The Age of Lions

After 35 conversations with incredible leaders, mentors, and thinkers, Mark takes a step back to reflect on the biggest lessons that have emerged from the journey so far.

In this milestone episode of The Age of Lions, Mark shares the 10 most powerful themes that have surfaced again and again through conversations with guests who are thriving in the second half of life. These insights come from nearly 40 hours of interviews with peop...

What is the difference between faithfully waiting on God and quietly avoiding the next thing He has already asked you to do?

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark sits down again with leadership coach and Be Far More founder Richard Mobley for a powerful conversation about passivity, purpose, and the danger of getting stuck. Together, they unpack the tension many believers feel between trusting God and actually taking action—esp...

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark Clement sits down with longtime friend Rusty Hicks for a real conversation about what happens when a major season ends—and God asks you not to sprint into the next one.

After decades in the construction industry, Rusty stepped into a surprising second chapter: men’s and marriage ministry, missions work around the world, and leadership in global kingdom impact. But now, at 64, he’s in a new p...

After three decades in television, Amy Speropoulos looked successful from the outside — respected career, family, faith, and influence. But privately she was fighting a battle that many people carry quietly: addiction while living a fully functioning life. In this deeply honest conversation, Amy shares the turning point that forced her to confront reality, the moment that nearly cost her family, and the path that ultimately led to ...

Benji Kelley joins Mark Clement for a raw, hope-filled conversation about what it looks like to step into a “second chapter” with clarity, health, and purpose. Benji shares the behind-the-scenes story of serving as founding pastor of NewHope Church for 22 years, hitting a wall of deep burnout, and taking an intentional three-year sabbatical marked by rest, soul care, therapy, journaling, and a return to his first love—Jesus.

From th...

What if the second half of life isn’t about slowing down—but stepping fully into what God has been preparing you for all along?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Mark Clement sits down with Joel and Niki Murphy, founders of Revive Ireland, to talk about calling, obedience, marriage, and what it looks like to say “yes” to God in midlife—without having all the answers figured out.

Joel and Niki share how a God-given burd...

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark sits down with Mychal and Terri Smith—pastors and founders of Adventure Together Marriage & Family—to talk about the power of a “vision retreat” for couples. They unpack why getting away from everyday distractions helps couples reconnect spiritually, get aligned on what matters (finances, calendar, parenting, intimacy, health, purpose), and build a shared plan for the year ahead—without...

What happens when the house gets quiet… and, at the exact same time, your phone starts ringing with new kinds of needs?

In this honest, hope-filled conversation—co-hosted by my amazing wife, Jinda—Tim and Susan Tucker share what the empty-nest transition really looked like for them: grief, surprises, and the unexpected gift of rediscovering their friendship as the day-to-day pressure of parenting lifted. They talk candidly...

You’re the Youngest You’ll Ever Be: Start Now

In this episode of Age of Lions, Mark sits down with functional health coach Chris DeHollander to talk about what it really takes to age with strength, energy, and purpose. Chris shares her personal story—from growing up in a deaf household and becoming a lifelong “figure it out” problem-solver, to teaching fitness for decades and ultimately building a thriving coaching platform that hel...

In this episode of Age of Lions, Mark Clement sits down with Frank Schwartz—President of F3 Nation (known in the group as “Dark Helmet”)—to talk about the surprising thing happening in parks before sunrise all over the world: men gathering for free, outdoor workouts… and walking away with far more than fitness.

If you’ve never heard of F3, don’t worry—Frank breaks it down simply: Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. What starts as “just ...

We made it to episode 25, and true to her word, the amazing Jinda Clement is our special guest. Leaning into the season, Jinda and Mark have a fun and helpful conversation about setting goals for a new year - but NOT THE WAY you might be thinking. Listen in for some real talk about this crazy season of life (50+, adult kids, weddings, grandkids, going back to school, etc.) and what it actually takes to work together for common goal...

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark Clement is joined by Brian Dodd—author, speaker, and senior leader with InJoy Stewardship—for a thoughtful conversation centered on aging with purpose and intention. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership, writing, and service, Brian reflects on how our calling doesn’t diminish with age, but often becomes clearer, deeper, and more impactful.

Together, they explore what it looks like to stewar...

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark sits down with Pastor Crissa Letson of Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama, to talk about what it really looks like to age with purpose in the Kingdom. Crissa shares honestly about the quiet “aha” moments of midlife—from catching a glimpse of her gray hair in the sunroof to realizing she and her husband are no longer the “younger generation” in their church conversations. From there, she dive...

Episode: The Intentional Path to Elderhood

Guest: Chris Bruno — author of “Sage,” founder of Restoration Project

Episode Summary

In this powerful conversation, Mark sits down with Chris Bruno to explore what it truly means to age with intention. Chris draws a crucial distinction between simply becoming elderly and intentionally becoming an elder—a person of wisdom, presence, and spiritual weight within their community.

Rooted in s...

For nearly two decades, Ken Schafer used his entrepreneurial leanings to minister bi-vocationally in a multicultural context. A mid-life transition to full-time ministry gave him an even bigger vision for serving people and churches.

Before joining Ramsey Solutions to work with the country’s largest churches, he was the stewardship pastor at Christ Fellowship in Miami, Florida.

Ken fervently believes in the power ...

So excited to have my good friends Rhett Barden and Justin Bradshaw as our special guests this week on The Age of Lions. Rhett and Justin are the hosts of the Armchair Authentic podcast, and have over 50 years of pastoral experience between them. We have an incredible conversation about the impact of our beliefs, and the power of our stories, a perfect follow-up to episode  017 with Jinda Clement.

Show Notes
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