Intentional Guy

Since May I've had three surgeries and complications I never told you about. The episodes you've been watching were recorded weeks, sometimes months, before you saw them. This week I'm telling you what was actually happening behind the screen, and where I found solid ground.Timestamps (estimated, confirm against final cut):0:00 Why I'm asking for your prayers today0:55 What you didn't know about the last three months1:50 Randy Gladden's episode and the wilderness season3:00 1 Samuel 30:6, David strengthens himself in the Lord3:20 My identity was never in what I could carry4:00 Genesis 3:15, the enemy will not win4:20 Don't build your identity on your hardest season4:55 Praying for me and Amber5:05 Celebrate Recovery and where to find help5:35 Sign offLinks:More Than a Picture: Restored & Free: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Picture-Restored-Free/dp/B0CCCMZHD3Exposed: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Secret-Divorce-Journey-Restoration/dp/B09PHJS848Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men: [still need you to confirm the right link, see below]Celebrate Recovery locator: https://crlocator.com/https://www.joinpodmatch.com/intentionalguyHashtags:#ChristianMen #MensMinistry #CelebrateRecovery #IntentionalGuy #IronSharpensIron #Prayer #FaithAndMentalHealth #TestimonyEp. 142

If your identity is still wrapped around the worst moment of your life, you're carrying something you were never meant to carry.J. Randall Gladden built a life most men would call a win. Then he watched nearly everything visible get stripped away, and had to find out who he was underneath it. This conversation is about what's left of a man's identity when the business, the reputation, and the evidence of success are all gone, and where Randy found solid ground instead.J. Randall Gladden is a strategic advisor, author, and thought leader who works with leaders navigating consequential decisions, emerging opportunities, and complex challenges. Beyond his advisory work is a deeply personal passion, helping people discover who God created them to be. That passion is expressed through God Powered and Young Warriors.CHAPTERS0:00 The Hook: Are You Still Defined By Your Worst Moment1:55 Expectation: What You Tell Yourself Becomes What You Believe4:50 Losing Everything: Working Two Jobs Just to Survive6:31 Gideon in the Wine Press: Called Before You Feel Ready9:01 The Lowest Point: I Didn't See How We'd Survive10:06 Why God Leads You Into the Wilderness17:26 The Darkest Moment Is When He Gets Glorified22:04 Elijah and Elisha: Don't Quit Before the Promise23:38 63 Years Old and More Excited Than Ever30:43 Delegated Presence: What It Means to Carry God's Image44:17 Two Truths After the Pain53:49 Free Resources and the Final Charge: Strengthen Yourself in the LordRandy's book, Delegated Presence, and more of his teaching: https://www.god-powered.com/Videos--EbooksHis YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jrandallgladdenComment INHERITANCE below and let us know what stood out to you.Grab a copy of my book, Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men: https://a.co/d/07RxCWAcThis episode touches a real season of loss and crisis. If it hits you, find a Celebrate Recovery group near you at crlocator.com. In Pensacola, we meet Tuesdays 6 to 8 PM at Momentum Church.Search The Intentional Guy Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.#TheIntentionalGuy #MensMinistry #CelebrateRecovery #ChristianMen #FaithBasedPodcastAnd until next time, just keep being intentional.Ep. 141

Matthew Jenkins had a full ride Army scholarship and his whole future mapped out until a rare cancer diagnosis in college took it away. He carried anger at God over that loss for years without fully knowing it. In March of 2025, that anger collided with chronic pain, job loss, and a marriage he could not save, and he reached the lowest point of his life in his driveway. What he told his mother that day became the title of his book, Beat Up By God: From Pain to Redemption. This one goes to some dark places. A future that never got to happen. Twenty three years of unprocessed anger at God. A divorce he never wanted. And a church culture that too often says just trust God, when what a man actually needs might be counseling, medication, or both. We also talk about how he got from feeling abandoned by God to trusting Him again, an unexpected kind of healing that came out of the hardest season of his life, and what he wants a man standing in that same driveway to hear. If this hits close to home, you do not have to sit with it alone. Celebrate Recovery has groups all over the country, find one at crlocator.com. In crisis right now, call or text 988. CHAPTERS 0:00 The cold open, in his own words 1:15 Welcome, fair warning, and who Matthew Jenkins is 3:09 His story: the book's raw title, and twenty years of anger at God 9:50 Grieving a future that never got to happen 11:50 Twenty three years later, and a divorce he never wanted 13:37 When "just trust God" is not enough 19:20 Depression, anxiety, and why medication is not a lack of faith 24:39 An unexpected kind of healing 28:13 What he wants a struggling man to hear 29:42 Where to find Matthew and the book Drop DRIVEWAY in the comments to let us know you were here today. If you are standing right where Matthew was, wondering if there is anything left, my book More Than a Picture: Restored & Free was written for exactly that. It is about what restoration actually looks like once the falling apart is over. Matthew Jenkins Book: Beat Up By God: From Pain to Redemption, search it on Amazon or find the link on his site Website: https://www.beatupbygod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdjenkins Celebrate Recovery: crlocator.com Crisis line: call or text 988 Search The Intentional Guy Podcast to find us wherever you listen. And until next time, just keep being intentional. Bonus

I used to think I was a good husband. I showed up, I paid the bills, I never cheated, I never yelled. By every measure I'd been handed, I was fine. My wife would tell you different. She would tell you she was lonely in a house with me in it.Two years ago a job loss knocked something loose in me, and going quiet turned into hours in the garage, a pipe in my hand and the TV loud enough that I didn't have to hear my own thoughts. I wasn't gone. I was just not there. This week I talk about what it actually took to walk back through that door, the friends who wouldn't let me sit in that garage in peace, and the childhood wound underneath all of it that I thought I had already dealt with.Adam heard God ask him one question in the garden. Not what did you do. Just where are you. He's still asking that question. Not to condemn you. To find you.Scripture: Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Peter 3:7.This is a companion piece to my conversation with Mark Osborne of The Valiant Forge, Ep. 139, which airs the day before this one.Drop the word GARAGE in the comments so I know you were here today.If this one hit close to home, your own hiding or somebody else's, you do not have to sit with that alone. Celebrate Recovery has groups all over the country. Find one near you at crlocator.com. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988.If you want a practical next step for actually walking this out, "Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men" is built for exactly that.Let's get coffee. Let me be your brother. Let me walk beside you. And until next time, keep being intentional.#ChristianMen #Marriage #Faith #EmotionalHealth #RecoverySubscribe: http://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: http://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterWant to be a guest: http://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastEp. 140: I Was the Emotionally Unavailable Husband

Fixed and saved. Here's the redo, episode number and title as the last line like we settled on with Brett's:Mark Osborne hosts The Valiant Forge, a podcast for Christian men, and long before he built that platform he watched his own father go from alcoholism to a faith that broke the pattern in their family.We talk about what that turnaround taught him, and about a season years later that looked like total success from the outside while he was quietly drifting from God underneath it, and how close it came to costing him his marriage. Mark's take is that you almost never make it through a real battle without scars, and that those scars are proof you're still standing, not proof you failed.Drop the word SCARS in the comments so I know you were here today.If anything here stirred something in you, your own dad, your own kids watching you right now, you do not have to carry that by yourself. Celebrate Recovery has groups all over the country. Find one near you at crlocator.com. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988.If you want a practical next step for living this out day to day, "Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men" is built for exactly that.And until next time, keep being intentional.#ChristianMen #Faith #Fatherhood #Masculinity #RecoveryMark Osborne, The Valiant Forge: https://www.thevaliantforge.com/The Valiant Forge on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thevaliantforgeSubscribe: http://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: http://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterWant to be a guest: http://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastEp. 139: Scars Prove You're Still Standing

Twenty years ago I went quiet with God. Not angry, just quiet. I kept showing up to church, kept saying amen, kept letting everyone believe I was fine. I wasn't.Today I talk about the kind of doubt that never gets said out loud. The kind with good manners that just sits in a man for years while he keeps doing everything right on the outside. It ties straight back into yesterday's conversation with Paul Granger, who told me something that cracked this whole thing open for me. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/LJARB2WG94QI land on one verse I cannot put down, Mark 9:24, and three things you can actually do this week if you are running on fumes and letting people believe you are fine too.If it hits you, Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays 6 to 8 PM at Momentum Church in Pensacola. Elsewhere, find a group at celebraterecovery.com.This one is close to the heart of "Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men," available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/05nlVfxMDrop "still" in the comments so I know you were here.Search The Intentional Guy Podcast to find us wherever you listen.0:00 Twenty years I couldn't pray1:19 Doubt with good manners2:26 What Paul Granger said to me4:01 Mark 9 and the father's prayer5:18 The cost of coming back honest6:30 Three things to do this week8:19 The challenge, and how to find usEpisode 138

An idol is not just a statue. It is anything that has power over your life, anything calling the shots. Paul Granger heard that from his spiritual father the morning we recorded this, and he bristled at it. Then he sat with it.Joseph forgotten in that prison. The disciples demanding the storm stop while Jesus slept. The difference between a good Christian and a good Christ follower. And the toe nudge forward, because the step does not have to be big.Scripture: Matthew 8:26, Mark 9:24, Matthew 7:13 and 14, Proverbs 3:5 and 6.CHAPTERS00:00 Just Take the Toe Nudge Forward01:48 Five Listeners, a Book, and What Paul Said to Me06:51 What Everybody Else's God Story Does to You10:00 Eight Years, No Paycheck, and a Prison Like Joseph's14:50 God, I Don't Actually Have Confidence in You20:00 I Don't Have to Protect God From My Story22:12 God, That Was a Softball Moment25:33 He Napped Through the Storm. They Demanded It Stop.31:09 A Good Christian or a Good Christ Follower39:00 The Narrow Gate and the Idol He Wouldn't Call an Idol45:17 Trying to Be Perfect So God Is Proud of Me53:19 Something in the Froth, and Where to Find PaulWHERE TO FIND PAULEverything in one place: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.comPodcast: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.com/podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-did-you-see-god/id1438136557His books: https://amazon.com/author/paulgrangerHis newest is Something in the Froth, his first with Morgan James. He also mentioned Rejecting Hope No Longer.THE INTENTIONAL GUY PODCASTYouTube: https://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: https://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterBe a guest: https://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastMY BOOKSAre You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men: https://a.co/d/02cBh6uYExposed: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Secret-Divorce-Journey-Restoration/dp/B09PHJS848More Than A Picture: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Picture-Restored-Free/dp/B0CCCMZHD3All of them: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Chestnut/e/B09P9ND6MVIF THIS ONE HIT SOMETHINGFind a Celebrate Recovery group near you: https://crlocator.comIn crisis, call or text 988, any hour.If you are ready to stop white knuckling it, "Are You Ready?" is the plan. Link above.Drop the word STEP in the comments so I know you were here.Search The Intentional Guy Podcast to find us wherever you listen.Ep. 137

Being punished was easy for me. Accepting grace was almost impossible. I spent years believing grace was the opposite of being a man. Then Brett Knight said something on this show that changed how I see it.In this episode: why men either reject grace as weak or hide behind it as an excuse, what years of self punishment cost me before I got healed, and what changed it.My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Second Corinthians 12:9.Drop the word STRONG in the comments if you're going to say the real thing to one man this week. I read every one.If this hit close, "Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men" is on Amazon.Companion episode: Brett Knight, criminal defense attorney and pastor, on why punishment and grace were never the same thing. [add Ep. 135 link once it airs]If this is you right now, don't sit in it alone. Find a Celebrate Recovery group near you. In crisis, call or text 988.New episodes every week. Guest interviews Wednesday, solo Thursday. Search The Intentional Guy Podcast.Subscribe: http://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: http://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterWant to be a guest: http://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastLet's get coffee. Let me be your brother. Let me walk beside you. Until next time, keep being intentional.#ChristianMen #Grace #Masculinity #PornRecovery #CelebrateRecovery #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFamily #IntentionalLiving #MensMentalHealth #Accountability

Brett Knight spends his career standing in two rooms most of us never do, a courtroom and a church. He was a prosecutor before he became a defense attorney, and what he saw from both sides changed how he defines justice and grace.We talk about why punishment can change behavior but cannot heal the pain underneath it, why grace and accountability are not opposites, and why shame may be doing more damage in the recovery community than the addiction itself. Brett has walked hundreds of men and women out of active addiction and into recovery, and this conversation is a look at how he actually does it.Brett writes about all of this in his book, "From the Gavel to Grace: Setting People Free From Addiction and Into Healing." You can find the book and more of his writing at his website below.Drop the word GRACE in the comments so I know you were here today.If anything in this hit close to home for you or somebody you love, Celebrate Recovery has groups all over the country. Find one near you at crlocator.com. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988.And until next time, keep being intentional.#ChristianMen #Grace #Recovery #Addiction #CelebrateRecoveryBrett Knight's website: brettknight.comBook, "From the Gavel to Grace: Setting People Free From Addiction and Into Healing":Paperback: https://us.amazon.com/Gavel-Grace-Setting-Addiction-Healing/dp/1971949191Kindle: https://us.amazon.com/Gavel-Grace-Setting-Addiction-Healing-ebook/dp/B0GYB6JQ47Audiobook: https://us.amazon.com/Gavel-Grace-Setting-Addiction-Healing/dp/B0H3QRDHBQSubscribe: http://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: http://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterWant to be a guest: http://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastEp. 135: Grace Is Not Weak

I built my entire picture of my Heavenly Father out of my earthly one. If dad was disappointed, God must be disappointed. If dad was embarrassed of me, God must be embarrassed too. I carried that for years before I ever saw it for what it was.My dad's version of the talk lasted about thirty seconds. The birds go tweet tweet. The bees go buzz buzz. That was the whole conversation. What he never said is what shaped the next twenty years of my life.I grew up a preacher's kid, carrying my own shame plus the pressure of never embarrassing the family name. My dad teased me about my grades in front of church members. When I asked him why, he told me it was because he was embarrassed. He was not a villain. He was passing down exactly what got trained into him. Criticism builds character, that is what his parents believed, and that is what he handed me. I do not think he ever knew what he was passing down.In this episode I talk about the cost of a father's silence, how that silence left me wide open to what the world was more than happy to teach me instead, and the three things that helped me start breaking the cycle with my own kids.Proverbs 22:6 gets quoted as a promise. It is also a warning. Whatever gets trained into us tends to stick.In this episode:How a father's voice becomes the voice you hear from GodWhy uncomfortable is not a good enough reason to stay silentWhat your son is actually asking when he comes to youName it, choose presence over perfection, have one real conversationThe question to ask yourself this week, not somedayDrop the word PRESENT in the comments if you are choosing to show up for your kid before you have it all figured out. I read them.If this hit something in you, "Are You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men" is the next step. It is the plan I wish somebody had handed me at thirteen, and again at thirty. Available on Amazon.Companion episode: I had Chris Rogers on the show this week talking about teenage boys and pornography recovery. He is the one who said you do not have to be healed to help. Watch that one next.[Chris Rogers episode link]If you are carrying shame from your own father's silence, do not carry it alone. Find a Celebrate Recovery group near you and take one step this week. If you are in crisis, please reach out to a pastor, a counselor, or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 in the US.New episodes every week. Guest interviews Wednesday, solo episodes Thursday. Search The Intentional Guy Podcast wherever you listen.Subscribe: youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterWant to be a guest: cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastLet's get coffee. Let me be your brother. Let me walk beside you. Until next time, keep being intentional.#ChristianMen #FatherWound #Fatherhood #Masculinity #CelebrateRecovery #ChristianPodcast #PreachersKid #FaithAndFamily #IntentionalLiving #MensMentalHealthChapters00:00 The Impact of Parental Silence02:01 The Cycle of Imperfect Training06:37 Breaking the Cycle Through Open Communication

If your son was struggling with pornography, would he tell you? Would he even know he could?Most of us grew up in homes where nobody talked about this — so we learned to hide it. Now our kids carry more temptation in their pocket than we ever had access to. In this episode, Michael Chestnut sits down with Chris Rogers, former teacher and founder of Rebooted Teen, who coaches teens and high-performing men through compulsive sexual behavior — and who's walked his own road of recovery.You'll learn:The two questions every kid is really asking: "Am I safe?" and "Can I trust you?"Why leading with shame guarantees they stay stuck ("If you lead with shame, they stay the same")The 3 categories of red flags to watch for — technological, social, and behavioralHow to have the conversation even if you're still fighting this battle yourselfWhy it's not you vs. your child — it's you and your child vs. the problem

For hours at a time, I sat alone in my garage smoking a pipe. No secrets. No shame. Nothing I'd have to hide if you walked in. And that "harmless little hobby" was quietly eating my life.This episode isn't about my struggles — it's about yours. Maybe your garage is a bottle, a game, a phone, the gym, the boat, or the deer stand. Hobbies are good. But there's a difference between a hobby that restores you to your people and an escape that removes you from them.In this episode:The escape I never wrote about in either of my booksThe "false positive" — how the enemy comes through the door you never thought to check1 Corinthians 6:12 — permissible things that master youGenesis 3:9 — the first question God ever asked a man: "Where are you?"Four practical steps to name what's underneath and take your hours backTHIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE: Name your garage. One sentence: "My escape is ___, and it helps me avoid ___." Then drop the word GARAGE in the comments — and when you see it from another brother, pray for him. He just turned on a light.RESOURCES:

What are you planting in the dark?In this episode, Michael sits down with Matthew Wingo — founder of Turn Right Ministry and author of Turn Right: The Pursuit of Noble Things — a man whose story runs so close to Michael's own that he calls him his twin in journey. Matthew was winning in public and losing in private, quietly tending what he calls a "hidden orchard" of buried emotions, isolation, and secret struggle. For nine years he watered those seeds in silence — until the harvest came, costing him two marriages and sending him into a prodigal season that ended with nothing left but Jesus and the ashes.Matthew and Michael go deep on the fear of failure, the lie that you're the exception to God's grace, the moment of confession across the table from a mentor who just kept smiling and saying "you're forgiven," and why the trials that follow us out of the far country are the very crucible God uses to refine us.If you've ever felt too far gone — if shame has become your identity — this conversation is for you. You're never out of His reach.IN THIS EPISODE:The hidden orchard: why bad things grow in the darkThe prodigal son isn't a salvation story — it's a squandered-inheritance storyOwning 100% of your 5%Step 4 inventory: connecting the dots of your own wiringThe power of confession with a trusted brotherWhy testimony gives hope that theology alone can'tGrab Matthew's book Turn Right: The Pursuit of Noble Things — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Google Play.Until next time — keep being intentional.Let's get coffee. Let me be your brother. Let me walk beside you.#TheIntentionalGuy #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #FaithBasedPodcast #Testimony #CelebrateRecovery #Redemption #ProdigalSon #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalManhood #Brotherhood #Accountability #GraceOfGod #HopeAndHealing #TurnRight #MatthewWingo #MenOfFaith #RecoveryJourney #ChristianLiving #FreedomInChrist

What if the thing that takes a man down isn't his sin — it's his pride in hiding it?In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Timothy Allen — 43 years walking with Christ, 20+ years of pastoral ministry, and a longtime prison chaplain — for a conversation that hit close to home for both of us. Timothy shares how God called a man who'd never been arrested to a ministry behind bars, and tells an unforgettable story of an inmate who turned down the plea deal he'd prayed for because God said "tell them no" — and what happened next.We dig into his book Before the Fall and why pride, not sin, is what ultimately brings a man down. Timothy breaks down the "slow drift" — how a heading that's off by just one degree looks fine at first but leaves you miles off course — and why every man needs brothers who will carry his mat, tell him the truth even when he gets mad, and never leave him halfway there.I also open up about my own fall, the 15 years I ran from God, and the man who sat with me at a Wendy's and changed my life by refusing to judge me.If you've ever felt yourself coasting, isolating, or hiding a struggle because of what people might say — this one's for you.

Most Christian men don't lose the battle in the moment they fall.They lose it five minutes later.The enemy whispers, "You did it again. This is who you are. You might as well keep going." One bad decision becomes a whole night. One night becomes an identity. Before long, shame feels more permanent than hope.In this honest episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut speaks directly to Christian men who are tired of fighting the same battle with pornography, lust, and masturbation. This isn't about piling on guilt or pretending sexual desire doesn't exist.One of the most important conversations in this episode is for the single, divorced, and unmarried Christian man. What do you do with a sex drive that God intentionally created when marriage isn't your current reality? Scripture doesn't offer easy shortcuts, but it does offer wisdom, hope, and practical disciplines that help you honor God without pretending the struggle isn't real.You'll discover:Why your God-given sex drive isn't something to be ashamed of.Practical, biblical ways to steward sexual desire when you're unmarried.The hidden trap that keeps men stuck long after they've fallen.What recovery psychology reveals about the "one-more-time" spiral.A simple five-minute strategy to stop shame before it gains momentum.How one honest phone call can change the direction of your entire night.Biblical hope for men who are weary of starting over.If you've ever promised God, "Never again," only to find yourself back in the same place, this episode is for you.You are not defined by your worst night.You are not disqualified by your struggle.You are not fighting alone.The righteous man isn't the one who never falls—he's the one who keeps getting back up.It's time to break the spiral, understand the purpose behind the sex drive God gave you, and discover that restoration is always one honest step away.Scripture: Proverbs 24:16 • Psalm 51 • Matthew 5 • 1 Corinthians 7☕ Need a brother to walk beside you? Reach out. Sometimes the next step toward freedom begins with one honest conversation.

What happens when you've spent years believing your failures define you?In this powerful conversation on The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut sits down with Eli Brackenbury, author of Finding God at 50, to discuss how God meets us in our brokenness—not after we've cleaned up our lives, but right in the middle of the mess.After two divorces, years of chasing success, and believing he had disqualified himself from God's purpose, Eli reached the end of himself. In complete surrender, he invited God to take control—and everything changed. What followed was a journey of healing, restoration, and discovering that God was after his heart, not his performance.Michael and Eli also share their own experiences with divorce, shame, rebuilding their identities, and the importance of surrounding yourself with godly men who will challenge, encourage, and carry you when life gets hard. Their conversation is filled with practical wisdom and hope for anyone wondering if God can still use their story.In this episode, you'll learn:Why surrender is the beginning of restoration.How failure and divorce don't have to define your identity.The difference between religion and a personal relationship with Jesus.Why every man needs strong, godly friendships.How God uses our deepest wounds to prepare us for our greatest purpose.What it means to trust God even when you can't see the next step.If you've ever felt like you've gone too far, failed too much, or wondered if God could still use you, this episode is for you.

Competency Cancels Fear: From Pulpit to Bureau — An FBI Agent's Guide to Fearless LivingWhat happens when you take a small-town Baptist pastor who's never held a gun and hand him a badge for the FBI? You get 24 years of stories that sound made up — teenage prostitutes, gang members, terrorists, SWAT raids — and a man who never lost sight of the fact that he was still, first and foremost, a shepherd.In this episode, Michael sits down with Eric Robinson — former pastor, 24-year FBI veteran, and SWAT operator — for a conversation that goes far beyond cop stories. Eric unpacks the concept that changed how he thinks about fear entirely: competency cancels fear. Not the absence of danger — the presence of preparation.They talk about:* Why Eric's headaches disappeared the day he left ministry for the FBI — and what his body was trying to tell him* The danger of carrying everyone else's burdens without anyone to carry yours* What "the flinch test" taught Eric about welcoming people the church often turns away* Why judgment on your face costs you influence later* The SWAT practice of "after action reviews" — and how it's a model every man could use in marriage, parenting, and recovery* Owning your mistakes before anyone calls you out on them, and why that's a mark of strength, not weakness* Redefining masculinity through the person of Jesus — kindness, availability, and truth spoken in love, not condemnationWhether you've never met an FBI agent or you've never sat with your own failures long enough to learn from them, this episode will challenge you to stop running from fear and start preparing for it.Eric's book, releasing this October, tells the full story — find out more at http://preachertobreacher.com.#IntentionalGuyPodcast#CompetencyCancelsFear#FromPulpitToBreacher#FBIAgent#SWATTeam#ChristianMasculinity#FaithAndCourage#MenOfFaith#BiblicalManhood#AfterActionReview#OwnYourMistakes#FearlessLiving#PastorToAgent#IronSharpensIron#ChristianMenPodcast

The conversation delves into the deceptive nature of privacy, the tragic consequences of exposure, the impact of isolation, the truth about incognito mode, the collateral damage of sin, the weight of shame, the choice to walk in the light, and the hope for restoration. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support and refusing to believe the lies of isolation and shame.TakeawaysIsolation is a liarRestoration happens across a table with someone who refuses to quit on youChapters00:00 The Promise of Privacy02:32 The Tragedy of Exposure03:31 The Impact of Isolation08:03 The Truth About Incognito Mode09:31 The Collateral Damage of Sin11:40 The Weight of Shame14:33 The Choice to Walk in the Light16:05 The Hope for Restoration

What if your biggest battle isn't just temptation... it's a system that's learning your weaknesses?Every day, the algorithm studies what you watch, what you click, when you're most vulnerable, and what keeps you scrolling. But this isn't a new strategy. Long before smartphones and social media, the enemy was already using personalized temptation in the Garden of Eden.In this episode, Mike Chestnut explores the surprising connection between today's algorithms and Genesis 3, revealing how Satan has always studied our weaknesses—and how we can fight back.You'll discover:Why the algorithm knows your weakest momentsThe connection between Genesis 3 and today's digital worldHow small compromises become life-altering decisionsWhy awareness is one of your greatest spiritual weaponsOne practical challenge to help you break the pattern this weekIf you're tired of feeling trapped in the same cycle, this episode is for you.Episode chapters00:01 — The Algorithm Is Studying YouHow platforms learn your habits and build tomorrow's bait.01:39 — The Oldest Algorithm: The Serpent's StrategyConnecting personalized temptation to Genesis 3.03:53 — The “Just One Tap” LieWhy small choices still shape who—and what—has influence over you.06:04 — Awareness, Accountability, and ResistanceThe host's personal story and the call to recognize vulnerable patterns.07:44 — This Week's Challenge: Disrupt the PatternPractical steps for changing the habit, followed by a closing invitation.

The conversation delves into the hidden struggles of individuals in the church, particularly the fear of divorce and the isolation experienced in a failing marriage. It emphasizes the importance of safe and supportive relationships, the role of the church, and the path to restoration and reconciliation. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to seek support and not walk through their struggles alone.TakeawaysFear of divorce in the churchThe importance of safe and supportive relationshipsChapters00:00 — Hidden pain in struggling marriages02:13 — Understanding hurts, hang-ups, and habits10:48 — Finding a safe person to talk to14:40 — How to support someone in a hurting marriage17:26 — When is a marriage worth fighting for?19:56 — Safety, abuse, and unfaithfulness21:01 — Four practical steps toward reconciliation23:13 — Hope and restoration through Hosea24:27 — A personal story of isolation and rebuilding26:44 — This week's challenge: one honest conversation

The conversation delves into the rarely discussed topic of masturbation in the context of Christianity, exploring its implications on marriage and relationships. It emphasizes the impact of self-gratification on individuals and the importance of surrendering this primal aspect to God, leading to transformation and growth.TakeawaysMasturbation and its implications in the context of ChristianityThe impact of self-gratification on marriage and relationshipsChapters00:00 The Start of the Conversation03:42 The Bible and Masturbation07:50 The Sin of Self-Gratification11:41 The Impact on Marriage13:41 Chronic Use and Its Effects16:26 God's Design for Intimacy17:20 The Transformation and Challenge

The conversation delves into the complexities of forgiveness, trust, and restoration in relationships. It emphasizes the need for patience, consistency, and intentional pursuit in rebuilding trust and healing from betrayal. The focus is on understanding the process of forgiveness, actively pursuing restoration, and allowing time for healing and rebuilding trust.TakeawaysForgiveness is a decision to release the debt, made new, sometimes daily, while the healing catches up to the decision.Rebuilding trust takes time and consistency, and it's not about big gestures but about ten thousand small, faithful days.Chapters00:00 Understanding Forgiveness01:24 Rebuilding Trust03:55 Actively Pursuing Restoration06:16 Healing and Patience08:03 Love, Patience, and Rebuilding09:24 The Journey of Healing

The Power of Standing Firm: Lessons on Strength and ConvictionIn this episode, we explore what true strength looks like for men today—how to stand firm in your convictions while leading with humility. We examine how society often mislabels resilience and what it really means to be courageous in the face of opposition.Key topics:The societal fear of strong men and how control is the real motive behind suppressionThe story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo as an example of unwavering faith and courageThe difference between passive complacency and active backbone in leadershipWhy true strength isn't about dominance, but about refusal to compromise on what mattersPractical steps to stand in your convictions even when it's uncomfortableThe importance of aligning actions with personal faith and family leadershipHow societal messages promote weakness through labels like “toxic masculinity”The call to embrace vulnerability and honesty without sacrificing integrityTimestamps:00:00 - Why society fears strong men, not confusion about masculinity 00:40 - The impact of societal labels: rigid, controlling, toxic1:09 - The trap: balancing strength and approachability1:37 - The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo:2:06 - Faithfulness vs. safety: what's the real purpose of strength2:36 - The nature of godly strength: refusing to be moved from truth3:04 - The misperception: strength is about dominance, not backbone 3:32 - Leadership for your family: being immovable yet gentle4:02 - Personal failure: when folding under pressure becomes a habit 4:32 - The challenge: stand in one area you've been shrinking back5:01 - A prayer for backbone, humility, and true strength5:34 - Moving forward: finding community and walking in intentionalityResources & Links:Daniel 3 - The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo

Your Son's Phone Is Not His Friend — It's Not About Trust, It's About Protection When I was a kid, seeing pornography took real effort — you had to go looking for it. Today, your son doesn't have to look for anything. It's already in his pocket.In this episode, I talk directly to parents about the generation being raised on smartphones — and why "I trust my kid" is the wrong starting point. This isn't about whether your son is trustworthy. It's about knowing what he's up against.In this episode:✅ Why "trust" is the wrong lens for parenting in the smartphone era✅ Warning signs something may be going on✅ Tools like Covenant Eyes and the unannounced phone check✅ What to do — and what not to do — if you catch your son✅ Why parents have to be just as informed as we're asking our kids to be honestThis is a call to every parent listening: protection isn't paranoia. It's love with its eyes open.If this episode challenged you, share it with another parent who needs to hear it.

Where's the Line? — The Test No One Ever Handed YouThis episode is for the man who's tried to stop and didn't know who to call.We're talking honestly about pornography — how it grows, why willpower alone usually isn't enough, and a real, research-based way to know if it's become more than a habit for you. I also share something I've never said this directly before: why I went to a 12-step room instead of a Christian counselor, and what I've found in Celebrate Recovery on the other side of it.⚠️ This episode deals with sensitive subject matter. Handled with care, not graphic — but direct, because this conversation matters.Take the assessment (free, confidential, ~10 minutes):Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) — Pure Desire Ministrieshttps://puredesire.org/courses/sexual-addiction-screening-test/Find a Celebrate Recovery group near you:https://celebraterecovery.com/find-help-2/Our group meets Tuesdays at 6 PM — but CR has thousands of locations worldwide, so if ours isn't a fit, use the link above to find one near you. This was never about getting you into our church. It's about you finding peace.If something in this episode hit close to home — you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.Let's get coffee. Let me be your friend. Let me walk beside you.#TheIntentionalGuy #PornographyRecovery #CelebrateRecovery #ChristianMen #MensMinistry

In this deeply personal episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Mike Chestnut shares a conversation that changed his understanding of recovery forever.Many men believe recovery ends when the pornography stops. But what if your wife is still carrying wounds you've never taken the time to understand?This episode explores the hidden impact pornography has on marriage, why wives often experience it as rejection instead of "just a mistake," and how true healing begins when we stop defending ourselves and start listening.Whether you're fighting pornography, rebuilding trust after betrayal, or simply want a stronger Christ-centered marriage, this conversation is one every husband needs to hear.

Do you actually want to be free?Not the church answer. Not the answer you'd give your pastor. The real answer.In this powerful episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut challenges men to confront one of the most important questions they'll ever answer: Do you want freedom more than comfort?Freedom from pornography. Freedom from lust. Freedom from secrecy. Freedom from shame.Drawing from his own story of addiction, recovery, and restoration, Michael shares practical strategies, biblical truth, and hard-earned wisdom for men who are tired of living a double life and are ready to become intentional about their recovery journey.In this episode you'll discover:✅ Why willpower alone is not enough✅ The prayer that helped Michael find freedom✅ How to make a covenant with your eyes✅ Practical tools to fight temptation before it starts✅ Why accountability is essential for lasting freedom✅ The hidden pain that pornography is often masking✅ How the Holy Spirit meets us in our weakest momentsKey Scripture:

75% of Christian men report viewing pornography. 82% say no one is helping them.This isn't just a pornography problem—it's a silence problem.In this episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut tackles one of the most difficult and important conversations facing the church today. Drawing from research by Barna and Pure Desire Ministries, Michael explores the reality of pornography's impact on Christian men, women, pastors, and the next generation.But this episode goes beyond statistics.Together, we examine what Scripture teaches about lust, sexual sin, and purity through the words of Jesus, Paul, Job, and one of the most overlooked chapters in the Bible—Proverbs 7.Over 3,000 years ago, Solomon described a young man slowly walking toward destruction, making small compromises that eventually led to devastating consequences. His warning is just as relevant today as it was then.If you're struggling in silence, carrying shame, or wondering if freedom is possible, this message is for you.You are not alone.Freedom begins when secrecy ends.If this episode encouraged you, share it with another man, leave a comment, and subscribe to The Intentional Guy Podcast.0:00 Three Out of Four Men in Your Church1:10 Welcome to The Intentional Guy Podcast2:16 The Numbers the Church Needs to Hear3:58 You Are Not Alone4:31 What God's Word Says6:51 Proverbs 7: Solomon's Warning9:32 Your Phone Is the Street Near Her Corner10:34 The 82% Had No One Speaking Up12:19 Michael's Personal Story13:23 One Step You Can Take Today14:27 Closing#IntentionalGuy #ChristianMen #PornographyRecovery #FreedomFromPorn #MensMinistry #ChristianPodcast #Proverbs7 #BiblicalManhood #Purity #FaithAndFreedom #Discipleship #ChristianLeadership #PornAddictionRecovery #shorts #spiritualgrowth #spirituality  #Obedience #forgiveness #godlyhusband #mensministry #christianmen #transformation #faithjourney #christianmarriage #healingfromtrauma #overcomingtrauma #forgiveness #marriageadvice

The word headship has been misunderstood, misused, and in many cases weaponized. Some men have treated it like a position of authority, while others have become so afraid of getting it wrong that they've completely stepped back from leading altogether.In this episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut takes a fresh look at Ephesians 5 and challenges husbands to rethink biblical leadership through the lens of sacrifice, vulnerability, and presence.We'll explore why Christ's model of headship was never about control—it was about laying Himself down for others. If you're a husband seeking to lead your marriage God's way, this conversation is for you.

He was abused, trafficked, and told no one would believe him — then God rewrote his story.In this powerful episode, Mike Chestnut sits down with Pastor Mark Sowersby, author of Forgiving the Nightmare, to discuss a topic most men stay silent about: childhood abuse and the long road to forgiveness. Mark was abused from age 7 to 14 — physically, emotionally, sexually, and trafficked by his own stepfather. The lie that haunted him most: "It was your fault. And no one would believe you."Mark shares how he found Jesus at 15, how the Holy Spirit led him to face his abuser decades later, and why forgiveness doesn't mean approval — it means freedom.What you'll hear in this episode:Why the enemy traps us in our story — and how it becomes God's storyThe moment Mark told his dying abuser "I forgive you because Christ forgave me"The Bob Ross analogy that changed Mark's entire perspective on healingWhy men cover up abuse, self-medicate, and suffer in silencePractical first steps if you're stuck in shame and don't know where to beginKey Quotes:"Forgiveness is not approval." — Pastor Mark Sowersby "Once I could acknowledge it, the enemy no longer had my ear." — Mike Chestnut "We go through a mess and God gives us a message. We go through a test and God gives us a testimony." — Pastor Mark Sowersby

Two years ago, Michael Chestnut sat down with Ebon Sharp for one of the most honest and impactful conversations on the Intentional Guy Podcast. In this powerful throwback episode, Ebon shares his journey from growing up in the streets, becoming a young father, facing the consequences of poor boundaries, and experiencing God's grace, redemption, and restoration in his marriage. This timeless conversation is a reminder that no one is beyond God's reach and that healing begins when we bring what's hidden into the light.TakeawaysImportance of setting boundariesThe impact of betrayal on a relationship VulnerabilityIntentionalityChapters00:00 The Betrayal and Its Impact on the Relationship30:01 Navigating Challenges in Marriage35:22 Reading and Applying Relationship Advice41:18 The Power of Reading and Learning46:19 Seeking Help and Confession51:46 Empowering Others Through Experience#IntentionalGuy #ThrowbackEpisode #MensMinistry #FaithOverFailure #MarriageRestoration #RedemptionStory #ChristianMen #GodsGrace #IronSharpensIron #RealMenRealPurpose #PodcastReplay

THE SECRET EXIT — Why Your Loopholes Are Keeping You StuckThe Intentional Guy Podcast----------------------------------------------------------------Samson was the strongest man who ever lived.And he wasn't taken down by an army. He wasn't taken down by a weapon.He was taken down by a door he refused to close.Sound familiar?In this episode, we go deep into one of the most overlooked parts of recovery — the loopholes. Those secret exits only you know about. The ones you built quietly, in the dark, when no one was watching.I share my own story from my book Exposed — including the morning two unmarked cars pulled up to my house and an FBI special agent and an Indianapolis vice squad detective showed up at my door. They didn't lead with my name. They led with my secret email account.They had my secret exit.This episode is about what it takes to actually close those doors — not just want to, not just pray about it, but build a real strategy that works even when you're paralyzed, even when you can't find the words, even when the shame has you silent.We break it down into three keys:

In this episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, we tackle a conversation most men avoid — the dangerous place between honesty and full surrender.A man reached out and admitted he was struggling with pornography. That took courage. But what happened next revealed something deeper that many men never realize:Sometimes “almost honest” is still hiding.This episode is not about shame. It's about truth.Because partial honesty can still keep a man trapped.Delayed accountability can still destroy marriages, families, integrity, and purpose.We unpack:• Why the text is not the victory• What excuses are really revealing• Why your world will not wait for your schedule• How secrecy survives through “almost” confession• Why real freedom requires immediate action and real accountabilityIf you are a man battling pornography, secrecy, lust, addiction, or isolation — this conversation is for you.And if you know a man silently struggling, send this episode to him.Freedom begins where excuses end.#TheIntentionalGuy #PornographyAddiction #MensMentalHealth #ChristianMen #Accountability #Freedom #FaithBased #Masculinity #MenOfGod #SelfDiscipline #PornRecovery #RealTalk #MensPodcast #Healing #Truth

This episode is not for the faint of heart. This is a raw, unfiltered, no-excuses conversation about the silent destruction that pornography is causing in the lives of men, marriages, and the next generation — and why most people are too afraid to say what needs to be said.Michael Chestnut, author of Exposed, speaks from personal experience. He lost everything — his reputation, his relationships, and at his lowest point, even his will to live — all because of a secret double life he could not find the courage to expose. Today he is standing on the other side of that devastation, restored by God and driven by one mission: to reach the man who is sitting in the dark right now, convinced that nobody else has ever been where he is.In this episode Michael breaks down:

The conversation delves into the mental health struggles of men, the experience of brokenness, and the journey of restoration and purpose. It emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and the potential for surviving and using one's experience to help others.TakeawaysMen's mental health strugglesRest and recovery in brokennessChapters00:00 The Weight of Brokenness06:02 God's Restoration and Purpose

A cracked pot carried water every day, ashamed that it leaked along the road. But the man carrying it smiled and said, “Look at your side of the path.”Flowers had bloomed everywhere the broken pot leaked.

What if the thing you keep avoiding is the very thing keeping you weak?In this episode of Intentional Guy, we dive into the powerful story of Benaiah — the warrior who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day and killed it. Most men have never heard of him, yet his story paints one of the strongest pictures of Biblical masculinity in all of Scripture.This episode is about:confronting passivityfacing fearovercoming hidden strugglesleading with couragebecoming dependable under pressurewhy strong men stop running from hard thingsEvery man has a lion:fear, addiction, anger, compromise, shame, isolation, lust, passivity.The question is:Will you keep running…or will you step into the pit and fight?

This episode offers honest, practical insights for men navigating difficult moments, emphasizing that God's presence is strongest in our weakness. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unseen, this is a powerful reminder that you're not alone and that there is purpose within your struggle.Key TopicsThe reality of feeling unseen and misunderstood in tough timesGod's promise that His strength is made perfect in weaknessBiblical examples of deep struggle leading to divine purpose (David, Job, Peter)The importance of honesty with God about your feelingsPractical challenge: writing one honest sentence to God this weekEncouragement that God's proximity is closest when we feel most inadequateHow managing appearances can hide our true struggles even from GodThe significance of tears and honesty as pathways to healingTimestamps00:00 - The common moment of sitting in your car, feeling unseen00:29 - Your struggle is not abandonment; it's an invitation to go deeper00:59 - God's strength is perfected in weakness; biblical examples01:34 - How struggles build depth, empathy, and a meaningful story02:10 - The episode overview: what God wants you to know in hard times02:35 - Struggling with feelings of loneliness and God's promise02:54 - The truth that God sees the hidden parts of you03:25 - Men managing appearances and hiding vulnerability03:31 - God is already in the mess; your tears are recorded04:01 - The importance of honesty with God for healing05:31 - Practical challenge: write one honest sentence to God06:32 - Encouragement to share your honest feelings to #FaithInTheMess #RealTalk #StayConnected #GodSeesYou #JourneyToHealing

The conversation explores the importance of godly brotherhood and the purpose of masculinity. It delves into the impact of isolation, the model of masculinity seen in Jesus and biblical figures, and the responsibility of cultivating intentional friendships. The speaker encourages taking action today to invest in and be sharpened by other men, emphasizing the need for accountability and growth in godly brotherhood.TakeawaysGodly brotherhoodMasculinity and purposeChapters00:00 The Need for Godly Brotherhood05:16 The Model of Masculinity

The conversation explores the theme of freedom in identity and the importance of receiving grace. It delves into the idea of the light revealing one's true self, the struggle of flawed men of faith, the process of losing and finding identity, choosing honesty over hiding, simple steps to freedom, and the concept of no condemnation in Christ.TakeawaysFreedom in identityReceiving graceChapters00:00 The Light Reveals You05:14 Simple Steps to Freedom

Episode 104 Dylan Arms Story

That's my word for 2026—and it's not just a theme, it's a decision.In this powerful New Year's Day episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, I open up about why offense has been quietly stealing my peace, damaging relationships, and fueling negative thinking—and how God has been calling me to something better.This episode was recorded hours after I found out I was being laid off, making the message painfully real and deeply personal. This isn't theory. This is faith tested in real time.

What happens when darkness meets redemption? In this powerful episode, Mark Cooley shares his raw and transformative testimony of overcoming addiction, crime, and a traumatic past through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.From childhood trauma and rebellion to experimenting with drugs and black magic, Mark's story takes you through the depths of despair to the heights of spiritual freedom. After hitting rock bottom and facing arrest, a divine intervention changed everything. Behind bars, Mark encountered Christ in a life-altering way that broke every chain.Now free and walking in purpose, Mark is committed to leading others to Christ and returning to jails to mentor those still searching for hope. His story proves that no past is too dark for God's light to penetrate, and that true transformation is possible for anyone who seeks it.Key Topics:Overcoming addiction and destructive behaviorFinding faith in the darkest placesThe power of redemption and second chancesPrison ministry and giving backAccountability and spiritual growthFamily reconciliation and forgivenessConnect with The Intentional Guy Podcast - helping men lead intentional, purposeful lives grounded in faith.Your past doesn't define your future. There is always hope.

BROTHERHOOD OF 5 | The Men Every Man Needs Before the BattleQuick question: How many real friends do you have? Not acquaintances. Not work buddies. Real brothers who would show up at 2 AM when you're falling apart?This past year, isolation nearly broke me. Depression hit hard, and instead of reaching out, I hid. I pushed away the very men God placed in my life to carry me through the fire.But five brothers refused to let me fall—Joe, Ebon, Dylan, Duane, and Pete. They pursued me when I was running. They held me up when I couldn't stand. They pulled me out of the darkness.Today, I'm introducing you to these men and giving you a blueprint to build your own Brotherhood of 5.

This milestone episode features my close friend Joe Mikalajunas sharing one of the most powerful redemption stories you'll ever hear.What would you do if you had to choose between your brother and your future? Joe made that choice—and it cost him four years in federal prison. But that prison cell became the place where everything changed.From Army officer to federal inmate to dishwasher to CEO... Joe's journey will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that God's plans are perfect even when we can't see them.This episode covers:

Every man leads someone — whether he realizes it or not.In this episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut reminds us that leadership isn't about power, position, or platform — it's about presence.Through powerful examples like Tim Tebow and Brian Pursell, we explore what it means to lead with humility, consistency, and faith — even when no one's watching.You don't need a microphone to make a difference.You just need a faithful walk with God.

The Battle No One Sees: Fighting Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety with FaithWe've created a world where "How are you?" has become the question nobody actually wants answered. But what happens when even the strongest among us hit a breaking point?In this episode, we dive into the hidden battles of loneliness, depression, and anxiety—struggles that even people of deep faith experience. Through the story of Elijah (who called down fire from heaven, then asked God to take his life just one chapter later), we discover a powerful three-step strategy for moving toward healing and freedom.You'll learn:✓ Why feeling lonely or anxious doesn't mean your faith is weak✓ What the U.S. Surgeon General says about the loneliness epidemic✓ How God met Elijah's needs—body, soul, and purpose✓ A simple framework: Rest, Reconnect, RefocusIf you've ever felt like you're carrying weight alone, this episode is for you. You're not forgotten. You're not disqualified. God's not done with you yet.Connect with The Intentional Guy:Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today.#Loneliness #MentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Depression #Anxiety #MensMinistry #BiblicalWisdom #Elijah #IntentionalLiving #ChristianMen #SpiritualGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness

Welcome back to Intentional Guy. It's been over a year since I've been here, and today I need to explain why I disappeared.Twenty years ago, FBI agents showed up at my door and exposed the secret life I'd been living as a youth pastor. What followed was a brutal 15-year journey to find restoration—battling suicidal thoughts, psychiatric hospitals, and shame that nearly destroyed me.Last year, I thought the major battles were behind me. Then life knocked me down from a completely different direction. And instead of using the tools I'd learned, I isolated. I pulled away from everyone. I went silent.But isolation was exactly what the enemy wanted.In this episode, I share the honest truth about:Why I disappeared for over a yearHow a relationship setback triggered old patterns of isolationThe critical difference between forgiveness and restorationWhy isolation nearly paralyzed me againHow the men in my small group refused to let me disappearWhy you're NOT defined by your past decisionsKEY SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenheartedRomans 8:28 - In ALL things God works for goodPsalm 37:4 - Take delight in the LordEphesians 6:12 - Our struggle against spiritual forces1 Peter 5:8 - The enemy prowls like a lionHebrews 10:24-25 - Not giving up meeting together2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Struck down but not destroyedRomans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ JesusIf you're struggling in silence right now—feeling alone, isolated, or convinced that your past has disqualified you from hope—this message is for you. You are not alone. And you are not destroyed.REACH OUT TO ME:

"The Invite That Changed Everything: Will's Journey from Addiction to Faith"Description: In this powerful episode of "Intentional Guy", host Michael Chestnut interviews Will Robbins, whose life took a dramatic turn thanks to a persistent friend's invitation to church. Will shares how his boss, Robert Kimball, repeatedly invited him to Momentum Church, planting a seed that would eventually lead to his transformation. The interview explores Will's 18-month journey from substance abuse to sobriety, highlighting the crucial role that friendship and community played in his recovery. Will discusses how this simple act of invitation, combined with Robert's patient display of Christian values, eventually led him to make a life-changing decision to follow Christ. The conversation underscores the power of genuine relationships, the importance of never giving up on others, and how a single invitation to church can be the catalyst for profound personal change. Will's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact we can have on others' lives through simple acts of kindness and persistence. Michael and Will also discuss their involvement in a new community group at Momentum Church, designed to support those dealing with substance abuse, hurts, habits, and hangups. This group exemplifies the ongoing importance of community in maintaining and building on personal transformation. Will's journey from being invited to church to now actively participating in helping others showcases the ripple effect of compassion and the power of a supportive church community in fostering lasting change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-chestnut5/support

Join host Michael Chestnut and guests JP Roberts and Matthew Stout as they dive deep into their experiences with prison ministry. Discover how they're bringing hope, freedom, and the message of Christ to those behind bars. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of their work, the importance of fatherhood programs in prison, and how showing up can make a profound difference in inmates' lives. This eye-opening discussion reveals the power of faith to transform lives, break generational cycles, and offer true freedom even within prison walls. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-chestnut5/support