Virtuous Men Podcast: Recent Episodes
Virtuous Men Podcast
A podcast devoted to sharing the lives of men of history, fiction, and today, and the virtues they personify. Each episode will take you through the life of each man and virtue and inspire you to live a virtuous life of your own.
Join Virtuous Men creators Jamie and Scott for another installment of our season wrap-up, Loose & Unscripted. In this episode, we go over our Seven Deadly Sins season - the making of each episode, what inspired us to pick each man for his respective sin, and a friendly bit of banter between the hosts as usual.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
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Sloth, perhaps better known today as laziness or idleness, is unique in that it is not defined by evil actions, but rather by inaction. A slothful man may well be aware of the harm being done to his family, friends, community or country, yet will ultimately refuse to do what is needed to bring about change. Because of his belief that he can do nothing to fix the problems around him, he allows fear and vice to be his masters. Perhaps most horribly of all, a slothful man refuses to offer his strength to a world that desperately needs it. One of literature’s most striking examples of Sloth is Lord Denethor, a character featured in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterwork The Lord of the Rings. When he experiences a great loss, he becomes so overwhelmed with his own emotions that the city he leads grows more and more vulnerable to the greatest evil of the age.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Envy is a deep-seated discontentment with what one has when compared to others. It is a sin that combines feelings of covetousness, jealousy, and selfishness. The envious man can never show genuine happiness for the success of others, because he is always left comparing it to himself and questioning its merit - always seeing it as a slight against himself. One of history’s most devastating examples of envy is perhaps America's greatest hero-turned-villain, Benedict Arnold. In this episode, we’ll delve into his life as an American patriot during the Revolutionary War, how he rose through the ranks to become one of George Washington’s most trusted generals, and how his envy led him to betray the country he had once fought so hard to defend.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Gluttony is the over-consumption of food and drink to the detriment of the consumer and those less fortunate. A gluttonous man hoards for himself what he could give to others. It is a sin defined by materialism, hedonism, and a belief that there is only the eternal present. While a gluttonous man is many things, he is, above all else, a worshiper of idols. One such example of this destructive vice is the little-known Reginald III, a man whose tragic tale graphically reveals what happens when we refuse to refrain from good things that can also destroy us.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Correction: Upon further research, we discovered after publishing this episode that the events of the story took place in the modern-day Netherlands, not in England. We apologize for the oversight.
Lust is the overwhelming desire for something that yields physical gratification. The object of one’s lust is often forbidden or considered deviant. The desire most thought of when considering lust is that of a sexual nature. Nearly every man can relate to this kind of lust because most have fallen prey to and continue to battle against it. We can easily consider some of the most obvious examples of lust, but often ignore the temptation festering in our own minds and how we are just one step away from falling into its clutches. One man who succumbed to such a trap was the most celebrated leader of the ancient Kingdom of Israel - King David. In this episode, we’ll explore what led to his rise to power and how he nearly threw it all away when he allowed lustful temptation to get control of him.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Wrath is characterized by rash, unwise and destructive actions brought on by anger, jealousy or vengeance. In the eyes of a wrathful man, everything he does is justified to himself, no matter how horrible his actions may be. One of American history’s most infamous examples of wrath occurred after the Civil War on the border of Kentucky and West Virginia. It was a conflict between two families whose names would be forever linked after the terrible tragedies finally came to an end. They were the Hatfields and McCoys.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Greed is an uncontrollable, unquenchable desire to acquire more of something by any means necessary. The greed of an individual not only leads to the ultimate demise of themselves, but can directly result in the deprivation of others. The greed of some men sets the bar so high that few would debate its validity. One such man was Napoleon Bonaparte. In this episode, we’ll explore the life of the infamous French military commander and discover how his odious desire for more led to not only his own downfall but to the demise of one of the largest armies ever assembled and their empire along with it.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Pride is the inner conviction that one’s beliefs, actions and achievements are above all others. A prideful man believes that he has all the answers, that he should not be questioned, and that those who oppose him are wrong. One of the 20th century’s most notorious examples of pride was the infamous cult leader Jim Jones. His lifelong descent into pride came to an unforgettable conclusion that still continues to confound and horrify us to this day.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Due to graphic and disturbing content, this episode may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised
Coming soon, something different from Virtuous Men.
For the month of October, we will be exploring the opposite of virtue: sin. In each episode, we will discover one of The Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth). We’ll tell the story of a man who personified each one, and the opposing virtue needed to defeat it. Join us for our latest Minipod Season - The Seven Deadly Sins.
Episode 1 will be available 10/10/22 with new episodes available every Monday through the end of November.
In this episode of Loose & Unscripted we'll share tidbits of wisdom we've learned over the years, take a deep-dive into Kipling's famous poem If, and share what's coming up on the Virtuous Men Podcast.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
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*Warning: This episode includes stories of the victims of sex trafficking and is not suitable for younger audiences. Welcome to a special edition episode of Virtuous Men. In this episode we interview Alan Smyth, co-author of the book Men! Fight for Me: The Role of Authentic Masculinity in Ending Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking. Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
To find out more about getting into the fight to end sex trafficking, visit:
https://fightforme.net/
https://savinginnocence.org/
For resources mentioned in this episode, visit: https://fightforme.net/resources/
To reach Alan directly: alan@savinginnocence.org
Teamwork is the positive collaboration between two or more individuals to accomplish a common goal. One such example of teamwork is that of two men whose bond and dedication to their mutual passion cemented their names in the history books - Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. In this episode, we’ll share how their 1953 first ascent of the world’s tallest peak was a feat accomplished not just by their own individual mountaineering skills, but by their work as a cohesive unit.
Hosted by Jamie Adams. This story was originally featured in our S2, E7 bonus episode.
Friendship is a close bond with another person that is less than a romance and more than an acquaintance. However deep a friendship goes, there remains the unspoken understanding that the other person adds value to the other’s life, that the person is a blessing not to be taken for granted. Though many friendships fade away, there are those that stand the test of time. Such was the case with the friendship between Sir Frederick Treves and Joseph Merrick. In this episode, we'll tell the story of how even though the two men could not have been more different, their bond left a legacy that quietly lives on to this day.
Hosted by Scott Einig. This story was originally featured in our S2, E7 bonus episode.
In this Loose & Unscripted episode, Virtuous Men creators Scott and Jamie discuss meeting one of the men featured in Season 3 of the podcast - David Eubank, founder of Free Burma Rangers. You'll hear clips from an inspirational message David gave at SVA Church while he and his family were in Washington State and also audio from our interview with David we haven't shared before.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
In this Loose & Unscripted episode, Virtuous Men creators Scott and Jamie discuss the making of Minipods #1-6 and give some reactions to follower comments. As always, shenanigans abound.
Spies - Part 2
Welcome to a special bonus episode, where we collaborate with our friends Ethan and Jared at A Brothers' Creed for some more conversation and commentary. This time we each share a short story of a spy from history. In Part 2, Jamie and Ethan share stories of espionage and double agentry from World War II.
Spies - Part 1
Welcome to a special bonus episode, where we collaborate with our friends Ethan and Jared at A Brothers' Creed for some more conversation and commentary. This time we each share a short story of a spy from history. In Part 1, Scott and Jared share stories of betrayal and intrigue, one from ancient Rome and another from the American Civil War.
Responsiveness is the quality of reacting to a need or calling and meeting it with a positive, deliberate action. It is fundamental in marriage, parenting, in the workplace, and especially in times of adversity. The responsive man gives himself to a task while refusing to allow danger or discomfort to prevent him from doing what is required. One of history’s most vivid examples of responsiveness is the Biblical figure of Nehemiah. In this episode we will discover how his answer to a calling helped arouse his people out of shame and exile, and how his actions paved the way for historical events that still impact us to this very day.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Passion is defined by expressing great interest in, devotion to and love for an activity, set of skills or field of interest. Whether it involves endless hours studying a topic, building up a large body of work or pursuing ways to better the lives of others, such people are described as passionate. In this episode, we will explore the life and work of a man whose unusual hobby and skills would help illuminate the hidden beauty of winter.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something forced upon an individual or group of people, usually by political or military forces. At its core, it is any action that rejects oppression and subjugation and chooses instead to fight for liberty and self-determination. One of modern history’s most striking examples of resistance is the image of a young Chinese man standing in the way of a column of tanks in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. In this episode, we will tell the story of how this man's solitary action became the most recognizable symbol of resistance in modern history.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Loyalty is a steadfast dedication to a goal, a cause, a person or a group. While loyalty can be achieved out of ambition, it is often enacted out of selfless love. Loyalty is a virtue that is vital to life's most fundamental relationships, from the professional, to the familial, to the intimate. In this episode, we will explore the life of a man from the pages of literature, whose loyalty to his master is tested when two suitors come calling.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Dissent is the outward expression of ideas and opinions contrary to those held by those in power. A dissenter is one who refuses to sit idly by while those in authority take actions they deem to be contrary to the wellbeing of themselves and the people they love. In this episode, we will tell the story of a man who stood against an authoritarian juggernaut and whose actions played a pivotal role in quelling all-out nuclear war.
Hosted by Jamie Adams.
Brotherhood is defined by a group of men living through a shared experience that requires everyone to give their best. Though brotherhood can happen in everyday circumstances, it is a virtue often associated with times of war or conflict. When men enter such times, they are transformed from individuals into brothers. One example of such a group is the tale of the Forty-Seven Ronin, a group of brothers who banded together to avenge a terrible wrong.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Underdogs - Part 2
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Season 3, where we collaborate with our good friends at A Brother’s Creed for some more conversation and commentary. This time we look into the theme of underdogs, and each share an inspiring story about overcoming the greatest of odds. In Part 2, Scott and Jared share the underdog stories of Rudy Ruettiger and the Zulu Kingdom's triumph in the Battle of Isandlwana.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig and featuring Jared and Ethan Thomas of A Brothers' Creed.
Underdogs - Part 1
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Season 3, where we collaborate with our good friends at A Brother’s Creed for some more conversation and commentary. This time we look into the theme of underdogs, and each share an inspiring story about overcoming the greatest of odds. In Part 1, Jamie and Ethan share the underdog stories of Leicester City F.C. and Finland's Winter War.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig and featuring Jared and Ethan Thomas of A Brothers' Creed.
Get to know the creators of Virtuous Men and get an inside look at the making of Season Three. The season finale takes an inside look at Season Three were we'll discuss the making of each episode, details on our conversations with the experts we interviewed, and we'll share each of our unique processes when making an episode of the podcast.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
Over the years, Equality has come to be defined and redefined to fit the current age. To many, it is defined by financial, social and political opportunity. But the true greatness of this virtue is that it is not concerned with the quality of a man’s abilities, social standing, race, wealth or appearance. Rather, it looks at the quality of his character to see if he is worthy of responsibility, power and influence. In the eyes of equality, nothing matters more than a man’s character and his willingness to protect it from compromise. Perhaps the most famous example of equality is found in the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In this episode we will explore the history behind these myths, how this group of men came to reach true equality, and how that equality was tragically lost.
Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring special guest Stephanie Bar-shev-ski, author and Professor of History at Clemson University.
Sacrifice is the denial of oneself for the benefit of another. When we think of sacrifice, we often think of those who bravely give their lives in service of their country - a soldier who gives their life to save the lives of his brothers in arms. But rarely do we see sacrifice offered towards complete strangers. One such man is David Eubank. For over 20 years, David, his family, and their fellow-aid workers have risked everything for the benefit of strangers who later became like family. By telling David’s story, we will seek to learn just what it takes for us to lay down our own needs for the betterment of others, and to do it with joy and thanksgiving.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring David Eubank himself, former Army Ranger and member of U.S. special forces and founder of the humanitarian movement Free Burma Rangers.
While goodness can be manifest in many different ways, it is a virtue that is best seen as a lifestyle cultivated by doing deeds that benefit others. Whether small or enormous, goodness is always aware of what the situation requires and understands that its greatest purpose is to be available. One such example of goodness is John Coffey, one of the primary characters from Stephen King’s 1996 serial novel The Green Mile. Though much of his life is a mystery, we come to see how goodness defines everything he does throughout the story, and how his example changes those around him forever.
Hosted by Scott Einig.
Ambition is defined as having a goal and making whatever sacrifices are necessary to achieve it. A person who seeks such lofty goals in life is called “ambitious.” To such people, mediocrity is the greatest threat. One of art history’s most towering examples of ambition is Michelangelo. In this episode we will explore not only how nearly every piece of art he created is defined by ambition, but how his ambition made the world a more beautiful place.
Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring Ross King, art historian and author of Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, The Bookseller of Florence, and Brunelleschi’s Dome. Also featuring Andrew Graham-Dixon, art critic, broadcaster and author of A History of British Art, Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, and Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane.
In Season 3 we'll take a look back at the violent days of one of America's greatest lawmen, we’ll explore the life of a man who changed the course of art history, we’ll share our own version of one of America's most beloved film dramas, we’ll experience the danger, loss, and hope found in some of the world’s most brutal conflict zones, and we'll journey through one of the most famous myths in all of mediaeval fiction.
PART 2: The Manhunt
Law and order is the respect and obedience of the rule of law in society. This is something that is easily thought up and written down on paper, but is much harder to implement in the real world. The legends of great law men of history bring us back to the times of the Old West, and to violent days of gangsters and bootleggers. One such legendary law man was Frank Hamer. By exploring Hamer’s life, we will seek to learn a lesson from the past - that without law and order, and those in place to enforce it, society is only one step away from anarchy.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring John Bossenecker, author of the New York Times best seller The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, The Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde.
PART 1: The Cowboy
Law and order is the respect and obedience of the rule of law in society. This is something that is easily thought up and written down on paper, but is much harder to implement in the real world. The legends of great law men of history bring us back to the times of the Old West, and to violent days of gangsters and bootleggers. One such legendary law man was Frank Hamer. By exploring Hamer’s life, we will seek to learn a lesson from the past - that without law and order, and those in place to enforce it, society is only one step away from anarchy.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring John Bossenecker, author of the New York Times best seller The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, The Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde.
BONUS EPISODE
To wrap up Season 2, we spend some time with our friends at A Brothers' Creed. Each of us share a theatrical telling of a virtuous duo of history - two men who worked together to accomplished something meaningful.
Featuring Jared and Ethan Thomas of A Brothers' Creed.
Get to know the creators of Virtuous Men. The season finale takes an inside look at Season Two of the Virtuous Men Podcast. We'll discuss the making of each episode, how it has inspired us, and talk about future plans for Season 3.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and Scott Einig.
Chivalry is a virtue often used to describe the codes of behavior of knights in the Middle Ages, but the essence of its meaning remains entirely relevant in modern times. It is a virtue that encompasses a series of virtues one displays for the benefit of others, such as courtesy, love, honor and loyalty. Even in this cynical age, chivalry continues to say, “This is how men should live.” One of the most memorable examples of this great virtue was displayed on the night of April 14th, 1912. This was the night that the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg, sunk in less than three hours and killed over 1,500 people.
Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring Titanic historian Jim Myers, Education Executive for the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri.
Boldness is a virtue marked by an ability and willingness to risk everything in order to accomplish something meaningful. For one to have boldness, they must overcome adversity and have the courage to keep moving forward - no matter what or who stands in their way. The virtue of boldness is so vividly captured in the life of Richard Wurmbrand. In this episode, we will take a journey through his life - what drove him to risk it all for his faith, how he endured over a decade in prison, and why even after he was released his passion to reach others with the Gospel message never wavered.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring Catherine MacKenzie, author of the book Richard Wurmbrand - A Voice in the Dark.
Initiative is a virtue defined by taking ownership of oneself and seeking a path of discipline rather than a path of idleness. Initiative understands our vices and the things that hold us back, but refuses to make excuses or accept defeat. One such example is Major Jordan Northrup. He would experience multiple opportunities to take initiative in his fourteen-year battle with alcoholism, which would often end in failure but would ultimately end in victory.
Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring first-hand accounts from Jordan himself, Major USMC and author of the book The War Inside: Finding Victory Over Alcohol.
Preservation is the act of protecting a resource to promote its welfare from outside threats and intrusions. From the early 20th century to the modern day, preservationists have come in many different molds - sharing similarities and also many differing opinions on how to best preserve the wildernesses of our world. Perhaps the most famous of the 20th century’s great preservationists was John Muir. In this episode, we will attempt to get to know the real Muir and seek to better understand how preservation can be something we all seek to uphold in our lives, no matter what resource it is we hold dear.
Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring environmental historian Donald Worster (author of the book A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir) and Dennis Williams, professor of history and culture at Southern Nazarene University (author of the book God's Wilds: John Muir's Vision of Nature).
*Correction to episode: It is stated that Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the (North American) continent. Of course, it is the highest in the continental U.S., but not the entire continent as there are many higher peaks in Canada and Alaska.
Unity is a virtue defined by forsaking one’s own personal gain, accomplishments and goals and working with others to achieve a common goal. While there are many virtues we can accomplish alone, unity is not one of them. It is a virtue that reminds us that a single man can do amazing things, but a group can reach heights that no individual could ever hope to reach. One of the 19th century’s greatest models of unity is the Shawnee war leader Tecumseh. In this episode, we will explore his remarkable life and see what it means to fight for a cause by fostering unity in those around us.
Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring historian and author Peter Cozzens, author of the books The Earth is Weeping & Tecumseh and the Prophet.
Season 2 Trailer: The unity of Tecumseh, the preservation of John Muir, the initiative of Major Jordan Northrup, the boldness of Richard Wurmbrand, and the chivalry of the men aboard the RMS Titanic.
An inside look at Season One of the Virtuous Men Podcast, where we discuss the making of each episode and a good bit of shenanigans from the creators of Virtuous Men on the side.
A taste of the Season 1 interviews with experts Martin Kemp (Leonardo da Vinci), Stephen Mansfield (Winston Churchill), and Gary Kremer (George Washington Carver).
Innovation is a virtue marked by the creation and development of a new product, idea, process or service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness or competitive advantage. Men who display a gift for innovation are also restless and unsatisfied, because they see a better future and work to make it a reality. Such was the case with George Washington Carver. In this episode, we will see a glimpse of the true George Washington Carver, and how he innovated less for his own personal gain, but for the benefit of all. Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring Carver biographer and social historian Gary R. Kremer.
Leadership is a virtue marked by the act of taking charge of a group of individuals, considering the group dynamics and executing an objective by overcoming whatever adversities stand in your way. Leadership is perhaps no better exemplified than in the example of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his infamous 1914 expedition to the Antarctic. In this episode, we will explore the expedition and how we can learn from this example in order to lead more effectively in our own lives. Hosted by Jamie Adams with readings from Shackleton's first-hand account South by John Gallagher.
Ingenuity is a virtue marked by cleverness, craftiness and cunning. It often takes an ingenious solution to solve problems. One of the greatest examples of ingenuity in world literature is the Greek hero Odysseus. In this episode, we will explore his many trials and see what it means to foster ingenuity within ourselves. Hosted by Scott Einig with readings from The Odyssey by Stephanie Einig.
Judgment is a virtue marked by the ability to carefully consider the facts at hand, weigh all the options, and use critical thinking to make decisions based on one’s conclusions. Judgment is perhaps no better exemplified than in the life of Sir Winston Churchill. In this episode, we will explore his life and how we can use his example to make good judgment calls in our own lives. Hosted by Jamie Adams and featuring special guest best-selling author and historian Stephen Mansfield.
Curiosity is a virtue marked by the strong desire to know or learn something. A curious person is one who nurtures the desire and passion within themselves to know. Curiosity is perhaps no better exemplified than in the life of Leonardo da Vinci. In this episode, we will explore his life and see what it means to foster curiosity within ourselves. Hosted by Scott Einig and featuring art historian and emeritus professor of art history at the University of Oxford Martin Kemp.