Too many men are stepping away from their responsibilities when they should be stepping up. In this episode of Manlihood, host Josh Hatcher welcomes back Kent Evans, the co-founder of Manhood Journey, for a powerful conversation about why men sideline themselves, how to stay engaged in life’s biggest battles, and why learning from other men is the key to real growth.
Subscribe to Manlihood+ and LEVEL UP as a Man!
/ @manlihood
Kent shares insights from his book, Don't Bench Yourself, and breaks down four major reasons why men check out—fear, shame, criticism, and impatience. He also lays out a clear, practical path to getting back in the game. If you've ever felt like giving up, struggling to stay present as a father, husband, or leader, or dealing with the pressure of responsibility, this episode is for you.
About Kent Evans and Manhood Journey
Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry dedicated to helping fathers become disciple-makers. After a 20-year career in business leadership, Kent shifted his focus to helping men grow spiritually and practically in their roles as fathers and mentors. He’s the author of multiple books, including Don't Bench Yourself and Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, and has spoken at parenting and men’s events worldwide.
Kent’s work has impacted nearly two million dads through books, podcasts, courses, and speaking engagements. He and his wife, April, have been married for over 25 years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He brings deep wisdom and practical experience to this discussion, helping men recognize their struggles and find ways to grow.
📚 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4
🌐 Learn more about Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/
📖 Explore Kent Evans' books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZc
🐦 Follow Kent on Twitter: / akentevans
Kent shares a powerful personal story about a moment of realization as a father. His son was afraid to be honest with him because he expected a harsh reaction. This moment forced Kent to take a hard look at himself and how his behavior was shaping his household. It’s a lesson many men need to hear: Our actions, even when unintentional, create the environment our families live in. If we want our wives and children to trust us, we have to be trustworthy—not just in what we say, but in how we react and respond.
One of the core discussions in this episode is the lost art of learning from other men. Too often, men isolate themselves instead of seeking wisdom and accountability from others. Kent explains why mentorship is so crucial and how surrounding yourself with the right men can change everything. We’re not meant to do life alone. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a group like the Manlihood Man Cave, having strong, like-minded men in your life is key to growth.
Why Do Men Bench Themselves?
Kent explains the four biggest reasons why men sideline themselves:
Fear – The fear of failure, rejection, or inadequacy keeps men from taking action.
Shame – Past mistakes can make men believe they’re unworthy of leading.
Criticism – Whether real or imagined, judgment from others can hold men back.
Impatience – The temptation to give up when progress isn’t immediate.
When these four obstacles stack up, it’s easy to want to walk off the field. But just like an athlete who makes a mistake in the game, the key is to keep playing. Checking out doesn’t just affect you—it affects your family, your friends, and everyone who counts on you.
How to Get Off the Bench and Back in the Game
Kent offers a simple, four-step framework to help men re-engage with their lives and responsibilities:
Call it Out – Identify and own your mistakes. Acknowledge where you’ve checked out or fallen short.
Make it Right – Take action to fix what you can. This might mean apologizing, making changes, or committing to better habits.
Leave it Behind – Stop dwelling on past failures. Learn from them, but don’t let them define you.
Let it Transform – Use your experiences to grow into a stronger, wiser man. Every mistake is an opportunity to improve.
J
Where to Find Kent Evans & Don't Bench Yourself
If you want to go deeper into Kent’s work, check out these resources:
📖 Get Don't Bench Yourself: https://amzn.to/4io3Hf4
🌐 Visit Manhood Journey: https://manhoodjourney.org/
📚 Check out Kent's other books: https://amzn.to/41FFOZc
🐦 Follow Kent on Twitter: / akentevans
Join the Manlihood Community!
📌 Manlihood Man Cave (Private Facebook Group)
👉 Join here: / manlihoodmancave
🔥 Listen & Subscribe to Manlihood 🔥
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/Manlihood
📺 YouTube: / manlihood
📱 Instagram: / manlihood
📘 Facebook: / manlihood
Информация по комментариям в разработке