Brave Men Podcast with Paul Louis Cole

Latest Episodes:

Solving the Masculinity Crisis, with Rawd Jones Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Rawd B. Jones is a specialist in soul care—helping men take care of the dynamic center of their lives. As the founder of RPLNISH, Rawd has dedicated himself to helping pastors, ministry leaders, and men step away from the relentless demands of leadership long enough to reconnect with God, build meaningful relationships, and experience the rest and renewal they so often provide for everyone else. He is an energetic, insightful, and passionate communicator who speaks into both the corporate and church worlds about leadership, health, purpose, and the condition of the soul.
Jesus said it this way in Matthew 11:28 MSG: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” That invitation is at the center of this conversation. Before we can lead others well, we must learn how to live in a state of replenished wellbeing ourselves.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Rawd and Paul dig into some of the central issues facing men today. How do we address the confusion surrounding masculinity? What are the effects of fatherlessness? How does a man lead successfully without losing his soul? And how do we build lives that are not only productive, but deeply meaningful? Rawd brings the conversation back to the Word of God and to the inner life of a man—because what happens in you will eventually determine what happens through you. This is an important conversation about becoming healthy, whole, replenished men who have the strength to lead well.
Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, President of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men committed to building strong men, strong marriages, strong families, and strong churches through the discipleship of men. We are CMN - we rescue men. Brave Men is a production of Christian Men’s Network.
00:00 Introduction: Rod Jones and the Brave Men Podcast
01:19 From Plain White Rappers to Soul Care Ministry
03:27 The Masculinity Crisis: Fatherlessness and Immaturity
06:12 Understanding Soul Care: Mind, Will, and Emotion
09:06 The Tyranny of the Urgent: Why Men Don't Rest
17:47 Rest as a Superpower: Entering God's Rest
20:29 Digital Cocaine: The Phone Addiction Problem
27:03 Prayer Life: Different Kinds of Prayer
37:59 Joe Rogan and the Manosphere: Culture's Vacuum
45:29 Educating Boys: The School System Challenge
51:35 Intentional Fatherhood: Being Present for Your Sons
54:43 The Weight of the World: Digital Anxiety
1:02:34 Proximity and Brotherhood: How to Make Friends
1:04:55 Courage Comes From Community: Fighting Together
1:12:00 Closing: The Spirit of a Father

Throwing Seeds, the Challenge of Brotherhood Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Before ministry is a method or a message, it is brotherhood. Jesus called His disciples friends.
Daniel stood with brothers. Strong men are not formed alone—they are forged in relationship
with men who love God, love people, and refuse to leave one another behind. When we rescue
men, we rescue families, we save the next generation.
This episode is a challenge to get cranked up on our purpose and mission. Jesus said, “You did
not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). In our walk with the Lord, you don’t choose the
mission—the mission chooses you. We speak life to dry bones, call men out of passivity, and
help faithful men become disciple-makers who will raise up others. Pressure reveals what is
inside a man, and when the Holy Spirit fills him, courage rises.
At the center of it all is grace. Jesus pictured grace like a farmer throwing seed
everywhere—you never know where it will land or what harvest it will produce. We are still on
the mission God gave Adam, to tend the garden ... but today we are gardeners of the hearts of
men: breaking hard ground, removing stones, pulling thorns, and cultivating hearts where God’s Word can grow. We work the soil. God brings the harvest.
BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global
movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe
strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a
mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men.
00:00 Introduction: Brotherhood and the Mission of Jesus
00:53 The Process of Discipleship: Becoming Like Christ
07:21 Christ the Center: Colossians 1 and the Power of Jesus
09:07 The Danger of Isolation: Elijah Under the Tree
12:07 From Slaves to Friends: Jesus and the Power of Friendship
14:30 Abraham and Lazarus: The Secret of Friendship with God
19:33 Christ Revealed is God Defined
20:47 The Parable of the Sower: Understanding the Seed
26:27 Our Mission: Tilling the Soil of Men's Hearts
28:40 The Gardener's Call: Making Every Man Good Soil

Faith for Exiles Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Mark Matlock is one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met. For decades, he has lived at the intersection of faith, culture, research, and the next generation. He doesn’t just study where culture has been—he pays attention to where it is moving. His groundbreaking work, including Faith for Exiles, has become a trusted sounding board for leaders across the spectrum of Christian ministry. Today on BraveMen, Mark brings that depth of insight into a powerful conversation about discipleship, culture, and what it means to build resilient faith in a rapidly changing world.

Mark serves as a Senior Fellow at Barna and was Executive Director of Urbana 2025 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He is a strategist, researcher, and facilitator who helps leaders turn information into action. Mark understands something every leader must understand: data can tell you where the river is flowing—but wisdom tells you how to cross it.

He is also the founder of WisdomWorks, a consultancy helping churches and faith-based organizations uncover the wisdom already present in their people and turn it into innovation, clarity, and impact. His books include Digital Babylon, Faith for Exiles, and Faith for the Curious. This conversation is thoughtful, challenging, practical, and deeply hopeful.

BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Mark Matlock on Faith and Culture
00:02:22 Technology Has Outpaced Theology
00:06:38 Digital Babylon: Living as Exiles
00:11:11 The Discipleship Crisis in the Church
00:14:12 The Spirit of a Father: Discipleship Through Relationship
00:17:53 Creating Trust Through Challenge
00:19:53 The Power of Small Groups and Havruta
00:24:23 Urbana and the Global Missions Movement
00:29:12 From Everyone to Everywhere: Modern Missions
00:35:42 Faith for the Curious: The 64 Percent
00:36:55 The Image of God in Broken Pieces
00:38:43 Christians Need to Experience More Too
00:44:02 The Best and Worst Time to Be Alive
00:51:33 Revival-Minded America: 80 Million Strong
00:53:43 Talking to Strangers: Opening Spiritual Conversations
01:06:13 Dunbar's Number and Your Mission Field
01:08:53 The Age of Amplification: Learning to Listen
01:09:50 Closing: Technology Serves the Gospel

St. John and His Amazing Book Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

The book of St. John is so much more than just a letter. It’s the eyewitness account of a man whose life was completely transformed by Jesus.
John was a fisherman working the waters of ancient Israel when Jesus suddenly called him: “Follow Me.” John left his nets, stepped into the adventure, and for the next three years witnessed the extraordinary—miracles, confrontations, intimate conversations, the cross, the empty tomb, and the risen Christ.
Years later, John wrote down what he had seen. The Gospel of John is deeply personal, rich with eyewitness detail and filled with moments we don’t find in Matthew, Mark, or Luke. John takes us behind the scenes. He lets us hear conversations, see encounters, and experience Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him, walked with Him, and loved Him.
On this episode of Brave Men, Pastor Brandon Cole joins his father Paul Louis Cole to unpack the depth, beauty, and power of John’s Gospel—and what it reveals about Jesus for us today.
Brandon is a gifted communicator and pastor of Gallery Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a vibrant community passionate about building lives full of faith, hope, and love—and presenting Jesus in a fresh and compelling way, on every street and in every heart.
This is not simply a discussion about an ancient book. It is an invitation to encounter the Jesus that John could never forget.
Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is based in Texas and serves men and families in more than 100 nations around the world. For resources to disciple men, strengthen families, and build a generation of courageous followers of Christ, visit https://CMN.men.

Unexpected Journey to the Basement Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Tim Ross was an unsaved pastor's kid on the southside of Los Angeles when God arrested him before the streets could. Today he's a professional podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher and businessman. His podcast, The Basement, has been seen and heard by millions around the world.

This is Tim's story. A powerful, honest and transparent walk through one man's journey from southside to the largest platforms in the world. What does God do in a man's life that takes him from level to new level? How do we deal with the real pressures of loss and temptation and pain and the sense that God has something greater for you? Why did Tim leave a mega-church pulpit to risk the struggle of a daily podcast? All that and more on Brave Men today.

Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men
(00:00) Tim Ross
(12:58) Family Secrets and Healing Journeys
(22:37) Journey to Faith and Ministry
(30:25) Transition to Podcast Ministry
(42:41) Vulnerability and Healing Through Podcasting
(54:18) Navigating Marriage Challenges and Work-Life Balance
(01:06:11) The Next Generation's Search for Truth
(01:11:02) Wisdom and Choices for Men
(01:23:37) Empowering Men With Brave Men Podcast

Motivated to Serve, Empowered to Lead Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

It's amazing how this man met Jesus Christ. You'll hear his remarkable story today. Walt Landers is a man who has has dedicated his life to serving God and leading men. But it wasn't always that way. Growing up in the wilds of West Texas, Walt had known hard work since he was a young man on a ranch and in construction. But after meeting Jesus he found his true calling in ministry and education.
Dr. Landers serves as Lead Pastor of The Life Church in San Angelo and is the founder of Texas Leadership Public Schools in five major cities across Texas and growing. With over 4,000 students, hundreds of church members and over 500 staff, along with numerous civic and crisis management commitments, Walt is a recognized leader ... and a father in the faith for hundreds of leaders and pastors across the nations. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Walt's goal is to shape and mold the future leaders of tomorrow through quality education and leadership training. This is a global voice we can learn from, be challenged by and grow our lives as men.
Brave Men podcast is sponsored by partners of the global Christian Men's Network. Brave Men Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. CMN has regional offices in Texas, Peru, Indonesia, Brazil and Uganda and is operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men
(00:07) God's Transformation
(12:03) Work as Worship
(25:19) Faithful Work, Holy Sweat
(38:39) The Rhythm of Work and Life
(45:25) Finding Significance in Work and Rest

Shaped by the Power of the Holy Spirit Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

My friend Michael Bolton has a passion for the presence of God in business, in family life and in empowering leaders who make a difference. His real-world pursuit of God has stirred the hearts of thousands as a speaker, so many as a life-coach and his enthusiasm for following Christ lifts hope in the lives of every man he connects with.
After having served for 25 years as a pastor and College instructor, Mike transitioned to full time teaching, coaching and training in the business and church setting and travels around the world. As a certified John Maxwell Executive Director and Coach, Mike utilizes the best proven & tested leadership material, to help individuals and businesses overcome challenges and grow in their impact & success.
Mike has advanced degrees in both business and ministry and recently completed training as a certified Professional Director (Pro.Dir.). Mike ministers often alongside his wife Debbie (co-founder of Norwex) and they have three grown sons and five amazing grandchildren.
These are the conversations on Brave Men that lift our hearts, help us trust in the Lord stronger and motivate us to love others. We are men on a mission and that mission is Jesus. For the tools and resources you need to disciple your family and the men of your community, go to https://CMN.men Brave Men podcast is sponsored by the worldwide friends of Christian Men's Network.
(00:03) Holy Spirit Power and Anointing
(12:21) Fire of God in Business Events
(26:54) Renewing Minds Through Holy Spirit Power

Building Better Men, Raising Pirates Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

After his five-year-old son was kicked out pre-school, Chris Harper had a word ... or two. My friend Chris Harper is a storyteller, he builds word pictures that we can touch and see and leads men into truth. Better known as "Harp" he serves as the CEO of BetterMan. A ministry equipping more than 2500+ churches and 300,000+ men across the U.S.
So, what do you do when your little boy is told he can't stay in his pre-K classroom, and what
was the egregious nature of his crime? Harp takes us on a journey that exposes the issues in
culture today - one of which is "sociotropy." This is an extraordinary conversation with a man
that is passionate about biblical manhood. Chris Harper speaks often on topics such as a man’s identity in Christ and the importance of being a gospel-centered husband and father. Chris received his Masters degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and his Doctorate from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Harp hits the issues with clarity today on the Brave Men podcast.
Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men
(00:03) Men's Ministry and Sociotropy Discussion
(07:34) Redefining Family and Fatherhood
(17:02) Purpose and Identity for Young Men
(25:58) Masculinity, Purpose, and Responsibility
(37:59) Rediscovering True Masculinity and Conviction

Jeremy Stalnecker: A Marine who Ministers Healing Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Jeremy Stalnecker was at war. As commander of a counter-mechanized platoon providing navigation and lead security for the First Battalion in Operation Iraqi-Freedom he was in the middle of the action. Today he helps men heal the unseen wounds of combat. As CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, the actions he takes every day bring new life to hundreds of veterans and men who have been sidelined by the trauma and abrasions of battle.
Post-traumatic stress has been a huge issue for many veterans and even those in active duty. Jeremy and his team at Mighty Oaks help bring the healing power of the Gospel to the hearts of men and women who have found new life and new direction because of this powerful ministry. After active duty in the Marines, Jeremy served as a pastor for over a decade and then became the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. This move brought together both his ministry experience and military background in a way that allows him to serve and minister to many hurting veterans, service members and their families.
Brave Men podcast is sponsored by partners of the global Christian Men's Network. Brave Men Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. CMN has regional offices in Texas, Peru, Indonesia, Brazil and Uganda and is operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men
(00:05) Personal Reflections on Military Service
(14:11) Understanding Trauma and Moral Injury
(28:24) Journey to Resilience and Faith
(41:59) Global Movement of Christian Men

Joel Brooks - Wisdom, Compassion, and Questionable People Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Joel Brooks is a contemporary philosopher and Christian practitioner. He deals with the hard issues of the streets and men's hearts. How do we reconcile compassion and security? Is the church sick or just in transition? Why is government and the church often at odds? Why is the world and much of the church so focused on style? In a fascinating and far-reaching conversation with Joel Brooks we hit on this and more.
Joel states, "What determines wisdom is the success of the outcomes." Our friend Pastor Joel Brooks is a nationally known speaker, author, and the Senior Pastor of Stones Church, in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also the founder of Romantic Warrior Ministries. He is on the ministry board of CMN.
Joel hits the issues with clarity today on the Brave Men podcast. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men
(00:03) Reconciling Compassion and Cultural Values
(04:00) Identifying Antichrist Systems and Bondage
(10:56) Maintaining Cultural Values and Wisdom
(25:07) Kingdom Agendas and Covenant Communities
(31:11) The Cup vs Substance Concept
(42:51) The Power and Influence of Music
(50:50) Shaping Culture Through Music and Faith

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