And Sons Magazine

This is it. The final AndSons podcast. In this profoundly heartfelt conversation, Sam and Blaine look back at how this podcast came to be, what this journey has meant to each of them, and how their understanding of success has shifted over the years. This episode, originally a livestream, includes past AndSons podcast guests speaking a blessing over your life. Come, raise a glass, and celebrate the hard but timely end to this amazing chapter.

How do you know when it's time to end a good thing? As the AndSons podcast nears its final episode, Sam and Blaine reveal how they knew this was the right moment to bring the series to a close. They also share how beautiful and hard it's been knowing this decision may disappoint others, facing the risk of what's next, grappling with the difference between leaving and arriving, and processing their own grief as this chapter comes to a close. Show Note: The poem excerpted at the end of this podcast is "The Journey" by David Whyte.

Blaine Eldredge introduces an episode of his new venture, The Mount Vigil Podcast.

The AndSons podcast is drawing to a close but AndSons is NOT ending. In this conversation, Sam and Blaine share what's next for each of them. Sam reveals plans for the future print volumes of the magazine as well as a 2022 live AndSons event that will become a long-term video resource for young men. And Blaine introduces his new focus, named Mount Vigil. Completely distinct from AndSons, Mount Vigil is a platform to help men and women interpret the movements of the story of God and discover how to enter into a deep and alert experience of Jesus in this significant time. For more on Mount Vigil—including podcasts, articles, and videos—visit www.mountvigil.org.

The Wild at Heart men's team recently gathered for a new mission—to share insights gleaned from the ups and downs of their twenties. To start the conversation, Sam and Blaine invited the guys over forty (John, Bart, Allen, Morgan, Alex, JD, Justin, and Barry) into the podcast studio one at a time and asked them this question: "Looking back, what do you now wish you could tell the you of your twenties"? The advice is timely and timeless. Because every man feels both overwhelmed and underqualified during this demanding season. So imagine being around a fire-pit with these men as you take in these personal, powerful stories of those who have traveled the miles, earned the scars, and, along the way, discovered what matters most.

In this listener-requested topic, Sam and Blaine enter the deep waters of how to know the will of God. Most arrive at this question through the problem of pain, the desire to make choices that please God, or seeking his seal of approval on an outcome we want. But what if something more is at play that requires us to ask additional questions? Like how do free will and the issue of evil factor into the equation? Does God have a single vision for our lives (so we better not blow it)—or is he inviting us to co-determine the future with him? Finally...if the Creator really does care enough to engage with us in both the daily and the major decisions, how do we enter into that with him?

This episode features a big announcement about what's ahead for AndSons. You'll want to find some space to be fully present for this recent live stream where Sam and Blaine share what this new season looks like for them and the future of this podcast series.

After more than 230 AndSons podcasts—that's around 14,000 minutes—on practically every topic imaginable, how could anyone distill it all down to a few main points? That was the herculean challenge given to Sam and Blaine. They accepted, and the results may surprise you. They each created a list of "3 Do's and 3 Don'ts" they felt was essential for guys in their 20s and 30s. So lean in, listen well, and do this...but not that. Show Note: Language Warning.

We live at a crazy moment in human history. The veil of modernity has fallen away and the re-spiritualization of the world is occurring. Once again, people are being drawn to the spiritual side of things. But having one's spiritual senses opened up without allegiance to Jesus and the covering of Christianity is disastrous. The good news is we can learn how to operate in this age really well. Jesus has everything we need. But we must ask him to teach us how to respond to these sorcerers, magicians, and spiritual anarchists as they reemerge from the shadows with these ancient strategies. Show Note: This is an AndSons MetaDragon Episode. Our team calls these sorts of episodes "MetaDragon" due to their meta-focus, their intensity, and because we misunderstood something our sound engineer said one day. Esoteric? A little. But now that you know, welcome to the MetaDragon.

John Eldredge joins Sam and Blaine for this episode of the recent AndSons live stream. It's no secret that humanity is hard-pressed and beat up. But if we're going to recover from the current global trauma and understand the spiritual forces in our world, we need to first realize an essential truth. As Christians, we actually live in two worlds—the natural and the spiritual. And just as amphibians can transition easily from water to land, we need to discover how to tap into the strengths of God and his kingdom right here in the natural world around us.

What do you do in seasons where the things that once brought great joy no longer seem possible? The desire is still there, but the time or perhaps the money isn't. Through the doorway of sailing and yeah, even squirrels, Sam and Blaine offer a message of serious hope. Don't ever stop pursuing what brings you joy. Even when the epic seems out of reach, there are small things you can do to turn your daydreams of the past into fuel for the future reality you desire. Show Notes: Find the four-part Wild at Heart Envy podcast series here: https://wildatheart.org/podcast/envy-part-1

Certain songs have the ability to move you like nothing else, bringing you right back to key moments in life. Sometimes you choose the songs; sometimes they choose you. Either way, music's a potent mix of melody, memory, and emotion. Maybe that's why ancient epics often weren't poems or stories...but songs. In this conversation about music, Sam and Blaine share songs from the soundtracks of their lives while inviting you to remember the songs from various seasons of your own life. Show Notes: Check out the Spotify playlist with all the music featured in this podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4e4LITa7cYpxweFQx5QeuF?si=efbaa7cccf19471b

In this recent AndSons livestream, Sam and Blaine explore the high cost of ignoring our hearts. Yes, the heart is messy and complicated, but it's also the epicenter of our emotions, desires, motives, and experiences. When we become untethered from it and mask our feelings, we open the door to shame, despair, and anger. For those willing and brave enough, there is a way back to wholeheartedness. Here are some simple practices for becoming a student of the heart.

Our souls grow weary from the relentless pace of life filled with non-stop demands for more of us than we have to give. In these times it's hard to remember our treasured times with Jesus...much less how to be captivated by him. Stasi Eldredge joins Sam and Blaine with a much-needed reminder that God is in our longings. She tenderly shows how grief can intermingle with intimacy. Ways to let our hearts surface in God's care. And how important it is for us to remember who we are, who God is, and the truer story that he's telling through the messiness and beauty of our lives. Show Notes Listen to the first episode of Stasi Eldredge's new Captivated podcast series here: https://wildatheart.org/rhplay/podcast/captivated/encountering-jesus

If you struggle with anxiety, you're not alone. More than 40 million adults struggle with anxiety. It's the most common mental illness in America. But we don't really talk about it, probably because it creates a sense of shame or makes us feel like a failure. Luke Eldredge joins Sam for a conversation to address what's really going on and offer some practical things that help when anxiety hits.

In this foundational episode, Sam and Blaine are joined by trauma therapist and bestselling author Dan Allender for this candid conversation about depression and suicide. As an entry into this weighty topic, Sam shares his personal story of wrestling with depression during high school and college—and how that tied to his deep desire to be an advocate for the underdog. Just as in Sam's story, God seeks to restore what's been broken or stolen in all our lives. That hard but hopeful process begins with discovering how to name, understand, and seek help for the shame, anger, despair, depression, or even agreements with death that come against us.

A listener recently wrote in asking for a conversation on breaks-up. He was going through a difficult season after the end of a relationship and thought this topic was one most guys could benefit from. We agree. Some of you have been broken up with. Others are in an unhealthy relationship that you need to end. But even if you're single and not currently dating or you're in a marriage you're fully committed to—there's greater healing available from understanding how past relationships have wounded and shaped you. So wherever you are in your story, here it is...the break-up podcast. Show Note: The poem Blaine referenced is "Horses at Midnight Without a Moon" by Jack Gilbert. You can search and read it in full online.

We tend to measure success by what we get from God. We think our resiliency would improve if we only had what we most wanted. But the only thing that can ever truly satisfy the soul is being with God. In the second half of this series, Sam and Blaine discuss the value and the limitations of discipline and hard work, the power of partnering with Jesus in the things that overwhelm us, and an imaginative prayer exercise to experience Jesus in the moments we feel most alone and on our own.

When life requires more of us, we tend to buckle down, work hard, and get things done. But discipline alone can never create the mature, transformed man that God is after. Nor can the other extreme—a life of no discipline and resignation. Whether we shut down our hearts or numb it, we miss the very moments where we could experience more of God. What if the invitation is to enter the hard times with him...to be fathered in essential lessons and strategies we could never make happen in our own strength? In the first half of this series, Sam and Blaine reveal how the gospel forever alters the story of hard work and resilience.

What are the boundaries of your life and kingdom...and how do you protect them in a world that puts no limits on its right to overrule your time, words, and decisions? In this "back to basics" conversation, Sam and Blaine remind us that we have been given a self by God and, because of that, have the fundamental right for our will to be done in our domain and kingdom. Discover the importance and limitations of boundaries, how enforcing boundaries is an act of self-care, and ways to offer healthy respect for the boundaries of others.

We long to share meaningful experiences with others. It's in those times that we feel most seen and heard. Yet what about when there's no one to witness our victories, struggles, and eternal moments with? In the third AndSons livestream conversation, Sam and Blaine share why these longings matter even when they can't be fully met, the importance of being known—and of knowing others, and why being a witness is one of the greatest dignities we can ever offer or receive.

God gives you a choice. Do you want to spend your days in Story 1 or Story 2? Unfortunately, most choose Story 1—small stories of low risk, high control and quick answers where comfort is valued more than what God's up to. You wouldn't watch a Story 1 movie but often end up living it. AndSons podcast producer Allen Arnold joins Sam and Blaine to share his desire to stay in Story 2—a costly place of wonder, mystery, risk, adventure, and intimacy...with no guarantees other than God. Choosing that path gave him his voice back in more ways than one. And he's using it to invite others into a life of Story 2. Show Note: Allen Arnold's new book, Waves of Creativity, is available on Amazon.com

No sane person enjoys conflict. When things go wrong, we quickly try to make up and move on. While that may work for minor disagreements, it isn't nearly as helpful for long-term conflicts in marriages and close relationships. Resolving these issues requires us to slow down and see what's really going on. Sam and Blaine share stories (both the good and the bad) of ways they've dealt with long-term conflict, how to name the pain in healthy ways, and the steps of forgiveness most needed in these moments.

What is Jesus inviting you to experience more—or less of—in this season? Whatever it is, you'll never fully achieve it being 99% in. Why? Because even just 1% uncertainty leaves the door cracked to opt out when the going gets tough. You aren't called to do everything, but when something really matters, it helps to embrace the "no eject" option. To paraphrase author Annie Grace, "99% in is brutal but 100% in is a breeze". If you'd like to start feeling the wind at your back in an area you'd like breakthrough in, draw a line in the sand and be all in.

In this second AndSons livestream, Sam Jolman joins Sam and Blaine to discuss how even though life seems to be getting back to normal, we're not doing as well as we think we are. We do something replenishing and it takes forever to recover. Or we binge on what we've been longing for—and overdo it. It's like there's a hole in our buckets. But what if the outward signs of being drained, reactive, or easily irritated are telling us something essential...and the solutions are more simple than we imagine? Show Notes: Find out more about Sam Jolman and his individual & Marriage Counseling at http://www.samjolman.com. For information on future AndSons livestreams and access to custom content and gear, go to https://www.patreon.com/andsons

Your heart needs a different gear for summer—one that creates space for sabbath, play, and risk. What does that look like? Sam and Blaine offer ways to feed your soul this summer with a mix of experiences that: 1) are kind and refreshing, 2) lead to adventure, newness, and make for really good future stories, and 3) develop your capacity to dream and anticipate. Listen and see what stirs your heart. Then make time for that kind of summer.

A hyper-vigilant, high-alert life may sound wise, but all it ultimately brings is higher anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. A life of meaning, on the other hand, places a higher value on loving well rather than simply knowing more. The goal isn't endless information but true wisdom...the kind that only comes from a relationship with God. Sam and Blaine describe ways to add wonder and awe to our days, the role evidence and language play in our decisions, and how "the collapse of testimony" shapes how we see our story...and reality. Show Note: For more information regarding the sugar and fat research referenced in the podcast: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/13/493739074/50-years-ago-sugar-industry-quietly-paid-scientists-to-point-blame-at-fat

In their second AndSons livestream, Sam and Blaine look at how today's culture encourages people to see themselves as permanent victims. Yet how does that view align with the teachings of Jesus? By his own definition, he came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captive free (Isaiah 61). And we're no longer captive once we (along with our hearts) are set free. Here's a counterintuitive look at how we can name real pain and trauma for the sake of healing without claiming those wounds as our primary identity.

Divisive topics tend to divide relationships—but they don't have to. In this series conclusion, Sam and Blaine reveal ways to lead with our hearts in an issues-infatuated culture. We may still be attacked, but we won't be destroyed. Because when we pursue forgiveness over being right, we engage Jesus in the very places we feel most opposed and isolated. And there is no safer place to be than that.

In such polarizing times, safety comes from being fully in with one side or the other on any given topic. Having your own opinion—rather than falling in line with the loudest voice—can create a sense of fear and isolation. In the first half of this two-part conversation, Sam and Blaine swap stories of feeling stuck in the middle. Show Note: The snippet featured is called "Think About It" by Flight of the Conchords

Our culture is obsessed with convenience. Fast and easy sounds great but rarely leads to growth. That's why many have taken the opposite approach, pursuing hard and inconvenient things. But choosing a life based on either extreme is likely to cause damage. The goal isn't to make life convenient or inconvenient based on a set of "auto-pilot" assumptions. It's to ask God what's needed and allow him, as Father, to initiate us as sons through each situation.

In AndSons first livestream, Sam and Blaine talk about the struggle of feeling only adequate at life while others appear to be crushing every goal in sight. It's a time where the verdict starts to come in—or so it seems— on whether you're a success or barely passing. Most feel like they don't measure up. So why try harder if your best still misses the mark? Here's an honest conversation about facing these feelings without losing hope, beating yourself up, or downgrading your future. Show Notes: For information on future AndSons live streams and access to custom content and gear, go to https://www.patreon.com/andsons.

All movies and stories aren't created equal. They tell us about the nature of reality, form how we see the world, and shape our souls in both good and bad ways. Most people embrace one of two extremes when it comes to story. They either passively consume any and all content, oblivious of how it's affecting their worldview. Or they withdraw from any stories other than those with overt Christian messages. Sam and Blaine suggest a better way—the practice of engaging story by both being aware of what we're taking in while also understanding how God speaks to us through the language of story.

No one likes to think they have blind spots. But, well, no one is immune. We've all had that moment where we thought we nailed it only to realize we somehow misread the person or situation in front of us...yet again. In this MetaDragon podcast (see show notes), Sam and Blaine offer tools to identity and resolve our blind spots when it comes to us, our families, and the world at large. It isn't about trying harder—but seeing life more accurately. Show Note: Our team has began calling these sorts of episodes "MetaDragon" due to their meta-focus, their intensity, and because we misunderstood something our sound engineer said one day. Esoteric? A little. But now you know about it, so welcome to the MetaDragon.

We miss so much in the world around us due to overfamiliarity—from the sound of a nightly train and the smell of our homes to the sky around the stars. In this AndSons MetaDragon episode (see show notes), Sam and Blaine dive into the concept of negative space. In art, this is the space between figures in a composition. Artists regularly use negative space to enhance their paintings, photographs, songs, and architecture. Yet our lives also have negative space within them—such as the distance we put around the things and people around us. Whether in art or life, the absence of something can be as or more important than the presence of something...once we understand the value of negative space. Show Note: AndSons MetaDragon Episode Our team has begun calling these sorts of episodes "MetaDragon" due to their meta-focus, their intensity, and because we misunderstood something our sound engineer said one day. Esoteric? A little. But now you know about it, so welcome to the MetaDragon.

James Arnold Taylor is the man of more than 200 voices—including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Johnny Test, The Flash, and Fred Flintstone. He's also a man who has discovered his own true voice...and enjoys helping others know and like who they are. In this far-ranging conversation, the highly acclaimed voice actor discusses pursuing what you love even when it makes no sense to those around you, the journey of finding his true father, and the power of speaking honestly—whether in the creative process or to those you love. Show Note: Find out more at JamesArnoldTaylor.com or listen to his podcast, Talking to Myself, at: https://jatactor.libsyn.com

We want a life of ease and comfort. We need the pain and discomfort of running toward the very things that make us feel incompetent or uncomfortable. Sam and Blaine address this topic through the lens of fatherhood, sharing how they're being shaped in this season of low sleep and high demand. Pressing into what feels like too much is messy. But the greater danger is succeeding at a life of ease where you never risk offering beyond your comfort zone. Change starts by inviting God into these areas of your soul that need tending—and a willingness to stop hiding and start saying "yes" to the impossible.

If we were to walk in your home, what would we conclude matters to you based on what's on your walls or in your garage? In other words, where do you spend your money and time? If that feels a bit personal, well, it's meant to. We call it the strategy of stuff. Because, as it turns out, your stuff tells a really revealing story about who you are and what you value. This is your invitation to get curious about what you choose to populate your world with—and why.

Regardless of where you grew up, it likely didn't feel like home in some ways. And that's normal. No earthly home can completely satisfy our soul's longing to belong—or compare to the eternal home God is preparing for us. Whether you felt misunderstood by those closest to you, lacked unconditional love, or had a restless rather than restful home life, this longing to belong causes us all, a times, to feel like exiles. In this MetaDragon episode, Sam and Blaine rethink what our search for home means...and why it matters so much. Show Notes: This is an AndSons MetaDragon episode. If you don't know what that means, Sam defines it in the first few minutes.

For most, the topic of tattoos sparks an immediate reaction. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, tattoos provide an incredible entry point to the way we see the world and our bodies. It turns out the things we do with—and to—our bodies have more power than we tend to realize. And with tattoos, it's never just about ink on skin. In this conversation, Sam and Blaine talk about the spiritual dimension of tattoos (both good and bad)—as well as some practical and cultural considerations. Show Notes: This podcast reference the Wild at Heart Spiritual Warfare podcast series (https://wildatheart.org/rhplay/series/podcast/spiritual-warfare) and The Bible Project's Spiritual Beings video series (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/intro-spiritual-beings/).

We tend to go bad directions when we're isolated. That's because we're meant to live in community rather than as castaways on our own private islands. God designed us to be relational in all areas of life...including in the things that bring us joy. Sam and Blaine offer some ways to find the communal / relational space for the craft you long to pursue with people who will protect and celebrate your passions—as well as how you can be that person for others. Because what brings you joy was never meant just for you...but for this world we're creating together.

In the January 26th podcast, Sam and Blaine invited everyone to join them for a radical experiment in joy. If you missed it, go back and listen before jumping into this one. The challenge? Commit to some daily practice for the month of February. Not out of duty—but to awaken your senses and heart. How'd those 28 days go? Sam and Blaine share their results and discuss with others how their time went pushing themselves physically, playing instruments, waking two hours earlier, taking night walks and more. What they accomplished was awesome. What they discovered about themselves and God...even more incredible.

Why is our culture so intent on wiping some words out of existence while bending the meaning of others beyond recognition? Language control is a strategy of power that tries to change the shape of reality without changing the human heart. It's an attempt to reshape the world...through words. In this MetaDragon episode (see show notes), we explore the eternal power of words, what's lost when certain words are outlawed, and what it means to "sever the word bridge". Show Notes: AndSons MetaDragon Episode Our team has begun calling these sorts of episodes “MetaDragon” due to their meta-focus, their intensity, and because we misunderstood something our sound engineer said one day. Esoteric? A little. But now you know about it, so welcome to the MetaDragon.

Our 200th podcast is one of our most uniquely profound episodes yet. It's a fusion of story and song; loss and lament. Sarah Bianchi is an incredibly creative poet, photographer, songwriter, and singer who has experienced tremendous loss. As part of her grieving process, she has created beautifully personal songs that wrestle with unanswerable questions in ways words alone can't. In her brave conversation with Sam, and Blaine she isn't afraid to linger with lament...or shy away from the unexpected intimacy she's found with God in the midst of suffering. Show Notes: Listen to Sarah's album of songs at andsonsmagazine.com/sarahbianchi. You can also find Sarah's collection of visual art, modern psalms and poetry, and contemplative prayer liturgies at https://www.artbysarahkay.com/

We all need adventure. Something that puts us into a setting that both inspires and tests us. But in the past year, when travel has been so restricted, going and doing almost anything active has been a challenge. As winter gives way to spring, Luke Eldredge and Luke Tilden join Sam and Blaine to talk about their recent adventure biking the Copper Triangle—a loop that ascends and descends three passes in the high country of the Rockies. The joy of entering into adventure together is an essential part of the masculine journey. Their story is an invitation for you to find your new adventure...and say yes to it.

Almost all men in their twenties and thirties long for a sage or two to help with the hard questions and new seasons of life. But where are these older men who have learned the secret to true courage, strength, vulnerability, and purpose? Morgan Snyder spent two decades on this quest and discovered the treasures of wholehearted masculinity from the lives of more than seventy-five sages who have gone before us. He has found the most important thing. And in this conversation with Sam and Blaine...he shares it with you. Message andsons-podcast

One of the best parts of parenting is being a friend to our kids. Yet we can sometimes get so focused on correcting them about everything, we miss the chance to connect with them about anything. Amy Dale joins Sam and Blaine to share what it looks like to be a safe place for our kids, to be fully present when they're ready to talk, and to speak life by saying "Here's what I see in you that's true" when they lose sight of who they really are.

Does the pursuit of your dreams feel like the "forever project"—one you can't quit thinking about but never quite happens? Wild at Heart team member Allen Arnold understands how we get stuck in these areas...and the ways to break free. He's spent more than two decades working with people in the area of story, dreams, and creativity. Along the way, he's discovered the exponential power of concentrated periods of creativity over what most of us do...which is spend micro moments as time permits and wonder why we never get to the finish line. Your passion project may be closer to reality than you imagine...once you know how to approach it. SHOW NOTE: Check out www.withallen.com for ways to pursue your creativity with God.

Have you gotten into a rut with your close friends? Do you tend to just watch sports together, go to the same hang-outs, or re-tell the same high school or college stories? If you want your friendships to last, you'll have to master some more difficult relational skills. Such as refusing to talk about people not in the room as well as practicing vulnerability, unselfishness, and reconciliation. It isn't hard, but it does take intention.

What one practice stirs your heart...yet you're not currently doing it? Maybe you've never believed you had time or the courage to try it. Now, imagine joining a group of like-minded people all committed to doing their "one thing" during the same window of time. That's the February Experiment for the AndSons community. Here's how it works: 1) Choose a practice that you want to try for the month of February (hey, that's only 28 days!). 2) Pick a buddy to do it with you. 3) Make it real by emailing SamandBlaine@wildatheart.org to commit to your one thing. Do so by February 1st. We'll regroup in a March podcast to see how it went. This isn't a performance-driven, self-betterment resolution. It's an invitation into 28 days of self-discovery, life, and joy. Are you in? SESSION NOTE: Email SamandBlaine@wildatheart.org to name your February Experiment commitment.

The stunning images of two-time, award-winning Northern Ireland photographer Steven Hanna has captured the imagination and praise of countless people...including Sam and Blaine. Fascinated by his unique take on nature photography, they reached out to discuss his passion, vision, and process. Steven reveals how he learned to see what most of us miss, why being outdoors makes him come alive, and the essential way light shapes everything. SHOW NOTES: To view Steven Hanna's photographs, visit https://nebofineart.co.uk/