IMPACT Players

Being a dad isn’t easy—especially when you have ten kids! In this episode of the Impact Players Linking Shields Podcast, host Warren Mainard sits down with Jason Weening—author, podcaster, and father of ten—for a mix of hilarious dad stories and powerful wisdom every man needs.   Jason shares what it really means to be a husband, why your family is your most important organization, and how to train your kids for life outside the “game.” Along the way, you’ll laugh about snapping turtles, pigs running loose in the van, and a two-year-old’s “Cocoa Krispies” meltdown. But more than that, you’ll walk away challenged and encouraged to lead with purpose at home.   📖 About Jason Weening: Jason is the founder of HeyDads.ca, host of the Helping Dads Thrive podcast, and author of "Yes Dear...I’m Watching Them" and "Danger in the Jungle". He lives in Western Canada with his wife and ten kids. 💪 About Impact Players: Impact Players exists to inspire men to be great husbands, fathers, and leaders by equipping them to thrive in the relationships that matter most. Learn more at impactplayers.org

A lot of men today quietly admit they feel stuck. Stuck in routines that feel empty. Stuck in a marriage that feels like survival instead of love. Stuck spiritually with no passion or sense of calling. In this Men’s Ministry Roundtable, leaders from across the country share raw and honest wisdom about how men can move forward. We talk about breaking free from passivity, finding courage to face your giants, building real brotherhood, leading with purpose, and trusting God when life feels stalled. If you’ve ever felt like you are just going through the motions, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical steps to get moving again.

Dating today can feel complicated, confusing, and overwhelming. Many men wrestle with questions like, How do I pursue dating in a way that honors God? How do I know if she’s the right one? In this Men's Ministry Round Table, leaders from across the country have an honest conversation about how men can approach dating with wisdom, intentionality, and purpose. From building character, to setting boundaries, to preparing for marriage, this discussion gives practical guidance and encouragement for men at every stage of life. 💡 Whether you’re single, dating, or mentoring younger men, this round table will challenge and equip you to date with clarity and conviction. 🔔 Subscribe for more resources that inspire men to thrive as husbands, fathers, leaders, and brothers in Christ.

What does it take to be a future-focused father? In this episode of the IMPACT Players Linking Shields Podcast, Warren Mainard sits down with Anthony Vandagriff; husband, father of four, and founder of Fathering Our Future; to talk about raising kids who will surpass us in faith, character, and impact. Anthony shares his powerful journey from ministry work to launching a fatherhood movement, and how identity, mission, and discipleship shape the way we parent. He opens up about why fatherhood is more than what you do... it’s who you are, how to create meaningful rites of passage for your kids, and the mindset shift from just “keeping kids alive” to raising disciples. If you’re a man who wants to be a great husband, father, and leader, this conversation will help you build a legacy that honors God and equips the next generation. 📌 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire men to thrive in the relationships that matter most.

When a man goes through divorce, he often feels abandoned, ashamed, and alone. This Round Table conversation is a powerful reminder that he doesn’t have to be. Hear real talk about the emotional and spiritual impact of divorce and why men need strong community and discipleship more than ever. If you're leading men or walking through pain yourself, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Lance Cibik has lived through pain, loss, and setbacks that could’ve wrecked him—but instead, they shaped him. In this episode, Lance shares his real, raw story: how growing up with hardship and walking through personal trials helped him discover a deeper sense of purpose. His journey is full of honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone facing adversity and wondering what good can come from it. You’ll walk away encouraged, equipped, and reminded that your story still matters—and it’s not over. 📘 Learn more about Lance’s book - Adversity Fuels Purpose.

Spiritual fathering isn’t a church program—it’s a calling. In this episode, we talk about why so many young men are growing up without spiritual mentors—and what we can do about it. From building trust to simply being present, this conversation unpacks the heart behind spiritual fathering and why it matters more than ever. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being real, and helping the next generation find their footing in faith and life. Whether you're a dad, coach, mentor, or just someone who cares, we hope this encourages you to lean in. 💥 Subscribe and leave a review to help more men find conversations like this.

Join us in this powerful episode as we celebrate what God is doing through Ethan Hare and the launch of his new school in Tanzania! What started as inspiration at an IMPACT Breakfast in April 2024, during a talk from Larry Snyder, has grown into something truly transformational. Ethan, deeply moved by Larry’s message, took action—and now lives are being changed across the world. In this conversation, Ethan joins Larry Snyder and Warren to share the story behind the school, the vision that drives it, and how faith, leadership, and obedience can ripple far beyond a single morning.

Men have been told to "sit down and shut up" by the mainstream media for far too long. Caleb Collier, founder and host of the conservative political talk show Church and State is one man who refuses to be silent. A distinguished US Marine veteran with a background in telecommunications for the infantry, Caleb has honed skills that not only supported his fellow Marines during critical missions but also laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in both politics and media. A strong believer, a husband, and father, Caleb has a lot to say in this podcast episode of Linking Shields. Find out more at www.churchandstate.media

Lantz Howard is a successful Executive Coach, Strategist and Marriage Therapist who works with elite men all over the country. In this podcast Warren and Lantz talk about his journey from feeling like an imposter living a divided life, to becoming a man who helps other men thrive in their relationship with their wives. Warren and Lantz talk about creating a culture of intimacy in marriage that extends from the kitchen to the bedroom and beyond.

Brian Kluth is a bestselling generosity author, minister, inspirational speaker and TV-Radio media guest. He is the author of several books including - 40 Day Journey to a More: Generous Life Bible Devotional Experience God as Your Provider: Finding Financial Stability in Unstable Times 30 Day Generosity Devotional: 7 Keys to Open-Handed Living Enjoy Brian's resources made available to everyone FREE of charge: Generosity pledge card and 30 & 40 day Bible Devotionals - http://www.generositypledge.org Free downloadable resources on finances, generosity, retirement, legacy living, singleness/dating, children, pastors/church leaders and more - http://www.healthycharity.org/gifts Life-changing work in Africa Brian's family is doing to share the Gospel and help transform lives. So far, the lives of 100,000 needy children and adults have been helped.  Donations are exponentially multiplied by 50X$ to help stop poverty, sickness, and suffering. Learn more: https://healthycharity.org/about Invite Brian to speak at your church - https://globalgenerosity.org/speaking Invite Brian to speak to your men's ministry or marketplace - https://www.globalgenerosity.org/marketplace Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Brian Kluth has traveled to over 50 countries and been a guest speaker for hundreds of conferences, seminars, denomination gatherings, events, schools and churches across the USA, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org.

Dr. Sam Serio is an author, presenter, and speaker on the topic of sexual hurt. Dr Serio and Warren Mainard discuss the 7 types of sexual hurt that men and women experience and what to do when you or your spouse are experiencing sexual hurt that is negatively impacting your sexual intimacy in marriage. Raw, real, gritty and honest conversation on a topic few men ever talk about. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Dr. Sam Serio has more with more than thirty-five years of experience in preaching and counseling. He has pastored churches, conducted seminars, and currently counsels individuals who daily feel the deep emotional effects of sexual sin or pain. Dr. Serio is founder and president of Healing Sexual Hurt (www.HealingSexualHurt.com) and Healing Your Hurt (www.HealingYourHurt.com) where people from all around the world seek his words of biblical wisdom and warmth in these taboo topics. He has published various articles and is available to speak at churches and conferences. Dr. Serio lives with his family in Atlanta, Georgia. You can connect with him through his websites, LinkedIn, or by sending him an email. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting by Dr. Sam Serio

Men's Ministry leaders from across the country share their best practices, insights and thoughts about casting vision for men. The Men's Ministry Round Table meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30am PST / 11:30am EST. Visit impactplayers.org/coaching-calls to sign up today.

How do men engage in politics and with politicians in healthy and productive ways? Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and offers incredible insight on how to think and talk about politics and politicians during a time when even the slightest misstep can incite an angry mob! Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures, which reaches out to political, business and spiritual leaders in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge region and beyond. Michael is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing and speaking. His non-profit helps leaders think through the “Big Questions” of life and thrive as a whole person: spiritually, relationally, physically and emotionally. Michael wants leaders to not only win at politics or career, but at life. He often serves as a “non-political” friend to people in the halls of leadership. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn and Facebook. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Disaster: Betting the Farm on God in Life Storms by Dr. Michael Sprague

Why do men "bench" themselves and take themselves out of the game as husbands, fathers, and leaders? Kent Evans is the Executive Director of Manhood Journey and author of Don't Bench Yourself. In this podcast, Kent talks about the one thing keeping men weighed down with shame, why he can beat anyone in Galaga, and how men can max out on God's credit card. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He’s appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He’s a Christian speaker often at parenting and men’s events. He’s authored three books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The second, The Manhood Journey: Charting a Course to Biblical Fatherhood, aims to help dads not be good or great dads, but be godly ones. The third (coauthored with Eric Ballard), Bring Your Hammer, 28 Tools Dads Can Grab from the Book of Nehemiah, equips dads with practical fatherhood lessons from this famous Old Testament leader. Kent’s life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married twenty-nine years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned:  Don't Bench Yourself by Kent Evans Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom From the Men Around You by Kent Evans

Join Men's Ministry leaders, and leaders of men from across the country for a Round Table experience that packs a punch. Hear best practices, rugged wisdom, and Biblical truth that you can put into action with the men you serve today. The Men's Ministry Round Table meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30am PST / 11:30am EST. Visit impactplayers.org/coaching-calls to sign up today.

Scott Mawdesly is the founder of Dads on Tap, an organization which brings men together to talk about being better dads in breweries across the country. In this episode, we talk with Scott about the power of bringing men together to share life, opening up about our struggles, and the importance of men reading the Bible. Scott is the author of a brand new book series launching this December called “A Dad’s Bible Journey”. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Scott exists to curate meaningful connection through caring development with a restful presence. As the founder of the non-profit Dads on Tap and the Spiritual Father Program Director for Man in the Mirror Ministries, Scott wakes up every day thinking about how to help men grow up and show up in life. He is also the host of 2 monthly podcasts, The Dads on Tap podcast and the Spiritual Fathers podcast. Scott has been married to his bride Natalie for 23 years and has a son in college and a daughter in high school. He calls Buford, GA his home (Go Wolves!) where he enjoys cooking, making leather goods, finding the perfect cup of coffee and discovering the next great book to read. Connect with Scott on Instagram, Facebook, or through Dads on Tap. You can also email him directly at scott@dadsontap.com To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned:  A Dad's Bible Journey: The Torah by Scott Mawdesly Man Alive by Patrick Morely Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel

Chris Bolinger stumbled into writing a best selling author of a Men's Devotional called Daily Strength For Men, which has sold over 400,000 copies. In this Linking Shields podcast Warren and Chris talk about what "strength" really means as a man and how to find it and share it with others. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Chris is an “average Joe” Christian who writes for guys like himself. After 27 years in high tech – mostly as a product manager – he started Revitalize Ministries to strengthen small churches by offering innovative ideas to their leaders. The venture was a failure. He also was an executive producer of the film The Song. It was a box-office flop. So he decided to write a men’s devotional. A native of Akron, Chris splits his time between northeast Ohio and southwest Florida. Against the advice of medical professionals, he remains a steadfast fan of Cleveland pro sports teams. Connect with Chris on his website, Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Daily Strength for Men by Chris Bolinger  52 Weeks of Strength for Men by Chris Bolinger The Throwing Mountains Podcast

No band has had as big of an influence on modern worship than the UK based band Delirious. Stuart Garrard (AKA- Stu G) served as “the Edge” to lead singer Martin Smith’s “Bono.” In this episode, Stu G tells the amazing story of courage and faith that led him from humble electrician to world renown electric guitarist. Deeply humble and reflective, Stu G shares how the counter-cultural teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount have inspired “The Beatitudes Project,” a creative endeavor that has brought together some of the most influential musicians and worship leaders of our day. Finally, Stu G shares his thoughts on why men need to worship, and the profound power of trusting God to do the impossible. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. Stu G is a guitarist, songwriter, author, filmmaker, and collaborator. Above all, he loves to walk alongside people and see them flourish. Stu G was the lead guitarist of a rock band called Delirious? from the 90s. When that ended, he dove into studying his favorite part of the Bible: The Sermon on the Mount. This deep study led to the creation of The Beatitudes Project. You can connect with Stu on Instagram and Facebook. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Words from the Hill: An Invitation to the Unexpected by Stu Garrard

Kevin Goodnight had a beautiful family and a successful career... but alcohol was like an anchor holding him back and holding him down. In an unexpected moment, Kevin got a calling from God to write a book and become a leader of dads. As Kevin discovered, he could not pursue his new mission until he was ready to leave alcohol behind. In this episode of the Linking Shields Podcast, Warren Mainard talks to Kevin about the struggle of navigating the challenges and changes of life without alcohol and what it takes to become a Dadvoted man. Warren Mainard is the National Director of IMPACT Players, an author, speaker, and connector. He has 30 years of ministry experience as a pastor, nonprofit leader, and church planter. You can connect with Warren on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Warren is also available to speak on your podcast or event! Email him at warrenm@impactplayers.org. In 2020, Kevin's journaling turned into a calling to write, which morphed into a focus and passion for challenging Dads. The brand LLC DADVOTED was created in 2022. Kevin, his wife, and two sons reside in Houston. Learn more about Kevin and his organization at - www.dadvoted.com. To find out more about IMPACT Players, visit www.impactplayers.org. Additional Resources Mentioned: Dadvoted: Dads Devoted to Discovering their Duty, Direction, and Destiny by Kevin Goodnight