Dr. Pepper and Friends

FieldCraft is live.Learn more at https://www.fieldcraftoutdoorco.com/In this episode of The State of the Man, I sit down with Aaron Grissom to talk about something many men feel—but don’t always know how to name: the need for adventure.Not reckless thrill-seeking.Not escape.But what I call tactical adventure—intentional, repeatable challenge that keeps a man grounded, present, and alive in the life he already has.We explore:Why adventure uniquely draws menWhat adventure does for a man’s heart, confidence, and clarityThe difference between big, once-in-a-lifetime adventures and smaller, frequent onesForms of adventure beyond hunting and fishingHow men seek stimulation maladaptively when adventure isn’t intentionalThere’s real data showing that challenge, uncertainty, and outdoor engagement improve mental health—yet most men only engage occasionally. We talk about what’s lost when adventure becomes optional instead of formative.This conversation is for men who:• Carry responsibility• Feel restless but can’t quite explain why• Want strength without posturing• Want depth without burnoutAdventure isn’t extra.It’s regulatory.If you’ve ever felt more alive when something was at stake—and flatter when nothing was—this conversation is for you.This episode is part of The State of the Man series, exploring men and their emotions, relationships, purpose, grit, and the practices that help men live steady, present lives.

Welcome back! Today, we move on with the covenant promises after thirteen years of silence in Genesis 17. Men of Fellowship Bible Study, Jackson, TN

January often functions like a personal State of the Union—a moment to pause, take inventory, and get honest about where things really stand.In this episode of Dr. Pepper & Friends, Pepper is joined by his friend and colleague Will Chenault for a deeper conversation about the current state of manhood. Not politically, but personally, relationally, spiritually, and emotionally.This conversation explores why so many men who are responsible, faithful, and doing what needs to be done still feel quietly worn down—and why strength alone often isn’t enough to sustain real life.Out of those observations came a framework Pepper has been developing called FieldCraft. Not as a product or a pitch, but as a way of naming what men seem to need in order to stay steady under pressure.This episode serves as an orientation—naming the terrain and the need.It also kicks off a short January series called The State of the Man. In the episodes ahead, Pepper will be joined by pastors, counselors, and other thoughtful voices to explore key areas shaping men’s lives today, including:• Emotions• Grit• Purpose• Authenticity• AdventureThese conversations aren’t about hype, fixing men, or quick answers. They’re about clarity, honesty, and what actually helps men live grounded lives over time.If this resonates, stay close. More conversations are coming.

Karen and I had the opportunity to lead at Christ Community Church in Bells, TN at the church home of good friends Mark and Becky Howard. This takes the meaningful space between Christmas and the New Year and reminds us that a new calendar year and resolutions are not enough. We need something more.

Jennie Haywood, LPC/MHSP joins us in a conversation about how children grieve differently than adults. What are there needs? How are they different at differnt ages? How do you explain grief from a Christian worldview? What are the misconceptions? In this episode, we take on those questions and more.

Men of Fellowship study of Genesis 16.

Debbie Bellinghausen, LCSW joins us in a conversation about how grief can leave us feeling crazy during the holidays, but the mood changes, busyness, and tendencies to isolate are just normal. We then get into some protips about how to resolve to not only live in peace during the holidays, but also how to fourish.

Men of Fellowship Bible Study 12/3/25. Abrahamic Covenant.

We may not ask this question out loud, but today we do. What happens when you die? Pastor Eugene Brandt shares the hope we have in Christ as well as comfort to those who are grieving.

Today, we begin a new series through the holidays called Grit, Grief, & Grace. Today, we are joined by Will Chenault to talk about a question we all ask during the dark times.If you would like a free resource, 5 Signs of Unhealed Trauma, here is a link:https://pepper-s-site-4aec.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder