What makes a man heroic in today's world? In this raw and powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Nathan Crankfield—Army veteran, Catholic convert, and founder of Seeking Excellence—dives deep into that question. Raised amid chaos, formed by faith, and sharpened through military grit, Nathan shares the moments that shaped his definition of modern heroism.
From the martyrdom of St. Thomas More to the no-excuses discipline of his Army mentor, Nathan walks us through how ordinary men can live with extraordinary conviction. You'll hear how he found faith as a teenager, overcame self-destruction, and embraced responsibility in every area of life—from fatherhood to leadership.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked: What does it mean to be a good man when the world doesn’t seem to want them anymore? It’s about the courage to fight for virtue, the strength to carry others, and the humility to seek greatness not for glory—but for God.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Nathan Crankfield
03:16 Personal thoughts on Heroism
12:52 Encounter at Mount St. Mary's
14:38 Joining the Army
17:10 The Impact of Sergeant Hollingsworth
21:40 Heroes in Faith
25:54 Defining Excellence: The Six Pillars of Life
30:33 Becoming a Hero for the Next Generation
