In this episode, we explore the nature of influence, how it relates to identity, strength, and courage, and how to intentionally develop authentic influence in our lives and communities. Influence is more than visibility or a large following—it’s the lasting effect your life has on others. In this conversation, the hosts explore how influence grows from identity, strength, and courage: it may happen naturally, but it can also take intentional effort to serve people well. Mentorship and close relationships create change through honesty, commitment, and lived example, while social media reach alone doesn’t guarantee meaningful impact. The practical question isn’t “How do I become famous?” but “Who am I shaping, and in what direction?” Influence starts small, compounds over time, and is strongest when people carry forward what they’ve learned and help others grow.

Key Topics

Defining influence and how to measure it The relationship between influence and the pillars of identity, strength, and courage The role of authenticity and intentionality in influence The difference between influence and popularity The impact of influence on personal and community growth The example of Jesus' influence through the disciples The importance of influence in mentorship and leadership The influence of personal experience and discipline The influence of social media and authentic influence The importance of influence in shaping society and individuals

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Influence and Its Importance 03:55 The Relationship Between Influence and Personal Pillars 07:55 Influence as a Byproduct of Character and Action 11:57 The Impact of Influence on Society and Community 15:56 The Balance Between Influence and Popularity 20:09 Legacy and Lasting Impact of True Influence 24:07 Influence as a Reflection of Inner Character 25:55 The Influence of Personal Relationships and Community 27:55 The Role of Humility and Discipline in Influence 30:00 Influence as a Spiritual and Moral Force 31:57 The Difference Between Influence and Celebrity 33:54 The Natural Flow of Influence in Life 35:50 Influence as a Catalyst for Personal Growth 37:47 The Influence of Jesus and Biblical Examples 39:53 The Intentionality Behind Influence 41:55 The Influence of Mentorship and Teaching 43:59 The Influence of Consistency and Character 45:59 Creating Influence in Your Circle 47:56 The Future of Influence and Personal Development 49:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Grow Influence

The crew start the conversation about Tommy's new baby and quickly opens into something much bigger: how becoming a father changes how you understand God as Father, your own identity, and the stories you live and pass on. The discussion moves from sleepless newborn life to practical fatherhood, spiritual formation, and the weight of example. They discuss how a son becomes a father without losing his identity, why stories shape children more than lectures, and how a father’s daily life becomes the model a child absorbs.

• In this episode, Tommy shares what changed in him during the first week of fatherhood, from joy and sleeplessness to a new sense of responsibility.
• Bryan reframes fatherhood around identity, saying a father should not simply react to what he lacked growing up, but learn who each child is and what they are designed to become.
• Tommy talks about the shift from living centered on himself to living with his son in view, and how that affects his hopes, ambitions, and daily choices.
• The group explores the idea that small commitments matter, because children learn from the micro examples they see every day.
• Tommy names courage as one of the main qualities he wants his son to inherit, along with a living awareness that God is his Father.
• Caleb explains that his own father influenced him most through conversation, consistent character, and stories that matched the way his dad actually lived.
• The conversation returns often to the power of story, especially how real stories from a father can create lasting conviction in a child.
• Bryan connects that to Jesus, who said he only did what he saw the Father do, arguing that obedience grows out of relationship rather than pressure.
• Tommy and Caleb both reflect on “dad lore” as more than a joke, describing it as the collection of lived experiences that become valuable inheritance for a son.
• Bryan closes by emphasizing that the goal of fatherhood is not merely to avoid being a bad dad, but to help children know the Father and recognize what good actually looks like.

00:00 - Tommy becomes a father and the conversation begins 01:12 - First-week reflections on sleeplessness, joy, and love 03:47 - The new weight of responsibility 05:40 - Why fatherhood requires seeing each child uniquely 07:47 - Wrestling with identity as Tommy and as dad 09:22 - Samson, calling, and learning to parent from God’s perspective 11:08 - Micro commitments and the example a father sets 13:05 - Courage and helping a son know God as Father 16:17 - Caleb explains how his dad taught by conversation and example 18:50 - Why a father’s stories carry so much weight 21:44 - The power of real stories and listening to God 23:29 - Story, imitation, and the difference between good and bad influence 25:21 - Why obedience is a byproduct of relationship 28:06 - Tommy is already telling dad stories 29:28 - “Dad lore” and doing hard things worth passing on 32:12 - What stories from a father actually get inherited 34:35 - Choosing the right community of men 35:34 - Bryan’s injury and the example children absorb in setbacks 36:30 - Letting God teach you so you can teach your children 37:57 - Jesus as the model of Father and Son 40:28 - Caleb on dad lore as valuable inheritance 42:42 - Why stories, history, and lived example are what get passed on 44:17 - Reading the Bible through story, not just commentary 49:02 - Fatherhood, insecurity, and learning what children will remember 51:25 - Even great earthly fathers cannot replace God 54:13 - Bryan’s final picture of helping a child love God more 57:05 - Tommy’s closing thought from 1 John 2:6

The crew explore how young adults can navigate career decisions, uncertainty, ambition, and calling without letting money, status, or fear define them. Through personal stories and biblical reflection, they unpack the tension between working diligently and trusting God’s direction—arguing that identity as a loved child of God creates the freedom to serve, take risks, and stay grounded through changing circumstances. The conversation closes with practical encouragement to develop your gifts, pursue hard things, listen for God’s guidance, and keep moving forward with confidence even when life does not go according to plans.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: Navigating the Future with Faith 01:58 — Challenges Young People Face Today 02:55 — Tommy’s Journey Through Career Choices 04:55 — The Role of Character in Decision-Making 08:59 — Discovering God as Father and Its Impact 10:56 — Building Relationships and Leaving a Legacy 12:01 — Slavery, Servitude, and Relationship with God 13:28 — The Balance of Being a Slave and a Son 17:20 — Developing Identity and Skills in God 21:59 — Trusting God in Challenges and Failures 26:09 — The Power of Listening to God’s Voice 30:18— Living Out of Love and Freedom in Christ 36:25 — The Journey of Spiritual Growth and Trust 43:07 — Mastering What’s Good and Staying Grounded 48:37 — The Relationship of Obedience and Love 55:33 — Living with Confidence in God’s Plan 60:30 — Overcoming Adversity with Faith 62:12 — Conclusion: Starting Your Navigation with God