The Forging of Men

On a campfire episode of Forging of Men, Josh and guests Seth and Taylor discuss their experiences from the recent ice storm and walk through practical advice on home generators — sizing, fuel options, transfer switches, maintenance, and the true return on investment when protecting food, heat, and family safety. They stress mindset, capability, and planning: map essential circuits, make setup sim...

Host Josh Vegors digs into his recent struggle with imposter syndrome, the support that received from his Men's group, and how this time has helped him realize the importance of building healthy communities in a "it takes a village" mentality. The episode expands further to share about how to BUILD healthy community, in particular when a religious component may be absent.   This framework can empo...

Host Josh Vegors relaunches a revised episode recounting recent months of loss, job change, and struggle while exploring how faith, prayer, and outdoor time aided his healing. He discusses difficult topics like death, suicide, and mental health, and why honest conversations with sons and friends matter. Through stories of funerals, an elk hunt, and the power of a supportive men’s group, Josh offer...

This episode of The Forging of Men features functional nutritionist Rachel McWright discussing practical strategies for improving men's testosterone and overall hormone health through diet, strength training, sleep, and reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Rachel explains the toxic-bucket concept, the importance of weightlifting and circadian rhythm habits, and gives actionable tip...

In this episode of The Forging of Men, host Josh talks with Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor Rachel McWright about testosterone and why a holistic approach — not just pills or quick fixes — matters. They cover how diet (protein, healthy fats, micronutrients), organic and grass‑fed choices, and reducing chemical exposure support hormone health. They also discuss lifestyle factors like m...

This is The Forging of Men, a podcast to help fathers of sons raise their sons into the next great generation of men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventure. In this episode Josh Vegors reflects on Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, explains the origin of ashes from last year’s Palm Sunday palms, and outlines the season’s purpose of fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-reflection. He chal...

This episode revisits the most popular Forging of Men conversation, stitched back together to reframe masculinity and violence. The hosts discuss how violence can be morally neutral, how good violence arises from love and control to defend the innocent, and why training and discipline matter for fathers and communities. Listeners hear practical ideas about self-mastery, martial training, firearms,...

Hey friends, thanks for joining a crossover episode with Tim Summers from the Raising Catholic Podcast where we dive into discipline — how to lead, correct, and shape our children from a biblical perspective. We discuss physical and verbal discipline, the difference between authoritative and authoritarian leadership, practical tools like posture, proximity, volume and the ask–tell–make approach, a...

This is The Forging of Men, a podcast to help fathers of sons raise their sons into the next great generation of men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventure. In this episode the host provides an end-of-month update on upcoming shows (budget camping and hunting, Priest-Prophet-King, violence & masculinity, scripture and discipline), shares progress on his 75 Hard challenge and progressive...

In this episode Andy Smith shares his decision on December 1, 2020 to change his life — going from 356 lb to a fit, disciplined lifestyle through daily exercise, a simple clean diet, running, weighted rucks, journaling, and steady goals. He explains practical, sustainable steps for beginners (start walking, cut sugary drinks, use small progressive weights or a vest) and the mental and family benef...

Josh Vegors and Taylor Thurston discuss practical rifle and caliber choices for new and young hunters — from the versatile .308 and modern 6mm ARC to youth-friendly options like the .300 Blackout and 5.56. They compare AR platforms and bolt guns, recommend budget-friendly rifles (Ruger American, Savage Axis, Palmetto State Armory), highlight affordable optics like Vortex Triumph, and share trainin...

This episode breaks down why New Year's resolutions often fail and how to make change stick—focusing on the "why" instead of the flashy how. Josh Vegors and guest Sean Harding from Exodus Counseling and Mentorship discuss habit-building tactics (30-day rule, two-minute starts, micro-wins), setting short-term goals (try a Valentine’s Day resolution), and using start/stop/continue reviews. They also...

This crossover episode examines Matthew 1–3, focusing on Jesus’ genealogy, Joseph’s quiet faith and protection, the flight to Egypt, and the themes of adoption and refuge. Hosts reflect on fatherhood, personal brokenness, Advent preparation, and how God redeems ordinary, flawed lives—calling listeners to act and believe.

Josh shares his 15–16 day carnivore experiment while driving home from a Colorado elk hunt, reporting rapid weight loss, improved focus, better sleep, and stronger gym performance. He and Dr. Taylor Thurston unpack what “carnivore” can mean, practical meat cuts, cooking and rendering tallow, and ways to keep variety without carbs. The episode also covers a sensible plan for short-term carnivore us...

Chad Stillman and Josh share how 1613 (Bibles & Bows) grew from a backyard idea into a large archery-based Bible study that fosters authentic, shoulder-to-shoulder community for men to read Scripture, pray, and serve together. They explain the simple weekly format, the power of shared vulnerability and prayer, practical tips for starting and scaling similar groups, and the vision to turn outdo...

On this first-ever mobile episode of Forging of Men, host and guest Taylor Thurston road-trip home from an October elk hunt, and discuss faith, fitness and outdoor adventure. Taylor shares how he used military tuition assistance to earn multiple degrees, embraced Catholic faith and family life, and reshaped his health with carnivore eating and fasting. The conversation also covers real-world prepa...

This episode follows a heartfelt conversation between two friends about the first year of fatherhood—covering surprised moments, hard nights, the radical joy of delighting in a child, and how loss and faith shaped the journey. They reflect on lessons learned, the importance of presence, the connections between spiritual fatherhood and priestly vocation, and how becoming a parent reshapes prioritie...

Host and guest Tim Forbes trace his journey from school administrator to executive director of a vocational program for justice-involved youth, exploring how faith, mentorship, and hands-on training restore purpose and reduce recidivism. This episode covers parenting and boundary-setting in the age of social media, the value of vocational education and community, and how physical challenges like u...

In this episode, we dive into the realm of holistic health with Dr. Michael Lehman, a licensed naturopathic doctor from Washington State. Dr. Lehman shares his insights on supporting the body's natural healing processes through integrative medicine, emphasizing foundational health practices like proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Join us as we explore the importance of consistency in health g...

This episode delves into the unexpected selection of a new Pope, highlighting the surprise and discussions it has sparked within the Catholic community and beyond. As commentators dissect the implications of electing a younger American pope, questions arise about the church's direction amidst global polarization. With insights into the historical context and challenges the Church faces, this episo...

In this episode of The Forging of Men, delve into insightful discussions on personal growth, fatherhood, and the pursuit of excellence. Our host sits down with AJ, known as the Coffee Viking, who shares his journey towards becoming a better father and how he integrates outdoor adventures and fitness into everyday life. Listeners will explore the importance of overcoming the fear of failure in fitn...

In this episode, we are joined by Jimmy Mitchell.  Jimmy is the Assistant Principal for Missions at Jesuit (an all boys school in Tampa Flordia), is the chief curator of Love Good ministry, and is also the author of Let Beauty Speak.  He has also spent time touring as a Catholic musician and speaker, as well as spearheading an all boys ministry call Fraternus.  Jimmy and I delve deep into the dyna...

In this episode of The Forging of Men, join us as we discuss the pivotal role faith plays in fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love, even when it isn't easy. We explore how understanding who our enemies are can be a powerful tool for personal growth, challenging us to be better fathers and men.  All of this discussion is anchored in Ephesians Chapter 4 We also reflect...

The Forging of Men podcast takes fathers on an inspiring journey of self-transformation, resilience, and brotherhood with Collin Cottrell!!!  Join us as we delve into the stories of they dying ego, the power of discipline, restoring broken relationships, and finding victory in our failures Collin went being overweight and struggling with purpose to losing 100 pounds and running ultra marathons.  H...

Welcome to The Forging of Men podcast, the show dedicated to guiding fathers in raising the next generation of great men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventures. This episode delves into the redemptive power of archery as a therapeutic tool for veterans, featuring narratives of resilience and personal growth. Discover how our guest's path through trauma in Afghanistan led to the creation of...