The MakeReady Podcast

Christian Education – Dr. Mike Goddard – The MakeReady Podcast #24

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mike Goddard—longtime educator, former superintendent, and current head of Prestonwood Christian Academy—to uncover how faith transforms education, family, and leadership in a culture that often fractures both truth and trust.
Mike shares his journey from chasing NFL dreams to decades in public schools, and ultimately to leading one of the largest Christian academies in Texas. Along the way he opens up about seasons of brokenness, how a classroom of freshmen “saved his life,” and why discipleship—not diplomas—is the true measure of educational success. He recounts powerful stories of camp, coaching, and community that shaped his calling, and how God uses pain, setbacks, and even lawsuits to forge leaders who stand firm.
We talk about the battle for kids’ hearts in today’s schools, why parents are the clearest model of Christ their children will ever see, and how isolation is Satan’s favorite trap for men. Mike challenges fathers to double down on faith, create ripple effects that last for generations, and model a wholehearted walk with Christ—because every decision echoes in eternity.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the purpose of education, questioned how to disciple your family, or needed hope that God can use even scars for Kingdom good, this conversation will call you to lead boldly, love deeply, and see every classroom, camp, and kitchen table as a mission field.
Support the MissionThe MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Build What Matters – Will McNutt – The MakeReady Podcast #23

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Will McNutt—co-founder of Anthem, a Texas real estate company, and a veteran of conservative campaigns including two Trump presidential transitions—to explore the bold intersection of faith, family, and civic involvement in a world that often retreats from responsibility.
Will shares his journey from law school to building businesses and influencing policy, unpacking how true calling transcends career, turning politics and parenting into acts of Kingdom advancement. Sharing His insider stories on unprecedented transitions, he challenges men to show up consistently, forge genuine friendships, and embrace a builder's mentality that compounds over time.
We talk about why Christians must engage civically without retreating, how to balance the urgent now with a diligent future, and why trials aren't just endured but counted as joy per James 1—producing steadfastness amid the suck. Will also casts a vision for men to lead sacrificially, vote in every election, and block-walk for causes that matter in a culture craving bold builders.
If you’ve ever wrestled with blending faith and politics, struggled to prioritize family amid ambition, or wondered how to turn hardships into growth, this conversation will ignite you to build boldly, advance the Kingdom, and live with unshakeable purpose.
Support the MissionThe MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

The Art of Truth – Andrew Beck – The MakeReady Podcast #22

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Beck—creative leader, thinker, and cultural critic—to explore the intersection of art, truth, and leadership in a world that often confuses beauty with distraction.
Andrew shares his journey from Madison Avenue’s ad world to a deeper pursuit of meaning, unpacking how true creativity isn’t just aesthetics but a spiritual act meant to reflect the glory of God. From his love of history to his call for courageous leadership, he challenges men to discern the difference between art that uplifts and media that manipulates.
We talk about why Christians often settle for “safe” creativity instead of excellent art, how culture’s obsession with screens has distorted beauty, and why leadership isn’t about titles but sacrificial action. Andrew also paints a vision of what it means for men to embrace responsibility, take risks, and create with conviction in a culture starving for truth.
If you’ve ever questioned what makes something truly beautiful, wrestled with how faith and creativity fit together, or longed for stronger examples of godly leadership, this conversation will inspire you to pursue art, truth, and life with deeper purpose.
Support the Mission
The MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Why Men Isolate – Chad Warren – The MakeReady Podcast #21

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Chad Warren—pastor, teacher, and disciple-maker—to confront one of the greatest lies facing men today: the myth of rugged individualism.
Chad shares his powerful story of growing up without a father, chasing respect through toughness and achievement, and finally encountering the personal love of God that broke through his striving. From Navy SEAL dreams to a call into ministry, his journey exposes the emptiness of self-reliance and the freedom found in surrender.
We talk about why so many men are languishing instead of flourishing, how isolation fuels fear and impostor syndrome, and why true strength can only be forged in brotherhood and dependence on Christ. Chad unpacks the biblical roots of manhood, the church’s call to embody God’s presence in the world, and practical steps to fight back against the epidemic of loneliness.
If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling like you’re not enough, questioned your purpose, or longed for genuine connection with other men, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step out of isolation and into the life you were made for.
Support the Mission
The MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Why Men Need Men – Jim Coté – The MakeReady Podcast #20

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Jim Coté—chaplain, mentor, and lifelong disciple-maker—to call men back to the heart of Jesus’ mission: making disciples.
Drawing from decades of ministry, Jim shares how authentic brotherhood, intentional accountability, and spiritual fatherhood have the power to change lives and reshape communities. We talk about the emptiness of cultural Christianity, the epidemic of isolation among men, and why raising up the next generation requires presence, courage, and love. Jim urges men to stop settling for shallow faith and to step into the challenge of multiplying disciples who walk closely with Christ.
If you’ve ever felt the ache for real connection, struggled to lead your family spiritually, or wondered how to leave a Christ-centered legacy that lasts, this conversation will equip and inspire you to live with purpose and conviction.
Support the Mission
The MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Why The Church Fails – Derek Mathews – The MakeReady Podcast #19

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Derek Mathews—pastor, disciple-maker, and leader of leaders—to wrestle with what it truly means to shepherd God’s people.
From the danger of becoming a “greenroom pastor” to rediscovering the biblical call to walk among the sheep, Derek unpacks why presence matters more than polish, why performance-driven ministry leaves men isolated, and how genuine connection and authenticity reflect the heart of Christ. We talk about the difference between scaling a church and shepherding a flock, why real transformation happens in circles not rows, and how leaders can resist the pressure to appear polished and instead model honesty and dependence on God.
If you’ve ever felt like church has become more performance than presence, or wondered what true biblical shepherding looks like in today’s culture, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to return to the simplicity of knowing and being known.
Support the Mission
The MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.Give today: https://makeready.org/give

How Dad Wins - Kirk McJunkin - The MakeReady Podcast #18

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Kirk McJunkin—former University of Texas football player, NFL draft pick, business leader, athletic director, and lifelong disciple-maker—to uncover why performance can never define a man’s worth.
From chasing identity on the field to finding true value in Christ, from navigating a strained relationship with his father to learning how to father with empathy, Kirk shares how failure, injury, and disappointment became the very tools God used to reshape his view of manhood. We talk about why discipline beats talent, how to raise sons without provoking them to anger, and why forgiveness frees both fathers and sons.
If you’ve ever felt crushed by the weight of performance, wrestled with anger toward your dad, or wondered how to pass on faith and strength to the next generation—this conversation will challenge, convict, and encourage you to build a legacy that lasts.
Support the Mission
The MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders. Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Why Your Community Matters - Adam McGough - The MakeReady Podcast #17

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Adam McGough—former Dallas City Council member, attorney, and community leader—to explore why men of faith must engage where they live, not just in theory, but in the daily realities of their neighborhoods.
From fighting crime in high-risk areas to navigating the tensions of city politics, from walking alongside the homeless to leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects, Adam shares why real change begins closest to home. We talk about how to engage without being consumed, why partisan thinking can cripple local problem-solving, and how biblical faith can shape public service.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters, felt frustrated by politics, or questioned how one man can make a difference—this conversation will remind you that leadership starts on your street, with your people, right now.
Support the MissionThe MakeReady Podcast exists to equip men to stand firm in their faith and lead with biblical strength in a culture that opposes it. If this content has encouraged you, consider partnering with us to reach more men with the truth. Your gift helps us create resources, share powerful stories, and build a movement of godly leaders.
Give today: https://makeready.org/give

Why Ideas Matters - Ryan Williams - The MakeReady Podcast #16

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Williams—President of The Claremont Institute—to explore why deep thinking, good books, and historical literacy are essential for men who want to lead with clarity in a chaotic world.
From the American founding to the fall of Rome, from the administrative state to the classroom, Ryan unpacks how the past is not just prologue—it’s the blueprint. We talk about why reading shapes experience, how to resist the noise of modern life, and why there’s no substitute for meaningful engagement with ideas, history, and human nature.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cultural confusion, unsure how to lead your family in uncertain times, or unqualified to speak into public life—this conversation will remind you that the call to lead begins with the call to learn.

Why Art Matters - Ron Dodson - The MakeReady Podcast #15

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Ron Dodson to explore how beauty, truth, and craftsmanship reflect the heart of God.
From Norm Macdonald to Monet, from ancient philosophy to modern video games, Ron unpacks how good art doesn’t just entertain—it teaches, challenges, and calls us to evaluate what is true, beautiful, and worth building. We also dive into the dangers of cultural isolationism, the purpose of training our children as moral agents, and why biblical masculinity must be forged in the real world, not sheltered from it.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the role of pop culture, wondered how Christians should engage with art, or wanted a deeper understanding of your place in the Kingdom, this episode will inspire you to see creation—and your calling—through a more thoughtful and theologically rich lens.