Don't Bench Yourself: Why Men Check Out and How to Get Back in the Game with Kent Evans of Manhood Journey

Too many men are stepping away from their responsibilities when they should be stepping up. In this episode of Manlihood, host Josh Hatcher welcomes back Kent Evans, the co-founder of Manhood Journey, for a powerful conversation about why men sideline themselves, how to stay engaged in life’s biggest battles, and why learning from other men is the key to real growth.

Kent shares insights from his book, Don't Bench Yourself, and breaks down four major reasons why men check out—fear, shame, criticism, and impatience. He also lays out a clear, practical path to getting back in the game. If you've ever felt like giving up, struggling to stay present as a father, husband, or leader, or dealing with the pressure of responsibility, this episode is for you.

About Kent Evans and Manhood Journey

Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry dedicated to helping fathers become disciple-makers. After a 20-year career in business leadership, Kent shifted his focus to helping men grow spiritually and practically in their roles as fathers and mentors. He’s the author of multiple books, including Don't Bench Yourself and Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, and has spoken at parenting and men’s events worldwide.

Kent’s work has impacted nearly two million dads through books, podcasts, courses, and speaking engagements. He and his wife, April, have been married for over 25 years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He brings deep wisdom and practical experience to this discussion, helping men recognize their struggles and find ways to grow.

📚 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4
🌐 Learn more about Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/
📖 Explore Kent Evans' books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZc
Key Takeaways from This Episode

Josh kicks off the episode by setting the stage, discussing why so many men struggle to stay engaged in life’s most important battles. Whether it’s work, family, faith, or personal growth, the temptation to check out can be overwhelming. Men often find themselves feeling like failures, overwhelmed by expectations, or simply burnt out—and rather than pushing through, they retreat.

Kent shares a powerful personal story about a moment of realization as a father. His son was afraid to be honest with him because he expected a harsh reaction. This moment forced Kent to take a hard look at himself and how his behavior was shaping his household. It’s a lesson many men need to hear: Our actions, even when unintentional, create the environment our families live in. If we want our wives and children to trust us, we have to be trustworthy—not just in what we say, but in how we react and respond.

Where to Find Kent Evans & Don't Bench Yourself

If you want to go deeper into Kent’s work, check out these resources:

📖 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4
🌐 Visit Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/
📚 Check out Kent's other books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZc
🐦 Follow Kent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/akentevans

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