The Equipped Man: Recent Episodes
Luke Wantz
Welcome to The Equipped Man, a podcast for men, with Luke Wantz. In this world, a man needs to be well equipped in all areas of life to no only survive, but to thrive. Those areas of life are: Family, Friends, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, Wisdom, and Intelligence.What does it look like to be a Christian man in the 21st Century? I will talk about this question, and others, on this journey. Join me as I talk about men of the Bible, and to other men to navigate successfully through this world.Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Welcome back to the Equipped Man! It has been a couple of months, and I appreciate your patience! It has been a full break with holidays, birthdays, and rebuilding a shower.
This episode is about discipline and motivation. This lesson started from a talk with Sebastian about school work. Discipline is more important than motivation. Motivation comes and goes with the wind, but discipline is something that stays with you once it is developed.
Colossians 3: 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," (NIV)
Stay fit! Be well!
God has a plan for you, for all of us.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29: 11 NIV)
What does that look like though? God will illuminate our feet at the path, but it is up to us to take the steps. Have a listen with Sebastian and I as we talk about God's plans, and what that might look or sound like.
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Walking this path can be difficult at times. There is stress, happiness, struggle, success. We need to have other men around us. A group of men that will teach, learn, mentor, encourage, and call each other out. I'm not saying a one time event, or a "5 Point Plan", but a tribal mindset. Men are able to keep each other accountable in ways and spaces that wives or parents aren't. So what does that look like? I know that there are groups out there, but are they genuine? Will they hold me accountable, or do they just want me conference fee and add me to their facebook group? I am looking for a mindset change. I am looking for a tribe that we can go to battle with and for each other. The watcher on the wall is sounding the alarm.
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Welcome to Son Session #2!
In this episode, we are talking about science. What does that look like to a 10 year old? What does that look like to a 48 year old? How does it line up with the Word of God? We are going to touch on some of these questions, so come along for the journey!
"The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will make you an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you." - Werner Heisenberg
Have a listen, and let us know what you think!
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Hey guys! Welcome back!
In this episode, I talk about stepping up and walking as husbands and fathers that we are called to be. God has called us to walk a different life, so we get to start now.
I took inspiration from the verse that talks about "He who finds a wife finds a good thing" (Proverbs 18: 22a, NKJV). I then turned it to talk about what if we, as men, walked as husbands and fathers before a woman finds us. What would the world look like if we stepped up to the higher calling from God?
Proverbs 18:22 "'When a man finds a wife, he has found a treasure! For she is the gift of God to bring him joy and pleasure. But the one who divorces a good woman loses what is good from his house. To choose an adulteress is both stupid and ungodly . ' (TPT)
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I sat down this week for our first father/son episode. I want to use these episodes to show the types of conversations we have as I raise Sebastian into a man of God. It will be awkward at times, and clumsy, but we are learning and growing together. We want to take you on this journey. If you have any questions, or insight, please share.
Have a listen, and let us know what you think.
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Welcome back! Yes, it has been over a year since I took a break from this podcast, but I am back! I have some great things planned for The Equipped Man, so stay tuned.
In this episode, I am talking about a Time to Grow. What does growth and maturity look like in the Kingdom of God? What needs to change in our lives, and our walk with God?
I looked at 1 Corinthians 13: 11 for this episode as my inspiration - "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." (NIV) What do we need to put away to enter into the next phase of this walk?
Have a listen, and let me know what you think!
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This week, I wanted to talk about waiting. What is our attitude and mindset while we are waiting? What does waiting look like in our lives?
Isaiah 40: 30-31 - "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength. They will soar up with wings as eagles. They will run, and not grow weary. They will walk, and not be faint." (TLV)
Have a listen and let me know what you think.
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Welcome back after a brief Summer pause.
Many times in life and in our walk with God, we make things complicated and difficult. I know that I am guilty of this. God wants us to be His children, and that is a simple step. It is in the simple things that we find God. The simple building block that create the foundation of our faith.
John comes back to the studio to talk about this subject, and he adds some great wisdom and insight.
Have a listen, and let us know what you think!
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Welcome back! Derek gave us our great topic for this episode - Raising Sons. This was a great chat that we had. All four of us have sons at different levels, under 10 years old, so it is good to see how we all approach that development in our sons. What are your thoughts on how you raise, or raised, your son?
Have a listen and let us know what you think!
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Join me as I sit down with Derek, Levi, and Devin as we talk about men's mental health. We talk about what mental health looks like, and some strategies for getting through it.
Have a listen, and let us know what you think!
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This week I sat down with a good friend - John Flager. He has worn many hats in his life by being a husband, father, pastor, worker, and more. Come have a listen as we talk about some of the wisdom he has learned during his journeys.
Proverbs 27: 17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens the countenance of his friend." (TLV)
Let us know what you think!
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Hello! I was joined this week by Derek, Devin, and Levi, and we talked about Comparison and Competition. Many of us have heard that 'Comparison is the thief of joy', but what happens when you use comparison to help better yourself. In that thinking, we as men can use competition to propel us to living and doing better. How can we as men encourage and push each other to be better?
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In this week's episode, I am joined by Chico and Shawn as we talk about wisdom and character that we would like to pass on to our sons or to younger men. When we reflect on our own youth, there are lessons that we would have liked to have learned. We can now make up for that by learning those things on our own or finding a mentor/teacher. Come along as we talk about wisdom and growth, and how to pass on knowledge and wisdom to the generations coming up.
Have a listen, and let us know what you think.
Stay fit! Be well!
For this week's episode, I sat down with Derek, Devin, and Levi to talk about goals. What are some goals in your life? What goals would you like to have? We talked about what goals are and some strategies to realize and progress towards goals.
Have a listen and let us know what you think!
Stay fit! Be well!
Welcome to a new week! For this episode, I sat down with another friend - Zion Vierra - to discuss what it means to be a man of God. He has great insights and practical wisdom.
Have a listen, and let us know what you think.
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Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to have a fun episode and chat with my son, Sebastian. What does it mean to be a child of God? How can we show thankfulness? Enjoy his insights and jokes.
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For this episode, I sat down with Chico and Shawn to talk about the things of God. We specifically talked about encountering God in a real, tangible way. What happens when God comes into your life?
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I sat down with Levi for this week's episode. We talked about Purpose and Work-Life, and what that means in a man's life. We know that God has a calling and purpose on our lives, and sometimes it can be difficult for use to hear and walk out what that purpose is. Often times, we men look at our jobs, children, spouses, hobbies, and ministries to find our purpose. Our purpose can only be found in God.Levi and I talk about what that could look like, and some strategies to walk this out.Stay fit! Be well!
I sat down with a good friend of mine, Derek Schwindt, to discuss his thoughts on being a man of God. We talked about seeking Him, and being obedient to His voice. Have a listen, and tell us what you think.Stay fit! Be well!
How do you sit down and have a conversation about being a mentor and mentorship? Devin and I sit down to talk about some of our ideas.How does mentorship look in life, and in the church? What can we do be be mentors, and mentored? We talk about these questions and more.Would you add anything to the conversation?Stay fit! Be well!
For this episode, I sat down with Shawn Jonas - musician, husband, father, pastor - to get his thoughts on being a Man of God. We talk about family, salvation, and boldness as we look at his life so far. Come have a listen.Stay Fit! Be Well!
Join me this week as a I have a good conversation with a friend of mine - Devin. He has lived some good life, Listen in as we talk about following the path laid out by God, and how we can walk this life as men.Stay fit! Be well!
Welcome back! After a bit of a hiatus, the podcast is back! Thank you for being patient.This week, I am interviewing a good friend - Levi O'Brien. Have a listen while we talk about what it is like to grow up as a Christian, and his thoughts on what it means to be a Man of God.Stay Fit! Be Well!
What can we learn from the early days of Samuel's life? In this episode, I am mainly looking at his time as a child. Eli trained him to work in the temple, and to listen for God. Samuel also saw corruption around him, but kept his integrity towards God.
How can we listen for God? By resting and listening for that still small voice. By reading the Word and praying. When we do these things, we learn the voice of our shepherd, Jesus, so we can discern His voice from the world around us.
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Eat, drink, and be joyful - a good formula to live your Kingdom life! This week I take a bit of a practical approach to the question of what are we fueling our bodies with? It is like the old adage says - we are what we eat. Also, we need to find what makes us joyful in life. Not just happy, but joyful! The joy that comes from the Throne of Heaven.
Psalm 4: 8
"You have put joy in my heart—
more joy than when their grain and new wine overflow." (TLV)
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
What does accountability look like as a man of God?
Genesis 4: 9 'Then Adonai said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”' (TLV)
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This week I interview a good friend of mine - David 'Chico' Weeks. He talks about his journey, and how he found God. Chico also tells me what it means to be a Man of God.
Hebrews 12: 5-7 "Have you forgotten the warning addressed to you as sons?
'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of Adonai
or lose heart when you are corrected by Him,
because Adonai disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He accepts.'
It is for discipline that you endure. God is treating you as sons—for what son does a father not discipline?" (TLV)
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This is a fun story, Saul takes a break to go squat in a cave and David cuts off a corner of his robe to show his vulnerability. They both realize how easily David could have killed Saul, yet David had restraint in that moment. David still recognized Saul in the position of father, king, and anointed of God. Saul realized his errors and bad deeds, at least for a moment, and looked on David as a son.
When in a situation to take down a bad boss or leader, are we able to show that type of restraint and honor? Are we able to stand consistently on the Word of God and be a constant in the lives around us?
1 Samuel 24 (TLV)
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
First off, a huge THANK YOU to all my listeners and supporters!
In this week's episode, I talk about my recent trip to Warsaw, Poland. It was eye opening and refreshing to see the spirit of God moving in Europe. Also, I learned that what affects men in America is the same in Europe. Men are men, we all deal with the questions, voices, and obstacles. We can all stay faithful to our core principles and charge forward for the Kingdom of God.
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
In many areas of our lives, we have a tendency to be our own obstacles and overthink things. In this episode I talk about the importance of getting out of our own ways, and moving forward. Movement is important for growth, not only physical, but also mental, emotional, and Spiritual. Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This week I'm talking about the story of Nehemiah and his journey to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. With the surrounding intimidation and doubters, the Israelite people ended up with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. That is a lesson that all men need in their lives. Also, like Jerusalem, when we build walls, we need to build gates as well. And those gates need a purpose.
Nehemiah (TLV)
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Hello! This week I wanted to talk about a practical topic - EDC (Every Day Carry). Oftentimes when people talk about EDC, they are referring to self defense, or preparation. I want us to look at what that might also look like in the mental and Spiritual realm? Are we prepared for different people that might approach us? Do we have compassion in our arsenal? Stay Fit, Be Well!
Isaiah 54: 14
James 1: 2
2 Corinthians 10: 4
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Part 5 of my Intro Series - Read. I know reading can seem pretty basic, but there is more to it. When we read the Word of God, or books for instruction, we should learn from them, consume them, not just read the words. What can the Word, or other books, teach us about God, ourselves, and how to be a Man of God? Stay Fit, Be Well!
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (MSG)
Hebrews 4: 12 (MSG)
Romans 15: 4 (MSG)
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This week I talk about Prayer. What prayer is, and what it can look like in our lives. This is Part 4 of the 5-Part intro series. Listen in and get a better understanding of the purpose of prayer in a man's life. Stay Fit, Be Well!
1 Timothy 2: 8 (NIV)
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Men, we are called to be guardians, to be protectors. What does that look like in our lives, and in the daily grind? Join me as I explore this topic and this stance in our lives. Stay Fit, Be Well!
John 21: 15-19 (NIV)
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
What does it mean to be a warrior in the Kingdom of God in the 21st Century? Join me as a talk about how we, as men, can walk this out. Stay Fit, Be Well!
Matthew 10: 16
Psalm 144: 1
2 Corinthians 10: 3-5
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
What does integrity mean and what does it look like? Join me as I look at the first of five virtues that make up a modern man of God. This is Part 1 of 5. Stay Fit, Be Well!
Proverbs 20: 25 "An impulsive vow is a trap; later you’ll wish you could get out of it." (MSG)
Ecclesiastes 5: 4-7 "When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now.
God takes no pleasure in foolish drivel. Vow it, then do it.
Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up.
Don’t let your mouth make a total sinner of you.
When called to account, you won’t get by with
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation?
But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk
There’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!" (MSG)
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
In the Bible Gideon was called a "mighty warrior", and led the Israelites in battle, but how did it start? Join me this week as I look at the beginning of the story of Gideon and how doubt can affect us. Is doubt a bad thing? What can we do with, and about, it? Stay Fit, Be Well!
Judges 6: 11-40
John 20: 24-29
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Welcome to The Equipped Man, a podcast for men, with Luke Wantz.
In this world, a man needs to be well equipped in all areas of life to not only survive, but to thrive. Those areas of life are: Family, Friends, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, Wisdom, and Intelligence.
What does it look like to be a Christian man in the 21st Century?
I will explore this question, and others, on this journey. Join me as I learn about men of the Bible, and discuss with other men on how to navigate successfully through this world.
Stay Fit, Be Well!
Music: Eyesplit by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com