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Forging The Path

Forging The Path

by Adam Zastrow

Season 2

From Pastor’s Kid to Therapist: Jonathan Irish on Faith and Inner Healing

What happens when your faith feels like pressure instead of peace? In this episode of Forging the Path, licensed professional counselor Jonathan Irish shares his journey from life as a pastor’s kid to guiding men toward healing as a therapist. Together, we unpack how identity in Christ redefines masculinity, how to break free from the “chameleon life,” and why so many men silently struggle with fear, shame, and passivity. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why identity is the foundation of spiritual and emotional health Breaking cycles of shame, fear, and performance How fatherhood, faith, and family life reveal your deepest values A therapist’s perspective on inner healing and resilience The power of refining faith through everyday struggle =================== Connect with Jonathan: Website: https://www.setaparttherapyservices.com/ Email: setaparttherapyservices@gmail.com Phone: (262) 701-7255 =================== Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans: (262) 696-9048 Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity: (262) 725-2855 =================== Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31

Grief, Resilience, and a Soldier's Journey Toward Healing with Lt. Col. Dan Hendershot

What happens when a soldier’s toughest battle isn’t fought on the battlefield—but in facing the tragic loss of a spouse? In this deeply personal episode of Forging the Path, Lt. Col. Dan Hendershot courageously opens up about his journey through grief, faith, and finding resilience after losing his wife to cancer. From commanding troops in Iraq to navigating heartbreak at home, Dan shares raw insights into how God, community, and personal discipline carried him through his darkest days. If you or someone you know is walking through grief, struggling to hold onto faith, or seeking inspiration to keep moving forward, this episode will speak straight to your heart. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Dan’s powerful story of love, loss, and faith tested by tragedy The real struggles and triumphs of military life, from deployment to family dynamics Practical ways men can navigate grief and support their families in tough times The unexpected strength found in community, faith, and physical discipline Why confronting pain honestly is key to true healing Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans: (262) 696-9048 closewithmichael.com Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity: (262) 725-2855 adamandclairezastrow.com Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31

Masculinity, Mentorship, and the Outdoors with Jairus Stolar and Matthew Austin

What do hunting, brotherhood, and biblical masculinity have in common? Everything. In this episode of Forging the Path, Adam Zastrow sits down with Jairius Stolar and Matthew Austin for a bold, faith-filled conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s world. They talk about fatherhood, firearms, mentorship, and the kind of friendships men desperately need—but rarely find. With stories from the woods and wisdom from the Word, this episode is a reminder that real men protect, provide, and pursue truth with purpose. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why mentorship and mission go hand-in-hand The spiritual power of hunting and being outdoors How to think biblically about firearms and home defense Building a band of brothers through shared challenge What kids really learn from watching their dad Connect with us on Instagram: Matthew Austin Jairius Stolar Adam Zastrow Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans: (262) 696-9048 Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity: (262) 725-2855

Fighting Addiction, Finding Purpose, and Transforming Lives

What does it look like to surrender everything — addiction, pride, fear — and let God rebuild your life from the ground up? In this episode of Forging the Path, former Marine, Addison Chapman shares his raw story of addiction, recovery, and the powerful calling that emerged from his pain. From military service and firefighter training to wrestling with lust and pride, Addison lays it all on the table. Now, he's leading young men toward Christ and building a movement grounded in brotherhood, discipline, and gospel truth. He has also launched a radio station called "The Spark FM." What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Addison’s battle with addiction and how God broke through How confession, brotherhood, and structure helped him heal Why young men are spiritually lost — and what they actually need The danger of passivity and emotional numbness in men How discipline, fitness, and faith work together to form leaders Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans (262) 696-9048 https://www.closewithmichael.com/ Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity (262) 725-2855 https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/ Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31

How a Teacher Built a Ministry Through Hip-Hip (with ATK)

What happens when a teacher hears God's call to reach students through hip-hop? In this powerful episode of Forging the Path, Josh Atkinson (aka ATK) shares how he went from classroom teacher to Christian rap artist — and launched a full-blown ministry that’s changing lives. Through ATK Ministry, Josh is helping students write, produce, and perform gospel-centered music that connects directly with their culture and hearts From fear and doubt to faith and obedience, this is the story of one man saying “yes” to God's call and watching the impact multiply across a city. What you'll learn: How ATK turned fear into bold obedience Why hip-hop is a powerful tool for sharing Jesus The story behind Milwaukee's most unique student ministry A student’s journey from secular rap to baptism Why your calling will likely scare you — and that’s a good thing Support or Learn More About ATK Ministry: https://www.atkministry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/atk_ministry/ Our Sponsors: ⁠The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans⁠ (262) 696-9048 ⁠Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity⁠ (262) 725-2855 Connect with Adam: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠

Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood with Michael Creed

What does it mean to be a steward of your body? In this episode of Forging the Path, Michael Creed -- business owner, mortgage lender and father of 2 -- lays down a powerful challenge to Christian men: stop making excuses and start living with discipline. We talk about the connection between physical fitness and spiritual leadership, the legacy you're building for your children, and why true masculinity is about stewardship — not selfishness. Whether you're struggling with motivation, feeling stuck, or ready to reclaim your health and purpose — this episode is for you. Topics covered: Why your physical health is a reflection of your stewardship Why a "dad bod" isn't biblical How laziness is undermining your witness The impact of a disciplined life on future generations How to develop a mindset that honors God daily Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans, (262) 696-9048 Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity, (262) 725-2855 Connect with Adam: Instagram Facebook

No Regrets: The Movement Bringing Men Back to Faith (with Steve Sonderman)

Why are so many men checking out of church? And what can we do about it? In this powerful episode of Forging the Path, Pastor Steve Sonderman -- founder of No Regrets Men's Ministry -- shares his journey from injury and disappointments to founding a movement that has impacted thousands of men around the world. We dive deep into the following: Why men feel disconnected from modern church culture The origins and explosive growth of the No Regrets Ministry How to disciple men effectively and build strong spiritual communities Practical ways every man can find purpose, brotherhood, and opportunities to lead If you're passionate about reaching men, connecting with brothers in Christ, building stronger families, or growing in the faith -- this episode is for YOU. Connect with Steve and No Regrets: https://www.noregretsmen.org/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/no-regrets-mens-ministries/id1191616239 Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans #262-696-9048 https://www.closewithmichael.com/ Zastrow Family Real Estate powered by Realty Executives Integrity #262-725-2855 https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/ Connect with Adam: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31/

Why Men Hate Going to Church

Why are so many men leaving the church? In this roundtable discussion, we break down the real reasons behind the decline in male church attendance and how we can fix it. In this episode, we cover: Why men struggle to engage with church culture The historical and cultural shifts that contributed to the decline How men can step up in faith, leadership, and discipleship The role of the church in calling men to biblical masculinity Practical solutions to bring men back into the church This conversation is for men who feel disconnected from church, church leaders who want to engage men, and anyone who wants to see biblical masculinity restored in the body of Christ. Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans https://www.closewithmichael.com/ Zastrow Family Real Estate https://adamzastrow.realtyexecutivesintegrity.com/index.php Connect with Adam: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31/

My Comeback Story - with Steve Nelson, owner of Wingman Gifts

What does it take to overcome loss, find purpose, and trust in God through it all? In this powerful episode of Forging the Path, Steve Nelson - owner of Wingman Gifts - shares his incredible journey of faith, perseverance, and resilience through some of life’s toughest trials. From losing his firstborn son to battling severe illness and depression, Steve opens up about the struggles that tested his faith — and how he fought his way back. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to cling to God in faith while experiencing loss How to grieve with hope How to be there for others who are suffering How to find purpose through adversity How to build resilience If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks, loss, or finding your purpose—this episode is for you. Connect with Steve: Wingman Gifts: ⁠https://wingmangifts.com/ ⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wingmangifts_/?hl=en⁠ FTP Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team at Luminate Home Loans: ⁠https://www.closewithmichael.com/ 262-696-9048 Zastrow Family Real Estate, powered by Realty Executives Integrity: ⁠adamandclairezastrow.com⁠ 262-725-2855 Connect with Adam: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/zastrowadam/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/adam.zastrow.31⁠

What's so great about Jesus? ...with Ethan Zastrow

As brothers, Ethan and I grew up in the same house, in the same church, with the same exposure to faith—but we took different paths. While I’ve fully embraced my faith in Christ, Ethan has spent years wrestling with belief, doubt, and the search for meaning. In this conversation, he shares his journey from questioning faith to rediscovering the profound impact of Jesus Christ. This isn’t just another religious debate—it’s an open, honest discussion about faith, skepticism, and the hunger for something more. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, I think you'll find something in this conversation that challenges and inspires you. What We Cover in This Episode: Why so many young men are rediscovering faith today The cosmic and historical impact of Jesus Is Christianity still relevant in today’s world? The search for meaning beyond materialism Our Sponsors: The Michael Creed Team with Luminate Home Loans Zastrow Family Real Estate powered by Realty Executives Integrity Connect with us: Instagram: / zastrowadam Facebook: / adam.zastrow.31

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