New Episodes!
We are two ordinary Christian guys who feel compelled to call men back to true Masculinity. Through raw conversations between a Protestant and a Catholic, we seek Manhood Restored.
About Manhood Restored
Mighty Men of Valor (that’s you!): We invite you to pull up a chair and have a listen—just as if we were talking over cold beers (or hot coffee!). Be entertained, be inspired, be challenged. Then, join us, and let’s get down to some restoration!
Ben Neff
Co-Host
Chad Stolly
Co-Host
Chad Stolly was also a middle school teacher, but got out long before Ben did. He is ONLY an insurance salesman in his five-generation family-owned agency. Podcasting is a welcomed distraction from the always-selling-insurance reality that is his day job. He too is married to his wife of nearly 20 years and is obviously the Catholic because he has 7 children (not just 4).
Recent Episodes
Episode 88- How Much Should a Christian Man Prep? (MAN TALK)
Guest hosts, Kory Fletcher and Matt Driggs
A long-overdue return to the four-mic format known as the MAN TALK! Taking a broad, open-ended question to the table for a lively discussion, your two podcast hosts welcome two guest co-hosts. Will the four men be able to handle this meandering, oft-maligned topic in such a way as to be taken seriously in their conclusions? (Email us at mightymen@manhoodrestored.tv to weigh in, dear listeners!)
Kory Fletcher and Matt Driggs both have their eyes open to the potential scenarios threatening society-as-we-know-it. Kory keeps a developing homestead that he hopes would sustain his young family, and Matt’s inherited a rolodex of resources that he has holstered for the worst-case. The two guest hosts have a robust roundtable discussion with Ben and Chad about the finer points of “prepping”. What doomsday scenarios ought we consider, and what are the likelihood of each happening? How should we approach these kinds of earthly concerns from a heavenly (Christan) perspective? And what are some tips and tricks for responsibly preparing for the unpredictable?
Episode 87- 5 + 1 Reasons Every Man Should Homestead
There has been a resurgence of interest in homesteading in certain segments of America. Younger generations turn away from a tech-saturated lifestyle; urbanites migrate to the rural countryside for simplicity and fresh air. Whatever the reason, the popularity of homesteading in our modern context isn’t because it’s convenient or immediately practical. No, it would seem there’s something more to it.
Ben leads fully loaded (including one in the chamber) with answers in this do-it-yourself kind of episode. Chad co-coasts down memory lane, a shadow of his former homesteader-self. The two plow through the rich reasons behind the impulse many have to engage in the hard work of homesteading. What did it mean in Scripture that Adam was to ‘tend the garden’ of Eden? How is it that the many trials of working at farm-related activities can create a sense of accomplishment? What are some of the “impractical” reasons for trying your hand at homesteading?
SHOW NOTES:
From Ben’s conclusion: Paul Harvey – So God Made A Farmer – YouTube
Episode 86 – The Integrity of Joseph Chambers (A Movie Review)
Released in February of 2023 (USA), “The Integrity of Joseph Chambers” is a movie that dredges the
depths of what it means to be a man. Joseph, haunted by an insecurity about his manliness, is driven to
risk everything he loves to erase that insecurity. When things go from irresponsible to irrevocable,
Joseph’s real test of manliness begins.
Chad, projector and popcorn in-hand, has the lead role for this feature film of an episode. Playing Siskel
to Chad’s Ebert, Ben piggybacks his way into profundity as movie critic and co-host. The two sit with this
movie’s tension and try to learn its greatest lesson. Has modern society’s “need” for men diminished
over time, and if so, what does that do to a man’s psyche? What do we mean when we say that every
man asks himself “Do I have what it takes?” And what in the end is the real measure of a man?
SHOW NOTES:
Gospel Coalition review: Painful Redemption in ‘The Integrity of Joseph Chambers’
(thegospelcoalition.org)
Gospel Coalition article cited in episode: Savior or Stoics? Why Modern Men Look for Spiritual Wisdom
Outside the Church (thegospelcoalition.org)
Episode 85- Interview with Chris Conley
Chris Conley is an author, speaker, and coach. He currently writes two motivational editorial columns for the Kenton Times and the Bellefontaine Examiner. In 2021, he published “The Eight Facets of Life”, a book chock-full of practical wisdom on topics important to living life well. He and his wife of over 40 years have two children and four grandchildren.
Chad leads as tour guide through the timeless halls of this wisdom-rich episode, while Ben–insistent that he needs no guide to find this episode’s coordinates–follows closely behind as co-host. The two glean simple truths from their guest by way of helpful resources, relatable stories, and wise sayings. How can the art of “just asking” lead one to greater and greater opportunity? What are the ‘8 facets of life’ and how can they be utilized to gauge potential for personal growth? Whatever happened to the proverbial “pop-in” by neighbors, and what does its rarity say about our relationships today?
SHOW NOTES:
Chris book PR: Conley details ‘The 8 Facets of Life’ in new book – Examiner Online
Chris’s website: ImprovePlus – A guide to self improvement
Eight Facets Facebook Group: (2) The Eight Facets of Life | Facebook
Fatherhood resource shared: All Pro Dad | Advice for Dads on Parenting, Marriage and Relationships
Episode 84- Our Biggest Pet Peeves
We have some fun in this show of light-hearted insights – not necessarily manly insights, just quirky insights from two men; not necessarily insightful complaining, just insightful complaints; and not necessarily angry insights, just personally peevish insights. It does, however, necessarily give insights into the weirdness of these co-hosts!
Ben cracks up with the tiniest annoyances “on his mind” as the Grand Instigator of this episode, while Chad channels his own personal peccadillos and finds out how truly peevish he can be. The two each share and discuss their top three “pet peeves” (and, at the episode’s end, what their wives think are their husbands’ pet peeves!). What does Chad have against milk, and why does Ben think labels are so important? According to Chad, what’s the polite way to use the bathroom at someone’s personal home? And does Ben believe there’s any place for exaggeration in speech?
SHOW NOTES:
Ben’s favorite Dude Perfect video: Pet Peeves (Official Music Video) – YouTube
