The Ardent Pursuit

Ep. 37 - All Men Need a Brotherhood

Brotherhood is a vital aspect of a man’s life—built on loyalty, shared experiences, and accountability. Men thrive in friendships where they can lean on one another, grow stronger, and carry each other’s burdens—whether emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. Yet, in today’s culture, many men struggle with isolation, avoiding both mentorship and accountability. In today's episode, we discuss how men can overcome this by prioritizing time with other men, engaging in shared disciplines, and fostering authentic relationships. We also unpack the importance of “guys-only” environments and why they are not about escape but about growth. Strong brotherhoods are built on more than just fun—they are forged through challenges and shared purpose. Join us to discover practical ways to build meaningful male friendships and live out the brotherhood all men need.

Ep. 35 - Don't Waste Another Year

As 2025 approaches, it’s time to ask yourself: will I waste another year? In today’s episode, we tackle setting a vision for the new year—what it is, why it matters, and how to use it to transform your life. Most men are naturally goal-oriented but struggle with sustained progress. Whether it’s cynicism, apathy, or passivity holding you back, you’re not alone—but you are called to lead, starting with yourself. Learn how to set clear priorities, say “no” to distractions, and stay consistent to achieve results that will impact your life. Step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Ep. 34 - Dating Is Fun but Marriage Is Better

In this episode, we sit down with Luke and Kat Boyle to hear their story of how they met, started dating, and navigated their relationship with intentionality and purpose. Join us as Luke and Kat share the key principles that guided them, not only in their path to a flourishing marriage, but as reminders for anyone seeking to pursue a romantic relationship with wisdom and integrity.

Ep. 33 - Stop Making Excuses

Why do so many men today respond to challenges with excuses? From “nobody’s perfect” to “life isn’t that simple,” we’ve seen it throughout life and in the comments. This defensive, excuse-making mindset isn’t just unattractive—it’s unbiblical. In this episode we confront a lingering issue plaguing many men: the tendency to sidestep responsibility. Starting with Adam in Genesis, we unpack the timeless sin of excusing away our failures and our propensity to avoid growing in spiritual maturity.

Ep. 32 - Boss Girl or Trad Wife?

In this episode, we confront an uncomfortable yet incontrovertible truth: men and women are different. And their differences, rather than being ignored or erased, should be valued and embraced. Join us as we ask the crucial question, has society set up for failure those women who aspire to marry, raise children, and stay at home? And what does it look like to value femininity in a non-stop, productivity-obsessed world.

Ep. 31 - Baggage and When to Get Out

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into emotional baggage and its impact on relationships. From breakups and loss to mental health struggles and family dynamics, we'll explore how unaddressed personal baggage can weigh us down and shape our behaviors, beliefs, and relationships.
Whether rooted in genuine wounds or unhealthy perspectives, a victim mindset is the culprit that drives many destructive habits. Join us as we discuss how to spot these patterns and when to ask the question, "Can this be resolved or is it time to reconsider the relationship?"

Ep. 30 - Don't Do Marriage Things

In this episode, we unpack the dangers of couples "playing house," acting like a married couple while in the dating phase. 
While today's society has made it easier than ever to enjoy the benefits of commitment without the actual responsibilities, doing so comes with some risks—particularly for women. Those who choose to structure their relationships this way often only waste time and emotional energy in a relationship that has no foundation for a future. 
Marriage offers stability, longevity, and true covenant, which are not found in dating—they're not the same, and it's time to bring back the distinction. Join us as we challenge this shift in social norms and build a case for why holding back from “marriage behaviors” until you are actually married will benefit you today and contribute to your future health and happiness.

Ep. 29 - Red Flags

From the "soulmate" myth to the hypercritical “red flag” culture, in this episode we dive deep into the powerful dating “meta-narrative” that’s likely setting you up for failure. 
We’ll unpack how social conditioning and viral dating advice have made us more judgmental, often interpreting harmless quirks or insecurities as fatal flaws. Are we over-analyzing every interaction? Are “red flags” helpful measures, or are they just fueling a never-ending cycle of mistrust and discontent?
While important to carefully weigh recurring behaviors or blindspots that may indicate a lack of health and maturity, this process shouldn't be confused with clinging to an over-romanticized standard for the "ideal" spouse. 
We discuss the importance of looking beyond superficial judgments and focusing on values, health, and honest communication. We’ll also explore why it’s essential to engage with the person across from you, instead of keeping your hand hovering over the eject button. Relationships are complex and worth the work—so let’s replace the "red-flag" radar with a healthier approach that allows space for growth and grace. Because relationships that are built on finding fault never last.

Ep. 28 - Dating is Rigged Against You

In today's episode, we dive into the pitfalls of the modern dating landscape and how it often perpetuates dysfunction in relationships. We explore the shift in dating approaches over the last half-century and the impact on young generations—taking a look at the influence of media, the rise in divorce rates, and the changing trends in how couples meet. Join us as we make the case for less conventional approaches to relationships and how to prioritize health, even if it means looking weird.

Ep. 27 - Low-cost Dating

Is money a measure of the seriousness of a relationship? 
Today we dive into the topic of finances in dating relationships. Every man must learn how to balance romance and responsibility without breaking the bank and we explore the pressure many men feel to showcase their financial worth.
We discuss how social media has fueled expectations for extravagant dates and why spending money doesn’t always equate to showing appreciation or love. We advocate for intentional and responsible spending, saving for the future, and ensuring your generosity isn’t self-serving.
Whether you’re wondering if the amount you spend should change as the relationship progresses, or how to talk about debt and financial status, join as we discuss how to navigate finances in dating relationships.