Ever notice how certain family traditions just stick, not because of what you do, but because of who you become together? In this episode, Chris and Jesse talk about why rhythms like Thanksgiving trips, Christmas tree rituals, or even peeling apples as a family can quietly shape who we are. They explore how small, repeated moments turn into anchors of identity, grounding us when life feels scattered. You’ll hear stories that are both hilarious and deeply human, from failed traditions that burned (literally) to ones that became sacred. Maybe it’ll have you wondering what stories your own family rituals are telling.
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Dive into the heart of fatherhood with the Man Maker Project: A Father's Guide to Initiating His Son into Manhood – the ultimate guide for dads seeking to instill godly values in their sons. Experience the transformative journey of intentional fathering as you navigate modern rites of passage and empower your son to become a beacon of strength and kindness in society.
Man Maker Project: A Father's Guide to Initiating His Son into Manhood available on Amazon.com.
Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is stop producing. In this conversation, Jesse French and Cody Buriff talk about what it means to let parts of our lives “lay fallow”—to rest, to pause, and to trust that unseen work is still happening beneath the surface. They explore why rest isn’t laziness, but wisdom, and how our constant drive to achieve can actually rob us of long-term health. Together they wrestle with questions about control, trust, and the fear of slowing down. It’s an honest look at what happens when men choose to stop forcing growth and let God do His quiet work.
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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Ready for transformative adventures? Whether you're seeking connection with your kids, personal growth in midlife, or healing journeys, we've got you covered. Join us in exploring the wilderness and overseas for life-changing experiences. Invest in yourself and your relationships today.
Visit https://www.restorationproject.net/experiences and start your journey now!
Sometimes the most important work isn’t in the harvesting but in the sorting that follows. Cody and Jesse talk about what it means to “thresh” our stories—to separate what’s real and life-giving from what’s just been protecting us. They explore how our masks and old ways of coping can hide the truer parts of who we are. Together they wonder what it looks like to name both the pain and the glory of how we’ve shown up this year. It’s an honest look at how reflection, curiosity, and the presence of others help reveal the man God is still shaping in us.
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Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Ready for transformative adventures? Whether you're seeking connection with your kids, personal growth in midlife, or healing journeys, we've got you covered. Join us in exploring the wilderness and overseas for life-changing experiences. Invest in yourself and your relationships today.
Visit https://www.restorationproject.net/experiences and start your journey now!
It’s fall, and Jesse and Cody are leaning into what this season has to teach us about our own lives. Harvest is more than gathering crops; it’s about looking back and naming what’s been growing in us over the past year. Maybe some things thrived, maybe others didn’t—but either way, this is a time to take stock without shame. They talk about how reflection helps us see what’s been formed in our hearts and where God’s been at work, even when we missed it. Because before we can move forward, we have to gather what’s grown.
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Ready for transformative adventures? Whether you're seeking connection with your kids, personal growth in midlife, or healing journeys, we've got you covered. Join us in exploring the wilderness and overseas for life-changing experiences. Invest in yourself and your relationships today.
Visit https://www.restorationproject.net/experiences and start your journey now!
Sometimes growth feels invisible and you wonder if anything is really happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Cody, Jesse, and Alison Buriff explore the surprising wisdom of the garden and what it teaches us about patience, tending, and transformation. From soil health to the slow process of rooting, they connect the hidden work of plants with the hidden work of our own lives. You will hear stories of pulling weeds, waiting for fruit, and learning to trust the process. It is an honest conversation about why real growth takes time and why that is actually good news.
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Cody and Jesse sit down to talk about the beauty and ache of raising daughters. From the first time you hold them to the teenage years that stretch you in new ways, the journey brings both joy and grief. They share stories of tenderness, protection, and the surprising wisdom their daughters have offered back to them. This isn’t just about parenting skills, but about how fathering changes a man from the inside out. It’s an honest look at the mystery, the laughter, and even the tears that come with walking alongside daughters as they grow.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Ready for transformative adventures? Whether you're seeking connection with your kids, personal growth in midlife, or healing journeys, we've got you covered. Join us in exploring the wilderness and overseas for life-changing experiences. Invest in yourself and your relationships today.
Visit https://www.restorationproject.net/experiences and start your journey now!
Jesse and Jeremy kick off this episode laughing and teasing each other, but pretty quickly the conversation turns to something deeper. They play a clip from Jeremy’s interview with John Tyson that names a truth many men have never heard clearly enough: you are needed. Not when you get everything figured out, not when you feel strong enough, but right now as you are. Together they talk about how easy it is to freeze up waiting to be “ready” and how powerful it is when a brother or father says show up anyway. It is a reminder that what the world needs is not a perfect man but a present one.
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It’s easy to spend years playing a role and lose touch with who you really are. We all create masks and false selves to survive disconnection or to chase the love we longed for but didn’t know how to receive. In this episode, Chris and Jesse explore the reality that every man wrestles with a false persona, and every man is invited to risk laying it down. They unpack what it means to return to your true story, to embrace your identity as beloved, and why that journey can feel both terrifying and deeply freeing. This is a grounding conversation about shedding the false self and stepping into restorative manhood rooted in love.
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Manhood can feel like uncharted territory, most of us are figuring it out as we go. From September 25–28, 2025, the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit brings together voices like Dan Allender, Dude Dad, Mark Batterson, Curt Thompson, and more to talk identity, fatherhood, friendship, and becoming the man you were made to be. You’ll get honest, practical conversations you can watch or listen to on your own schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free! Sign up at restorationproject.net/RMDSummit.
Parenting has a way of exposing just how quickly we can lose our cool. In this episode of The Restorative Man Podcast, Chris Bruno and Jesse French talk about the practice of non-anxious curiosity, a simple but powerful way to stop yelling at your kids and become a calm dad. Sparked by a conversation with Mark Batterson on the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit, they explore how choosing curiosity over control changes the way we parent, love, and lead. Through real stories of rupture and repair, they get honest about the messy moments every father faces. If you’ve been searching for how to connect with your kids without constant correction, this conversation will help you breathe a little easier.
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Manhood can feel like uncharted territory, most of us are figuring it out as we go. From September 25–28, 2025, the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit brings together voices like Dan Allender, Dude Dad, Mark Batterson, Curt Thompson, and more to talk identity, fatherhood, friendship, and becoming the man you were made to be. You’ll get honest, practical conversations you can watch or listen to on your own schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free! Sign up at restorationproject.net/RMDSummit.
So many men grow up cutting off parts of themselves just to fit expectations. In this episode, Cody Buriff and Jesse French share a teaser from Jesse's interview with Taylor Calmus, aka "Dude Dad", featured in the upcoming Restorative Manhood Digital Summit. Taylor talks about chasing creativity, rediscovering childhood passions, and why refusing to box yourself in can actually lead to a more authentic life. Cody and Jesse reflect on their own journeys of integration, reminding us that the things that once made us come alive as kids still matter today. It’s an honest, funny, and hopeful look at manhood that invites us to carry all of who we are into the world.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Manhood can feel like uncharted territory, most of us are figuring it out as we go. From September 25–28, 2025, the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit brings together voices like Dan Allender, Dude Dad, Mark Batterson, Curt Thompson, and more to talk identity, fatherhood, friendship, and becoming the man you were made to be. You’ll get honest, practical conversations you can watch or listen to on your own schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free! Sign up at restorationproject.net/RMDSummit.
In this episode, Jesse French and Greg Ehlert share a heartfelt conversation sparked by Greg’s interview with John Ortberg on spiritual disciplines. They unpack how practices meant to bring us closer to God can easily slip into performance and self-evaluation, leaving us striving instead of resting in grace. With insights from Dallas Willard and vivid metaphors like sailing and surfing, they reflect on how spiritual practices are less about achieving and more about opening ourselves to God’s love. The discussion also explores how living in this posture of receptivity reshapes not only our relationship with God but also the way we show up with our families and communities. It’s an honest and freeing reminder that disciplines are not about shoulds or striving, but about connection and trust.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Manhood can feel like uncharted territory, most of us are figuring it out as we go. From September 25–28, 2025, the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit brings together voices like Dan Allender, Dude Dad, Mark Batterson, Curt Thompson, and more to talk identity, fatherhood, friendship, and becoming the man you were made to be. You’ll get honest, practical conversations you can watch or listen to on your own schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free! Sign up at restorationproject.net/RMDSummit.
Cathy Loerzel says the world needs men in their most redeemed form—men who don’t apologize for their manhood but offer it as strength, not power. In this teaser for her interview in the upcoming Restorative Manhood Digital Summit, Chris and Cody unpack the tension so many men feel between being “too much” and “not enough,” and how those messages often start in childhood. They share how fear of hurting others can cause men to pull back, creating a “masculine famine” in relationships and communities. The conversation explores the difference between power that wounds and strength that creates safety, as well as how repair after rupture can be one of the truest signs of maturity. Vulnerability, confidence, and the willingness to show up as the man you were made to be all take center stage.
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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Ever feel like life didn’t turn out the way you hoped, and you’re left holding the pieces of what you thought would be? In this episode, Cody and Jesse sit down to talk about disillusionment—how it shows up in our faith, families, and even our own growth, and why it might not be the enemy we think it is. With a powerful snippet from Dan Allender (part of our upcoming Restorative Manhood Digital Summit), they reflect on the quiet invitations hidden inside our disappointments. What if disillusionment isn’t something to avoid, but something that clears space for something deeper, truer, and more lasting?
Want to hear more voices like Dan Allender’s? Join us for the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit, happening September 25–28. It’s a free, four-day online event featuring conversations with pastors, psychologists, scientists, and spiritual leaders—offering a hopeful, honest vision of masculinity.
Register now at restorationproject.net/rmdsummit
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Manhood can feel like uncharted territory, most of us are figuring it out as we go. From September 25–28, 2025, the Restorative Manhood Digital Summit brings together voices like Dan Allender, Dude Dad, Mark Batterson, Curt Thompson, and more to talk identity, fatherhood, friendship, and becoming the man you were made to be. You’ll get honest, practical conversations you can watch or listen to on your own schedule. Best of all, it’s completely free! Sign up at restorationproject.net/RMDSummit.
In this episode, Jesse French and Cody Buriff explore what truly defines adventure—not just epic outdoor experiences, but everyday moments that challenge and shape us. They identify four essential aspects of adventure: wilderness (the unknown), risk (the possibility of loss), struggle (both internal and external), and glory (the beauty or transformation that follows). Through stories ranging from backcountry hailstorms to backyard sprinkler repairs, they show how adventure invites growth and soul-deep change. They challenge the idea that adventure is only for the bold or athletic, and instead frame it as essential for every man’s formation. Real adventure, they argue, happens whenever we step into the unknown with courage and openness.
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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Are you settling for buddies when you could have brothers? Chris Bruno's ''Brotherhood Primer: A Man's Guide To Turning Buddies Into Brothers'' is your roadmap to authentic male camaraderie, transcending small talk to forge connections rooted in shared stories and vulnerability. This practical guide isn't just about understanding; it's about action—empowering men to champion each other's strengths while embracing their flaws.
Get Brotherhood Primer: A Man's Guide To Turning Buddies Into Brothers on Amazon and turn buddies into brothers.
What do a plague of locusts and our inner world have in common? In this vivid and surprisingly relatable conversation, Cody and Jesse unpack how a scarcity mindset can transform us—just like grasshoppers turning into swarming locusts when the environment shifts. Through stories from childhood, garden failures, and even reality TV survival shows, they explore how fear of “not enough” can quietly dictate our decisions and relationships. But they also name the quiet miracle of abundance: people who live open-handed, present, and generous even in the face of limitations. This episode holds up a mirror to our everyday stress and invites us to imagine a different way of being—one rooted in trust, freedom, and enoughness.
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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Feeling stuck or just craving something more? Join us for The Journey — a weekend for men to step away, reconnect, and remember who they really are, happening September 16-20, 2025. It’s not about fixing yourself; it’s about finding your true self alongside brothers on the same path. Spots are limited, so check it out and sign up here: restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/the-journey!
Summer’s in full swing, but what if now is the perfect time to look ahead? In this episode, Chris and Jesse invite us to lift our eyes from the daily grind and glimpse something on the horizon—The Grove. They share the heart behind this unique gathering of men, where connection and equipping go hand in hand. From its humble beginnings in a Wyoming basement to a movement rooted in the metaphor of the Aspen Grove, the conversation explores why men need each other now more than ever. And what if the way forward isn’t through doing more… but becoming more?
Join the Grove Experiences:
The Grove: Colorado (October 2-5, 2025) - https://www.restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/grove-colorado
The Grove: Northwest (October 16-19, 2025) - https://www.restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/grove-northwest
The Grove: East Coast (2026) - https://www.restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/grove-east-coast
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Every man needs moments where the outer world helps him see his inner world more clearly. The Sage Experience is a guided wilderness journey where beauty, brokenness, and brotherhood meet—calling you into deeper healing and purpose. This is your invitation to become more than just older… to become a Sage. Learn more at restorationproject.net/experiences.
Summer can feel like a juggling act, between work, kids, house projects, and the pressure to make every moment Instagram-worthy. In this episode, Chris and Jesse reflect on how they’re navigating two very different family rhythms during the summer months. They explore the myth of summer being a “slower” season for adults and challenge the idea that it has to be filled with big plans to be meaningful. Instead, they highlight the power of small moments, five-minute connections that carry more weight than any epic vacation. With honesty and humor, they remind us that sometimes aiming lower might actually help us connect more deeply.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Feeling stuck or just craving something more? Join us for The Journey — a weekend for men to step away, reconnect, and remember who they really are, happening September 16-20, 2025. It’s not about fixing yourself; it’s about finding your true self alongside brothers on the same path. Spots are limited, so check it out and sign up here: restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/the-journey!
A quick drive to a summer basketball camp turns into an unexpected heart-stirring moment for Jesse when he runs into the coaches who once shaped his teenage years. In this episode, he and Chris unpack how affirmation, especially from people who matter, can echo across decades and still touch something deep inside. They talk about the difference between being affirmed for your performance versus being affirmed for simply who you are. Along the way, they explore how remembered goodness can be just as powerful as present affirmation. If you've ever longed to hear “you matter” from someone important, this conversation will meet you right there.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Feeling stuck or just craving something more? Join us for The Journey — a weekend for men to step away, reconnect, and remember who they really are, happening September 16-20, 2025. It’s not about fixing yourself; it’s about finding your true self alongside brothers on the same path. Spots are limited, so check it out and sign up here: restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/the-journey!
What do fish and chips, flying french fries, and a rowdy Scottish pub have to do with becoming a Sage? In this episode, Chris and Jesse reflect on their recent trip to Scotland with a group of men exploring what it means to step into midlife with intention. From the tremors of transition to questions of identity, legacy, and regret, they share the kinds of conversations that shape a man’s decades ahead. If this kind of journey sounds like something your soul is craving, consider joining one of our upcoming Sage Experiences. Spots are open now for:
Sage Experience: Scotland 2026 - https://www.restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/sagescotland
Sage Experience: Ireland 2026 - https://www.restorationproject.net/mens-experiences/sageireland
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
Subscribe here: https://rp-grove.circle.so/
To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Every man needs moments where the outer world helps him see his inner world more clearly. The Sage Experience is a guided wilderness journey where beauty, brokenness, and brotherhood meet—calling you into deeper healing and purpose. This is your invitation to become more than just older… to become a Sage. Learn more at restorationproject.net/experiences.
What does it really mean to launch your kids well? In this episode, Chris and Jesse unpack the transition from fathering children to walking alongside them as young adults—with all the joy, grief, and humility it requires. They share powerful moments from Trek: Kenya, a father-teen expedition that invites dads into raw conversations and real growth. From the weight of past mistakes to the wonder of seeing your child’s glory up close, this is about launching hearts, not just moving boxes. And somewhere between wildebeest stampedes and safari trucks, a deeper kind of beauty emerges: the honor of being a dad.
Access the Restoration Project Community and join the Grove Collective!
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To know more about Restoration Project, visit us here:
Unlock the power of midlife with Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage - your guide to embracing the wisdom of the second passage. As you navigate this pivotal season, discover the untapped potential within you and reclaim your true identity. Don't settle for the belief that your best years are behind you; instead, step into the fullness of God's calling for your life.
Get your copy of Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage today on amazon.com and embark on a transformative journey towards becoming the man you were destined to be.
