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 9 Interview with John Wood
Episode 9 – DR JOHN R. WOOD, Guest Convo
Dr. John R. Wood is a passionate Catholic evangelist, having spoken at hundreds of parishes across the country and published three books, including the bestselling, “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission: 5 Steps to Winning the War Within”. When he’s not helping patients as a mobile eye doctor, John and his family put on powerful sacramental prep retreats called Dragon Slayers at churches all over Ohio.
Chad takes lumberjack-like swings at the big questions with Dr. Wood, while Ben whittles in his own nuanced inquiries. John shares with the guys his background in collegiate sports, how he felt called to share the gospel, and what he sees “out there” in terms of this trend of the Nones. The conversation carves in John’s take on the crisis of manhood, as well as some practical tips on how fathers can better instill the faith in their children.
SHOW NOTES:
John’s website: https://www.saintsinthemaking.com/john-r-wood.html
John’s books: https://extraordinarymission.com/#/shop
Episode 8 Risk the Game of Kingdom Domination
Episode 8
Today Ben and Chad risk it all by sharing from their lives. They look at their own successes and failures as well as how healthy risk is necessary to restore manhood. The two outline what is a healthy risk and an unhealthy risk. They also explore what it means for the church to “circle the wagons.” Ben leads the way in calling out complacency in men and unpacks what risk looks like for the Kingdom of God. (35:00). As with a lot of the episodes it gets more lively as they go ending with a rock solid challenge that we spoil at the end of the show notes.
Psalm 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]”
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.
Luke 18:18-23
Challenge
Pray about what to do.
Pick one.
Plan it.
Pursue it.
Episode 7 Are you a none?
Episode 7 – Are You a None?
Being religiously UN-affiliated (going with the NONE identifier on the ‘religion’ portion of census questioning) is all the craze these days. You might be surprised to know just how popular, though! Recent data suggests a snowballing trend on this score.
After attempting some trick (word) plays, Chad gets under center to quarterback this episode. With Ben as the unconventional offensive lineman, the two take the field to peel away the layers of this phenomenon. What does this trend signal for our future? How do we explain why this is happening, and who’s to blame? Is this a good look for men, or should men be thinking about this differently?
SHOW NOTES:
- Article discussed about 2021 book release on the subject: https://religionnews.com/2021/03/24/the-nones-are-growing-and-growing-more-diverse/
- http://ryanburge.net/nones/
- Casting Crowns song Slow Fade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QASREBVDsLk
Episode 6- Fighting Injustice – An Interview with Mike Spencer of Project LifeVoice
After serving as a pastor for 23 years, Mike Spencer has dedicated himself to full-time pro-life ministry. His heart for the unborn has led him to speak to thousands at churches, conferences, and campuses across the country. First as a speaker for Life Training Institute, and now as the founder and president of Project LifeVoice, Mike’s burden is to awaken and equip the church to become pro-life ambassadors.
Chad and Ben sit down with this Man of Justice and discuss the civil rights issue of abortion. Why are pastors and priests so reluctant to speak out on this issue? Should men get involved in what’s often framed as a “women’s issue”? Chad leads the inquiry as Mike shares compelling, first-hand knowledge of what’s at stake in this fight for life.
SHOW NOTES:
1. Website for Mike’s Ministry: https://projectlifevoice.com/
2. Short video showing an abortion: We were unable to get this video. Will post when we do.
3. “What to Say When”, new book from 40 Days for Life: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/whattosaywhen
Episode 5- Spiritual F-Words
Episode 5 Spiritual F-Words
Today Chad and Ben are not dropping F-bombs but instead looking at the one thing many men resist in their spiritual journey, fellowship with God. This is the key to true peace and spiritual growth. They also look at what men do to avoid what’s most important and look at the why behind it. They address some of the escapes men use to avoid fellowship.
We also acknowledge the elephant in the room and address the Father Wound.
SHOW NOTES
4 Escapes from Fellowship
Fantasy– This is where we become the hero of the story instead of God.
Fervor– We often pour into our work; ignoring the best for the good. See below, Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42
Flesh– We indulge our flesh, eating, drinking, etc. staying busy avoiding intimacy.
Facebook– This site will give you a rush but you’ll still be avoiding the deeper things of life and avoiding doing the work the Lord has called us to.
A good father scripture reference-Matthew 7:9-11
