Weight of Manhood

Special Christmas Episode! | Ep 13

In this episode, Adam Smith and Ethan Ross dive into their favorite Christmas memories, traditions, and what makes the holiday special for their families. [Ethan Ross] shares how his family's Christmases center around creating "magic" and why his wife goes all out decorating—despite being nine months pregnant. [Adam Smith] explains how his family shifted to celebrating together the weekend before Christmas to ease the holiday rush, complete with gingerbread contests and big breakfasts. Together, they reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing hope, family, and the importance of giving—whether it's thoughtful gift-giving, service projects, or simply tipping well. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Christmas Feels Magical (& How Our Wives Keep It That Way) 04:10 – Family Holiday Decorating: Stress, Schedules & Traditions 07:01 – When Is It Okay to Start Christmas Music? 09:01 – Christmas Traditions: Who We Visit (and How Many Christmases We Have) 12:46 – How to Simplify the Holiday for Your Kids 17:02 – The Push-Pull of Kids’ Activities vs. Family Time 20:23 – Do We Even Remember Our Childhood Christmases? 23:07 – Why We Make Christmas Special for Our Kids 26:15 – Favorite Local Holiday Events (Lights, Parades & More) 29:30 – When Holiday Plans Get Derailed (By Kids, Work, or Coyotes…) 32:35 – What Does Christmas Mean to You? (Faith, Family & Hope) 37:33 – Favorite Christmas Movies: The Ultimate Showdown 44:42 – Outlandish Family Traditions & Must-Have Holiday Treats 52:46 – Dirty Santa, Gift Giving, and Tipping: Rants & Reflections 57:08 – Wrapping Up: Christmas Cookies, The Real Reason & A Hopeful Prayer

How To Deal With Stress as a Man | Ep 12

In this episode, Ethan Ross and Adam dig into the theme of stress and the weight of manhood. They discuss how stress manifests differently for men, from financial and work pressures to the challenge of leading their families with both strength and vulnerability. The conversation shifts from everyday etiquette—like airplane manners—to deeper reflections on faith, purpose, and sharing burdens with God and one another. Timestamps: 00:00 Airplane Etiquette Frustration 14:05 "Men's Podcast with Christian Hosts" 21:30 "Weight Bearer Tier Details" 24:26 "Don't Let Them See Worry" 33:27 "Family Leadership Structure Explained" 34:49 "Balancing Protection and Vulnerability" 43:53 Stress Relief Through Prayer & Creativity 46:41 "Seeking Guidance Through Prayer" 54:37 "Hidden Truths Revealed to Babes" 59:53 "Faith Over Worry" 01:02:15 "Family Eases My Stress" 01:08:09 Prayer for Fellowship and Support

Recliners Make Men Lazy Boys! | How Men Should Help Around the House - Ep 11

In this episode, Ethan Ross and Adam Smith dive into the topic of sharing household responsibilities and how men can better support their families. Ethan emphasizes the importance of men being proactive at home, rejecting the stereotypical idea of relaxing in a recliner right after work. Adam Smith shares stories about teamwork with his wife, illustrating how dividing chores and staying involved benefits the entire family. Timestamps: 00:00 "Leadership Reflection and Consequences" 04:18 "Respectful Parenting Through Disputes" 07:48 "Messy Parent, Surprise Inspections" 13:50 "Sharing Family Responsibilities Pregnant" 15:52 "Pregnancy Struggles and Parenthood" 19:08 "Smacking Fly Stealthily" 26:28 Cyclone Rake Sponsorship Pitch 28:36 "Men's Work Isn't Over" 31:55 "Home Isn't Always Comfortable" 37:41 "Love for Seasons and Hygge" 41:35 "Sunday Morning Family Delays" 42:02 "Misjudging Readiness and Responsibilities" 47:44 "Use the Bluetooth Speaker!" 49:03 "Maximizing Time Effectively" 52:41 Elite Conspiracies and Collapse 57:17 "Podcast Seeking Sponsors"

Money Is Important!!...But It's Not Worth Your Marriage | Ep 10

In this episode, Ethan Ross and Adam Smith dive into the impact of personal finances on marriage, highlighting that 36.7% of divorces are caused by money issues. They share practical advice from their own experiences—including the importance of budgeting together and communicating financial goals as a couple. They also discuss the value of generosity and tithing, emphasizing how being a good steward leads to blessings. Timestamps: 00:00 Money Disputes and Divorce 06:19 "Financial Peace for Families" 07:41 Struggling With Outdated Payments 12:43 Shared Finances Explanation 16:25 "Rewards for Generous Giving" 17:58 "Struggles and Future Determination" 22:08 Living for Now, Not Later 26:06 Utility Billing Error Revealed 27:22 "Utility Refund Covers Braces" 31:50 "Finding Purpose in Struggles" 34:21 "Honest Tithing, No Exceptions" 40:14 "Separate Checking Accounts Debate" 43:11 Fixers vs. Time Seekers 45:09 "Collaborative Problem Solving" 47:23 "Syncing Calendars for Coordination"

Why You NEED a Morning Routine | Ep 9

In this episode, Adam Smith and Ethan Ross dive into the importance of morning routines and how planning the night before can set the tone for a successful day. They talk about challenges with consistency, but say their personal mission statements and creeds help them stay focused and motivated. They also discuss C. S. Lewis’s "Abolition of Man," unpacking the dangers of abandoning moral objectivism and the need for a strong guiding principle in society. Timestamps: 00:00 "Prepping Habits and Flaws" 10:14 "Finding Faith and Moving Forward" 11:53 "Push-Up Challenge and Batman" 18:05 "Splinter Cell's Sneaky Protagonist" 23:45 "Sleepy Eyes and Positivity" 30:16 "Morning Routine and Adjustments" 36:21 "Morning Mobility and Yoga" 43:05 "Multi-Purpose Notebook Use" 48:42 "Men Without Chests Overview" 51:24 "Rejecting Truth: A Slippery Slope" 55:04 "Embrace Open-Minded Moral Dialogue" 01:00:28 "Limitations of Men"