Lt. Col. Oliver North (ret.) is a combat decorated U.S. Marine, #1 best-selling author, business owner, holder of three U.S. patents and well-known statesman. For seventeen years he was a syndicated columnist and host of “War Stories” on FOX.

The only friend of Brave Men podcast that was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, Col. North is a man of courage and hope. He’s coordinated hostage rescues, headed up counter-terrorism teams, been wounded in war and leads men’s Bible studies in his hometown. He is a stalwart man.

With all his accomplishments he says his greatest achievement is being “the God-fearing husband of one, father of four, and grandfather of eighteen.” Our powerful conversation was originally aired in 2020. We air it again now during the Fourth of July celebrations – because this is what a hero looks like.

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

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

An influential voice to leaders across the nations who level up their lives both personal and professional, Michael Murphy is leading the charge for a new generation of pastors, business owners and entrepreneurs. His Leaderscape Network is helping high-capacity men achieve tremendous results in every part of their lives. Bringing to them a level of fulfillment that too often escapes us in our chaotic performance-driven culture.

Michael Murphy is the author of "XLR8: A Prophetic and Practical Blueprint to Double Your Church." Join us as Michael shares his wealth of experience coaching pastors worldwide and his insightful work with Leaderscape. This episode shines a light on the transformative power of repentance as well as the delicate act of balancing work with family life. Michael hits us with wisdom, reality and some humor, reminding us of the perils of neglecting life’s most precious relationships in the race toward success.

We dive into the spiritual and emotional practices that can fortify one's family life, steering clear from a life of frantic activity toward one of divine alignment and purposeful fulfillment. Join us on this tremendous BraveMen episode and embrace insights that will help you find your own rhythm in the chaos of modern life.

BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. A global movement that is focused on defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse and raising up strong men of God. For resources that will help you disciple your family, launch a men’s movement in your church or level up your personal life go to https://CMN.men

(00:05) Balancing Work, Family, and Life
(13:49) Prioritizing Marriage and Preparation for Success
(21:06) Prioritizing Family and Work-Life Balance