The Crucible Project Podcast

Are you tired of carrying a façade that leaves you exhausted, restless, and disconnected? This episode dives deep into the heart of genuine manhood, stripping away the masks we wear to reveal the authentic, vulnerable, and courageous leader God designed us to be. If you've ever felt like you're just going through the motions or that no one truly sees the real you—this episode is your cal...

In this episode, Neil Harbison joins host Martin Brooker to explore his powerful journey through mental health challenges, personal growth, and transformation in the Crucible Project. Neil opens up about learning emotional presence in fatherhood, embracing vulnerability, and the deep healing that comes from community support and radical honesty. His story offers a raw and hopeful look at manhood,...

Missionary and **tricultural** leader Matthew Reed joins host Tim Rush on the Crucible Project podcast to share how growing up across cultures, serving in Mexico, and walking through the loss of his father reshaped his approach to leadership and personal growth. In this episode, Matthew unpacks how the Crucible Project helped him move from follower to authentic leader, explore his gift as an “opti...

In this Real Christian Manhood episode, Byron Myers interviews Roy Wooten about Unstuck , a trauma-informed curriculum designed to help men break free from isolation and grow in authentic Christian manhood. They explore emotional connection, courage, and biblical transformation, showing how men’s small groups can foster personal growth, honesty, and lasting change. Discover how Unstuck helps men m...

Host Joy Dunning sits down with Dr. Paul Spradley—educator, executive leader, and justice advocate—to explore how inner healing fuels meaningful leadership and lasting change. Paul shares his Crucible story, the power of emotional honesty and brotherhood, and why doing the hard internal work is essential for pursuing justice, wholeness, and healthier communities. Here are some of the topics we cov...

Chris Rice, a community leader from the Chicagoland area, shares with host Joy Dunning about the impact of his Crucible retreat on his parenting, marriage, and anger. Through honesty with God and himself, Chris found a new path forward where he knew he was God's beloved son, even in the midst of pain and difficulty. He shares, "To be able to tell God how I really felt - even though I kne...

Crucible Executive Director Roy Wooten and Men's Ministry Leader Byron Myers engage in a deep conversation about goal setting and achievement. They reflect on the importance of realistic goals, the role of motivation and authenticity, and the significance of accountability in achieving personal objectives. The discussion also touches on overcoming stubborn goals, the value of community suppor...

Host Joy Dunning sits down with Annette Maier, a licensed counselor, to explore her calling into counseling and the transformative impact of Crucible retreats on both her personal life and professional practice. Annette shares how the retreats helped her reconnect with her emotions, trust the process, and experience the kind of vulnerability and community that brings real change. Together, they un...

In this Christmas special, host Robb Paolasso and some of the Crucible staff team reflect on their personal experiences with Christmas, exploring themes of sadness, anger, fear, happiness, excitement, and joy. In this heartfelt conversation, each member shares their unique stories, highlighting the importance of emotional awareness and personal growth within the context of family and community. Jo...

Business leader and Crucible board member Kenny Cox shares about Gospel Patrons —a biblical framework for generosity that funds God’s work beyond traditional charity. Drawing from his own Crucible transformation and leadership experience, Kenny explores how strategic, faith-rooted giving fuels healing, purpose, and legacy through The Crucible Project. This conversation invites listeners to see gen...

In this Real Christian Manhood series episode, Roy Wooten and Byron Myers dive into why character—not title—is the true foundation of godly leadership. They explore vulnerability, integrity, and the necessity of leading yourself before leading others, drawing on both Scripture and real-life ministry experience. It’s a candid conversation calling men out of isolation and into authentic, Christ-cent...

This Real Christian Manhood series, featuring Roy Wooten and Byron Myers, dives into the real work of manhood—emotional presence, courageous leadership, and the willingness to change. Their conversation challenges men to examine their passivity, take personal responsibility, and make one courageous step toward becoming better men. Listen now and take the challenge — pick one place to act, and begi...

Jay Mountjoy sits down with Eric Himes—founder of Inspired Culture , seasoned corporate leader, and longtime Crucible brother—to unpack Eric’s journey of emotional healing, faith, and authentic servant leadership. Eric shares how his Crucible weekend sparked deep personal transformation and reshaped the way he leads, ultimately inspiring his framework for building healthy, authentic, and mission-d...

Mark Dunning, community leader in Green Bay, WI, shares his Crucible journey with host Andy Spell. After searching to find his self-worth through validation from others, Mark's retreat helped him discover where his true worth comes from. He shares the power of community, authenticity, and the impact one weekend can have in a man's life. Here are some of the topics we cover in our podcast...

In this special Veteran's Day episode of The Crucible Podcast , host Jay Mountjoy sits down with Ben “Beez,” an active-duty military man whose journey from restless military kid to man of faith reveals the power of transformation. From the challenges of growing up in a military family and struggling with belonging, to hitting rock bottom and rediscovering purpose through baptism, Ben opens up...

Host Andy Spell talks with Curtis Summers about how the Crucible Weekend shattered his old ways of hiding and opened the door to authentic manhood. Curtis shares how facing truth, vulnerability, and failure became the turning points for real transformation. His story challenges men to stop performing, step into the fire, and discover who they really are through the power of the Crucible experience...

In this Real Christian Manhood series episode, Roy Wooten and Byron Myers dive into what real integrity looks like for Christian men—beyond honesty or morality. They unpack how keeping clear agreements, aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions, and living authentically in every area of life builds true integrity and trust. The conversation challenges men to own their choices, live congruently, and...

This episode features a message from Pastor Jim Burgen, Pastor at Flatirons Church in Colorado, unpacking the themes, emotion, and truth beneath the words. Explore how the dialogue exposes identity, tension, and transformation—revealing what’s often hidden beneath performance and image. Through honest reflection and real conversation, this episode challenges listeners to move beyond comfort, confr...

In this episode of Real Christian Manhood , Roy Wooten and Byron Myers tackle the growing issue of burnout in Christian leadership, calling men to move from ownership to stewardship and from productivity to presence. They remind leaders that their value isn’t in what they do but in who they are in Christ. With honesty and practical wisdom, they explore how saying yes to too many good things drains...

Host Andy Spell interviews Jonathan Moynihan, lead pastor of Mosaic Christian Church, about his journey of self-discovery and transformation. Jonathan opens up about confronting the power of anger, breaking free from performance-driven ministry, and learning to embrace emotional health as a foundation for authentic church leadership. He shares how his Crucible weekend reshaped his masculinity, dee...

Host Jay Mountjoy sits down with Kellen Cowan, leader of Band of Brothers in Oklahoma, to explore what truly transforms men. Kellen shares how the Crucible Project helped him continue his own journey of personal growth and emotional healing, and why men can’t afford to settle for surface-level connection. Together they unpack the hunger men carry for authentic brotherhood, the freedom that comes w...

In this moving episode, Garrett Buchanen shares how the end of his marriage, an unexpected ADHD diagnosis, and the Crucible journey exposed the truth that he was “living a life of quiet desperation, not singing his song.” He describes how embracing vulnerability, facing fear, and stepping into authentic community has helped him discover his purpose, passion, and power. Here are some of the topics...

Host Joy Dunning sits down with longtime Crucible leader Bill Snyder to explore how “eldership” can transform the second half of life—from retirement angst and identity shifts to intentional service, letting go, and deeper compassion. Bill shares his journey from early Crucible weekends to mentoring and launching an Elder Retreat, offering practical wisdom on soul work, holding tension without bin...

Host Andy Spell talks with Drew Boa, author of Outgrow Porn and founder of Husband Material . Drew shares his personal journey of addiction recovery and unpacks the ways purity culture, toxic shame, and unprocessed pain fuel compulsive behaviors. Together, they explore the power of vulnerability, the role of community support, and how understanding neuro pathways and sexual fantasies can open the...

Longtime nonprofit ministry leader and Crucible Executive Director Roy Wooten is interviewed by Leadership Series Host Tim Rush about his leadership journey brought him through a Crucible weekend which strengthened his leadership authenticity. Roy challenges leaders to go have the courageous conversations they are resistant to have. Here are some of the topics we cover in our podcast episodes: Rad...