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Let’s be honest, making friends as a man is awkward. Most of us want deep connections, but we just don’t know how to start. We end up isolated, "hacking away at life" on our own, and eventually, we just become dull. In this episode of the IMPACT Players Linking Shields Podcast, we are joined by Rich Gorecki, founder of God Buddies and author of Get Out of Your Man Cave. We dive deep into the silent "friendship crisis" facing men today and why the "lone wolf" mentality is actually dangerous for your marriage, your mental health, and your faith.

Being a dad isn’t easy—especially when you have ten kids! In this episode of the Impact Players Linking Shields Podcast, host Warren Mainard sits down with Jason Weening—author, podcaster, and father of ten—for a mix of hilarious dad stories and powerful wisdom every man needs.   Jason shares what it really means to be a husband, why your family is your most important organization, and how to train your kids for life outside the “game.” Along the way, you’ll laugh about snapping turtles, pigs running loose in the van, and a two-year-old’s “Cocoa Krispies” meltdown. But more than that, you’ll walk away challenged and encouraged to lead with purpose at home.   📖 About Jason Weening: Jason is the founder of HeyDads.ca, host of the Helping Dads Thrive podcast, and author of "Yes Dear...I’m Watching Them" and "Danger in the Jungle". He lives in Western Canada with his wife and ten kids. 💪 About Impact Players: Impact Players exists to inspire men to be great husbands, fathers, and leaders by equipping them to thrive in the relationships that matter most. Learn more at impactplayers.org

A lot of men today quietly admit they feel stuck. Stuck in routines that feel empty. Stuck in a marriage that feels like survival instead of love. Stuck spiritually with no passion or sense of calling. In this Men’s Ministry Roundtable, leaders from across the country share raw and honest wisdom about how men can move forward. We talk about breaking free from passivity, finding courage to face your giants, building real brotherhood, leading with purpose, and trusting God when life feels stalled. If you’ve ever felt like you are just going through the motions, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical steps to get moving again.

Dating today can feel complicated, confusing, and overwhelming. Many men wrestle with questions like, How do I pursue dating in a way that honors God? How do I know if she’s the right one? In this Men's Ministry Round Table, leaders from across the country have an honest conversation about how men can approach dating with wisdom, intentionality, and purpose. From building character, to setting boundaries, to preparing for marriage, this discussion gives practical guidance and encouragement for men at every stage of life. 💡 Whether you’re single, dating, or mentoring younger men, this round table will challenge and equip you to date with clarity and conviction. 🔔 Subscribe for more resources that inspire men to thrive as husbands, fathers, leaders, and brothers in Christ.

What does it take to be a future-focused father? In this episode of the IMPACT Players Linking Shields Podcast, Warren Mainard sits down with Anthony Vandagriff; husband, father of four, and founder of Fathering Our Future; to talk about raising kids who will surpass us in faith, character, and impact. Anthony shares his powerful journey from ministry work to launching a fatherhood movement, and how identity, mission, and discipleship shape the way we parent. He opens up about why fatherhood is more than what you do... it’s who you are, how to create meaningful rites of passage for your kids, and the mindset shift from just “keeping kids alive” to raising disciples. If you’re a man who wants to be a great husband, father, and leader, this conversation will help you build a legacy that honors God and equips the next generation. 📌 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire men to thrive in the relationships that matter most.

When a man goes through divorce, he often feels abandoned, ashamed, and alone. This Round Table conversation is a powerful reminder that he doesn’t have to be. Hear real talk about the emotional and spiritual impact of divorce and why men need strong community and discipleship more than ever. If you're leading men or walking through pain yourself, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Lance Cibik has lived through pain, loss, and setbacks that could’ve wrecked him—but instead, they shaped him. In this episode, Lance shares his real, raw story: how growing up with hardship and walking through personal trials helped him discover a deeper sense of purpose. His journey is full of honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone facing adversity and wondering what good can come from it. You’ll walk away encouraged, equipped, and reminded that your story still matters—and it’s not over. 📘 Learn more about Lance’s book - Adversity Fuels Purpose.

Spiritual fathering isn’t a church program—it’s a calling. In this episode, we talk about why so many young men are growing up without spiritual mentors—and what we can do about it. From building trust to simply being present, this conversation unpacks the heart behind spiritual fathering and why it matters more than ever. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being real, and helping the next generation find their footing in faith and life. Whether you're a dad, coach, mentor, or just someone who cares, we hope this encourages you to lean in. 💥 Subscribe and leave a review to help more men find conversations like this.

Join us in this powerful episode as we celebrate what God is doing through Ethan Hare and the launch of his new school in Tanzania! What started as inspiration at an IMPACT Breakfast in April 2024, during a talk from Larry Snyder, has grown into something truly transformational. Ethan, deeply moved by Larry’s message, took action—and now lives are being changed across the world. In this conversation, Ethan joins Larry Snyder and Warren to share the story behind the school, the vision that drives it, and how faith, leadership, and obedience can ripple far beyond a single morning.

Men have been told to "sit down and shut up" by the mainstream media for far too long. Caleb Collier, founder and host of the conservative political talk show Church and State is one man who refuses to be silent. A distinguished US Marine veteran with a background in telecommunications for the infantry, Caleb has honed skills that not only supported his fellow Marines during critical missions but also laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in both politics and media. A strong believer, a husband, and father, Caleb has a lot to say in this podcast episode of Linking Shields. Find out more at www.churchandstate.media

Lantz Howard is a successful Executive Coach, Strategist and Marriage Therapist who works with elite men all over the country. In this podcast Warren and Lantz talk about his journey from feeling like an imposter living a divided life, to becoming a man who helps other men thrive in their relationship with their wives. Warren and Lantz talk about creating a culture of intimacy in marriage that extends from the kitchen to the bedroom and beyond.

Brian Kluth is a bestselling generosity author, minister, inspirational speaker and TV-Radio media guest. He is the author of several books including - 40 Day Journey to a More: Generous Life Bible Devotional Experience God as Your Provider: Finding Financial Stability in Unstable Times 30 Day Generosity Devotional: 7 Keys to Open-Handed Living Enjoy Brian's resources made available to everyone FREE of charge: Generosity pledge card and 30 & 40 day Bible Devotionals - http://www.generositypledge.org Free downloadable resources on finances, generosity, retirement, legacy living, singleness/dating, children, pastors/church leaders and more - http://www.healthycharity.org/gifts Life-changing work in Africa Brian's family is doing to share the Gospel and help transform lives. So far, the lives of 100,000 needy children and adults have been helped.  Donations are exponentially multiplied by 50X$ to help stop poverty, sickness, and suffering. Learn more: https://healthycharity.org/about Invite Brian to speak at your church - https://globalgenerosity.org/speaking Invite Brian to speak to your men's ministry or marketplace - https://www.globalgenerosity.org/marketplace Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at [email protected]. Brian Kluth has traveled to over 50 countries and been a guest speaker for hundreds of conferences, seminars, denomination gatherings, events, schools and churches across the USA, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org.

Dr. Sam Serio is an author, presenter, and speaker on the topic of sexual hurt. Dr Serio and Warren Mainard discuss the 7 types of sexual hurt that men and women experience and what to do when you or your spouse are experiencing sexual hurt that is negatively impacting your sexual intimacy in marriage. Raw, real, gritty and honest conversation on a topic few men ever talk about. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at [email protected]. Dr. Sam Serio has more with more than thirty-five years of experience in preaching and counseling. He has pastored churches, conducted seminars, and currently counsels individuals who daily feel the deep emotional effects of sexual sin or pain. Dr. Serio is founder and president of Healing Sexual Hurt (www.HealingSexualHurt.com) and Healing Your Hurt (www.HealingYourHurt.com) where people from all around the world seek his words of biblical wisdom and warmth in these taboo topics. He has published various articles and is available to speak at churches and conferences. Dr. Serio lives with his family in Atlanta, Georgia. You can connect with him through his websites, LinkedIn, or by sending him an email. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting by Dr. Sam Serio

Men's Ministry leaders from across the country share their best practices, insights and thoughts about casting vision for men. The Men's Ministry Round Table meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30am PST / 11:30am EST. Visit impactplayers.org/coaching-calls to sign up today.

How do men engage in politics and with politicians in healthy and productive ways? Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and offers incredible insight on how to think and talk about politics and politicians during a time when even the slightest misstep can incite an angry mob! Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at [email protected]. Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures, which reaches out to political, business and spiritual leaders in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge region and beyond. Michael is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing and speaking. His non-profit helps leaders think through the “Big Questions” of life and thrive as a whole person: spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally. Michael wants leaders to not only win at politics or career, but at life. He often serves as a “non-political” friend to people in the halls of leadership. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn and Facebook. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Disaster: Betting the Farm on God in Life Storms by Dr. Michael Sprague