Men in the Arena - Christian Men's Podcast
Jim Ramos
The Men in the Arena podcast equips Christian men in the stress bubble of life: married, with kids, building your career and trying to follow God while leading your family well. We'll help you become your best version, equipping you to honor God in your marriage, parenting, work, church and community!
Tuesday's podcast is Equipping Men in Ten - a ten-minute, laser-focused teaching from Jim Ramos to help you become your best version of a man.
Friday's podcast is a high-octane interview with an expert in the realm of masculinity and Christian manhood, with authors like John Eldredge, Gary Chapman, Gene Getz, Patrick Morley, and Emerson Eggerichs. Jim reads their books and boils down their teachings into a powerful interview to help you learn from their expertise.
Your host is bestselling author and speaker Jim Ramos. Jim has authored 9 books, including the bestseller 'Strong Men Dangerous Times: 5 Essentials Every Man Must Possess to Change His World', 'Tell Them: What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters', 'The Field Guide: A Bathroom Book for Men', and the 5-book Strong Men Study Guide men's small group curriculum. Jim's high-energy storytelling and conviction will call you out, build you up, and motivate you to become the man you've always known you could be.
The Men in the Arena are calling you into the Arena of manhood. We're calling you out of the faceless, nameless bleachers, and calling you UP to be the best version of you. Because when a man gets it, everyone wins.
Tuesday's podcast is Equipping Men in Ten - a ten-minute, laser-focused teaching from Jim Ramos to help you become your best version of a man.
Friday's podcast is a high-octane interview with an expert in the realm of masculinity and Christian manhood, with authors like John Eldredge, Gary Chapman, Gene Getz, Patrick Morley, and Emerson Eggerichs. Jim reads their books and boils down their teachings into a powerful interview to help you learn from their expertise.
Your host is bestselling author and speaker Jim Ramos. Jim has authored 9 books, including the bestseller 'Strong Men Dangerous Times: 5 Essentials Every Man Must Possess to Change His World', 'Tell Them: What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters', 'The Field Guide: A Bathroom Book for Men', and the 5-book Strong Men Study Guide men's small group curriculum. Jim's high-energy storytelling and conviction will call you out, build you up, and motivate you to become the man you've always known you could be.
The Men in the Arena are calling you into the Arena of manhood. We're calling you out of the faceless, nameless bleachers, and calling you UP to be the best version of you. Because when a man gets it, everyone wins.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 11, 2026 • 10min
Does Your Son Have Other Godly Men Speaking Into Him? - Podcast Highlight: MercyMe's Bart and Sam Millard EP 967
Bart Millard, MercyMe lead singer and father, speaks as a parent about championing his son. Sam Millard, musician and son, shares stories of being mentored on tour and shaped by godly men. They discuss how other godly men stepped in, the necessity of older mentors, and why men must champion young sons. Short, heartfelt, and practical reflections on faith, mentorship, and fathering.
10 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 31min
Guardrail #1: Living Above Reproach - Ten Boundaries for an Unbreakable Marriage - EP 966
Kent Mahelona, retired food services pro and long-time church volunteer, shares decades of marriage wisdom. They talk about living above reproach, how perception shapes behavior, setting practical boundaries, and accountability tools to protect character and marriage. Short, practical stories and clear steps keep the conversation grounded and relatable.
Feb 6, 2026 • 51min
MercyMe: The Father-Son Story That Could Change How You See Your Son w/ MercyMe's Bart and Sam Millard EP 965
Sam Millard, singer-songwriter who has navigated life with type 1 diabetes, and Bart Millard, MercyMe frontman and Grammy-nominated songwriter, share a father-son story. They discuss the film I Can Only Imagine 2, parenting under pressure, reconciliation, mentorship, music born from suffering, and how presence and affirmation shaped their relationship.
Feb 4, 2026 • 10min
What Strong Men Actually Need to Overcome Struggles - Podcast Highlight: Shawn Johnson EP 964
Raw stories about hiding pain and the shift to seeking God's presence. Honest talk on telling close men first and building authentic brotherhood. Practical scenes of prayer, laughter, boxing, and friends stepping in to fight for you. A challenge to stop isolating and to start leaning on others.
Feb 3, 2026 • 43min
You're Not Who You Think You Are, and It's Holding You Back - Average Joe Conversation w/ Michael Rilee EP 963
Mike Riley, longtime Young Life area director and ministry leader, reflects on wrestling with vocation and discovering identity in Christ. He recounts conversion moments, resisting false humility, and how being seen as a gift reshapes relationships. Short, candid stories explore freedom from fear, embracing uniqueness, and stepping into the tension of real ministry and manhood.
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h
Undefeated: Habits That Break the Cycle of Defeat and Build Purpose w/ Shawn Johnson 962
Shawn Johnson, lead pastor who founded Red Rocks Church and author, shares candid stories of leading through a degenerative brain disease. He discusses choosing to keep fighting, practical habits like ‘kiss the fire,’ wrestling with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, worship as resistance, and how purpose and community shape life amid suffering.
12 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 6min
Why Life's Ups and Downs Actually Speed Up Success - Podcast Highlight: Mark Batterson EP 961
Mark Batterson, bestselling author and pastor known for faith-driven leadership, explains why prolonged dips accelerate success. He contrasts slow growth with resilience. He uses the brachistochrone curve metaphor and shares stories of failed starts and long waits. He argues that delays and setbacks build the strength needed for lasting impact.
29 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 10min
4 Rules for Treating Kids How Jesus Did: The Blind Spot in How Adults View Children - Equipping Men in Ten EP 960
A call to rethink how men engage with children, treating their space as holy and using the first minute intentionally. A look at biblical words for child and what they imply about value and protection. Practical rules on strength with gentleness, honoring kids as whole people, and blessing them in everyday moments.
Jan 23, 2026 • 25min
Respected at Work but NOT at Home? Getting the Respect You Crave - Message at the MAG EP 959
A message about why men who are admired at work may be dismissed at home. It explores the problem of living compartmentalized lives and urges men to become integrated, whole, and worthy of imitation. Topics include biblical models of respect, earning influence through integrity, bridging generational divides, and a simple practical test to find where you are “waffling.”
6 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 9min
What Happens When Work Stress Enters Your Home? - Question & Answer from The Locker Room w/ Jim Ramos EP 958
In this engaging discussion, callers share their personal journeys with work stress and family life. One caller admits to bringing tension home and creating unnecessary conflict, seeking ways to decompress. Another, a handyman, finds joy after transitioning from a stressful job, allowing him to be more present with his family. A unique 'dumpster' ritual helps another caller 'dump' his stress before arriving home, focusing instead on gratitude. Together, they explore practical strategies and reflect on the importance of knowing one's identity beyond work.
