In this episode, we sit down with speakers Ennie Hickman and Paul George to unpack the themes of risk, faith, and mentorship.
From Ennie’s grand-slam opening talk to Paul’s reflections on mentorship, this discussion dives deep into what it means to live a risky, faith-filled life as a man today.
Highlights:
- Ennie’s Home Run Start (00:11): Ennie Hickman kicks off the conference with a powerful talk that surprises everyone—described as a “grand slam” after setting expectations low with a “bunt.” We explore his rhetorical flair and the humor that had the crowd laughing, even if it took a moment to sink in.
- The Abraham Joke (01:25): Ennie breaks down his viral moment—a hilarious yet profound take on Abraham’s obedience to God, from circumcision to the sacrifice of Isaac. It’s a wild reminder of the risks faith demands.
- Risky Faith (02:22): Paul George and Ennie reflect on the moments in life where God calls us to step out—like marriage, trusting God’s plan, or simply saying “yes” when it feels insane. Living faith, they argue, should always involve risk.
- Mentorship Matters (04:10): The conversation turns to the crisis of young men unwilling to take risks. Paul shares how mentors—like he was for Ennie—pushed him to grow, even calling him out on a landline in college about smoking weed. The group debates: Are young men missing mentors, or are they missing the willingness to listen?
- Dopamine vs. Pursuit (06:54): Ennie and Paul discuss how modern distractions—gaming, phones, instant gratification—are keeping young men from chasing real goods, like relationships or purpose.
- Trust and Friendship (07:54): The key to mentorship? Trust. Ennie recalls how Paul’s persistent friendship gave him the courage to make hard choices, proving love and accountability go hand in hand.
- Raising Sons with Community (08:33): The group explores the power of men modeling faith and camaraderie for the next generation. From organizations like Fraternus to everyday “Uncle David” moments, it’s about inviting sons into the good life alongside trusted men.
Key Takeaway:
Faith isn’t safe—it’s risky. Whether it’s Abraham chopping off a bit of himself or a mentor calling you out on a landline, the path to manhood demands courage, trust, and a willingness to swing for the fences.
Guests:
- Ennie Hickman: Conference speaker and master of the well-timed Abraham joke.
- Paul George: Mentor, speaker, and the guy who won’t stop calling until you step up.
