Brave Men Podcast

Jeff Zaugg is the founder of the mega-podcast DadAwesome! He’s been a minister, coach, mentor and teacher for fathers and children for many years. Jeff is also an experienced dad with a growing family. With Paul and Jeff today you’ll pick up some great points, tips, dad-hacks and embrace the passion of raising the next generation of champions. Jeff grew up in a strong family environment and wanted to pass it on to his family. But then he saw the dysfunction of family life all around him – and decided to get involved. He and his wife Michelle launched DadAwesome! as a ministry and podcast in early 2018. Since then it has grown and impacted thousands of fathers around the world. Jeff has also launched the Fathers for the Fatherless bike ride for awareness of and assistance to the fatherless in our world. God is our Heavenly Father – and He is passionate about fatherhood. Psalm chapter 78 "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders."

When Robert Barriger arrived in Peru in 1983 it was a mess. Poverty, terrorism, chronic child abuse and chaotic social issues. But Robert and his wife Karyn with two little children struck out to the jungles to bring Jesus into the darkness. Today they pastor one of the largest and most significant churches in Latin America – Camino de Vida in Lima, Peru. Robert is passionate about reaching the hurting and lost ... and passionate about raising up a new generation of men across the nations. Robert and a team of pastors and leaders launched Red de Hombres as part of the Christian Men’s Network and has seen hundreds of thousands of men impacted. The ministry of his church, Camino de Vida, is multi-faceted - from a massive wheelchair mission to feeding programs to a home for abused girls – it’s a beacon of light sharing God’s love with millions. Robert’s children Taylor and Jenna with their spouses are powerful leaders in the creative outreaches of CDV which include nationally known music, video and podcast ministries. Robert Barriger is a stalwart man. He went to Peru in 1983, withstood assassination attempts, persecution and the challenge of missions work in a chaotic nation – and has a emerged a champion for Christ. This interview between two close friends will inspire you – and it’s one you’ll want to share. Great to have Dr. Robert Barriger on BraveMen!

Tony Rorie is the founder and executive director of the award-winning Men and Ladies of Honor character education program. This powerful program is used in schools, churches, and recreation centers across the United States and around the world to mentor young men and women into mature world changers for Christ! This is an encouraging and inspirational story about Tony and the redeeming power of God in the next generation. Tony began the remarkable Honor program while working as a Principal of a public school Junior High with over 1,000 students in Dallas, TX. Now thousands of young people have been saved and discipled through the program in schools across the nations. The Honor ministry is a global ally with the Christian Men’s Network. Tony is a veteran youth pastor and communicator with a passion for turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the Fathers. He is constantly engaged with youth and families by conducting specialized camps. He speaks in churches and at men’s retreats challenging men to father the next generation. He is an author and motivational speaker whose works include "Raise Sons: God’s Strategy for Reaching Generation Next” and “The Quest: Becoming a Man of Honor” and “Passing the Torch”. He and his wife Melissa live in the Dallas area where their children and grandson also reside.

The world is full of examples of men who weren’t there for their kids. But there are good and even great dads out there, who inspire their children and the men around them to reach for more. How do you become a dad like that—even if your own dad wasn’t such a good example? Dr. Bryan Loritts has written a book that answers that key question – The Dad Difference. On Brave Men today Dr. Loritts will share with Paul Cole biblical wisdom, simple truths, and practical advice on fatherhood. Our desire on today’s podcast is to empower you to become a dad who makes a difference in the lives of your children. In The Dad Difference, Bryan Loritts explores the four gifts every kid needs from their dad: relationship, integrity, teaching, and experiences. This is a vital conversation for every dad. Bryan Loritts (D.Min., Liberty University) is the Teaching Pastor at The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. He is the husband of Korie, and the father of Quentin, Myles, and Jaden. Currently, he serves on the boards of Biola University, Pine Cove Christian Camps, and The First Tee.

In elementary school C.J. Watson would tell his friends that one day he would play in the NBA. It sounded like a typical little kid bragging to cover up the pain of the Las Vegas inner city – but he had a dream – and he wouldn’t let go. His parents encouraged him to read, to do well in school and took him to community service projects to build into him character. C.J. became a talented player for national powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School then was recruited to University of Tennessee where he had a tremendous career. After not being drafted, he stayed after his dream, playing in overseas leagues, development leagues, summer leagues until the call came to play for the Golden State Warriors. C.J. carved out a strong 10-year NBA career not only with talent but an ability to overcome odds and tune out doubters. Now C.J. has a new dream – to encourage children to go after their dreams, to build character and to live with resilience. C.J. has now produced three books for children, CJ’s Big Dream, CJ’s Big Project and CJ’s Big Moment. Today on Brave Men – what it takes to pursue your dream – it’s not just about talent.

"Attacked at Home" is the remarkable story of Lt. John M. Arroyo, Jr. - his childhood in Southern California, including his time spent as a lost member of a violent street gang, a hopeless teenage drug addict and then his enlistment in the U.S. Army where he ultimately becomes a Special Forces Green Beret and highly decorated officer after serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.   John used his Christian faith to protect himself and his fellow Special Forces brothers while deployed to the Middle East and then relied on his faith in Christ to recover from massive wounds he sustained after being shot at Fort Hood, Texas.   John says, “The moment I was shot, I froze in disbelief. I wasn't sure what had just happened, I remember thinking, "Am I shot?" I didn't feel any pain, but the impact felt as if I was hit in the chest with a baseball bat. However, instantly, my worst fears were confirmed when I saw massive amounts of bright red blood flowing through my fingers and down my chest." Today on BraveMen "Attacked at Home" is the amazing story about 2nd Lt. John M. Arroyo, Jr., who, on April 2, 2014, was shot in the throat and neck by another soldier who then went on to kill four soldiers, including himself, and wound sixteen others.   John Arroyo was rescued by God from a life of drugs and crime ... then after courageously serving his nation he’s shot by a domestic terrorist. John every reason to be angry and filled with revenge, depression, and regret because of being attacked on Fort Hood. Yet, in this powerful conversation with Paul Cole on BraveMen you will see the power of God’s amazing grace in the face of complete hopelessness.

Pierre du Plessis speaks with the wondrous expectations of an explorer as he talks about the adventurous life of following Jesus. This captivating conversation with our good friend Pierre will fill your heart with hope and courage and wisdom. It truly is about ‘the better life’! Pierre and his brilliant wife Marlize moved from Johannesburg, South Africa to Rochester, New York in 1999 to plant a remarkable church - The Father’s House. A multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-site church ... it is also multi-creative. His talented children Chloe and Caleb are involved at The Father’s House as ministry entrepreneurs. Pierre is passionate about mentoring & equipping leaders, engaging all generations and encouraging people to experience God. He is a vivid story-teller and energizes people with an infectious spirit of hope and joy. Funny, creative, passionate about Jesus, Pierre is the leading edge of what the Church is doing around the world to redeem culture.

Former Navy rescue swimmer and veteran climber Brian Dickinson was roughly 1,000 feet from the summit of Mount Everest – also known as the ‘death zone’ – when his guide became ill and had to turn back. Brian kept going and summitted solo, a rare feat – but, then went snow blind. He’s about to die. Alone and blind on the top of Everest is one of the most compelling stories in history … and one of the most amazing testimonies to ever be on Brave Men. What happened next was a miracle. Brian says it was the hand of God that sustained him. Low on oxygen, blind, fatigued - relying on his Navy survival training, gut instinct and the presence of the Lord Brian began the deadly descent off Everest – with no one there to help. The book recounting his extraordinary adventure is a global best seller, “Blind Descent”. Considered one of the most dangerous feats ever accomplished in the annals of mountaineering this is a conversation you must share with others. You will be inspired, invigorated and filled with the courage to go after the ‘Everest’ in your life. This powerful conversation between Paul Cole, the President of Christian Men’s Network, and Brian Dickinson demonstrates that no matter how imposing our circumstances or obstacles – there is no challenge too big for God.

Javon Ruff is the Campus Pastor of Free Chapel Spartanburg and has been a pastor to men for almost 20 years. He has served at Free Chapel for the past 18 years collectively at the Georgia campus, the Orange County campus (10 years), and currently the Spartanburg campus under the leadership of Senior Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Javon hits us with a great concept today on Brave Men. That Jesus shows up in unexpected places and uses unexpected men. He is a great friend of CMN and speaks into the core of this ministry to men. His powerful word and dynamic presentation has inspired thousands of men around the world. Javon has a deep passion to help others discover their purpose, develop their leadership qualities, and a desire to see lives changed and generations impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Javon is married to the brilliant Shana Ruff. Shana is a Licensed Counselor and has her Masters Degree in Counseling. Together, they work hard to see people healthy and whole spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. They have been married for 18 years and have two children, Sydni and Jacob.

Paul and Judi Cole open up and get real in a special Mother's Day edition of Brave Men. From humor to tears and everything in between Paul interviews Judi on motherhood and marriage and staying married. This is experience, faith, joy, grit and fifty years of marriage out in the open. Paul is President of the Christian Men's Network and the Global Fatherhood Initiative. Judi is an artist, designer and vocalist. Paul is one of the world’s leading experts on men’s issues, character maturity and personal life expansion, the restoration of families and rescuing children trapped in abuse and neglect. His work as an award winning journalist, media producer/writer has taken him from the inside of firefights in Middle Eastern wars to perilous revolutions deep in the jungles of Central America. His current work with CMN and GFI is active in over 130 nations. Paul and Judi are parents of three remarkable children who all work in strategic areas of local church ministry. Lindsay is married to Niles Holsinger and they have four children, Reese, Cameron, Dylan and Audrey. Niles is a Campus Pastor for Gateway Church, Southlake. Brandon and Meredith Cole have two children, Cason and Greyson. They pastor C3 Church Fort Worth. Bryce Cole was married to Sarah Elizabeth Cole who went to be with the Lord in October, 2018. He had three step-children William, Jude and Eliot. Bryce is music minister for Cross Timbers Church, Argyle.