In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation that’s more important than ever: manhood. My guest, Jon Tyson, is a pastor, author, and thought leader. His latest book, Fighting Shadows, co-authored with Jefferson Bethke, takes a fresh look at the challenges men face today. Whether you’re a man or love one, this episode is for you.
We discuss the pressure on modern manhood, the influence of faith, and the guidance older generations need to offer Gen Z. John brings in perspectives from popular culture, his personal experiences, and a clear, actionable message of what it looks like to be a man in the way of Jesus.
Plus, we talk about the Primal Path—Jon’s framework for guiding young men through a meaningful rite of passage. If you’re a dad, you’ll want to check this out.
Key Topics Discussed:– The challenges modern culture poses to manhood– How faith plays a role in shaping men today– The struggles Gen Z men face and how older men can support them– Ambition, purpose, and what it means to be a man in the way of Jesus– Jon’s Primal Path program and how it’s helped me guide my own son through a rite of passage
 

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan dive into the fall season, a crucial time for leaders to gain momentum and prepare for the challenges ahead. They explore how to maximize this season's potential through key questions every leader should ask themselves. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or a community, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to help you navigate the busyness of fall without burning out.
Key Takeaways:
Momentum in Fall:
Fall is a season of high momentum, with both opportunities and challenges. Alan and Jonathan discuss how leaders can harness this momentum to drive their teams and organizations forward.
Critical Questions for Leaders:
Alan outlines essential questions to ask yourself as a leader:
How can I schedule for what I really care about?
How can our team raise our level of impact?
How can I guard against burnout before it’s too late?
How do I get out of the weeds?
How can I raise the leadership capacity of my team members?
How can I be a unifying force in a disunified world?
Importance of Prioritization:
The hosts emphasize setting clear 90-day goals and the value of identifying and focusing on your top priorities. This ensures that leaders are not overwhelmed but are instead intentional about what truly matters.
Guarding Against Burnout:
With the increased pace of fall, it's crucial to be proactive in preventing burnout. Alan shares strategies for maintaining physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of keystone habits that anchor your well-being.
Raising Team Leadership Capacity:
Alan and Jonathan discuss the importance of developing your team members' leadership skills. They provide practical advice on how to help your team grow by focusing on a few key areas, rather than overwhelming them with too many expectations.
Being a Unifying Force:
In a divided world, leaders have a unique opportunity to be a voice of unity and hope. The hosts encourage leaders to stay grounded, remain hopeful, and avoid getting distracted by the chaos around them.
Resources Mentioned:
Right Side Up Journal: A tool for leaders to set and track their 90-day goals, manage priorities, and maintain a balanced life.
Declutter Quadrant: A framework to help leaders identify and eliminate low-value tasks to focus on what truly matters.
Annual Energy Map: A tool to plan and allocate energy throughout the year, especially during high-intensity seasons like fall.
Cohort Opportunities:
Effective Leader Cohort: Led by Chad, this cohort focuses on eight core leadership skills essential for any leader looking to grow.
Anti-Burnout Cohort: Led by Alan, this cohort is based on his book, Anti-Burnout, and is designed to help leaders overcome obstacles and find opportunities amidst challenges.
Call to Action: If you're ready to grow as a leader and not be left behind this fall, consider joining one of the Stay Forth cohorts. They offer a community experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional leadership coaching, providing you with the tools and support needed to take your leadership to the next level.
Connect with Us:
Visit Stayforth.com for more information on coaching and cohorts.
Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes and announcements.
Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more leaders like you!
Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for big announcements coming in the next few weeks. You won’t want to miss what we have in store!

In the final episode of the Anti-Burnout summer series, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the topics of cynicism and curiosity. They explore the difference between being critical and being cynical, and the dangers of cynicism in leadership. They emphasize the importance of curiosity in overcoming cynicism and finding new possibilities. The conversation also touches on areas where cynicism is prevalent, such as politics, economics, and even preseason football. The hosts encourage leaders to cultivate curiosity and hope, and to believe in the possibility of change.
 
Takeaways
Cynicism is a mindset marked by deep skepticism and distrust, while curiosity is the opposite of anxiety and opens up new possibilities.
Cynicism keeps leaders stuck and prevents them from shaping the future, while curiosity invites exploration and growth.
Cynicism can show up in various areas of life and leadership, such as politics, economics, and personal relationships.
Being critical is different from being cynical, as critical thinking involves asking questions and seeking understanding.
Leaders need to cultivate curiosity and hope, and believe in the possibility of change in order to make a positive impact.
Sound Bites
"There's a difference between being critical and being cynical."
"Cynicism is a dead end, curiosity is an on-ramp."
"If we don't believe that it's possible for leaders to change, then we need to get out."
 

In this episode, Alan Briggs discusses the topic of resistance and how it can hold us back from taking action and pursuing our goals. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing and demystifying resistance, as well as the need to move forward despite it. Briggs encourages listeners to identify areas in their lives where they are experiencing resistance and take small steps to push against it. He also introduces the concept of an annual energy map and offers a tool to help listeners navigate the challenges and opportunities of the fall season.
Resistance is a common experience in life and leadership, and it can hold us back from pursuing our goals.
Normalizing and demystifying resistance can help us overcome it and take action.
Identifying areas of resistance and taking small steps forward can help us make progress and overcome fear.
An annual energy map can be a helpful tool for navigating the challenges and opportunities of different seasons.
 
Sound Bites
"The obstacle is resistance. The opportunity is movement."
"When we bravely take steps forward, we are whispering to ourselves, this is worth it."
"Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard or smelled, but it can be felt."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Setting the Context
03:19The Obstacle: Resistance and the Opportunity: Movement
06:38Normalizing and Demystifying Resistance
09:09Identifying Areas of Resistance and Taking Small Steps Forward
13:02Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of the Fall Season
14:26Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the importance of clarifying expectations to avoid disappointment. They explore the concept of the expectation gap and how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment. They emphasize the need to name and clarify expectations in order to protect relationships and move beyond disappointment. 
 
takeaways
The Right Side Up Journal is a helpful tool for grounding oneself and clarifying priorities
Disappointment often arises from unmet expectations, both internally and externally
Naming and clarifying expectations is crucial for protecting relationships and avoiding disappointment
Taking action and course correcting are key to moving beyond disappointment
Sound Bites
"We wanted to spend just a few minutes to talk about this guy and why we believe it is the standard."
"We often don't even realize what we expected until we experience this awful thing called disappointment."
"When you experience disappointment, it's always about unmet expectations."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to the Right Side Up Journal
04:05Disappointment and Naming Things
09:07Clarifying Expectations
12:39Taking Action and Course Correcting

Hal Donaldson, CEO of Convoy of Hope, shares his personal story and the lessons he has learned about serving and avoiding burnout. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to continue serving others effectively. Hal discusses the mindset shifts and practices that leaders can adopt to prioritize their own well-being while still making a difference in the world. He also encourages leaders to embrace hardship as an opportunity for growth and to seek out mentors who exemplify humility and faithfulness.
Takeaways
Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is essential for long-term service and avoiding burnout.
Leaders should prioritize their own well-being and model a healthy culture within their organizations.
Success can be more dangerous than failure if it leads to self-reliance and neglect of personal health.
Hardship is often followed by opportunities and miracles, and leaders should embrace the lessons and growth that come from difficult times.
Leaders should be selective in their response to needs and seek guidance through prayer to discern their role in serving others.
Key Quotes
"Everyone can do something, just do the next kind thing that God puts in front of you."
"Success is more dangerous than failure."
Buy the book
https://bit.ly/4dBxvlz

In this episode of the Say Forth Leadership Podcast, we delve into why every leader must confront pain. Pain is an inevitable part of being human and even more so as a leader. The more people you influence, the more pain you'll be exposed to.
This discussion unpacks how leaders often overlook their own pain while focusing on the next task or goal, much like a rock climber so focused on the climb that they ignore their injuries.
We emphasize the importance of acknowledging both macro and micro pains to move toward healing and connection. We also explore the role of friends, therapists, coaches, and fellow strugglers in navigating this journey.
By confronting pain head-on, leaders can foster deeper connections and healthier communities. Tune in to learn practical steps to manage pain and build supportive relationships.

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan discuss the topic of change and the importance of embracing experiments as a way to navigate through change. They highlight the need for clarity and awareness before taking appropriate action, and encourage small steps and experiments to shift the needle and gain momentum. They also emphasize the importance of not trying to control things that are outside of our responsibility. Overall, the episode provides practical insights and encouragement for leaders facing change.
 
Takeaways
Change is a constant in life and leadership, and it is important to embrace it rather than resist it.
Experiments are a powerful tool to navigate through change, as they allow us to test the future without pressurizing it.
Clarity and awareness are essential before taking appropriate action in times of change.
Small steps and experiments can help shift the needle and gain momentum in the midst of change.
It is important to focus on what is within our responsibility and not try to control things that are outside of our control.
Quotables
"Experiments test the future without pressurizing it."
"Experiments limit the pressure and increase our curiosity."
"You can't try something new until you know where to free up space"