Manhood Tribes

Don Ross

Become the man God created you to be. Manhood Tribes is all about becoming an extraordinary man by building a life-changing group of men around you. Join host Don Ross as we discuss how to tackle the major challenges in men's lives and be the best man you can be.

  1. 4d ago

    The Isolation Epidemic Destroying Modern Men

    In this conversation with Ryan Zook (President of Men of Iron), we dive deep into what actually works when it comes to forming men—and why most church models fall short. This episode is part of our series exploring men’s ministry, discipleship, and what it truly takes to form strong, faithful men. Ryan shares lessons from two decades of mentoring men and explains why one-on-one discipleship—not programs—is the key to real transformation. We also unpack why men today are more spiritually hungry than ever… yet more disconnected than ever. In this episode, we cover:  - Why one-on-one mentorship is more effective than traditional men’s groups  - The real reason churches struggle to disciple men  - Why spiritual hunger is increasing even as church attendance declines  - The epidemic of isolation among men—and how to solve it  - How to start mentoring (even if you don’t feel qualified) ----------------------------- 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ----------------------------- #ManhoodTribes #MensMinistry #Mentorship #ChristianMen #Discipleship Episode 079: The Isolation Epidemic Destroying Modern Men Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 What Men of Iron does and why it matters 05:00 Why churches struggle with men’s discipleship 10:30 Why mentorship works better than programs 17:00 The shift in men today: hunger vs. church disengagement 20:30 The rise of isolation among men 26:00 How to start something (even without church approval) 33:30 Why you’re more qualified to mentor than you think 38:30 How to get connected with Men of Iron 41:30 Final encouragement + challenge 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    42 min
  2. Jun 16

    Why Churches Are Bad at Reaching Men

    In this conversation with Chris Grainger (founder of The Lion Within Us), we continue our deep dive into men’s ministry and the broader men’s leadership space—exploring what it really takes to know how to disciple men and help them grow in their faith.  Most churches say they want to reach men—but very few are actually doing it well. Chris shares his story of coming to faith without discipleship, the hard lessons that followed, and how that led him to build a thriving brotherhood of men across the world. We unpack the real struggles men are facing today—and why so many churches are missing them. In this episode, we cover:  - The biggest struggles men are facing right now (pornography, marriage, and purpose)  - Why most churches unintentionally fail to reach men  - What men actually need instead of another Bible study  - Why men grow best through challenge and brotherhood  - How to step up and lead—even if you don’t feel qualified ----------------------------- 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ----------------------------- #ManhoodTribes #MensMinistry #Leadership #ChristianMen #Discipleship Episode 078: Why Churches Are Bad at Reaching Men Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 What The Lion Within Us is and how it started 05:00 Why men struggle to engage with scripture 09:00 The biggest challenges men are facing today 13:30 Why most churches miss men 18:30 What men actually need to grow 23:00 Building real brotherhood and community 27:00 Stories of transformation in men 31:00 Speaking truth and memorizing scripture 35:00 Encouragement for men who feel stuck 38:00 How to get connected with The Lion Within Us 40:00 Final thoughts and encouragement 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    41 min
  3. Jun 9

    Men Don't Need Programs—They Need This Instead

    Most churches want to reach men—but very few actually know how. In this conversation with Chris Harper (Chief Storyteller at Better Man), we're taking a deep dive into mens ministry and the broader men's leadership space, exploring how you can cultivate christian manhood and grow in your faith. This series will help you understand what it truly means to be a christian man. Chris shares insights from equipping over 7,500 churches and 1 million men, unpacking the real crisis underneath modern masculinity: not passivity—but ignorance, lack of guidance, and the absence of spiritual fathers. In this episode, we cover:  - Why men have left the church—and why the church has also left men  - The shift from “passivity” to “ignorance” in today’s men  - The importance of clarity and community in forming men  - What churches get wrong about men’s ministry  - Why the senior pastor’s presence changes everything ------------------------------ 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ------------------------------ #ManhoodTribes #MensMinistry #Leadership #ChristianMen #Discipleship Episode 077: Chris Harper (Better Man) Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Calling the church back to men 06:00 From passivity to ignorance 11:00 Why men are “active but directionless” 15:30 Men and the need for guidance 20:30 Why modern men want what actually works 28:00 Why men don’t stay engaged 32:30 Why most church programs miss men 38:00 Final thoughts on rebuilding men in the church 40:00 Comment prompt Welcome to the Manhood Tribe Show! I'm Don, your host, and I'm excited to guide you through our upcoming series of episodes. We're taking a deep dive into mens ministry and the broader men's leadership space, exploring how you can cultivate christian manhood and grow in your faith. This series will help you understand what it truly means to be a christian man. 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    44 min
  4. Jun 2

    Why Men Don’t Like Men’s Ministry (And What To Do About It)

    The recent statistic that less than 10% of churches in America have an active mens ministry is quite surprising. As someone with experience in church leadership, I understand the challenges of running an effective mens ministry, yet it makes me question why this number is so low. This situation raises important questions about how we foster masculinity and faith within our communities. If you’ve ever felt like men’s ministry was awkward, boring, or just not worth your time, this will help you understand why—and what needs to change. We walk through the real reasons men disengage and how to build something they actually want to be part of: - Why most men’s ministries fail to attract and retain men - The difference between how men and women connect - Why social-based groups don’t work well for men - The role of challenge, action, and growth in male engagement - What men are actually looking for in a brotherhood - How to create a men’s ministry that men show up for ------------------------------------ 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ------------------------------------ #ManhoodTribes #MensMinistry #ChristianMen #MensGrowth #Masculinity ------------------------------------ Episode 076: Why Men Don’t Like Men’s Ministry (And What To Do About It) Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Why men’s ministry is so rare 02:30 Why most men’s groups feel awkward 04:00 The real problem: built for women, not men 06:30 The difference in how men and women connect 09:00 Why men need action, not just discussion 12:00 Challenge vs information: how men grow 14:00 Emotion vs trust in group environments 16:00 Why men “vote with their feet” 18:00 Why events don’t lead to long-term engagement 19:30 What actually works for men’s ministry 21:00 How to build something better 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    22 min
  5. May 26

    The Performance Trap Most Leaders Fall Into

    In this conversation with Brian Owen, we unpack why high performance isn’t the goal—and how “meta performance” changes everything. Brian discusses his extensive 30-year career in the field, offering insights into personal development and growth. This episode provides valuable coaching for leaders, focusing on achieving peak performance in all aspects of life. Most men think becoming a better leader means pushing harder, performing better, and staying ahead of everyone else. But what if that mindset is actually holding you back?  💪 If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to lead a team, frustrated with people who won’t step up, or unsure how to grow beyond your current limits, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership—and yourself. In this episode, we’ll explore:  - Why high performers can actually hurt a team  - The difference between high performance and meta performance  - How asking “what am I capable of?” changes everything  - Why leadership starts with your own transformation  - How broken commitments reveal deeper issues in your team ------------------------------ 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how you stack up and where you need to grow 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Learn the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with clarity and strength ------------------------------ #ManhoodTribes #Leadership #MensGrowth #Masculinity #SelfLeadership Episode 075: The Performance Trap Most Leaders Fall Into Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Brian Owen 02:00 From ministry to coaching 04:00 The problem with high performers 06:00 What is meta performance? 10:00 The performance pyramid explained 13:00 Why leaders struggle with teams 16:00 Leading from your own transformation 20:00 The 4 shifts to meta performance 25:00 Why feedback is critical for growth 28:00 Broken commitments and team trust 32:00 Real-world team leadership challenges 35:00 How small issues reveal deeper problems 38:00 Brian’s personal transformation story 40:00 How to connect with Brian 42:00 Wrap up and comment prompt 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    41 min
  6. May 19

    The Nuclear Family Model Is Broken—Here's Why

    Most men think being a good husband and dad is enough—but what if that vision of family is too small? In this conversation with Jeremy Pryor, we unpack a radically different way to think about family leadership—not as a short-term responsibility, but as a multi-generational mission. This episode will challenge how you see your role as a man and what you’re actually building with your life. 💪 If you’ve ever felt like there has to be more to family than just “raising kids and letting them go,” this will open your eyes to a bigger vision—and give you practical ways to start moving toward it: - Why the modern “nuclear family” is incomplete - The difference between a family and a family team - How identity is shaped by family, not just individuality - Why multi-generational vision creates purpose for men - Simple practices that can transform your family starting now ------------------------------ 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ------------------------------ #ManhoodTribes #FamilyLeadership #Fatherhood #MensGrowth #Masculinity Episode 074: Family Leadership w/ Jeremy Pryor Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Jeremy Pryor 03:00 Why family felt broken growing up 06:00 The “dad brigade” moment in Jerusalem 09:00 Abraham and the vision of family in Scripture 12:00 Individual identity vs family identity 15:00 The problem with the nuclear family model 18:00 What a “family team” actually is 21:00 Why men feel disconnected from family 24:00 The power of multi-generational thinking 27:00 Simple practices that build family culture 30:00 Casting vision as a father 33:00 Marriage as a romantic partnership and mission 36:00 Leading your wife and family well 39:00 What if you feel behind or it’s “too late”? 43:00 Staying connected with adult children 46:00 Building legacy starting now 48:00 Resources and where to start 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    49 min
  7. May 12

    Your Actions Don't Match Your Intentions? Here's Why

    Most men want to lead well—but feel stuck when it comes to actually following through. We're continuing our series on leadership, focusing today on the crucial aspect of self leadership. This is about taking control of your own path and achieving personal mastery, which is vital for any man seeking self improvement. We'll explore how this journey can significantly contribute to your personal growth and ultimately, help you be a better man. In this conversation with Dusty Holcomb, we break down why self-leadership is the foundation for everything—and how your habits, your calendar, and your discipline reveal the kind of man you're actually becoming. 💪 - Why self-leadership is the gateway to real impact - How your calendar exposes your true priorities - The danger of waiting for perfect conditions - Why discipline—not motivation—creates growth - How to build a system that actually changes your life ---------------------------- 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ---------------------------- #ManhoodTribes #Leadership #MensGrowth #ChristianMen #Masculinity Episode 073: Your Actions Don't Match Your Intentions? Here's Why Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The power of mentorship 07:30 What self-leadership actually means 10:30 Why most men avoid leading themselves 13:00 Your calendar reveals your priorities 16:00 Why “perfect” is the enemy of progress 18:30 Discipline and doing the hard thing 21:00 The importance of brotherhood and accountability 24:00 Leadership rules of engagement 27:00 Creating clarity and alignment 30:00 Building a leadership operating system 34:00 Purpose, vision, and execution 37:00 Weekly reflection practice 40:00 Why self-leadership changes everything 42:00 Wrap up and comment prompt 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    45 min
  8. May 5

    When People Don't Follow You, Do These 3 Things

    Men often feel frustrated when their leadership isn't valued in the workplace or family. We discuss how to gain respect and how to earn respect, emphasizing the importance of effective communication skills. Learn how to be a leader that inspires trust and follow-through, navigating masculinity and leadership with strength and purpose. 💪 If you’ve ever stayed silent, avoided conflict, or wondered if your leadership even matters, this episode will help you take the next step. We walk through three powerful shifts that can help you lead with clarity, confidence, and impact: - Why passivity is the biggest enemy of male leadership - The difference between blaming others and taking responsibility - Why staying silent often makes things worse - How to step into leadership even when it’s uncomfortable - The three shifts that make people actually want to follow you ------------------------------ 📝 Take the Quiz: How Manly Are You? https://bit.ly/3Pfx7SA Find out how manly you really are and see where you stand compared to other men 📖 Get the Book: How To Be a Man https://amzn.to/4cm2epl Discover the 5 Marks of Manhood and start leading with strength and purpose ----------------------------- #ManhoodTribes #Leadership #ChristianMen #MensGrowth #Masculinity ----------------------------- Episode 072: Lead Like a Man: 3 Shifts for Greater Impact Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Why leadership doesn’t always land 03:00 The real problem: passivity 06:00 Why men avoid stepping up 08:00 Story: leading in finances and family 10:00 Shift 1: Don’t be passive, take action 12:00 Shift 2: Don’t be a victim, take responsibility 15:00 Shift 3: Don’t be silent, take a stand 18:00 Why courage matters in leadership 19:30 How leadership actually brings peace 21:00 Wrap up and comment prompt 💪 Want to know how you measure up as a man? Take our free quiz, called How Manly Are You? and learn how you can get better at being a man. Download for free at manhoodtribes.com/manly. 💪

    22 min

About

Become the man God created you to be. Manhood Tribes is all about becoming an extraordinary man by building a life-changing group of men around you. Join host Don Ross as we discuss how to tackle the major challenges in men's lives and be the best man you can be.