Ruck the Way

Mark Your Calendar: Ruck the Way Launch PartyJoin Gabe, Chris, and friends for a mini pilgrimage experience in the Charlotte, NC area:Date: Saturday, May 16Cost: FreeDetails: rucktheway.com(Yes, Chris will be wearing a kilt. He promised.)Connect with Dr. Noah ManyikaWebsite: noahmanyika.comBooks on Amazon:Redeeming Sundar: Faith and Innovation in the Age of AIThe Challenge of Leadership: Is There Not a Cause?Prevail: Reclaiming the Divinity of Our HumanityKitchen Copilot: kitchencopilot.com — download the app and start planning meals with intentionWhat does it look like for the church to engage AI not with fear, but with faith? In this wide-ranging conversation, Gabe and Chris sit down with Dr. Noah Manyika — a man whose life refuses to fit in a box. Born in colonial-era Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), educated at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, and now leading a tech company at the intersection of health, food, and AI, Noah brings a rare combination of pastoral depth, global perspective, and entrepreneurial clarity.From the soil of Rhodesia to the launchpad of Artemis, from the demise of the Christian bookstore to the rise of ChatGPT, Noah challenges believers to stop being "culture-bound" and start building the future God has called us to steward. This is a conversation about parenting, legacy, leadership, technology, and the unflinching belief that nothing is impossible for those who walk by faith.Dr. Noah Manyika(00:00) Welcome and introductions(02:00) Born in Rhodesia: the family that built Noah's belief system(05:00) Where is Rhodesia? Geography, colonial rule, and the shaping of a worldview(08:00) Parenting advice: training kids up in the way they should go(13:00) "My umbilical cord is buried in this soil" — rootedness and takeoff(17:00) The Artemis metaphor: what to carry, what to shed(19:00) Where America is culture-bound: entitlement, victimhood, and missing the speed of life(23:00) Georgetown, Madeleine Albright, and a missionary calling(27:00) The story behind Redeeming Sundar — and who Sundar is(34:00) Why the church reacts with fear instead of faith(43:00) Future-proofing your faith(47:00) Redemptive entrepreneurship and the unspoken fear behind institutional decline(56:00) The cautionary tale of the Christian bookstore(01:00:00) A word for parents raising kids in an AI-disrupted future(01:03:00) Kitchen Copilot: redemptive innovation in your kitchen(01:06:00) Where to find Noah's books and the Ruck the Way launch eventIf This Episode Moved You…Subscribe to the Ruck the Way podcast wherever you listenLeave a review — it helps these conversations reach more peopleShare this episode with a leader, parent, or believer who needs to hear itAnd as always — let the walk do the work.

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageIn this conversation, Gabe and Chris welcome Leanne Huffman — calling in from California at 5 AM — for a wide-ranging discussion about storytelling, faith, creativity, and the holy work of pivoting when life doesn't go as planned. Leanne is the editor of Gabe's forthcoming book, but as Gabe shares, she's also a professional storyteller across multiple mediums: acting, poetry, and now novel writing.What unfolds is one of the more thoughtful conversations the show has hosted — a meditation on what it means to live a creative life as a person of faith, how failure shapes us, and why humility might be the most underrated virtue in any industry.Leanne Huffman is an actress, poet, and novelist based in Los Angeles. A pastor's kid from Central California, she pursued acting in LA and has worked across film and short-form projects. She's also a professional book editor and is currently completing both a poetry collection and a romance novel. Her first acting role? Playing baby Jesus in a church Christmas production — a tough opening act, as Gabe pointed out.Connect with LeanneWebsite: http://www.leannehuffman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannehuffmanactor/YouTube: Search "Leanne Huffman" for her short films and acting workIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4022129/Look out for her upcoming poetry collection and romance novel0:00 - Introduction to Leanne Huffman5:20 - The connection between rucking and faith12:45 - Lessons learned on the trails of Scotland18:30 - Navigating seasons of spiritual "wilderness"25:15 - The importance of community in the pilgrimage32:10 - How to start your own spiritual rucking practice39:45 - Overcoming physical and mental barriers47:00 - The role of daily prayer in endurance54:30 - Leanne’s most impactful scripture for the journey1:02:15 - Final words of encouragement and wrap-upKnow more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

NOTE: This episode is best watch through YouTube:https://youtu.be/C1QD0p1rpTIUPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageIn this special episode of the Ruck the Way podcast, Chris is joined by his close friend Vinnie King on a unique "whiskey pilgrimage" to the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. As they walk between legendary distilleries like Lagavulin and Ardbeg, they explore the deeper spiritual purpose of pilgrimage and the challenges men face in developing authentic friendships. Using the ruins of Lagavulin Castle as a powerful metaphor, they discuss the emotional walls men build for protection and the courage required to tear them down to allow for genuine connection. This conversation captures the beauty of the Scottish landscape and the profound insights found in both mundane and spiritual moments on the way.Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about00:00 – Intro02:11 – Introduction of guest Vinnie King and the "Whiskey Pilgrimage" on Islay 03:38 – Arrival at Lagavulin Distillery and Parks & Rec references 04:17 – Describing the Scottish landscape in March :05:06 – Defining pilgrimage as a journey with spiritual purpose 06:05 – Transitioning to the walk between Lagavulin and Ardbeg 08:45 – Vinnie discusses the metaphor of protection and ruined castles 11:13 – Reflections on the emotional walls men build early in life 14:07 – Living life on pilgrimage: Noticing what others miss 15:36 – The struggle with trying to "curate" a spiritual experience 16:30 – "Setting the table": Allowing for profound moments in the mundane Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/aboutMusic Credits:Upbeat Music Credits for YouTube-Quicksand by Ian Aisling:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/quicksandLicense code: YTPHMDMY5WKDPP7H-The Cloud Council’s Quarterly Meeting by Ben McElroy:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/the-cloud-councils-quarterly-meetingLicense code: KLYXS8YQFEQUJ2PD-Afterlife by Ambient BoyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ambient-boy/afterlifeLicense code: AXG1VGJTZSW5M6Z9

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageIn this episode, Gabe and Chris explore the complex terrain of midlife and the "reckoning" that often occurs around the concept of vocation. Using the metaphor of Mons Gaudium (the Mountain of Joy) from the Saint Cuthbert Way, they discuss the moment a pilgrim first sees their destination after days of strenuous travel. They differentiate between "calling—our primary identity as image-bearers of Godand "assignments" the specific tasks and roles we hold in different seasons. The conversation tackles the shame and loneliness men often feel when their professional strategies begin to break down, offering a safe space to ask three penetrating questions: What do you love? What do you hate? And where have you been wounded? This episode is an invitation to transition from surviving your work to thriving in your true identity.Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimage We sit down with Ron Dasher, a leader in men's ministry and founder of the Iron Collective. Ron shares his 15-year journey of "Clashes with Stashes," a biannual fishing trip that exemplifies the power of long-term intentional brotherhood. We dive deep into the concept of "The Invitation"—the persistent, life-changing act of seeing and valuing another man. Ron discusses the "wilderness" seasons of life and the importance of unmasking the heart to move from a "conquering king" mentality to that of a "settled sage." By exploring emotional fluency and naming the currents beneath the surface, Ron illustrates how men can show up fully present and fully alive for their families and communities. It is a compelling call to step out of the drifting current and into a life of intentionality and high-trust community. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and June Pilgrimage announcement 01:04 - Welcoming Ron Dasher to the podcast 03:12 - The "Man Cave" and creating masculine spaces for groups 05:50 - "Clashes with Stashes": 15 years of intentional friendship 10:55 - The progression of relationships over a decade and a half 15:48 - Seeing life trajectory through the lens of "Story" 20:13 - Ron’s Family of Origin and meeting Jesus 22:82 - The Power of the Invitation: How Ben wore Ron down 28:83 - The Wilderness Years: From seminary to the call center 37:25 - Why the word "Invitation" carries so much weight 41:42 - Defining the Iron Collective and "The Box Talk" 51:58 - Vulnerability: What we desire to see but fear to show Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

This particular episode of the Ruck the Way podcast is best viewed on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay) to experience the hill walk in the sweeping beauty of ScotlandUPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageIn this episode, we invite you to step outside and join us for a meditative "Holy Week Hill Walk." As we climb the historic Traprain Law in East Lothian—a site deeply connected to the ancient origins of Scotland—we reflect on the physical reality of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. This isn't just a metaphorical exercise; it's an invitation to use your body to process the deep themes of crucifixion and resurrection. We explore the "liminal space" of Holy Saturday, the place between despair and hope, and encourage listeners to walk slowly through their own personal history and the history of the world. Whether you are on a mountain trail or a neighborhood sidewalk, discover how faith is lived out through the physical act of moving forward even when the summit is not yet in view.Learn more about us:: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/aboutSummary: A physical and spiritual reflection on Holy Week that encourages using the body to connect with the story of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection while navigating life's "in-between" spaces.

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageWe dive into one of their favorite and most foundational topics: the idea that everyone has a story."Do I really have a story?" and "Does it matter?"Whether you are a business leader, a pastor, or a college student, understanding your narrative is a key part of "Ruck the way" Gospel of the week: Verse: "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." — 1 John 4:12Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

AVAIL THE BOOK: Travel With a Stick by Richard Frazer UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travels-Stick-Pilgrims-Santiago-Compostela/dp/1780275684 US: https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Stick-Pilgrims-Santiago-Compostela/dp/1780275684 UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimage In this episode, we are joined by Reverend Richard Frazer, the former minister of the historic Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh and our first native Scottish guest. Richard shares the profound spiritual and physical journey he undertook on the Camino de Santiago, a trek spanning 800 kilometers that he documented in his book, Travels with a Stick. We explore the intersection of modern ministry and the ancient practice of pilgrimage, discussing how the simplicity of walking helps strip away life's distractions to reveal a deeper connection with the Creator. Richard reflects on his transition from the bustling heart of Edinburgh to a more contemplative life in Findhorn, offering wisdom on the importance of community and the "long walk" of faith. This conversation is a beautiful invitation to anyone seeking purpose in their own life’s journey. Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: / @rucktheway Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

BUY THE BOOK: Travel With a Stick by Richard FrazerUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travels-Stick-Pilgrims-Santiago-Compostela/dp/1780275684 US: https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Stick-Pilgrims-Santiago-Compostela/dp/1780275684UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageIn this episode, we are joined by Reverend Richard Frazer, the former minister of the historic Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh and our first native Scottish guest. Richard shares the profound spiritual and physical journey he undertook on the Camino de Santiago, a trek spanning 800 kilometers that he documented in his book, Travels with a Stick. We explore the intersection of modern ministry and the ancient practice of pilgrimage, discussing how the simplicity of walking helps strip away life's distractions to reveal a deeper connection with the Creator. Richard reflects on his transition from the bustling heart of Edinburgh to a more contemplative life in Findhorn, offering wisdom on the importance of community and the "long walk" of faith. This conversation is a beautiful invitation to anyone seeking purpose in their own life’s journey.Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: / @rucktheway Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimage We dive into the profound and often misunderstood topic of vulnerability from a masculine perspective. Drawing from their experiences leading men's pilgrimages in Scotland, they unpack the Latin roots of being "woundable" and discuss why men often struggle to lower their guards. This conversation explores how true connection and community are forged when we test the waters of vulnerability in a safe, adventurous environment. Timestamps: 00:00 | Welcome to Ruck the Way with Gabe and Chris 01:22 | Introducing the Main Topic: Masculine Vulnerability 05:45 | Why Men Struggle with "Lowering the Guard" 12:10 | The Latin Root: Vulnerability as Being "Woundable" 18:30 | Identifying the Masks We Wear for Protection 25:15 | The Power of Shared Stories on the Trail 32:40 | Creating a Safe Space for Authentic Connection 41:05 | How Adventure and Physical Challenge Open the Heart 48:50 | Taking Literal Steps Toward Community 52:39 | Final Thoughts: Walking Together on the Journey Gospel of the week: Verse: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." — John 13:34-35 Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimage We discuss how our modern addiction to a fast-paced life often serves as a distraction from our spiritual needs and how intentionally slowing down can create a "holy space" for a deeper encounter with God. Gospel of the week: Verse: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." — 1 John 4:7 Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageInspired by his pilgrimage on the Saint Cuthbert’s Way, Brendan discusses his mission to see "the hearts of men made whole" through redemptive business practices and organizational health. Discover how shifting focus from vocational titles to heart-centered presence can lead to a life of adventure and soul restoration.Gospel of the week: Verse: John 15:12 and "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

Chris shares his journey from medical aspirations to a global mission, discussing the profound nature of "calling" and the often-twisting roads of following God.Gospel of the week: Verse: John 15:12 and "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

In this episode, we sit down with Saul Huber to discuss his transformative pilgrimage. Saul shares his vulnerable journey through a "baptism by fire" season of life, involving deep personal loss and the challenges of balancing full-time ministry with homeschooling five children. Discover how a 40th birthday gift became a sacred space for "holy littering"—the physical act of surrendering grief to God while walking through the desolate and beautiful landscapes of Scotland.Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

In this episode of "The Way," We sat down with longtime friend Nicole, who shares her personal journey from a career in fitness to becoming a therapist, pastor, and author. She dives deep into the challenges of being a woman in leadership, the power of mentorship, and the importance of understanding each other's unique stories.Know more about our cause: rucktheway.com Subscribe to our Podcast: youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: rucktheway.com/about

In this episode, Chris and Gabe dive into the personal history of the RuckTheWay team. Gabe shares his background as a West Point graduate and veteran, exploring the "costly" nature of military life that often remains invisible to civilians. Together, they discuss the importance of being "curious" about others' stories and how to hold those narratives with compassion and genuine interest.Timestamps:00:00 | Introduction: Walking the Path with Chris and Gabe01:05 | Gabe’s Story: From West Point to the Armed Forces01:45 | The Invisible Cost: A Civilian’s Perspective on Service03:10 | Understanding the Sacrifice of Military Life07:45 | The Importance of Asking: Being Curious About Others12:30 | Avoiding the Springboard: Truly Hearing Someone’s Story18:15 | Becoming a Person Who Can Hold Another’s Story25:50 | Creating Safe Spaces for Real Conversation36:18 | An Invitation to Vulnerability and Understanding37:12 | Upcoming Pilgrimages: Join the Journey in 2026Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

We explore the compelling history of Celtic Christianity. From the survival of faith in the Dark Ages to the legendary story of Saint Oswald, discover how ancient missional communities shaped the spiritual landscape of Scotland and northern England.Compelling Moments:00:00 | Introduction to Rock the Way and the Passion for History01:31 | Chris’s Life as a Collector of Interesting Things02:23 | Amplifying the Hiking Experience Through Ancient Stories03:46 | Saint Patrick and the Explosion of Christianity in Ireland05:44 | Understanding the Concept of Missional Communities09:13 | The Hardcore Faith of Monks in Coracles11:40 | The Era of Anglo-Saxons and the Worship of Norse Gods13:21 | King Oswald: The "Return of the King" and Tolkien's Inspiration17:23 | The Battle of Heavenfield and the Dedication to Christ19:47 | Saint Aiden’s Challenge: Spreading the Gospel with GentlenessKnow more about our cause: rucktheway.comSubscribe to our Podcast: youtube.com/@RucktheWayMeet the founders: rucktheway.com/about

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE: https://www.rucktheway.com/pilgrimageWe welcome our first guest, Chris Bruno, author of Sage and founder of The Restoration Project. Chris shares his incredible journey from growing up as an emotional container in a wounded family to his time as a Christian worker overseas, which ultimately led him to his work on masculine restoration. He breaks down the transformative six seasons of a man's life and the power of pilgrimage in liminal spaces to invite men into their true story, embracing the wild kindness of God and moving past the wounds of the world.Timestamps00:00 | Welcome to the Ruck the Way Podcast with Chris Bruno, author of Sage01:13 | The origin of Ruck the Way: Walking, Pilgrimage, and the Rucksack Metaphor03:40 | The transformative impact of Chris Bruno's book, Sage, on men and their wives07:10 | Why having a vision of the "Sage" is critical in a man's journey08:10 | Chris Bruno's life journey: Growing up with a disabled sister and his emotional departure at 1610:29 | Finding a vision for manhood in Christian fiction books while living in Germany14:59 | The six seasons of a man's life: Boy, Phallic Man, Warrior, Wounded Warrior, Restored King, and Sage17:04 | The transition from King to Sage: Holding a "half sheathed sword and the staff"23:25 | The opportunity in liminal spaces: Unpacking the rucksack to challenge the 'world's script'38:00 | The invitation to kindness: Why men need permission to be kind to their wounded younger selvesConnect with Chris www.chrisbruno.org www.restory.lifewww.restorationproject.netKnow more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RucktheWay Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

We dive deep into a profound personal story. Chris shares a critical thread of his origin story: the childhood fear that led him to form a vow of self-protection and avoidant attachment. He recounts a traumatic incident involving a gun that shaped his early understanding of safety and responsibility, and discusses how this deeply ingrained vow played out in his adult life, particularly in his 25-year marriage. They explore the difficulty and necessity of vulnerability, the work of processing childhood trauma, and the transformative power of grieving past losses to find forgiveness.Know more about our cause: https://www.rucktheway.com/ Subscribe to our Podcast: [suspicious link removed] Meet the founders: https://www.rucktheway.com/about

On this episode of Ruck The Way, Gabe Smith unpacks the heavy thread of responsibility that has shaped his life—from a childhood trauma that left him frozen in shame to a celebrated capacity for compartmentalization in the military. Gabe shares how carrying others’ pain became his default, and how a pivotal moment in South Africa invited him to finally tell his own story. This is a deeply human conversation about what we carry, why we tuck things away, and how story work can bring freedom, repair identity, and invite us into a more alive way of being.

In our first episode, we introduce ourselves—Gabe and Chris—and the story behind Ruck the Way. After more than a decade of walking together across continents, we’ve learned that pilgrimage is more than a hike—it’s a physical journey for a spiritual purpose.We unpack where the name comes from: rucking as carrying weight on the road, and the Way as the earliest name for followers of Jesus. Gabe shares how his Army experience shaped the metaphor of the rucksack, while Chris explores how walking creates space for story, healing, and encounter.You’ll hear about Wide Open Hill, a moment of reckoning that changed everything, why “let the walk do the work” isn’t just a tagline, and the science behind why walking helps us process trauma, clarity, and calling. We also talk about thin spaces, liminal moments, and why life is meant to be lived—and healed—with others, on the way.This episode sets the foundation for the conversations ahead: honest stories, unhurried pace, and an invitation to journey together.Slow down.Pick up your rucksack.Let the walk do the work.