The Restorative Man Podcast

What if the most powerful thing you could offer someone wasn’t advice or solutions—but just your presence ? In this episode, Cody and Jesse catch up with their good friend Scott Sommer, an FBI chaplain who shares wild, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious stories from his years of showing up in the hardest moments. From a parking ticket that launched a career to sitting with people as they take thei...

When life takes a sudden, traumatic turn, how do you begin to rebuild? In this powerful episode, Josh Wright shares the moment everything changed—an accident that left him navigating life with a traumatic brain injury. With honesty and humility, Josh opens up about the grief, the anger, and ultimately, the slow, steady work of healing and discovering a new way to live. His story is one of mourning...

Stuck in traffic, Jesse French and Chris Bruno find themselves in an impromptu driving school deep in the mountains—complete with snark, humor, and life lessons. From the art of parallel parking to the non-negotiable skill of driving a manual, Chris lays out his four tenets of responsible driving (and maybe life itself). Along the way, they explore the unexpected connection between making decision...

Chris Bruno and Jesse French take the podcast on the road...literally! Stuck in Colorado traffic at a blistering 6 miles per hour, they pass the time debating Apple vs. Android, reminiscing about childhood road trips, and questioning Jesse’s choice of route. Between laughter, lighthearted jabs, and a plea for highway patrol intervention, they find meaning in the slow moments of life. Will Jesse ev...

Many men build their lives around performance—measuring their worth by what they achieve rather than who they are. In this episode, Jesse French and Cody Buriff sit down with Shae McCowen, the chairman of the board at Restoration Project, to unpack the hidden costs of striving. Shae shares his journey from being a skeptical participant at his first Restoration Project gathering to discovering the...

Are you living as an orphan or as an adopted son? In this episode, Jesse and Cody sit down with Greg Ehlert to explore the journey of sonship—what it means to truly embrace our identity as beloved sons of God. Greg shares his own awakening to this reality, the struggles men face in shifting from self-reliance to interdependence, and why play, community, and surrender are crucial in this transforma...

What can the special needs community teach us about authenticity, dignity, and connection? In this episode, Jesse and Cody sit down with Paul Hathcoat, who shares his journey from bounty hunter to special needs pastor and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way. Paul opens up about how his childhood friendship, personal struggles, and unexpected call to ministry shaped his heart for those with...

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Chris Bruno and Jesse French dive into what it means to intentionally invest in marriage rather than settle for survival. They introduce Thrive Marriage Lab , an online year-long marriage cohort designed to help couples move beyond status quo and grow in awareness, curiosity, and kindness toward one another. Chris shares the story behind Thrive’s cr...

Jesse shares the unforgettable story of his "lucky number seven" anniversary trip gone completely sideways—from a missing campsite to an unplanned visit with his mom and a cooler lost to the river. Chris and Jesse unpack the tension between planning and spontaneity in relationships and how missteps can become legendary family stories. They reflect on the deeper lessons hidden in relational mishaps...

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Cody Buriff and Jesse French dive into the world of DIY—not just the hands-on projects, but the deeper emotional and psychological layers that come with them. They get real about the pressure men feel to be self-reliant and competent, the unspoken struggle of asking for help, and why just knowing how to do something isn’t the same as actually growin...

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French sit down with Lantz Howard to explore the balance between wholeheartedness, ambition, and personal growth. Lantz shares his journey from pastoral ministry to coaching men in leadership, touching on the struggles of people-pleasing, burnout, and finding true purpose. The conversation dives into what it means to live...

In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French interview Michael Bowen, an architect who shares his transformative journey from a career in construction to pursuing his passion for architecture later in life. Michael discusses the importance of listening and collaboration in his work, the challenges he faced in returning to school at 40, and the personal growth...

In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, hosts Cody Buriff and Jesse French welcome Shae McCowen, who shares his journey from being a Division 1 swimmer to navigating the complexities of personal worth and success. Shae discusses the rigorous discipline of his college years, the motivations behind his performance addiction, and the transformative experiences that led him to reevaluate his v...

In this episode of The Restorative Man podcast, hosts Jesse French and Cody Buriff sit down with Jeremy Williamson, Restoration Project's Director of Experiences. Jeremy shares his journey of immersing himself in Latino culture and the Spanish language. Jeremy shares how his passion led him to El Salvador, where he encountered both profound challenges and deep personal growth. Through stories of l...

In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, Jesse French and Cody Buriff engage in a deep conversation with Paul Hathcoat, a pastor and former bounty hunter. Paul shares his unique journey from pursuing a career in baseball to becoming a bounty hunter, detailing the intricacies of the bail bond system and the challenges he faced in the field. Through personal stories, he reflects on the impact...

In this episode, we continue our heartfelt conversation with Justin Morgan, diving deeper into the tension between authenticity and approval in today’s social media-driven culture. Together, we explore how the quest for likes and validation often replaces genuine relationships and the importance of reclaiming deeper connections. Justin shares insights on the value of apprenticeship —embracing the...

 In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Jesse French, Cody Buriff, and Justin Morgan dive deep into the tension between authenticity and the need for approval. Justin shares vulnerable stories from his life, including childhood insecurities and a pivotal moment of rejection that shaped his journey. Together, they explore the barriers to self-worth and how daily practices, like looking yo...

In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, Jesse French and Cody Burriff engage in a heartfelt conversation with Michael Bowen, who shares his experiences following Hurricane Helene. Michael discusses the emotional and physical devastation caused by the hurricane, the sense of violation he felt, and the overwhelming support from his community. The conversation delves into the importance of pr...

What does it mean to have faith when the basket looks empty? In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast , Chris Bruno and Jesse French take us to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Mark 6, exploring the idea of faith built one reach at a time. As we reflect on the past year and anticipate the next, this passage challenges us to consider: Are our baskets full, empty, or being filled throug...

In this episode of the Restorative Man podcast, Jesse French and Chris Bruno explore the concept of ''bonking''—a state of hunger that affects one's mood and behavior. They delve into the spiritual sustenance found in John 4, discussing how Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman illustrates a deeper nourishment beyond physical needs. The conversation touches on themes of father hunger, the im...

In this episode, Jesse French and Chris Bruno explore the themes of playfulness and recognition of Jesus during the Advent season, particularly through the lens of the Road to Emmaus story. They discuss how Jesus engages with his disciples in a lighthearted manner, emphasizing the importance of shared joy in shaping identity and recognizing Jesus in our lives. The conversation highlights the inter...

What happens when Jesus stops everything for one desperate, unclean woman? In this Advent reflection, Jesse French and Chris Bruno delve into the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5:21-34. Together, they unpack her bold faith, her risk to touch Jesus, and the deeper healing she receives—not just in her body but in her soul. Through cinematic storytell...

In this Advent series, Chris Bruno and Jesse French dive into the profound story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, exploring layers beyond the physical miracle. The episode unpacks how shame and a fear of divine wrath can leave us spiritually paralyzed, disconnected from the life Jesus calls us to live. By reflecting on this miracle, they invite listeners to consider their own "paralysis"—the hi...

In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast by Restoration Project, Chris and Jesse pull back the curtain on Restoration Project's six core values, offering insight into what makes the organization tick. They dive into each value, from embracing relentless curiosity to being grassroots-driven, and share why these values are more than just words—they shape daily decisions and interactions. The h...

Join Jesse French and Chris Bruno as they open up about their recent mountain adventure, where an unforgettable lesson on ego and soul emerged. Jesse shares a powerful story from a horse-riding clinic led by the legendary Buck Brannaman, who gave them a choice: feed your soul or feed your ego. This conversation unpacks the everyday ways we can decide between validation and true fulfillment in our...