The 318 Brotherhood: Rebuilding Men, Restoring Families, Advancing God’s Kingdom

Day 1024 When the Oxygen Runs Out: A Father’s Fight to Rise After Tragedy Episode 71

What happens when the life is sucked out of you and you’re left gasping for purpose?
In this raw and powerful episode, Rick Kauffman opens up about the moment that changed everything—the loss of his 3-year-old daughter—and the dark spiral that followed. From standing in the emergency room to placing a gun to his head eight years later, this is not just a story of grief, but of redemption, revival, and purpose.
Rick speaks directly to fathers who are barely surviving—men hiding their pain, pretending they’re fine, and silently crumbling under the weight of their past. This is your wake-up call.
You don’t have to stay in the pit.
You were made for more. You were born for battle. It’s time to grab the oxygen mask, breathe again, and rise as the warrior God created you to be.
👉 Claim your free copy of “The Ascension of the Warrior” and begin your path to healing, power, and purpose. DM Rick now.
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Day 1023 When a Father Breaks: The Truth About Grief, Guts, and God Episode 70

In Episode 70 of The Ascension of the Warrior, I speak directly to the fathers who have silently carried the unbearable pain of losing a child. If you’ve ever walked past your child’s empty room, seen your wife sobbing with a stuffed animal buried with your baby, or sat in your car screaming at God—this episode is for you.
I open up about what it means to be in that pit—when your guts are on the floor and you feel like you have nothing left to give. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about grief, silence, and the lies we tell ourselves as men. But there is a way out. There is a peak beyond the pit.
I share my 32-year journey and the birth of The Ascension of the Warrior—a movement to reach 50,000 grieving fathers and lead them back to purpose, power, and God's calling. This isn’t just my story—it’s yours too.
 
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Rick & Lori Share Grief, Green Grass, and God's Call: Why 50,000 Fathers Need to Rise - Episode 69

In this heartfelt episode, Rick and Lori share an unfiltered conversation about grief, healing, and the powerful vision God gave them to reach 50,000 fathers who have lost a child. From the memory of bronze baby shoes to the fresh start symbolized by green grass, this episode dives into the raw truth of carrying deep pain—and using that pain as fuel for purpose.
Rick reflects on the loss of his daughter Kelsey, the journey through grief that still lingers 32 years later, and the calling God placed on his life to rise, speak, and lead other grieving fathers toward healing. Together with Lori, they open up about their blended family, their struggles, and the fruit that comes from walking in obedience—even when others don’t understand the vision.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. One that speaks directly to the hearts of fathers, families, and believers searching for purpose beyond the pain.

Day 1022 The Grief That Never Ends: A Father’s Mission to Lead 50,000 Men to Healing Episode 68

Welcome to Day 1022 of The Ascension of the Warrior Podcast.
In this deeply personal episode, Rick Kauffman opens up about his 32-year journey of grief after losing his daughter. This isn’t just about pain—it’s about purpose. God has given Rick a vision to reach 50,000 fathers who, like him, are silently suffering, disconnected from their families, and lost in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.
Rick shares a powerful revelation from Proverbs 4:25-26 and how it spoke directly to the heart of every grieving father: keep your eyes fixed ahead—your path will be established. From this scripture, Rick builds a message of hope, vision, and legacy for fathers who feel like their story has ended.
This episode is for every father who’s ever said “I’m fine” when they weren’t. For every man whose marriage, faith, and identity have been fractured by the weight of grief. You are not alone—and this movement, this mission—is for you.
Join the journey. Share your story. Rise again—not in spite of the pain, but because of it.

Day 1021Reviving the Tree: A Father’s 32-Year Journey from Grief to God’s Mission Episode 67

After 32 years of carrying a hidden vision, Rick Kauffman reveals the sacred calling that’s been burning in his heart since the loss of his daughter. In this powerful episode, Rick opens up about his 1021-day spiritual journey of Bible stacking, daily meditation, and hearing from God. Inspired by Daniel 4, he shares the prophetic vision of a great tree—a symbol of 50,000 fathers who, like him, have lost a child and are called to rise up and reclaim their branch in the Kingdom of God.
This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. A call to every father who’s been living in silence, grief, and spiritual paralysis. The time has come to revive the vision, restore the family, and step into the mission God planted long ago.
If you've ever felt the weight of loss or the sting of spiritual isolation—this message is for you. The leaves of this tree will never die.

Day 1020 Put On the Mask: The Wake-Up Call for Fathers Who’ve Lost a Child Episode 66

In this powerful and raw episode, I opened up about the moment that changed my life forever—the day I lost my 3-year-old daughter. For 32 years, I walked through life suffocating in silence, telling the world I was “fine” while my soul was breaking.
But that pain wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a mission.
God has called me to reach 50,000 fathers who are silently suffering just like I did. If you’ve lost a child, you know the feeling. You’ve told people you’re okay, but deep down, you’re still in the fire—still waiting for air. This episode is your oxygen mask. This is your wake-up call.
Join me on this journey through the pain, the test of faith, and the path to rising again. Discover how my 8-step framework and the Ascension of the Warrior movement are helping men take a knee, breathe in God's breath of life, and finally lead their families, their businesses, and themselves with purpose and truth.
This is not just a podcast. It’s a rescue mission. And today—it starts with you.

Day 1019: The Power of Showing Up—Living Every Day for the Lord Episode 65

Over 1,000 days ago, a life-altering accident began a spiritual transformation that would change everything. In today’s raw and powerful episode, Rick Kauffman shares the story behind his daily journaling practice, how it became a tool for hearing God’s voice, and why living by Colossians 3:23—“whatever you do, do your work heartily for the Lord”—is the key to real joy and purpose.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a call to action.
Rick breaks down the mindset shift from living for recognition to living for the Kingdom, how the Warrior’s Way and the Master Craftsman's Design came to life, and why most men never start their Day One.
If you’re tired of chasing worldly validation and want to wake up with power, clarity, and purpose—this episode is for you. Start your journey. Start your stack. Start showing up
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Day 1015 Blended by Grace: Healing the Wounds of a Second Marriage Through Faith Episode 64

In this raw and vulnerable episode of The Master Craftsman's Design, Rick and Lori sit down to unpack the real struggles, breakthroughs, and lessons they've faced in their blended family of over 20 years. From the pain of past marriages to the silent baggage brought into a new union, they openly share how unresolved wounds nearly fractured their second chance at love—and how God became the glue that held them together.
Together, they reflect on the silent grief fathers carry, the emotional distance between step-siblings, and the powerful realization that healing begins not with fixing others, but by surrendering to God’s process of transformation. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex journey of blended families, second chances, and the spiritual rebuilding of a Kingdom-centered marriage.
Whether you’re a husband, wife, or parent feeling disconnected, broken, or unseen—this conversation is for you.
 
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Leading Together: Marriage, Faith, and the Battle for a Kingdom Life - Episode 63

In this episode, Lori and I sit down for a real and raw conversation about faith, marriage, and the battles we fight daily to build a Kingdom life.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
The challenges and victories we’ve faced in marriage and faith.
How to lead together as a couple while staying aligned with God.
Breaking through fear, doubt, and the distractions of the world.
What it means to step into your calling as a husband, wife, and warrior for Christ.
This isn’t just about business or personal success—it’s about fighting for what matters most and building a life that reflects God’s design. Whether you're struggling with alignment in marriage, feeling lost in your purpose, or need encouragement, this episode is for you.
It’s time to rise, lead, and fight together. Let’s get into it!
 
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The Tip of the Spear: Breaking Free from Fear & Building a Kingdom Business - Episode 62

Are you living in lack? Stuck in fear? Feeling like you're constantly on the edge but never pushing forward?
This week, we’re diving into The Tip of the Spear—what it truly means to be a man on the front lines, leading with faith, and building a Kingdom Business that aligns with God’s calling. Too many men stay trapped in hesitation, afraid to step forward in their Body, Being, Balance, and Business. They settle for survival instead of thriving in the purpose God has set before them.
🔥 Body – Stop living in cycles of unhealthy habits and step into strength.🔥 Being – Deepen your connection with God and hear His voice with clarity.🔥 Balance – Show up as a leader in your family and relationships with unwavering faith.🔥 Business – Break free from financial lack and fear, stepping boldly into God’s provision.
We’re not here to play small. God didn’t call us to sit on the sidelines—He called us to build, lead, and expand His Kingdom. The spearhead moves first, it cuts through resistance, and it leads the charge.
If you’re ready to stop living in hesitation, break free from the chains of lack, fear, and doubt, and take action in all four domains, this episode is for you.
⚔️ The battle is real. The calling is clear. Are you ready to be the tip of the spear?
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