People Pleasing vs. True Kindness: A Powerful Christian Testimony

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Welcome to the Stand Up Dude Podcast! In this episode, your hosts Tim Bisagno and Stewart White take on one of the biggest challenges men face today: knowing the difference between genuine kindness and the trap of people-pleasing. Special guest River Bisagno (yes, Tim’s son) gets raw and real, sharing a deeply personal testimony from his own life—a story of identity, anxiety, and being set free at the heart level by Jesus.

Ever feel like your kindness is never enough? Wonder if “being the nice guy” is actually costing you your strength, your purpose, or your peace? You’re not alone. So many men are exhausted from trying to win approval, keep everyone happy, or build an identity on what others think—only to find it all coming up empty. This episode isn’t just a story—it’s a roadmap for every man stuck in the cycle of doing more and feeling less.

What You’ll Experience in This Episode:

• The real difference between Christ-like kindness and people-pleasing (and why one brings freedom, while the other chains you up)
• How River broke free from an identity built on approval, perfectionism, and fear—and why his old way of “kindness” was destroying him
• The hidden danger of building your life on good things (like kindness) instead of on God’s truth—and why even good things can become idols
• How to recognize when people-pleasing is sabotaging your relationships, your joy, and your calling as a man
• Why standing on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus—rather than the shifting opinions of others—changes everything
• A transparent look at shame, failure, courage, and the relentless kindness of God that takes us from death to new life
• Scripture-based wisdom from Galatians, practical advice, and honest dialogue about recovering from anxiety, perfectionism, and approval addiction
• How to step out of shame, break the cycle, and become the man God created you to be—strong, honest, free, and rooted in real love

If you’ve ever struggled with insecurity, felt trapped by trying to make everyone happy, or wondered if your “niceness” is really strength—this episode is your invitation to step out of the shadows and into freedom.

⚡️ Connect & Take Action:

Did River’s story hit home? Were you challenged or encouraged? Drop a comment below—we ACTUALLY read them!
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Thank you for being part of the Stand Up Dude movement—where every guy gets a shot to become the man he was born to be. You were built for freedom, not fear. Let’s live with intentionality, courage, and the unbreakable kindness of the King.

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Theme Music: Prodigal - by Arrows in Exile: https://open.spotify.com/track/0Qbpjwsb1Z9XuES9yqKQoz?si=8deed3f6cd2548cf

TIMESTAMPS: 
00:00 Redefining Kindness vs. People-Pleasing
04:55 "Manifesting Spiritual Fruits"
08:08 Divine Guidance Through Nervousness
12:23 "Spirit's Strength Over Flesh"
13:21 Kindness Turned People-Pleasing
19:07 "Modeling Leadership for Others"
21:11 People-Pleasing Engagement Regret
24:23 "Testimony Doubts and Challenges"
27:57 Confronting Inner Evilness
30:07 Heartbreak in Early Sobriety
35:11 "Finding Support Amidst Pain"
38:48 Freedom from People Pleasing
40:10 Embrace Authenticity, Despite Haters
44:11 "Testimony of Transformation and Growth"
47:56 Stay in Touch for Growth
49:34 Intoxicated Attraction

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