The Lion and The Bear | A Podcast For Men

In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, we explore the quiet power and sacred beauty of America’s public parks—from the trails of your local greenway to the grandeur of our national parks. These are not just places to hike or camp—they’re sanctuaries that help us slow down, recharge, and reconnect with the Creator. Whether it’s the stillness of a sunrise over a lake or the grit of a mountain trail under your boots, the outdoors h...

When Ernest Shackleton set out to cross Antarctica, he had no idea his greatest legacy wouldn’t be in reaching the goal—but in surviving the failure. In this episode, we dive into the legendary expedition of the Endurance, where Shackleton’s ship was trapped in ice and his men faced two brutal years in one of the most unforgiving places on earth. What followed was a masterclass in courage, grit, and sacrificial leadership. Join us ...

In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, I sit down with Joel Bates, Director of Discovery Ministries, to explore how the outdoors shapes the hearts and character of men. Joel shares how Discovery Ministries helps people grow through adventure, challenge, and grit—all in the context of God’s wild creation.

This conversation will encourage you to step outside, embrace discomfort, and rediscover the sacredness of wild places. Because...

Explorer, privateer, and national hero—Sir Francis Drake’s life was anything but ordinary. In this episode, we chart the course of the man who became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and helped shape the rise of the British Empire. From daring raids on Spanish ships to his pivotal role in defeating the Spanish Armada, Drake was both feared and celebrated. But was he a pirate or a patriot? A man of faith or ambition?...

Motherhood is one of God's most beautiful and powerful designs. In this episode, we reflect on the vital role a mother plays in shaping lives and nurturing faith. Scripture teaches us to honor and cherish our mothers, recognizing their strength, wisdom, and sacrificial love as reflections of God's own heart.

We’ll explore why honoring our mothers isn't just a suggestion—it’s a command woven into God's vision for ...

Every boy longs to know he has what it takes—that he's no longer just a child, but a man. In this episode, we explore the ancient and global hunger for initiation into manhood. From the jungles of the Amazon to the mountains of Mongolia, we take a survey of fascinating and sometimes brutal rites of passage that cultures around the world have used to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. Then we turn our attention to you...

Few figures in history have shaped the trajectory of Christianity like Constantine the Great. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of the Roman emperor who ended Christian persecution and set the stage for the faith to flourish across the empire. From the dramatic battle that led to his conversion to the Edict of Milan and the Council of Nicaea, Constantine’s story is a complex and pivotal chapter in the spread of Christ...

In a world where manhood is often misunderstood or misrepresented, this episode cuts through the noise by returning to the source of truth—God’s Word. We explore what it truly means to be a man from a biblical worldview.

What did God have in mind when He created men? What purpose did He design them for? And what kind of action has He called them to?

This is a call to live with strength, sacrifice, leadership, and love—not by the worl...

Before English Bibles filled our shelves, one man gave his life to make God’s Word accessible to the common people—William Tyndale. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Tyndale’s passion, courage, and unshakable conviction. He defied kings and religious authorities, translating the Scriptures into English at great personal risk. His legacy echoes through every English Bible today. Join us as we explore how one man’...

In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, I sit down with Jimmy Snyder—a man who calls himself the prodigal son who came home. Once caught up in a life of drug trafficking, Jimmy experienced a radical transformation when the grace of God gripped his heart. Now a devoted follower of Jesus, Jimmy shares his powerful story with honesty and humility, offering hard-won wisdom for every man along the way.

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Jesus didn’t just change eternity—He changed everything. In this episode, we explore how the life and teachings of Jesus have shaped the world in practical, powerful ways. From the rise of education and healthcare to the dignity of the vulnerable, the fight against injustice, and the value of every human life, His influence runs deep in the fabric of society. This isn’t just a story of personal faith—it’s a story of global transfor...

In this thought-provoking Easter episode, we tackle one of the most important and debated questions in history: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Through historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and the transformative impact of the resurrection, we examine the case for the risen Christ.

Whether you're a believer seeking to strengthen your faith or a skeptic exploring the claims of Christianity, this episode provides a compe...

In this special Easter episode, we take a reflective and powerful narrative journey through the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Through Scripture, storytelling, and deep reflection, we explore the events of that first Resurrection Sunday, the hope it ignited, and what it means for us today.

Experience the awe of the empty tomb, the joy of the disciples, and the victory Jesus secured over sin and ...

In this special Good Friday episode, we walk slowly through the powerful narrative of Jesus’ final hours—His last supper with the disciples, the heartbreaking betrayal in the garden, and the agony of the cross. This is a sober, reflective journey through the moments that changed history. Whether you're familiar with the story or hearing it anew, let the weight of Christ’s sacrifice stir your heart and deepen your understanding...

In this powerful episode, we explore the incredible life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. From his courageous debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 to his impact on the civil rights movement, Jackie’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and historic change.

We’ll dive into Robinson’s early life, his groundbreaking career in MLB, and the lasting influence he had on ...

In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Simmons from the Dads on the Fly podcast to talk about three things that shape a man—faith, fatherhood, and fly-fishing. We dive into what it means to be an intentional dad, how the outdoors can strengthen our relationship with our kids, and how faith ties it all together. Caleb shares his journey as a father, his love for fly-fishing, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

If you enj...

In this episode, we dive into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian, pastor, and resistance leader who stood against the Nazi regime in the name of Christ. Bonhoeffer’s unwavering faith led him to confront evil, even at great personal cost. We explore his early influences, his time in the Confessing Church, and his decision to join the resistance against Hitler. Through his writings—especially The Cost of Discipleship—Bonho...

In this episode of The Lion and the Bear, I sit down with Dustin Diefenderfer of Mountain Tough Fitness to talk about the power of mental toughness—how it's built, why it matters, and how the outdoors plays a crucial role in shaping it. We also dive into practical ways to cultivate resilience within our families, especially in our children.

If you find value in what Dustin shares, I encourage you to check out Mountain Tough. 

Su...

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Theodore Roosevelt—a man who embodied courage, perseverance, and conviction. From his sickly childhood to becoming a rugged cowboy, war hero, and the 26th President of the United States, Roosevelt’s story is one of relentless determination. We’ll explore his leadership, his philosophy of the “strenuous life,” and the lessons modern men can learn from his bold approach to chall...