Built on Truth

00:00 – Intro: Why you should listen (surfing, coaching, faith)00:55 – Who is Jeremy Handysides? (father, coach, teacher, Christian)02:15 – Moving to San Diego & discovering surfing05:00 – Obsession with surfing & self-teaching08:30 – The psychology of big waves & fear11:00 – Near-death surfing story (17 years old) 🔥16:30 – Getting humbled by the ocean (ego check)18:45 – Understanding limits & risk in surfing21:00 – Coaching vs competing: knowing your lane23:00 – Advice for beginner surfers (lessons, etiquette, spots)26:00 – Coaching elite surfers: what actually matters29:30 – What separates top-level athletes32:00 – Contest strategy: how to actually win heats35:00 – Faith background & growing up Adventist39:00 – Getting saved at 19 (turning point) 🔥44:30 – Life before Christ: rebellion, emptiness, depression48:00 – Searching for truth in other religions51:00 – Why the Bible changed everything54:00 – What is the Gospel? (clear explanation) 🔥59:00 – Grace vs works (core difference)1:02:00 – Living as a Christian man day-to-day1:06:00 – Reading the Bible, discipline, and leadership1:10:00 – Spiritual warfare & staying grounded1:14:00 – Coaching vs teaching special education1:18:00 – The power of mentorship & serving others1:22:00 – Teaching breakthrough story (learning to read)1:26:00 – Humility in coaching & adapting your approach1:30:00 – Final advice: live for God’s gloryJeremy Handysides thought he might die in the ocean at 17.That moment—and everything that followed—forced him to confront fear, ego, and ultimately, truth.In this episode, Jeremy shares:A near-death surfing experienceCoaching elite athletesHis journey to faith in ChristWhat it means to live as a Christian manThis is a conversation about purpose, humility, and building your life on something that actually lasts.

00:00 – Meet Dr. Alex Kim02:00 – From Atheist to Faith08:00 – Tribalism & Identity18:00 – Rock Bottom Moment24:00 – The Turning Point30:00 – Purpose & Excellence45:00 – Beverly Hills Surgery Story58:00 – Heart Transplant (Powerful)1:04:00 – True TransformationWhat happens when a high-achieving surgeon realizes success isn’t enough?In this episode of Built on Truth, I sit down with Dr. Alex Kim — trauma surgeon, reconstructive specialist, and former atheist — to unpack the moment that completely changed the trajectory of his life.We dive into:His transformation from a Christian-hating atheist to a man of faithThe reality of life, death, and purpose inside trauma surgeryWhy success, money, and achievement fall shortThe danger of mediocrity in modern ChristianityWhat it actually means to live with convictionThis is a raw, unfiltered conversation about truth, identity, and what really matters.If you’re a man trying to build strength — physically, mentally, and spiritually — this one will hit.

In this episode of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett sits down with entrepreneur and financial advisor Sean Storck to talk about faith, discipline, family, and the pursuit of truth.Sean shares his story growing up between the Mojave Desert and Illinois, discovering faith at a young age, and how a chance encounter at a Bible study led to meeting the woman who would become his wife.From dancing ballet obsessively in his early twenties to building a financial firm with dozens of employees, Sean’s journey is a story of commitment, sacrifice, and learning to pursue what actually matters.The conversation dives deep into:• Why truth matters more than comfort• What marriage really requires• Raising resilient kids in a privileged world• The role of suffering and discipline in building character• Faith and entrepreneurship• Why fitness became central to Sean’s family cultureSean also shares how he and his wife intentionally raised their kids through hard experiences like backpacking, hunting, and strength training to build grit and perseverance.This episode is about living intentionally, building strong families, and pursuing truth in every area of life.

Courage isn’t charging into gunfire.It’s being willing to lose everything for what’s right.In the season 2 finale of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless continues his conversation with retired Navy SEAL David Parker, diving deep into courage, leadership failure, betrayal, conviction, war, faith, and the cost of standing alone.David shares:What real courage looks like under fireWhy men fear confronting leadership more than deathThe psychological cost of betrayal by your own peopleHow conviction is forged through sacrificeWhy purpose must be greater than fearHow suffering without meaning destroys menThis episode isn’t comfortable.It’s honest.Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, masculinity, leadership, and living with conviction in a world that punishes it.Subscribe for weekly conversations that sharpen men instead of numbing them.00:00 – Courage vs Fear04:30 – Being Shot At vs Facing Leadership08:40 – Leadership Failure in Combat13:30 – The Cost of Speaking Up18:50 – Betrayal from Your Own Team24:00 – Conviction vs Reputation30:10 – Why Men Stay Silent36:30 – Faith, Suffering, and Meaning44:00 – Why Purpose Must Be Greater Than FearYOUTUBE CHAPTERS (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)

Achievement doesn’t save men.In this episode of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless talks with a retired Navy SEAL about why success, status, and accomplishment so often leave men feeling hollow.This conversation covers:Why winning doesn’t satisfyThe difference between empathy and accountabilityWhat BUD/S and combat really reveal about characterLeadership, loneliness, and responsibilityWhy suffering needs purpose to mean anythingIf you’ve ever checked the boxes and still felt empty, this episode will hit home.Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, discipline, and living with conviction in a confused world.

In this episode, Brett sits down with one of the most interesting men he’s ever met — Randy O’Connell. Randy’s life is a tapestry of wild adventure, deep faith, and decades of outdoor leadership. From biking 135 miles through 117° heat in Death Valley, to summiting Mount Whitney, to climbing 20,000-foot peaks in Peru with nothing but a couple ice axes and a pack of pemican bars, Randy’s stories feel like they’re straight out of a novel.But behind the adventures is a man shaped by God’s grace. Randy shares openly about childhood epilepsy, youth-group moments that changed everything, and the privilege of leading countless young people into both the wilderness and a deeper understanding of Jesus.We talk climbing, parenting, calling, ministry, fear, hallucinating Texaco stations at altitude, and why the wilderness remains one of the clearest places Randy hears the voice of God.This conversation is funny, profound, humble, and packed with wisdom.

In this episode, Brett sits down with Eric Carmody, a CrossFit Games athlete, husband, father, and Christian, to unpack his journey through elite sport, injury, faith, and transformation. Eric’s story takes us from football fields to CrossFit gyms across the globe, through devastating injury and unexpected detours, and ultimately to a new life built on truth in Christ.Key Topics & HighlightsThe Injury That Changed EverythingEric tore his rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) and ligament in a freak accident on the rings before the CrossFit Open.Surgery left him sidelined for 9+ months, forcing him to rethink identity, fitness, and recovery.CrossFit JourneyFormer defensive lineman at Jacksonville University → lost 80+ lbs through P90X and running → discovered CrossFit on a trip to Costa Rica.Progressed from early competitions to qualifying for the CrossFit Games (Asia Regional champ, Invictus athlete in San Diego).Reflections on CrossFit’s growth: from ESPN broadcasts to transforming mainstream gym culture (reviving barbell and free weight training).Life Abroad: Korea YearsMoved to Seoul, South Korea to coach at Reebok CrossFit Sentinel during its explosive boom.Experienced rapid gym expansion, investor culture, and eventually the collapse of the franchise.Shares wild stories about expat life, drinking culture, and gym politics, including immigration challenges and shady business dealings.Competition & Training InsightsTraining twice a day, 5 days a week: “There’s no secret—just suffering consistently.”The truth about zone 2 training vs. hard intervals in elite CrossFit prep.Known for freak strength numbers, including a 255 lb strict press (well above most elite athletes).Faith JourneyCame to San Diego in 2017, still not a believer.A relationship with a pastor led him into Scripture (Book of John).Conviction about lifestyle led to repentance and leaving sin behind.A pivotal sermon on the Prodigal Son & the 99/1 sheep in Luke broke through: realizing he was the “one” Jesus sought.Shares the cost of obedience, breaking off a relationship, and rebuilding life with God at the center.Legacy & TruthEric’s story is about resilience through pain, the emptiness of chasing performance, and the greater calling found in faith.He emphasizes discipline, honesty, and perseverance as the foundation for both fitness and faith.

Nicholas Duellman’s story is one of radical transformation.From chasing the rock & roll dream in San Diego… to running one of the largest corporate wellness gym networks in the country… to losing it all during COVID. Through it all, Nick found something greater than success: the truth of the Gospel.In this episode of Built on Truth, Nick shares:Growing up in Minnesota and moving west to pursue musicThe fire, forgotten birthday, and “1129 miracle” that led him to ChristBuilding (and losing) a 16-location corporate wellness businessWhy consistency beats intensity in fitness and in faithThe call for Christian men to steward their bodies, lead their families, and disciple through exampleThis is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and what it means to live Built on Truth.

When Adam Aguirre was suddenly paralyzed by Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2021, he found himself trapped in his own body—unable to speak, breathe, or move. But what followed was a story of unimaginable grit, faith, and the relentless love of family. This episode will change the way you look at life.

Zach Zimmerman is a Chick-fil-A owner-operator, former professional spikeball player, and a devoted Christian husband and father. In this episode of Built on Truth, Zach shares his powerful testimony — from growing up with sacrificial parents, to surrendering his life to Christ, to becoming one of the few selected Chick-fil-A operators in the U.S.We dive into his journey through career uncertainty, learning to trust God’s timing, and leading his business and family with a servant’s heart. This one is for the men striving to lead well, love deeply, and live with eternal purpose.

In this powerful episode of Built on Truth, Brett sits down with Matt Mangaran — a Navy helicopter pilot, husband, and father — to unpack his journey from chasing the “golden path” of career success to finding lasting identity in Christ.From his Filipino-American upbringing and military legacy to a near-death experience flying blind through an ice storm, Matt’s story is one of clarity through chaos.They dive into:– His conversion from Catholicism to a personal relationship with Christ– The cost of performance-driven living and the idol of career– What it means to be above reproach and respected by other men– The new mission God gave him as a father and leaderIf you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, identity, or spiritual apathy, this episode will move you.

Rob Denton joins Built on Truth to share a powerful story of transformation—from a troubled childhood on the North Shore of Hawaii to becoming a faithful father, jiu-jitsu coach, and man of God.In this conversation, Rob opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him: his brother’s imprisonment, a season of rebellion and aimlessness, and the turning point when the Holy Spirit convicted him to take his faith seriously. What followed was a lifelong pursuit of obedience, Scripture, and truth—one that now shapes how he raises his children, coaches young athletes, and navigates the daily grind of fatherhood.We cover:→ Why hardship is often the gateway to holy purpose→ How to worship God through sport and competition→ The tension between ambition and stewardship→ What it really means to “fear the Lord”→ Practical ways to raise strong Christian kids in a loud, distracted world→ The one thing every believer must do—before another workout, project, or podcastWhether you're a father, coach, athlete, or man trying to live with intention, this episode will push you toward truth that lasts.

Pastor Brett Schoeneck of Barabbas Road Church joins Built on Truth to talk about strength, leadership, and legacy.A former super heavyweight lifter and lifelong hunter, Brett brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on what it means to be a man of God in every arena of life.In this episode:→ Biblical manhood vs cultural manhood→ Strength training and spiritual leadership→ Hunting, risk, and raising resilient men→ Building a legacy your family can stand onListen now and start building truth into every area of your life.

What do water buffalo, broken bones, and Wall Street have in common?Simon Petro.In this episode of Built on Truth, Brett Wheeless sits down with financial professional, father of two, and former elite athlete Simon Petro. From setting traps in the jungle as a kid to playing rugby in Australia and soccer in America, Simon’s life has been anything but ordinary. Through every injury, career pivot, and fatherhood challenge, one truth has remained: God’s faithfulness.This is a story of grit, grace, and godly endurance.

Join us as we explore how Trace Trebilco combines his roles as a father, athlete, and ministry leader to foster spiritual growth within families. Discover the challenges and joys of guiding children in faith and the significance of living out the gospel daily.

When his plans fell through, Igor chose faith over frustration—and built a life rooted in strength, service, and truth.Born and raised in Brazil, Igor Mascarenhas was a practicing respiratory therapist with a lifelong passion for surfing and movement. But when he married his wife and moved to America, the system didn’t honor his degree. So he did what real men do—he adapted.Igor started a gutter cleaning business from the ground up. He worked, he provided, and he grew. But more importantly, he committed to leading his family well—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.In this episode, we dive deep into:• The immigrant mindset and a man's responsibility• Letting go of status to embrace calling• Being the spiritual head of the household• The power of physical discipline through surfing, Jiu Jitsu, and strength• Trusting God when the plan doesn’t go as expected• The quiet strength of a man who shows up every dayThis one’s for every man who’s ever had to pivot, press on, and plant his feet in truth.

In this powerful episode of Built on Truth, I sit down with Matt Smith — a pastor, former Olympic-caliber rower, former trainer, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt — to talk about what it really means to be a man of God in today’s world. We dive into the disciplines that shaped him, his approach to training, and how strength, faith, and purpose are inseparable. This conversation is for the man who’s tired of weakness, ready to lead with conviction, and hungry to live a life built on truth.

In this episode of Built on Truth, Brett sits down with Dr. Carter Phillips, Doctor of Physical Therapy, to break down what true performance looks like—on the field, in the gym, and in life. They talk about why strength is the foundation for injury prevention, how rehab and performance should go hand in hand, and the mindset shifts required to train for longevity. If you care about staying strong, pain-free, and high-performing as you age, this episode delivers real wisdom you can apply right now.

In this episode of Built on Truth, I sit down with Justin McAfee—a Christian, Navy SEAL, and warrior in every sense of the word. We dive deep into what it means to live with faith, discipline, and unwavering commitment to truth. Justin shares his journey through the SEAL teams, the role of faith in his life, and how true strength is forged in both physical and spiritual battles.We discuss the importance of mental resilience, the power of brotherhood, and the challenges of staying grounded in God’s word while operating in high-stakes environments. Whether you’re an athlete, a man seeking to grow in faith, or someone looking for inspiration in the face of adversity, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to build your life on a foundation that cannot be shaken.Tune in and get ready for a raw and powerful discussion on faith, masculinity, and the warrior mindset.

David has been a missionary in the SouthEast Asia region for over 30 years. He has lived an unbelievable life in service to God, building 2 churches in the jungle with the local tribal people.David talks about witchdoctors, near encounters with death, and what his fitness regimen looked like to counteract the brutal way of life in the jungle. You'll have to hear this one to believe it, David is a man among men, and his approach to life is worth emulating.