{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Loneliness Is a Crisis and the Answer is Community featuring Don Ross","description":"Don Ross is the founder of Manhood Tribes, a former pastor of 20 years who now works in digital marketing and has spent over two decades helping men cut through the noise around masculinity and build real brotherhood. Married 22 years with two boys, he's built his work around five marks of manhood and, more recently, helping men prepare for what he believes are the biblical end times. This is a unique episode. Don walks Larry through the specific signs he sees converging right now, the nation of Israel and the temple, the move toward digital currency, and the gospel reaching every ethnic group, then pivots to what actually matters for the average man: building community, growing real-world skills, and developing a genuine relationship with Jesus rather than just checking religious boxes. If you've felt the anxiety of scrolling the news and wondered how to lead your family through uncertain times, this conversation offers a grounded, faith-centered answer.   Timeline Summary [3:29] \u2013 How close are we to the end times, and what that phrase actually means [5:28] \u2013 Why the anxiety men feel scrolling their phones connects to the bigger picture [7:33] \u2013 The specific signs happening now that are unique in human history [9:05] \u2013 Introducing Don Ross, Manhood Tribes, and the epidemic of male loneliness [12:35] \u2013 The Euphrates River drying up as a minor sign [13:29] \u2013 Israel reestablished as a nation in 1948 and the Ezekiel dry bones prophecy [15:10] \u2013 The Temple Institute, the red heifer, and preparations for a third temple [20:41] \u2013 Why the dome of the Rock and secular Israeli politics have stalled the temple [25:05] \u2013 Global commerce, the mark of the beast, and central bank digital currencies [29:23] \u2013 How state-controlled currency mirrors China's social credit system [32:29] \u2013 The third and more hopeful sign: the gospel reaching every ethnic group by 2033 [35:27] \u2013 Why the decline of masculinity collides with this moment in history [37:13] \u2013 Larry on feeling spiritually ready but not practically prepared [44:05] \u2013 What Covid revealed about government control, framed carefully as speculation [48:39] \u2013 Why building a bunker is the wrong first step [50:34] \u2013 The five marks of manhood: strength, courage, skill, honor, and allegiance [51:34] \u2013 Monthly challenges, from cold showers to learning vehicle maintenance [54:20] \u2013 The spiritual anchor and connecting relationally to Jesus [56:56] \u2013 Knowing Jesus as a person, not just checking the church and Bible boxes [1:03:44] \u2013 Larry's hike through Garden of the Gods and the decision that brought him peace   5 Key Takeaways Watch the Season, Not the Date \u2014 The instruction was never to predict the day, but to recognize the season and be ready. Don points to several signs converging at once as reason to pay attention rather than panic. Loneliness Is a Crisis, and Community Is the Answer \u2014 Most men believe they have to figure life out alone, and the isolation is at an all time high. Real brotherhood is what helps men survive hardship and become better husbands and fathers. Don't Build a Bunker, Build a Community \u2014 The prepper instinct is individualistic, but the biblical model is to love your neighbor as yourself. The right next step is building strong community that can support each other through any storm. Grow Real Skills as a Man \u2014 Strength, courage, skill, honor, and allegiance are traits you develop over a lifetime. Practical challenges like cold showers or basic vehicle maintenance build the grit and capability most modern men have lost. Know Jesus as a Person \u2014 Faith isn't just going to church, reading the Bible, and praying as a checklist. It's a relationship built through conversation, listening, and shared experience, the same way you'd cultivate connection with a spouse.   Links & Resources Episode page and all links: https:\/\/thedadedge.com\/1523 Manhood Tribes on YouTube: https:\/\/youtube.com\/@ManhoodTribes Roommates to Soulmates (cohort 3, starts September 16, free preview calls September 8 and 9): https:\/\/thedadedge.com\/soulmates Dad Edge Day with the Arizona Cardinals (November 15, Cardinals vs Rams, State Farm Stadium): https:\/\/thedadedge.com\/nfl The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood by Larry Hagner: https:\/\/thedadedge.com   Enjoyed This Episode? If Don's challenge to be informed, prepared, and faithful struck a chord, take one small step this week. Learn a practical skill you've been avoiding, or spend ten quiet minutes listening in prayer instead of just talking. If the show keeps delivering, follow, rate, and leave a review so more fathers can find these conversations. ","author_name":"The Dad Edge Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/thedadedge.com\/podcast\/","html":"