Vertical Pursuit: Recent Episodes
Mike Barrett and Mike Tatlock
Vertical Pursuit exists to help you gain the elevation between where you are and where God destined you to be. We want to inspire you to create the space to live your best life every day.
In today's culture, men are defeated, isolated, beat down, and stereotyped. We also live in a time where men are hunting and hungry for the blueprint of what it means to be a man.
Imagine not living a life of shame or failure. A life of defeat, regret, or insignificance. A life of isolation, fear, and loneliness. Instead, we can live a life of power and purpose that will clarify our outlook, overcome our struggles, forge our relationships, and impact our world.
Vertical Pursuit podcast is about helping men find a place to be known, belong, and unlock their God-given potential. A place to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary!
As we focus on manhood primarily in this podcast, we believe we can empower men to embrace Jesus-formed masculinity in a way that inspires them to be the best husbands, fathers, friends, and leaders to those around them.
Mike Barrett, also known as "MB", is a former television play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, the Portland Thunder of the Arena Football League, and the Portland Fire of the WNBA.
Mike Tatlock, also known as “Tats”, is an author, NBA chaplain for the Portland Trail Blazers, and Lead Pastor of Grace Chapel in Wilsonville, Oregon.
If we are the greatest threat to ourselves, then pride is to blame. Pride promises elevation, but delivers a fall. Humility can look weak, yet leads to lasting strength. This is why the Bible treats a lack of humility as a very serious threat.
All things we think create stability are temporal. None of the things we think are about stability are our stability. It can all disappear like smoke through a keyhole. The only way to contentment and peace is through Jesus Christ.
Doubts and questions aren’t a sign of a weak faith. They can even fuel a deepening faith journey when handled honestly. Need proof? Check the Bible.
Do we have the wrong view of God if we imagine Him as angry or frustrated at us? Are we just projecting our insecurities on Him? And, what does the Bible say about this?
Being lukewarm is no way to live, and the Bible plainly warns against it. So, what is complacent Christianity? How do we live out compelling, passionate, and purposeful lives for Christ?
In John 5 we see the story of man at the pool, who is asked the question. Jesus doesn’t heal him unprompted. It’s a question of desire and will. What should we take from this?
A raw and honest podcast exploring the mystery, tension, and truth of healing, why God still heals, why we sometimes remain wounded, and what it means to pursue wholeness in a broken world.
As a bush pilot in the mission field, followed by two stints as a police officer, to a role in domestic aviation, along with running a Christian ministry, Brian has gathered priceless experiences, stories, and wisdom. There will be a Part 2, don’t worry.
Is looking back at your past a sin? Memory itself isn’t sinful, but dwelling in negativity certainly is. God’s mercy is bigger than your past, and finding the proper heart motive is the key.
Maintaining a steadfast faith in the midst of tragedy is a challenge. What do you do when your worst nightmare becomes a reality? How do we do it? How is Bob doing it? His story is inspiring, to say the least.
In this episode, we dive into the idea that we are being held hostage, and how to ultimately be set free. Of course, often times we hold ourselves captive. Friends, the ransom has already been paid.
Easter week is a build up. It’s anticipation, hope, and a promise fulfilled. Ironically, the Word does not show us evidence the disciples were filled with hope, even when it seems like they should have been. Why was this?
We take a journey into what inspired Pastor Mike to write the new book “A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture.” This world isn’t about comfort, relevance, or trendiness, it's about a life surrendered to Jesus.
There is power in gratitude, as we know. But, most powerful than that is the perspective shift that must occur to get through difficult times. The problem isn’t that we don’t have enough, the problem is that we forget what enough used to look like.
Danny is sports talkshow host in the Northwest, and recently came through a crushing period of life. His health, his marriage, and family challenges were overwhelming to the point where he almost took his own life. Men’s community, through the church, and his relationship with the Lord, have given him new perspective and a new life.
How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility interact? Do my choices really matter if my destiny is set? We know living faithfully aligns with God’s will, so are we overthinking this. Is it time to be still?
Okay then. Yes, we’re going there. The Bible speaks positively and openly about sex and intimacy within marriage, viewing it as a gift from God and to delight in your spouse. It's brokenness, culture and technology that sometimes get in the way.
In this episode, Pastor Tatlock answers some seemingly simple questions, but, as usual, there was much more here than expected. Joy, and the lack of joy, and where to find joy, ended up being the primary topic.
We’ve heard that God does his best work in the wilderness, and we believe that. But, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And perhaps that’s the point? You can’t get the crown without the prison. It’s not punishment, it’s preparation.
What is the ultimate prescription to dealing with sin? How do we eradicate this disease? If we agree that is flesh versus the spirit, then we should also be able agree that we cannot go about this alone.
Would any of the champions of the Bible say that God won’t give you more than you can handle? Then why do we say it?
In this episode, we talk about how temptation and testing are part of everyone’s story. God doesn’t test to break you, He proves what’s already in you, reminding you that His strength always makes a way through.
What does it look like to live out your faith in a culture where mentioning Jesus might raise eyebrows or even risk your reputation? In this episode, we sit down for a powerful and honest conversation about navigating faith in secular spaces, from corporate events to locker rooms, and everything in between.
We explore what it means to be a "priest first" in whatever role you hold, how to represent Jesus without preaching, and why boldness doesn't always mean being loud.
From subtle moments at work to revival happening in unexpected places, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step into your calling, right where you are.
What does it mean? What does the Bible say about it? When will it happen? Perhaps we should focus on readiness through faith, rather than specific dates. This episode takes a deep dive into the imminent return of Jesus.
We’re all prone to having our opinions, leanings, and even lives changed by the “hot take” of the day. These days, we only need to reach for the super computer in our pocket. There are also risks, especially when it comes to how view people, tragedy, and politics. We’ve just come through a major example of all of the above.
The assignation of Charlie Kirk has rocked the world, and in particular, the Christian world. He was an evangelist, who had a mission of leading young people to Jesus, and believed in open debate and discussion. As he often said, when dialogue ceases to exist, that’s when trouble comes. His murder has millions looking for comfort, answers, and seeking the Lord. What is the spirit of murder in our nation and how do we make sense of the spiritual battle we are in today?
We all struggle with negative thoughts, voices in our head and even poor self-talk. How do we sort it all out and recognize Gods voice in the noise. The guilt/shame crazy cycle can be so damaging. Remember this- no one talks to you more than you do, so start understanding how your thoughts toward yourself are a reflection of how you regard God.
This episode starts lightly, with a continued conversation about how men handle emotion, and then breaks into a discussion about yet another shooting targeting Christians, and the surprising response from some national leaders. What’s truly driving that? Is there a spiritual conspiracy behind evil violience?
Identity, inheritance, relationship, and understanding that you are a child of God, adopted into His family through faith in Christ, should be the lens by which we view our lives. We are co-heirs with Christ, even if that can be difficult to digest at times. How do we get that through our heads?
What did the recently-deceased Hulk Hogan have in common with Solomon in the Bible? They both had it all, and tested all of life’s offerings. Both figured out they were merely chasing the wind, and realized building a relationship with Jesus is how you become a true champion.
Whether we want to admit it or not, the Holy Spirit is mysterious to a lot of us. He is not a vague force, power, or energy, but is a distinct person, with attributes. Do you know that we have access to Him? And, yes, He is a valid recipient of prayer. We take a deep dive into the Holy Spirit in this episode.
When talking about challenging verses, especially in our culture, Psalm 46:10 takes the gold medal. “Be still, and know that I am God,” can even sound like an unachievable goal for many of us, especially in our culture. What does it truly mean to be still?
Ben is a leader, speaker, pastor to pastors, and hosts the podcast Rise and Lead, which is in the top 1% of podcasts in the world. To call him simply a “life coach” is an understatement. He has spoken to large corporations, and trained faith leaders, business heads, communities, groups, and couples, in over 20 countries.
In this episode we share the story of our brother Isaac, who has been illuminated in a way he couldn’t have predicted. It’s been painful, and miraculous at the same time. An accident has him feeling anointed and promoted, and we can all profit from his example and story.
What is the secret to navigating life’s trials, decisions and unmet expectations? How do we get clarity in the midst of lifes chaos and complexities? If you got everything exactly the way you wanted it, would you be happy? Or, would you immediately want more? Your suffering is not caused by things not going your way. Are we holding on to expectations of how we think things should always go? How do we break that? We can often be haunted by the deicsions we regret that keep paralyzed by fear and worry for the decisons in the now.
From profanity to pornography, we all know the dangers of giving in to habitual sin, and these days pornography is at the top of the list. Porn can be a bear trap for men, and turns into a neurochemical addiction. You start needing a quick fix to give you that escape. We call can agree that it is destructive. So, how do we get free?
Pastor Mike recaps a recent trip on NBA All-Star Weekend to the oldest prison in the United States, where some incarcerated men are actually discovering a freedom that is available to us all.
Many of us have witnessed miraculous events, and even more of us are open to the idea of them happening. What should our reaction be to true “Jesus moments?" We dive into scripture to explore this subject and more.
When God wants you to grow, he makes you uncomfortable. No pain, no gain, right? This is a fundamental teaching, but it’s easier said than done. How do we really reach the point where we are lacking nothing? It sure isn’t by being satisfied with always being comfortable.
The Bible tells us to spend time, and our lives, with people who share our same vision. But, where is the line? Aren’t we supposed to go make disciples, even among non-Christians? What about close friends, and even prospective spouses?
What do Biblical numbers mean, and what do we do with this topic? Also in this episode we wrestle with the idea of a wrath of God, and what that could look like in today’s world. Are natural disasters God's judgment today?
Could we actually be on the verge of coming out of a very cloudy time where the truth was suppressed, shaped, and controlled by a select few, and into a time where there is power in consensus, and that’s easier to access?
This episode is weird, hopefully in a good way. At times we make “going off on tangents” an art form, and this episode certainly falls under that heading. We start with the drone drama, and that took on to an off ramp of strangeness, viewed through a lens of faith, of course.
Not everything we read in the Bible is warm and fuzzy, and some is downright scary. And, that’s okay to admit. Are we doing enough? Will I make the cut? And, if I’m living in sin, does God even hear my prayers? Ugh.
If over 90% of men believe in God, why do only roughly 35% of men in the U.S. regularly attend church? Many of our female listeners have not only noticed this, but have asked for advice on how to get their men on the road to an abundant Christian life.
Actually, the question shouldn’t be "who are you,” but rather "WHOSE are you?” Paul sets this example for us in Ephesians by identifying that he is not bound to his past, and instead identifies himself by whose he is now, through Christ. That can help remove the pressure of our past mistakes, which leads to freedom.
We often choose to hold on tightly to anxiety and worry, thinking that we’ll be able to at least have some measure of control over our circumstances. We do not gain control through fear, but our fear ends up controlling us. The gap between our illusion of control and our reality then gets filled with anxiety. What do we do with this?
It says in scripture that the one who is in control of the deception will literally blind the eyes of mankind. How can we not relate that directly to what we see (or not see) in today’s world? What do we do with that? And, what role does the government, and the vote, play in a Christian’s life? Buckle up, cowboy.
There can be some confusion about what both of these words mean, and certainly negativity, these days, about anything referring to anything masculine. But, in this episode we discuss a new book that sets the record straight on both, and gives practical advice, and a Biblical perspective to the true meaning of masculinity, and what we should aspire to be.
We live in a world of distraction and deception. As a result, we’re seeing a hunger for foundational truth, especially in young people. Foundational truth is Biblical truth. Some of the lost are actually calling for the Bible to be labeled ‘misinformation’ these days. Is that a cause for concern? Yes. Should we worry? No.
The three young men who stood their ground against King Nebuchadnezzar are legends. Why? Because their faith wasn’t based on an outcome. They believed, even if their prayers weren’t answered. They understood that this isn’t a transactional adventure, and God isn’t a genie in a bottle.
Do you have idols in your life, or things that are becoming idols? Where do your thoughts go by default? What outcomes or dreams are always on your mind? Purging idols is not easy, but anything that consumes too much of your thinking is taking the place of the Lord. Changing these habits is possible.
Matt is a leader of men, and as a high school basketball coach, a leader of young men. He walked away from the corporate world about a decade ago to become a pastor, and his obedience to that calling is worth celebrating. He is now on the front lines in helping men find their purpose and improve their faith lives.
Why do negative, and even self-destructive thoughts, come to us so much easier than positive thoughts? Giving ourselves grace can be a massive challenge, but if we don’t learn to do it, it’s possible that it’ll not only take us down, but everyone close to us.
How did we get where we are? Did we obediently follow God’s plan for our life? And, how do we know if we’ve arrived at our predetermined destination? Perhaps we’re overthinking this. The plan isn’t prefect because we’re perfect; the plan is perfect because God is perfect.
Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic these days, and it’s advancing at warp speed. It’s exciting, but also very concerning, because of the trans humanist movement that seems to be coming along with it. Is this human evolution, or is this a planned rebellion against God? Buckle up.
Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. That sure sounds good, but it’s not quite that easy, as we all know. In this episode we discuss the differences between mercy and forgiveness, and how it can truly be a gift to yourself. Also, how the freedom to forgive, or not, was a gift to us.
No matter the circumstance or subject matter of conversations these days, things usually circle back to the importance of knowing the truth. There are not different versions of the truth, there is just THE truth. While that was never a debate in the past, for some reason it is today. In this episode, we get to the heart of many matters of the day, with the goal of circling back to the one truth we can count on.
Healthy expectations can be a good thing. But, expectations can also destroy things in many ways. And, what’s the difference between hope and expectation? What are the ways we can guard against disappointment, frustration, and resentment, which can come as a result of unrealistic expectations- of others, of ourselves, of out circumstances?
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like MEN, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13. This could turn out to be the mission verse for Vertical Pursuit, and in this episode we go through some of the most pressing issues we are hearing from men as of late. It’s not getting easier, for sure, but we also know the adventure in your life will be found in responsibility and sacrifice, and not in comfort.
There are many in this world who use fear to control us, and there is a lot to be fearful of right now. But, don’t let fear call all the shots. This takes discipline and great faith. A healthy fear of God is how we defend against fear in the world.
Of course, we want to always be grace-filled and loving, but at what point do our beliefs strengthen our confidence to the point that we’re ready to fight for them? In a shaken world, standing firm and being bold is one way we can walk in obedience.
How many examples do we have to see of people we once held in high esteem crashing to the ground because they compromised? We always think of these as being major forks in the road, and they can be. But, they can also be the smallest of decisions that face us every day. Where is your line in the sand? How slippery is the slope?
We are bombarded every day with lies from the enemy. You are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, are undeserving, and don’t have what it takes, are examples. Have the strength to fight back with your own truths, and don’t get caught in the crazy cycle. For every lie, God arms us with the power to rebuke them.
We hear all the time how men chase rest, peace, and refreshment. There is a shortage of all three, in a big way, right now. Yet, the Bible doesn’t just suggest it, it commands that we practice it. How do we put aside our need for constant achievement, practice resistance and reclamation, and reach the rarified air of true rest?
Pastor Tatlock recently returned from his 4th trip to Rwanda, and was a guest speaker at a big conference put on by Africa New Life. He discusses his experience, and we go into all that is right with that country, and what the United States can learn from the great people who have completely turned that country around following a bloody genocide.
We have discussed in past episodes the opportunity Pastor Tatlock has had as the team chaplain for the Portland Trail Blazers. But, we’ve never really gotten into details about what it’s all about, and how so many athletes seem to gain their strength from their faith. Why is this? And, why are some so bold in sharing, while others opt for a more private approach?
He may have played 456 NBA regular season games, along with 30 playoff games, but it took a public fall for Meyers Leonard to find his true identity, joy, and peace. We are so drawn to stories of redemption, and this much is clear - through the fire, Meyers, a devoted husband and father, is now living his best life.
Surely we’re not expected to simply fake it when we’re hard times. But, how exactly do we practice thanksgiving in the face of tragedy or anxiety? How can we turn our eyes from our situation to our Saviour?
We’ve all know that the value of something is determined by what someone will pay for it. Are you spending time reminding your soul of its worth, by reminding yourself of the high price that was paid to redeem you? Sounds simple, but how do we do that?
Milo Curtis is a chaplain in the United States Navy, and is currently stationed in Virginia. He joined us to discuss the moment he realized he was being called, and what he’s learned since. The job of a chaplain entails more than just one sit down discussion could hold, but the adventures, stories, and duties, are fascinating and inspiring.
These are crazy times, indeed. The politics of 2024 will be front and center, and will likely cause a massive amount of worry and anxiety for our country. So, how should we be approaching this in prayer? And, what are some ways we can put what is happening in America in the proper perspective? It’s a complex issue, and we take a swing at it in this episode.
What are prophetic words, and why does it seem everyone is getting a message exactly like this right now? We know that 2024 will likely be a little crazy, and time seems to be moving faster recently. So, rather than let chalk this up to ‘coincidence’ we thought we’d take a deeper dive into what it could mean.
We all know this feeling. We’ve all heard things like “what does your gut tell you?” Or, people will say “I just have a weird feeling about this.” Are we sure that our sixth sense isn’t a link to immortal existence, and perhaps a way for us to perceive the devine? The Bible calls this discernment. Perhaps we should be paying a little more attention to those hairs on the back of our necks.
Jason has been a senator, candidate for governor, public leader, author, storyteller, speaker, director of big global projects, and is a massive influencer in the fly fishing world. When facing a time of reinvention, he turned to the idea of serving shepherds. What he’s created is something called Pastor’s Monday. He joined us to discuss that, and much more.
When you don’t know the truth, you settle for the lie. So many things in our lives attempt to steal our freedom. And, we’re not just talking about power-hungry governmental players. We’re talking about the true enemy who hates the idea of us being free. When you seek Jesus, he gives you TRUE freedom.
Drifting from the life you want to be leading can be aimless and involuntary. But, we’re all susceptible to it. We can wander down a path, and by the time we look up, we’re miles from home, living a life and making choices that are destructive. But, no matter how far we drift, we must know that God is at home, awaiting our return.
Honesty, communication, and forgiveness need to be the foundation of a healthy marriage, along with love and respect. Start by destroying any thought of an escape plan, and practice 100% commitment. Can we learn to truly be Jesus to our spouse?
If making disciples is a commandment, then we need to look at it as a responsibility and hold ourselves accountable. Do you hesitate to share your faith because you might get a strange look, or be put in a category? Whatever it ‘costs’ you, the gain far exceeds it.
We all have friends in our lives who live in denial, deal with distractions, and cling to the comfort that whispers to them that they don’t need God. It’s not that they don’t believe in something, it’s that they don’t feel the motivation to press past the surface. Are there tools available to us to help them, and ourselves, get unstuck
Israel has the attention of the world right now. The reaction, following the brutality of attacks by Hamas has the world divided and confused. Since most of this nation now gets its history lessons from biased media outlets, in this episode it was necessary to walk things back from a Biblical perspective.
Where is your home built? What is it built on? Do you practice preventive maintenance on the things that hold up your walls and roof? Life throws storms at us, some worse than others, and it is up to us to make sure we have crafted an internal protection system. But, how do we do that?
In this episode we go all manly, with hunting stories, identity issues, and what men today feel they are lacking. Be it a lack of purpose, drive, or vocational call, a heavy dose of masculinity can sometimes be just what the doctor ordered. Ask God to stir a new war in you.
What’s with the sudden influx of UFO/UAP content lately in the world? Real? Fake? A campaign of distraction? We take a walk through some of the recent news, and give thoughts on what it all means.
There are many different kinds of blessings, and some can come in the form of inanimate objects. The power of these blessings can often be the stories behind them, and then it’s up to us to use them to model friendship and love.
We’re always told to be weary of being of this world. But, if you spend any time on social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of virtual culture. Taking every thought captive, and always saying anchored to the real truth, is our foundation.
If nothing logical is adding up, and people have gone next-level evil, we have to remember who runs this world and probably shouldn’t be that shocked. But that doesn’t make it easy. It’s not a culture war; it’s a spiritual war. In this episode, we expose the source of darkness behind the scenes and Armor up, as we’ve been told.
Our faith, and the way we live it out, always has peaks and valleys. When that roaring fire turns into just a small flame, what do we do? How do we get unstuck in our walk?
We have all read stories of people whose success and promotion outpace their character. The result is a tragic fall into ruin. The same character that sustains us during times of promotion, simply has to be up to the challenge of sustaining us in seasons of non-promotion. Step one is building that character on solid rock.
It’s easy to say, ‘don’t put your identity in anything you can lose.’ But living that out is a bigger challenge and one that not everyone achieves. Where your identity is grounded is the key.
It’s uncomfortable and difficult, but sacrifice, suffering, and even death are essential in our journey. Yet, in today’s world we do just about anything to avoid pain- often at our own peril. So how do we navigate seasons of trials and suffering without resorting to medicating and coping in unhealthy ways?
Is it really this simple? Choosing to sit at the eternal table versus the earthly table? It is if we truly take possession of the promise. But, even once we’ve done that, how do we stay there? In this episode, we take a look and examine this challenge.
Many have predicted that what this country needed to re-center was a good shaking. Well, we got one. But it didn’t take a war, a natural disaster, or even a loss of life. It took Demar Hamlin, Monday Night Football, and athletes leading the way through humility. The result was a national awakening led by the mainstream media... What?
As uncomfortable as it may seem, we are often called to bypass an easier road for one where we’ll feel outnumbered. Nineveh wasn’t for the faint of heart, but Jonah’s obedience led to massive transformation. This is a deep dive into the forces dividing our society and why lighting a candle always beats simply cursing the darkness.
In today’s world, we are constantly tempted to compare and contrast our lives with others, mainly on social media. If not managed and checked, it can send you down the road of envy, which “rots the bones.” In this episode, we give tools to help you learn to see it and stop it before you end up on that path.
We often think of posture as the way we stand, sit, or a practice of a physical correction. But, in Episode 17, we discuss mental and physical posture, as it relates to truly changing the way people see us, and in turn, how they react to us.
Anger is something we all experience, and battle. But, the mature individual is one who learns to control outbursts, and defuse our own instincts, when we see and feel a storm on the horizon.
"Rugged individualism” is a neat, tough-sounding phrase. But, this can simply mask “selfish individualism.” Since we can all admit we were born sinful, shouldn't we start realizing that we might be rooted in the wrong place? Self-denial is in our self-interest.
When we lose sight of our creator’s design for us, we have an identity crisis. As the role of men is mocked in culture, the search for their identity can spin out of control. We attach it to things we can lose, which is always a recipe for disaster.
In this episode, the phrase “it’s better to give than receive” gets flipped on its head. Receiving is an art that makes us uncomfortable and takes practice. Do you value yourself enough to receive? Are you willing to start accepting the truth?
Why do you believe what you believe? That’s apologetics- the art of making reasoned arguments in justification of your faith. How do you make a case for the reliability of the Word?
We all agree that worry can put dents in our identity, marriage, and health. Have you ever stopped to consider that worry is actually a sin? In this episode, we explore how worry is based in fear, and talk about some useful tools to manage it.
Dylan Jones is an Australian, turned American, who is a pastor, married to a pastor. Hear his perspective, and journey, from his homeland to Mannahouse, where he leads his church and his family.
We can’t take anything with us after we leave our temporary home, and the most important thing we leave behind is the impact we had on others. Living intentionally, and being available, should be our number-one goal in life. Practically speaking, how do we do that? In this episode, we talk about your legacy, the power of fatherhood, and the conspiracy to attack families.
The one and only Dozer Dave Turin has been a fixture on Discover Channel for well over a decade. And, striking gold to him doesn’t necessarily mean what you think it does. Leading by example, using his platform, and leveraging his influence as a leader of men is what drives him.
What is your spiritual gift? How are you using it? How are you leveraging what you have to impact the lives around you? Seizing the opportunities around you to make the most of every relationship, difficulty, and achievement, is what we are called to do.
A common thing these days is when men say they feel “under attack.” They often can’t describe it, but it’s often a voice, or even a feeling, that they don’t have what it takes. This is a deep dive into scripture, and what we can learn from what the Word tells us about the wars that are waged inside of us.
Self-destruction is often born in isolation. What keeps men from creating the relationships, and community, that can help us overcome doubts and fears, that when left alone can lead to self-doubt, and in the worst cases, suicide?
NFL quarterback Sean Mannion became a legend at Oregon State, where he re-wrote the record books. He recently found himself starting an NFL game for the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field, across from the NFL’s MVP. Life as a backup can be challenging, but it’s also revealed his true calling- being a leader of men and leveraging his platform to influence those around him. In this episode, Sean talks about his road to the NFL, and what keeps him motivated in an uncertain world.
We live in a world that finds it hard to answer the simple questions, “What is a woman” or “What is a man”? Culture has led us down a path of confusion and chaos. Masculinity doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this episode we expose the reasons why we struggle to define these terms and explain the source for defining what authentic manhood can look like.
In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Walsh, and hear his story about how he went from being a very successful banker, to wearing a number in federal prison, and how it turned into the biggest blessing in his life. He describes the process of being dropped off by his wife and kids at prison, then losing them, being isolated in hell on Earth, and then meeting some men who would help him with his rebirth. Sometimes gifts come in unusual packaging.
In this episode we discuss the part of life that is scary and unsettling-death. It’s certainly no fun to think about, but with suffering all around us, and many bad things that happen to good people, what do we do with that? How do we process that? What are we called to believe about death and the beyond? It’s okay to not only think about it, but to ask questions about it. Processing mysteries, like death, in conversations with your inner-circles, can be spiritually healthy and productive.
In this podcast launch long time friends and Co-Hosts Mike Barrett and Mike Tatlock share their story and passion to create an honest and provoking podcast that reaches men where they are. Years of their private campfire conversations are now being shared out in the open with a desire to fuel men and be a source of encouragement and inspiration. Their desire to have real and honest discussions around the topics and issues that men really want to talk about.
Imagine not living a life of shame, failure, bondage, charades, or insignificance.
Instead, we can live a life of power and purpose that will impact our identities, communities, marriages, churches, families, friendships, jobs, and cultures. Vertical Pursuit is about helping others unlock their God-given potential and move from the ordinary to the extraordinary!
Vertical Pursuit is the merging of two dynamics. Vertical is about extending your reach and creating elevation upward. The vantage point from a higher elevation gives a thrilling perspective of life that is essential to seeing the bigger picture. Pursuit is about the chase and the tenacity to reach a desired end.
Our goal at Vertical Pursuit is to inspire and equip you to gain the elevation between where you are and where God destined you to be. We want to inspire you to create the space to live your best life every day. We want to support you by providing the tools to help you achieve this.