The Godly Young Men Podcast

Managing your thoughts can be one of the most difficult things we do. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how godly young men can go about protecting their thoughts. Specific topics include: Should you just ignore your thoughts? Reframing your thoughts Running towards something, instead of away from something Protecting your thoughts from lust Protecting your thoughts from general negativity And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

In a textbook Godly Young Men Podcast episode, Joe & Will discuss what Aaron Renn calls the 10 pillars of healthy masculinity. Specific topics include: Why knowing who you are is the first step What being virtuous means in the context of masculinity The difference between knowledge and wisdom Why men need relationships with other men The value of family for healthy masculinity And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

In this episode, Joe & Will look back on their past 10-15 years and each give a top 5 list of things they wish they had learned at an earlier age. Specific topics include: Applying yourself during your schooling years The importance of a solid gym routine Developing a prayer/Bible study routine Putting your phone down at night The value of a good night's rest And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Despite living in the most connected society of all time, loneliness is at epidemic levels right now. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss various ways that godly young men can combat loneliness. Specific topics include: Why you can't microwave a close friendship Is loneliness normal? How much should we prioritize online friends? Why being in nature actually helps with loneliness Why you shouldn't compromise in your friend choices The difference between being alone and being lonely And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Being a man is pretty highly frowned upon these days. Men are belittled, ridiculed, and pretty much treated as the lowest class of citizen by the media. In this episode, Joe & Will remind godly young men why it's absolutely great to be a man. Specific topics include: The all-out assault on men and why Why men are giving up responsibility when they receive no privilege Being the stronger vessel The privilege of leadership How decision-making is out of style Guys' hobbies vs. girls' hobbies And much more! For more, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Every godly young man should know the do's and don't's of eating out at a restaurant. In this not quite as serious episode, Joe & Will go through their list of things that godly young men should know about restaurant etiquette. Specific topics include: Being kind to the waiter/waitress Why you should never comment on the price of the meal If someone else is paying, how expensive should you order? How much should you tip? Why you should never be the first to sit in a large party Why you should always wait for others' food to arrive before eating And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Let's face it. Pre-marital sex is painted in such an enticing light everywhere we turn in the culture today. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss why this is one of the most challenging temptations a young man will face and why it's wrong beyond just "because the Bible says so." Specific topics include: How the church treats sex as taboo 6 reasons why pre-marital sex is wrong How pre-marital sex ignores commitment The problem with getting privileges without responsibility How far can you go with your girlfriend? A few words of advice And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

We live in a world where being anti-capitalism is growing more and more popular among young people. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the details of capitalism and socialism and which economic structure godly young men should lean towards. Specific topics include: What is capitalism and what is socialism? The 6 pillars of capitalism The false idea of complete and total equality Does the Bible favor capitalism or socialism? Crony capitalism and why it's a problem Were the early Christians socialist? And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Should you chase something that might be idealistic? Or settle for mediocrity? In this episode, Joe & Will discuss whether or not striving for greatness in everything we do as godly young men is too idealistic and not worth trying. Specific topics include: What's the alternative to chasing the ideal? Brokenness culture Making the perfect the enemy of the good Giving yourself grace vs. making excuses Complacency vs. contentment And much more! For more, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

A reputation is one of the most important things a godly young man will ever have. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the importance of reputation and focus on how to build a good reputation. Specific topics include: What your reputation can affect What the Bible has to say about reputation Traits you need to build a good reputation How fast you can lose your reputation Various reputations to avoid And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Almost no one likes the word "budget." But in this episode, Joe & Will discuss the nuts and bolts of budgeting, and why being intentional with your money is what godly young men should do. Specific topics include: Why does how you handle your money matter? Why you MUST plan for your family's future A step by step discussion on how to do a budget The difference in fixed costs and variable costs What is a surplus vs. a deficit? What happens if you're not intentional with your money And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Testosterone is declining rapidly among young men during today's times. In this episode, Joe & Will tackle the subject of building testosterone in men and why it's important. Specific topics include: The testosterone crisis Why does this even matter? True masculinity vs. the world's version Signs of low testosterone Various ways to build testosterone The importance of sunlight, sleep, exercise, and other things How to reduce stress And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

The concept of truth is completely under attack in our society today. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss postmodernism and whether or not truth is relative or objective. Specific topics include: What is postmodernism? Does there have to be an objective standard of truth? Where does this leave us as a society? What does the Bible say? Ways this can impact your faith How postmodernism can lead you to question Jesus Christ And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

While we should never be rude or unkind to anyone, there are just certain types of people that godly young men should avoid. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss these types of people and why we should avoid them. Specific topics include: Is this being too judgmental? Character-defining traits Avoiding the bad boy Avoiding stupid people Avoiding Mr. Gossip Avoiding the boundary pusher And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org

Everywhere you look, our society is accepting and even praising mediocrity. In this episode, Joe & Will examine this issue and discuss why godly young men should strive for greatness and excellence rather than just settling for being mediocre. Specific topics include: Where you see mediocrity on social media Accepting mediocrity in academics How mediocrity relates to society disincentivizing capitalism Where you see mediocrity on a personal & individual level Being intentional with every hour of your life What can you practically do to not accept mediocrity? And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Modern-day society tries to convince guys to take shortcuts in a lot of crucial areas. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss why shortcuts don't work and why godly young men should avoid even trying them. Specific topics include: Why shortcuts can be so tempting Different areas of life that offer shortcuts How dopamine addiction fuels our impatience How shortcuts can cause you to look down on hard work Why the process matters more than the result Why you respect yourself more when you don't take shortcuts And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Almost all guys are motivated by one thing or another. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss what are unhealthy and healthy things to be motivated by. Specific topics include: Is it good or bad to be motivated by guilt? Is fear a healthy motivation? The "chip on your shoulder" mentality The problem with always doing things for other people Pride & arrogance as a motivation What is a healthy motivation? And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Is being a momma's boy a good thing or a bad thing? In this episode, Joe & Will discuss all the problems godly young man can have by being momma's boys. Specific topics include: The role of the father in shaping sons How being a momma's boy can hurt your marriage What being a momma's boy IS & ISN'T What does it look like to be a momma's boy? How you can get over being a momma's boy And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Every godly young man will get to fill out their resume and sit through a job interview at least once in their life. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the do's and don't's of resume writing and interviewing for a job. Specific topics include: Being honest on your resume What do you need to add to your resume? What time should you arrive for your interview? Your posture and attire for your interview What job interviewers are looking for And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

There's certain characteristics that all godly young men just need to avoid. In this episode, Joe & Will list 10 different versions of "THAT" guy that you don't want to be. Specific topics include: The Tryhard guy The Wheelhouse guy The "Actually" guy The One-Up Guy Mr. Look at Me guy And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Accountability is so crucial for guys being successful in life. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the value of accountability and why every guy needs to know what to look for in an accountability partner. Specific topics include: Why accountability is important for guys Why your wife/girlfriend shouldn't be your (only) accountability partner Some biblical examples of accountability How to choose an accountability partner Why your accountability partner should be better than you in some way How to be a good accountability partner And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

With summer just around the corner, it is absolutely immodesty season. In this episode, Will & Joe navigate some difficult territory and answer some challenging questions regarding dressing modestly. Specific topics include: Are men's modesty and women's modesty equal? Is it a guy's responsibility or the girl's? Immodesty as a stumbling block Does God give us a standard for what's modest/immodest? Modesty pitfalls for guys to avoid And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

So many young men these days struggle with being directionless and aimlessness. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how to handle this feeling and what you can do about it. Specific topics include: What causes so many young men to feel directionless? Fear of the unknown and fear of failure The crucial role that parents play in a young man's direction Knowing your values and missions The balance of chasing your passions without being unrealistic Move your feet And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Spending time with God is the one of the most important things a young man can do, but so many don't know how. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how to practically spend time with God and what that should look like. Specific topics include: Why you have to have a plan to spend your time The importance of intentionality, prioritization, and consistency Getting past the weirdness/awkwardness of prayer Helpful tips for prayer What about Bible reading? Helpful tips for Bible reading And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Raising daughters is a great deal different than raising sons. In this episode, Joe & Will each list the top 5 things they want to pass on to their daughters. Specific topics include: Why modesty matters Being a true, genuine friend Why the world is wrong about a girl's #1 commodity Is being submissive weak? Is being a stay at home wife lazy? Appreciating the value and worth God sees in us And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Raising sons can be intimidating and overwhelming. In this episode, Joe & Will both list the top 5 things they want to teach their sons. Specific topics include: Progress over perfection Why being a flake is a bad character trait Sexual fulfillment found in marriage Why the little things matter Leading with a generational mindset as a father And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Old people are just the worst, aren't they? In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the way younger people should view and treat older people. Specific topics include: The generational gap How young people contribute to the problem How old people contribute to the problem An aversion to tradition vs. change General avoidance of conversation/mentoring Why Godly Young Men MUST respect older people And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Why are so many young men leaving the church of Christ and choosing orthodoxy? In this episode, Joe & Will dive into this question and discuss what the church can learn from Orthodoxy's appeal to young men. Specific topics include: What is Orthodoxy? Why Orthodoxy appeals to young men The expectations and challenges that Orthodoxy provides A man's desire to be a part of something important What the church of Christ can learn from this And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Is it common for guys to have insecurities or is that just an issue for girls? In this episode, Joe & Will take on the topic of insecurities and answer a ton of questions surrounding how guys should handle them. Specific topics include: Common areas of insecurities for guys Various causes of insecurities for guys Playing the comparison game Is it true that everyone has insecurities? Are insecurities sinful? How do you overcome insecurities? Developing a plan to overcome insecurities The proper spiritual perspective And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Risk-taking is usually looked at as a common, masculine trait. Is taking risks inherently stupid or are there times in life when taking risks is what a godly young man should do? Joe & Will answer that question in this episode. Specific topics include: How risky should we physically be with our bodies? Skydiving, motorcycles, snowmobiling, etc. How much risk should you take when pursuing a girl? Should you play it safe or take risks in your career? Finances - Is debt a bad risk to take? Investments, crypto, and real estate Joe & Will's 5 principles for taking risks And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Society has plenty of incorrect opinions on what it means to be masculine. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss what stereotypically masculine things actually are healthy for young men to do. Specific topics include: The fake versions of masculinity Why certain masculinity stereotypes are healthy Lifting weights Playing sports Hunting & fishing Fixing things How these activities build your self esteem as a man And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Not everyone is blessed with an available father, either physically or emotionally. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how to handle situations where your father is not the man he should be. Specific topics include: The impacts of a physically unavailable father What do we mean by an emotionally unavailable father? How your view of your earthly father affects your view of your Heavenly Father How to have tough discussions with your dad Striving to be a better dad than your father was to you A word to the fathers... And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Public speaking is a skill that is immensely valuable to all young men. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the technical side of public speaking as well as the details of preaching sermons. Specific topics include: Dynamics of public speaking Voice inflection, posture, eye contact, hand gestures, etc. Why the dynamics matter What about preaching sermons? The ins and outs of preaching a sermon The content of a sermon: topical vs. textual Will & Joe's most embarrassing preaching stories And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Contrary to what may be popular opinion, every Christian young man should not make being a preacher their aim. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss why that is and how to know if being a preacher is for you. Specific topics include: Why every young man shouldn't be a preacher The immaturity problem Using ministry as a backup plan Questions to ask yourself if you're thinking of preaching Do we have a preacher crisis? What about tentmaking? And much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Far too many young men don't put any thought into their participation in worship. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how godly young men can commit to increasing their participation in worship. Specific topics include: How to increase your FOCUS during worship Focusing during singing, prayer, Lord's supper, and sermon How to increase your PARTICIPATION in worship Why you have to sing out What to think about during the Lord's supper How to increase your ROLE in worship And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

There's no denying that the church has an eldership crisis. In the first episode of 2024, Joe & Will discuss why all godly young men should make being an elder a goal worth striving for. Specific topics include: Are elders the spiritually elite of the church? Why are elders so important? Examining the eldership qualifications The "faithful kids" debate What can you be doing RIGHT NOW? And so much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

We reached our 50th episode! In this special, year-end episode, Joe & Will discuss the importance of godly young men evaluating themselves to determine where they're headed in life. Specific topics include: Examining the past Setting goals for yourself Why writing down your accomplishments & failures helps Examining the present Examining the future A year-end review of the Godly Young Men Podcast And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

While it might not be on their radar before having kids, godly young men need to be ready for the decision on how to educate their kids. In this episode, Joe & Will make the case why every godly young man should homeschool their kids. Specific topics include: Why homeschooling is statistically on the rise How public schools contribute to youth unfaithfulness Debunking myths about homeschooling "Aren't homeschoolers weird and awkward?" 4 reasons to homeschool your kids And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Critical thinking is a lost art in society today. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss why godly young men must develop critical thinking and how they can go about doing so. Specific topics include: Book smart vs. street smart Learning how to think and not just what to think The role of academia in the loss of critical thinking How to develop critical thinking Learning how other people think And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Young men are faced with all kinds of challenges when it comes to entertainment. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how a godly young man should handle the various forms of entertainment society throws their way. Specific topics include: - Is God anti-entertainment? - What movies/shows can godly young men NOT watch? - How much language is too much language? - What about violence? - How music can affect our worldview - VR, video games, podcasts, etc. And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Social anxiety affects so many young men these days. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how godly young men can overcome social anxiety and why it's important for them to do so. Specific topics include: How to know if you have social anxiety How Covid impacted social anxiety What the Bible says about social anxiety The key to overcoming social anxiety Just. Be. Honest. And so much more! For more information, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

A lot of young men think they've "arrived." In this episode, Joe & Will discuss what it means for young men to earn their place in the world and why that's important. Specific topics include: Why inserting yourself into conversations is a problem How the Bible emphasizes older generations Why everything shouldn't be equal How do young men earn their place? Why self-awareness is CRITICAL And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Most young men today are only immersed in today's culture and know very little about what it means to be cultured in a broader sense. In this more lighthearted episode, Joe & Will discuss all the elements of being cultured and why young men should strive to be cultured. Specific topics include: Why does it matter to be cultured? Why being cultured gives you a legitimate voice The importance of being cultured with music The importance of being cultured with art Being cultured with fine dining, travel, etc. How this relates to God's Word and Bible study And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

At some point, every young man asks themselves if they're ready for marriage. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss how a godly young man can know if he's ready for marriage, or maybe more importantly... how he can know if he's NOT ready for marriage. Specific topics include: Is there such a thing as "fully ready" for marriage? Marrying old vs. marrying young Hallmarks of guys who AREN'T ready for marriage Being obsessed with teenager type fun The importance of emotional stability Hallmarks of guys who ARE ready for marriage What does it mean to be financially stable? And so much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Most young people today, even in the church, couldn't tell you what the purpose is for marriage and sex according to God's word. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss what the purpose for marriage & sex is and why every godly young man MUST know what they are. Specific topics include: Why the world sees no point for marriage Apart from God, marriage is meaningless Why most young people don't view marriage positively What is the full purpose of marriage? Why marriage isn't just about two people co-existing How the church can do better in their discussions of sex And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Deion Sanders has taken the sports world by storm in polarizing fashion. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on him. In this episode, Joe & Will examine why Deion is so effective in leadership and love him or hate him, what godly young men can learn from him. Specific topics include: Why Deion gets so much hate Where Deion goes wrong What makes Deion such an effective leader? The "fair & equality" myth Demanding a high level of effort Infectious confidence & charisma And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast

Is it okay to be a follower? Should all men strive to be leaders? In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the leader vs. follower dynamic and what godly young men should aim for. Specific topics include: Leadership traits that ALL men should strive for Assertiveness vs. servant leadership How optimism helps you be an effective leader The problem with people pleasing High expectations vs. encouraging your followers Ways to excel as a follower And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org

The self-esteem battle is a battle many young people face, even young men. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss self-esteem and how to have positive self-esteem that's not too high or too low with God as the foundation. Specific topics include: Different types of low self-esteem Where ultimate value & worth comes from Why popularity can't be what drives your self-esteem Don't care what irrelevant people think The key to having positive self-esteem And so much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org

Far too many young men are wrapped up in thinking about themselves and their problems. In this episode, Joe & Will discuss the various cards that young men can play that are simply unbecoming of godly young men. Specific topics include: The victim mentality card The "Leaning into bad character traits" card Is insecurity wrong? Unattainable Image Syndrome "Nobody cares. Work harder." And much more! For more info, visit www.focuspress.org/podcast