The Iron Table

Bryant Goodine
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The Iron Table is a forum where Black men can discuss topics from their perspective. Topics range from relationships, mental health, emotional health, life skills, social awareness, etc. As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), the idea is that men sharpen men. The sharpening can happen when men are willing to be transparent and proactive in addressing situations and circumstances that can tear us down when not handled. While this is geared toward men, the topics affect women and the family. As leaders of the home, we need to discuss issues that can be light on the surface but can reveal some profound truths in reality. There are many forums where comedy is used to skirt around issues, and while humor is good and needed, it can often be a crutch. The Iron Table is designed to be the platform on which men are forged into leaders in their homes and personal lives. The Iron Table is a place where the only thing fed is truth.

  1. JAN 20

    Bad Advice We Believed About Marriage, Money, And Manhood

    What if the most repeated relationship advice is also the most misleading? We take a hard look at slogans like “happy wife, happy life” and explain why outsourcing your peace to someone else’s mood wrecks connection. Instead, we make the case that happiness is an inside job and that two healthy individuals create the conditions for a healthy relationship—not the other way around. We share how that plays out in real life, drawing on John Gottman’s research about perpetual problems and the power of repair, friendship, and honest conflict. No fairy tales here: many issues are manageable rather than solvable, and that’s okay when respect and skills are in place. We also push back on the pressure to “just get married,” especially when marriage is treated like a fix for pregnancy or conflict. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Clarity, feedback, and readiness beat rushing every time. Money and humility get a much-needed rethink too. We talk about unlearning the fear of ambition, why accurate self-knowledge isn’t bragging, and how financial stewardship supports families and communities. On faith and generosity, we call for storehouse practices that actually meet local needs—rent, groceries, light bills—so giving becomes visible care. And we close with the tools that keep us grounded: vulnerability as courage, being approachable to correction, turning off the noise when anxiety spikes, and choosing therapy and brotherhood to break old loops. If this conversation sparked something, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a quick review to help more people find the Iron Table. What myth about love or life are you dropping this year?

    57 min

  2. 12/20/2025

    Make Holiday Memories, Not Minimum Payments

    The holidays can bring out the best in us—and the worst in our budgets. Around the Iron Table, we get real about why so many men overspend this time of year, how social media and buy-now-pay-later schemes crank up the pressure, and what to do when you’re tempted to prove love with a receipt. We shift the focus toward intentional giving, clear boundaries, and the kind of everyday consistency that keeps December from becoming a high-stakes exam. We share honest stories: dental chairs and car repair surprises, the quiet win of a truly helpful gift, and the deep satisfaction of planning experiences that become family lore. Think candle-making dates, racetrack laps, and a professional stretch session for the back that’s been hurting for months. If money is tight, we talk about turning intention up—free rituals, thoughtful notes, favorite meals, or asking a trusted friend for intel instead of guessing. Listening is a gift; follow-through is love. Nostalgia weaves through the conversation—Temptations’ Rudolph, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, the plastic-scent memory of a first Nintendo, the soul-shaking tug of Polar Express. We explore how kids today face an abundance of information but a shortage of surprise, and how we can bring back a little magic with traditions that last longer than the wrapping. We also set healthy lines at home: agreeing on spending caps, naming non-negotiables (even about pets), and resisting the urge to start fights as an escape hatch from expectations. Pull up a chair for laughs, practical tools, and a reset on what makes this season meaningful. If this conversation helps you breathe a little easier and give a little wiser. Tap subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your most meaningful low-cost gift idea.

    1h 17m

  3. 11/25/2025

    Why Strength Is Not Control And Silence Is Not Weakness

    Start with the correction. That’s how trust is built—and how this conversation finds its spine. From there we face a brutal story out of Chicago: kids attacking a pregnant mother while her son tried to shield her. We talk about the collapse of a neighborhood code that once protected elders and parents, and whether the reflexive “Where are the fathers?” helps or hides the deeper problems. Presence matters, but presence is not just a body in a house; it’s boundaries, guidance, and the courage to say no when the internet says yes. We press into what healthy manhood looks like under pressure. Leadership is not domination; many men want peace, not power. Meekness is not weakness—calm is a choice, and restraint is strength. We share how men are punished for both standing firm and staying quiet, and how that double-bind can turn love into war. We also unpack provision as more than money. One of us chased a “pay it all” script until it almost broke him. The fix wasn’t a rigid 50/50; it was fairness matched to strengths, season by season, with respect replacing comparison to mom or dad. Then we ask when “figuring it out” ends and foundational responsibility begins. If people depend on you, your dream may need a pause—not a funeral. Stabilize, then rebuild with margin. We challenge the rise of consequence-free childhoods and how social media rewards attention over character. Consequences introduced early, with love, become guardrails later. Finally, we revisit success in a world where college isn’t a guarantee, predatory schools sold dead ends, trades are thriving, and content creation is real but unforgiving. The path is wider now, but discipline still wins. Pull up a chair at The Iron Table, where iron sharpens iron. If this conversation moved you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a quick review with one takeaway you’ll practice this week. Your voice helps more people find the table.

    1h 8m

  4. 09/28/2025

    Walking While Black: Men's Journey to Validation

    What happens when a simple health journey becomes a battleground for racial bias? Bryant opens up about a deeply troubling experience that shook his daily walking routine at work. After losing 26 pounds through consistent exercise and better nutrition, his progress was suddenly threatened when a white coworker reported feeling "unsafe" by his presence in the building - despite his 24 years working there and wearing proper identification. The raw emotion Bryant shares - breaking down in his supervisor's office, feeling the weight of yet another racial microaggression - sparks a profound conversation about how men process trauma. The brothers at the Iron Table dive deep into why men often suffer in silence, internalizing pain rather than seeking support. They explore the concept of validation - what it means, how it differs for each person, and why it's essential for emotional wellbeing. Keith offers powerful insight: "A lot of men have been broken and stripped down to the point where they don't even feel or they're made to feel bad for needing validation." The group unpacks how society expects men to "take hits on the chin" without acknowledgment of their experiences. They challenge listeners to consider what validation looks like in their own lives - is it problem-solving together, simply being heard, or something else entirely? The conversation weaves through thought-provoking territory, from the importance of self-validation to how social media has warped our understanding of human connection. As Bryant contemplates returning to his walking routine, his brothers rally around him with both compassion and practical wisdom. Join us for this powerful discussion about racial awareness, emotional resilience, and the courage it takes to speak your truth in a world that often expects men to remain silent.

    1h 5m

  5. 07/27/2025

    Death Doesn't Play Fair: Why The Good Get Taken & Bad Left Alone?

    Death doesn't play fair. It takes the good, leaves the wicked, and rarely provides explanations. How do we make sense of loss when nothing seems to make sense? As we face an increasing wave of loss—from celebrities we've watched our whole lives to beloved friends and family members—the men of The Iron Table dive deep into grief, faith, and the questions that keep us awake at night. This raw, honest conversation explores why it often feels like good people die young while others get a pass, and how we can navigate the murky waters of mourning without drowning in despair. The hosts share personal reflections on recent losses, including Malcolm-Jamal Warner, while examining the biblical perspective on suffering. Does God take certain people because He knows their passing will wake us up to our own mortality? Is death designed to push us closer to faith or further away? Keith offers a powerful distinction between "questioning God" and "asking God questions," giving listeners permission to bring their honest pain before the Creator without feeling spiritually inadequate. Drawing from scripture, personal experience, and counseling wisdom, the conversation offers practical guidance for those who grieve. Danny reminds us that "the path to comfort comes through mourning," while Steve encourages listeners to develop a relationship with God before tragedy strikes rather than trying to build that foundation in the midst of pain. The hosts acknowledge that grief becomes particularly difficult when death doesn't make sense, yet even in those moments, community support and faith can sustain us. Whether you're currently walking through the valley of the shadow or want to prepare for the inevitable losses that come with living, this episode provides both comfort and challenge. Join Bryant, Keith, Danny, and Steve as they demonstrate how iron truly sharpens iron through life's most difficult conversations.

    1h 6m

  6. 07/06/2025

    You Versus You: Redefining Men's Health Beyond Nostalgia

    Ever wondered why that "dad bod" creeps up on men after 40? Our fascinating conversation with fitness expert Ronald Quick dives deep into the psychology and physiology behind middle-aged men's struggle with health and fitness. Quick brings twenty years of physical education experience to the table as he challenges our nostalgic attachment to our younger athletic selves. "You can't outwork a bad diet," he reminds us, sharing the sobering reality that fitness isn't fair—those cookies that take seconds to eat require significant exercise to burn off. But rather than discouraging listeners, this truth serves as a wake-up call. The most profound insight? Stop competing with others or with your younger self. "Write down where you are right now...beat that person, because that's the only person you're competing with," Quick advises. This shift from external comparison to internal improvement provides a revolutionary framework for men's fitness after 40. We explore how social dynamics enable fitness decline—married couples often gain weight together, mutually accepting physical changes—and how today's youth, unaccustomed to physical exertion, will face even greater challenges maintaining health in middle age. The solution? Finding activities that require "effort but not exhaustion" and creating sustainable routines rather than exhausting regimens that lead to burnout. Quick exposes fitness industry secrets, warning against gimmicky equipment and fad diets while encouraging each man to treat his body as a personal "science fair project"—discovering which foods and activities work specifically for his unique physiology. This customized approach, combined with honest accountability partners who won't sugarcoat feedback, forms the cornerstone of lasting health improvements. Whether you're struggling with your own fitness journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical wisdom, tough love, and the encouragement needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Ready to stop romanticizing your 20-year-old self and start improving today's version of you? This episode is your starting point.

    1h 11m

  7. 06/02/2025

    What's in His Marriage Wishlist?

    What truly matters to men in a marriage? Beyond the clichés and stereotypes lies a more nuanced reality that the Iron Table podcast explores with remarkable candor and insight. During this revealing conversation, the hosts unpack the five essential qualities men seek in marriage partners. While physical attraction might spark initial interest, lasting marriages demand much more substantial foundations. As one host poignantly shares, he specifically sought a partner who could complement his weaknesses—someone capable of setting boundaries where he struggled to do so himself. The discussion navigates through deeply personal territory as the group examines how sexual intimacy creates a unique bond between spouses. They emphasize that physical connection requires thoughtful compromise and communication from both partners. This frank exploration highlights how neglecting this aspect of marriage can lead to resentment or vulnerability to outside temptations. A surprising revelation emerges around the concept of "coachability"—the willingness to receive feedback and grow together. The hosts agree that marriages thrive when both partners maintain growth mindsets and remain open to constructive criticism. This quality enables couples to evolve together rather than growing apart when facing life's inevitable challenges. Perhaps most touching is the conversation about affirmation. Men deeply value partners who believe in them and express that belief both privately and publicly. This affirmation becomes a powerful motivator, helping them pursue goals with confidence. The hosts also acknowledge their responsibility to provide the same encouragement to their wives—creating reciprocal support systems. The episode concludes with wisdom about maintaining a "we" perspective in marriage. By viewing relationships as partnerships where both people work toward common goals, couples can truly "conquer the world" together. Sometimes this means simply being present for your spouse, even during activities you might not naturally enjoy. Subscribe now to join more thought-provoking conversations about relationships, personal growth, and navigating life's challenges with humor and wisdom.

    54 min

  8. 04/26/2025

    Don't Move

    What does a man truly need to feel ready for intimacy as he ages? The Iron Table dives headfirst into this vulnerable territory, exploring the profound shift that occurs in men's emotional and physical needs after 40. The conversation begins with a candid examination of the Shannon Sharp controversy, using it as a springboard to discuss why successful men sometimes risk everything for relationships with much younger women. The hosts suggest this behavior often stems from an internal void that men are desperately trying to fill, sometimes at the cost of their reputation and peace. As the discussion evolves, the group tackles a reality rarely addressed in public forums: how men's need for emotional connection increases with age. The days of purely physical intimacy fade as men discover they need to feel heard, appreciated, and understood before they can be physically present. "I never thought I would hear myself say, 'No, I need to talk about this first,'" one host admits, capturing this transformation perfectly. The podcast explores how communication styles significantly impact intimacy, particularly when women use "absolutes" like "you never" or "you always" during conflicts. The hosts share practical strategies for men to avoid emotional reactivity and maintain their equilibrium when faced with triggering statements from their partners. They also discuss society's shifting expectations around physical intimacy, with men now feeling increased pressure to prioritize their partner's satisfaction. Whether you're struggling with changing emotional needs, curious about how other men navigate these waters, or simply want to understand the male perspective better, this episode offers honest, sometimes humorous, and always thoughtful insights. Join us for a conversation that normalizes men's emotional evolution and offers pathways to deeper connection.  Ready to gain a new perspective on male intimacy? Listen now and discover what men really need beneath the surface.

    1h 3m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Iron Table is a forum where Black men can discuss topics from their perspective. Topics range from relationships, mental health, emotional health, life skills, social awareness, etc. As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), the idea is that men sharpen men. The sharpening can happen when men are willing to be transparent and proactive in addressing situations and circumstances that can tear us down when not handled. While this is geared toward men, the topics affect women and the family. As leaders of the home, we need to discuss issues that can be light on the surface but can reveal some profound truths in reality. There are many forums where comedy is used to skirt around issues, and while humor is good and needed, it can often be a crutch. The Iron Table is designed to be the platform on which men are forged into leaders in their homes and personal lives. The Iron Table is a place where the only thing fed is truth.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryant Goodine
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Iron Table
  • Show Website
    The Iron Table