as we journey from the streets of the American male to the mountains of the Kurdish men. BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network—a global movement committed to defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse, and raising up strong men of God. For tools to disciple your family, launch a men’s movement, or become the man God created you to be, visit https://CMN.men 

(00:04) Crisis of Manhood and Masculinity
(08:23) Redefining Masculinity for Young Men
(18:29) The Importance of Purpose and Adventure
(26:14) The Importance of Male Friendship
(33:04) The Kurdish Story
(45:56) Navigating the Trump Administration and Education
(52:22) Building a Culture of Noble Manhood

Today a motivating, encouraging conversation with you and host Paul Cole. A powerful word on our identity, purpose and value. The foundational story is from the renaming of Benjamin, Jacob’s son, and later the father of the twelfth tribe of Israel. That’s found near the end of the book of Genesis. When Jacob changed Benjamin’s name – everything in Benjamin’s life changed. It was the affirmation of his father that built the life of a great man – from the day of his birth forward. 

In the tapestry of Scripture, names carry deep significance—revealing character, destiny, or God’s purpose. Few stories illustrate this with greater depth than the birth of Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin. His mother, Rachel, was close to death when he was born. So, she named him Ben-oni or “son of my sorrow.” Later Jacob insisted on changing his name to Benjamin, or “son of my strength.” Rachel had named her son ‘Grief’ at the end of her life … but Jacob, the father, changed his name to ‘Strength’. This is what God does in our lives. Our name, identity, purpose and value are changed in following Jesus Christ.

In Christ we go from grief to strength, from dark to light, from death to life, from slavery to freedom. Jacob changed his son’s destiny by changing his name. This is a powerful time in the word with Paul, “That’s Not My Name!” BraveMen podcast is a production of the Christian Men’s Network, based in Dallas, Texas. For resources to mentor your family or work in a men’s group – go to https://CMN.men 

(00:05) Identity and Devotion in Christian Faith
(13:52) Father's Journey From Grief to Strength
(22:36) Embracing Your Identity in Christ

Getting real about the past, finding perspective in the pain. Discovering redemption in the ruin of life’s random hits and destructive choices. Today on BraveMen Podcast we’re joined by Ron Acosta, a man whose journey of resilience and faith will inspire and challenge you. From losing everything he built to finding an unexpected family revelation at 48, Ron's story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. Once a high-powered executive, Ron shares how his journey led him from corporate success to becoming a multi-entrepreneur, associate pastor, and eventually a Chick-fil-A franchise owner-partner. Through his insights, you'll uncover profound lessons from his book "Unstoppable Grace," and witness how faith can be an unyielding anchor in life's storms.

Hear the gripping account of his emotional journey to reconnect with his estranged father, a double amputee with a complex past. Despite years of abandonment, Ron's newfound faith allowed him to bridge a gap that once seemed insurmountable. Discover how a simple request from his father marked a turning point, not just in their relationship, but in Ron's life as well. This powerful narrative also extends to Ron's marriage with Becky, as they navigate their own path of redemption and use their experiences to help other couples build a strong marriage with the foundation of faith in Christ.

This is what BraveMen podcast is all about. Finding Christ in the middle of life’s twists and turns. Ron's journey underscores the significance of grounding oneself in faith and the unwavering grace of God. 

BraveMen podcast is sponsored by the partners of Christian Men’s Network. A global men’s movement that helps churches mentor men into maturity. For men’s ministry tools and resources you’ll find those and more at https://CMN.men  Now is the time for the men of God to stand strong, be resilient and speak life over our culture. 

(00:04) Ron Acosta's Unstoppable Grace Story
(07:55) Restoring Family Relationships Through Grace
(13:42) 'From Struggle to Corporate Success
(21:35) The Rock and Redemption
(33:08) Acts of Service and Love
(43:14) Discovering Identity Through Unstoppable Grace
(53:17) Foundations of Faith

Sathiya Sam was a good person. Went to church. Honored his parents. Did well in school. But he was an addict. To porn. Here’s an amazing story of bondage and freedom. Lies and truth. Messed up but then a new life emerges from the crash. This will inspire you. 

Connect with the courageous journey of Sathiya Sam as he shares his story of overcoming a 15-year-long pornography addiction that began in his childhood. Raised in a Christian home, Sathya faced the challenge of navigating his exposure to pornography from a young age and the subsequent impact on his life and relationships. His story is one of repentance, renewal, and the creation of Deep Clean, a program dedicated to helping others find freedom from similar struggles.

Our candid and courageous conversation dives into the profound impact of pornography on personal relationships and the vital role of early parental education. We explore the issues of desensitization, altered expectations, and the societal implications, as well as the concept of the orgasm gap in Christian marriages.

Through expert insights and personal anecdotes, we emphasize the necessity of open conversations and mutual understanding within relationships to foster fulfilling connections and counteract the negative influences of pornography. Finally, we explore the essence of true freedom and emotional health in addiction recovery.

Inspiring, motivating and liberating. Thankful that a man like Sathiya was courageous enough to tackle the issue and share his journey to freedom. Someone you know needs to hear this. Make sure you subscribe. Then, pass it on. For resources to disciple men, help men find their center in Christ – go to CMN.men. Christian Men’s Network is a global movement to defeat fatherlessness, overcome child abuse and set men free into a fulfilling life that leaves a true legacy. 

(00:05) Overcoming Porn Addiction With Sathiya Sam
(12:03) Impact of Pornography on Parenting
(17:15) Impact of Pornography on Marriages
(23:12) Orgasm Gap in Christian Marriages
(30:30) Christian Identity and Pornography Addiction
(35:36) Specialized Help in Overcoming Porn Addiction
(46:47) Discovering Freedom Through Heart Transformation
(53:22) Empowering Action in Overcoming Addiction
(57:50) Building Connection and Emotional Health
(01:04:18) Prayer, Freedom, and Protection

At age 14, Luke Richey wasn't your typical teenager; he was hacking into banks and postal services. But that was just the beginning of his wild journey from a life of chaos to a man of faith.  Today Luke is a world leader in Augmented Reality and the front edge of internet development. 

It is a compelling story of his early days as a messed up teen-age hacker to becoming a world-class software developer. His innovative work with his company Gravity Jack is making waves in the tech industry. His journey is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive power of Jesus.

From battling substance abuse and suicidal impulses to experiencing a near-fatal overdose, his struggles brought him to the brink of despair. Yet, it was a divine encounter at church that led to his miraculous healing and spiritual awakening. Luke opens up about the emotional turmoil, the moment of God’s intervention, and the subsequent transformation that not only saved his life but also gave him a renewed sense of purpose. This episode offers a deeply moving narrative of redemption, resilience, and faith.

Here’s also a realistic explanation of how new AI and Augmented Reality can be used to bring the Gospel to men around the world - this is really fascinating. 

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. The host, Paul Cole, can be found on most social platforms at @paullouiscole . CMN has multiple outlets on YouTube and at CMN.men . You’ll find resources to build your life spiritually, disciple your family and tools to use for men’s groups and ministry to men. Tell someone, click subscribe and hang with us every week! 

(0:00:12) - Exploring Augmented Reality With Gravity Jack
(0:14:14) - Miraculous Healing and Transformation
(0:24:55) - Family Healing and New Beginnings
(0:29:30) - Expanding Possibilities Through Augmented Reality
(0:44:17) - Harnessing Technology for Global Impact
(0:50:43) - Strengthening Brotherhood Through Augmented Reality
(0:58:54) - Embracing Human Connection Without Limits

What happens when a distinguished leader decides to challenge deeply rooted religious attitudes and inspire a faith-filled journey across continents? Simon McIntyre, a pivotal figure in the C3 Church Movement, shares his transformative story from the early days of church planting in Australia to his influential roles in Europe and the Americas. Through his candid recounting of personal loss, remarriage, and heartfelt anecdotes, Simon provides profound insights that will resonate with anyone seeking a stronger passion for following Jesus Christ..

Simon’s journey is far from conventional. From a legendary plastic Jesus statue to the remarkable organic growth of C3 Church in Sydney to a global network of nearly 600 churches. Unplanned and divinely guided, C3's expansion showcases the power of genuine faith-led initiatives over human-centric planning. Simon’s reflections on the unpredictable path of church planting and navigating cultural divides offer a refreshing perspective on spiritual leadership and community building.

In this episode, we also tackle the complex themes of grief and hope, contrasting genuine assurance with wishful thinking. Simon’s heartfelt story of meeting Valerie and finding love again after the loss of his wife Helen highlights the importance of emotional readiness and divine timing. From the power of rest and historical Christianity to the balance between meaningful influence and the dangers of fame, Simon's journey offers invaluable lessons for those dedicated to a life of faith, leadership, and authentic spiritual growth. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, reflection, and inspiration.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. The host, Paul Louis Cole, is a licensed minister with C3 Church Global, a family of churches in over 60 nations. For resources to disciple the men in your world go to CMN.men

(00:12) Christian Church Movement With Simon McIntyre
(09:11) Journey to Church Planting in Australia
(18:20) Unplanned Growth of C3 Church
(31:56) Navigating Hope Versus Fantasy in Grief
(38:44) Meeting Valerie and Overseas Church Planting
(45:52) Unplugging in the Wilderness
(55:30) Navigating Fame and Influence in Ministry
(01:07:51) Rediscovering Historical Christianity and Orthodoxy

True identity is not found on a resume or LinkedIn profile … it’s found in your story. But what has shaped your story? Join me for a fascinating exploration of identity as we celebrate the launch of my new book, "Identity: Finding the Real You and Why It Matters." This episode is a deep dive into how the narratives we believe about ourselves influence our decisions and behaviors.

I share actionable steps like reading the Bible and engaging with a supportive community to help you live boldly and courageously in Christ. We hit some of the unique 40 days of affirmations designed to boost faith and self-discipline that are in the book Identity.

We hit a crucial issue many men face: the link between identity and self-worth. Too often, our self-worth becomes entangled with our professions, leaving many feeling trapped in roles they never consciously chose. By examining biblical stories like that of Samuel and David, we illustrate the importance of rooting our identity in being followers of Jesus Christ rather than in mere professional achievements. This episode sheds light on the heart's role in shaping our actions and sense of self-worth, urging you to align more deeply with God's spirit.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. A global producer of tools and resources for discipling men and families. The host is Paul Louis Cole who you can follow on socials at @paullouiscole. 

 

(00:14) Identity and Brave Men Podcast Launch
(06:39) Identity and Self-Worth in Men
(21:28) Favor Always Attracts a Fight
(30:18) Identity and Spiritual Warfare

Here’s some hope in your leadership journey. This week, explore the intrinsic connection between joy and a deep-seated relationship with Jesus with my guest, great friend Michael Murphy and our guest host this episode, my son Brandon Cole. They discuss how joy can act as a spiritual barometer and the profound impact of authentic community within the church. 

With Mike's insights from his book "XLR8" and his extensive experience in coaching pastors, along with Brandon's fresh perspective from his years leading a local congregation, C3 Fort Worth, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom to deepen your faith and leadership skills.

Unpacking the complexities of ministry to men and the evolving narrative of masculinity in today's society they confront the barriers in our culture today. Obstacles that obscure our joy, like unresolved conflicts and internal insecurities. They hit the need for authenticity in cultivating true joy and the fruits of the spirit. 

In this fascinating convo, they tackle the pressing issues facing church leaders - from the challenges of pastoral mentorship to the pitfalls of focusing too heavily on church attendance and finances as a metric. They rebuild the metric of success shifting it towards intentional disciple-making and investing in people as the hallmark of a thriving ministry. This episode is an invitation to all who seek to balance leadership, personal growth, and community in their lives, reminding us of the constants amidst a world in flux: the Holy Spirit, the Word, the Church, and our shared mission.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. A global men’s discipleship movement you can find the resources you need to disciple men at CMN.men

(0:00:00) - Finding Joy in Following Jesus

(0:05:30) - Men's Ministry and Legacy of Faithfulness

(0:15:29) - Evolving Masculinity and Joy in Christianity

(0:26:11) - Challenges and Revelations in Pastoral Work

(0:30:17) - Leadership, Disciple-Making, and Church Growth

(0:42:24) - Power of Positive Confession and Community

(0:52:23) - Navigating Church Leadership and Personal Growth

(0:59:05) - Generational Transition in Church Leadership