The Milestone to Manhood Podcast

In this episode of the Milestone to Manhood podcast, Steven Arms interviews Gabriel Perez about his experience organizing a rite of passage for his son. They discuss the significance of faith in family life, the planning and execution of the rite of passage weekend, and the lessons learned from the experience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of legacy and the role of fathers in shaping their children's lives.Milestone to ManhoodVisit our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy a copy of the book on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us at [email protected] us on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

In this episode of the Milestone to Manhood podcast, Deacon Dave Arms interviews Derek K. about his family, faith, and the importance of intentional parenting. Derek shares insights into his Catholic upbringing, the role of faith in his marriage, and how he has raised his ten children with a strong emphasis on spirituality. The conversation delves into the Rite of Passage that Derek held for his son. The conversation covers the various ceremonies and activities that took place, including the entrance ceremony, man talk, scripture discussions, and the family gift. Milestone to ManhoodVisit our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy a copy of the book on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us at [email protected] us on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Chris W. comes back to revisit the ROP that held for his eldest son, talks about the unique challenges and joys that come with parenting twins, planning a rite of passage for twins, memorable moments from their weekend, and advice for dads considering holding a ROP. Milestone to Manhood Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

If you recently held a rite of passage - or if you know someone who has - we want to hear from you! We are looking for guests to be on this show, the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, to share your story. No two ROPs are alike, so we want to know things like, what went well? What didn't go well? And what would you change in hindsight? By sharing your story, you will be helping other fathers who are on this same journey - fathers who want to affirm their sons in their identity as a man. Email us at [email protected] to be a guest on the show. Milestone to Manhood Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Dan F. talks about overcoming the apprehension that comes with organizing a rite of passage, how to connect with today's teenager, the preparation involved to organize a weekend, and the importance of community and tradition in a society that values the individual above all else. Milestone to Manhood Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Mike B. talks with Deacon Dave about the Rite of Passage that he held for his eldest son. Mike and Dave discuss vocational discernment, why it is important to affirm a son as a man, the camping trip that he organized, hiding from raccoons, and treating his son differently after the weekend. Visit our website ⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Chris A. is the Media Specialist at Extraordinary Mission. He focuses on video production, website edits, digital design, marketing, and branding for the ministry. He is a graduate of Tiffin University with a BA in Digital Media and Design. He enjoys playing sports with friends, spending time with the fam, and dabbling with music. Chris talks about the Rite of Passage that he was invited to attend as one of the male mentors, the benefits of getting an "older brother" role model involved, and how the weekend impacted him. Extraordinary Mission website: ⁠https://www.extraordinarymission.com/⁠ The 7 deadly dragon book series: ⁠https://www.extraordinarymission.com/product-page/the-7-deadly-dragons⁠ Milestone to Manhood Visit our website ⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Drexel King is a Marine veteran, student of Theology, entrepreneur, and most importantly, husband to his wife Johnna and the father of TEN beautiful children. Drexel talks to Steven about the rite of passage that he held for his eldest son in February 2024. Drexel's website: ⁠https://kingandcompany.substack.com/ Drexel's interview with his son after their rite of passage weekend: https://kingandcompany.substack.com/p/episode-11-manhood-rite-of-passage Milestone to Manhood Visit our website ⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Dan S. is the founder of Voyages Rites, a four step rite of passage process that aims at initiating boys into manhood. Dan is the father of 3 children and resides in Virginia. Voyage Rites on IG: https://www.instagram.com/Voyage_Rites/ Sign up to receive The Foundation, an introductory program for your 8 year old son: https://voyagerites.ck.page/foundation Milestone to Manhood Visit our website to access the free email templates ⁠⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/⁠

Dr. John R. Wood is the author of three books, including “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission: 5 Steps to Winning the War Within,” which has over 240,000 copies distributed to date. Since the release of the book in December 2012, he has spoken at more than 100 parishes and schools across the country to people of all ages, inspiring thousands to embrace the message of the Universal Call to Holiness and help reawaken the sleeping giant called the Catholic Church. John is the President of the non-profit organization “Extraordinary Mission” and is an eye doctor who provides mobile eye care to over 40 nursing homes and developmental disability facilities through his business, Mobile Eyes, which he started in 2007. John, with his wife Kristin and their five children were finalists in the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge for their new 2nd Grade Sacramental Family Retreat called “Dragon Slayers” as one of the best new innovative ideas in the country. Deacon Dave talks to John about the Rite of Passage he held for his son Isaiah, how he incorporated the Sacraments into the event, and what the weekend means to him now, in hindsight. Extraordinary Mission website: https://www.extraordinarymission.com/ The 7 deadly dragon book series: https://www.extraordinarymission.com/product-page/the-7-deadly-dragons Milestone to Manhood Visit our website https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420 Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Rich Pintang discusses fatherhood, family, becoming a man, the importance of a rite of passage, choosing men for the trip, navigating family dynamics, choosing a family heirloom, and adding flexibility to the trip. Check out Rich's awesome show the Catholic DadCast. Milestone to Manhood Visit our website to access the free email templates ⁠https://www.milestonetomanhood.com/⁠ Buy a copy of the book on Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VDRC5TH?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420⁠ Email us at [email protected] Follow us on X ⁠https://twitter.com/Mile2Manhood⁠ Follow us on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Milestone-To-Manhood/100080493665014/⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/milestonetomanhood/

Superhero dad Chris W. and Deacon Dave discuss ways to create special memories with our children, some family traditions, and the Rite of Passage that he held for his son Luke. Visit milestonetomanhood.com for more information about the Rite of Passage weekend.

Frank C. talks about the impact of his father's absence in his life, some of the lessons that he learned from his mentor "Chuck", his journey to find healing, and how holding a Rite of Passage impacted both him and his son. Visit ⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠ for more information about the Rite of Passage weekend.

Shane sits down and talks about the Rite of Passage that he recently held for his son. Visit milestonetomanhood.com to access the email templates that Shane used and for more information about the weekend.

Steven sits down with Chris Lim, as Chris shares his story of the Rite of Passage that he organized for his son, Tristan. Chris was born and raised in Singapore and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chris knew that he wanted to get his four older brothers involved in his son's ROP, so he shares some of the challenges that he faced to organize a Rite of Passage abroad. He also shares some of the best parts of their trip together, and some growth that he has already seen in his son. Visit milestonetomanhood.com for more information about the Rite of Passage weekend.

In episode #15 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about the after party. Now that you son is OFFICIALLY a man, it's time to celebrate! You want to give your son a birthday party, so he doesn't feel like he "missed out" because of his ROP weekend. We talk about why it's important to hold an afterparty for your son, and offer some suggestions for what that might look like. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #14 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about bestowing the title of 'man' on your son, and the final blessing. These are the last formal rituals of the weekend - after this, your son has officially entered into manhood! It's a clear moment in his life that he will never forget. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #13 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about the Ribbon Ceremony. Virtue is not something developed in isolation - it's something that we learn from others. It's also important to not hide your son from the fact that no man is perfect, and we all have character defects that we can improve on. The Ribbon Ceremony is designed to manifest this 'taking' of positive character traits from the group of men, while also making a conscious effort to 'burn away' our negative character traits. The Ribbon Ceremony is one of the most powerful rituals of the weekend and is a great exercise in self reflection, both for the boy and the men on the trip. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #12 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about giving letters to your son. These letters are meant to be something tangible that your son can take with him, once his Rite of Passage is over. Letters are a special gift, and the older that your son gets, the more he will appreciate them. In this episode, we talk about: Why letters are so powerful What topics should be included in the letters Who to ask to write a letter to your son How long the letters should be If the letters should be handwritten, or typed How to present the letters to him Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #11 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about the Scripture sharing ritual. The sharing of Scripture is intentionally set up to encourage a conversation about faith with your son. Jesus, after all, is the ultimate example of what it means to be a man. He was loving, humble, strong, faithful, had a good relationship with his mother and father, and was self sacrificial. In this episode, we talk about: Why it is important to have conversations about faith with your son How to pick out a good Scripture passage, with some specific examples How to prepare your reflection What to do if a man who you have invited does NOT want to share from Scripture Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #10 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about giving a family heirloom to your son. This is not a regular birthday present; it is a token that you can trust with with something that has meaning to you and to his family. It is a physical way that you can convey "now that you are a man, I can trust you with things of value." Good ideas for gifts are a watch, pocket knife, collectable coin, or any collectable item. Ideally, it is something that was handed down to you from your dad and something that your son can one day pass down to his children. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #9 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about the "What it Means to be a Man" discussion. This is really a discussion about healthy masculinity and how to be a good man. It is a way to counteract what he has learned from the culture, and gives the boy something to look up to, something to strive for as he becomes a man himself. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #8 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about how to hold an entrance ceremony for your sons Rite of Passage. Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #7 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven talk about the first ritual of the Rite of Passage weekend; having a fun activity. Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #6 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Dave and Steven give 10 reasons why you should hold a Rite of Passage for your son. #10 modern society lacks a meaningful rite of passage #9 it accelerates the process of maturing #8 your son will try to “prove his manhood” if you do not #7 he may reject masculine identity completely #6 it’s a good retreat for all the participants, not only the young man #5 it will help your son improve his relationship with his dad. # 4 it teaches the young man to respect women. #3 it lets your son know that he is a part of a tribe of men. # 2 it gives your son a specific point that he can look back on to identify as the exact moment that he became a man. #1 it fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Visit our website ⁠⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #5 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, Steven reflects on his Rite of Passage weekend, including: How Dave invited him on the weekend trip Leadership decisions he had to make The rituals that made up the weekend What impacted him the most, and what he would have changed Reflects on how his Rite of Passage impacted him later in life Visit our website ⁠milestonetomanhood.com⁠ to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #4 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, we talk about: The location for your son's rite of passage Some budget-friendly options Why camping is typically not recommended for a rite of passage weekend Visit our website milestonetomanhood.com to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #3 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, we talk about: Why the age of 13 is ideal for your son's rite of passage What to do if your son is older than the age 13 Why 13 is NOT too young to tell your son that he is a man The difference between your son becoming a MAN and him becoming an ADULT Visit our website milestonetomanhood.com to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #2 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, we talk about: Why you should get other men involved in your sons Rite of Passage Why it would be a mistake to try to go-it-alone Who should be invited on a Rite of Passage weekend Who should NOT be invited on a Rite of Passage weekend THE LITERAL WORDS YOU NEED to invite other men on your sons Rite of Passage Visit our website milestonetomanhood.com to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.

In episode #1 of the Milestone to Manhood Podcast, we talk about: What is a Rite of Passage? Why is a Rite of Passage important in a boy's life? What happens if a boy does not have a Rite of Passage? What a modern version of a Rite of Passage should look like And a brief outline of the Milestone to Manhood Rite of Passage weekend Visit our website milestonetomanhood.com to purchase a copy of the book, or to access the free email templates to help dad's organize a Rite of Passage event.