Impactus podcast

EP 107: The Surprising State of Bible Engagement in Canada with Father Matthew Francis 01.07.2026 58min

Lots of Canadians have access to a Bible. Far fewer actually open it. And even fewer experience what God wants to do through it. In this compelling conversation, Father Matthew Francis, an Orthodox priest in Chilliwack, B.C., and a Regional Director with the Canadian Bible Society, shares with Dean why so many men struggle to engage with Scripture—and why it's never too late to start again. Dean and Matthew dig into the power of simple, consistent habits that shape a man's faith and offer practical, encouraging wisdom for men who feel stuck, distracted, discouraged, or even disqualified from drawing near to God. You'll also hear some fascinating insights from recent research on Bible engagement in Canada, discover why newcomers to this nation are often more engaged with Scripture than lifelong Canadians, and learn about the incredible work being done to translate the Bible into Indigenous languages in our land. If you're a man who's ever struggled to maintain a daily time with God, wondered how to make Bible reading more meaningful, or just want to hear about what God is up to across Canada, this conversation will bless and encourage you! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 106: Should the Church Be Talking About UFOs? with Nathan Zieber 15.06.2026 39min

Why are so many people suddenly talking about UFOs, UAPs, aliens, and the supernatural? And how should Christian men respond? In this fascinating conversation, Jordan is joined by pastor and former private investigator Nathan Zieber, who has spent more than a decade ministering to people wrestling with unexplained phenomena in our world. Together, they explore why the current wave of interest in UFOs and the supernatural presents both challenges and opportunities for the Church. Most importantly, this episode challenges the Church to engage spiritual seekers rather than avoid difficult conversations. As people in our time search for meaning, mystery, and transcendence, Christians have a unique opportunity to point them toward Jesus. Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of faith, unexplained phenomena, and the supernatural, and how Christian men can engage with these matters thoughtfully and biblically. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Impactusmen LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 105: When Faith Gets Dangerous with Chris Chase 01.06.2026 57min

Let's honestly try to answer a very hard question: What price are you actually willing to pay to follow Jesus? While we in the West generally don't need to grapple with that question to the fullest, we have brothers and sisters all over the world for whom that question is a life-or-death daily reality. In this powerful episode of the Impactus podcast, Chris sits down with Chris Chase of Open Doors Canada to confront what most Western men don't really want or need to face. Through the remarkable legacy of Brother Andrew—"God's Smuggler" who risked everything to deliver Bibles behind enemy lines during the Cold War—Chris and Chris delve into the ongoing story of a global Church under intense pressure, yet also, amazingly, thriving and alive. You'll hear firsthand insights into the lives of believers in places like North Korea, Nigeria, and Iran, where faith can mean imprisonment, violence, or death. Yet instead of fear, these fellow believers choose courage, joy, and unshakable conviction. Their example powerfully challenges our comfort-driven faith that is so common in North America, and invites men to reconsider what trusting and following Jesus really looks like. Don't miss it! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 104: Facing the Future Like a Man with Dr. Joel Murphy 14.05.2026 44min

The future is coming for all of us. It can be scary to think about—but does it need to be? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dean talks with Dr. Joel Murphy of Acadia Divinity College, who invites us into the world of "futuring"—a disciplined, hope-filled way of discerning where culture is headed and how Christian men can respond with wisdom and intentionality. Rather than simply reacting to change, Joel challenges men to recognize emerging trends, imagine possible futures, and step into their God-given calling to help shape what's next. From the rise of AI and the "attention economy" to the growing influence of the online manosphere, Dean and Joel dive into some of the realities shaping modern masculinity. But grounded in a deep confidence in Christ, Dr. Murphy holds the tension between realism and hope—reminding us that while the world is shifting rapidly, God is not. The future is coming for all of us. The question is—what kind of men will face it? Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV Show

EP 103: Facing the Friendship Crisis with Steve McCready 01.05.2026 58min

It turns out one of the toughest things about being a man is not one of the most obvious things: How hard it can be to make and keep a friend. When we were boys, friendship often came easier—between school, church, sports, etc., there were just other guys around, and if you were to try and define "how" your best boyhood friendships developed, it would likely be challenging. They just kind of "happened." Fast-forward to adulthood, and those friendships don't seem to "just happen" in the same way anymore. In a time when our online lives often eclipse our in-person encounters, more and more men are finding it hard to meaningfully connect with other men socially. And yet every man knows that he needs brothers around him to journey through life with, to lean on and depend on, to be encouraged and challenged, and to grow. It is a massive problem in our culture, even within the Church—so what are men to do? Enter Steve McCready, a pastor, leader, and friend of Impactus, who was so fascinated by the issue of friendship and faith that he devoted an entire doctorate to researching and writing on it. Steve and Jordan jump into this important conversation, exploring why friendship is so crucial, why many men find friendship so challenging, what the Bible says about it, and some simple, practical steps a man can take to connect with others. This is a common problem with good, easy solutions—don't miss this episode! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: FaceBook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 102: Fields, Faith & Father Wounds with Luke Detraz 15.04.2026 49min

Luke Detraz lost his father at an early age, first through divorce and then through his dad's premature death. The loss sent Luke on a journey of pain, loneliness, self-destruction, and wondering where God was in all of it. For years, he carried questions about his identity, his masculinity, and whether he would ever have what it took to make it in this world. God met him powerfully in his brokenness, and through healing, discipleship, restoration, and people placed in his life, Luke was rebuilt into the healthy and godly man he is today. Out of this journey of loss and redemption, Luke has a deep burden for other hurting men and has given his life to helping them find the same healing and grace that Christ extended to him. Luke sits down with Chris on this episode of the Impactus podcast to share his story, his ministry, his new book on masculinity, and to talk about how God meets men in their pain and brings them back to life again. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 101: How to Flourish in a Fragmented World with Heath Hardesty 01.04.2026 57min

In a world of burnout, divided attention, digital overwhelm, and spiritual disconnection, many men have lost sight of the greater story they were meant to inhabit. To help us solve this problem, Heath Hardesty, pastor of Valley Community Church in California, has written All Things Together, a winsome and timely invitation to rediscover that divine story through a reimagined vision of apprenticeship to Jesus—one that brings together the scattered pieces of our lives and cultivates peace in an increasingly divided world. In this episode of the Impactus podcast, Dean and Heath discuss Heath's personal journey, the importance of community, and the role of both gentleness and strength for men in discipleship. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritual formation rooted in grace and the significance of being present in our relationships with God and others. Whether you're a seeker or a seasoned follower of Jesus, this conversation is worth listening to! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

The Devil's Playbook for Your Health with Justin Roethlingshoefer 15.03.2026 57min

Justin Roethlingshoefer, faithful husband and believer, was a self-proclaimed "fat kid" with eating disorders and significant health issues when God got a hold of him The Lord healed, redeemed, and transformed Justin on multiple levels, and he is now on the cutting edge of health from a biblical and Christ-centered perspective, focusing on reclaiming fitness in both our bodies and our souls. In this conversation, Justin sits down with Jordan and shares his journey from struggling with health issues to becoming a leader in health transformation through his program, Holy Health. They discuss the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the dangers of disintegration, the enemy's plan to take us down and how to beat him, and practical steps to achieve wellness in every area of life in a God-honoring way. This episode is fascinating, challenging, and inspiring, and will encourage men to take hold of their health in a whole new way! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LnkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 99: When God Meets Us in Our Mess with Nathan Clarkson 01.03.2026 43min

How easy is it for you to admit, "I'm wrong?" What about acknowledging you made a mistake? Or can you make a list of some of your biggest faults? Some of us may handle these questions better than others, but most men struggle with them, to be sure. In this episode of the Impactus podcast, Chris chats with Nathan Clarkson, an actor, director, and author who has written a new book called I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults. In this conversation, Chris and Nathan talk about the significant challenges men face in being honest about their failings and weaknesses, and the transformation that God can bring about when we fight those instincts towards self-preservation and are willing to be honest, vulnerable, and trusting of others who can help us. God desires to meet men in their struggles and their messes. Join us for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about how men can invite Him in and find healing and freedom as they do. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 98: What a Man "Should" Be with A.J. Swoboda 15.02.2026 48min

Why is it so hard for men to ask for help? Or admit they don't know something? Or be open enough to be vulnerable? Whether through our upbringing, our theological beliefs, or our personal views on masculinity, we all bring preconceived ideas to the table of what a man "should" be. But as challenging as they might be, what if those avenues of humility, vulnerability, and other people were the exact things God wanted to use to make you a better and more Christlike man? In this conversation, Dean chats with A.J. Swoboda, a husband, father, professor, and author who has written a new book, A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone. Dean and A.J. challenge traditional notions of masculinity, arguing that true manhood is rooted in vulnerability and the recognition of one's need for support from others, and there is great work that God can do when men are willing to walk that path. True masculinity is not about having it all together. Join us for this engaging conversation about what this means and how we can live it out. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 97: Breaking Free from P*rn with Sathiya Sam 01.02.2026 43min

Every Christian man knows pornography isn't good for us—but do we really understand why? And even more importantly, do we know how to actually break free? Sathiya Sam, a friend of Impactus, is celebrating 10 years of freedom from pornography by the grace of God—and he has dedicated his life to helping other men experience that same lasting freedom. In this honest, vulnerable, and timely conversation, Sathiya sits down with Jordan to unpack the challenges so many men face in the pull of pornography. They explore the root of long-standing inner struggles as well as emerging realities, including significant concern over the rise of AI-generated porn, and what current science reveals about pornography's devastating effects on the brain. Drawing from a deeply personal journey of recovery, Sathiya shares hard-won wisdom, practical insight, and genuine hope for men who are tired of the cycle and longing for real healing through Jesus. If you want freedom that lasts, this is a conversation for you. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 96: The Fatherhood Plan Every Dad Needs with Jeff Hamilton 15.01.2026 1u

Being a dad may be the only significant role in a man's life where he doesn't make a plan. Whether it's our marriage, finances, career trajectory, physical health, church engagement, or any other important aspect of our lives, men typically assess the situation, decide where they want to go, and then create a plan to get there. In parenting, however, someone at the hospital just hands you a new baby one day and says, "Good luck!" Raising your kids to be courageous, capable, and confident adults is one of the most important things a man can do, yet many feel ill-equipped or unsure of how to navigate the challenge of it all. We want to raise our kids in the way of Jesus, but struggle to figure out the "how." Thankfully, pastor and author Jeff Hamilton created Dad Academy to help do precisely that. Dad Academy is a book and curriculum that teaches fathers important biblical principles for parenting, as well as provides tools for reflection that will help a man craft a specific and intentional plan for his own kids. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Chris as they discuss deliberate fatherhood, the challenges dads face today, the difficult cultural moments we are navigating, and how easy it can be to prayerfully make an intentional plan to raise your kids in the Lord and develop healthy, flourishing adults. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 95: 2026 - Becoming the Man You Want to Be 01.01.2026 32min

In this special New Year's conversation, Dean, Jordan, and Chris sit down together to reflect on the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 as we kick off a new year together! The men discuss the powerful significance of New Year's traditions, resolutions, and personal growth. They grapple with the challenges of striving to be better men, explore why so many try New Year's resolutions that fail, discuss the importance of spiritual formation in creating lasting change, and talk about how accountability and community can help us grow, with the concept of a "Rule of Life" serving as a guide for men looking for intentional living in the way of Jesus. Join us for this fun and interesting conversation to start 2026 right! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 94: A Different Kind of Christmas with Rich Villodas 15.12.2025 52min

It's Christmastime again—and somehow life feels louder, faster, and crazier than ever. The shopping lists. The pressure. The hurry. The sense that this season we're supposed to savor just keeps flying by. Every December, we celebrate the most important birth in the history of Creation…yet so often we blink, and suddenly it's January. In this episode of the Impactus podcast, Dean sits down with pastor and best-selling author Rich Villodas to explore how Advent invites us to slow down, breathe, and re-center our lives on Jesus. Through the lens of his brand-new book, Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal, Rich offers a refreshing path back to peace and purpose this busy holiday season. Together, Dean and Rich explore how the practices of Advent—waiting, contemplation, prayer, and peacemaking—can ground us in the story of Christ, rather than the chaos of our cultural consumerism. Whether you're walking through joy or grief this season, Advent reminds us that hope is not just an idea—it's a Person. Settle in for a meaningful, timely, and deeply encouraging Christmas conversation with Dean and Rich! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 93: When Men Have Doubts with Nicholas McDonald 01.12.2025 48min

For years, a mass exodus of believers has been leaving the Church, particularly amongst young people. Although there are hopeful signs that this trend is shifting, it remains a significant challenge for the North American Church, as a generation grapples with important questions about faith, church, and culture. In this podcast, Chris sits down with pastor and author Nicholas McDonald to discuss and unpack his new book The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment. Nicholas spent years helping people work through serious questions about faith and church. He quickly realized that what these people needed—and what he really needed—was not merely apologetics answers but the good news that speaks to their deepest dreams: love, beauty, and freedom—the very things Jesus promises to those who follow Him. For the many who have felt disillusioned with certain aspects of church culture, this book is a lifeline for navigating the cynicism of both conservative and progressive beliefs to find real hope in the life and mission of Jesus. Join us for this important conversation! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 92: The Relationship Rocket Formula with Todd Petkau 15.11.2025 53min

With all the challenges facing marriages in our current cultural moment, what can a man do to help his marriage thrive? In this episode of the Impactus Podcast, pastor and author Todd Petkau shares insights from The Relationship Rocket Formula, a new book he wrote with his wife. Blending humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, The Relationship Rocket Formula uses the metaphor of a rocket hurling through space to explore the complexities of marriage in a way that's both practical and refreshingly human. Dean and Todd discuss Todd's own marriage story—marked by faith, failure, laughter, and growth—and offer down-to-earth encouragement and hope to married men everywhere. Rather than offering quick fixes or lofty ideals, Todd treats marriage as what it truly is: a high-stakes, deeply meaningful, messy journey that calls for increased honesty and resilience for guys to embrace for the greater purpose of a healthy and holy marriage. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn.com Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 91: The Courage to Heal with Jerrad Lopes 01.11.2025 51min

What can men do when life feels heavy? When old issues repeat themselves, when stubborn sin clings, or when the darker side of our inner world is showing up in our outer living? In this episode, Jordan sits down with our friend Jerrad Lopes, author, speaker, and founder of DadTired.com, a non-profit ministry focused on equipping men to lead their families well. Jordan and Jerrad explore the crucial journey of healing for men, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and community as we seek restoration through Christ. Jerrad shares his personal "rock bottom" moments as well as his experiences with counseling and its life-changing impact on his life as a husband and father. They discuss the significance of addressing childhood hurts, the challenges of being a dad, and the necessity of inner work for personal growth. This conversation will encourage men in their journey towards wholeness and strengthen them to embrace the challenging but rewarding journey of self-discovery and emotional health in Jesus. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 90: Reflecting on 30 Years of Impactus with Kirk Giles & Dean Brenton 15.10.2025 41min

In the fall of 2025, we are celebrating 30 years of Impactus! In 1990, two men in a car on a Colorado highway had a conversation about how to help men lead biblical, fulfilled lives. This conversation soon turned into men's conferences throughout America, with millions of men being challenged to live with a Christ-centered view of manhood under the brand Promise Keepers. A group of Canadian men attended these events and desired to launch the same ministry in Canada. After a season of prayer, research, and planning, Promise Keepers Canada was founded in 1995 as PK's first international expansion. Eventually rebranded as Impactus, our Canadian ministry to men has been known for hosting major men's conferences nationwide. These events have allowed us the privilege of speaking to tens of thousands of men about being the men God has designed us to be. In more recent years, a significant emphasis has been added to creating godly content for men through daily devotionals, articles, and podcasts, as well as on equipping local men's ministry leaders. In this podcast, Chris sits down with former Impactus president Kirk Giles and current president Dean Brenton for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about what God is doing and has been doing in men's lives over the past thirty years! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV

EP 89: How Do Dads Navigate Youth Sports? with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski 01.10.2025 59min

Many dads love seeing their kids playing sports, and many men like to volunteer with a team, but it can also be challenging. While sports can be a healthy activity that helps kids thrive, it is also an environment that can challenge our Christian values and doesn't bring out the best in us as dads. Our own issues can easily rise to the surface, and we don't always give our kids our best. Former collegiate athletes and current sports ministry leaders Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski have addressed the highly competitive and often secular culture of youth sports. Drawing on over 50 years of combined ministry experience with Athletes in Action, they offer guidance on transforming youth sports into a meaningful platform for discipleship in their new book Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. Dean, Brian, and Ed have a great conversation around a largely unexplored topic, talking about why sports are so important and helpful for youth, how to navigate this world while holding on to Christian values, how discipleship and great parenting moments can happen through sports, and how dads can lead well in this space without losing what's most important. Copyright © 2025 Impactus. All rights reserved.

EP 88: God's Surprising Move Among Young Men with Dean, Jordan & Chris 15.09.2025 31min

A recent article in Relevant magazine explored the idea that God seems to be doing something new among young men in our midst. So what is He up to? Where is He doing it? And what should pastors and men's ministry leaders know about how to lean in to what He's doing? In this episode of our newly formatted Impactus podcast, Dean, Jordan, and Chris sit down for a fascinating conversation about this phenomenon, celebrating what the Lord is doing, and discussing what it means for men, men's ministry, and the Church! Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/ Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter This Is Me TV