The Forging of Men

Host Josh Vegors digs into his recent struggle with imposter syndrome, the support that received from his Men's group, and how this time has helped him realize the importance of building healthy communities in a "it takes a village" mentality. The episode expands further to share about how to BUILD healthy community, in particular when a religious component may be absent.   This framework can empower people to build community wher...

Host Josh Vegors relaunches a revised episode recounting recent months of loss, job change, and struggle while exploring how faith, prayer, and outdoor time aided his healing. He discusses difficult topics like death, suicide, and mental health, and why honest conversations with sons and friends matter.

Through stories of funerals, an elk hunt, and the power of a supportive men’s group, Josh offers practical lessons: build a three-...

This episode of The Forging of Men features functional nutritionist Rachel McWright discussing practical strategies for improving men's testosterone and overall hormone health through diet, strength training, sleep, and reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Rachel explains the toxic-bucket concept, the importance of weightlifting and circadian rhythm habits, and gives actionable tips for swapping out fragranced produ...

In this episode of The Forging of Men, host Josh talks with Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor Rachel McWright about testosterone and why a holistic approach — not just pills or quick fixes — matters. They cover how diet (protein, healthy fats, micronutrients), organic and grass‑fed choices, and reducing chemical exposure support hormone health.

They also discuss lifestyle factors like morning sunlight, sleep, circadian r...

This is The Forging of Men, a podcast to help fathers of sons raise their sons into the next great generation of men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventure. In this episode Josh Vegors reflects on Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, explains the origin of ashes from last year’s Palm Sunday palms, and outlines the season’s purpose of fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-reflection.

He challenges listeners to start Lent by d...

This episode revisits the most popular Forging of Men conversation, stitched back together to reframe masculinity and violence. The hosts discuss how violence can be morally neutral, how good violence arises from love and control to defend the innocent, and why training and discipline matter for fathers and communities.

Listeners hear practical ideas about self-mastery, martial training, firearms, and the responsibility men have to...

Hey friends, thanks for joining a crossover episode with Tim Summers from the Raising Catholic Podcast where we dive into discipline — how to lead, correct, and shape our children from a biblical perspective.

We discuss physical and verbal discipline, the difference between authoritative and authoritarian leadership, practical tools like posture, proximity, volume and the ask–tell–make approach, and how grace, love, and clear conse...

This is The Forging of Men, a podcast to help fathers of sons raise their sons into the next great generation of men through faith, fitness, and outdoor adventure.

In this episode the host provides an end-of-month update on upcoming shows (budget camping and hunting, Priest-Prophet-King, violence & masculinity, scripture and discipline), shares progress on his 75 Hard challenge and progressive diet, announces the upcoming websi...

In this episode Andy Smith shares his decision on December 1, 2020 to change his life — going from 356 lb to a fit, disciplined lifestyle through daily exercise, a simple clean diet, running, weighted rucks, journaling, and steady goals. He explains practical, sustainable steps for beginners (start walking, cut sugary drinks, use small progressive weights or a vest) and the mental and family benefits of consistency.

Andy also descr...

Josh Vegors and Taylor Thurston discuss practical rifle and caliber choices for new and young hunters — from the versatile .308 and modern 6mm ARC to youth-friendly options like the .300 Blackout and 5.56.

They compare AR platforms and bolt guns, recommend budget-friendly rifles (Ruger American, Savage Axis, Palmetto State Armory), highlight affordable optics like Vortex Triumph, and share training tips: practice often, train beyon...

This episode breaks down why New Year's resolutions often fail and how to make change stick—focusing on the "why" instead of the flashy how. Josh Vegors and guest Sean Harding from Exodus Counseling and Mentorship discuss habit-building tactics (30-day rule, two-minute starts, micro-wins), setting short-term goals (try a Valentine’s Day resolution), and using start/stop/continue reviews.

They also explore mindset, gratitude, creati...

Josh shares his 15–16 day carnivore experiment while driving home from a Colorado elk hunt, reporting rapid weight loss, improved focus, better sleep, and stronger gym performance. He and Dr. Taylor Thurston unpack what “carnivore” can mean, practical meat cuts, cooking and rendering tallow, and ways to keep variety without carbs.

The episode also covers a sensible plan for short-term carnivore use, how to reintroduce vegetables sy...

Chad Stillman and Josh share how 1613 (Bibles & Bows) grew from a backyard idea into a large archery-based Bible study that fosters authentic, shoulder-to-shoulder community for men to read Scripture, pray, and serve together.

They explain the simple weekly format, the power of shared vulnerability and prayer, practical tips for starting and scaling similar groups, and the vision to turn outdoor fellowship into tangible discipl...

On this first-ever mobile episode of Forging of Men, host and guest Taylor Thurston road-trip home from an October elk hunt, and discuss faith, fitness and outdoor adventure. Taylor shares how he used military tuition assistance to earn multiple degrees, embraced Catholic faith and family life, and reshaped his health with carnivore eating and fasting.

The conversation also covers real-world preparation for backcountry hunting, the...

Host and guest Tim Forbes trace his journey from school administrator to executive director of a vocational program for justice-involved youth, exploring how faith, mentorship, and hands-on training restore purpose and reduce recidivism.

This episode covers parenting and boundary-setting in the age of social media, the value of vocational education and community, and how physical challenges like ultrarunning and hunting deepen resi...

In this episode, we dive into the realm of holistic health with Dr. Michael Lehman, a licensed naturopathic doctor from Washington State. Dr. Lehman shares his insights on supporting the body's natural healing processes through integrative medicine, emphasizing foundational health practices like proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Join us as we explore the importance of consistency in health goals, the role of fellowship and ac...

This episode delves into the unexpected selection of a new Pope, highlighting the surprise and discussions it has sparked within the Catholic community and beyond. As commentators dissect the implications of electing a younger American pope, questions arise about the church's direction amidst global polarization. With insights into the historical context and challenges the Church faces, this episode explores how Pope Leo XIV might ...