Chris Bruno: Guiding our Sons into Manhood

Keywords

fatherhood, manhood, initiation, emotional health, parenting, courage, community, masculinity, personal growth, fatherhood, rites of passage, blessing, parenting, emotional connection, intentionality, daughters, modern challenges, communication

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Bruno discusses the profound journey of fatherhood and the importance of initiating boys into manhood. He emphasizes the need for fathers to do their own emotional work to better support their children, the significance of community in raising boys, and the necessity of creating a nurturing environment for their growth. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of modern masculinity and the importance of courage and calling in a man's life. In this conversation, Chris Bruno discusses the profound impact of a father's blessing and the importance of intentionality in parenting. He emphasizes the need for rites of passage that extend beyond a single ceremony, advocating for a year-long journey to instill character qualities in boys. Bruno also addresses the unique role fathers play in guiding their daughters into womanhood, highlighting the importance of warmth and emotional availability. He explores the challenges boys face in redefining masculinity in today's world and offers practical advice for divorced fathers to maintain connections with their children. Ultimately, he reassures fathers that it is never too late to engage meaningfully with their children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:05 The Journey of Fatherhood

12:53 Preparing for the Man Maker Journey

15:20 Creating Men in the 21st Century

19:26 Finding Your Calling and Courage

25:12 The Importance of Initiation and Environment

27:40 The Power of Blessing

31:47 Rites of Passage: A Year-Long Journey

37:42 Accompanying Daughters into Womanhood

40:16 Redefining Masculinity for Modern Boys

43:32 Staying Connected as a Divorced Father

47:54 Advice for Fathers: It's Never Too Late

51:16 Outro

My Guest 

Chris Bruno is the Co-Founder and CEO of Restoration Project and the Founder and CEO of ReStory® Counseling. He dedicated his life to helping people live fully and alive. Chris is a licensed professional counselor, and has decades of experience in helping men recover their hearts. He is also the co-host of the Thrive Marriage Lab Podcast and The Restorative Man Podcast, where he explores themes of growth, marriage, healing, and relational restoration. After spending nearly a decade as a missionary in the Middle East with his wife, Chris returned to the U.S. and began working alongside Dan Allender to curate restorative experiences. Now based in Colorado, Chris leads two dynamic teams: at Restoration Project, he develops experiences and resources to help men reclaim their identities in the realms of fatherhood, brotherhood, and sonship; and at ReStory® Counseling, he heads a story-informed team of therapists, spiritual directors, and Storywork counselors. He also offers ReStory® Intensives, immersive 3-5 day experiences designed for individuals, couples, and groups seeking deep healing and growth. 

ReStory Counseling

• Website: www.restory.life
• Instagram: @storyrestored
• LinkedIn: ReStory Counselling

Restoration Project

• Website: www.restorationproject.net
• Facebook: