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