Week 3’s sunrise ruck wasn’t solo this time, my buddy Devine joined me. 32 degrees. Shorts and t-shirts. A 30-pound pack and a goal to “embrace the suck.”

We pushed through the cold, laughed at the looks we got, and ended with a hot cup of percolator coffee and a new goal: get Devine trained up to go duck hunting before the season’s over.

Sometimes, brotherhood looks like just showing up. Inviting people in. Sharing the struggle.

That’s what Forge & Freedom is all about.

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What’s one challenge you’re taking on this week and who’s walking beside you?

A rushed sunset hike turns into a lesson about clarity, direction, and the courage to move, even when the plan changes.

True brotherhood isn’t found, it’s forged.
In Brotherhood in the Making, we explore what happens when men step outside their comfort zones and into something real. It’s about the conversations that happen around a campfire, the shared silence on a trail, and the power of showing up, not as who you think you should be, but as who you really are. This isn’t another “self-help” talk, it’s an honest look at connection, growth, and the work it takes to build a tribe that lasts.

Somewhere between the cold plunge and the hike with my family, I managed to smash my big toe on a rock without even realizing it. By the time I laced up my boots, my nail was already black and blue. Every uphill step throbbed, but at the summit the pain disappeared into the backdrop of autumn colors mountains lit up like a bowl of fruity pebbles.

The real lesson wasn’t about the injury, though. It was about remembering why I do these things in the first place: to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

only one person showed up and that was enough. At 6 AM we plunged into a 55-degree river, our breath hanging in the air, every nerve awake. Back at the fire, coffee in hand, I realized this is how the needle moves: quietly, personally, one cold plunge and one conversation at a time. Staying with the determination and keeping the energy will eventually draw more men to the campfire. Forge & Freedom isn’t about numbers, it’s about showing up, for yourself and for each other.

The Northeast is about to hit peak color. Maples are strutting their fiery reds and oranges like they just discovered filters on Instagram, and the air smells like woodsmoke and change. I love this time of year, the season that proves transformation can be beautiful and a little dramatic (and no I'm not referring to the overabundance of pumpkin spice everything).

I’ve worked in a lot of offices over the years, boardrooms, cubicles, corner desks. I always kept a few family photos nearby, but nothing compares to the “office” I have now: my own kitchen table.

This is where Forge & Freedom is coming to life. A full collage of family photos sits right in front of me, a daily reminder of why I’m doing this. Every late night and every bold step forward is for them and for the life we’re forging together.

It turns out the best office isn’t about square footage or fancy furniture. It’s about purpose.

Two kids. Four A.M. alarms. Zero complaints. My 8 and 10 year old kids are already showing me up, waking before sunrise to hike for fun. If they can do it, what’s stopping you?

This October, join the Forge & Freedom Side Quest for a Big Slide Sunrise Hike on Sunday, October 5th, right in the heart of peak fall foliage. This isn’t just a hike, it’s a challenge to rise early, meet the mountain, and experience the quiet beauty of sunrise few get to see.

Spots are free but limited to just 8 participants, so come prepared: pack your coffee, your camera, and your grit. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, push your limits, or capture stunning peak fall foliage, this Side Quest is your chance to prove you’ve still got it.

Are you ready to rise, lace up, and greet the mountain? Don’t hit snooze

reserve your spot today

Forge & Freedom’s Into the Fire podcast delivers raw conversations, outdoor grit, and practical wisdom to help men reclaim purpose, build resilience, and find true brotherhood. Listen for real stories, bold insights, and a spark to fuel your next breakthrough.

Modern life makes it easy to feel isolated, even when you’re surrounded by people. Forge & Freedom is about reclaiming real connection, a brotherhood built on challenge, adventure, and honesty. Step into the wild with men who push you, support you, and remind you that life is better when you face it together.

If your “breaks” involve scrolling your phone, the mirror says “exhausted,” or life feels like a never-ending loop of work and obligations, it’s time to step into the wild. Forge & Freedom takes men out of the routine and into the outdoors, where adventure, challenge, and brotherhood reset your mind, body, and spirit. Are you ready to answer the call?

Tired of fluorescent lights, endless emails, and “breaks” that barely count? Adventure does more than just get your blood pumping, it clears your head, reignites your focus, and reconnects you with the part of yourself that thrives on challenge. At Forge & Freedom, we take men out of the daily grind and into the wild, where real clarity, growth, and adrenaline meet.