Mind Shift with Erwin & Aaron McManus

Erwin McManus + Aaron McManus

Mind Shift: Destroy Your Internal Limitations. Mind Shift is a podcast for the mind, body, and soul hosted by father-son duo Erwin Raphael McManus & Aaron McManus. Formerly known as The Battle Ready Podcast.

  1. 3D AGO

    ARCHIVAL Ep #05 Overcoming Trauma: Finding Inner Peace

    In this archival episode of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron McManus and his father, Erwin McManus, sit down in Mexico City to reflect on trauma, mental health, faith, and the vision of Mosaic Church. Aaron opens with personal reflections on his years visiting Mexico City, his early 20s, and the origins of the podcast, born from his fear of speaking on stage alone. Together, he and Erwin revisit defining experiences—Erwin’s battle with stage four cancer, Aaron’s seasons of anxiety in New York, and the threats their family once faced—using them to highlight the importance of addressing trauma and mental health, especially in cultures and churches where it is often silenced. They discuss how faith and trauma intertwine, with Aaron sharing his struggles in reconciling hurt within the church, and Erwin stressing the need to confront pain honestly to create healthier spiritual environments. The conversation turns toward healing, personal growth, and emotional mastery, as Aaron reflects on his intentional pursuit of change and Erwin underscores the responsibility to design positive environments and replace painful memories with new ones. They also explore the balance between spiritual gifts and character, reminding listeners that maturity, integrity, and love matter more than talent. Finally, they share the unique story of Mosaic Church, founded in a nightclub in LA, with a vision to help people connect deeply with Jesus, reclaim their humanity, and create a community shaped by authenticity and compassion. The episode closes with Aaron and Erwin inviting listeners to join future gatherings, support Mosaic’s mission, and continue pursuing healing, growth, and deeper faith. Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpod Follow On Social https://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManus https://instagram.com/mindshiftpod https://instagram.com/erwinmcmanus https://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus Join The Newsletter! https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter

    1h 3m
  2. AUG 22

    #097 The 5Ds: Optimize Your Performance

    In episode 97 of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin McManus share their Arena Community Call where they  introduce the concept of the Five Ds—Drive, Discipline, Decisiveness, Detail, and Diplomacy—exploring how each plays a crucial role in leadership. Erwin highlights drive as the fuel for leadership, discipline as the foundation, decisiveness as the ability to adapt in chaos, detail as the power of precision, and diplomacy as doing hard things with kindness. Through questions from participants, the discussion covers situational leadership styles, building discipline, balancing vision with detail, navigating the tension between artistry and entrepreneurship, increasing drive while living a textured life, and approaching tough conversations with grace and respect. Erwin emphasizes small, intentional changes as the key to growth and reminds leaders to see details not as criticisms but as opportunities for clarity and improvement. As the session closes, Erwin shares he has a call with the White House before he and Aaron thank the group, encouraging participants to continue reflecting on the Five Ds, share their insights, and keep building stronger, more intentional leadership in their community. Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpod Follow On Social https://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManus https://instagram.com/mindshiftpod https://instagram.com/erwinmcmanus https://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus Join The Newsletter! https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter

    59 min
  3. AUG 15

    #096 Miracles And Heaven: Jesus Above All

    In episode 96 of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin Raphael McManus dive into a wide-ranging conversation that blends leadership, faith, and authenticity. They open by discussing Erwin’s recent interview with Lecrae, who described him as both respected and misunderstood in the Christian world. From there, they unpack theological debates, including Erwin’s stance on fully believing the Bible without reading it literally, and his critique of the “Christian industrial complex” that prioritizes commercialization over genuine spiritual experience. They reflect on Erwin’s early years serving the urban poor, building his own wealth outside the church to sustain ministry, and pushing back against unhealthy expressions of faith that distort real miracles. Both emphasize Jesus as the true center of faith—above promises of heaven or supernatural signs—while sharing personal stories that challenge conventional motivations for belief. The conversation moves through topics like the purity of faith without the promise of heaven, the role of integrity in spiritual leadership, and the need for authentic community, ending with an invitation for listeners to join the discussion, contribute ideas, and become part of the Mind Shift journey. Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpod Follow On Social https://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManus https://instagram.com/mindshiftpod https://instagram.com/erwinmcmanus https://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus Join The Newsletter! https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter

    53 min
  4. AUG 8

    ARCHIVAL EP #04 Fresh Starts: Step Into Your Future

    In this episode of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin McManus sit down in London to explore what it means to start over, especially in a post-pandemic world where anxiety, purposelessness, and doubt are widespread. Erwin shares the origin story of Mosaic—a church launched in a nightclub designed to welcome atheists, agnostics, and believers alike—and how creating a space where people could belong before they believed became a radical act of inclusion. The conversation dives deep into mental health, personal trauma, and the healing power of community, emphasizing that true transformation must begin from within. They discuss the balance between faith and action, the dangers of waiting for permission to do good, and the importance of proactivity in living out one’s purpose. Creativity and spirituality are woven together as vital expressions of human potential, and Erwin challenges the notion that religious institutions should separate the two. From overcoming creative blocks and embracing imperfection to the fragile, essential work of building authentic community, the episode offers a vision of life rooted in self-acceptance, courage, and connection. As the discussion closes, Erwin extends an invitation to join Mosaic London and take the next step—whether in faith, creativity, or becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpod Follow On Social https://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManus https://instagram.com/mindshiftpod https://instagram.com/erwinmcmanus https://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus Join The Newsletter! https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter

    58 min
  5. JUL 25

    #094 Discipline Vs. Talent: Fashion And Heritage

    Aaron McManus and Erwin McManus sit down in Brooklyn with Arturo Castaneda, founder of Storytellers and Creators, to explore his remarkable journey from small beginnings to becoming a creative force in the fashion industry. Arturo shares his nervousness about this being his first podcast, while Erwin praises his profound creativity. They discuss how people often seek advice from those without expertise, highlighting the importance of voices like Arturo’s in creative industries. Arturo opens up about his upbringing, learning sewing from his mother at a young age, making his first pair of shorts at 12, and facing challenges that shaped his resilience. He recounts moving to New York in his late 20s, enduring homelessness while working multiple jobs, and how a chance meeting at a deli introduced him to the fashion world, showing how small moments can lead to life-changing opportunities. He describes his breakthrough at J Crew, starting in the stockroom and rising toward a director of merchandising role before receiving an unexpected interview at Ralph Lauren. Arturo details his evolution from receiving clerk to concept designer on Ralph Lauren’s creative services team, contributing to Olympic uniforms, Wimbledon collections, and showroom concepts, and reflects on how Ralph Lauren’s leadership cultivated creativity and gave him global opportunities. The conversation shifts to Storytellers and Creators, the company he founded in 2014, initially focusing on tailoring before expanding to wider creative services. During COVID-19, they pivoted to produce 30,000 PPE gowns weekly for New York City hospitals, with Arturo highlighting Jessica, who emerged as a vital team member, and reinforcing his commitment to community, simplicity, and analog creativity. Arturo concludes by sharing his design philosophy, valuing discipline over talent and simplicity over excess, discussing the teaching culture where everyone is seen as a creator and mentorship is central, staying rooted in heritage while pushing creative boundaries, and maintaining a human touch in design. His vision for the future includes expanding into new areas while remaining authentic to his values, leaving listeners inspired by a life built on craftsmanship, humility, and love for the process. Watch On Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTnygno9obT1Wo8ZlA8jrv2lBNKGihD4 Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpod Follow On Social https://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManus https://instagram.com/mindshiftpod https://instagram.com/erwinmcmanus https://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus Join The Newsletter! https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter

    1h 6m
  6. JUL 18

    ARCHIVAL EP #03 Creativity And Spirituality

    In this Archival Episode of "The Mind Shift Podcast," Erwin and Aaron McManus dive into the interconnectedness of creativity and spirituality, sharing insights from their personal journeys and their work at Mosaic - a church that embodies these principles. This episode, explores how creativity flows naturally from a spiritual life and the impact of this blend on personal and community growth. Recorded live in KL, Malaysia.Creativity is the Natural Result of Spirituality: Erwin begins by affirming that creativity is a direct result of spirituality, challenging the notion that churches are traditionally the least creative institutions. He argues that since human beings are inherently created in the image of a creative God, it follows that spirituality should inspire creativity, not stifle it.Challenges of Leadership and Faith: Erwin shares the challenges he faced when founding Mosaic, a church that aligns with his unique leadership style. He discusses the delicate balance of managing fame and family, particularly highlighting a significant moment when a young Aaron questioned his faith. This story underscores the importance of allowing children the space to explore and express their beliefs authentically.The Significance of Hearing God’s Voice: A major part of their discussion focuses on the necessity of being attuned to God’s voice and the role this plays in guiding one’s creative and spiritual journey. Erwin emphasizes that hearing God’s voice is essential not just for personal guidance but also for maintaining vitality within the church’s mission to reach a creatively evolving world.Family and Professional Life Balance: They also touch on the critical aspect of maintaining close family relationships amidst professional demands. Erwin and Aaron share personal reflections on how they manage this balance, stressing the importance of prioritizing family while fulfilling their roles in ministry and leadership.Invitation to Future Gatherings: The conversation concludes with an invitation to listeners to participate in future gatherings at Mosaic Church. This call to action is aimed at those looking to deepen their engagement with a community that values creativity and spirituality intertwined.

    50 min
  7. JUL 11

    #093 Under Construction: The Human Problem

    Aaron McManus opens this episode of the Mind Shift Podcast by introducing its theme, “Under Construction,” referencing both their house renovation due to mold and the idea of lives under construction through scripture. He and his father, Erwin Raphael McManus, record amidst the noise of ongoing repairs, using it as a metaphor for spiritual growth. Erwin humorously admits his tendency to get granular with the Bible, spending weeks on a single chapter, while Aaron explains that this episode marks a shift into deeper conversations around scripture – a new focus for the podcast. They dive into the often snarky comments on social media. Erwin encourages listeners to engage with kindness rather than negativity, aiming to create a positive and inclusive space. Aaron shares how people frequently attempt to educate Erwin on theology despite his background, prompting a discussion about humility in spiritual conversations and the importance of listening over lecturing when it comes to scripture. The conversation turns deeply personal as Erwin shares his journey with the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John, which emotionally transformed his understanding of Jesus, and moving into Acts, which gave him a sense of being part of an ongoing movement. Aaron recalls a dinner conversation about the visible changes Jesus brought to his life, reflecting on how scripture reshapes identity and purpose. They emphasize that engaging with the Bible is not just academic but transformative when approached relationally and reflectively. Erwin recounts his surprising experience accidentally enrolling in a PhD Hebrew course at UNC Chapel Hill and how his classmates supported him through it. He explains the literary and cultural distinctions between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how the Old Testament’s stories build a worldview and the New Testament calls for interpretation and application. Aaron and Erwin suggest reading different Gospels based on personality type to cultivate a personal connection to Jesus' life and teachings. They conclude by discussing the need for action and community in Bible study. Erwin shares his preparation method for talks: finding truth, experiencing it, and acting on it, while Aaron describes his use of the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) for daily integration. They reflect on theological debates that miss the heart of scripture and stress that understanding the Bible is incomplete without practical obedience and community engagement. The episode ends with an encouragement to listeners: build your life on the living truths of scripture, stay rooted in community, and let action transform knowledge into a life aligned with God’s heart.

    57 min
4.8
out of 5
1,159 Ratings

About

Mind Shift: Destroy Your Internal Limitations. Mind Shift is a podcast for the mind, body, and soul hosted by father-son duo Erwin Raphael McManus & Aaron McManus. Formerly known as The Battle Ready Podcast.

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