(Part 2) The Journey Begins: Andrew Van Kirk's Story of Breakthrough & Redemption

The Making of a Man Transformed by Christ | Johnny Elsasser

In this episode, I'm sitting down to chat with my buddy Johnny Elsasser. Johnny is a former special ops soldier, author, speaker, coach, host of The Art of Masculinity [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-masculinity/id1406170885] podcast, and a truly incredible human being. From growing up as an athlete in a blue-collar family with no clear direction for his life, to enlisting in the military and earning a spot in special ops, to now helping coach men to become all God created them to be, his story is a true testament to what is possible when you're willing to push past your own perceived limitations. In this conversation we discuss the challenges men face today, the lack of a clear pathway to manhood in our modern culture, and how Johnny's experiences in the military shaped his understanding of leadership, discipline, and purpose. We also talk about the struggles of transitioning out of the military, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and how a pivotal moment brought Johnny and his wife back to faith, completely changing the trajectory of their lives, marriage, and mission. At its core, this conversation is about the journey of becoming a man - not according to the world's standards, but according to God's. It's about embracing true masculinity, taking radical responsibility, leading with humility, and building a life of purpose, rooted in grace and faith. My hope is that you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and inspired to push past your own perceived limitations to take bold steps to become the man God has created YOU to be. Links & Resources: * JohnnyElsasser.com [https://www.johnnyelsasser.com/] * Connect with Johnn on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/johnny.elsasser] * The Art of Masculinity Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-masculinity/id1406170885] * Seacoast Church [https://www.seacoast.org/] * Answers in Genesis [https://answersingenesis.org] * Ancient Apocolypse Netflix Series [https://www.netflix.com/title/81211003] * Nobody by Casting Crowns [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY] If you enjoyed today's episode I'd love for you to take a quick minute to leave a rating and review which will help other men find the show and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to hit that "FOLLOW" button on your podcast app and click HERE [https://andrewvankirk.com/] to pop your email address in so we can stay in touch and I can let you know when new episodes drop.

From Rock Bottom to Multimillion-Dollar Business Success | Phillip Lanier

Today on the Journey of Man podcast, I'm talking with my friend, coach, and mentor, Phillip Lanier. Phillip is the author of No College, No Limits and a powerhouse entrepreneur who successfully built a business from the ground up, before making an eight figure exit (yes, you read that right!) Now, he's dedicated to helping small business owners do the same—without making the same mistakes he had to learn the hard way. In this episode you'll hear Phillip share his journey from humble beginnings to wild success, the struggles he faced along the way, and the lessons (and people) that shaped him. We dive into the mindset shifts that helped him push through adversity, the importance of mentorship, and what it really takes to grow a thriving business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking for motivation to take your next big step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Expect to walk away with practical wisdom, hard-earned insights, and the encouragement to keep moving forward—no matter where you are in your journey. Links & Resources: * Connect with Phillip Lanier [https://corebusinessessentials.com/] * Halftime by Bob Buford [https://amzn.to/3DMf01n] * E-Myth by Dave Ramsey [https://amzn.to/4iwov3F] * Chip Ingram [https://livingontheedge.org/?srsltid=AfmBOooII1AkuoDt6JLJ3yFTXfo9wdadxdfN7Tg9H9LKEFR3azkSixTl] * Greg Laurie [https://harvest.org/] * James MacDonald [https://jamesmacdonaldministries.org/] * Chuck Swindoll [https://insight.org/] If you enjoyed today's episode I'd love for you to take a quick minute to leave a rating and review which will help other men find the show and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to hit that "FOLLOW" button on your podcast app and click HERE [https://andrewvankirk.com/] to pop your email address in so we can stay in touch and I can let you know when new episodes drop.

Chasing Your Dreams, Staying True to Your Values & Trusting God's Plan | Sean Penner

In this episode I have the honor of sitting down with Sean Penner for an awesome conversation about everything from being a husband and a father of four girls, to his inspiring journey of becoming a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, to navigating life as a man of faith in our modern world, to sharing hunting stories. You'll hear Sean share the highs and lows of pursuing his dream career, from the grueling training at Depot to the hard choices that tested his limits and deeply impacted his family. His story is one of resilience—facing the harsh realities of policing, balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities, and staying grounded through life's toughest moments. Sean also reflects on the unexpected curveballs thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a life-altering decision that reshaped his family's future. Through it all, his faith and family remained his anchor, offering strength when the road got rough. If you're a man striving to grow in life, faith, and purpose, this episode is sure to resonate. It's a raw, real conversation about living with purpose, overcoming obstacles, staying true to your values, and ultimately, trusting God through it all. If you enjoyed today's episode I'd love for you to take a quick minute to leave a rating and review which will help other men find the show and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to hit that "FOLLOW" button on your podcast app and click HERE [https://andrewvankirk.com/] to pop your email address in so we can stay in touch and I can let you know when new episodes drop.

Taking Risks, Overcoming Fear & Building Resilience | Pete Morton

In today's episode I'm joined by my friend Pete Morton, and we are diving into an epic conversation about what it really takes to live a full and free life in Christ. Pete's journey is truly unique—he's gone from being a punk skater kid to serving as an officer in the military, to now working as a global security consultant helping rescue and keep people safe all around the world. In this episode you'll hear us talk about why taking risks is so important for building character, how to really listen to God, the importance of helping young men discover their purpose and God-given potential, and why faith and resilience are so essential in navigating times of challenge and adversity. You'll also hear Pete share some powerful insights from his new book Killing the Christian Persona. So, if you're ready for a conversation that is sure to challenge you and maybe even inspire you to step it up and take some risks in your own life, you're in the right place. Links & Resources: * Connect with Pete Morton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-l-morton-cpp-08239614] * Book: Killing the Christian Persona [https://amzn.to/3CsmEgI] * Seacoast Church [https://www.seacoast.org/] If you enjoyed today's episode I'd love for you to take a quick minute to leave a rating and review which will help other men find the show and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to hit that "FOLLOW" button on your podcast app and click HERE [https://andrewvankirk.com/] to pop your email address in so we can stay in touch and I can let you know when new episodes drop.

(Part 2) The Journey Begins: Andrew Van Kirk's Story of Breakthrough & Redemption

In this second episode of The Journey of Man Podcast, I'm joined by my wife Kelsey Van Kirk, host of The Better Life Project Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-better-life-project/id1329836685], to share Part 2 of my story – a journey marked by highs, lows, pain, loss, addiction, and (eventually) recovery and redemption. You'll hear us vulnerably detail the breakdown of our life and marriage, how the Lord met us in it, pulled us out, carried us through, and completely transformed us from the inside out. We aren't leaving any stone unturned in the hopes that this honest and transparent conversation reminds you that you're not alone and that, through God's grace, healing and redemption are possible. Links & Resources: * Episode 1 (Part 1) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-begins-andrew-van-kirks-story/id1790686891?i=1000684110031] * Seacoast Church [https://www.seacoast.org/] * CSAT Directory [https://iitap.com/search/custom.asp?id=7180] * Pure Desire Ministries Recovery Groups [https://puredesire.org/] * Hope & Freedom Intensives [https://www.hopeandfreedom.com/] Scripture References: * "Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." Proverbs 24:16 * "Where there is no vision the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 If you enjoyed today's episode I'd love for you to take a quick minute to leave a rating and review which will help other men find the show and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to hit that "FOLLOW" button on your podcast app and click HERE [https://andrewvankirk.com/] to pop your email address in so we can stay in touch and I can let you know when new episodes drop.