EP 98: What a Man "Should" Be with A.J. Swoboda

EP 98: What a Man "Should" Be with A.J. Swoboda

From Impactus podcast by Impactus

February 15, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and seeking help, emphasizing a Christlike approach to masculinity.

Why is it so hard for men to ask for help? Or admit they don't know something? Or be open enough to be vulnerable? Whether through our upbringing, our theological beliefs, or our personal views on masculinity, we all bring preconceived ideas to the table of what a man "should" be. But as challenging as they might be, what if those avenues of humility, vulnerability, and other people were the exact things God wanted to use to make you a better and more Christlike man? In this conversation, Dean chats with A.J. Swoboda, a husband, father, professor, and author who has written a new book, A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone. Dean and A.J. challenge traditional notions of masculinity, arguing that true manhood is rooted in vulnerability and the recognition of one's need for support from others, and there is great work that God can do when men are willing to walk that path. True masculinity is not about having it all together. Join us for this engaging conversation about what this means and how we can live it out. Website: https://impactus.org/ Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/…

People in this episode

Host: Dean

Guest: A.J. Swoboda

Topics covered

  • masculinity
  • vulnerability
  • support
  • Christianity
  • humility
  • manhood

Keywords

  • masculinity
  • vulnerability
  • support
  • Christianity
  • humility
  • A.J. Swoboda
  • manhood

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone

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