Brotherhood Forged with PB & J

Episode 9 – 1 of 2 Gratitude That Transforms: Mindset Shifts for Men of Faith

In Episode 9 of the Brotherhood Forged Podcast, Joey and Paul delve into the transformative power of gratitude. They share personal stories, practical exercises, and discuss how daily gratitude can shift your mindset, strengthen relationships, and deepen your faith. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, they explore how giving thanks in all circumstances is not just a command but a pathway to a more fulfilled life. Tune in to discover how embracing gratitude can forge a stronger brotherhood and a more resilient spirit.
📖 Bible Verse Mentioned:
 
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
📚 Resources & Mentions:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Amazon: The Power of Now
Official Site: Eckhart Tolle
Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
Amazon: Chop Wood Carry Water
Author’s Twitter: @JoshuaMedcalf
🔗 Connect with Us:
Brotherhood Forged: linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
Joey Koontz: joeykoontz.com
📬 Questions or Feedback?
 
We’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us at brotherhoodforged@gmail.com.

Episode 8: Authentic Brotherhood: Why Core Values Matter More Than Perfection (a Brotherhood Brief)

Perfection is overrated.
 
In this short episode, Joey and Paul talk about the pressure to perform and look the part—and how it often distracts us from what really matters.
 
They break down why connection, integrity, and shared values beat age, background, or status.
 
You’ll hear:
• Why “just showing up” is better than doing it all perfectly
• How to stay authentic in every circle you’re in
• The real reason your values build stronger brotherhood
• A quick word on Urban Meyer and why your internal energy matters
 
These short Monday drops are new—if this hits you, share it with a friend. And let us know what you want more of.
 
🎧 Brotherhood Forged – forged through faith, fire, and friendship.
🔗 LINKS
 
🎧 Listen + Watch: https://linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
📷 Follow Joey: https://www.instagram.com/joeykoontz
📷 Follow Paul: https://www.instagram.com/paulbengel
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BrotherhoodForged
🎙️ Available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts

Episode 7 | Mindset Mistakes That Sabotage Your Home

Your mindset doesn’t just impact your work or workouts—it shapes your marriage, your parenting, and your home atmosphere.
 
In this episode, Joey and Paul uncover the silent mistakes men bring home without even realizing it. From short fuses and silent resentment to passivity and emotional absence, we share real stories, simple tools, and biblical truth to help you lead with strength, presence, and grace.
 
🧠 Learn how to respond instead of react
💬 Build communication through connection
📖 Lean into spiritual anchors like Proverbs 27:17 and Philippians 4:13
🙏 Become the grounded man your family needs
 
Mentioned in this episode:
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
It’s Not About the Nail short film
Proverbs 27:17 | Philippians 4:13 | Joshua 24:15
Dr. Andrew Huberman’s research on stress
 
📩 Have a question or topic you want us to cover?
Email us at brotherhoodforged@gmail.com
 
🧭 Follow all links and resources: https://linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
🌍 Learn more about Joey: https://joeykoontz.com
 
Please rate, review, and share this episode to help more men lead with courage, faith, and intentionality.

Episode 6: Brotherhood Brief. Iron Sharpens Iron: Who’s Making You Better? | Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
 
This short Brotherhood Brief dives deep into the heart of real brotherhood and accountability. Joey and Paul share personal stories of friendship, faith, and challenge—reminding men everywhere that real growth doesn’t happen alone.
 
In this episode:
• Why Proverbs 27:17 is the foundation of Brotherhood Forged
• Stories of sharpening through faith, marriage, and real friendship
• Why showing up matters more than being perfect
• A call to be the man who sharpens others, not dulls them
• Why comfort kills growth—and how to challenge yourself again
 
Real brotherhood calls you out, lifts you up, and keeps you sharp.
 
🎧 Who sharpens you? And who are you sharpening?

Episode 5: Who You Marry Means Everything | Faith-Based Marriage Talk with Joey, Paul & Amber

Joey, Paul, and Amber get real about marriage — the challenges, the beauty, and the impact it has on generations. They share lessons from nearly 33 years of marriage, parenting through faith, and why God must be at the center of it all.
This episode is part encouragement, part letter to their children, and 100% grounded in truth, love, and real-life experiences. If you’re married, preparing to be, or need hope for your relationship, listen in.
📖 Bible Focus: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7🎙️ Hosts: Joey Koontz, Paul Bengel👩 Guest: Amber Bengel
 
Send in your questions: brotherhoodforged@gmail.comMore content & links: https://linktr.ee/brotherhoodforgedJoey’s page: https://joeykoontz.com
 
Please rate, review, and share if this episode resonated with you.

Episode 4 – Mindset Shift Part 1: What’s Holding You Back?

We’re kicking off a raw 3-part series on mindset. In this episode, Joey and Paul talk about how mindset affects every part of your life—your faith, relationships, leadership, and future.
 
We unpack:
What shaped our mindset growing up
When fear held us back
The difference between growth and fixed mindset (Carol Dweck)
Why encouragement from a parent can shape a lifetime
Why faith, identity, and daily renewal matter
 
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck: https://amzn.to/3VvC5hB
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins (audio recommended): https://amzn.to/3Wg6fLv
The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz: https://amzn.to/3W9uFyQ
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
 
📧 Drop us a line: brotherhoodforged@gmail.com
🔗 All links: linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
🌐 More from Joey: joeykoontz.com
 
Rate, share, and subscribe if this spoke to you. Your support helps us keep going.

Episode 3: Building Stronger Marriages: Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made

In Episode 3 of Brotherhood Forged, Joey and Paul get real about the ups and downs of marriage — what they’ve learned, what they’ve done wrong, and how God’s design continues to shape their relationships.
 
From overcoming bad habits to learning how to lead with love, they unpack key misconceptions and offer Biblical encouragement rooted in Ephesians 5:25 — “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.”
 
If you’re a husband striving to be better, this one’s for you.
🔥
Key Topics Covered:
Common marriage misconceptions that hold men back
Why “50/50” is a myth — and what it should be instead
How to communicate without assumptions or resentment
Building a vision for your marriage
What sacrificial love really looks like as a husband
Practical shifts that help marriages thrive
When to lead, when to support, and how to show up with humility
Real talk about commitment, keeping score, and selfishness
📖
Scripture of the Week:
 
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
🎯
Weekly Challenge:
 
➡️ Ask your wife:
“What makes you feel the most loved right now?”
Then follow through — without expecting anything in return.
 
➡️ Bonus Challenge:
Go over your love languages together and commit to one action that speaks to hers this week.
🧠
Reflection Questions (Journal or Group Discussion):
Am I loving my wife sacrificially… or selfishly?
Do I assume things about my wife without asking her directly?
What’s one area I need to stop keeping score in?
What are my spouse’s strengths that I often overlook?
How can I show up as the thermostat, not the thermometer, in my home?
 
📬
Connect with Us:
 
Email: brotherhoodforged@gmail.com
Share feedback, prayer requests, or your story — we’d love to hear from you.
🙌
If this episode helped you:
Like, share, and subscribe to the channel
Leave a review to help us reach more men
Invite a brother who could use this message
🎧 Available On:
 
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Podbean | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube
🎯 All Links Here

Episode 2: From Pain to Purpose: Stories of Growth and Brotherhood

Behind every man are battles nobody sees.
 
In this episode, Paul and Joey open up about painful experiences that shaped them into the men they are today. From family struggles to tragic loss, they talk about real growth, real lessons, and the power of brotherhood, faith, and perseverance.
 
You’ll hear about:
How silent battles can define your leadership and character
Why relationships are too precious to take for granted
How faith and brotherhood helped them rise above adversity
Core lessons that helped shape their lives
Action steps you can take to grow from your own challenges
 
Mentioned Links:
Learn more about The Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/dad-edge-alliance/
Check out The Dad Edge Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/podcast/
Visit Joey’s YouTube Channel (Joey’s Pain Cave): https://youtube.com/@joeyspaincave
Book Recommendation – The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz: Get it here on Amazon
 
Stay connected with us:
Email: brotherhoodforged@gmail.com
 
If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs it.
Leave a quick review to help us reach more brothers walking their own road.
 
Keep showing up. Keep leading with heart. Keep trusting Jesus.
 
Brotherhood Forged — Where truth meets grit.

Episode 1. Why We Started: From Bus Conversations to Brotherhood Forged

In our very first episode, we go back to where it all began—two strangers on a bus in St. Louis who became brothers through faith, fatherhood, and a shared mission to serve.
 
We talk about:
Why this podcast exists
What brotherhood means to us
The power of stepping out of your comfort zone
Our backgrounds, our families, and our faith
How mentorship and community changed our lives
This episode is raw, unscripted, and honest—just two guys chasing growth, learning out loud, and showing up for the men God has called us to be.
 
New episodes drop every Wednesday at 5AM (this we are dropping a couple of days early)
Thanks for listening. Subscribe and join us on this journey.
 
Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Brotherhood Forged! The Trailer.

Welcome to Brotherhood Forged
A faith-driven podcast hosted by Joey Koontz and Paul Bengel.
We talk real life—marriage, faith, leadership, addiction, purpose—and what it takes to lead as men of God in today’s world.
 
Expect raw conversations, biblical truth, and a brotherhood that sharpens and strengthens.
We’re not perfect. But we’re committed.
 
🎙️ New episodes weekly
🛠️ Subscribe, like, and join the tribe