Man of War: Forging Men into Warriors

In this episode of the Man of War Podcast, We sit down with Frank Stallone for a raw and powerful conversation about what it really means to survive in a world built on illusion. Frank shares the truth about growing up under the weight of the Stallone name, what it felt like to be pushed aside in the industry, and how betrayal shaped his view of loyalty and legacy. This is not a Hollywood story. It's a lesson in grit, manhood, and standing firm in your values when everyone around you folds. We talk about what it takes to stay grounded, why so many men lose themselves chasing recognition, and how to build something real that lasts. If you're a man navigating adversity, dealing with identity, or fighting to carve your own path, this conversation will hit home.

On this episode of the Man of War Podcast, Rafa sits down with Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Rocket Fuel to talk about how to live with purpose, lead with authenticity, and turn life’s setbacks into unstoppable momentum. Mike shares his journey from a broken childhood to becoming a purpose-driven leader, the importance of self-development before serving others, and why authenticity is the currency of true influence. He opens up about his faith, the role it plays in his life and business, and why service is the foundation for lasting impact. We dive into: • How to become a man people respect and follow • The difference between selling faith and living it • Why vulnerability and service are non-negotiables in leadership • Turning setbacks into fuel for growth • Building a network that creates opportunities for others Whether you’re a man seeking direction, an entrepreneur building your brand, or someone ready to live with intention, this conversation will inspire you to lead from the front. ⸻ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco 01:15 – From Brokenness to Self-Development 03:00 – Why Service Starts with Self-Mastery 05:00 – The Power of Authenticity in Leadership 08:35 – Living Faith vs. Selling Faith 12:15 – Vulnerability and Building Trust 17:15 – Respect: Why It Starts with You 23:53 – Entrepreneurship, Branding & the Attraction Model 30:20 – Marriage, Family & Service at Home 34:10 – Childhood Lessons that Shaped a Purpose-Driven Life 38:49 – Turning Adversity into Rocket Fuel 39:49 – The Next Five Years and Staying Open to God’s Plan 40:40 – Where to Find Mike “C-Roc”

In this powerful episode of the Man of War Podcast, we sit down with Elliot Wise entrepreneur, husband, and father who built and lost a fortune by 21, only to come back stronger. But this isn’t just about money. It’s about what it means to lead a family, build a legacy, and become a man worth following. Elliot and Rafa dive deep into the crisis of modern masculinity, the collapse of traditional values, and how weak men allow weak societies to rise. From the sanctity of marriage to self-reinvention after fatherhood, this conversation exposes what most won’t say out loud: modern men are soft, and it’s time to change that. If you’re a man searching for purpose, power, or just the truth start here. 💥 Takeaways: • Weak men create weak families and weak families collapse nations • Marriage without shared vision is doomed • Masculinity is not toxic—it’s necessary • Confidence starts with becoming a man of value • Leadership is earned through action, not entitlement • Structure, physical fitness, and spiritual gratitude are non-negotiables • A man without purpose is already defeated ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro & Elliot’s Background 1:30 - The Role of Fathers & Male Role Models 5:00 - Society’s Attack on Masculinity 10:00 - How Weak Men Enable Cultural Collapse 15:00 - Building a Lasting Marriage Through Framework & Standards 23:00 - Vision, Values & Communication in Relationships 30:00 - Why Most Men Lack Confidence 36:00 - Reinvention After Fatherhood 42:00 - Why Real Men Do More Than Provide 46:00 - Power, Purpose & Mission 50:00 - What Real Leadership Looks Like 54:00 - Staying Physically and Mentally Sharp 58:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Elliot Wise

Men today are drowning in victim mentality and John Sonmez, founder of Bulldog Mindset, is here to crush it. In this powerful conversation, we break down: ✅ How to eliminate the victim mindset and take full responsibility for your life ✅ Why men must embrace pride, hardship, and masculine virtues ✅ The secret to mastering fear (and how John overcame crippling panic attacks) ✅ Stoic philosophy and emotional mastery for men ✅ Why self-worth comes from YOUR judgment, not others This episode will challenge you to stop blaming the world and start becoming the man you were meant to be. ⸻ Takeaways • Responsibility over Blame: Your life is YOUR responsibility, regardless of fault. • Masculine pride comes from hardship, not comfort. • Fear dies when you face it head-on, not when you avoid it. • Stop external validation: your opinion of yourself matters most. • Emotional mastery means feeling deeply but staying steady—a true king’s mindset. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 Intro: Why Masculine Mindset Matters 01:04 The Birth of Bulldog Mindset 03:39 Killing the Victim Mentality 07:49 Pride, Hardship, and Becoming a Man 11:02 Conquering Fear: John’s Panic Attack Story 16:55 Stoicism & Overcoming Life’s Hardest Challenges 24:18 Emotional Mastery for Men 31:14 Past Trauma vs Present Responsibility 39:51 Building True Self-Worth 46:54 Where to Find John Sonmez ⸻ Programs for Men Ready to Lead: Men of War Crucible – A rite of passage, not a retreat: https://www.manofwar.us/ The Odyssey Program – Father-son legacy through challenge: https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/ody… Private Mentoring Protocol – 1-on-1 elite coaching: https://www.rafajconde.com/ House of Kings Mastermind – For warrior CEOs and legacy builders: https://www.thehouseofkings.com/ MAN of WAR Podcast – Unfiltered truth for modern men. Explore all: https://www.manofwar.us Follow Rafa on Instagram: @manofwarr Facebook: @therealmanofwar ⸻ #masculinity #mindset #stoicism #selfimprovement #mensmentalhealth #manofwar #bulldogmindset #victimmentality #mentoughness #masculineframe

Most men today are struggling not because they’re weak, but because they’ve been programmed to fail. In this powerful conversation, Adam Allred breaks down: • Why toxic messaging to men is destroying confidence • How to reprogram your mind to win • Why stacking daily wins builds real self-respect • The truth about leadership in the home & relationships • How to find your purpose & live with honor This episode isn’t theory it’s real-world wisdom for men who want to reclaim their strength, confidence, and purpose. ⸻ Takeaways: • Confidence starts with self-respect • Leadership begins by leading yourself • Your purpose is to level up every day • Stop blaming own your life ⸻ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Adam’s background 02:11 – The toxic messaging destroying masculinity 05:12 – Why men fail to take action 07:18 – Reprogramming your mind for success 10:11 – Building confidence by stacking wins 14:11 – The power of a morning routine 18:00 – Leadership in the home & respect in relationships 30:45 – Reigniting the fire in soft men 39:01 – Extreme accountability & stopping self-deception 41:14 – Honor, integrity & keeping your word 44:12 – Finding purpose & leveling up as a man 46:03 – Where to follow Adam Allred ⸻ Hashtags: #masculinity #selfimprovement #leadership #confidence #mensmentalhealth #discipline #mindset #purpose

Sheriff Mark Lamb joins Rafa J. Conde for a raw and unfiltered conversation about leadership, law enforcement, border chaos, faith, and his run for U.S. Senate. From growing up in Hawaii and the Philippines to taking command as Sheriff of Pinal County, Lamb reveals how a ride along changed the trajectory of his life and why he believes America needs strong, principled men now more than ever. We dive deep into what it takes to lead from the front, the crisis at the border, the dangers of micromanagement in policing, and the cultural shifts that are impacting law enforcement across the country. If you’re a man looking for purpose, discipline, and the courage to stand for what’s right this one is for you. Takeaways: • How a business owner became a cop at 33 • Leading from the front and earning respect • Why most police departments are failing their men • A behind-the-scenes look at the border crisis • Controlled violence vs. reckless force • Building faith and family through purpose • Why Sheriff Lamb ran for U.S. Senate—and what’s next Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Sheriff Mark Lamb 01:00 - Childhood, Hawaii & International Life 04:50 - Lessons from Culture, Faith & Family 10:30 - Becoming a Cop at 33 17:00 - Gangs, Violence & Tribal Policing 24:00 - Running for Sheriff: Leadership in Action 30:00 - Fixing Broken Departments 35:00 - Social Media & Building a Brand in Law Enforcement 41:00 - COVID, Mandates & Standing Firm 46:00 - Law Enforcement & Micromanagement 50:00 - Principles of Great Leadership 53:00 - Faith & Moral Compass Under Fire 57:00 - Border Crisis: What the Media Isn’t Telling You 1:05:00 - Terrorism Risks & National Security Concerns 1:10:00 - Family Protection & Situational Awareness 1:13:00 - Illegal Immigration: Truth vs. Narrative 1:17:00 - Global Politics, Ukraine, and Iran 1:19:00 - Life After Law Enforcement & New Mission 1:21:00 - Final Thoughts & Legacy

in this powerful episode, we sit down with Omar Elattar, creator of The Passionate Few, to uncover the mindset behind success in both life and business. Omar opens up about the sacrifices, discipline, and internal battles it took to build one of the most inspirational interview platforms in the world. From living in his car to interviewing billionaires, his story is a testament to what’s possible when you choose purpose over comfort. We explore: • How Omar overcame rock bottom • The habits and mentality that led to his breakthroughs • The spiritual fuel behind his drive • Lessons from interviewing top entrepreneurs and thought leaders This conversation is for the man who’s hungry for more and willing to face himself in the mirror to get there. — Follow Omar: • YouTube: The Passionate Few • Instagram: @omar_therockstar Subscribe & follow for more episodes on masculinity, purpose, and living a life of discipline. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:42 - Omar’s breaking point and rise from rock bottom 06:20 - The power of belief and why purpose must come first 11:03 - Discipline as the foundation of transformation 15:18 - Interviewing billionaires and what they all have in common 21:09 - Spiritual alignment and inner drive 26:42 - Lessons learned from hundreds of high-level guests 31:55 - How to stay hungry when you feel stuck 37:13 - What Omar looks for in a man of character 41:26 - Final thoughts & Omar’s message to the next generation Tags: Omar Elattar, The Passionate Few, masculinity podcast, success habits, business mindset, entrepreneurship podcast, self improvement, male role models, discipline, motivation, comeback story, high performance, mental toughness, personal growth ⸻ Hashtags: #OmarElattar #ThePassionateFew #Podcast #MensPodcast #Discipline #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Entrepreneurship #Masculinity #WarriorMindset #ManOfWar #PurposeDriven #SuccessMindset Want to reclaim your edge? Start here: 👉 Men of War Crucible This isn’t a retreat. It’s a rite of passage. Strip the ego. Face the fire. Rebuild the man. https://www.manofwar.us/ 👉 The Odyssey Program Build the father-son bond through challenge and legacy. https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/odyssey-program1 💰 Private Mentoring Protocol (PMP) 1-on-1 elite coaching with Rafa J Conde. Clarity. Discipline. Power. https://www.rafajconde.com/ 💰 House of Kings Mastermind For warrior CEOs and high-level men. Brotherhood. Expansion. Legacy. https://www.thehouseofkings.com/ 🎙 MAN of WAR Podcast Unfiltered truths on masculinity, discipline, and leadership. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. ________________________________________________________ 👉 Explore all programs: https://www.manofwar.us 👉 Follow Rafa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manofwarr 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealmanofwar This is not for every man. It’s for the few who are ready to lead. If you’re done pretending to be strong — your journey starts now. @MANofWAR #SelfImprovement, #PersonalDevelopment, #EntrepreneurMindset, #LeadershipDevelopment, #HighPerformance, #SuccessMindset, #DisciplineEqualsFreedom, #MindsetMatters, #BusinessGrowth, #MenWithPurpose

Most men are invisible not because they’re weak, but because they’re playing by rules that no longer work. In this unfiltered episode, Michael Sartain ( @MichaelSartain ) breaks down the reality of dating dynamics, masculine identity, and social status. From military discipline to dominating the Vegas nightlife scene, Michael’s perspective is built on real world experience not theory. We unpack why women are more selective than ever, why most men are struggling silently, and what it truly takes to rise above the noise. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just clear, direct advice on how to earn respect, build value, and stop being overlooked. Whether you’re seeking purpose, clarity, or just tired of losing this episode is a wake-up call.

In this episode of the Man of War Podcast, Ben Reinberg shares what most men overlook—the silent killers of potential: comfort, avoidance, and fear of failure. We dive into why so many men hide behind a version of success that isn't real, why playing it safe leads to a slow death of purpose, and how true growth requires discomfort, intention, and powerful male guidance. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like you’re not living at your full capacity, this conversation offers clarity and direction. The truth is, resilience starts with facing what’s hard, not running from it. Strength begins when you stop negotiating with your weaknesses and start demanding more from yourself. ________ Want to reclaim your edge? Start here: 👉 Men of War Crucible This isn’t a retreat. It’s a rite of passage. Strip the ego. Face the fire. Rebuild the man. https://www.manofwar.us/ 👉 The Odyssey Program Build the father-son bond through challenge and legacy. https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/ody... 💰 Private Mentoring Protocol (PMP) 1-on-1 elite coaching with Rafa J Conde. Clarity. Discipline. Power. https://www.rafajconde.com/ 💰 House of Kings Mastermind For warrior CEOs and high-level men. Brotherhood. Expansion. Legacy. https://www.thehouseofkings.com/ 🎙 MAN of WAR Podcast Unfiltered truths on masculinity, discipline, and leadership. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. ________________________________________________________ 👉 Explore all programs: https://www.manofwar.us 👉 Follow Rafa on Instagram: / manofwarr 👉 Facebook: / therealmanofwar This is not for every man. It’s for the few who are ready to lead. If you’re done pretending to be strong — your journey starts now. @MANofWAR #LeadershipDevelopment #ResilientMindset #CommercialRealEstate #SelfDiscipline #ModernMentorship #ParentingWithPurpose #SuccessMindset #MenOfCharacter #LegacyDriven #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkEthic #BusinessLeadership #RespectInSociety #ManOfWar #PodcastClip #RafaJConde #BenReinberg #YoungEntrepreneurs #ValueBasedLiving #NoExcuses

In this episode of the Man of War Podcast, I sit down with Rob Moore for a hard-hitting conversation on success, adversity, and the deeper drive behind high performance. Rob opens up about his early battles with insecurity, rejection, and being underestimated. But instead of folding, he used every setback to build a mindset of resilience and clarity. We talk about the power of mentorship, the impact of being in the right rooms, and why conflict is often the key to growth. Rob breaks down what it really means to lead with purpose and how your mindset must evolve if you want to build something lasting. _________________________________________________________ Chapters 0:00 Introduction: The battle between success and fulfillment 0:06 Childhood trauma and forging mental toughness 0:14 Mentorship, masterminds, and why your circle matters 0:25 Building empires while staying grounded 0:37 The mindset shift that changes everything 0:49 Hate, conflict, and leading with purpose 1:01 The question every man must ask himself _________________________________________________________ Want to reclaim your edge? Start here: 👉 Men of War Crucible This isn’t a retreat. It’s a rite of passage. Strip the ego. Face the fire. Rebuild the man. https://www.manofwar.us/ 👉 The Odyssey Program Build the father-son bond through challenge and legacy. https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/ody... 💰 Private Mentoring Protocol (PMP) 1-on-1 elite coaching with Rafa J Conde. Clarity. Discipline. Power. https://www.rafajconde.com/ 💰 House of Kings Mastermind For warrior CEOs and high-level men. Brotherhood. Expansion. Legacy. https://www.thehouseofkings.com/ 🎙 MAN of WAR Podcast Unfiltered truths on masculinity, discipline, and leadership. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. ________________________________________________________ 👉 Explore all programs: https://www.manofwar.us 👉 Follow Rafa on Instagram: / manofwarr 👉 Facebook: / therealmanofwar This is not for every man. It’s for the few who are ready to lead. If you’re done pretending to be strong, your journey starts now.

Most men today would fold under pressure.
John Stryker Meyer walked into it — again and again. Dropped behind enemy lines in Vietnam with no backup and no recognition, he led covert missions for MACV-SOG, the most elite and dangerous unit of its time. These weren’t just operations, they were death sentences that demanded total discipline and unshakable resolve. In this conversation, Rafa J Conde sits down with a true warrior to uncover what it really means to lead with strength, stay calm under fire, and embrace the code of the few who still believe in honor. This isn’t a war story.
It’s a call to every man who's gone soft and knows it. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ What you’ll walk away with: * What true courage looks like under extreme pressure * How elite warriors manage fear, not eliminate it * Why most modern men would’ve broken under his reality * The cost of silence and the power of legacy * What it means to lead like a warrior, no matter the battlefield __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 - Most men would fold
 04:12 - John’s first mission: dropped into chaos
 08:45 - Discipline vs fear under fire
 15:30 - Why he kept going back
 22:00 - The cost of silence: why these missions stayed hidden
 27:45 - Modern men, softness, and forgotten warrior values
 34:00 - What leadership looked like in the jungle
 40:15 - Death, brotherhood, and the code of warriors
 48:00 - Rafa’s closing words: don’t waste your masculinity __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Want to reclaim your edge? Start here: Men of War Crucible
This isn’t a retreat. It’s a rite of passage.
Strip the ego. Face the fire. Rebuild the man.
https://www.menofwarcrucible.com/mow-us The Odyssey Program
Build the father-son bond through challenge and legacy.
https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/odyssey-program1 Private Mentoring Protocol (PMP)
1-on-1 elite coaching with Rafa J Conde.
Clarity. Discipline. Power.
https://www.rafajconde.com/ House of Kings Mastermind
For warrior CEOs and high-level men.
Brotherhood. Expansion. Legacy.
https://www.manofwar.us/copy-of-the-crucible-1 MAN of WAR Podcast
Unfiltered truths on masculinity, discipline, and leadership.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Explore all programs: https://www.manofwar.us
 Follow Rafa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manofwarr
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealmanofwar This is not for every man. It’s for the few who are ready to lead.
If you’re done pretending to be strong — your journey starts now.

In this captivating podcast-style interview, the Rafa and Kashif into the importance of personal growth and overcoming challenges. They highlight the value of a growth mindset and actionable wisdom in achieving success. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a positive psychology and apply self awareness to your life.

In this powerful episode, Rafa J. Conde sits down with Major Williams, a former California gubernatorial candidate, entrepreneur, and bold voice in American leadership. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of leadership, marriage, fatherhood, and political ambition in today’s chaotic world. Major shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running for governor, the pressure of public scrutiny, and how he stayed grounded as a husband and father while leading a movement. This is a raw and real conversation about what it takes to rise, serve, and protect your values under the weight of responsibility. Whether you are a leader, a husband, or a man on a mission, this episode will challenge you to stand firm, think bigger, and lead with conviction.

In today's society, the definition of a real man has become increasingly blurred. With societal expectations and stereotypes constantly shifting, it's hard to pinpoint what truly makes a man. In this thought-provoking video, Shane Winnings explores the modern notion of masculinity, examining the qualities and characteristics that define a real man today. From emotional intelligence to self-awareness, Shane delves into the complexities of being a man in the 21st century, challenging traditional norms and sparking a necessary conversation about what it means to be a real man. Join the discussion and discover the essence of modern masculinity.

In this powerful episode of the Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with Luke "The Bigslow" Barnatt, former UFC fighter, entrepreneur, and warrior-minded leader who has redefined what it means to live with discipline and purpose. Luke opens up about the transition from the cage to building a life of intention, and why modern men are starving for structure, leadership, and honor. This is not just a conversation about fighting. It is about forging strength through struggle, owning your identity as a man, and refusing to live passively. Whether you are an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to rise above mediocrity, this episode will push you to reclaim your edge and reignite your inner warrior. Listen in and prepare to be sharpened.

Is America the best place for entrepreneurs to build wealth? Through candid conversations with successful business leaders, including notable figures like Andrew Tate, the episode explores the unique opportunities and challenges that the U.S. presents to aspiring entrepreneurs. Listeners will gain insights into the cultural, economic, and regulatory factors that make America a land of opportunity, as well as the hurdles that come with it. Whether you're an entrepreneur considering your next move or simply curious about the dynamics of wealth creation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the American business landscape.​

In this powerful episode of The Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with the legendary Robert Hamilton Owens, a man whose life reads like an epic saga of grit, purpose, and unstoppable endurance. From his days as a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman to completing some of the most extreme endurance events on the planet, Robert’s story is a masterclass in resilience and warrior spirit. Together, Rafa and Robert unpack a lifetime of adventures, from brutal Ironman races and SEALFIT Kokoro challenges to global leadership work and deep personal transformation. More than just physical feats, Robert shares the mental frameworks and spiritual strength that have shaped his path and continue to fuel his mission to inspire others. This is not just a conversation. It’s a wake-up call for every man seeking to live with greater courage, clarity, and conviction. Listen in and discover what it means to live a life of extraordinary challenge, discipline, and unwavering purpose.

In this gripping episode of The Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with the controversial and charismatic Ross Mandell, a man whose name once shook the financial world. Known as the “Bad Boy of Wall Street,” Mandell shares the raw truth behind his meteoric rise in the finance industry, his landmark achievement of taking a U.S. firm public on the London Stock Exchange, and the high-stakes legal battle that led to a 12-year prison sentence. With unfiltered honesty, Ross opens up about the mindset it takes to lead fearlessly in a cutthroat world, what he learned from hitting rock bottom, and how he’s now using his story to fuel redemption and reinvention. This isn’t just about Wall Street. It’s about power, pressure, and the warrior’s path through the fire. Get ready for a no-holds-barred conversation that redefines what it means to be feared and what it takes to rise again.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Anthony Lolli, a renowned real estate entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, to discuss the pivotal factors that distinguish a fulfilling, happy life from one filled with regrets. Drawing from his personal journey of building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire and overcoming significant challenges, Anthony shares invaluable insights on:​ Mindset Shifts: How adopting a growth mindset can lead to lasting happiness and success.​ Decision-Making: The importance of making choices aligned with your core values and long-term goals.​ Resilience: Strategies to bounce back from setbacks and view failures as learning opportunities.​ Health and Wellness: Balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being to avoid burnout and regrets.​ Anthony's compelling stories and practical advice provide listeners with actionable steps to cultivate a life of joy and purpose. Whether you're striving for professional success, personal growth, or a harmonious blend of both, this episode offers the tools to navigate your journey intentionally and authentically.​

I sit down with EJ Snyder, a decorated 25-year Army combat veteran renowned for his survival expertise and television appearances on shows like Naked and Afraid and Dual Survival. EJ shares profound insights from his extensive military career, including lessons on leadership, resilience, and adaptability. He dives into how combat experiences have shaped his approach to survival, both in the wild and in everyday life. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming adversity, the importance of mental toughness, and practical advice for navigating life's toughest challenges.