Ep 173: Risk, Resilience, and Leather: Dave Munson Saddleback Leather
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About this listen
In this episode, Brad and Bryan sit down with leather craftsman and adventurer Dave Munson—founder of Saddleback Leather—to explore the intersection of family, risk, craftsmanship, and faith. Munson’s story is one of unlikely beginnings, from selling bags on eBay during his youth ministry years to building a global leather-goods brand shaped by adventure, hardship, and deep conviction.
They trace the Munson family’s intentional approach to raising resilient kids—complete with tent living, travel mishaps, calculated risk, and a healthy respect for bravery vs. stupidity. Dave reflects on losing millions, run-ins with cartels, and stolen shipments, yet speaks of character formation and God’s providence with surprising joy.
Along the way, he makes a compelling case for Christian entrepreneurship that doesn’t wear a label but shines through excellence, generosity, and faithful storytelling. Together they discuss Martin Luther on craftsmanship, what it means to serve customers like actual people, and the surprising ways the gospel shows up—whether in conversations with Toyota executives or in the story of a beloved dog named Blue.
Rich with humor, vulnerability, travel tales, reflections on parenting and legacy, and a vision for living one’s faith in public, this conversation pushes listeners to see adventure not as escapism but as discipleship, and craftsmanship not as branding but as service.