Gaining Ground

Don't WASTE Your Life Chasing Success (It's NOT Worth It!)

Success today does not guarantee fulfillment tomorrow. A lot of men are exhausted, constantly connected, and quietly running on empty. We live in an age of hustle culture, nonstop productivity, and always being available, but the truth is many men are burning out while chasing a version of success that still leaves them restless. In this episode of Gaining Ground, we talk honestly about burnout, pressure, rhythm, and the pace of modern life. We unpack why so many men feel emotionally exhausted, spiritually drained, and constantly behind, even while accomplishing more than ever before. This conversation explores how technology, work culture, and misplaced priorities can slowly pull men away from what matters most. We also discuss the biblical idea of Sabbath and rest, why stopping is an act of trust, and how healthy rhythms help men lead their families, protect their minds, and build lives that actually last. From Jesus’ example of rest to practical frameworks like “rest weekly, depart monthly, abandon annually,” let’s get some practical wisdom for men who want to overcome burnout without checking out on responsibility. If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, distracted, or emotionally stretched thin, this conversation will help you rethink success, reset your priorities, and build a healthier rhythm for the long haul. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Do You Trust God Enough To Rest? 1:49 – How Men Define Success and Legacy 6:55 – Why Your Pace Shapes Your Purpose 8:50 – Why So Many Men Are Burned Out 14:52 – Why You Are Not a Robot 16:21 – Advice on Burnout From a Dying Man 19:16 – What the Bible Says About Rest and Sabbath 24:50 – How To Deal With Busy Seasons 30:02 – Men & Purpose: Are You Aiming at the Right Target? 36:58 – 3 Rhythms to Overcome Burnout 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com [https://gaininggroundmen.com]. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/ [https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/]. MORE RESOURCES: - Ben Sasse | NYT Interview (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vwh9fSk1Xn8?si=VGALA1GD6ivLpAPj [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vwh9fSk1Xn8?si=VGALA1GD6ivLpAPj])  👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen [https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen]) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7 [https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7])  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792 [https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792]) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen [https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen])  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman [https://instagram.com/landonjsherman])  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch [https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch]) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church [https://compass.church]) MUSIC CREDITS: Another Time | Friendlierbear MB01D7NI9QKWLPJ What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Dallas Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey on Faith, Family, and the Pressure of the NFL

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has one of the most unique stories in the NFL. From professional soccer to software engineering to becoming a three-time Pro Bowler for America’s Team, his path to football didn’t look like most players. Fresh off a new contract extension with the Cowboys and right in the middle of the 2026 NFL Draft season, Brandon joins Gaining Ground to talk about faith, family, football, pressure, preparation, and what it takes to stay grounded in the middle of an NFL career. This conversation goes beyond the field. Brandon opens up about missing his first NFL kick, learning to handle pressure, bouncing back after failure, and why being a husband and dad matters more than anything he accomplishes between the lines. If you’re a Cowboys fan, an NFL fan, or a man trying to lead well under pressure, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Introducing Dallas Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey 2:07 – Brandon Aubrey’s Welcome to the NFL Moment 5:05 – Brandon Aubrey’s Unlikely Journey To The NFL 7:28 – How To Steward Talent and Pursue Progress 9:32 – How Brandon Aubrey Handles Pressure as an NFL Kicker 15:20 – Why Pressure At Work Is Perceived 18:19 – NFL Kicker: How to Bounce Back After a Miss 21:38 – What The NFL Has Taught Brandon Aubrey About Family 24:28 – NFL Player: Why Being a Husband and Dad Comes First 32:42 – Keeping Family First During an NFL Season 33:50 – How Fatherhood Changed Brandon Aubrey 36:32 – Brandon Aubrey’s Faith Journey 40:55 – Advice for Young Athletes Chasing a Dream 41:37 – How To Turn Pressure Into Opportunity 45:10 – A Message for Dallas Cowboys Fans 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com [https://gaininggroundmen.com]. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/ [https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/]. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen [https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen]) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7 [https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7])  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792 [https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792]) MORE FROM BRANDON: - Brandon Aubrey | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/baubs10 [https://www.instagram.com/baubs10])  📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen [https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen])  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman [https://instagram.com/landonjsherman])  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch [https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch]) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church [https://compass.church]) MUSIC CREDITS: The World Is Yours (Instrumental) | skateshop MB01QIQMRDPRQJC What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

What The Bible Says About Business | Mukwenda Kandole, Faithustle

What does the Bible say about business? How should Christian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals think about faith, work, stewardship, integrity, and success in the marketplace? In this episode of Gaining Ground, Ps. Landon and Drew sit down with Mukwenda Kandole, founder of the Faithustle movement, for a practical conversation about building a business God’s way. This episode explores what it means to follow Jesus in the marketplace without separating faith from work, and why the real issue is often not your industry, but the posture of your heart. We cover stewardship, generosity, integrity, humility, Spirit-led leadership, and the challenge of building something meaningful without adopting the world’s definition of success. We also talk about the temptation to compartmentalize life, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why growing people may be one of the most overlooked keys to lasting impact in business. If you’ve ever wondered how to honor God at work, lead with conviction, or build something without losing your soul in the process, this episode is for you. Let’s get to work. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Faith and Business Belong Together 1:14 – Introducing Mukwenda & Faithustle 4:18 – Why Christian Entrepreneurs Needed Something Different 6:11 – The Danger of Following the Wrong Business Voices 7:33 – What Real Biblical Success Actually Looks Like 12:13 – You Don’t Need a “Christian” Brand to Honor God at Work 13:49 – The 5 Pillars of a Faith-Driven Business 17:20 – Why the Marketplace Is Central to God’s Mission 22:40 – Stewardship Changes How You See Your Career 25:01 – What the Fear of the Lord Has to Do With Leadership 35:28 – God Cares More About Faithfulness Than Metrics 39:34 – The Secret to Growing Any Organization: Grow Your People 42:27 – How to Start Building Your Business God’s Way 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com [https://gaininggroundmen.com]. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/ [https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/]. ABOUT FAITHUSTLE: Faithustle is a weekly podcast and community that encourages believers in their hustle of business and career to have wholistic biblical view of success. Together they will discover what it looks like to make an impact for the Kingdom and live a life that reflects Christ in our work. Faithustle brings guests that not only have succeeded in their businesses or professions, but represent Christ and have healthy families and relationships. If you are starting out in your career and want direction on how to represent Jesus in the marketplace, check it out! https://www.thefaithustle.com/ [https://www.thefaithustle.com/] JOIN THE FAITHUSTLE NETWORK: A global community of Christian entrepreneurs building business God’s way. https://skool.com/faithustlenetwork [https://skool.com/faithustlenetwork]) FAITHUSTLE EVENT IN DFW | APRIL 17TH: A meetup for Christian entrepreneurs & creatives to connect, worship, and build Kingdom businesses together. (https://tinyurl.com/5ykhkn6d [https://tinyurl.com/5ykhkn6d]) MORE FROM MUKWENDA: * Faithustle | YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/mrxzadfp [https://tinyurl.com/mrxzadfp]) * Faithustle | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/4xze4hpr [https://tinyurl.com/4xze4hpr]) * Faithustle | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3wchfyzy [https://tinyurl.com/3wchfyzy]) * Faithustle | Instagram (https://instagram.com/thefaithustle [https://instagram.com/thefaithustle]) * Mukwenda Kandole | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mukwendakandole [https://instagram.com/mukwendakandole]) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: * Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen [https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen]) * Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7 [https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7])  * Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792 [https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792]) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: * Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen [https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen])  * Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman [https://instagram.com/landonjsherman])  * Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch [https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch]) * Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church [https://compass.church]) MUSIC CREDITS: * Dream Light - Generdyn (MB01CHUVBAFVJ7R) * Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug (MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK)

Veteran Missionary: Why Americans Miss The Supernatural with Dr. Greg Pruett

Is the supernatural still happening today? Why do so many American Christians struggle to experience spiritual warfare, answered prayer, and the power of God the way believers do in the Bible? Veteran missionary and President of Pioneer Bible Translators Dr. Greg Pruett shares real stories from unreached villages, Muslim regions, and Bible-less people groups where prayer, healing, and deliverance were part of everyday ministry. This conversation explores why Western culture often filters out the supernatural—and how ordinary believers can recover a biblical expectation of how God still moves today. If you’ve ever wondered whether miracles still happen, how spiritual warfare actually works, or what it really means to pray “in Jesus’ name,” this conversation gives a clear and grounded framework for understanding the supernatural life of faith. Dr. Pruett also explains how Scripture shapes confident prayer, why most Christians treat prayer as a last resort, and how simple daily habits can make faith stronger and more resilient in real life. This is not about extreme experiences—it’s about returning to normal Christianity. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – A Missionary Prayer Story You Won’t Forget 0:36 – Introducing Greg Pruett of Pioneer Bible Translators 3:24 – From Engineering Dreams to Bible Translation 6:14 – Why So Many People Still Have No Bible 8:14 – What Mission Work Taught Greg About Islam 10:41 – Why Spiritual Warfare Is More Real Than We Think 18:15 – The Prayer Story That Changed Everything 22:23 – Healing, Deliverance, and the Power of Jesus’ Name 27:26 – Why the Supernatural Feels Distant in the West 29:46 – What It Really Means to Pray “In Jesus’ Name” 35:25 – When You Finally Come to the End of Yourself 40:55 – How to Build a Real Daily Prayer Habit 50:44 – How Men Can Fight Back Spiritually 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com [https://gaininggroundmen.com]. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/ [https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/]. ABOUT GREG: Greg Pruett has been President of Pioneer Bible Translators since January 2007. Prior to that he and his wife Rebecca lived in West Africa for 12 years, working with a team of local people to translate the entire Bible into the Yalunka language. Greg holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and a degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. His book Extreme Prayer: The Impossible Prayers God Promises to Answer (Tyndale, 2014) reveals the ways in which he has made prayer the primary strategy of Pioneer Bible. His second book, Extraordinary Hearing: Preparing Your Soul to Hear from God (Tyndale Momentum, 2023) gives practical, Biblical insights on how to pray and how to hear from God. He and Rebecca have three adult children, two of whom serve overseas. MORE FROM GREG: - Greg Pruett | LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/greg-pruett-b193a712 [https://linkedin.com/in/greg-pruett-b193a712]) - Pioneer Bible Translators | Web (https://pioneerbible.org/feature-stories/they-chose-jesus/ [https://pioneerbible.org/feature-stories/they-chose-jesus/]) - Pioneer Bible Translators | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pioneerbible/ [https://www.instagram.com/pioneerbible/]) - Pioneer Bible Translators | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneerbible/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneerbible/])  - Pioneer Bible Translators | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@PioneerBible [https://www.youtube.com/@PioneerBible]) - Extreme Prayer by Greg Pruett (https://tinyurl.com/z664y6n8 [https://tinyurl.com/z664y6n8]) - Extraordinary Hearing: Preparing Your Soul To Hear From God by Greg Pruett (https://tinyurl.com/4kjez42z [https://tinyurl.com/4kjez42z]) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen [https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen]) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7 [https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7])  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792 [https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792]) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen [https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen])  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman [https://instagram.com/landonjsherman])  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch [https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch]) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church [https://compass.church]) MUSIC CREDITS: Fireborne | Charlie Ryan MB01BPAMRG7DYS5 What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

How to Build a No-Quit Marriage

Marriage isn’t sustained by feelings alone. Feelings fluctuate. Seasons change. Pressure comes from every direction. What determines the strength of a marriage over time is not emotion, but commitment. In this episode, we dive into an honest conversation about what actually builds a lasting marriage. We talk about how differences between spouses can create tension, why marriage tends to magnify both strengths and flaws, and the importance of choosing covenant love rather than treating marriage like a contract. The sad reality is that many couples enter marriage with an exit strategy already in mind, which makes it easier to walk away when seasons become difficult. But there’s another way, biblical covenant. It’s commitment rooted in sacrifice, humility, and daily decisions to love even when feelings fluctuate. We also explore other difficult relationship and marriage topics like conflict, divorce, rebuilding trust, seeking counseling, and how couples can begin restoring a marriage that has grown distant. When men commit to personal responsibility, honest communication, prayer, and choosing to fight for your marriage rather than quietly drifting apart, marriages get better. If you want to build a marriage that lasts through every season, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – People Walk Away From Marriage Based on Feelings 1:24 – Introducing the Marriage Conversation 2:36 – Do Opposites Really Attract? 7:38 – Why Marriage Magnifies Everything 9:34 – You Are Not Your Spouse’s Holy Spirit 11:10 – The Biblical Role of a Helper in Marriage 14:28 – Covenant Marriage vs Contract Marriage 17:55 – What Happens When You Don’t Feel In Love In Marriage 23:45 – Is Divorce An Option In Your Marriage? 30:15 – When a Marriage Runs Out of Love 38:27 – Why Marriage Is Not 50/50 43:26 – What Husbands and Wives Need From Each Other 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com [https://gaininggroundmen.com]. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/ [https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/]. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen [https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen]) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7 [https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7])  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792 [https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792]) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen [https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen])  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman [https://instagram.com/landonjsherman])  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch [https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch]) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church [https://compass.church]) MUSIC CREDITS: Fracture ft. Idyll | Roary MB014WOOMNSUD1Y What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK