Advertise on podcast: Gaining Ground

What happens when AI can give you affection, attention, and companionship without the risk of rejection? And what does that mean for your marriage, your relationships, and your ability to experience real intimacy? AI is changing more than the way we work. It's changing the way we connect. And some men are already developing emotional and romantic relationships with AI. In this episode of the Gaining Ground Podcast, Pastor Landon Sherman sits down with Sathiya Sam, founder of DeepClean and author of The Last Relapse, to explore the unsettling intersection of artificial intelligence, pornography, marriage, and human connection. They discuss the rise of AI girlfriends, why men are increasingly turning to artificial relationships, and the deeper struggles with loneliness, vulnerability, and intimacy that technology may be making worse. But this conversation isn't just about the dangers of AI. It's about what men are really searching for, why genuine relationships require hard work, and how faith, emotional connection, and a strong sense of identity can help us experience the intimacy we were created for. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 – Is AI Replacing Real Human Intimacy? 02:26 – How AI Is Changing the Pornography Industry 06:00 – The Married Man Who Had 3 AI Mistresses 08:04 – How the Adult Entertainment Industry Keeps Men Hooked 10:38 – Why Sexual Curiosity Can Become Dangerous 12:02 – The Neuroscience Behind How Pornography Rewires the Brain 16:07 – The Secret to Emotional Intimacy in Marriage 18:37 – Is Technology Making Us Worse at Relationships? 21:54 – The Hidden Danger of AI Telling You What You Want to Hear 26:24 – Why Every Man Desperately Wants to Be Known 33:19 – How Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything 41:11 – How Should Christians Actually Use AI? 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM SATHIYA: - Sathiya Sam | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sathiyamesam/) - Sathiya Sam | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@sathiyamesam) - Man Within Podcast | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xv3trXatgORUBXtCf1xQ7) - Man Within Podcast | Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/man-within-podcast/id1527509233) - Sathiya’s Book | The Last Relapse (https://deepcleancoaching.com/the-last-relapse) - Deep Clean Coaching (https://deepcleancoaching.com/) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) -  Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew) -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church)

Most men have friends. But how many have someone who knows what's really going on in their lives? The struggles in their marriage. The temptations they keep falling into. The things they're too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anybody else. In this episode of Gaining Ground, Landon and Drew Sherman sit down with Pastor Ashley Wooldridge to talk about biblical manhood, accountability, and why so many Christian men keep fighting the same battles. They discuss how men slowly drift in their faith and marriages, why willpower alone isn't enough to overcome temptation, and how to build the kind of friendships where real accountability can happen. Because you don't have to tell everybody everything. But every man needs somebody he can tell anything. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - Why Every Man Needs a 5% Guy 01:12 - What Does It Mean to Be a Godly Man? 05:01 - The Problem With Modern Masculinity 07:15 - How Men Become Passive Without Realizing It 09:13 - The Danger of Drifting Through Life 10:51 - How Temptation Slowly Destroys Men 15:25 - Why Your Habits Matter More Than Your Intentions 18:23 - How to Protect Yourself From Temptation 21:10 - The 5% Fight Club: Why Every Man Needs Accountability 22:51 - How to Find Men You Can Really Trust 29:57 - How to Stop Your Marriage From Drifting 32:42 - Why Strong Men Need to Be Gentle 40:08 - Stop Making Excuses and Take Responsibility 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM ASHLEY: - Ashley Wooldridge | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashleywooldridge/) - Ashley Wooldridge | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ccvonline/videos) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) - Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew) - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church)

You don’t have to keep handing down what was handed to you. Maybe you grew up around anger, distance, shame, addiction, or a father who simply did not know how to be present. Maybe your story looks different, but there are still patterns, wounds, or habits in your life that you know you do not want to pass on. At some point, every man has to decide whether he is going to keep carrying those things or finally let God into them. In this episode of the Gaining Ground podcast, Landon sits down with Kyle Rodgers - pastor, coach, speaker, and founder of Dads Matter, to talk about fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, and what happens when you finally let God into the parts of your life you have been trying to manage on your own. They talk about being present with your kids, giving your family your best instead of your leftovers, repairing relationships when you get it wrong, and dealing with the wounds, shame, habits, and hidden places that can eventually affect the people you love most. Breaking the cycle is NOT just about trying harder. Sometimes it means admitting there are areas of your life that still need healing and giving God access to them. What you refuse to deal with has a way of showing back up, and if you are not careful, you can pass down things you were never meant to carry in the first place. If there is an area of your life you have been avoiding, hiding, or trying to control, this conversation is a reminder that freedom is possible. Let God in. Let that stuff go. Break the cycle. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - How to Break the Cycle and Let God In 01:07 - Why Dads Matter and How Fathers Shape Generations 04:47 - What Kids Really Need From Their Dad 08:21 - How Busy Dads Can Be More Present With Their Family 10:31 - Stop Giving Your Family Your Leftovers 14:28 - Parenting Adult Children Without Trying to Control Them 16:16 - Why a Father’s Warmth Matters So Much 20:31 - Healing Father Wounds and Breaking Generational Cycles 24:52 - How Unhealed Pain Gets Passed Down to Your Kids 29:32 - Shame, Guilt, and the Parts of Your Life You Hide From God 36:26 - How to Let God Heal the Areas You Keep Avoiding 38:50 - Taking Responsibility, Apologizing, and Repairing Relationships 40:57 - Humility, Honesty, and the First Step Toward Freedom 44:12 - How Small Daily Choices Can Change Your Life 47:25 - Building a Spiritual Legacy That Outlives You 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM KYLE: - Kyle Rodgers | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kylerodgers/) - Kyle Rodgers | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-rodgers-a2981523b/) - Kyle Rodgers | Web (https://www.kylerodgers.co/) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) -  Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: - Make It Happen | friendlierbear (MB01QVAOAHXUX45)

If you’ve tried to quit porn before but keep finding yourself back in the same cycle, this episode is about what it actually takes to get free. Joshua Broome spent years trapped in sexual brokenness before eventually becoming one of the most successful performers in the porn industry. He appeared in more than 1,000 films, made millions of dollars, won major industry awards, and still found himself buried under shame, isolation, addiction, and a life he no longer knew how to escape. Today, Joshua is free. In this conversation, Joshua shares the path that helped him leave that life behind and rebuild from the inside out. You’ll hear why secrecy gives sin power, why willpower alone usually isn’t enough, how to identify the patterns and compromises that keep pulling you back, and why real freedom requires honesty, boundaries, accountability, and people who know what’s actually going on in your life. Joshua also shares the moment that began changing everything for him, why porn often promises intimacy while actually producing deeper isolation, and what it looks like to stop simply feeling guilty about your behavior and start taking real steps toward freedom. If pornography has become a stronghold in your life, this conversation isn’t about condemning you or convincing you that you’re too far gone. It’s about helping you stop hiding, take responsibility, and build a practical plan to move forward. Joshua says it best, “You can only be as free as you’re willing to be honest.” If you’re serious about quitting porn forever, start here. 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) ➡️ MORE FROM JOSHUA: - Joshua Broome | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iamjoshuabroome/) - Joshua’s Podcast, Walk Worthy  | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@walkworthy-ministry) - More On Joshua’s Story, Unmentionable | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unmentionable/id1723687920) - Joshua’s Book, 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life | https://www.amazon.com/Lies-That-Will-Ruin-Your/dp/154600565X  📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) -  Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Run It Back | 808 Beezy MB01W9AT4EEXXCR

Have men become weak, or have we simply forgotten what real strength looks like? Culture keeps handing men two bad options: be loud, aggressive, and impossible to control, or be quiet, passive, and out of the way. Neither one looks like Jesus. In this episode of the Gaining Ground podcast, Landon sits down with Ryan Miller, author of Meek Is a Mustang, to unpack the confusion so many men feel about their own identity. They talk about the "pendulum" men swing on between toxic masculinity and passivity, why testosterone and physical fitness have declined so sharply in young men, and how the enemy uses passivity (not just aggression) to sideline men from the fights that matter most — in their homes, their marriages, and issues like abortion. Ryan shares his own story: growing up in isolation, chasing validation through baseball and a Hollywood documentary deal, and the moment God told him to walk away from a project worth millions. That obedience led him to discover that the biblical word for "meek" is the Greek word used to describe taming a wild Mustang — not weakness, but strength fully surrendered and made useful. This is not a call to soften up. It's a call to get off the pendulum, stop performing manhood, and let God do the taming so you can actually be useful to Him. If you've ever felt like following Jesus meant losing your edge, this conversation will change how you see biblical strength for good. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Does Christianity Make Men Weak? 0:54 – Ryan's State of the Union on Manhood 2:58 – How Social Algorithms Push Men Toward Confusion 3:23 – Naming the "They": Understanding Spiritual Warfare 7:17 – The Masculinity Pendulum: Savage vs. Passive 9:23 – Have Men Actually Grown Weaker? 10:04 – Feminism, Abortion, and the Passivity of Men 12:38 – The Physical and Spiritual Collapse of Young Men 15:45 – Ryan's Story: Growing Up in Chaos 17:47 – Chasing Success and Getting Back on the Pendulum 19:42 – Taming Wild Mustangs and the Birth of Chasing Wild 21:38 – Obeying God Over Hollywood and Ambition 24:18 – Losing Everything and Learning Meekness 26:03 – Discovering "Praus": The Greek Word for Meekness 29:11 – Recognizing the Wild Mustang in Yourself 30:57 – True Power Is Found Through Surrendered Weakness 32:44 – Learning Meekness from CIA Agents and Four-Star Generals 35:26 – The First Step to Becoming Meek 37:53 – Repenting of the Lies You Believe About God 41:21 – Ryan's Legacy: Fighting for the Secret Place with Jesus 43:01 – David: A Man After God's Own Heart 45:06 – Closing Prayer 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM RYAN: - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ryan_miller/) - TIktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@dudewithgoodnews) - Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ryan_miller1) https://linktr.ee/dudewithgoodnews?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=772b3400-0c9b-43e5-be18-9692ac7f2ac3 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) - Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: TUNISIAN FUR FriendlierBear MB01HJNB5EQQUS0

Fitness is not just about looking better. For Christian men, it is about stewardship, discipline, leadership, and learning to bring every part of your life under the lordship of Jesus. In this episode of the Gaining Ground podcast, Landon sits down with Hunter Sprague from Monolith Movement to talk about why so many men neglect their physical health, what the Bible actually says about bodily training, and why taking care of your body is not vanity; it is discipleship. They talk about dad bods, gluttony, discipline, weight loss, lifting, diet, steps, hormones, CrossFit, GLP-1s, TRT, and the deeper mindset shift Christian men need in 2026. This is not a shame-filled conversation. It is a wake-up call. If your body is out of order, it will eventually affect your energy, your leadership, your marriage, your parenting, your ministry, and your ability to carry the weight God has placed on your life. You do not need to become obsessed with fitness. But you do need to stop pretending your body does not matter. It is time to take ownership, build discipline, and start gaining ground physically. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - Why Christian Men Need a Fitness Wake-Up Call 01:30 - Fitness, Stewardship, and Following Jesus 07:17 - Hunter’s Story and the Start of Monolith Movement 11:23 - Why So Many Men Are Physically Unhealthy 19:33 - What the Bible Says About Bodily Training 26:36 - Why Your Body Is a Discipleship Issue 32:37 - Fitness, Discipline, and Avoiding Extremes 39:04 - How to Start Getting Healthy Today 44:12 - Simple Fitness Habits for Busy Men 54:20 - Diet, Calories, and Enjoying Food with Discipline 01:01:03 - CrossFit, 10,000 Steps, Creatine, GLP-1s, and TRT 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM HUNTER: - Hunter Sprague | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/monolithmovement/) - Monolith Movement | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@monolithmovement/)  📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) -  Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: BEEN WAITING | Friendlierbear MB01QW6X7EIPDM7

Most dads want to get it right. They want to be present. They want to lead well. They want to love their wife, guide their kids, follow Jesus, and build a home marked by strength, grace, and faith. But a lot of dads are also carrying questions they don’t always say out loud. Am I doing enough? Am I leading my family well? What if I missed something? What if nobody ever taught me how to do this? In this Father’s Day episode of the Gaining Ground Podcast, we have an honest conversation about fatherhood, faith, presence, regret, spiritual leadership, and what it means to become the kind of dad your family needs. This is not about being a perfect dad. It is about becoming a better one. Whether your kids are toddlers, teenagers, grown adults, or not yet born, you can start where you are. Your presence matters. Your prayers matter. Your example matters. And the way you follow Jesus will shape your family, your home, and your legacy. Dads, this is the year. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - Every Dad Has A Father Story 03:49 - Growing Up Without A Father 08:08 - How Fatherlessness Shapes A Man 13:24 - Why A Father’s Presence Matters 17:16 - Learning To Trust God As Father 21:00 - Parenting Each Child Differently 27:32 - Fatherhood Regret And Missed Moments 30:36 - Breaking Generational Cycles As A Dad 34:53 - How To Lead Your Family Spiritually 41:40 - Starting A New Family Tree 47:03 - What To Do When You Feel Like You Failed As A Dad 59:20 - Becoming The Dad Your Family Needs 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) -  Drew Sherman | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastor_drew) -  Josh Wright | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pastorjoshw/)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Belly of the Beast (LoFi Version) | skateshop MB01XWJWC30X6CK Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

A lot of men look successful on the outside but feel stuck, angry, anxious, or empty on the inside. They have the job, the family, the goals, the discipline, and the image of strength, but still find themselves wondering why none of it seems to produce peace. In this episode of Gaining Ground, Landon and Drew sit down with Trey Tucker, founder of Rugged Counseling, to talk about men’s mental health, identity, purpose, anxiety, emotional maturity, and what it actually looks like for men to get healthy without becoming soft, passive, or self-absorbed. Trey brings a direct, no-nonsense approach to therapy for men. He explains why success cannot become your identity, why distraction keeps men from becoming who God called them to be, and how anxiety and depression often function like a check engine light for the soul. This conversation covers practical tools for silence, gratitude, emotional awareness, marriage, work stress, rejection, and building a stronger inner life. If you’ve ever felt like you should be happy but you’re not, this episode will help you slow down, look under the hood, and take the next honest step toward health. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Why Am I Not Happy? 1:13 – Meet Trey Tucker of Rugged Counseling 3:10 – Why Men Resist Therapy 6:21 – What Healthy Men Actually Look Like 7:26 – Identity, Purpose, and Team 9:04 – Why Distraction Is Killing Men’s Growth 12:33 – Why Successful Men Still Feel Empty 15:04 – Finding Your Identity and Purpose 23:44 – Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health 27:35 – How To Overcome Anxiety Biblically 32:48 – Be Still and Know That I Am God 36:02 – What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed 40:18 – How To Harness Your Inner Caveman 41:12 – Healthy Responses To Real-Life Problems 48:04 – The Best Question To Ask Every Day 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. MORE FROM TREY: - Trey Tucker / Rugged Counseling | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RuggedCounseling) - Trey Tucker / Rugged Counseling | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ruggedcounseling/) - Rugged Counseling | Web (https://www.ruggedcounseling.com/) - Trey’s Book, Tough Enough (https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Enough-Cultivate-Purpose-Strength/dp/0310370566) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Top (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB01Y0LCQC6GFUV Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Most people think prison is where freedom ends. But for MILLIONS of incarcerated men and women, prison became the place where they finally encountered the grace of God. In this episode of Gaining Ground, Landon and Drew sit down with Jake Bodine, Founder & CEO of God Behind Bars, to talk about prison ministry, grace, shame, redemption, and what it really means to follow Jesus. We talk about how going behind bars has stretched our theology and forced us to ask a hard question: how far does grace REALLY go? Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re just starting to figure out faith, this conversation will challenge the way you think about grace, freedom, and the kind of life God is calling you to live. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – What Prison Taught Me About Grace 1:11 – Welcome to Gaining Ground 3:17 – How God Behind Bars Started 8:46 – How Prison Ministry Reaches Inmates 10:31 – Why Inmates Should Not Be Forgotten 13:36 – What Jesus Says About Prison Ministry 15:59 – Physical Prison vs. Spiritual Freedom 19:08 – Can God Really Forgive Anyone? 24:55 – How To Break Free From Shame 32:50 – Religion vs. A Real Relationship With Jesus 34:53 – What Are You Holding Back From God? 40:57 – How To Live Out Matthew 25 43:47 – Don’t Waste Your Life 46:25 – How To Lead Your Family Toward Jesus 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. MORE FROM GOD BEHIND BARS - God Behind Bars | Web (https://www.godbehindbars.com/) - God Behind Bars | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@godbehindbars) - God Behind Bars | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/godbehindbars/) - God Behind Bars | TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@godbehindbars) - God Behind Bars | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GodBehindBars) - Jake Bodine | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jake_bodine/) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Another Time | Friendlierbear MB01D7NI9QKWLPJ What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Success today does not guarantee fulfillment tomorrow. A lot of men are exhausted, constantly connected, and quietly running on empty. We live in an age of hustle culture, nonstop productivity, and always being available, but the truth is many men are burning out while chasing a version of success that still leaves them restless. In this episode of Gaining Ground, we talk honestly about burnout, pressure, rhythm, and the pace of modern life. We unpack why so many men feel emotionally exhausted, spiritually drained, and constantly behind, even while accomplishing more than ever before. This conversation explores how technology, work culture, and misplaced priorities can slowly pull men away from what matters most. We also discuss the biblical idea of Sabbath and rest, why stopping is an act of trust, and how healthy rhythms help men lead their families, protect their minds, and build lives that actually last. From Jesus’ example of rest to practical frameworks like “rest weekly, depart monthly, abandon annually,” let’s get some practical wisdom for men who want to overcome burnout without checking out on responsibility. If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, distracted, or emotionally stretched thin, this conversation will help you rethink success, reset your priorities, and build a healthier rhythm for the long haul. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Do You Trust God Enough To Rest? 1:49 – How Men Define Success and Legacy 6:55 – Why Your Pace Shapes Your Purpose 8:50 – Why So Many Men Are Burned Out 14:52 – Why You Are Not a Robot 16:21 – Advice on Burnout From a Dying Man 19:16 – What the Bible Says About Rest and Sabbath 24:50 – How To Deal With Busy Seasons 30:02 – Men & Purpose: Are You Aiming at the Right Target? 36:58 – 3 Rhythms to Overcome Burnout 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. MORE RESOURCES: - Ben Sasse | NYT Interview (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vwh9fSk1Xn8?si=VGALA1GD6ivLpAPj)  👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Another Time | Friendlierbear MB01D7NI9QKWLPJ What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has one of the most unique stories in the NFL. From professional soccer to software engineering to becoming a three-time Pro Bowler for America’s Team, his path to football didn’t look like most players. Fresh off a new contract extension with the Cowboys and right in the middle of the 2026 NFL Draft season, Brandon joins Gaining Ground to talk about faith, family, football, pressure, preparation, and what it takes to stay grounded in the middle of an NFL career. This conversation goes beyond the field. Brandon opens up about missing his first NFL kick, learning to handle pressure, bouncing back after failure, and why being a husband and dad matters more than anything he accomplishes between the lines. If you’re a Cowboys fan, an NFL fan, or a man trying to lead well under pressure, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Introducing Dallas Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey 2:07 – Brandon Aubrey’s Welcome to the NFL Moment 5:05 – Brandon Aubrey’s Unlikely Journey To The NFL 7:28 – How To Steward Talent and Pursue Progress 9:32 – How Brandon Aubrey Handles Pressure as an NFL Kicker 15:20 – Why Pressure At Work Is Perceived 18:19 – NFL Kicker: How to Bounce Back After a Miss 21:38 – What The NFL Has Taught Brandon Aubrey About Family 24:28 – NFL Player: Why Being a Husband and Dad Comes First 32:42 – Keeping Family First During an NFL Season 33:50 – How Fatherhood Changed Brandon Aubrey 36:32 – Brandon Aubrey’s Faith Journey 40:55 – Advice for Young Athletes Chasing a Dream 41:37 – How To Turn Pressure Into Opportunity 45:10 – A Message for Dallas Cowboys Fans 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) MORE FROM BRANDON: - Brandon Aubrey | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/baubs10)  📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: The World Is Yours (Instrumental) | skateshop MB01QIQMRDPRQJC What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

What does the Bible say about business? How should Christian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals think about faith, work, stewardship, integrity, and success in the marketplace? In this episode of Gaining Ground, Ps. Landon and Drew sit down with Mukwenda Kandole, founder of the Faithustle movement, for a practical conversation about building a business God’s way. This episode explores what it means to follow Jesus in the marketplace without separating faith from work, and why the real issue is often not your industry, but the posture of your heart. We cover stewardship, generosity, integrity, humility, Spirit-led leadership, and the challenge of building something meaningful without adopting the world’s definition of success. We also talk about the temptation to compartmentalize life, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why growing people may be one of the most overlooked keys to lasting impact in business. If you’ve ever wondered how to honor God at work, lead with conviction, or build something without losing your soul in the process, this episode is for you. Let’s get to work. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Faith and Business Belong Together 1:14 – Introducing Mukwenda & Faithustle 4:18 – Why Christian Entrepreneurs Needed Something Different 6:11 – The Danger of Following the Wrong Business Voices 7:33 – What Real Biblical Success Actually Looks Like 12:13 – You Don’t Need a “Christian” Brand to Honor God at Work 13:49 – The 5 Pillars of a Faith-Driven Business 17:20 – Why the Marketplace Is Central to God’s Mission 22:40 – Stewardship Changes How You See Your Career 25:01 – What the Fear of the Lord Has to Do With Leadership 35:28 – God Cares More About Faithfulness Than Metrics 39:34 – The Secret to Growing Any Organization: Grow Your People 42:27 – How to Start Building Your Business God’s Way 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. ABOUT FAITHUSTLE: Faithustle is a weekly podcast and community that encourages believers in their hustle of business and career to have wholistic biblical view of success. Together they will discover what it looks like to make an impact for the Kingdom and live a life that reflects Christ in our work. Faithustle brings guests that not only have succeeded in their businesses or professions, but represent Christ and have healthy families and relationships. If you are starting out in your career and want direction on how to represent Jesus in the marketplace, check it out! https://www.thefaithustle.com/ JOIN THE FAITHUSTLE NETWORK: A global community of Christian entrepreneurs building business God’s way. https://skool.com/faithustlenetwork) FAITHUSTLE EVENT IN DFW | APRIL 17TH: A meetup for Christian entrepreneurs & creatives to connect, worship, and build Kingdom businesses together. (https://tinyurl.com/5ykhkn6d) MORE FROM MUKWENDA: Faithustle | YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/mrxzadfp) Faithustle | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/4xze4hpr) Faithustle | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3wchfyzy) Faithustle | Instagram (https://instagram.com/thefaithustle) Mukwenda Kandole | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mukwendakandole) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7) Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen) Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman) Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Dream Light - Generdyn (MB01CHUVBAFVJ7R)Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug (MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK)

Is the supernatural still happening today? Why do so many American Christians struggle to experience spiritual warfare, answered prayer, and the power of God the way believers do in the Bible? Veteran missionary and President of Pioneer Bible Translators Dr. Greg Pruett shares real stories from unreached villages, Muslim regions, and Bible-less people groups where prayer, healing, and deliverance were part of everyday ministry. This conversation explores why Western culture often filters out the supernatural—and how ordinary believers can recover a biblical expectation of how God still moves today. If you’ve ever wondered whether miracles still happen, how spiritual warfare actually works, or what it really means to pray “in Jesus’ name,” this conversation gives a clear and grounded framework for understanding the supernatural life of faith. Dr. Pruett also explains how Scripture shapes confident prayer, why most Christians treat prayer as a last resort, and how simple daily habits can make faith stronger and more resilient in real life. This is not about extreme experiences—it’s about returning to normal Christianity. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – A Missionary Prayer Story You Won’t Forget 0:36 – Introducing Greg Pruett of Pioneer Bible Translators 3:24 – From Engineering Dreams to Bible Translation 6:14 – Why So Many People Still Have No Bible 8:14 – What Mission Work Taught Greg About Islam 10:41 – Why Spiritual Warfare Is More Real Than We Think 18:15 – The Prayer Story That Changed Everything 22:23 – Healing, Deliverance, and the Power of Jesus’ Name 27:26 – Why the Supernatural Feels Distant in the West 29:46 – What It Really Means to Pray “In Jesus’ Name” 35:25 – When You Finally Come to the End of Yourself 40:55 – How to Build a Real Daily Prayer Habit 50:44 – How Men Can Fight Back Spiritually 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. ABOUT GREG: Greg Pruett has been President of Pioneer Bible Translators since January 2007. Prior to that he and his wife Rebecca lived in West Africa for 12 years, working with a team of local people to translate the entire Bible into the Yalunka language. Greg holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and a degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. His book Extreme Prayer: The Impossible Prayers God Promises to Answer (Tyndale, 2014) reveals the ways in which he has made prayer the primary strategy of Pioneer Bible. His second book, Extraordinary Hearing: Preparing Your Soul to Hear from God (Tyndale Momentum, 2023) gives practical, Biblical insights on how to pray and how to hear from God. He and Rebecca have three adult children, two of whom serve overseas. MORE FROM GREG: - Greg Pruett | LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/greg-pruett-b193a712) - Pioneer Bible Translators | Web (https://pioneerbible.org/feature-stories/they-chose-jesus/) - Pioneer Bible Translators | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pioneerbible/) - Pioneer Bible Translators | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneerbible/)  - Pioneer Bible Translators | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@PioneerBible) - Extreme Prayer by Greg Pruett (https://tinyurl.com/z664y6n8) - Extraordinary Hearing: Preparing Your Soul To Hear From God by Greg Pruett (https://tinyurl.com/4kjez42z) 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Fireborne | Charlie Ryan MB01BPAMRG7DYS5 What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Marriage isn’t sustained by feelings alone. Feelings fluctuate. Seasons change. Pressure comes from every direction. What determines the strength of a marriage over time is not emotion, but commitment. In this episode, we dive into an honest conversation about what actually builds a lasting marriage. We talk about how differences between spouses can create tension, why marriage tends to magnify both strengths and flaws, and the importance of choosing covenant love rather than treating marriage like a contract. The sad reality is that many couples enter marriage with an exit strategy already in mind, which makes it easier to walk away when seasons become difficult. But there’s another way, biblical covenant. It’s commitment rooted in sacrifice, humility, and daily decisions to love even when feelings fluctuate. We also explore other difficult relationship and marriage topics like conflict, divorce, rebuilding trust, seeking counseling, and how couples can begin restoring a marriage that has grown distant. When men commit to personal responsibility, honest communication, prayer, and choosing to fight for your marriage rather than quietly drifting apart, marriages get better. If you want to build a marriage that lasts through every season, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – People Walk Away From Marriage Based on Feelings 1:24 – Introducing the Marriage Conversation 2:36 – Do Opposites Really Attract? 7:38 – Why Marriage Magnifies Everything 9:34 – You Are Not Your Spouse’s Holy Spirit 11:10 – The Biblical Role of a Helper in Marriage 14:28 – Covenant Marriage vs Contract Marriage 17:55 – What Happens When You Don’t Feel In Love In Marriage 23:45 – Is Divorce An Option In Your Marriage? 30:15 – When a Marriage Runs Out of Love 38:27 – Why Marriage Is Not 50/50 43:26 – What Husbands and Wives Need From Each Other 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: -  Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) -  Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  -  Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: -  Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  -  Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  -  Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) -  Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: Fracture ft. Idyll | Roary MB014WOOMNSUD1Y What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK

Marriage rarely collapses in a single dramatic moment. It drifts, even in Christian marriages. Small compromises, busy schedules, raising kids, unspoken expectations, and over time connection fades without anyone meaning for it to. What once felt like strong marriage begins to feel routine. Healthy marriages are built through intentional pursuit, shared values, and disciplined leadership inside the home. Culture offers plenty of opinions, but not all of them produce lasting strength. Responsibility, humility, and consistent effort shape the direction of a marriage relationship far more than emotion ever will. Ps. Landon is joined by his wife MacKenzie, as well as his parents Ps. Drew & Michelle Sherman to reflect on what actually sustains a marriage across every seasons — early years, young kids, stress, disappointment, growth, and change. The focus isn’t on quick fixes. It’s on the habits and mindset that either protect a marriage or quietly weaken it over time. Lean in & build a new marriage one brick at a time. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 - Intro 0:41 - Marriage Panel Introduction 3:43 - Marriage Strengths & Frustrations 10:24 - How To Know If You’re Ready for Marriage 15:21 - Stop Taking Marriage Advice From Culture 18:41 - How to Pursue Your Wife Over Time 22:16 - Why Date Nights Still Matter In Marriage 24:55 - Why Marriages Can Slowly Drift Apart 29:09 - Praying Together With Your Spouse 33:34 - Biblical Submission Explained 37:22 - Should Women Only Submit? 41:44 - Fighting Complacency in Marriage 43:46 - Building Mutual Admiration In Marriage 44:17 - How To Reignite Your Marriage 46:04 - Creating a Marriage Mission Statement 47:14 - Becoming Unoffendable In Marriage 48:37 - The Marriage Comparison Trap 50:46 - Strengthening a Christian Marriage 🚀 START HERE! Learn more about the Gaining Ground men’s movement and how you can get involved at https://gaininggroundmen.com. ✅ ATTEND A GATHERING: Join us every First Wednesday at 6:30am in the DFW area at a Compass Church campus. These in-person gatherings are designed to help men reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Oh, and there’s coffee and breakfast of course. Register now at https://gaininggroundmen.com/gatherings/. 👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE: - Gaining Ground | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@GainingGroundMen) - Gaining Ground | Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/3pbwbzr7)  - Gaining Ground | Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/bp82b792) 📱 STAY CONNECTED: - Gaining Ground | Instagram (https://instagram.com/gaininggroundmen)  - Landon Sherman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/landonjsherman)  - Compass Church | Instagram (https://instagram.com/mycompasschurch) - Compass Church | Web (https://compass.church) MUSIC CREDITS: What It Is (Instrumental) | Friendlierbear MB018TS6WURYX4M Witch (Instrumental) - Lovedrug MB01ZSS1RUVB0IK