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At eleven years old, Calvin Rust's father handed him the keys to the family's tractors and made him a deal: pay for the water, cover the hay, fix what you break — and keep what you earn. By thirteen he was clearing $25–30k a year farming alfalfa. At twenty-four he has started, run, and sold multiple businesses and now builds custom homes in Idaho's Treasure Valley through Blue Ridge Construction, alongside B Line, the cash-flow side of the operation. This is the first in a new series: conversations with young men taking ownership where God has placed them — learning, building, and carving out something durable for their families. In this episode: The deal Calvin's father made him at eleven — and what it costs a parent to trust a kid with a hundred-horsepower tractor How the alfalfa money bought the framing company's tools outright in 2020 — each rung of the ladder funding the next "Go find someone who's where you wanna be" — and offer to mow their lawn for thirty minutes of their time Making real money young without talking like you know everything Chunk revenue vs. cash flow: why he runs two businesses instead of one Phones, screen time, and raising kids who can use the tools business runs on without being owned by them Find Calvin and Blue Ridge Construction: X (personal): @calvin_rust Instagram: @brc__builders TikTok: @brc_framers YouTube: Blue Ridge Construction In Idaho's Treasure Valley and need a house built or a shop framed? Those are the front door. Know a young builder? If you know a young entrepreneur making his way and willing to share what he's learned, send Nathan a DM and make the introduction.

Nathan joins an Iron Tavern men's community call for a deep conversation on martial skills — the physical disciplines every Christian man should cultivate alongside his spiritual ones. Drawing from 14 years in Army Special Operations and his church security ministry, Nathan lays out a balanced framework: spiritual readiness first, physical capability second, and the wisdom to know when each applies. The conversation covers the theology of violence through the lens of Westminster Larger Catechism Question 135 (duties required by the sixth commandment), Raymond Ibrahim's historical work on Christian-Islamic conflict, the definition of biblical meekness ("having a sword, knowing how to use it, and leaving it sheathed"), practical training for families, and how to structure church security teams with honest skill assessments. Nathan's core message: master the basics, start small, include your family, and never let the pursuit of tactical perfection keep you from starting. Resources Mentioned: Two Swords of Christ by Raymond IbrahimFinish by Jon AcuffAtomic Habits by James ClearThe Last Battle by C.S. LewisWestminster Larger Catechism Q135Tactical HouseholdReformed Evangelical Seminary — Church Security CourseThree Guns Every Dad Should Own — Free PDF at tacticalhousehold.comOutline: 00:00 — Introduction: What are martial skills and why they matter 03:00 — The two swords of Christ — theology of when to use force 05:00 — Spiritual protection, situational awareness 09:00 — Finding a church community with trained men (Genesis 14:14) 11:00 — The biggest threat to your family is sin, not external violence 14:00 — Balancing training investment with your wife as a sounding board 17:00 — Westminster Larger Catechism Q135 — the spiritual undergirding 19:00 — Courteous words or hard knocks — meekness vs. weakness 22:00 — Practical training: habit stacking, dry fire reps 25:00 — Nathan's background: Rangers, Special Forces, 12 combat deployments 29:00 — Historical context and defending physical space 33:00 — Covenantal responsibility: protection as a man's duty 40:00 — Raising sons and daughters with grit 44:00 — When is martyrdom the right response vs. armed defense? 52:00 — Turning the other cheek — insults vs. physical violence 54:00 — Church carry posture and layered security teams 1:00:00 — Deterrence, humility, and the danger of arrogance

In January 2022, I recorded myself praying over a decision to pursue buying 63 additional acres adjoining our family's 20-acre property. I asked God to expand our borders — a real Prayer of Jabez, not the bumper sticker version. Four months later, we sold our duplex in Southern Pines for $775k (bought it for $165k), rolled every dollar into the land through a like-kind exchange, and had nothing left to build with. No house. No cash. Just faith and a vision for something multi-generational. Five years later, I'm sitting in the home office of the house we're building on that land. This episode is the raw, unedited prayer from 2022 and what happened after. If you're trying to build something bigger than yourself — for your children's children — do it in prayer and without doubting. Outline: 0:00 — Introduction: Revisiting a prayer from January 2022 1:00 — Why I'm publishing our five-year journey 1:45 — The 63 acres: survey stakes and a text to the landowner 2:45 — Praying the Prayer of Jabez — expanding our borders 3:30 — Trusting God when the math doesn't work 4:15 — "I am a character in a story He is writing" 4:50 — The prayer (raw, unedited) 7:00 — Amen — and what happened next 7:45 — Sold the duplex: $165k → $775k in equity, January to May 8:30 — Rolled 100% into 34 additional acres, zero left to build 9:30 — Years of waiting — the construction business used the land 9:50 — Spoiler: sitting in the house on that land today 10:00 — Do it in prayer and without doubting

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Jordan Bush (@jmbushwrites), founder of Thank God for Bitcoin (TGFB Media), to discuss Bitcoin from a Christian perspective. Jordan shares his journey from missionary work in Uruguay to becoming a leading voice in the Christian Bitcoin space. The conversation covers currency debasement, ethical investing, practical Bitcoin adoption for churches and families, and how Christians can build financial sovereignty. Jordan also discusses his work helping churches, nonprofits, and families understand Bitcoin's non-intuitive benefits beyond "getting rich quickly." This is a deep dive into money, faith, and preparing your family for an uncertain economic future. Episode Website https://www.spearing.co/bush Connect with Jordan Bush Website: TGFB.com Twitter: @jmbushwrites Podcast: Thank God for Bitcoin Podcast Jordan's Books: Thank God for Bitcoin (2nd edition releasing soon) The Orange Umbrella (Children's book - available for pre-order) Gospel-focused Bitcoin resources Resources Mentioned Cash App - Custodial Bitcoin wallet (easy for beginners) Blue Wallet - Non-custodial hot wallet (recommended for self-custody) Cold Card - Hardware wallet for long-term savings Start Nine - Private server solutions for Lightning nodes River.com - Bitcoin-only exchange (1% fees) AZTeco - Bitcoin vouchers (non-KYC option) Square/Block - Bitcoin payment processing for merchants Lightning Network - Second layer for fast, cheap Bitcoin transactions Modello - Steel seed phrase storage device Books Referenced: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss Thank God for Bitcoin by Jordan Bush and co-authors Outline with Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Jordan's Background Growing up in a Christian family Drifting from faith in high school, returning in college The missions conference that changed everything Moving to Uruguay as a missionary in 2015 00:06:00 - Discovering the Currency Problem Venezuelan refugees flooding Uruguay Learning about currency debasement and hyperinflation How governments fund promises by printing money The connection between monetary policy and human suffering 00:08:00 - The Path to Bitcoin Opting out of Social Security as missionaries Looking for ethical investment alternatives The Coca-Cola dilemma: profiting from selling sugar water First hearing about Bitcoin in 2012 (and not buying) Finally buying Bitcoin in 2017-2019 00:12:00 - Going All In on Bitcoin Putting 85% of liquid net worth into Bitcoin in June 2019 Why Bitcoin solves the Venezuela problem The philosophy behind Bitcoin: sound money that can't be inflated Writing "Thank God for Bitcoin" and outselling the Pope 00:19:00 - Bitcoin vs. Cry...

In this episode, a discussion unfolds on the balance between adopting modern technology and maintaining strong family bonds. The script delves into the challenges and rewards of moving away from mainstream economic dependencies and focusing on sustainable family economies. Insights include the importance of discernment in technology use, the value of community and mentorship, and the practical steps to fostering family unity through entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. The hosts also introduce a new publishing project inspired by 'Henry and The Great Society,' highlighting the impact of modern conveniences on traditional family structures. Connect with Rory Groves Gather & Grow Family Ministry: https://gatherandgrow.us Kickstarter Campaign – Henry and the Great Society:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatherandgrow/henry-and-the-great-society (Available until Nov. 6) The GroveStead Blog (Family Economy & Durable Trades): https://www.thegrovestead.com Outline: 00:00 Introduction: Embrace Imperfection 00:25 The Podcasting Journey 00:35 Balancing Family and Media 00:59 The Real vs. Technological Advances 03:01 Henry and The Great Society 04:45 Reviving a Lost Classic 05:27 Gather and Grow Ministry 07:21 Kickstarter Campaign and Publishing Goals 10:42 Challenges in Christian Publishing 11:35 Long-Term Strategies for Family Economy 18:28 The AI Arms Race and Its Implications 27:27 Personal Reflections on Real Assets 29:46 The Importance of Discernment 30:35 Surviving the Jobs Apocalypse 31:41 Growing Your Own Food 33:12 Storing Up Without Stress 33:48 Embracing Change and Taking Action 34:30 Faith and Obedience in Uncertain Times 39:58 Building a Family Economy 44:54 Entrepreneurship and Education 46:52 The Journey of Publishing and Family Involvement 52:27 The Power of a United Family Vision 53:59 Conclusion and Call to Action Transcript: Rory Groves: [00:00:00] you don't have to have it all figured out. From the beginning, before you get started, you don't have to have analysis paralysis. You can just do one thing today with your family that unites your family, that's gonna bring you closer to something that's sustainable, that's going to survive whatever's coming, and it's gonna separate you and join you with other families who are doing the same things. well welcome back to podcasting. I guess last time we chit chatted you weren't doing podcasts. Nathan Spearing: Yeah, I think I still have a, uh, I guess tenuous relationship with it. You can devote a hundred percent of your time to your children, to your wife and it, not be enough. You know what I mean? True. But then the, also the reality is that this media can work on your behalf and on my behalf, round the clock. True. Or relatively cheaply. Yes. You know, so maybe, um. You know, [00:01:00] that'll be, that'll be the discussion that we have here because it's this, uh, tug of war between the analog or maybe the real, we could just say that. The real mm-hmm. And then the, the make believe technological advances and things like that. So I think I still, I would say that it's a big topic, whatever the metric that I apply now is that. I want to talk to somebody about a subject that I particularly am curious about. All right? And I want to know what do I do? How do I figure this out wise, men, wom...

In this episode, Nathan shares hard-won lessons from building a business, raising a family, and trusting God when the numbers don’t make sense. After losing a major contract, he reflects on how easy it is to second-guess the very decisions once made in faith. Nathan talks about buying land, building for future generations, finishing 75 Hard with his wife, and the discipline required to keep moving forward when outcomes lag behind obedience. He also opens up about a conversation with Ben Greenfield that reshaped his vision for Tactical Household—shifting from selling digital products to creating real-world brotherhood rooted in faith, training, and community. Linke: ️ Join Tactical Household (Free Skool Group): Join here  Previous Episode: The Power of Muscle and Money in Men’s Duties w/ John Moody  Transform NC (Remodeling): https://www.transformnc.com  Life on Target Archive: https://www.spearing.co/podcast  Connect with Nathan: Instagram | X Timestamped Outline [00:00:00] Opening — Reflections After the John Moody Episode Nathan shares listener feedback and lessons learned. The tension between business growth and generational vision. [00:01:00] Faith, Risk, and Real Estate Buying 54 acres, living in a bus, and trusting God to provide. Why this decision was about faith, not financial return. [00:04:00] Generational Thinking Rejecting the “my kids can fend for themselves” mentality. Building homes for future generations and cultivating family legacy. [00:06:00] When Faith Feels Foolish Facing the temptation to dig up in doubt what was planted in faith. Holding the line when vision feels irresponsible. [00:07:00] Physical and Mental Discipline Day 74 of 75 Hard: workouts, rucks, and grit with his wife. How shared suffering builds unity in marriage and mindset. [00:08:00] Business Disappointment — The $266K Contract That Didn’t Close Lessons from losing a big project. The value of paid design agreements vs. free estimates. Protecting time, expertise, and confidence in the process. [00:10:00] From Wants to Needs Focusing on essential service work over luxury remodels. Example: solving real problems that clients can’t ignore. [00:12:00] Provision, Protection, and Preparation How the theology of violence connects with business and readiness. Why men must earn, train, and build margin for defense and provision. [00:13:00] The Ben Greenfield Call The big takeaway: people crave real community, not just content. Pivoting Tactical Household toward face-to-face brotherhood. [00:15:00] Building Local Ops Through the Church

In this episode, Nathan Spearing sits down with John Moody—author, homesteader, and mentor to men—to talk about why most of life’s problems for men come down to two things: muscle and money. Drawing from his own experience building businesses, leading a family, and navigating church life, John explains why provision, protection, and leadership require strength and resources. The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, failed opportunities, church resistance to strong men, and why young men today need practical discipleship in economics, fitness, and household management. Links: The post we talked about that sparked this episode Follow John Moody on X and/or Facebook Nathan's website Nathan on X Beregenerated Brotherhood [00:00:00] Opening Shotgun intro. John Moody: “Most men’s problems are solved with more muscle and more money.” [00:01:00] The Feminist Trap Nathan on husbands hoping wives’ side hustles will cover provision. John explains why many churches still cater to feminism. [00:03:00] Young Men Want Practical Teaching Why men in churches are starving for real-world advice. Uri Brito quote: “Theology without application is not theology.” [00:04:00] Early Marriage and Missed Business Opportunities John’s seminary days: starting businesses but told “it’s not ministry.” The lost potential of building skills earlier. [00:06:00] First Business: Scholarship Consulting Helping students get scholarships on contingency. Lessons learned when clients didn’t want to pay. [00:09:00] Second Business: Tutoring Grew fast, but limited by capacity. Why he wishes he’d scaled and sold it before family responsibilities multiplied. [00:11:00] Plant Your Field Before Building Your House John’s advice to his younger self: provision first, then advanced degrees or ministry. [00:14:00] Money, Muscle, and Biblical Duties Provision, protection, leadership require resources. Gnostic spirituality divorces wisdom from real-world strength and wealth. [00:15:00] Competence Earns Authority Why the church often offers mediocrity, not excellence. Influence flows from demonstrated skill. [00:16:00] Pushback in Church Leadership Story of being blocked from eldership for “making too big a wake.” Parallels to Michael Foster and fear of strong men. [00:18:00] Men at the City Gates In the Old Testament, those with estates and strength sat in judgment. Wealth + physical ability qualified them to lead. [00:19:00] Xenophon’s Oeconomicus and Paul’s Writings Historic parallels on managing households. The hero is orderly, strong, and economically fruitful....

In this episode, Nathan Spearing sits down with Uri Brito, Presiding Minister of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC)—the denomination that includes leaders like Doug Wilson and Pete Hegseth. Together they reflect on the recent martyrdom of Charlie Kirk and what it means for Christians today. The conversation covers how men, families, and churches should respond in times of national upheaval: from worship and discipleship to marriage, child-rearing, and public witness. Pastor Brito lays out practical steps for raising sons and daughters in the faith, building strong households, and engaging publicly with boldness. They also discuss why young men are drawn to Orthodoxy, the need for strong Protestant voices, and how social media can be used strategically for kingdom work. Follow Uri Brito on Twitter/X: https://x.com/uribrito  The Perspectivalist by Uri Brito (The Perspectivalist for regular essays, culture commentary, and pastoral reflections:) CREC (Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches): https://crechurches.org Sing Your Part - Establish Your Church's Singing Culture - https://singyourpart.app Nathan’s website: www.Spearing.co Want to go deeper? Join the Tactical Household private group—a community for building resilient, capable families. Access at TacticalHousehold.com and use code LifeOnTarget for 10% off Timestamped Outline [00:00:00] Opening Intro: reformation, Protestant tradition, and the example of Charlie Kirk.Nathan welcomes Pastor Uri Brito. [00:02:00] Current Events & Sabbath Convictions Uri shares about being invited to Charlie Kirk’s funeral on a Sunday and why he declined.The importance of keeping the Lord’s Day holy even during public events. [00:03:00] Why Nathan Reached Out Nathan recalls hearing Uri on rites of passage and the importance for military dads and churches.Connecting Charlie Kirk’s ministry to the absence of true rites of passage in American culture. [00:08:00] Uri’s Background Pastor in Pensacola, doctorate from Reformed Theological Seminary.Commitment to training pastors, political theology, and household economy.Father of five, invested in homeschooling and Christian education. [00:10:00] Responding to Charlie Kirk’s Martyrdom Nathan asks: “What are we supposed to do now?”Uri stresses application: worship, discipleship, household faithfulness, and public action.Martyrdom always produces multiplication in church history. [00:14:00] Lessons from Charlie Kirk’s Life Charlie’s rhetorical gifts, boldness, and courage.Martyrdom as a call to examine apathy and complacency in men. [00:16:00] First Sphere: The Church Recommitment to worship, catechism, and modeling faith for children.Martyrdom as a call back to faithful participation in local congregations. [00:18:00] Second Sphere: Household Leadership Men: get married, take responsibility, provide for families.Fathers must disciple their children directly, not outsource to wives or schools.Masculine education: setting rituals, rhythms, and rites of passage. [00:20:00] Third Sphere: Public Witness

In this episode, Nathan sits down with David Reece—pastor, entrepreneur, and founder of Armored Republic—to explore how Christian men can lead their households, train their children, and steward businesses with wisdom and purpose. From raising sons to work full-time by their mid-teens, to cultivating daughters as queens in the home, to structuring time around the Lord’s Day, David shares a blueprint for dominion living. The conversation dives deep into discipline, delegation, biblical law, and the practical skills needed to govern your home and ventures for the glory of God. Guest Links Puritan Reform Church: https://puritanphx.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/RealDavidReese Armored Republic (AR500): https://www.ar500armor.com Resources Mentioned The Book of Proverbs (Bible) Westminster Larger Catechism (esp. section on the Law): Free Online Version William Perkins – Christian Oeconomy (Christian Economy): Free eBook (PDF) The Great Exchange by Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington: Amazon Link Ron Paul Curriculum (mentioned for homeschool history videos): https://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com Connect with Nathan / Life on Target ️ More episodes of Life on Target: Spearing.co Twitter/X: @thespearing Outline [00:00:00] Opening Nathan introduces David Reece and reconnects after previous conferences. [00:01:00] Guest Background David shares his bio: pastor at Puritan Reform Church, husband, father of six, new grandfather. Founder of Armored Republic; mission: “tools of liberty for free men.” Building a portfolio of Christian businesses. [00:05:00] Children and Work Training sons to begin full-time work by 15–16. Daughter engaged in admin/finance; sons in marketing and video. Purpose: each child gains a trade and skill, avoiding idleness. [00:09:00] Homeschool Philosophy Early emphasis on reading, writing, arithmetic. Family worship every day: Bible reading, prayer, psalm singing, blessing. Using play to prepare for work by adding layers of complexity. Teaching biblical and world history with big “touchpoints” to anchor understanding. [00:17:00] Discipline Importance of consistent, prompt discipline. Nathan shares convictions from Future Men documentary about avoiding moving standards. Reece explains discipline framework: charges, plea, verdict, sentencing, restoration. Transition from corporal punishment in younger years to written reflection, restitution, and responsibility for older children (esp. daughters). [00:28:00] Quick Forgiveness vs. Prolonged Punishment ...

In this episode, I reflect on the opportunity cost of time and the challenge of aligning our daily decisions with the unique gifts and purpose God has given us. From evaluating lucrative opportunities to managing business systems and staying true to family priorities, I share personal insights on navigating the tension between potential and practicality. This episode is a call to action: assess your commitments, focus on what only you can do, and embrace the courage to say no when necessary. Let’s approach this week with clarity and intention. Links: The Tactical Household Private Group (Paid) 3 Essential Guns Guide (Free) Blue Collar Business Launch Guide (Free) Nathan’s Twitter/X Nathan’s Instagram Nathan’s YouTube Channel Timestamp Outline: • [00:00:00] Introduction: Reflecting on Monday morning thoughts about time and purpose • [00:01:00] Understanding opportunity cost and God’s unique purpose for each of us • [00:02:00] Balancing mental toughness with smarter decision-making • [00:03:00] The question of delegation: Who can do this better than me? • [00:04:00] A lucrative opportunity: Excitement vs. dread • [00:05:00] Overcoming FOMO: Saying no to financial gain for personal and family priorities • [00:06:00] Systematizing business operations to free bandwidth for creative pursuits • [00:07:00] Closing thoughts: Verbal processing and encouragement for the week ahead

In this episode, we dive deep into the principles of creating a tactical household that isn’t just resilient in times of crisis but rooted in faith, community, and preparedness. Nathan Spearing shares personal stories, insights from military service, and practical strategies for establishing a self-sufficient home. From maintaining a strong family unit and building a reliable community to preparing for emergencies and achieving financial independence, Nathan reveals how to craft a home and life that stand firm, no matter the challenges ahead. Links: The Tactical Household Private Group (Paid) 3 Essential Guns Guide (Free) Blue Collar Business Launch Guide (Free) Ranger Handbook on Sustainment Operations (PDF) Off-Grid Medicine Book Art of Manliness: Off-Grid Medicine Podcast Joel Salatin’s Homesteading Insights (Life on Target Episode 64) Nathan’s Twitter/X Nathan’s Instagram Nathan’s YouTube Channel

In this episode, Nathan explores the challenging reality that there’s no such thing as easy money. He dives into his mindset and the principles that have shaped his approach to business, personal growth, and family life. Nathan shares a story about dealing with a nasty sewage pump problem, using it as a metaphor for finding joy in difficult circumstances. Drawing from his military experience, he explains how developing mental resilience, cultivating the right mindset, and embracing challenges can lead to long-term growth and success. Nathan emphasizes the importance of a disciplined life, passing on these lessons to future generations, and building an anti-fragile household. Join the Tactical Household private group and make your family unstoppable. Use code “LIFEONTARGET” to get 10% off. Follow me on X | Instagram | YouTube All episodes, show notes, and full transcript at www.Spearing.co

In this episode, Nathan takes us on a journey as he reflects on a 30-day challenge that he and his son joined, alongside a group of men and their sons. Through daily tasks and accountability, they navigated through the obstacles of sugar, workouts, mindfulness, and purity. Nathan shares the value of surrounding oneself with challenging relationships and setting measurable goals, emphasizing the importance of community in achieving personal growth. Join us as we explore the practical steps and insights Nathan gained from this meaningful experience, and consider how you can cultivate similar challenges within your own life and community.

Welcome back to the Life on Target podcast! In this episode, Nathan Spearing shares a raw and unfiltered update on what he's been up to since the last episode. From speaking at the Trad Dad Conference to managing a bustling household and business, Nathan opens up about the struggles and lessons he's experienced. He talks about the conviction he felt about his priorities and the ongoing challenges of living in a bus while juggling multiple responsibilities. Nathan also reflects on the phase of life where social media engagement might not align with personal discipline and responsibilities. Join us as we dive into Nathan's journey of growth, development, and the exciting projects he's working on. Stay tuned for valuable insights and inspiring real-life experiences.   Links: “A Theology of Violence”- Nathan Spearing (Trad Dad 2023 Session 3) “Making The Battle” – Nathan Spearing (Trad Dad 2023 Session 6) Outline: 00:00 Regret over time away from family and farm. 05:23 Desire for hosting despite practical challenges. Embracing simplicity. 07:24 Balanced life over theological arguments and social media. 12:41 Creating free launch guide and courses soon. Follow Nathan on: X | Instagram | Spearing.co

In this episode, Nathan has an in-depth discussion with Pastor C.R. Wiley on the importance of mechanical competency, personal agency, and strategies for how families can be more productive and profitable for God’s glory. Pastor C.R. Wiley shares...