Cathy Loerzel says the world needs men in their most redeemed form—men who don’t apologize for their manhood but offer it as strength, not power. In this teaser for her interview in the upcoming Restorative Manhood Digital Summit, Chris and Cody unpack the tension so many men feel between being “too much” and “not enough,” and how those messages often start in childhood. They share how fear of hurting others can cause men to pull back, creating a “masculine famine” in relationships and communiti...
Aug 18, 2025•32 min•Ep. 78
Ever feel like life didn’t turn out the way you hoped, and you’re left holding the pieces of what you thought would be? In this episode, Cody and Jesse sit down to talk about disillusionment—how it shows up in our faith, families, and even our own growth, and why it might not be the enemy we think it is. With a powerful snippet from Dan Allender (part of our upcoming Restorative Manhood Digital Summit), they reflect on the quiet invitations hidden inside our disappointments. What if disillusionm...
Aug 11, 2025•35 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Jesse French and Cody Buriff explore what truly defines adventure—not just epic outdoor experiences, but everyday moments that challenge and shape us. They identify four essential aspects of adventure: wilderness (the unknown), risk (the possibility of loss), struggle (both internal and external), and glory (the beauty or transformation that follows). Through stories ranging from backcountry hailstorms to backyard sprinkler repairs, they show how adventure invites growth and sou...
Aug 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 76
What do a plague of locusts and our inner world have in common? In this vivid and surprisingly relatable conversation, Cody and Jesse unpack how a scarcity mindset can transform us—just like grasshoppers turning into swarming locusts when the environment shifts. Through stories from childhood, garden failures, and even reality TV survival shows, they explore how fear of “not enough” can quietly dictate our decisions and relationships. But they also name the quiet miracle of abundance: people who...
Jul 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 75
Summer’s in full swing, but what if now is the perfect time to look ahead? In this episode, Chris and Jesse invite us to lift our eyes from the daily grind and glimpse something on the horizon—The Grove. They share the heart behind this unique gathering of men, where connection and equipping go hand in hand. From its humble beginnings in a Wyoming basement to a movement rooted in the metaphor of the Aspen Grove, the conversation explores why men need each other now more than ever. And what if th...
Jul 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 74
Summer can feel like a juggling act, between work, kids, house projects, and the pressure to make every moment Instagram-worthy. In this episode, Chris and Jesse reflect on how they’re navigating two very different family rhythms during the summer months. They explore the myth of summer being a “slower” season for adults and challenge the idea that it has to be filled with big plans to be meaningful. Instead, they highlight the power of small moments, five-minute connections that carry more weig...
Jul 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 73
A quick drive to a summer basketball camp turns into an unexpected heart-stirring moment for Jesse when he runs into the coaches who once shaped his teenage years. In this episode, he and Chris unpack how affirmation, especially from people who matter, can echo across decades and still touch something deep inside. They talk about the difference between being affirmed for your performance versus being affirmed for simply who you are. Along the way, they explore how remembered goodness can be just...
Jul 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 72
What do fish and chips, flying french fries, and a rowdy Scottish pub have to do with becoming a Sage? In this episode, Chris and Jesse reflect on their recent trip to Scotland with a group of men exploring what it means to step into midlife with intention. From the tremors of transition to questions of identity, legacy, and regret, they share the kinds of conversations that shape a man’s decades ahead. If this kind of journey sounds like something your soul is craving, consider joining one of o...
Jun 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 71
What does it really mean to launch your kids well? In this episode, Chris and Jesse unpack the transition from fathering children to walking alongside them as young adults—with all the joy, grief, and humility it requires. They share powerful moments from Trek: Kenya, a father-teen expedition that invites dads into raw conversations and real growth. From the weight of past mistakes to the wonder of seeing your child’s glory up close, this is about launching hearts, not just moving boxes. And som...
Jun 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 70
Jesse sits down in person with longtime friend and retired firefighter Kevin Lyon for a raw, thoughtful conversation about vocation, transition, and identity. From the unexpected pivot out of pastoral ministry to crawling through tight fire academy pipes (literally)Kevin shares how his journey has been shaped by fear, purpose, and presence. He reflects on what it meant to be an “undercover pastor” in the firehouse, navigating trauma while trying not to lose himself or his family in the process. ...
Jun 16, 2025•50 min•Ep. 69
Chris is back from a three-month sabbatical, and in this episode, he and Jesse dive into what that time really held. Hint: it wasn’t just naps and novels on the beach. They explore the difference between being tired and being truly weary, and why the latter can’t be fixed with just a vacation. Chris opens up about the hard and beautiful work of processing grief, naming loss, and discovering what genuine rest looks like. Together, they unpack how sabbatical is less about stepping away and more ab...
Jun 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 68
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who’s never cared about sports, this episode has something for you. Jesse and Michael Krommendyk explore how sports can be both a bonding force and a barrier for men trying to connect meaningfully. They reflect on childhood memories, emotional investments in games, and the pressure to find belonging through shared interests. But they also make space for men who’ve felt left out of that world. Could sports be more than just entertainment—maybe even a clue ...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 67
Sometimes the most defining moments in our lives don’t come with clarity—they come with exhaustion, heartbreak, and longing. In Part 2 of his story, Ike Dolby shares what it meant to be in the thick of disappointment and disconnection, craving his father’s presence and learning to reach for community. He tells of how light broke through in the form of phone calls, honest friends, and even laughter. And ultimately, how God met him with the release he didn’t know he needed. If you or someone you k...
May 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 66
Jesse and Cody catch up with their old friend Ike Dolby , whose story isn’t clean or easy—but it’s real. Ike opens up about his marriage falling apart, the quiet loneliness of trying to hold it all together, and the gut-punch of discovering layers of betrayal. For years, he believed if he just tried harder, prayed harder, and sacrificed more, things would work out. But it didn’t—and instead of resolution, he was handed heartbreak. Through it all, he met a God who didn’t fix things overnight, but...
May 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, Jesse French and Cody Buriff dive into the surprising depth of fly fishing—not just as a hobby, but as a gateway to connection, healing, and invitation. From Jesse’s first cast in Montana to Cody’s unexpected beginner’s luck, the conversation explores how small moments outdoors can uncover big truths about story, identity, and desire. They reflect on what it means to be invited in, especially as men who often feel like outsiders. Through laughter, memory, and honesty, they revea...
May 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 64
What if the most powerful thing you could offer someone wasn’t advice or solutions—but just your presence ? In this episode, Cody and Jesse catch up with their good friend Scott Sommer, an FBI chaplain who shares wild, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious stories from his years of showing up in the hardest moments. From a parking ticket that launched a career to sitting with people as they take their final breaths, Scott reminds us that being there matters more than having the right words. You'll ...
May 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 63
When life takes a sudden, traumatic turn, how do you begin to rebuild? In this powerful episode, Josh Wright shares the moment everything changed—an accident that left him navigating life with a traumatic brain injury. With honesty and humility, Josh opens up about the grief, the anger, and ultimately, the slow, steady work of healing and discovering a new way to live. His story is one of mourning what was lost and embracing what can still be found—presence, depth, and surprising new purpose. Th...
Apr 28, 2025•38 min•Ep. 62
Stuck in traffic, Jesse French and Chris Bruno find themselves in an impromptu driving school deep in the mountains—complete with snark, humor, and life lessons. From the art of parallel parking to the non-negotiable skill of driving a manual, Chris lays out his four tenets of responsible driving (and maybe life itself). Along the way, they explore the unexpected connection between making decisions and embracing the reality that every choice requires saying no to something. As frustration mounts...
Apr 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 61
Chris Bruno and Jesse French take the podcast on the road...literally! Stuck in Colorado traffic at a blistering 6 miles per hour, they pass the time debating Apple vs. Android, reminiscing about childhood road trips, and questioning Jesse’s choice of route. Between laughter, lighthearted jabs, and a plea for highway patrol intervention, they find meaning in the slow moments of life. Will Jesse ever admit defeat in the great phone debate? Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Gro...
Apr 14, 2025•20 min•Ep. 60
Many men build their lives around performance—measuring their worth by what they achieve rather than who they are. In this episode, Jesse French and Cody Buriff sit down with Shae McCowen, the chairman of the board at Restoration Project, to unpack the hidden costs of striving. Shae shares his journey from being a skeptical participant at his first Restoration Project gathering to discovering the power of authenticity, brotherhood, and self-awareness. Through laughter, deep reflection, and a few...
Apr 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 59
Are you living as an orphan or as an adopted son? In this episode, Jesse and Cody sit down with Greg Ehlert to explore the journey of sonship—what it means to truly embrace our identity as beloved sons of God. Greg shares his own awakening to this reality, the struggles men face in shifting from self-reliance to interdependence, and why play, community, and surrender are crucial in this transformation. Together, they unpack the difference between striving for approval and resting in the Father's...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min•Ep. 58
What can the special needs community teach us about authenticity, dignity, and connection? In this episode, Jesse and Cody sit down with Paul Hathcoat, who shares his journey from bounty hunter to special needs pastor and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way. Paul opens up about how his childhood friendship, personal struggles, and unexpected call to ministry shaped his heart for those with disabilities. Together, they explore the difference between pity and dignity, the transformative po...
Mar 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Chris Bruno and Jesse French dive into what it means to intentionally invest in marriage rather than settle for survival. They introduce Thrive Marriage Lab , an online year-long marriage cohort designed to help couples move beyond status quo and grow in awareness, curiosity, and kindness toward one another. Chris shares the story behind Thrive’s creation during COVID and how it continues to provide structured, accessible support for couples wanti...
Mar 17, 2025•26 min•Ep. 56
Jesse shares the unforgettable story of his "lucky number seven" anniversary trip gone completely sideways—from a missing campsite to an unplanned visit with his mom and a cooler lost to the river. Chris and Jesse unpack the tension between planning and spontaneity in relationships and how missteps can become legendary family stories. They reflect on the deeper lessons hidden in relational mishaps, like how silence can make things worse and why awareness matters. Through laughter and honesty, th...
Mar 10, 2025•27 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Cody Buriff and Jesse French dive into the world of DIY—not just the hands-on projects, but the deeper emotional and psychological layers that come with them. They get real about the pressure men feel to be self-reliant and competent, the unspoken struggle of asking for help, and why just knowing how to do something isn’t the same as actually growing through it. Through personal stories and honest reflections, Cody and Jesse unpack what it means t...
Mar 03, 2025•38 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French sit down with Lantz Howard to explore the balance between wholeheartedness, ambition, and personal growth. Lantz shares his journey from pastoral ministry to coaching men in leadership, touching on the struggles of people-pleasing, burnout, and finding true purpose. The conversation dives into what it means to live with integrity, pursue ambition with gratitude, and foster deep, meaningful relationships. Lantz ch...
Feb 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French interview Michael Bowen, an architect who shares his transformative journey from a career in construction to pursuing his passion for architecture later in life. Michael discusses the importance of listening and collaboration in his work, the challenges he faced in returning to school at 40, and the personal growth he experienced while building his own home. The conversation highlights the significance of faith, p...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French welcome Shae McCowen, who shares his journey from being a Division 1 swimmer to navigating the complexities of personal worth and success. Shae discusses the rigorous discipline of his college years, the motivations behind his performance addiction, and the transformative experiences that led him to reevaluate his values. Through candid reflections on his life changes, relationships, and the counter-cultural persp...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of The Restorative Man podcast, hosts Jesse French and Cody Buriff sit down with Jeremy Williamson, Restoration Project's Director of Experiences. Jeremy shares his journey of immersing himself in Latino culture and the Spanish language. Jeremy shares how his passion led him to El Salvador, where he encountered both profound challenges and deep personal growth. Through stories of loneliness, resilience, and faith, he reflects on the tension between joy and suffering and the trans...
Feb 03, 2025•38 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, Jesse French and Cody Buriff engage in a deep conversation with Paul Hathcoat, a pastor and former bounty hunter. Paul shares his unique journey from pursuing a career in baseball to becoming a bounty hunter, detailing the intricacies of the bail bond system and the challenges he faced in the field. Through personal stories, he reflects on the impact of his experiences on his understanding of humanity, justice, and faith. The conversation highlight...
Jan 27, 2025•41 min•Ep. 49
