Exceptional Man Podcast

Christmas isn’t soft, sentimental, or sanitized. It’s a holy disruption—the moment God stepped into a broken world and flipped every expectation upside down. In this episode of the Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad and Tom unpack how the birth of Jesus wasn’t just a peaceful nativity—it was a strike against darkness, a confrontation of power, and the beginning of a rescue mission. With that, they talk about struggles with this season and how to recover from holiday fatigue. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Politics feels chaotic, divisive, and exhausting—but Christian men don’t get to sit this one out.In this episode of The Exceptional Man Podcast, we talk about why political engagement isn’t about partisanship—it’s about faithfulness.We break down why silence is dangerous, why leadership in the public square matters, and how godly men can influence culture with courage, wisdom, and conviction. This isn’t about telling you who to vote for. It’s about reminding you who you represent.If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate politics without losing your soul, your witness, or your sanity… this conversation is for you.Exceptional men don’t avoid hard things. They lead through them.For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Ever walked into a church lobby and immediately regretted your handshake strategy? Or tried to join a small group where everyone already has “their seat”? In this episode, Tom and Chad dive into the wonderfully weird world of church culture — from greeting team mishaps to the mystery of the “fellowship hug.”But beneath the laughs, we get real about why awkwardness isn’t the enemy — isolation is. We talk about how men can push past the discomfort to find genuine community, accountability, and brotherhood in a place that’s supposed to feel like home… even when it doesn’t at first.Expect some laughs, a few cringes, and a reminder that God designed us to belong — even when community gets weird.For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Every challenge you face is part of God’s preparation. The pain, the pressure, the discipline — it’s not random. It’s training. In this episode, Chad unpacks the truth that nothing is wasted when you walk with God. Using powerful Bible stories like David’s private battles, Joseph’s endurance, and Jesus training His disciples in the storm, we’ll see how God uses every season to build spiritual muscle and develop men who can stand firm under fire.This episode reminds you:The fight you’re in today is training for the mission God’s calling you to tomorrow.If you’re in a season that feels like boot camp, this one’s for you. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

In this episode of The Exceptional Man Podcast, Tom Cheshire and Chad Zueck talk about sticky connections. Faith that lasts because it’s relational and transferable, not rigid and transactional. They explore how to build sticky friendships, sticky fellowship, and sticky discipleship in a culture that’s come unglued. Respect is a common language of every exceptional man. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Reading isn’t just for academics—it’s for warriors, fathers, and leaders who want to stay sharp. In this episode, we talk about why every exceptional man needs a book in his hand and truth in his heart. Discover how reading builds mental toughness, spiritual depth, and everyday wisdom that no scroll feed can match. We’ll share the kinds of books that have shaped us—and how you can start your own reading rhythm today.For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

In this episode, Chad sits down with author, speaker, and “Men in the Arena” founder Jim Ramos to explore Dialed In: Reaching Your Full Capacity as a Man of God. Ramos offers a biblical blueprint for authentic masculinity, drawing on Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus.You’ll hear:The twenty key qualities every godly man should cultivate — from servanthood to vigilance to peaceWhat it really means to live at “full capacity” spiritually, emotionally, and relationallyHow the traits in Dialed In apply not just to pastors, but to men in homes, workplaces, and communitiesPractical steps and reflection questions you can use todayThe heartbeat behind Jim’s calling to raise up men who lead faithfully in a challenging worldWhether you’re a husband, father, leader, or someone simply navigating his walk with God, this conversation will help you “dial in” to what it means to live as God’s man in a world that’s loud, confusing, and often opposed to biblical strength.For more info about the Iron Sharpens Iron events in St. Louis, MO, and Springfield, IL, stay locked in at www.rpmfm.org. The conference details will be posted soon. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

What does it mean to be a man in today’s world? Is masculinity about ego, dominance, and posturing—or is there a higher calling? In this conversation with Jon Haley, author of Reconstructing Manhood, we take a hard look at what the Bible says about masculinity and why the world desperately needs men of integrity, courage, responsibility, and Christlikeness.Jon shares from his own journey and from the examples of noble men who shaped him, reminding us that “America doesn’t have a toxic masculinity problem; we have an absent masculinity problem.” Together, we unpack what true nobility looks like, why accountability only works when men set real goals, and how biblical morality equips men to resist both tyranny and temptation.We dig into the practical:Why men project instead of walking in integrity.Why nobility requires empathy, responsibility, and action (Nehemiah as case study).Why holiness—surrender and being shaped into God’s image—is the hardest yet most vital step.Why devotion, obedience, and sacred responsibility aren’t optional extras but the backbone of exceptional manhood.To connect with Jon's work: Amazon: LINK HEREhttps://hallmarkchurch.comFor more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, America is reeling—but also stirring with signs of revival. His mission to call a generation back to truth is echoing louder than ever. In this episode of The Exceptional Man Podcast, Tom and Chad explore the cultural war of words, the danger of drifting with every narrative, and the unshakable hope we find in God’s Word. When words clash and culture shakes, exceptional men are called to stand firm on the Word that never fades. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

What does the gym have to do with leadership, fatherhood,and faith? A lot more than you think.In this episode of The Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad Zueck sits down with Cam Hall, a fitness coach and influencer who’s helping men build not just strongerbodies, but stronger families.https://www.fightthedadbod.com/·      Instagram: @fightthedadbodFacebook: Fight the Dad BodYouTube: Fight the Dad Bod ChannelPersonal Facebook: Cam HallDads Making a Difference PodcastFor more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of America’s greatest leaders—but behind the speeches, the Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation was a man locked in a lifelong struggle with faith.In this episode, bestselling author and historian Stephen Mansfield joins Chad Zueck to discuss his book Lincoln’s Battle with God. Together they explore:Why Lincoln’s faith was so hard to defineHow his parents shaped his early rejection of ChristianityThe role adversity, suffering, and self-education played in his spiritual journeyWhy he came to view the Civil War as divine judgment on AmericaHow his Second Inaugural Address reveals his deepest convictions about God and providenceLincoln’s greatness wasn’t in having a simple faith—but in wrestling honestly with God in the midst of unimaginable national and personal suffering. His battle still speaks to men today who struggle with doubt, belief, and the shaping of their own vision.If you’ve ever wrestled with your faith—or wondered how leaders are formed in the crucible of struggle—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.How to connect with Stephen:StephenMansfield.TV — author, speaker, and podcast hub Social Media ProfilesTwitter / X: @MansfieldWrites Stephen Mansfield+2Apple Podcasts+2Instagram: @MansfieldWrites Instagram+1Facebook: Stephen Mansfield FacebookLinkedIn: Stephen Mansfield / The Mansfield GroupApple Podcast link hereSpotify Podcast link hereFor more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Prayer isn’t weak—it’s war. In this episode of the Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad Zueck unpacks how men can pray with precision, power, and persistence. Learn how to fight battles with God's help, live connected to God, and unlock the strength to move mountains.For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

“Ships are safest in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.”Masculinity is risky business—and that’s exactly how God designed it. Playing it safe might protect a man from failure, rejection, or conflict, but it also keeps him from adventure, purpose, and growth.In this episode, Chad unpacks the role of necessary risk in a man’s life—the kind of faith-stretching, courage-building, and character-shaping risks that separate the average man from the exceptional man. From Peter stepping out of the boat, to David facing Goliath, to the real risks we face in relationships, career, and faith, this conversation will challenge you to move beyond comfort and into calling.You’ll discover:Why every stage of a man’s life demands new risks.The difference between reckless risks and faith-led risks.Five areas where men must be willing to risk: spiritual, relational, vocational, personal, and social.Practical ways to step out with prayer, courage, and wisdom.The risk of rejection, failure, or conflict is real—but so is the reward of legacy, influence, and brotherhood.Because the truth is this: men weren’t made for safety. Men were made for risk.To have Chad or Tom speak at your men's event, chad@rpmfm.org. For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

In this episode, Chad and Tom explore the beauty and tension between being a man and a woman. From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Adam needed a helper fit for him, and Eve’s creation reveals God’s design for both difference and dependence. Rather than erasing distinction, the Scriptures celebrate it: man and woman are made in God’s image, equal in worth, yet distinct in form and role. As Jon Tyson reminds us, “Be the man God is calling you to be. Put your effort into formation, not opinion.”We’ll unpack how both sexes radiate glory in different ways. Paul teaches that man reflects the glory of God, while woman reflects the glory of man (1 Corinthians 11:7). That doesn’t mean inequality—it means polarity. Distinction is part of the design. Galatians 3:28–29 affirms that in Christ, men and women are equally heirs of God’s promise, yet that equality doesn’t flatten God’s good order. Biological, relational, and even psychological differences point to a deeper truth: men and women were made to complement, not compete.But what does this mean for us today, in a culture often confused about identity and gender roles? Masculinity and femininity are not caricatures—they are rooted in God’s design.When men step into biblical manhood, and women embrace biblical womanhood, the result is not rivalry but flourishing.For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Let’s talk gospel and evangelism. Does it sound like a scary religious word? Without it, the world would be void of the kingdom of God, and you may miss one of the most beneficial aspects of your spiritual formation. Our working definition of spiritual formation comes from Dallas Willard.  “Spiritual formation is the process of character transformation toward complete trustworthiness before God.” For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Masculinity, or the quest for masculinity, has become a religion in itself for some in the manosphere. Why? How can an exceptional man pursue his own greatness without going too far? 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Let's talk, man to man! To receive the free Exceptional Man Action Planner or to be one of the first five listeners to receive a free "Be Exceptional" hat, hit chad up at chad@rpmfm.org. Stephen Mansfield's Book, Band of Brothers, provided some great nuggets in this episode. To check out his work, https://stephenmansfield.tv. For more about RPM for men, go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

Celebrations matter to God, so they need to be a part ofour lives. Celebrations form us spiritually, and joy forms usspiritually! A joyless life is not a Christian life, for joy is one constant in the recipe for Christian living. J. M. Boice, Foundations of theChristian FaithFor more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ 

You’re not trying to win arguments. You’re trying to win her heart.But let’s be real—miscommunication, short tempers, and silence can wreck the connection between you and your wife before the real conversation even starts.In this episode of the Exceptional Man Podcast, Chad and Tom get real about one of the hardest—but most vital—skills every man needs: how to communicate in a way that builds trust, not tension.Exceptional men don't settle for average communication. For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ Books referenced: Love That Lasts by Gary and Betsy Ricucci5 Love Needs of Men and Women by Gary RosbergMarriage by Paul David Tripp

Stewarding our time requires, at minimum, two things: decision-making and discipline. The two complement one another and allow for some rails that your life can go down without losing your legacy or your mind. Chad and Tom drop wisdom on how to make the best decisions for your life and legacy. They are two men who are on the path to being exceptional, and their honesty and vulnerability are much needed in our day and age. For more about RPM for men go to ⁠www.rpmfm.org⁠. ⁠Exceptional Man of TikTok⁠ ⁠Exceptional Man of Instagram⁠⁠Exceptional Man of Facebook⁠ Email to get your free weekly Exceptional Man PlannerBook reference: The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McConigal Bonus: Your Future Self will Thank You by Drew Dyck