In this episode of Manlihood, host Josh Hatcher’s guest is retired US Marine Emilio Roman. Emilio shares his life journey, from the hardships of his childhood through his breakthroughs in overcoming alcohol addiction and becoming an acclaimed author.
https://youtu.be/4qgtnN6khk0
More from Emilio Roman https://www.emilioroman.com/
Emilio emphasizes the importance of stepping out in faith, taking responsibility, the healing power of community, and harnessing your courage to overcome adversity. He also discusses his approach to rehabilitation and how being honest with oneself is critical for healing. Lastly, Emilio talks about the power of discipline, understanding your purpose & impact, and creating meaningful personal & professional mission statements.
Parenting is hard. Do the best you can. (In the end, it’s not up to you.)
Have GRACE for people.
Intimacy only comes when you take off your armor.
Protecting your spouse often means protecting her from yourself. But that doesn’t mean hiding yourself. It means being in control of yourself, being vulnerable with her, and committing to work on the broken parts of you.
In this episode of the Manlihood ManCast, host Josh Hatcher engages with E.J. Snyder, a notable personality from the reality TV show Naked and Afraid. Snyder shares how his experiences have shaped his life philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, mental strength, and constant self-improvement. Throughout the discussion, several serious topics are tackled such as bullying, violence, and the societal perception of masculinity. Snyder also highlights his efforts in promoting survival skills through his own website and training programs. Drawing parallels between iconic actors like John Wayne and modern masculine identity, the series also explores the significance of adapting to contemporary risks, with a particular focus on personal preparedness. The series encapsulates the idea that individual transformation is the key to societal change, inviting audiences to remain proactive in their personal growth. The series ends with a positive message expressing pride and love for their audience, while promising more insightful discussions in upcoming episodes.
https://youtu.be/lYn7k98CsPg
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:59 Invitation to Share the Podcast
01:18 Introducing the Guest: EGA Snyder
01:57 Interview Begins with EGA Snyder
03:25 EGA Snyder’s Background and Career
06:30 EGA Snyder’s Experience on Naked and Afraid
08:16 The Incident of Spearing His Testicle
15:12 EGA Snyder’s Philosophy on Life and Survival
19:31 Discussion on Bullying and Self-Defense
29:05 The Impact of Technology on Modern Life
33:35 The Importance of Self-Sufficiency
34:09 The Journey of Self-Responsibility
34:57 The Importance of Mental Fitness and Health
36:42 Physical Activity and Spiritual Connection
38:02 Self-Defense and the Right to Protect
39:15 Preparation for Worst Case Scenarios
39:30 Survival in the Pandemic: Lessons Learned
41:24 The Concept of Tribalism in Community
41:54 The Ultimate Bug In and Home Defense Guide
42:35 Survival Outdoor Skills Series
43:42 The Importance of Training and Preparedness
48:40 Reflections on Being a Man
54:18 Advice for the Future
59:24 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect
About EJ Snyder
Errol James “EJ” Snyder, Jr., born on December 3, 1965, in Englewood, New Jersey, is an American survivalist and television personality widely known for his military service and appearances on various reality shows. Standing at an impressive height of 6’3″ and nicknamed “Skullcrusher,” EJ Snyder has had a remarkable and decorated career.
More from EJ Snyder
Website: https://ejsnyder.com/
Military Service:
EJ Snyder’s journey began when he joined the United States Army at the age of 19. Over his 25 years of military service, he served in Ranger positions in Infantry and Airborne units. Earning accolades such as two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit, Snyder fought in significant conflicts including the Gulf War in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. His role as a Ranger Instructor, Survival & Tracking Instructor, and Drill Sergeant contributed to his moniker “Skullcrusher.”
Survival Expertise:
EJ Snyder’s passion for survival skills developed early in life, learning outdoor skills with his late brother Jeff. His formal survival training began during his time at the US Army Ranger School, where he fell in love with the concept. As a Ranger Instructor, he attended the US Army Survival School (SERE-C) and became the Primary Survival and Tracking Instructor. After retirement, Snyder continued to share his expertise, working as a Government Contractor teaching survival skills to future Green Berets at the US Army SERE School.
Television Career:
EJ Snyder made his television debut on the show “Lost” in 2008, and in 2009, he appeared on the documentary series “Patton 360°.” However, he gained widespread recognition through his appearances on survival shows like “Naked and Afraid,” where he completed challenging tasks in Tanzania and the Amazon. Snyder also co-hosted the ninth season of “Dual Survival” and played the lead role of Max in “Survival T.V. The Movie!” in 2016.
Extreme Survivalist Philosophy:
EJ Snyder is not just a survivor; he is an extreme survivalist who follows a “Train as you Fight” approach. Believing in pushing the limits of both the environment and oneself, he has thrusted himself into extreme survival situations to continually break through the “Laws of 3 of Survival.” Despite his intense experiences, EJ maintains a motto: “Tua Sponte Superstes,” which translates to “Survive By Your Own Will.”
Current Endeavors:
Post his television stints, EJ Snyder remains actively involved in teaching survival skills, serving as a motivational speaker, and volunteering for various veteran and charity causes. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences spans over two decades, making him a respected figure in the survivalist community.
EJ Snyder is not just a television personality; he is a seasoned survivalist with a rich military background, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of survival. His journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, continues to inspire and educate others in the art of thriving in the face of adversity.
In the heart of the maelstrom that was World War I, amidst the chaos of battlefields and the deafening roars of machine guns, a most unexpected hero emerged—an unassuming man named Alvin York. York’s journey was not one of conventional heroism; rather, it was a saga of unwavering courage, unyielding faith, and a relentless commitment to a higher calling.
York has been called “The Deadliest Pacifist in US History.”
After he single-handedly captured 132 enemy soldiers, they asked him how he did it. He said, “I surrounded them.”
Alvin York’s testicular fortitude was in his strategic brilliance that completely went against all of the conventional norms of warfare.
He was born in a log cabin near the Tennessee-Kentucky border in 1887, grew up in a family sustained by subsistence farming and hunting. In 1915, he had an experience with God, and became a devout Christian
As World War I engulfed the world, York, now a man of profound faith, sought conscientious objector status upon being drafted. That pacifist position was challenged though, when he encountered Luke 22:36 “He who hath no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one.” Guided by those words from Jesus, York abandoned his initial stance and enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Infantry Division.
The crucible of York’s heroism unfolded on October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the final Allied push against German forces. Tasked with seizing German-held positions, York’s battalion was under fire – a German machine-gun nest rained bullets upon them.
As chaos ensued and the unit’s numbers dwindled, York was thrust to the forefront, commanding a squad of merely 17 men.
Undeterred by the odds, York, feeling a divine calling, advanced alone against the machine-gun position. Drawing upon his sharpshooting skills cultivated during Tennessee Turkey hunting days, he systematically neutralized the enemy. The undergrowth around him ablaze with gunfire, York’s determination and marksmanship cut through the chaos,with lethal precision.
Ammo was running short. Six Germans charged him with bayonettes, and with only seven shots, he took out all six. As he approached the German commanding officer, the tide of the battle irreversibly turned. Faced with the inevitable, the officer surrendered his entire unit, a total of 132 men, in exchange for his life.
York’s story reverberated far beyond the battlefield. Lauded as “the war’s biggest hero” by The New York Times and hailed by General John J. Pershing as “the greatest civilian soldier” of World War I, York returned home to a hero’s welcome.
He leveraged his fame to found a school for underprivileged children, the York Industrial Institute.
In 1941, Hollywood immortalized his bravery in the movie “Sergeant York,” starring Gary Cooper.
When York died in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson eulogized him as “a symbol of American courage and sacrifice,” embodying “the gallantry of American fighting men and their sacrifices on behalf of freedom.”
Alvin York, A humble man propelled by faith and armed with unyielding determination, became a symbol of courage, defying expectations and inspiring generations.
His name echoes as a testament to the enduring power of faith, courage, and commitment on the battlefield. Alvin York – a soldier with true Testicular Fortitude.
Enjoy a lively conversation with Bob Stromberg, an award-winning comedian, storyteller, and Josh Hatcher’s childhood hero! This podcast episode explores what it means to be a man, chats about Bob’s fascinating personal life, his impactful school visits, his experience during a boxing match ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, his encounter with Tom Hanks, and the significance of the words ‘I love you’ and ‘I’m proud of you’. Bob also delves into some of his advice for men and his own life experiences, including aspects such as surrender, service, gratitude, and enjoying daily life. Tune in and get to know more about Bob Stromberg on this episode of the Manlihood ManCast.
https://youtu.be/CRjjhpr2OHE
Meet Bob Stromberg, a captivating guest on the Manlihood ManCast who brings joy to audiences of all ages with his distinctive blend of speaking, storytelling, and humor. Bob’s presentations are characterized by their clean and casual style, marked by humility, and infused with a delightful mix of knee-slapping comedy and uplifting encouragement.
Renowned for his remarkable ability to connect with audiences, Bob excels in developing warm rapport, bringing people together, and eliciting surprising laughter. His arsenal of gifts includes physical comedy, a touch of audience participation that is never threatening, and even hand shadows, described as “stunning” by the London Metro. Audiences are treated to a memorable experience as Bob shares hilarious, tender, and thought-provoking stories from his own life, leaving them amazed and transformed.
In 1995, Bob co-authored the hit play “Triple Espresso, (a highly caffeinated comedy),” which started in Minneapolis and went on to become the longest-running stage production in the history of San Diego, seen by over two million people in eighty cities worldwide. The Chicago Sun Times praised Bob’s role as “a mesmerizing physical comedian.”
Following this success, Bob presented his solo show, “That Wonder Boy,” described by Culture Buzz as “One of the most substantive comical one-man shows ever conjured.” The show received acclaim, winning the three top awards Off Broadway at the United Solo Theatre Festival in New York City and later recognized as one of the top shows in the festival’s first decade.
Bob, who resides in Minnesota with his wife Judy, continues to occasionally perform his theater shows and travels extensively as a featured comedian.
This episode of ASK A MAN provides insights and guidance for young men on how to cope with loneliness in a new environment, discusses the challenges of being a man in today’s society, and provides advice on discovering personal identity.
How can young men conquer loneliness in a new environment, I.e. college. Especially if they are introverted.
Why is it so hard to be a man in today’s society?
Where should a man find his identity?
Is there really such a thing as toxic masculinity
Is our country the modern-day equivalent of Sodom and Gomorrah? Also, related question, would our country be better off being under a Christian theocracy?
How do you care for the kids when Mom can’t/won’t?
We’re always wandering off – mentally, emotionally, spiritually – losing our faith focus, forgetting our promises, getting tempted away… coveting, lusting, fearing, doubting…taking control of situations we have no businesses being in control of or walking away from things God has given us responsibility to oversee, going places we should not, and leaving places – emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically – where we should stay. So – How do we stay?
Join us for a conversation with bestselling author and manhood advocate, Jim Ramos. He shares deep insights into overcoming isolation through the power of community, and the vital role of practical and constructive conversations amongst men. Jim talks about his work with the Men in the Arena podcast and provides a sneak peek into his bestselling books. He also discusses the old testament, his favourite barbecue meats, and how activities like barbecuing bring men together. Hear about the free resources available on ‘meninarena.org’ and his books ‘Tell Them’ and ‘ManLaws 101’.
About Jim Ramos Jim Ramos stands tall as a champion of manhood, purpose, and unwavering faith. Born to make a difference, Jim is a bestselling author, compelling speaker, and the visionary founder of Men in the Arena, a non-profit Christian ministry that has become a beacon for men seeking to honor God through leadership in their families, churches, and communities.
Jim’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s calling. With fervor and conviction, he passionately proclaims that a man truly ‘gets it’ when he steps out of the bleachers and into the arena of leadership, a philosophy that resonates through every facet of his life.
At the heart of his impact is the Men in the Arena Podcast, the #1 ranked Spotify podcast for Christian men. Through insightful interviews with luminaries such as John Eldredge, Gary Chapman, Gene Getz, Patrick Morley, and Emerson Eggerichs, Jim provides a platform for profound discussions on Christian manhood, guiding men toward a deeper understanding of their purpose.
Beyond the airwaves, Jim Ramos has cultivated a robust community with the 12,000-strong Men in the Arena Facebook Group and a global network of Men in the Arena virtual teams. Here, men come together, support each other, and embark on a journey to become their best versions – united in strength and resilience.
Jim’s impact extends beyond the digital realm. As a prolific author, he has penned numerous books, each a guidepost on the path to authentic manhood. From the #1 Amazon Bestseller “Strong Men Dangerous Times” to the insightful “Tell Them: What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters,” Jim’s words serve as a compass for those navigating the complexities of life.
In today’s society, the concept of privilege has become a buzzword. We often hear about male privilege and the advantages that come with it. However, I believe there is a bigger picture that we need to consider. Instead of focusing solely on privilege, we should shift our perspective to the heart of the matter and explore how responsibility can make a real difference in someone’s life. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into this topic and discuss why responsibility is a heavier weight than privilege.
https://youtu.be/bSaT4-l0ePo
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING WITH MACHINE GUN PREACHER – SAM CHILDERS DECEMBER 16th 2023 at 7PM AT OPEN ARMS CHURCH 1289 EAST MAIN STREET, BRADFORD PA
Responsibility Over Privilege:
The notion of privilege has taken on different connotations over the years. It can now be associated with the idea of being handed everything on a silver platter. However, as a man, I believe that manhood is not about privilege but about shouldering responsibility. To be a man is to understand that being stronger physically or having a unique way of thinking comes with the responsibility to care for and support those around us.
Leadership and Service:
One aspect of manhood that aligns with responsibility is leadership. While both men and women can be leaders, for men, it often means taking on the role of leadership in the home. However, it is essential to differentiate true leadership from lordship. True leadership is about serving others and making decisions that benefit those under our care. It is not about demanding obedience or seeking personal privilege but rather guiding and honoring those around us.
Doing the Right Thing:
Another aspect of responsibility is doing the right thing, even when it may be challenging or require sacrificing personal gain. We must strive for morality and set an example for others by upholding ethical values. As men, it is our responsibility to strive for what is right and to ensure that our actions align with our principles. By doing so, we create a positive influence on those around us.
Shifting Perspectives: Earned vs. Deserved:
A crucial shift in mindset is moving away from a sense of entitlement and recognizing that we do not inherently deserve anything. Instead, we should focus on earning the things we receive and being grateful for the blessings that come our way. It’s about understanding that responsibility brings more fulfillment than privilege ever could. By working hard and earning what we have, we cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
Conclusion:
Responsibility is a weight that we should willingly carry as men. It surpasses the fleeting nature of privilege and grounds us in our purpose. By embracing responsibility, we not only make a difference in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. Let us shift our focus from privilege to responsibility and strive to be men who lead through service, do the right thing, and live with gratitude. Together, we can create a better world by recognizing that responsibility is a heavier weight than privilege.
Thank you for reading, and I invite you to join the discussion in the Manlihood Man Cave group on Facebook. Share your thoughts on this topic and let’s continue the conversation.
I love you and I’m proud of you.
– Josh Hatcher, Host of the Manlihood ManCast
00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event Announcement
02:25 Welcome to the Manlihood ManCast
02:56 Understanding Privilege and Responsibility
03:09 The Concept of Male Privilege
05:57 The Responsibility of Being a Man
09:03 Leadership and Responsibility
11:25 Doing the Right Thing: A Man’s Responsibility
13:26 The Difference Between Privilege and Responsibility
18:07 The Weight of Responsibility
18:55 Conclusion and Invitation to Manlihood ManCave
Join Josh Hatcher as he sits down with Pastor Terry Beasley from Men’s Ministries International to discuss the importance of building male communities for connection and personal growth.
Terry shares his insights on why men need to live in communities with other men and how it benefits their personal and spiritual growth. The two also dive into the significance of staying true to your faith, embracing your vulnerability, and balancing your personal passions without causing discord in your relationships. They also discuss cultural perceptions of masculinity, the importance of embracing your weaknesses, and the necessity of personal accountability. For more from Terry Beasley: Men’s Ministies International
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Male Community 00:17 Upcoming Events and Podcast Introduction 02:08 Guest Introduction and Importance of Diverse Perspectives 03:33 Interview with Pastor Terry Beasley 04:03 Discussion on Men’s Ministry International 04:39 The Importance of Male Fellowship and Community 06:56 The Struggles of Male Vulnerability 09:47 The Role of Hobbies in Building Connections 12:30 The Importance of a Supportive Spouse 14:20 Addressing Loneliness and Building Connections 15:17 The Role of Church in Building Male Community 23:55 Terry’s Personal Journey and Passion for Men’s Ministry 29:23 The Importance of Loving and Respecting Your Spouse 32:28 Understanding Equality and Submission in Relationships 33:27 The Role of Men as Leaders and Providers 34:15 The True Meaning of Leadership 34:36 Personal Struggles and Seeking Help 35:00 Overcoming Financial Struggles and Debt 36:47 The Importance of Honesty in Relationships 40:05 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Life’s Challenges 41:42 The Impact of Men’s Ministry International 42:52 Personal Experiences and Lessons from Childhood 46:13 The Importance of Building Relationships and Understanding Different Cultures 49:43 Advice for Men: Embrace Humility and Prayer 55:06 The Importance of Real-life Connections and Friendships
We’ve all heard tales of the youth of Abe Lincoln – the “Rail Splitter” – known for his strength and prowess with an axe.
His hard work on the frontier strengthened him not only for the mental challenges that would one day be required of him as President during the nation’s most trying time, but also a physical strength that was proven on many occasions as a frontier wrestler.
It’s hard to picture Abe as Hulk Hogan in “The Little Wrestling Ring on the Prairie,” but in many ways, he was just that. His exploits as a brawler built him a reputation that preceded him.
This episode is brought to you by HAINESKNIVES
ENTER TO WIN A HAINES KNIVES EDC AT Manlihood.com/contests
We’ve all heard tales of the youth of Abe Lincoln – the “Rail Splitter” – known for his strength and prowess with an axe.
His hard work on the frontier strengthened him not only for the mental challenges that would one day be required of him as President during the nation’s most trying time, but also a physical strength that was proven on many occasions as a frontier wrestler.
It’s hard to picture Abe as Hulk Hogan in “The Little Wrestling Ring on the Prairie,” but in many ways, he was just that. His exploits as a brawler built him a reputation that preceded him.
William Herndon was a personal friend of Abe, and wrote a comprehensive biography of the 16th President. Some historians question the almost mythic tales – and whether they are true or legend, the spectre of Lincoln is known for an extraordinary strength. Here are some excerpts from Herndon’s writings.
“By the time he had reached his seventeenth year he had attained the physical proportions of a full-grown man. He was employed to assist James Taylor in the management of a ferry boat across the Ohio River near the mouth of Anderson’s Creek, but was not allowed a man’s wages for the work. He received thirty-seven cents a day for what he afterwards told me was the roughest work a young man could be made to do.”
“In June the entire party, including Offut, boarded a steamboat going up the river. At St. Louis they disembarked, Offut remaining behind while Lincoln, Hanks, and Johnson started across Illinois on foot. At Edwardsville they separated. Hanks going to Springfield, while Lincoln and his step-brother following the road to Coles Country, to which point old Thomas Lincoln had meanwhile removed”
“Here Abe did not tarry long, probably not over a month, but long enough to dispose most effectively of one Daniel Needman, a famous wrestler who had challenged the returned boatman to a test of strength. The contest took place at a locality known as “Wabash Point”. Abe threw his antagonist twice with comparative ease, and thereby demonstrated such marked strength and agility as to render him forever popular with the boys of the neighborhood.”
“He enjoyed the brief distinction his exhibitions of strength gave him more than the admiration of his friends for his literary or forensic efforts. Some of the feats attributed to him almost surpass belief. One witness declares he was equal to three men, having on a certain occasion carried a load of six hundred pounds. At another time he walked away with a pair of logs which three robust men were skeptical of their ability to carry. “He could strike with a maul a heavier blow – could sink an axe deeper into wood than any man I ever saw.” is the testimony of another witness.”
Herndon tells another story of Lincoln’s strength.
“…Jack Armstrong, a hardy, strong, and well-developed specimen of physical manhood, and under him they were in the habit of ‘cleaning out’ New Salem whenever his order went forth to do so. Offut and ‘Bill’ Clary – the latter skeptical of Lincoln’s strength and agility – ended a heated discussion in the store one day over the new clerk’s ability to meet the tactic of Clary’s Grove, by a bet of ten dollars that Jack Armstrong was, in the language of the day, ‘a better man than Lincoln’. The new clerk strongly opposed this sort of an introduction, but after much entreaty of Offut, at last consented to make his bow to the social lions of the town in this unusual way. He was now six feet four inches high, and weighed, as a friend and confident, William Green, tells with impressive precision, ‘two hundred and fourteen pounds’. The contest was to be a friendly one and fairly conducted. All New Salem adjourned to the scene of the wrestle. Money, whisky, knives, and all manner of property were staked on the result. It is unnecessary to go into the details of the encounter. Everyone knows how it ended: how at last the tall and angular rail-splitter, enraged at the suspicion of foul tactics, and profiting by his height and length of his arms, fairly lifted the great bully by the throat and shook him like a rag ….”
“Mr. Lincoln’s remarkable strength resulted not so much from muscular power as from the toughness of his sinews. He could not only lift from the ground enormous weight, but could throw a cannonball or a maul farther than anyone in New Salem.”
“No little of Lincoln’s influence with the men of New Salem can be attributed to his extraordinary feats of strength. By an arrangement of ropes and straps, harnessed about his hips, he was enabled one day at the mill to astonish a crowd of village celebrities by lifting a box of stones weighing near a thousand pounds.”
“There is no fiction either, as suggested by some of his biographers, in the story that he lifted a barrel of whisky from the ground and drank from the bung; but in performing this later almost incredible feat he did not stand erect and elevate the barrel, but squatted down and lifted it to his knees …”
Lincoln was of course not known as a brawler once serving in the oval office, but he did often show feats of strength to the US soldiers, in order to bond and show morale. Francis Fisher Browne was a Union soldier who authored “The Ever-Day Life of Abraham Lincoln. He tells the story of Lincoln walking over to an axe, picking it up by the butt, and holding it out straight in front of him at an arms length, parallel to the ground for an extended length of time.
Browne says, “Strong men who looked on, men accustomed to manual labor, could not hold the same ax in that position for a moment.”
According to William E. Glennap’s biography, Once, during a political speech, a fight broke out in the crowd. Abe left the podium, grabbed one of the assailants by the belt and the collar, and tossed him ten to twelve feet out of the crowd easily.
Every time I bring up Honest Abe, some constitutional scholar out there is quick to point out that he expanded the powers of the federal government to trump over states rights, which they say is unamerican and dishonorable.
My response is that the reason for that move, was to end human slavery, and to preserve the Union. Slavery is abominable. While the rights of individuals, and the rights of individual states is important – we should all agree that no human being should be allowed to own another. Freedom for some is not freedom for all. Justice for some is not justice for all. If the rules of the land allow for slavery to exist, than the rules must be changed. So I stand behind Abe on this one.
Abe wrestled with the decision to emancipate. He knew the law, and knew the rules. It was a dangerous position to take – as a president, to challenge the constitutional authority of the states. It was a wrestling match he had to win, even though it would seem there was no winner.
He grew up tough. That toughness served him well. He was tough enough to lead. Tough enough to break the rules when they were not just.
