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 49 – Raising the Selfie Generation
It would seem nearly every generation of parents has a tendency to impugn certain cultural trends of their children’s generation. “Kids these days!” is the oft-quoted line of a frustrated mom or dad. As meaningless as that tendency turns out to be in the end (kids do grow up and mature eventually!), parents of children born from 1995 to 2012 (Gen Z’ers) and beyond might just have some legitimate concerns. The last ten or so years of rapidly accelerated technological advancement have certainly presented an historically unique set of circumstances to raise children in.
Chad finds himself more and more comfortable as lead curmudgeon in this Grumpy-Old-Man episode. Ben tries hard to find his old man voice for some crotchety color commentary, as the two dissect the various challenges that GenZ presents parents. What was life like for a kid before the advent of the smartphone, and will any kid anywhere ever know that life again? What sort of moral fallout might this generation of children be particularly at risk for being so attached to screens? How should parents address societal and political issues with their kids in a day and age when agenda-laden headlines are weaved into nearly every media platform?
SHOW NOTES:
Story of Robert Hoogland: Father Jailed For Talking About His Teenage Daughter’s Trans Hormones (thefederalist.com)
Episode 48- Interview with Jason King, President of Celina City Council
Jason King is a pastor at New Life Christian Center in Celina, OH, where he also helps replant and build churches abroad (Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Peru, England, Wales) as Administrative Director for Apostolic Team Ministries (ATM). In addition to marrying his high school sweetheart, raising four children, and coaching high school wrestling, Jason is currently serving in his fourth term as the Celina City Council President. His leadership in the community during recent controversies is exemplary of strong, Christian character.
Chad acts as quartermaster for this interview, rationing questions and supplying direction. Assigned to latrine duty (conversation cleanup) is none other than private first class, Ben Neff. The two speak with Jason about what he’s faced as Council President during the past year and draw inspiration from his witness. What first led him to step up and run for local office? What does he make of certain voices calling for his resignation based on his Christian beliefs and its alleged conflict with public service? How would he recommend other men get involved to stand up for righteousness in our society?
SHOW NOTES:
Celina City Council Page: City Council – City of Celina, Ohio (show Jason support!)
Episode 47 – Indoctrination Station, Part 2 (the Church)
The train is back in the Indoctrination Station! Now having visited the reeking realms of Media & Entertainment, this trip (the 2nd of a 3-part series) sets a course for new conversational territory: the Marxist infiltration of the Christian church. The landscape of one of the West’s most cherished and trusted institutions has not come out unscathed from the effects of this ideological indoctrination.
Ben shines his pearly whites and im-presses his southernmost suave as the (anti) megachurch pastor for this episode, while Chad takes back his residency as the Catholic Insider Attending. The two share stories from the trenches of their respective church experiences and wonder what to make of what they too often hear and see. To what extent has the Christian church allowed the ways of the world to influence what its ultimately about? What issues morally and theologically should we be on guard against, even in our own trusted church settings? Where in the church might this humanistic (Marxist) kind of messaging be found? The pulpit? The doctrine? Even the music?
Episode 46 – Veruca Salt Syndrome
On June 24th, 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States does not protect abortion as a right. After nearly 50 years, the infamous Roe v. Wade decision has been overturned, kicking the legal status of abortion back to the states. In the days following the decision, the only story that’s rivaled the decision itself is the reaction of the pro-aborts. In desperation and panic, the anti-lifers are showing their true colors.
Chad takes the bench as Chief Justice for this episode, while Ben wields a gavel to honorably dole out summary judgements of his co-host’s majority opinion. The two relish the recent pro-life victory and puzzle over the losing side’s hysteria. How should one take the intense vitriol of the pro-aborts in the wake of Dobbs? What is revealed about the other side by such wild displays of discontent? And can parenting a toddler provide insights for how to deal with the gloves-off approach of these activists?
SHOW NOTES:
Video of Local Counter Protestors: Video Of Pro-Abortion Protestors At Recent Mercer County Right To Life Rally – Mercer County Outlook
Veruca Salt Song: Veruca Salt – I Want It Now (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) – YouTube
Dobbs Decision (see pages 2-4 for critical analysis of Roe & Casey rationale): 19-1392 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (06/24/2022) (supremecourt.gov)
Scene from Andy Griffith Show: ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW OPIE AND THE SPOILED KID.wmv – YouTube
Episode 45- Interview with Nino Vitale, Ohio House Representative
Nino Vitale is currently in his fourth term as an Ohio House Representative serving the 85th District. He made a name for himself nationally by taking a strong, public stance against mask mandates during the 2020 pandemic. He is a man led primarily by the conviction of his faith, a conviction that comes through in everything he does. He’s an NRA pistol instructor, a Cub Scout leader, an Ohio foster family, a champion for the Right to Life, a 20-year worker in his family manufacturing business, a husband, and father of five.
Ben pretends to innocently set the stage for this rousing interview, while Chad has no qualms about piping in to incite an in-your-face kind of conversation. Nary having to lift a finger to wind up this guest, the two sit back in awe at the inspiring witness of this rare, genuine article of a public servant. After 8 years in the political arena, what can Nino say about how the government works? Knowing how unpopular his public stance against masks would be, how did he find the courage to do so? In a day and age ruled by power and Marxist elitism, what advice would Nino have for men and fathers and the myriad of challenges they face?
SHOW NOTES:
Representative Vitale’s homepage: Representative A. Nino Vitale – District 85 | Ohio House of Representatives
Representative Vitale’s public stance on mask gets under the skin of Cuomo & Lemon: Chris Cuomo, Don Lemon Crack Up Mocking Anti-Mask Hysteria (mediaite.com)
