169: Michael Koulianos: Before You Lead, Learn to Bleed: The Cost of True Masculinity in a Wounded World

This episode hits deep. I sat down with one of my closest friends—Michael Koulianos—to unpack the kind of stuff most men never talk about. From the pain of being misunderstood by those you love, to losing the use of my arms for a year, we share the raw and unfiltered journey that forged us into the men we are today. If you’ve ever questioned your calling, struggled to lead your family, or felt like you were drowning in the pressure of life—you’re not alone. This conversation will ground you in truth, inspire your fight, and remind you that pain is often the birthplace of purpose.

We dive into how real strength comes from sacrifice—not platform. Michael opens up about pastoring, parenting, and the unglamorous cost of leading a movement. He’s not just preaching a message—he’s living it. We talk about fatherhood, marriage, manhood, and what it means to lay your life down like Jesus. If you're a man who's trying to lead your family with integrity, build something that lasts, or just stay standing through the storm—this one’s for you.

Also, don’t miss the end—we share what’s coming at this year’s BraveCo Men’s Conference. It’s more than an event—it’s a brotherhood. If you want to be sharpened, challenged, and sent back home on fire, make it a priority. We’ll be walking through the life of David, from his anointing to his legacy. Join us. Let’s build the kind of men this world desperately needs.

BraveCo Conference: https://www.bethel.com/calendar/braveco-conference-2025

Timestamps:

00:00 - Masculinity Is Under Fire: Why This Conversation Matters
03:20 - The Hardest Season of My Life: Losing the Use of My Arms
06:59 - The Pressure to Be Enough: Ministry, Family, and Identity
15:00 - Godly Fatherhood Starts With Sacrifice, Not Control
30:00 - Love Means Laying Down Your Life: What Jesus Taught Me About Marriage

ABOUT BRAVECO
We live in a time where men are hunting for the truth and looking for the codebook to manhood. At BraveCo, we are on a mission to heal the narrative of masculinity across a generation; fighting the good fight together because every man should feel confident and capable of facing his pain, loving deeply, and leading a life that impacts the world around him.