Manlihood

From Refugee to Pop Star: Christian Ray Flores on Faith, Freedom, and Opportunity | Manlihood

In this powerful episode of Manlihood: a podcast for men, Josh Hatcher sits down with Christian Ray Flores—a former refugee turned Russian pop star, now an entrepreneur, evangelist, coach, and unapologetic believer in the American Dream.Christian shares his incredible life story—growing up across continents, surviving war and dictatorship, rising to fame in post-Soviet Russia, and ultimately building a life of faith, freedom, and purpose in the United States.This episode is a deep dive into the essence of manhood, resilience, opportunity, and the power of apprenticeship. Christian talks about overcoming trauma, building something meaningful from nothing, and why America still matters.You’ll also hear about:📘 His book: Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SGC19W✈️ His coaching platform: Exponential Life → https://www.exponential.life/💥 His weekly newsletter: Headspace → https://www.christianrayflores.com/aboutWhether you’re a young man trying to find your path or a seasoned leader seeking renewed purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.⏱ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction to Christian Ray Flores01:14 – Welcome to Manlihood 01:28 – Christian's Early Life and Rise to Fame 01:45 – The Value of American Freedom 01:58 – Manlihood+ Subscription Service 03:28 – Christian's Global Journey 05:13 – Life Lessons and Resilience 09:03 – The American Spirit and Opportunity 18:45 – The Collapse of the Soviet Union 26:13 – Apprenticeship and Learning 37:50 – The Value of Apprenticeship 39:27 – Homeschooling Success Stories 39:56 – The Illusion of Limited Resources 40:37 – The Rise of an Instagram Influencer 42:09 – The Power of Mentorship 42:50 – Music Career Highlights 44:08 – The Story Behind “Our Generation” 46:06 – Reflections on Russia’s Political Landscape 49:26 – Strategies for Success and Significance 53:31 – Podcasting and Favorite Interviews 59:30 – Defining Manhood and Faith 01:04:51 – Advice for Men and Final Thoughts🔗 Resources🧠 Learn more about Christian → https://www.christianrayflores.com/about 📘 Get the book on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SGC19W ✈️ Explore Exponential Life Coaching → https://www.exponential.life/ 💥 Subscribe to Headspace Newsletter → https://www.christianrayflores.com/aboutWant more conversations like this? Join the Manlihood ManCave—our free private Facebook group for men who want to grow stronger together → https://www.facebook.com/groups/manlihoodmancaveAs always: I love you. I’m proud of you. And I’ll see you next time.

Grief, Growth, and Grit: How Kelly Kirk Turned Rock Bottom into a Mission

Guest: Kelly Kirk – Bodybuilder | Educator | Founder of 222Muscle / Sophia Graham FoundationHosted by Josh Hatcher💥 Episode OverviewWhat do you do when life rips everything away—your business, your family, even the love of your life?In this powerful episode of Manlihood, host Josh Hatcher sits down with Kelly Kirk, a man who hit rock bottom—and refused to stay there. From living in his car after losing his gym and marriage to launching a nationwide nonprofit in honor of the woman who inspired him, Kelly’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and radical transformation.Kelly now leads 222Muscle: The Sophia Graham Foundation, the only nonprofit in the U.S. focused on improving mental health through physical strength. He’s also a teacher, competitive bodybuilder, and passionate advocate for helping others grow through what they go through.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction: Overcoming Life's Greatest Challenges01:30 – Meet Kelly Kirk: A Story of Loss and Resilience02:02 – Join the Manlihood Community02:53 – Kelly's Journey: From Bodybuilding to Mental Health Advocacy04:33 – The Keto Journey: Transforming Health and Fitness13:58 – Teaching and Inspiring the Next Generation18:41 – The Love Story of Kelly and Sophia32:05 – A Tragic Family History32:50 – Finding Strength in Community34:00 – Meeting Sophia: A New Beginning35:42 – Creating the Sophia Graham Foundation38:08 – Ongoing Grief and Daily Struggles40:20 – Personal Growth and Resilience54:15 – Advice for Overcoming Hardships01:03:50 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information🔗 Connect with Kelly KirkWebsite: https://sophiagrahamfoundation.org222Muscle Fitness & Foundation: https://222muscle.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/222muscleFacebook: https://facebook.com/SophiaGrahamFoundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-kirk-222muscleYouTube (SW Kitchen): https://www.youtube.com/@SWKitchen💡 Why This Episode MattersIf you’ve ever felt like you’ve hit rock bottom, this episode is for you. Kelly Kirk’s story of grief, loss, and personal transformation will inspire any man who’s searching for purpose after pain. We dive into:How to rebuild your life after losing everythingThe link between physical strength and mental healthUsing keto, intermittent fasting, and fitness to heal from traumaStarting a nonprofit to honor the legacy of someone you loveWhat real masculinity looks like in the face of sufferingFinding your “why” when everything feels brokenHow grief can sharpen your purpose and deepen your impactListeners searching for topics like men’s mental health, fitness after grief, starting over after failure, or how to use hardship for growth will find this episode packed with real-world wisdom and emotional depth.💪 More from ManlihoodManlihood is a movement for men who want to grow stronger—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Hosted by Josh Hatcher, Manlihood features real conversations with real men walking through life’s fires and coming out forged.More episodes: https://www.manlihood.comShop Manlihood gear: https://www.manlihood.com/storeJoin the brotherhood: Search Manlihood ManCave on FacebookFor More From Josh Hatcher at Manlihood.comhttp://manlihood.comhttp://joshhatcher.com---

Battlefield Lessons on Life and Leadership with Jeremy Stalnecker

On this episode of Manlihood, Josh Hatcher sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker, a Marine Corps veteran, combat leader, author, and Executive Director of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, to explore the battles that continue long after the gunfire stops.Jeremy led Marines into combat during the Iraq War, earning the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor, but it was the war in his own mind that tested him most. After leaving the military, Jeremy struggled with identity, transition, and trauma—until he found healing and a renewed sense of purpose.Now, through the Mighty Oaks Foundation, he helps veterans, first responders, and service members navigate PTSD, reclaim their identity, and walk forward in faith and freedom. In this episode, Jeremy shares practical, battlefield-tested wisdom for men—whether you’ve served in combat or you’re facing your own personal war.This is a powerful and redemptive conversation about masculinity, leadership, responsibility, and the courage it takes to face your pain and lead others through theirs.Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction to Jeremy Stalnecker01:35 – His story: Leading Marines in Iraq, transitioning to civilian life04:25 – Founding the Mighty Oaks Foundation: a mission born from pain18:10 – PTSD unpacked: What it is, how it works, and who it affects27:09 – Mighty Oaks’ approach: Faith-based, identity-rooted healing32:22 – Trauma and identity: Finding out who you really are33:45 – The lies we believe about God and suffering35:56 – Why personal testimony matters in healing37:43 – Getting unstuck: Real steps toward change and healing46:48 – A message for veterans, first responders, and hurting men49:34 – What it means to be a man: Reject passivity, lead courageously54:17 – Final words of wisdom: You’re not alone, and there is a way forwardKey Takeaways:✅ PTSD is more common—and more misunderstood—than many realize✅ Trauma doesn’t define you—your identity is deeper than your pain✅ Leadership starts with healing—then reaching back to help others✅ Faith isn’t a crutch—it’s a foundation for purpose and strength✅ You don’t have to do this alone—brotherhood is part of the solutionConnect with Jeremy Stalnecker:Website: https://www.jeremystalnecker.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremystalneckerofficialTwitter: https://twitter.com/jstalneckerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-stalnecker-63a2a17YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyOaksFoundationMarch or Die Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/march-or-die/id1517415146Books by Jeremy Stalnecker:March or Die – https://amzn.to/3DZDEvELeadership by Design – https://amzn.to/4caWgpcPath to Resiliency – https://amzn.to/3FIDHwlThe Truth About PTSD – https://amzn.to/4iOsngSOffensive Faith – https://amzn.to/42lJ9xVJoin the Manlihood Community:Website: http://manlihood.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manlihoodmancaveManlihood+ on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/manlihood/subscribeManlihood+ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHwmp18zJqIqUBjIm-ku0bA/joinShop Manlihood Gear: https://manlihood.com/storeTop Picks:“Tougher Than Hell” Shirt“Man the Heck Up” ShirtThis episode is a wake-up call and a call to arms.If you’re tired of being stuck, if you’re ready to take back your life and lead with strength—this is the time.Listen now. Share with a brother. And remember: you’re not alone.

Don't Bench Yourself: Why Men Check Out and How to Get Back in the Game with Kent Evans of Manhood Journey

Too many men are stepping away from their responsibilities when they should be stepping up. In this episode of Manlihood, host Josh Hatcher welcomes back Kent Evans, the co-founder of Manhood Journey, for a powerful conversation about why men sideline themselves, how to stay engaged in life’s biggest battles, and why learning from other men is the key to real growth.Kent shares insights from his book, Don't Bench Yourself, and breaks down four major reasons why men check out—fear, shame, criticism, and impatience. He also lays out a clear, practical path to getting back in the game. If you've ever felt like giving up, struggling to stay present as a father, husband, or leader, or dealing with the pressure of responsibility, this episode is for you.About Kent Evans and Manhood JourneyKent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry dedicated to helping fathers become disciple-makers. After a 20-year career in business leadership, Kent shifted his focus to helping men grow spiritually and practically in their roles as fathers and mentors. He’s the author of multiple books, including Don't Bench Yourself and Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, and has spoken at parenting and men’s events worldwide.Kent’s work has impacted nearly two million dads through books, podcasts, courses, and speaking engagements. He and his wife, April, have been married for over 25 years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He brings deep wisdom and practical experience to this discussion, helping men recognize their struggles and find ways to grow.📚 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4🌐 Learn more about Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/📖 Explore Kent Evans' books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZcKey Takeaways from This EpisodeJosh kicks off the episode by setting the stage, discussing why so many men struggle to stay engaged in life’s most important battles. Whether it’s work, family, faith, or personal growth, the temptation to check out can be overwhelming. Men often find themselves feeling like failures, overwhelmed by expectations, or simply burnt out—and rather than pushing through, they retreat.Kent shares a powerful personal story about a moment of realization as a father. His son was afraid to be honest with him because he expected a harsh reaction. This moment forced Kent to take a hard look at himself and how his behavior was shaping his household. It’s a lesson many men need to hear: Our actions, even when unintentional, create the environment our families live in. If we want our wives and children to trust us, we have to be trustworthy—not just in what we say, but in how we react and respond.Where to Find Kent Evans & Don't Bench YourselfIf you want to go deeper into Kent’s work, check out these resources:📖 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4🌐 Visit Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/📚 Check out Kent's other books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZc🐦 Follow Kent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/akentevansJoin the Manlihood Community!📌 Manlihood Man Cave (Private Facebook Group)The Manlihood Man Cave is a private community for men who want to grow, support each other, and engage in meaningful discussions. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or just a place to connect, this group is here for you.👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manlihoodmancave💪 Support ManlihoodManlihood is dedicated to helping men grow, but we need your support! If you believe in our mission, consider:Buying a Manlihood T-shirt or Hat: https://manlihood.com/storeSubscribing to Manlihood Plus on Spotify or YouTube for exclusive content🔥 Listen & Subscribe to Manlihood 🔥🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/Manlihood📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/manlihood📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manlihood📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manlihood

Overcoming Adversity with Chad Caden | Manlihood: A Podcast for Man

What Does It Mean to Be a Man? Leadership, Grit, and IntegrityWhat happens when life throws you a challenge so big it threatens everything you’ve built? Chad Caden faced that moment—and made a decision that redefined his future. His story is about grit, resilience, and the will to keep moving forward, no matter what.Join Josh Hatcher on this episode of Manlihood: The Podcast for Men, where men are forged through challenge and purpose. In this conversation, Josh reconnects with lifelong friend Chad Caden, a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and someone whose story is nothing short of inspiring.Chad dedicated his life to leadership and service, but when an unexpected medical battle threatened everything, he had to make a choice—stay in the fight or let it take him down. His decision changed the course of his life and gave him a new mission: helping others overcome adversity.Resilience in the Face of Adversity – How Chad pushed through career-ending health strugglesLeadership Lessons from the U.S. Air Force – What 26 years of service taught Chad about strength, sacrifice, and integrityFinding Purpose Beyond the Military – Transitioning from active duty to civilian life and mentorshipThe Mental and Physical Challenges of Amputation – What Chad learned after losing his leg and why he wouldn’t change his journeyBrotherhood and the Power of Connection – How small-town roots and deep friendships shape who we become00:00 – Introduction to Chad Caden’s inspiring journey01:45 – Meet Chad: A Lifetime of Service03:01 – Growing Up in Small-Town Pennsylvania03:16 – Join the Manlihood Man Cave – A private group for men11:07 – Facing Life’s Challenges & Career in the Air Force29:14 – Transitioning to Life After the Military44:58 – The Struggle with Health Issues & Amputation49:13 – Finding Strength in Adversity59:57 – The Importance of Mental Health for Men01:13:00 – Integrity and Leadership – What it truly means to be a man01:27:08 – Closing ThoughtsThis podcast for men isn’t just about talking—it’s about action, transformation, and brotherhood. If you found this conversation inspiring, let’s keep it going:🔥 Join the Manlihood Man Cave – Connect with a community of like-minded men👉 Join the Manlihood Man Cave on Facebook💪 Support the Mission – If this podcast helped you, help someone else by sharing it with a friend.🎙️ Subscribe and Leave a Review – Let’s spread the word and make Manlihood the top podcast for men.🔗 Follow Josh Hatcher for More Manly Wisdom📌 Manlihood Website📌 Instagram📌 YouTubeAt the end of the day, being a man isn’t about ego, status, or toughness—it’s about character, leadership, and perseverance. Chad’s story is proof that true manhood is forged in adversity.What challenges have shaped you into the man you are today? Let’s talk about it in the Manlihood Man Cave.As always, I love you, I’m proud of you, and I’ll see you next time.