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 125- The Lost Art of Neighboring
G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “We make our friends; we make our enemies; but God makes our neighbor.” It can be the hardest thing, can’t it, to see–to really notice–the people who live in our most direct proximity? For all the “connectedness” that we presume to possess through things like social media, there’s something too often lacking in our person-to-person neighborliness these days. And that’s not just a shame, it’s a failure to heed a Gospel admonition.
Chad sings a familiar little ditty as the lead vocals on this episode, while Ben stares smilingly ahead as co-host, humming along and changing out his jacket and shoes during the long (12 mins), opening banter. The two contemplate the care demanded of Christians toward the people God’s placed right next door us. Who’s the mystery neighbor that’s given Chad and his family a schooling in the art of proper neighboring? Are there things about our current cultural condition that make being a good neighbor more challenging? And how can men lead the charge to reignite a neighborly spirit in our respective communities?
SHOW NOTES:
Mister Rogers Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEYI4UJMcc4
Full Length Chesterton quote: https://www.breakpoint.org/chesterton-on-loving-neighbors/
Episode 124- Interview with BGSU Freshman Carter Hellwarth
Carter Hellwarth is first-year college student at Bowling Green State University studying communication and film production. Carter grew up on a dairy farm in Mercer County, Ohio, was Class President of this graduating glass, and ranked near the top of his class at Parkway High School. He also placed 2nd in the Nation at the 2023 National FFA Convention for Extemporaneous Public Speaking.
Ben takes on the role of mastermind behind this “sneak attack” of an episode, while Chad tries to fly under the radar by drafting off their guest & fellow Falcon’s soaring altitude. The two are determined to secret away the real answers to their “Should I Send My Kids to College” question from a real-life (and undercover) college student. What was Carter’s journey of discernment that landed him at a 4-year university, and why did he think that it was the right path to success for him? Are there any ways in which Carter’s upbringing and Christian faith have been tested while attending college? How is Carter’s first year at college going, and how has his pro-active approach to getting involved on campus been a critical part of his early experience?
Episode 123- The Gambling Christian
Since legalizing sports betting in January of 2023, the gambling scene in Ohio is going full tilt! First there was Powerball and Mega Millions, then came the Casinos. Now on the scene is the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings. Gambling in Ohio is on the ascendency, and the sports betting variety is particularly popular with men (as high as 80% sports betting app users are men!). And something about the trend bothers Ben. Or does it?
Ben, the consummate competitor and faithful fixer, is “all-in” as the lead for this episode, while Chad–Mr. Pennypincher himself–holds his cards close as co-host. The two wager their opinions on this growing phenomenon and try to tease out its proper place in the life of a Mighty Man of Valor. What is the allure of gambling in general, and is sports betting online more or less alluring than the traditional forms of gambling? Does the Bible condemn gambling as sinful? What are the personal and societal pitfalls to gambling, and are there certain segments of the population that are more susceptible to them?
SHOW NOTES:
Stats on sports betting: Sports betting in the U.S. – statistics & facts | Statista
Catholic answer on gambling: Isn’t gambling a sin? How can you Catholics justify playing bingo in church? | Catholic Answers Q&A
Got Questions answer on gambling: Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling? | GotQuestions.org
Episode 122- Know Thy Ancestry
When a man knows the history of his ancestors, he knows his place in the world. He knows the names of those who passed on his name; he knows how he came to be at the place he presently stands; he knows the kind of character he ought to (or ought not) emulate in order to bring honor to his family. But when a man does not know the history of his ancestors, he’s left adrift and grasping without direction.
Chad-son of Douglas, son of James, son of Victor, son of Albert, son of John, son of Frank, son of Joseph–takes the lead for this episode, as Ben lets on a little of his own newly found family history as co-host. The two try to encourage curiosity towards the many rabbit holes of a personal family history. What are Ben & Chad’s family histories like? How could you risk losing meaning when you detach or distance yourself from your past? And what are some examples of how digging deep into genealogical details can yield new insights into, and appreciation for, the life handed down to us?
SHOW NOTES:
Websites for geneological research:
Episode 121- Interview with Joel Penton of LifeWise Academy
Joel Penton is a former defensive tackle and national champion for the Ohio State University Buckeyes, as well as a Danny Wuerffel Trophy recipient (the “humanitarian Heisman”). He is the author of three books and the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy–a groundbreaking program providing Bible education to students in over 300 of our nation’s public schools, during school hours. He is a widely sought-after speaker with over 1,000 live audiences having taken in his message. Joel and his wife Bethany live in Columbus, Ohio, with their five children.
Ben loads his sling and shines his helmet for this giant guest interview, while Chad backs Ben up with his armory of big words as co-host. The two take up a great conversation with this purveyor of the Gospel in the public-school setting. How is it possible–through LifeWise Academy–that public school students are legally allowed to study the Bible during school hours? What kinds of opposition has LifeWise Academy faced from secular and anti-religious groups? And if someone is interested in brining Bible education to their school district, what are the steps necessary to make that happen?
SHOW NOTES:
LifeWise in the headlines: More than 300 public schools nationwide will learn from the Bible this year (foxnews.com)
LifeWise website (how to initiate in your school): During School Hours – LifeWise Academy
Joel’s latest book telling of LifeWise successes: Amazon.com: During School Hours: WHY and HOW LifeWise Academy is Reinstalling Religious Education into the Public School Day: 9798987617519: Penton, Joel: Books
