The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Scan the headlines of our times and you will find a common theme. Look at the violence of our times. Look at the rise of ISIS. Look at issues like rape on the campuses. Consider the tensions between police and citizens. What is at the heart of each of these? The issue of men.In this episode, Stephen explains how one of the vital answers to the issues of our times is what he calls “Great Manhood.” What is it? Where has it gone? How can we return it as a noble force in our generation? Our team at GreatMan.US is proclaiming 2016 “The Year of the Great Man.” Listen to this episode to find out why and how you can play a role. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Muhammad Rehan on Flickr[/custom_font]

The start of school is a stressful time for millions of people. They have never been taught how to learn and so they spend most of their time in school lost, confused, angry and bored. Stephen spent most of his early school years just this way. He did poorly in school until someone taught him the broad principles of learning and the unique way he learned—his modalities, his circadian rhythms, and his “wiring” for learning. In today's special, extended-length episode, Stephen explains all of this (and much more) with the hopes of arming and encouraging those who have just begun a new school year. Check out last year's Learning How to Learn two-part series: Part 1 | Part 2 [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of CollegeDegrees360 on Flickr[/custom_font]

Over the last two weeks, more than 30 million names from marital-infidelity networking site "Ashley Madison" have been leaked online by hackers. Claiming the act was in retribution for the website's "Full Delete" service, which allegedly claimed to scrub all user data from the site without actually doing so, the hackers released users' names, email addresses, physical descriptions, and detailed sexual preferences. Politicians, celebrities and everyday citizens are among the victims of the fallout, the worst of which includes two suicides. In today's episode, Stephen breaks down the male psychology behind extramarital affairs. Whether inspired by boredom, infatuation or immaturity, an affair is always preventable. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Joey Yee on Flickr[/custom_font]

As a New York Times best-selling author, Stephen has a couple of decades' worth of writing experience. And his upcoming book, a work of about 70,000 words, has put him in the writing chair for a more-than-usual amount of time. For this week's episode, he's come up with a few useful improvements to the writing process—with the help of some friends, of course. Check out today's podcast to boost the productivity levels of your own writing, or your creative process in general. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of Idintify Media for Chartwell Literary Group[/custom_font]

The first Republican primary debate is behind us, and it seems that a certain narcissist in the real estate industry stole the show—according to major media, that is. This podcast focuses on more serious matters. In this episode, Stephen breaks down the basics of media training. Or, how to behave on stage in a live-television context, aimed at a political culture of aesthetic, professionalism and positive imagery. [vc_separator type='transparent' position='center' color='' thickness='3' up='' down=''] As the campaign rolls along, this podcast will follow the cultural issues as closely as ever, but this week holds an analysis of body language, grooming and basic public speaking decency when running for political office. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of DonkeyHotey et. al. on Flickr[/custom_font]

Recently released videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the harvesting of organs from “fetal matter” have stirred widespread controversy. Anti-abortion advocates in Congress have unsuccessfully attempted to defund Planned Parenthood, a move they will likely attempt again soon. In this podcast, Stephen reminds listeners that while the recent videos are horrific, their main offense has been to describe and depict the kind of abortions that have been legal in America for decades. Stephen also tells a surprising personal story about abortion. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Fibonacci Blue on Flickr[/custom_font]

Some people are far too eager to believe any bad news that circulates on the internet. It seems that some folks just want to stand on the rubble of Western civilization and say, “I told you so!” Any bad news is good news to them. In this podcast, Stephen explains the dangers of running with bad news and conspiracy theories simply for the sake of fanning the flames. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Krysten Newby on Flickr[/custom_font]

The morning after Dylann Roof murdered nine people in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, South Carolina, all of the flags on South Carolina State House grounds went to half-staff—except for one. So began the current nationwide debate about the Confederate flag. More chillingly, Roof had draped himself in that flag in Facebook photos and he seemed to champion the cause that flag represents. In this podcast, Stephen dips into the history of the Confederacy a bit and then gives his firm views on the matter. What he contends most passionately is that the debate about the Confederate flag has distracted us from a more substantial debate about racism in America. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of NBC News[/custom_font]

The Supreme Court has recently included same sex marriage in the official U.S. definition of marriage. Even defenders of same sex marriage realize that the ruling is only a beginning to what may be a refashioning of American society through the vehicle of American law. Stephen explains in this podcast the inevitability of the Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges case and what it will likely mean in the years to come. He speaks in particular to the challenges that are now facing religious institutions and chaplains in the U.S. military. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Ted Eytan on Flickr[/custom_font]

These days, it's hard to deny that there’s simply too much information out there. So how can you keep up to date without drowning in the noise? Stephen provides more than a few techniques and technological innovations to help you personalize the way you get your news. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of CAFNR on Flickr[/custom_font]

Though the Democratic Party seems aligned behind Hillary Clinton as its frontrunner in the 2016 presidential race, Republicans are not nearly as unified. Some sixteen GOP candidates are likely to run, which could leave the party divided, weary and financially exhausted before the general election even begins. In this podcast, Stephen explains his concern for the current state of the Republican party. The 2016 presidential election could be a Republican victory. Given the looming Republican primary season, a GOP victory in 2016 is going to be very difficult. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of DonkeyHotey on Flickr[/custom_font]

Americans have a tendency to think that anyone who commits an act of extreme violence is insane. It means we don’t have to deal with the causes of the violence, that the solution is an institution and keeping the criminally insane comfortably out of view. [vc_separator type='transparent' position='center' color='' thickness='' up='' down=''] Yet violence does not require insanity, nor does extreme hate. In the case of Dylann Roof and his killing of nine people in a Charleston church on June 17, 2015, the evidence so far indicates that he simply hates blacks and wants them all dead. Even his lawyer has said Roof knew right from wrong, knew the morality of what he was doing. This means we have an opportunity to examine the racial hatred that is an undercurrent of our society and to perhaps have a season of healing in America. [vc_separator type='transparent' position='center' color='' thickness='' up='' down=''] In this episode, Stephen provides a personal testament to the clear and present racism that has plagued American society for hundreds of years, and calls for the murder conviction of Dylann Roof. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of CNN[/custom_font]

Having just arrived back home from the Middle East, Stephen gives a first-hand account of the situation facing Kurdistan today. This is the final episode of a two-part series. Part 1 [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of NBC News[/custom_font]

Having just arrived back home from the Middle East, Stephen gives a first-hand account of the situation facing Kurdistan today. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of Nyaz Levi on WallpapersWide[/custom_font]

As of the release of this episode, Stephen is in Kurdistan meeting with Kurdish leaders and encouraging Kurdish troops and youth. In this episode, he explains why he has risked this trip and what he believes our “Kurdish moment” means to our generation. Adding to his descriptions of the Kurds in his book The Miracle of the Kurds, Stephen explains why the battle against ISIS should be of concern to all Americans and why the Kurds are to critical to it.

In 2008, Stephen Mansfield wrote The Faith of Barack Obama. It was an international bestseller, which followed his previous worldwide hit The Faith of George W. Bush. In his groundbreaking book, Stephen argued that Obama was a Christian, but was liberal theologically and politically. In an era when nearly 30% of Americans thought Obama was a Muslim, this was controversial. Was Stephen right? Find out what he says in this week's podcast. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Ash Carter on Flickr[/custom_font]

The role of mothers throughout history is often decisive and unrecognized. In this tender podcast, Stephen celebrates mothers in history and describes the profound role they can play in the lives of their children. This podcast is perfect preparation for Mother’s Day but it is also an important reminder about mothers and mothering for the whole year round. After you hear this, you’ll want to share it widely. Feel free. We provide all the social media tools you’ll need on this podcast page. CC image courtesy of Leo Reynolds on Flickr

We all have habits we wish we could break. Some of our habits may even have led us into addiction. We know what we ought to do yet find doing it nearly impossible. Drawing some helpful truths from the field of brain science, Stephen offers a new way to look at our habits. The insight he gives us can help us break bad habits and establish new and healthier ones. This podcast really could be a life changer! [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of _DJ_ on Flickr[/custom_font]

The news that reaches us about ISIS and its atrocities would lead us to conclude that this viscous terrorist force is winning its battle for control of the Middle East. The truth is that ISIS wins only headlines and only because it targets the helpless and unsuspecting. The beheading of kidnapped Christians and slaughter of Izidi children gets media attention but it means nothing about gains on the ground. Instead, the Kurds and their allies are defeating ISIS in nearly every engagement. This is a story far less reported in the western press. In this encouraging podcast, Stephen reports that the battle against ISIS is not what we have been told, and that victory could turn on the passage of a bill just recently proposed in the U.S. Congress. Learn more about H.R.1654 [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of DVIDSHUB on Flickr[/custom_font]

Everyone creates a culture around themselves. A culture is merely the result of what we encourage to grow. Some people create cultures of anger and bitterness. Some of sarcasm and insult. Others create cultures that encourage and inspire. Stephen believes that every man should be working to create a culture of righteous manhood in his life. By what he says, how he acts, what he surrounds himself with and what he encourages in the lives of others, he should be constantly creating a culture of manhood that is inviting, ennobling and transforming. In this podcast, Stephen talks about how this is done. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Hernán Piñera on Flickr[/custom_font]

The troubling fact is that true manhood—noble, righteous, great manhood—is not something a man can achieve on his own. He needs a band of brothers who join him in this all-important project of striving for genuine manhood. Yet surveys reveal that most men today live nearly friendless and so have nothing in their lives approaching a meaningful band of brothers. In this podcast, Stephen describes how to build a band of brothers. It is a topic dear to him. He believes that men must be intentional about these “strategic friendships” and that crafting them is one of the great skills of genuine manhood. Stephen also believes that these relationships can be among the great treasures of a man’s life—and a whole lot of fun! [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Photo from a "GreatMan Event" courtesy of Idintify Media[/custom_font]

From the moment Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men was released, a new type of men’s event came into being. It is not the stadium event we know from recent men’s movements. Instead, it is smaller, more intimate and certainly harder hitting. Stephen calls these events “GreatMan” events. In this podcast, Stephen describes this new type of high-impact event. He explains the elements of a GreatMan weekend and even recalls what he has seen take place in the lives of men who attend. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of Idintify Media on Flickr[/custom_font]

There is a war being waged against men today. It is not a war waged by women. It is a war waged by our prevailing culture and even by men upon themselves. Nearly from the time a boy realizes he is male and tries to live out what this means, he faces a tide of opposition and a swirl of contradictory counsel. This continues throughout his life. The result is that every man must understand the forces arrayed against him, and work to overcome their effect upon his life. In this stirring podcast, Stephen describes the specific facets of this war on men. He does not place blame, but instead calls men to recognize the tides at work in our time. This episode is essential intelligence for winning the war for meaningful manhood. Related Episodes The Crisis of Barbaric Boys The War on Boys The Gorilla Theory of Men [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Rob on Flickr[/custom_font]

Part 2 (Listen to Part 1 here) The Christian Church was put on earth to both proclaim a message and to model life in another world, both to call for the transformation of the human heart and to call society to align with the righteousness and love of God. Rarely do churches today skillfully straddle these twin rails of faith. In fact, many churches today are chillingly silent on social issues and this is becoming a stain on the cause of Christ in our generation. It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” In this stirring podcast, Stephen Mansfield wonders aloud whether the oppressed and downtrodden of our generation will not be able to say the same of too many modern churches, particularly theologically conservative modern churches. Will the silence of these churches on pressing social issues be remembered for generations, far beyond the noise of the violence, hatred and racism rending our age. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Marcus Rahm on Flickr[/custom_font]

The Christian Church was put on earth to both proclaim a message and to model life in another world, both to call for the transformation of the human heart and to call society to align with the righteousness and love of God. Rarely do churches today skillfully straddle these twin rails of faith. In fact, many churches today are chillingly silent on social issues and this is becoming a stain on the cause of Christ in our generation. It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” In this stirring podcast, Stephen Mansfield wonders aloud whether the oppressed and downtrodden of our generation will not be able to say the same of too many modern churches, particularly theologically conservative modern churches. Will the silence of these churches on pressing social issues be remembered for generations, far beyond the noise of the violence, hatred and racism rending our age. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Dávid Kótai on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen covers a pressing crisis faced by young men around the world today. Join our team: GreatMan.us [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Ahmad Hammoud on Flickr[/custom_font]

The battle against I.S.I.S. continues in the Middle East, while the Kurds provide most of the "boots on the ground." You can help. Stephen tells you how. Identify and contact your representative at www.Congress.gov [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of United States Forces Iraq on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen offers an exciting interpretation of this often chaotic era, and our individual roles within it. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Stuart Richards on Flickr[/custom_font]

Change is always possible. Anyone who tells you otherwise—including yourself—is lying. Join our team: Greatman.US CC image courtesy of Antoine Gady on Flickr

Economically, we're entering the New Year with a smile. But not all is happiness, as Stephen explains. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Chris Gin on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen offers a fun list of holiday activities for the season. CC image courtesy of Peter Thoeny - Quality HDR Photography on Flickr

Stephen comments on the controversial killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on August 9, 2014. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Barbara Krawcowicz on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen charts a path for Republicans after their sweep of the midterm elections. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Phil Roeder on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen reads the first chapter of his latest book, "The Miracle of the Kurds." Check out the new book here: MiracleOfTheKurds.com

Stephen interviews New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark Rutland, former president of both Southeastern University and Oral Roberts University and current president of Global Servants. Learn More about Dr. Rutland Here: http://GlobalServants.org http://thenicl.com http://www.amazon.com/ReLaunch-How-Stage-Organizational-Comeback/dp/1434705757

In the second part of a two-part series, Stephen lists more long-lasting and efficient educational techniques. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Duane Schoon on Flickr[/custom_font]

In the first episode of a two-part series, Stephen offers some pointers for discovering your own unique learning style. [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Steven Depolo on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen updates a recent podcast in which he called for U.S. aid to Iraqi Kurdistan. You can hear the original episode here: http://stephenmansfield.tv/its-time-for-the-u-s-to-back-the-kurds/ [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of The U.S. Army on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen describes the horrible rule of ISIS in Iraq today. Related Articles: A firsthand account of recent attrocities in Iraq: http://www.npr.org/2014/07/24/334942455/human-rights-watch-researcher-reports-isis-abuses-in-iraq [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image courtesy of NBC News[/custom_font]

Stephen defines what a "great" man really is, and talks about some exciting new opportunities for men today. Check out the new website: GreatMan.US

Stephen tackles one of the most serious crises faced by today's men.

Stephen comments on the legacy of John Seigenthaler.

Stephen interviews R.T. Phillips, the founding president of Promise Keepers.

Stephen calls for a shift in U.S. foreign policy, in light of Iraq's current crisis. Related Articles: Iraqi locals give their take on the current situation: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/529/human-spectacle?act=3 John Kerry urges Kurdistan to ally with Baghdad: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/world/middleeast/kerry-kurds-iraq.html?_r=0

Stephen lays out the cultural shortcomings that were partially to blame for recent tragedies.

Listen to a clip from Stephen's latest Great Man event at The Standard Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee.

Stephen talks about the balance between change and stability in life and work.

Stephen highlights the skills of crisis leadership from the life of Winston Churchill.

Stephen describes the crisis of young men today.

In the fourth and final episode of the "Race and Our Times" series, Stephen addresses what we can do to help ease tensions in our communities.