Order The Barbarian Way now!https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/1400257395In this episode of The Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin McManus dive into the complexities of discussing politics in today’s hyper-polarized culture, starting with their recent experiences in New York City. They share stories from a packed live recording at Mosaic NYC, the logistical chaos of hosting events, and the cultural contrast between dense cities like New York and isolated countries like Iceland. From there, the conversation turns toward the risks of political honesty, recalling moments when speaking their convictions cost them friends, clients, and public support. Erwin reflects on the long legacy of political engagement among religious leaders—from Jesse Jackson to Martin Luther King Jr.—and contrasts it with today’s climate of censorship, conformity, and moral fragility. Aaron and Erwin discuss the tension between their pastoral roles and their responsibility to address real cultural issues, noting how social media outrage and ideological pressure have made genuine dialogue nearly impossible. Through personal anecdotes, historical context, and candid reflections, they call for a return to intellectual resilience, open disagreement, and meaningful conversation—arguing that without honest discourse, a true democracy cannot thrive.Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpodFollow On Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManushttps://instagram.com/mindshiftpodhttps://instagram.com/erwinmcmanushttps://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanusJoin The Newsletter!https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter
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ARCHIVAL #06 Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building Belief
Order The Barbarian Way now!https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/1400257395In this Archival episode of "The Mind Shift Podcast," Erwin McManus and his son Aaron dive into the nuances of self-assessment and confidence in leadership, drawing from both personal experience and broader societal observations. The discussion centers around the critical role of self-awareness in personal and professional growth.The Genesis of Self-Checking: The podcast opens with Aaron introducing the concept of self-checking in leadership, likening it to a basketball player who hesitates to take a shot despite being unguarded. This metaphor sets the stage for a deeper exploration of confidence and self-awareness.Overcoming Early Challenges: Delving into his past, Erwin discusses pivotal moments that led to long-standing issues with self-esteem and self-worth. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming these early "voices" to embrace one's unique path and capabilities fully.Importance of Self-Advocacy: Throughout the conversation, Erwin explores the theme of self-advocacy, particularly highlighting how he often undermined his authority by prefacing statements with disclaimers like "I'm not an expert." This habit, he notes, detracts from his legitimacy and expertise, despite his extensive experience and knowledge. Encouragement in Relationships: Shifting the discussion to relational dynamics, particularly within families, Erwin underlines the significance of building a culture of encouragement. He discusses his approach to family relationships, which involves actively fostering trust, kindness, and appreciation without unrealistic expectations. Navigating Leadership with Integrity: Erwin and Aaron discuss the delicate balance required to navigate leadership roles authentically. They highlight the need for leaders to not only understand their strengths and weaknesses but also to remain committed to their true selves in the face of external pressures and expectations. Practical Leadership Advice: Concluding the episode, Erwin offers practical advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s unique talents and contributions. He encourages embracing risks and trusting one’s vision as essential steps towards achieving meaningful and impactful leadership. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and nurturing one's inner life to effectively lead and influence others. It's a call to action for leaders at all levels to engage in continuous self-reflection, embrace their vulnerabilities, and foster environments where authenticity and encouragement thrive.Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpodFollow On Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManushttps://instagram.com/mindshiftpodhttps://instagram.com/erwinmcmanushttps://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanusJoin The Newsletter!https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter
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#107 There's Always Room
Order The Barbarian Way now!https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/1400257395In this episode of The Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron McManus sits down with McLaren Lewis in a historic London sail loft turned wellness space to talk about McLaren’s extraordinary journey to London. Together they explore what it means to rebuild life and faith in one of the world’s most diverse cities, reflecting on the challenges of cultural adjustment, isolation, and the search for belonging. McLaren shares his experiences growing up amid political instability, navigating the struggles of immigration, and eventually finding purpose through community and faith. The conversation dives into the slow, often complicated process of building a community organization in England—balancing structure with organic growth—and the resilience required to create meaningful connection. McLaren opens up about his battle with depression and a transformative moment of helping a stranger that reignited his hope and deepened his sense of calling. Through reflections on football culture, church life, and shared humanity, Aaron and McLaren highlight how love, hope, and faith can shape a new kind of community rooted in compassion and perseverance, offering a moving reminder of what it means to be part of something larger than yourself.Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpodFollow On Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManushttps://instagram.com/mindshiftpodhttps://instagram.com/erwinmcmanushttps://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanusJoin The Newsletter!https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter
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#106 The End Of Safety: Chaos And Conviction
Order The Barbarian Way now!https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/1400257395In episode 106 of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin Raphael McManus open up about the challenges of life in Los Angeles, including a disturbing stalking incident. The conversation unfolds around major life updates—the launch of the 20th anniversary edition of The Barbarian Way, now available on Amazon, and the introduction of a new $99-a-month Arena for pastors and leaders featuring live two-hour sessions with guests like Tim Ross, Tim Moore, and Eric Johnson. Erwin discusses he and Kim’s decision to sell their home after 15 years in LA, citing increasing chaos, public indecency, and unsettling protests that have made city life hectic. Aaron recounts recent encounters with protests, while Erwin shares how neighborhood instability and lack of police responsiveness have heightened their concern. The two reflect deeply on the emotional and spiritual toll of living in a city plagued by poor policies and safety issues, touching on Erwin’s political evolution from socialist ideals to a libertarian outlook shaped by firsthand work with the urban poor. Together, they critique the cultural extremism of Los Angeles politics and the moral contradictions of empathy turned destructive. Despite the fear and fatigue, they emphasize faith, resilience, and the importance of building strong, supportive communities. The episode closes with gratitude for the Mind Shift audience, encouragement to join the new Arena, and a reminder that courage and connection are essential when facing the chaos of modern life.Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpodFollow On Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManushttps://instagram.com/mindshiftpodhttps://instagram.com/erwinmcmanushttps://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanusJoin The Newsletter!https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter
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#105 Spiritual Leadership: The Architecture Of Vision
Join The Arena Community for Pastors and Ministry Leaders!https://www.thearenasummit.com/the-arena-pastors?mcp_token=eyJwaWQiOjc3NTU2Miwic2lkIjo2ODk3OTM1NzksImF4IjoiMDc0MjZlYTE3MjczZjAxNmYxMGY5ZThmMDZjNTQzM2EiLCJ0cyI6MTc2MTI1MDAwMSwiZXhwIjoxNzYzNjY5MjAxfQ.SLb6owBUFx2GDl8xbsV8nC2utp0XKU5zyR-JyfFJEg8Order The Barbarian Way now!https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/1400257395Aaron and Erwin McManus unveil a new Arena Space for pastors and ministry leaders, offering weekly two-hour sessions for spiritual growth, leadership training, and church development. Erwin explains the evolution of the Arena from a business-centered community to a ministry-focused hub designed to strengthen leaders through Scripture and shared experience. Guest Eric Johnson, former pastor at Bethel and now leading Studio Church, shares his journey of vision, transition, and rebuilding infrastructure from the ground up. He reflects on leadership timing, the challenge of backlash, and the importance of clear vision and emotional resilience when pastoring through change. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, the integration of AI tools into church systems, and the need for community-based decision-making. The conversation expands to the psychological demands of leadership, the tension between self-care and service, and the cultural shift toward emotional health in ministry. Erwin and Eric emphasize that great leadership is rooted not in preference but in purpose—requiring humility, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the people being led. The episode closes with an invitation to join the Arena Pastors Call, a space for ongoing growth, collaboration, and mentorship among spiritual leaders.Join the Mind Shift community here: http://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshiftpodFollow On Socialhttps://www.youtube.com/@ErwinRaphaelMcManushttps://instagram.com/mindshiftpodhttps://instagram.com/erwinmcmanushttps://instagram.com/aaroncmcmanusJoin The Newsletter!https://erwinmcmanus.com/newsletter
Mind Shift: Destroy Your Internal Limitations.
Mind Shift is a podcast for the mind, body, and soul hosted by father-son duo Erwin Raphael McManus & Aaron McManus.
Formerly known as The Battle Ready Podcast.