The Grown Man Project
By Grown Man Project
The Grown Man ProjectApr 06, 2020
One Word to Describe Your Year
Our last episode of season 3, fellas! The timing is perfect - let’s do some reflection.
Top 3 icebreakers between men: the weather, sports, politics. In order to become better listeners, we first have to ask better questions. In today’s episode, Adam, Kurt and Darris reflect on the year we’re closing and the year we’re about to walk into.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man community by going to grownmancommunity.com
Seek to Understand
How many times a day are you not present with the people next to you? Phone in hand, head down, and you just become unreachable.
How can you be there for someone if you don’t put in the energy to understand what they need? In today’s episode, Adam takes the mic to talk about ways to be available for the important people in your life, even if that friendship is long-distance.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man community by going to grownmancommunity.com
Becoming a Growing Man with Ben Carter
Today’s guest, musician Ben Carter, believes that to be a grown man is to be a growing man. The process of Ben’s growth as a man is intertwined with his artistry. Not only is music his creative outlet; it’s helped him learn to hear his purpose and find the next steps in his life.
In this episode, Ben shares with Grown Man’s own Darris Sneed how his music is a reflection and representation of his experiences and transitions.
If you like the podcast, we’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com
Build a Brand You Love with Casey Bard
Casey Bard, the CEO of Tacticalories Seasoning Company, has a story like you’ve never heard. Started working full time at 12 years old but never worked a “normal” job in his life.
In this episode, Casey and Adam discuss the importance of acknowledging when your hard work yields accomplishment, not running for one single finish line, and building a brand around something you love.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com.
Where It All Started with Kurt, Adam, and Darris
Do you remember that one teacher or coach who actually listened to you without trying to correct you? In this episode, the men of the GM project reflect on their high school experiences, talk about how brotherhood has impacted their lives, and discuss how you step out of pride and into vulnerability - because that’s where real connection happens.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man community by going to grownmancommunity.com
Prioritizing Well with Mark Phillips
What are your priorities? Mark Phillips has a unique approach to investing and entrepreneurship – prioritizing founder well-being.
Mark is the Founder & Managing Partner of 11 Tribes Ventures, an early stage venture fund that provides entrepreneurs with the right relational, intellectual, and financial resources to see both the business and the people within that business flourish. Their proactive approach leads to entrepreneurs and companies that are more durable, sustainable, and profitable.
At the Grown Man Project, we’ve seen how easy it is to just talk about the business - but what about the team, leaders, and the organization?
Mark shares how watching his father prioritize family over his profession influenced his business, career, relationships, and his own priorities. Listen now!
You're Not Meant to Fight Alone with Jay Messner
Think you’re alone in feeling like you’re not who you want to be as a businessman, friend, husband, or father? You’re not. Jay Messner, CEO of Alta Impact here in Cincinnati, talks about his early experience in entrepreneurship, how it impacted his family life, and the wakeup call that set him on the right path.
Jay gives advice on overcoming challenges as a businessman and husband, and how being transparent and vulnerable can not only help strengthen relationships, but businesses as well.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com
The Process of Looking Inward with Isaiah Henry
Isaiah Henry, CEO of Seabreeze Management Company Inc., leads by example, seeing the purpose in life and what he does without getting lost in the details.
It wasn’t always easy – it was a process of looking inward, becoming self-aware, loving himself, and creating space where he can rest and recharge. Through that process, he created a community for people to feel valued and appreciated for being their authentic selves.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com
Kicking Off Season 3 with Darris Sneed
Welcome back to Season 3 of the Grown Man Project! We have 10 more episodes geared up and ready to go that will take you all the way through the end of the year. In today’s episode you will get to know our newest host, Darris Sneed! He’s a worship pastor, CEO of Mogul, pop artist and a man after God’s own heart. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Grown Man team!
If you like the podcast, we’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com
That’s a Wrap! with Adam Atallah and Kurt Kersey
As we wrap up Season 2, your hosts Kurt Kersey, and “Coach” Adam Atallah reflect on some of their favorite moments from our guests this season. We were so lucky to have such amazing men, leaders, husbands, and fathers on the show and we didn’t want to let this season go by without really leaning into all the wisdom that was shared. Finally, with community being a pivotal part of being a Grown Man, Kurt and Adam end the episode by checking in with one another and getting vulnerable.
And then don’t miss the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that Coach drops for us at the end of the episode - you don’t want to miss it.
Growing Up a Leader with KC Woods
At 21, many young men are enjoying their youth with nights out with friends and the first tastes of post-college freedom, but KC Woods, varsity football coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, took a very different route. He started as a coach in his early 20s and realized the obligations he had to his players to be a positive role model for them. While other men his age were partying, KC was helping players only a few years younger than him how to navigate being a grown man.
KC shares the lessons he learned early about taking the path less traveled in his youth, and how God steered the ship to provide Godly examples of what a grown man should be so he could instill the same principles to his players. He also discusses how to fight complacency by heeding the wake-up calls that help you continue to grow in leadership.
Worthy Endeavors with John Herman
In this week’s episode, Kurt talks with John Herman, founder of Worthy Endeavors, about going all-in on your passions, creating space so you can be quiet and listen for what God has in store for you, and how to develop relationships so that you’ll be able to receive godly wisdom when you’re faced with life’s decisions, big or small. He also shares entrepreneurial wisdom and how to swap safety for the “risk” God’s calling you to take.
Success = Obedience with Brian Cromer
Pastor Brian Cromer talks about where he learned to be a grown man – his spiritually strong father, grandfather, big brothers, and other men he looked up to in his youth. He shares ideas to help men find their spiritual mentors to help them grow in faith and pursue the life God intended for them.
Finally, he shares how to be bold when finding a mentor and how to get the most out of your mentorship relationships.
Manhood + Money with Tom Fields
Tom Fields, CFP and founder of Financial Fitness App, joins Kurt on the Grown Man Project as this week’s special guest! Tom talks about the long-term game of staying focused on what’s important in life: health, wealth, and a relationship with Christ.
Learn Tom’s ideas for being a grown man when it comes to financial fitness, physical fitness, and how leadership is the key to being a grown man.
Made for More with Ben Steiger
Ben Steiger, Founder and President of Heart of the Outdoors and Blood Brothers Challenge, two organizations committed to equipping and disciplining men in Christ, joins Adam Atallah on the Grown Man Project this week!
Ben discusses his mission to discipline men through group outdoor events–hunting, fishing, camping– and encouraging a personal challenge of spiritual growth by introducing the power of God to their lives. He also shares how the body of Christ should have a healthy dose of fun, adventure, and authenticity. Check out Episode 6 now!
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com.
Entrepreneurship + Faith with Luke Dooley
Today Kurt talks with Luke Dooley, President of OCEAN Programs, which exists at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. Luke shares where he learned to be a man from both his mom and his dad, plus the journey to discovering his unique calling in life to architect experiences that lead to transformation.
This episode breaks down the commonalities of successful entrepreneurs and how to apply that to our daily lives, not just in business but in our families too.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com.
Enneagram Pt. 4 with Jason Daily
Jason and Kurt wrap up the Grown Man Project’s discussion of all things enneagram by digging into using enneagram types to improve relationships.
Although each person has one – and only one – type, Jason shares how the discovery process and learning about dominant types and “wings” provides profound insight into how people are naturally wired.
What role does an enneagram “type” play in a person’s personal history? Learn more in this final episode!
If you haven't taken the Enneagram yet, take our FREE assessment here!
Enneagram Pt. 3 with Jason Daily
In Ep. 3 of The Grown Man Project’s exploration of the enneagram, Jason and Kurt chat about the “head triad” or“fear triad”– 5, 6, and 7. Thinking, planning, overthinking, and overplanning are keystones of these enneagram types.
But an undercurrent of fear and energy conservation can challenge “head triad” relationships. Will 5, 6, and 7 types learn to take action (and get out of their own heads?) Listen-in to episode 3 to hear more.
Enneagram Pt. 2 with Jason Daily
In part two of The Grown Man Project’s deep dive into all things enneagram, Jason Daily, founder of Anchored Leadership, and our host, Kurt Kersey discuss the “gut triad” – types 8, 9, and 1 and “heart triad” - 2, 3, and 4. Where gut types are characterized as having an intense demeanor and a pinch of perfectionism, heart types thrive on emotion and creativity. Can these two types find common ground? Episode two has all the details!
If you haven't taken the Enneagram yet, take our FREE assessment here!
You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com
Enneagram Pt. 1 with Jason Daily
We are back!
A lot of us go through our lives pretending. We'll go and do the things the world says we should do but if we don't know ourselves well, we can't step into our true roles.
If you can't see your uniqueness, then you'll just do and be whatever the world tells you to be.
In season 2 we have 10 power packed episodes and today we are kicking it all off with our friend, Jason Daily, founder of Anchor Leadership, to guide us through a 4 part series all about the Enneagram which helps us better understand ourselves, our Creator and the world around us.
If you haven't taken the Enneagram yet, take our FREE assessment here!
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay | I’m Not an Expert But...
What type of person are YOU when you’re sick? Are you good at receiving help? Are you an, “I’m fine,” person? As men, it’s easy for us to feel pressure to make it seem like we have it all together. We may even believe the lie that our weakness isn’t glorifying to God. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that His grace is sufficient for us. That His power is made perfect in our WEAKNESS.
At Grown Man Project, we believe that it takes a real man, a Grown Man, to admit that he’s not okay.
Liking the podcast? We’d love to hear from you! You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com or you can tell us your thoughts directly by sending a voice message to https://anchor.fm/grownman/message
God is Consistent | I’m Not an Expert But… (61)
Staying consistent can be really tough. Especially in our relationships with Christ. Zac and Tyler kick off the new series (yeah, we said series) titled, “I’m Not an Expert But…” with a discussion all about how regardless of our lack of consistency, God is consistent with us ALWAYS. We wanted this series to set the precedent that we are not experts providing all the answers. Our hope is that this podcast sparks discussion amongst this community around topics that we are learning and/or passionate about! With that being said, we’d love to hear from you!
You can join the Grown Man Community by going to www.grownmancommunity.com or you can tell us your thoughts directly by sending a voice message to https://anchor.fm/grownman/message
60 | Delayed Gratification | Dean Nicholas
For the past 25 years, Dr. Dean Nicholas has been a teacher, principal, and now assistant head of school at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. He brings depth and wisdom to this week’s episode with host, Adam Atallah. Dean shares his story of how God used his strengths to put him in a vocation he didn’t know he would love until years later. His ending encouragement - hang in the pocket. You won’t see the fullness of God’s goodness and faithfulness for years or even decades later.
59 | Grown Man Seven Recap with Zac + Tyler
Zac Eklund and Tyler Bridges lead us in this week’s podcast, breaking down some of the highlights from the Grown Man Seven workshop series.
Living to our full potential as men, being good stewards of our money rather than owners of our money, and winning in life by winning first in the mind are some of the topics that Zac and Tyler breakdown as they continue to digest the content from last week. If you got the chance to be a part of this year’s GM7 series, we hope that you continue to process the content and externalize it with your closest buddies, so that you’re ready to kick 2021’s butt.
If you didn’t get a chance to join us last week, but you want to join in on the fun; you can visit https://www.grownmanproject.com/store/virtual to get nearly full access to the entire Grown Man Seven workshop series.
58 | Reflecting on a "Lost" Year
Kurt Kersey and Adam Atallah reflect on 2020 - what some may call a "lost" year. They ask 2 quick questions - what's the one word you'd use to sum up your 2020? What's one word you want to live into in 2021? It's an easy question that will leave you truly reflecting on your past year and the new one ahead.
Join the Grown Man Community online - www.grownmancommunity.com
57 | Being an Example in the Workplace | Clif Marshall
Former director of performance for Ignition here in Cincinnati, and currently the director of performance for the Indiana University Men’s Basketball team, Clif Marshall shares his personal redemption story and how he got to where he is now -training athletes to “become the best version of themselves.” Clif gives an encouraging charge to be authentic, to surround yourself with community, and to let God renew you and transform you.
Check out Clif on Instagram @clifmarshall
Join the Grown Man Community - grownmancommunity.com
56 | Moments of Substance | Anthony Ferro
Passion, redemption, and bird hunting - that’s Anthony Ferro for you. Founder of Fetching Feathers, Anthony shares his story and how going after those “moments of substance” changed his life. Those moments where you feel something real, something deep. Those moments where you feel closest to God. Those are the moments we chase.
See what Anthony’s up to at @fetching_feathers on Instagram.
Shop his apparel at https://www.fetching-feathers.com/shop
55 | One Step Closer | Ryan Atkins
A car accident took Ryan’s ability to walk—but it couldn’t take away his hope for the future. Discover why outrageous hope is possible no matter your circumstances. Kurt Kersey and guest-host, Zach Franke, dive deeper into Ryan’s story and what he’s learned about being a grown man.
Learn more at http://ryansatkins.com/book.
Join the Grown Man online community - https://www.grownmanproject.com/community
54 | Finding Your “Y” | Blake Bozarth
An alarming amount of people are disengaged with their job. Is it because many of us are in a position where we aren’t using the special features and gifts that God has given us?
Blake Bozarth, Founder of CoThryve, helps leaders find their motivating purpose and lead with confidence and humility. He coaches you to clarify your specific purpose, the way God has crafted you, and your specific gifts.
Connect with Blake on LinkedIn or visit https://cothryve.co/
53 | Into the Fire | Kurt, Jeff + Adam
Becoming a grown man isn’t a destination, it’s a process. In this episode, Kurt, Jeff, and Adam walk through the Grown Man Seven framework in hopes of encouraging other men who are walking through similar situations. You are not alone.
Learn more about the Grown Man Seven Framework and sign up for the first virtual event - https://www.grownmanproject.com/seven
52 | Getting to Give | Tim Meisenheimer
Lead financial planner at Streamline Financial Services out of Chicago, Tim Meisenheimer, shares some practical thoughts on living generously. Generosity is a muscle that needs to be worked and grown over time. Kurt and Tim give specific examples on:
- Praying through your giving decisions
- How to increase your giving each year
- How you can live generously in more ways than just financially
Learn more at: Livegivemore.com
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
51 | Realizing What You’re Made Of | Bert Sorin
Bert Sorin, President of Sorinex, joins Adam Atallah to talk about what it means to live out the strenuous life. It starts with “surrounding yourself with people who are willing and interested in squeezing every ounce of life and possibility out of this short time here on Earth.”
Bert talks through…
- Learning from his father and stepping into his family’s business
- What values to build your tribe on
- His favorite Top 3 weightroom projects
Checkout Bert and Sorinex on Instagram - @bertsorin @sorinex_outdoors @sorinex
Subscribe to the Be Legendary Podcast - www.sorinex.com/pages/podcasts
50 | Let the World See You | Sam Acho
Sam shares about the freedom he experienced when he finally let the world see who he really is. We have to get real with ourselves if we expect to lead well.
Order Sam’s new book Let the World See You at samachobook.com
49 | Living Emotionally Healthy Lives | Cody Hanson
Cody Hanson is the Founder and Licensed Professional Counselor at Rivertown Wellness. He has a heart for helping men become self-aware leaders - of themselves, their families and their teams.
In this episode Cody explains - What counseling / therapy is, how it's different from mentorship / coaching, how to decide when you need a professional counselor, how counseling can help even if you feel pretty "healthy", and why incorporating faith into counseling as a believer is absolutely critical.
Learn more about Rivertown Wellness - http://rwcincy.com/
Join the Grown Man Community - https://www.grownmanproject.com/community
48 | Becoming a Learning Leader | Ryan Hawk
Host of The Learning Leader Show and author of Welcome to Management, Ryan Hawk is an Ohio native who embodies what it means to pursue excellence. In this episode Ryan shares:
- What it means to be aggressively intentional
- How you can work with a mentor or coach to help you live out your values
- His experience losing his starting spot to Ben Roethlisberger and what he decided to do through that adversity
- What he and his wife Miranda have done to build a solid marriage and life together
To learn more about Ryan visit, https://learningleader.com/ or text LEARNERS to 44222
Listen + Subscribe to the Learning Leaders Show
47 | Fireside Chat | Community
Kurt invites you into a conversation with his community of guys. Join Chad Howe, Jeff Agricola, Adam Atallah, and Kurt as they give an inside look into what dialogue, encouragement, and accountability can look like between you and your guys.
This is what community is all about.
Join the digital version of these campfire conversations: https://www.grownmanproject.com/community
46 | If Leadership isn't About People, it's Broken | Lyle Wells
President of Integrus Leadership and sought after speaker, Lyle Wells, shares more of his mission to equip and encourage leaders of leaders. This episode is chock-full of relatable and intriguing lessons, stories, and ideas to live and lead a Christ-centered life.
To learn more about the Back to Better Summit, visit https://www.backtobettersummit.com/
45 | Praying for Community | Chad Howe
If you’re desiring a solid community, here’s the first step - pray for it. That’s how it all started for Chad Howe, Kurt’s best friend and now business partner. In this episode, Chad shares his story of intentionally praying for community and the countless ways it impacted his life and walk with Jesus.
If you’re in the search for community - check out our new online platform, built for men to connect and share with other like-minded guys. grownmanproject.com/community
44 | There’s Still Time to Get After Your Goals | Team KK
Don’t buy the myth that this is the “lost” year. Okay, yes 2020 has been rough, but this year is far from over.
Kurt and his wife, Kaci, spent some time recently realigning on some of their own goals. They walk through the process they use to set specific, measurable, and God-breathed goals.
Slow down a little and ask God what needs your attention. Take some time with the wifey, your family, your buddies, your mentor - whoever lights a fire under your tail on this stuff - and get clear on where you need to get after it through the end of the year.
Download their goal setting template - www.kaciandkurt.com
Check out The Within Her Podcast at - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-within-her-podcast/id1482982576
Stay up to date with what’s happening at the Grown Man Project and sign up for our weekly emails. https://www.grownmanproject.com/
43 | Ben Riggs | Necessity of Community
Ben Riggs’ story is chock-full of reasons why community is so important to a follower of Jesus. Even more so, “Just Because” community, as Ben calls it. It’s a place where people love one another, just because, with no expectation of receiving something in return.
Writer, husband, and CEO of RIggsWriting, Ben Riggs, joins us this week on the Grown Man Project.
To learn more about Ben’s Lunch Break Writing Coaching visit https://www.riggswriting.com/lunchbreak-writing-coaching
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendriggs/
42 | Let God Do the Heavy Lifting | Zac Eklund
Ya know when you read a piece of scripture for the 100th time, but this one time, it just hits different? Zac hosts this week’s episode to talk through how a few verses in Romans has been holding a new and special meaning for him. Maybe it will for you too.
Join our email list for weekly encouragement and special updates on what’s happening at Grown Man Project - https://www.grownmanproject.com/
41 | Three Ways To Be Resilient in Uncertain Times
In this week’s episode, Kurt Kersey shares a few things that he’s been learning while on his journey around what habits help build resilience, scripture that speaks life when needed most and things to avoid when having those tough days.
Your challenge is to try some of these things the next time you’re feeling down or lost. Don’t let the world tell you that’s not okay. It’s totally normal to feel that - but it’s not okay to stay there.
Sign up for our weekly email at https://www.grownmanproject.com/
40 | New Branding; Taking Collective Risks with Zac Eklund
INSPIRE. EQUIP. COMMISSION. Where did it all come from?
Boldness doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re the loudest guy in the room. Really, the boldest thing to do is to be willing to admit the things you don’t know and just commit to chasing after God’s plan for you.
Leader of all things design and creative for the Grown Man Project, Zac Eklund, is a living example of this. He joins Kurt this week to talk about what inspired the new branding and the meaning behind it.
Check out the branding and sign up for our weekly email at https://www.grownmanproject.com/
39 | Proverbs 22:1 | Kyle Wick
Entrepreneur, Father, and Financial Advisor, Kyle Wick, joins us this week on the Grown Man Project. He’s built his business and family around what the Bible says in Proverbs 22:1 - “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Kyle shares his story and the mission he's on to lead and impact others.
See what's new over at grownmanproject.com
38 | Mindfulness. Meditation. Manhood. | Navy SEAL Jon Macaskill
He joins us this week to talk through the lifesaving skill of mindfulness and meditation. Debunking the theory that it’s for the weak-minded, Jon demonstrates how it could be a way to experience and hear from God more clearly.
For more about Jon’s work visit: www.veteranspath.org/ or reach out to Jon at jon@veteranspath.org . To listen to the Veterans PATH Podcast visit anchor.fm/veteranspath
37 | The Call of Leadership | Dave Workman
Sign up for our weekly emails- filled with encouragement, podcast updates, book recommendations, and much more. Go to www.grownmanproject.com/ to sign up!
36 | If You’re In, Be All In | Jay Kersey
Sign up for our weekly email and see what we’ve been up to at www.grownmanproject.com/
35 | Ending Fatherlessness | Justin Batt
Justin Batt is on a mission to end fatherlessness, one Saturday at a time. Join our host Kurt Kersey and guest, Justin Batt founder of Daddy Saturday, a movement to help fathers around the globe be intentional and engaged with their children.
Even if you’re not a Dad, check out daddysaturday.com or @daddysaturday on Instagram.
34 | How to Craft Your Vision | James Lenhoff
In a time of so much uncertainty and unrest, there has never been a more important time to cast a vision for yourself and your family. Join our host Kurt Kersey and guest James Lenhoff, Co-Founder and President of $1.4B wealth management firm Wealthquest and author of Living a Rich Life, as they chat about James' methodology to help you get clarity on your vision as a family.
Go to basecamprc.com to enroll in Wealthquest's FREE Family Vision course!
33 | #PodWithAhmaud | Darris Sneed (BONUS)
There are a lot of tough things happening in our world, but we have to stand together if we want to see change.
Not least of these is the tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and now #GeorgeFloyd and so many others like them. None of us can pretend to know what these events do to the lives they directly impact, but what about what they do to our own communities?
There is too much that is left unsaid when things like this happen. That’s why Kurt and Darris jumped on a call to say some tough, awkward, but important things out loud to each other. | www.grownmanproject.com | www.darrissneed.com