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 27- Interview with Father Alexander Witt (Part 2 of 2)
Fr. Alexander Witt, Guest Convo (Part 2 of 2)
We’re back for round two with Father Witt! We had enough great conversation with him–in the formal interview, and outside of it(!)–that it justified a second episode.
Join us again as we finish out our interview with a closing discussion on vocations to the Catholic priesthood: how to cultivate them in the home and reasons for the current shortage of priests.
And then, about halfway through, we play some “off air” banter with Father Witt about the Catholic and Protestant views on the Eucharist/Communion, along a few manly bloopers!
Episode 26- Interview with Father Alexander Witt (Part 1 of 2)
Fr Alexander Witt, Guest Convo (Part 1 of 2)
After his first year of college, Father Alexander Witt discerned that God was calling him to the Catholic priesthood. He then spent 2 years in college seminary and 5 years in major (graduate) seminary on his way to being ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in 2017. Since ordination, he has served as parochial vicar in Coldwater, Ohio, and is currently serving as pastor of Holy Rosary and St Patrick’s parishes in St. Mary’s, Ohio.
Chad hefts the heavy logs onto the burning questions in this episode, while Ben wields his Protestant fire poker to stoke some warm-hearted exchanges. The two enjoy a fire-side chat with their first priestly guest, and some sparks fly over what exactly a Catholic priest is. Why is the priesthood even relevant to the topic of restoring manhood? What is the difference between a Catholic priest and a Protestant pastor, and isn’t that difference redundant when we’re already part of the priesthood of all believers? Finally, isn’t it discriminatory that Catholics still hold to an all-male priesthood?
SHOW NOTES:
*Tune in next week for Part 2 of 2 of this interview episode with Fr Witt – it will include some very interesting outtakes!
Episode 25 – What do you want your kids to do with their life?
What do you want your kids to do with their life?
The word “vocation” has a slightly different connotation for Catholics than it does for Protestants. When it comes to parenting, though, both meanings are relevant. What kind of people are our children going to grow up to be? What career path will they end up on? What is God calling them to do? These are questions every parent has fretted over. So, then what is a parent’s role in shaping these vocational outcomes?
Chad initiates each manly sound, smell, and mannerism for this episode. Ben comes alongside for full effect and adds in his own grunts and knuckle-dragging. The two push past the foul odors of convention and delve deep into a parent’s influence on a child’s vocation. How can a parent help their child discover how they’ve been gifted to do certain things better than others? What sorts of value messages do parents send to kids by what is being emphasized as important? Are parents prepared to support the choices their children ultimately make? If not, does that indicate a flaw in the parent’s expectations?
SHOW NOTES:
Bonus Convo: Debate on Heavenly Intercession
Bonus Convo: Debate on Heavenly Intercession
We’ve reached 2,500 downloads! While we didn’t get there as quickly as we’d hoped, we’re there nonetheless! So, THANK YOU! Unfortunately, that means Ben doesn’t get his chance to “stump the Catholic.” Instead, as a way to celebrate the milestone, we thought we’d whet your appetite with a mini debate!
Ben’s grown curious lately about the Catholic notion of “praying to the Saints”, but he still has his Protestant guard up. What’s with this whole business of heavenly intercession? Are those who’ve gone before us still aware of earthly concerns, and where is that in the Bible? Isn’t it idolatrous to pray to anyone other than God?
Listen in to see if Chad can play his Catholic cards right and convince Ben to let his guard down. Can he convince Ben to go so far as to ask for intercession from someone in heaven?
SHOW NOTES:
Scripture references:
Hebrews 12:1
Revelation 5:8
Luke 16:19-31
Episode 24 Interview with Aaron Kuhn, LPCC-S of Counseling & Consulting Services
pisode 24 – Aaron Kuhn, Guest Convo
Aaron Kuhn is a licensed mental health and addiction therapist. He has a PhD in Psychology, and he has been working in the field for 20 years. He currently provides counseling, including marriage and family, at Counseling & Consulting Services in Celina, Ohio. Aaron is an avid fitness advocate and believes in holistic health. He is happily married and has three children.
Ben pulls all the levers on this carnival ride of an episode, while Chad plays stand-by carny, furiously chewing gum and taking notes at the same time. As evidenced by the episode length, the two can hardly hold back from asking more and more questions of this fascinating and informative guest! Is it really beneficial for men to identify, express, and regulate their feelings? How do inflammatory foods factor into mental health? What’s the difference between Big-T and Little-T trauma? And what is the “ledger system” in a marriage and can it be conquered?
SHOW NOTES:
Aaron Kuhn contact info: https://www.healthgrades.com/providers/aaron-kuhn-42aez
What is Alexithymia: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/the-emotional-blindness-of-alexithymia/
Book referenced, “The Body Keeps the Score”: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/the-emotional-blindness-of-alexithymia/
Scriptural Reference to “love not keeping record”: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013&version=NIV
