Brotherhood Forged: A Christian Men’s Podcast on Faith, Fatherhood & Leadership

Episode 11: Part 2 – Cultivating Gratitude in Every Season

In this continuation of our gratitude series, we delve deeper into the transformative power of thankfulness in our daily lives. From personal anecdotes to practical exercises, discover how intentional gratitude can reshape your relationships, mindset, and spiritual journey.
 
Key Highlights:
The importance of expressing appreciation in relationships
Implementing gratitude anchors and visual reminders
Embracing gratitude during challenging times
Engaging in family practices like the photo-a-day challenge
Addressing common misconceptions about gratitude
Reflecting on personal growth and past experiences
Practical exercises to cultivate daily gratitude
 
Bible Verse:
 
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
 
Resources & Mentions:
ScreamFree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel: 
ScreamFree Marriage by Hal Edward Runkel: 
Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf: 
From Life Sentence to Life’s Purpose with Damon West on The Ed Mylett Show: 
 
Connect with Us:
Brotherhood Forged: linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
Joey Koontz: joeykoontz.com
 
Engage with the Brotherhood:
 
If this episode touched your heart or sparked a new perspective, we’d love to hear from you. Share your reflections, questions, or stories with us at brotherhoodforged@gmail.com. Remember to rate and review our podcast to help us reach more listeners on their journey of faith and growth.

Episode 10 – Are Your People Sharpening You or Softening You?

In this special milestone episode, Joey and Paul reflect on their podcast journey so far and dive deep into what it means to choose the right people in your life. They discuss the power of real brotherhood, honest feedback, and how to evaluate your circle using Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
 
This episode will challenge you to think about the people closest to you. Are they helping you grow or keeping you comfortable? Are they lifting you up or holding you back?
 
🎧 Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs this message.
 
🔗 Visit: linktr.ee/brotherhoodforged
🌐 Learn more at: joeykoontz.com
📧 Contact: brotherhoodforged@gmail.com

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
 
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