Forging The Path

From Pastor’s Kid to Therapist: Jonathan Irish on Faith and Inner Healing

What happens when your faith feels like pressure instead of peace? In this episode of Forging the Path, licensed professional counselor Jonathan Irish shares his journey from life as a pastor’s kid to guiding men toward healing as a therapist. Together, we unpack how identity in Christ redefines masculinity, how to break free from the “chameleon life,” and why so many men silently struggle with fear, shame, and passivity. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why identity is the foundation of spiritual and emotional health Breaking cycles of shame, fear, and performance How fatherhood, faith, and family life reveal your deepest values A therapist’s perspective on inner healing and resilience The power of refining faith through everyday struggle =================== Connect with Jonathan: Website: https://www.setaparttherapyservices.com/ [https://www.setaparttherapyservices.com/] Email: setaparttherapyservices@gmail.com [setaparttherapyservices@gmail.com] Phone: (262) 701-7255 =================== Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans [https://www.closewithmichael.com/]: (262) 696-9048 Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity [https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/]: (262) 725-2855 =================== Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ [https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31 [https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31]

Grief, Resilience, and a Soldier's Journey Toward Healing with Lt. Col. Dan Hendershot

What happens when a soldier’s toughest battle isn’t fought on the battlefield—but in facing the tragic loss of a spouse? In this deeply personal episode of Forging the Path, Lt. Col. Dan Hendershot courageously opens up about his journey through grief, faith, and finding resilience after losing his wife to cancer. From commanding troops in Iraq to navigating heartbreak at home, Dan shares raw insights into how God, community, and personal discipline carried him through his darkest days. If you or someone you know is walking through grief, struggling to hold onto faith, or seeking inspiration to keep moving forward, this episode will speak straight to your heart. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Dan’s powerful story of love, loss, and faith tested by tragedy * The real struggles and triumphs of military life, from deployment to family dynamics * Practical ways men can navigate grief and support their families in tough times * The unexpected strength found in community, faith, and physical discipline * Why confronting pain honestly is key to true healing Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans: (262) 696-9048 * closewithmichael.com [https://www.closewithmichael.com/] Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity: (262) 725-2855 * adamandclairezastrow.com [https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/index.php] Connect with Adam: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ [https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31 [https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31]

Masculinity, Mentorship, and the Outdoors with Jairus Stolar and Matthew Austin

What do hunting, brotherhood, and biblical masculinity have in common? Everything. In this episode of Forging the Path, Adam Zastrow sits down with Jairius Stolar and Matthew Austin for a bold, faith-filled conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s world. They talk about fatherhood, firearms, mentorship, and the kind of friendships men desperately need—but rarely find. With stories from the woods and wisdom from the Word, this episode is a reminder that real men protect, provide, and pursue truth with purpose. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Why mentorship and mission go hand-in-hand * The spiritual power of hunting and being outdoors * How to think biblically about firearms and home defense * Building a band of brothers through shared challenge * What kids really learn from watching their dad Connect with us on Instagram: * Matthew Austin [https://www.instagram.com/strapassassin13] * Jairius Stolar [https://www.instagram.com/jairius_stolar?igsh=aHN4eHFlc3g3OWk0] * Adam Zastrow [https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/] Our Sponsors: * The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans [https://www.closewithmichael.com/]: (262) 696-9048 * Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity [https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/index.php]: (262) 725-2855

Fighting Addiction, Finding Purpose, and Transforming Lives

What does it look like to surrender everything — addiction, pride, fear — and let God rebuild your life from the ground up? In this episode of Forging the Path, former Marine, Addison Chapman shares his raw story of addiction, recovery, and the powerful calling that emerged from his pain. From military service and firefighter training to wrestling with lust and pride, Addison lays it all on the table. Now, he's leading young men toward Christ and building a movement grounded in brotherhood, discipline, and gospel truth. He has also launched a radio station called "The Spark FM. [https://thesparkfm.com/]" What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Addison’s battle with addiction and how God broke through * How confession, brotherhood, and structure helped him heal * Why young men are spiritually lost — and what they actually need * The danger of passivity and emotional numbness in men * How discipline, fitness, and faith work together to form leaders Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans (262) 696-9048 https://www.closewithmichael.com/ [https://www.closewithmichael.com/] Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity (262) 725-2855 https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/ [https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/] Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ [https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31 [https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31]

How a Teacher Built a Ministry Through Hip-Hip (with ATK)

What happens when a teacher hears God's call to reach students through hip-hop? In this powerful episode of Forging the Path, Josh Atkinson (aka ATK) shares how he went from classroom teacher to Christian rap artist — and launched a full-blown ministry that’s changing lives. Through ATK Ministry, Josh is helping students write, produce, and perform gospel-centered music that connects directly with their culture and hearts From fear and doubt to faith and obedience, this is the story of one man saying “yes” to God's call and watching the impact multiply across a city. What you'll learn: * How ATK turned fear into bold obedience * Why hip-hop is a powerful tool for sharing Jesus * The story behind Milwaukee's most unique student ministry * A student’s journey from secular rap to baptism * Why your calling will likely scare you — and that’s a good thing Support or Learn More About ATK Ministry: * https://www.atkministry.com/ [https://www.atkministry.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/atk_ministry/ [https://www.instagram.com/atk_ministry/] Our Sponsors: ⁠The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans⁠ [https://www.closewithmichael.com/] (262) 696-9048 ⁠Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity⁠ [https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/index.php] (262) 725-2855 Connect with Adam: * ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/] * ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31/]