You’re the Youngest You’ll Ever Be: Start Now

In this episode of Age of Lions, Mark sits down with functional health coach Chris DeHollander to talk about what it really takes to age with strength, energy, and purpose. Chris shares her personal story—from growing up in a deaf household and becoming a lifelong “figure it out” problem-solver, to teaching fitness for decades and ultimately building a thriving coaching platform that helps midlife women reclaim vitality.

Together, they unpack the mindset shift that happens in the second half of life: moving from hustle and achievement to presence, peace, and intentional living. Chris breaks down two of the biggest non-negotiables for aging well—protein and strength training—and explains why the goal isn’t “looking better,” but building the health needed to live out God’s calling with momentum. If you’ve felt stuck, tired, or tempted to settle into “this is just what getting older feels like,” this conversation will challenge you (in a good way) to start small, get uncomfortable, and step into your next season with confidence.

https://chrisdehollander.com/

In this episode of Age of Lions, Mark Clement sits down with Frank Schwartz—President of F3 Nation (known in the group as “Dark Helmet”)—to talk about the surprising thing happening in parks before sunrise all over the world: men gathering for free, outdoor workouts… and walking away with far more than fitness.

If you’ve never heard of F3, don’t worry—Frank breaks it down simply: Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. What starts as “just a workout” quickly becomes a proving ground for discipline, brotherhood, and purpose. Frank explains F3’s countercultural principles—always free, open to all men, outdoors rain or shine, leadership that rotates, and ending every workout in a “Circle of Trust”—a moment where men share burdens, encourage one another, and remember they’re not meant to do life alone.

While F3 is a men-only organization, the conversation goes far beyond men’s fitness. The principles Frank and Mark unpack—shared struggle, community, service, faith, and living with purpose—apply just as powerfully to women and men alike, especially for anyone navigating the second half of life with intention.

From there, the conversation turns to what this show is really about: aging with intention. Mark shares how his own involvement in F3 has been a major catalyst in his personal transformation—nearly 30 pounds down since July, stronger, more energized, and more confident—and why physical strength isn’t vanity, it’s stewardship for the life God is calling you to live. Frank opens up about his wake-up call near 40, the mindset shift that changed everything, and how purpose in the second half of life isn’t something you invent—it’s something you uncover.

Whether you’re 25, 55, or somewhere in between, this episode is a challenge to stop “camping” at the false summit—and start walking toward the next mountain with purpose, community, and courage.

We made it to episode 25, and true to her word, the amazing Jinda Clement is our special guest. Leaning into the season, Jinda and Mark have a fun and helpful conversation about setting goals for a new year - but NOT THE WAY you might be thinking. Listen in for some real talk about this crazy season of life (50+, adult kids, weddings, grandkids, going back to school, etc.) and what it actually takes to work together for common goals led by the Holy Spirit.

Mark Clement shares an inspirational message around the wonder of Christmas, and recapturing our child-like faith and the ability to believe that anything is possible.

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark Clement is joined by Brian Dodd—author, speaker, and senior leader with InJoy Stewardship—for a thoughtful conversation centered on aging with purpose and intention. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership, writing, and service, Brian reflects on how our calling doesn’t diminish with age, but often becomes clearer, deeper, and more impactful.

Together, they explore what it looks like to steward wisdom, experience, and influence in the second half of life, why intentional living matters more as the years pass, and how faith shapes a meaningful legacy. Brian shares hard-earned insights on navigating transition, staying engaged, and continuing to say “yes” to God’s work—long after the cultural narrative says it’s time to slow down.

About Brian Dodd

Brian Dodd is a senior leader at InJoy Stewardship and the author of multiple books on leadership, generosity, and faith-based living. He has spent decades equipping leaders and organizations to live and lead with long-term vision and Kingdom impact. He is the founder of 'Brian Dodd on Leadership', one of the top 5 leadership blogs in the world, and the author of 'The Games Leaders Play" and many other books.

https://briandoddonleadership.com/

X - @briankdodd

In this episode of The Age of Lions, Mark sits down with Pastor Crissa Letson of Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama, to talk about what it really looks like to age with purpose in the Kingdom. Crissa shares honestly about the quiet “aha” moments of midlife—from catching a glimpse of her gray hair in the sunroof to realizing she and her husband are no longer the “younger generation” in their church conversations. From there, she dives into the deeper issues she sees as a pastor: people feeling obsolete, wrestling with grief and regret, and wondering if their purpose has somehow expired. Together, Mark and Crissa push back on that lie, naming the cultural messages that sideline older believers and reminding us that purpose and calling don’t come with expiration dates.

Crissa also offers a powerful vision for multi-generational ministry and what she and her husband call “spiritual parenting.” She describes the surprising hunger younger believers have to sit with older men and women, ask questions, and receive wisdom—and how life-giving it is when those in their 50s and beyond choose to invest instead of withdraw. She talks candidly about identity, comparison, and the fear of man, and why she believes we never age out of needing to be rooted in our identity in Christ.

In a tender and vulnerable moment, Crissa shares how a recent season of renewal leave and the loss of her father-in-law have deepened her friendship with Jesus, especially through John 15 and learning to abide rather than strive. With themes of gratitude, grief, purpose, and spiritual legacy woven throughout, this conversation will encourage anyone who’s wondering if their best Kingdom years are behind them. Spoiler: they’re not.

Episode: The Intentional Path to Elderhood

Guest: Chris Bruno — author of “Sage,” founder of Restoration Project

Episode Summary

In this powerful conversation, Mark sits down with Chris Bruno to explore what it truly means to age with intention. Chris draws a crucial distinction between simply becoming elderly and intentionally becoming an elder—a person of wisdom, presence, and spiritual weight within their community.

Rooted in scripture, history, and the stories of cultures that honor the aged, Chris unpacks how elderhood is not guaranteed by time. It is a choice. A formation. A path we step onto with courage, curiosity, and surrender.

If you’ve ever asked, “What does God expect of me in this season?” or “Is there more for me as I grow older?”—this episode offers depth, guidance, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• As we age, we face a profound choice about who we’re becoming.
• Growing elderly is passive. Growing into an elder is intentional.
• Elders carry spiritual authority, relational weight, and generational influence.
• Wisdom is formed through reflection, surrender, and lived experience.
• Scripture offers a vision for elderhood that is active, not passive.
• Many cultures honor elders as the memory-keepers and wisdom-bearers.
• Intention shapes the quality of our aging.
• Communities are strengthened where intentional elders are present.
• The journey of aging can—and should—be deeply meaningful.

Resources / Links

https://www.chrisbruno.org/

https://www.restorationproject.net/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00UU5E1S2/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=74352286-5305-4332-a14d-572bca4948b6&store_ref=ap_rdr&linkCode=sl2&tag=restoratio04e-20&linkId=23ed88c0c4e5887e420004b1e2b94e84&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&ccs_id=a2eda9a8-b51b-46b6-bff9-10f640347fef

For nearly two decades, Ken Schafer used his entrepreneurial leanings to minister bi-vocationally in a multicultural context. A mid-life transition to full-time ministry gave him an even bigger vision for serving people and churches.

Before joining Ramsey Solutions to work with the country’s largest churches, he was the stewardship pastor at Christ Fellowship in Miami, Florida.

Ken fervently believes in the power of stewardship initiatives to build community and fast-track spiritual growth. And as the stewardship minister at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, he is part of the team creating a powerful '4th quarter' strategy to help those 50+ thrive in their calling and purpose.

Ken is an obsessive long-distance runner, a proud father of two adopted children. Ken has been married to Julie for 24 years.. But as soon as you hear him talk, you realize he's the real deal, incredibly smart and strategic with an amazing heart for people. And in this episode we get the benefit of those myriad experiences and life-lessons. Lean in and get ready to laugh and to learn.