BraveCo Podcast

Two Weeks Left Until Rite of Passage, Join Us: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage
So many young men stumble their way into manhood because nobody ever gave them a clear pathway. In this episode of the BraveCo Podcast, I sit down with my close friend Todd Pierce to talk about what fathers can give sons that culture never will: intentional initiation, identity, and a moment that marks the shift from boyhood to manhood.

Todd shares his story of learning fatherhood without a roadmap, how control can masquerade as leadership, and why becoming a man is synonymous with becoming like Christ. We get into the real work of fathering: earning influence, prioritizing connection over compliance, and having the humility to repair what you did not do well early on. If you have ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” you are not alone.

We also unpack the living parable Todd is bringing to our Ride of Passage, breaking a wild horse in real time as a picture of self leadership, calm in chaos, and love that wins without manipulation. If you are a dad who wants to lead a healthier son, this conversation will light a fire and give you language for the journey. Subscribe for more episodes, and if you want to join us in Jacksonville February 28 through March 1, 2026, register at braveco.org.

Chapters:
00:00 - A Clear Pathway Into Manhood
04:31 - When “Being a Man” Meant Control
06:28 - The Missing Ingredient: Initiation
07:23 - The Standard: Being a Man Like Christ
11:01 - Feeling Inadequate as a Father and Choosing Intentionality
15:00 - Breaking a Wild Horse as a Living Parable of Leadership

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
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ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

In this episode of the Brave Co. podcast, I dive deep into the concept that no young man should stumble into manhood. As fathers, the best gift we can give our sons is a clear pathway to adulthood. This journey doesn’t just happen—it's intentional. I discuss the significance of Brave Co.’s Rite of Passage, a 30-hour weekend designed to help fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and leave forever changed. This isn't a retreat or conference—it's a transformative experience.

Join me and NFL Champion Steve Weatherford as we share our insights on fatherhood, leadership, and the power of vulnerability in raising strong, capable men. We discuss how true masculinity is about strength tested, faith forged, and fathers leading their sons by example. Fathers, this episode is for you—if you're ready to give your son the best gift he could ever receive, this is your call to action.

We also explore the upcoming Brave Co. Ride of Passage, a weekend event in Jacksonville, Florida, where we’ll break a wild horse, run a Spartan Race, and set our sons on a path toward manhood. Fathers and mentors, you don’t want to miss out on this powerful, life-changing experience.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Brave Co. Ride of Passage
05:06 - Steve’s Journey: From Super Bowl Champion to Fatherhood Mentor
15:30 - The Power of Intentionality in Parenting
22:25 - Sponsorship Opportunities and How to Support Other Fathers
CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/
Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/
ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to position myself to win—because most men don’t lose because they’re beaten… we lose because we quit. In this episode, I’m challenging you to stop living from comfort and start living from calling. Comfort is the silent killer of potential, and if you want a different life, you’re going to have to take risks, step out of the boat, and run in such a way as to get the prize.

I break down what separates the men who keep winning from the men who keep stalling: they solve the right problems. Not the easy problems. Not the “busy work” problems. The highest-impact problems. We talk about procrastination as emotional regulation, why you can be productive and still not go anywhere, and how vision increases your tolerance for discomfort—like Navy SEALs who endure hell week because they’re locked onto what’s on the other side.

Then I give you five non-negotiables to set yourself up to win: daily discipline, radical ownership, relentless growth, brotherhood, and a purpose bigger than comfort. If you want to look back at 2026 and say, “I crushed it,” get a notebook and take inventory: am I positioned to win—or am I running away? Also—if you want to take action with your son, check out the Brave Co Rite of Passage (Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL) and learn more at BraveCo.

Chapters:
00:00 - No Young Man Should Stumble Into Manhood (Rite of Passage Invite)
02:43 - Most Men Don’t Lose—They Quit (Comfort Kills)
07:17 - Take the Risk: Step Out of the Boat
09:47 - Great Men Solve the Right Problems (High-Impact Focus)
16:07 - Run to Win: Focus, Discipline, and the Prize
17:20 - Tolerance for Discomfort: Vision Creates Endurance
22:27 - Great Men Aren’t Born—They’re Built (Daily Momentum)
28:06 - 5 Non-Negotiables + Final Inventory for 2026
CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/
Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/
ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

Rite of Passage: A Clear Path Into Manhood register now: https://www.braveco.org/riteofpassage

Every boy needs a moment where he’s called out of boyhood and into manhood—where his strength is tested, his faith is forged, and a father’s voice calls him forward. That’s why we built the BraveCo Ride of Passage: a 30-hour weekend where fathers and sons encounter God together, push limits, and come home changed. This isn’t a retreat or a conference—it’s a rite of passage. (Jacksonville, Florida • February 28–March 1, 2026)

In today’s live Q&A, I answer real questions men are facing right now: What do you do when your kids vent to you about their mom and they’re carrying pain? How do you validate your child without throwing your spouse under the bus—and how do you “bridge” the conversation on the back end to help the family communicate better? I also talk to the friend who’s watching a marriage hit a tipping point when one spouse wants help and the other refuses counseling—and why changing one person’s skills and boundaries can start shifting the whole ecosystem.

Then I share my personal experience with OCD and intrusive thought loops—what it felt like, what actually helped, and the simple framework that changed my life: recognize, relabel, refocus (and how thankfulness can become a powerful reset). We also hit temptation in marriage (curiosity about a past relationship) and what to do when separation is on the table—plus the most practical next step I’ve seen work when the stakes are high: get the right guide in your life.

Chapters:
00:00 Ride of Passage: Calling Boys Into Manhood
01:14 Live Q&A: Ask Anything (Anonymous Welcome)
01:50 When Kids Vent About Their Mom: What To Do
02:25 Validate Emotions Without Dismissing Mom
03:16 Don’t Throw Your Spouse Under the Bus
04:01 Be the Bridge: The Back-End Conversation
05:12 Marriage Tipping Point: One Spouse Refuses Help
05:42 Why One Person Getting Help Can Shift Everything
09:04 How I Overcame OCD Loops: The 3 R’s
19:31 Curiosity About an Ex + Separation: Next Steps
CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/
Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/
ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.

In this week's episode I join my dad on Cultural Catalysts to discuss the growing crisis of fatherlessness and how to restore authentic manhood. 
I share my powerful vision for helping boys become men through meaningful rites of passage. Together, we explore how our culture has substituted therapy and medication for true discipleship, leaving many young men without proper initiation into manhood. 
I also go into inspiring stories of transformation from our BraveCo events, where hundreds of men gather to mentor and celebrate young men through challenging physical and spiritual journeys. 
Join us as we reveal BraveCo’s exciting new partnership with Spartan Races for an upcoming father-son Rite of Passage event in Jacksonville, Florida – a powerful opportunity for fathers, mentors, and sons to experience life-changing connection and growth together. Discover how proper initiation into manhood can heal generations and transform communities!

Connect with Kris Vallotton:
Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/
Facebook:   / kvministries 
Instagram:   / kvministries 
X: https://x.com/kvministries

CONNECT WITH BRAVECO
Join Our Free Community for Men (ladies, sign up your man): https://www.braveco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveco.men
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveco.men/
Shop: https://shop.braveco.org/
ABOUT BRAVECO: We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.