Recent Episodes
The Nutrition Blueprint Every Man Needs | Insights with Dr. Chad
Dr. Chad joins Adam for the second time on Forging The Path!
In this episode, they talk about a variety of topics related to health & fitness in which Dr. Chad shares his expertise and advice about the following:
The current state of our country's health and nutrition.
Hopeful expectations for our country's leadership 2025 and beyond.
How our Christian faith is integrated into our fitness.
Why everyone should be wary of Big Pharma.
How the US healthcare system could be better.
Practical nutritional tips for ALL listeners.
Vitamins and supplements to integrate into your daily diet.
5 Simple Ways To Recharge & Thrive
Feeling drained and struggling to get through the day? In this video, I share 5 proven tips to help you boost your energy levels and feel revitalized every day. From simple dietary changes to powerful lifestyle tweaks, these strategies are easy to implement and incredibly effective. Perfect for busy dads and anyone looking to overcome fatigue!
Tips Covered in This Video:
Remove seed oils from your diet.
Boost your protein intake for better energy and focus.
Take a daily walk outdoors for fresh air and sunshine.
Delay your morning coffee to sustain energy throughout the day.
Try intermittent fasting once a week for a metabolic reset.
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 20
Five life-changing lessons that I, and many others, wish we’d known at 20. These insights go beyond conventional advice, offering a faith-centered approach to growth, gratitude, and purposeful living.
Key Lessons Covered:
Embrace Mistakes – Start now, even if it’s imperfect.
Choose Gratitude, Even in Tough Times – Discover how gratitude leads to joy.
Social Media Isn’t Real Life – Prioritize genuine relationships over online validation.
Save Your Money Early – Build financial wisdom with a kingdom mindset.
Life Isn’t All About You – Discover the purpose of serving others and bringing glory to God.
Whether you're in your twenties or reflecting back, these lessons offer timeless guidance on faith, personal growth, and meaningful relationships.
Family Foundations | Luke Rupnow
In this episode of Forging The Path, Adam sat down with Luke Rupnow to discuss foundational habits for new dads looking to lead their families with strength and consistency. From establishing family traditions to supporting young moms, Luke shares powerful, faith-centered advice for dads navigating the young child stage. Don’t miss these essential tips on balancing fatherhood, marriage, and personal growth.
Figure It The F* Out | Brian Hemming
Brian Hemming joins Adam for a cigar and a conversation at Lake Country Cigars. Brian is the founder and owner of FITFO Custom Cans. The mission at FITFO Custom Cans is to create a portable, durable, rugged, air tight and distinctive humidor for our clients. They accomplish this by taking a simple .30 or .50 cal ammo can and transforming it into a unique, functional, and one of a kind statement piece.
You can check out FITFO here: https://www.fitfo.co/
You can also check out Lake Country Cigars here: https://www.lccigars.com/
In this episode, we discuss the following:
The power of cigars among friends
Overcoming the distractions of technology
Personal growth and development
Business ownership
Family and fatherhood
Health and fitness
Perseverance and consistency
Let's Talk About Politics
It's election season! So let's talk about it.
Also, check out this great clip from Johnny Ardvanis: "A Pastoral Perspective on Politics"
Keeping The Romance Alive | Claire Zastrow
What are the keys to keeping the romance alive after 18-years of marriage, running a family business together, and raising 3 teenagers? You gotta fight for it.
In this episode, Adam is joined by his wife, Claire, and they talk about some practical ways to keep your marriage amazing. They touch on the following ideas:
~ How to keep the spark alive in your marriage.
~ Developing healthy habits with your spouse.
~ Date nights.
~ The importance of sharing your story.
~ Tips for forgiveness and reconciliation.
~ Raising kids who are dragon-slayers.
~ Leaving a legacy that will bless others.
Don't be a PAM | Season 2 KICK OFF!
In this episode, Adam gives a brief update about Forging The Path, the mission, and how YOU can help.
He also share a short teaching from our Band of Brothers conversation a few weeks ago. We talked about PAM - the passive aggressive male - and the tendencies in each of us to be passive in many areas in our lives. But Christ does not call men to be passive! He makes us into a new creation, and calls us to be humble, confident, disciplined men of action.
Let this episode challenge you to actively follow the Lord in ALL areas of your life, and stay tuned for more conversations and content from Forging The Path.
The Myth of Work - Life Balance | Ben Murphy
Discover the realities of work-life balance and practical business wisdom with Ben Murphy, a successful real estate entrepreneur and dedicated family man. Ben shares his journey, insights, and the challenges he faces in balancing his thriving career with his personal life.
Learn about his four pillars of faith, family, fitness, and finance, and how prioritizing these areas has helped him navigate the demands of both business and home. Gain valuable advice on managing burnout, making quick decisions, and staying grounded through it all. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone seeking better balance in life, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration.
How To Boldy Speak The Truth | Pastor Kevin Oelke
Fear and lies are the only weapons that our enemy has against us. So, Kevin Oelke and Adam discuss how we can boldly speak the truth in our modern world. We explore the cultural pressures that make it difficult to stand firm in one’s beliefs and provide practical advice on how to navigate these obstacles with courage and conviction. Whether you're a leader, parent, or anyone seeking to live out your faith boldly, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Topics Covered:
Defining and understanding truth in a relativistic society
The importance of humility and boldness in speaking truth
Practical steps for addressing difficult topics with love and conviction
Personal stories of standing firm in the face of cultural challenges
Join us for an empowering discussion that will encourage you to stand tall and speak the truth boldly in the modern world.
Is Jesus Enough? | Matt Austin
The mighty Matt Austin joins Adam in this episode. Matt is the real deal: humble, honest, real. He's also a business owner and the chaplain for the Lake Country Dock Hounds, a pro baseball team in Wisconsin. He shares tons of wisdom from the peaks and valleys of life in this episode. You might want to take some notes as you listen to this one!
Lean Not On Your Own Understanding | Tom Zastrow
Adam's dad, Tom Zastrow, joins him in the first of this 3-part Bible Study. In this episode, we talk about Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
He's On Your Side | Eric Forrestal
I got to sit down with the awesome Eric Forrestal a couple weeks ago. We originally met through the wonderful world of real estate. We discussed a wide variety of topics including but not limited to, Eric's life story, his company (Workforce Renegades), the DISC assessment, effective communication, and last but certainly not least: God.
You can check out Eric's business by going to WorkforceRenegades.com
Eric spoke powerfully about how God has been working in his life lately, and how he's beginning to realize that God is always there for us if we would only have eyes to see it.
Hope you enjoy this episode.
Money & Mindset | Michael Creed
Michael Creed from Luminate Home Loans joins Adam Zastrow as they discuss the often taboo topic of MONEY, how to view it, and how to steward it wisely. Michael offers some very practical wisdom about creating a budget, saving, giving/tithing, and investing.
If you have not checked out Michael's preview episode on Forging The Path, go to episode #28 on December 31, of 2023 to hear some of Michael's story.
Also be sure to check out: closewithmichael.com for more information and resources about finances!
The Hope of the World | Tommy Orlando (Part 2)
The second half of the conversation... Tommy Orlando sat down with Adam at Vendetta Coffee Bar to talk about church. Among other things, we discuss the following:
Avoiding the common pitfalls of American church culture.
What's required to create healthy church leadership.
Advice for men who are burned out on church.
Also, check out: https://www.vendettacoffeebar.com/ AND https://www.mercyhill.org/
The Hope of the World | Tommy Orlando (Part 1)
Tommy Orlando sat down with Adam at Vendetta Coffee Bar to talk about church. In this 2-part podcast, we talked about the following:
• How Mercy Hill Church began
• What the journey has been like so far
• Avoiding common pitfalls of American church culture
• Church leadership
• Advice to men who are burned out on church
Also, check out: https://www.vendettacoffeebar.com/ AND https://www.mercyhill.org/
Do Something!
We cannot be more than conquerors unless we're willing to enter the battle. This episode is based on the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 13 & 14.
Some key takeaways:
1. Take Initiative – What is something you know that God has called you to do? Have you responded in obedience?
2. Embrace Uncertainty – How do you respond when you don’t yet know the outcome or the results of a thing?
3. Risk – Where in your life right now are you walking by faith?
4. Go Unless You Get a No – What are some areas in your life in which you are being assertive? What are some areas in your life in which you need to step up, and confidently move forward?
Leadership, Faith, and Cigars. A Conversation with the Owner of Lake Country Cigars, Matt Matheny.
Listen in as Adam sits down with the mighty Matt Matheny in his cigar shop: Lake Country Cigars, located in Delafield, Wisconsin. In this episode, we talk about the following topics (among other things) while enjoying a couple of nice cigars.
What makes a good cigar? How to pick the right cigar for your palate. What it takes to run a successful business. The secret sauce of perseverance. The role that faith plays in our lives.
Do Everything Without Grumbling or Complaining
Has the Holy Spirit ever convicted you about your bad attitude? In this endearing Father-Daughter episode, I sat down with my youngest child and talked about hearing God's voice, repentance and obedience as she shared a short story and some of her thoughts about Philippians 2:14-15.
Addiction, Recovery, and Jujitsu | Tyler Wolfe
Tyler Wolfe joins Adam for this amazing conversation. Tyler is a pastor, a podcaster, and a blue belt in jujitsu. He shares his remarkable journey from addiction to recovery. He and Adam also talk about jujitsu, fatherhood, and ministry. You can check out Tyler‘s Wolfpack podcast on all available streaming services.
Zastrow Brothers - Deep Dive | Ethan Zastrow
You’ll practically have a minor in philosophy after listening to this heady conversation among brothers. Adam is joined by his younger brother, Ethan Zastrow. They sat down and discussed human suffering, religion, psychology, history, Carl Jung, Frederick Nietzsche, Schroeder’s cat, Jesus Christ, and biblical patterns and recapitulation… Among other things. Enjoy!
Photo circa 2002. Yeah, we’re pretty cool.
Zastrow Brothers - Round 2 | Ethan Zastrow
Adam & Ethan Zastrow continue their conversation. This time they get into some practical applications as they discuss prayer, fitness, fasting, theology, and falling in love with the Story of the Bible. Ethan also gives some words of encouragement to Christian fathers.
Are You a Disease Nut? | Chad Rechcygl
Chad Rechcygl is an athlete. So yeah, he’s a health nut. He’s also a chiropractor. He’s also a husband, a father, and a Christian. He sat down with Adam recently, and they talked about building muscle, losing fat, and preventing injury. More importantly, they also discussed the MINDSET that required to live a healthy life, and why God wants us to take care of the physical bodies that he gave us. Definitely worth a listen.
Also, if you’re looking for a great chiropractor in the Milwaukee area, check out chiropractic first in Mukwonago! Ask for Dr. Chad. The number is 262-363-5021.
You Are Not Your Own - Habits & Disciplines | Michael Creed
Check out this conversation between Adam and Michael Creed as they talk about healthy habits and disciplines that all men should seek to have. It’s a perfect episode to listen to if you’re looking to grow in the areas of faith, marriage, fitness and finances.
The Delight of Pursuit | Jordan Mudrock
Listen in as Adam interviews Jordan Mudrock, the founder and owner of ISI Elite Training in Brookfield, WI. Adam and Jordan discuss faith, fitness, and family in this episode that’s jam-packed with some great practical wisdom for any man that wants to get in shape physically and spiritually.
There Is No Easy Button | Johnny Ferreira
Johnny Ferreira talks with Adam Zastrow about the mindset of a soldier, and share some of the biggest lessons he has learned so far from serving in the US Army. Johnny also shares about how he found Christ while on deployment in Iraq. Then Johnny shares his biggest concerns about our country right now, what advice he would give to men who are battling depression, and what gives him hope right now.
You're Not Alone In This | Dustin Rodarmel
In this one, Adam Zastrow and Dustin Rodarmel talk about brotherhood and friendship - why they are necessary, and why they can be hard to find. They also share some practical things that men can do to forge these kinds of brotherhoods. They also talk about the importance of vulnerability and authenticity for men in today’s culture.
Through the Darkness | Ray Kozlowski
Ray Kozlowski joins Adam Zastrow in this conversation. Ray is a husband, father, and business owner. He’s also a hip-hop artist! Ray shares his testimony - which is incredible! Ray also shares his insights on servant leadership, being an entrepreneur, and how he effectively shares his faith with others. There’s even some spoken word at the end.
A Cord of Three Strands is Not Easily Broken | Claire Zastrow
In this episode, Claire and Adam Zastrow, talk about the joys and challenges of marriage and raising kids. They share the story of how they first met, and give some practical tips as to what keeps their marriage vibrant and growing stronger with each passing year. They also talk about date nights, hospitality, and making out in the kitchen.
Only God Can Love You That Way (Discipleship 101) | Sterling Roberts
In this episode, Adam and Sterling Roberts, talk about the challenges and rewards of sharing life with others and making disciples. Sterling is the Milwaukee area Director for young life, a Christ Center, ministry that helps kids know, Jesus, grow in their faith, and serve him.
The God Who Pursues | Pastor Kevin Oelke
Had an awesome time recording a podcast with this guy! Kevin Oelke is a pastor, a teacher, and a musician. But more importantly, he’s a great husband and a father, and he loves his family well. He’s passionate about helping people know the love of God in life-changing ways. You can check out our most recent podcast conversation at “Forging The Path” on Spotify and Apple. We talk about things like: God’s relentless pursuit of His people, why marriage can be so difficult, and how the gospel really is the key to a beautiful and lasting marriage.
Intro to Forging the Path
Welcome to Forging The Path. A series of conversations geared toward men about what it means to follow Jesus in today’s culture.
In this episode, Adam Zastrow shares the purpose of Forging the Path. He shares some of his life story while also going over some key concepts for men from the book of Genesis.