Send us a text

Connect with Ben:
Website: https://www.lovingonpurpose.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benserpell/?hl=en

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, I sit down with my friend, minister, and husband and father, Ben Serpell from Sacramento, California. We unpack a struggle that so many men face but rarely name out loud: moving from being passive and disengaged to becoming powerful, present, and emotionally safe for the people we love most. Ben shares candidly about early marriage, kids, and how “checking out” at home felt easier than facing hard conversations with his wife and children.

Together, we talk about where passivity starts, why fear and self-protection masquerade as humility, and how anger is often just fear in disguise. We hit on fatherhood, marriage, emotional intelligence, and what it really means to provide — not just financially, but by creating safety, connection, and room for mistakes in our homes. We also dive into personality wiring, self-awareness tools like StrengthsFinder, and why learning to truly listen can change your marriage, your relationship with your kids, and your friendships.

We finish by talking about brotherhood, covenant friendships, and investing in your own health so that your life doesn’t stall out in the middle. Ben shares from his Dragon Slayers men’s group, I share from my own story of divorce, bankruptcy, and rebuilding, and we frame what it means to be a powerful, honorable man who brings wealth (not neediness) into every relationship. If you’re a man in your “next third” of life who’s tired of passivity, fear, and isolation, this conversation will challenge you to step into wholeness so your next third really can become your best third. If this resonates, hit like, drop a comment, subscribe, and share it with a man who needs this.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Next Third Best Third & introducing Ben
01:20 - Early marriage, young kids & how passivity sneaks in
03:24 - Bull rider story: brave in the arena, terrified at home
06:15 - Self-awareness, wiring & why our differences feel threatening
10:52 - When anger is actually fear (and how men shut down)
12:49 - Redefining “provider” as emotional safety, not just money
19:02 - Fear, failure, bankruptcy & trying to stay in control
20:01 - Becoming the best listener in the room (not the fixer)
26:03 - Dragon Slayers, brotherhood & covenant-minded men
34:32 - Investing in yourself so your next third is your best third

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

Connect with Richie: http://globalawakening.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richieseltzer/?hl=en

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, I sit down again with my friend Richie Seltzer—evangelist, pastor, author, husband and dad—to talk about the kind of transformation that reaches all the way down into identity and family. Richie shares how he went from 18 felonies by age 16 and a broken home to a radical encounter with Jesus that completely reoriented his life, his sense of purpose, and eventually how he shows up as a father. If you’ve ever wrestled with father wounds, addiction, shame, or just the nagging feeling that you’re “too far gone,” this conversation is for you.

We dive into what it means to truly know God as Father, not just as a distant idea. Richie tells the story of singing worship over his unborn daughter, watching her recognize his voice the moment she was born, and how that became a living picture of how God looks at us: loved, chosen, and worth dying for before we can “do” anything for Him. We talk about living from love instead of fear, why so many of us grew up responding to religion instead of relationship, and what it does to a man when he realizes he starts every day with an A+ in God’s eyes.

Toward the end, Richie shares the gospel in a clear, compelling way and invites listeners to say “yes” to Jesus—right where they are. If you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this on my own. I need help,” I’d love to hear from you.

Email me at nextthirdbestthird@gmail.com or drop a comment below so we can follow up and walk with you. If this episode impacts you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs hope. This is how we make our next third truly our best third—by knowing we’re loved and walking it out together.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome Back to Next Third Best Third
00:48 – Richie’s Broken Childhood, Father Wounds & 18 Felonies
02:27 – Paint Crew Encounters & Meeting Radically Saved Coworkers
04:36 – Bridge Moment: Surrendering to Jesus & Finding Purpose
05:40 – Marriage, YWAM & the Shock of Surprise Pregnancy
07:10 – Singing Over the Womb & Inviting God’s Presence into Family
08:30 – Birth Story & A Father’s First Revelation of God’s Love
10:11 – Living from Love, Not Fear: You Start Every Day with an A+
14:39 – The Gospel Invitation: How to Be Born Again Today
18:46 – Motel Balcony Story: The Addicted Dad & the Father Who Redeems

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

Connect with Richie: http://globalawakening.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richieseltzer/?hl=en

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, I sit down with my friend Richie Seltzer to talk about something most men underestimate: how your physical health shapes every area of your life. Richie is a traveling minister, communicator, husband, and dad who realized that ministry stress, travel, bad food, and lack of sleep were quietly taking him out—from the inside out. We talk honestly about the moment his wife grabbed a “back roll,” the conviction he felt from God, and how that wake-up call launched a radical fitness journey in his late 30s.

We dive deep into why fitness is about more than getting in shape for summer. Richie shares how lifting weights, dialing in his nutrition, and building consistent habits completely shifted his mental health, emotional stability, and spiritual clarity. We unpack things like visceral fat, VO2 max, zone 2 cardio, testosterone, and why strength training is one of the most powerful ways to fight aging, dementia, and burnout. We also talk about time, priorities, and the “attention economy”—and why most men aren’t actually too busy; they’re just not yet honest about what they value.

What I love most is the legacy and discipleship that flowed out of Richie’s decision to get healthy. From leading young men to Jesus in the gym sauna, to watching his wife and kids follow his example, you see how one decision to pick up dumbbells in his garage turned into a generational shift. If you’re a man in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and you want more energy, more confidence, better leadership, and a stronger future, this episode is for you. If it helps you, do me a favor—like the video, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment with one fitness step you’re committing to in your next third. And share this with a friend who needs a wake-up call.

Chapter:
00:00 – Welcome to Next Third Best Third & introducing Richie
01:39 – From Virginia football culture to ministry and slow weight gain
04:03 – The “back roll” wake-up call and realizing he was out of shape
06:18 – God says “get in shape” and starting with dumbbells in the garage
09:43 – How lifting and better nutrition changed his mood, mind & emotions
15:18 – Time, priorities & why isolation will kill a man
20:22 – Gym evangelism, discipling young men & the legacy effect on family
26:16 – Influence, respect, and why physical health opens doors with the next generation
28:01 – “I don’t have time to work out” and how to actually start
32:42 – VO2 max, zone 2 cardio, heavy lifting & fighting dementia and aging

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, Taylor and I sit down with a live room full of men to talk about something every one of us is feeling but rarely naming: the battle for our attention. We unpack the idea of the attention economy—why information is unlimited but your attention is painfully finite—and why that makes your focus one of the most valuable currencies in your life. From mindless scrolling and short-form content to that weird out-of-body feeling when you’ve been on a screen too long, we get honest about how distraction is shaping our days, our minds, and our relationships.

I share a story from a meeting with Amazon where they told me flat-out, “We’re a data company,” and how that moment opened my eyes to how aggressively businesses are fighting for our focus. We talk about the wellness industry boom, float tanks, supplements, and how men are spending billions trying to feel better while still feeling stuck. Taylor and I both get vulnerable about wasting time, numbing out with our phones, missing goals, and even distracting ourselves from deeper pain. Then we bring it back to the five pillars of Next Third Best Third—thought life, physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and the lies we believe about ourselves—and how intentionality in these areas can literally change the next third of your life.

Whether you share our faith or you’re just curious, you’ll hear stories from men who are waking up at 4 a.m. to invest in their spiritual and physical health, as well as men who are tired of only examining their brokenness and are learning to focus on their strengths and wins. My hope is that this conversation gives you hope and one small, doable step to reclaim your attention—maybe putting your phone away in the morning, maybe being fully present at breakfast, maybe finally joining a community of men who want more out of life. If this episode hits home, do me a favor: like, subscribe, drop a comment about where distraction hits you hardest, and share this with a man who needs to hear he’s not alone.

Chapters:
00:00 Live audience intro & why attention matters
02:02 What is the attention economy and why your focus is finite
06:03 Inside Amazon: data, grocery lists & the real product they want
10:19 Wasting time, lost opportunities & neglected relationships
13:29 Numbing with phones, missed goals & our kids’ screen habits
19:25 Phones at the table, presence over pinging notifications
24:03 Teaching our kids eye contact, focus and real connection
27:29 Wellness industry boom, float tanks & true mental renewal
32:46 Practical steps for men to fight distraction and build habits
40:41 Your attention as treasure: faith, focus & becoming what you behold

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

Connect more with us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextthirdbestthird/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/next3rdbest3rd
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KUn8wgqTPxEQo9ejFi01g?si=33932e0993a24d18
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-third-best-third/id1752200976

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, Taylor and I blow up the old idea of the “strong, silent type” and talk honestly about why so many men stay quiet when their world is falling apart. We unpack a fresh story from Taylor about a close friend who went through major loss and separation without telling anyone, and how common that pattern is for men. From cultural conditioning to family of origin to the pressure to “provide,” we look at how silence gets baked into our definition of strength.

I share openly about my own story of divorce, shame, and how close I came to disappearing into isolation, as well as what actually helped me heal: other men who refused to let me stay silent. We talk about fathers who modeled humor and anger but not vulnerability, the way money and provision are tied to our identity, and why so many husbands and leaders feel like failures even when they’re doing a lot right. We also hit on athletes, pastors, and everyday guys who look successful on the outside but are falling apart on the inside.

Most importantly, we get practical. We talk about emotional vocabulary, how to find trustworthy men, what “iron sharpening iron” really looks like, and how to take your first courageous step if you’ve never opened up before. Whether you’re the guy who’s struggling in silence or the friend who needs to lean in and ask better questions, my hope is that this conversation helps you make your next third your best third. If this resonates, like, comment, subscribe, and share this with a man who needs to know he’s not alone.

Chapters:
00:00 The “Strong Silent Type” Myth
02:55 Why My Friend Hid His Separation
05:20 How Our Fathers Shaped Our Silence
09:45 Provision, Money, Stress and Male Anger
14:40 Fear of Judgment, Weakness and Being Seen
18:40 How Other Men Helped Me Survive Divorce
22:55 Athletes, Suicide and Suffering in Silence
27:10 Two Types of Men: Strugglers and Safe Friends
31:30 Iron Sharpens Iron: Calling Brothers Up
36:00 First Steps to Stop Suffering in Silence

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down once again with my good friend @billvanderbush for a powerful continuation of our conversation on identity, fatherhood, and the lies men believe about themselves. We talk about how so many of us, as men, carry misconceptions about God because of the experiences we’ve had with our earthly fathers—whether they were absent, harsh, or even incredible. Bill shares deeply personal stories about his own dad, and how even in the best father-son relationships, we still tend to project our limitations and misunderstandings onto God.

As we unpack what it means to know God as Father, this conversation gets real about redemption, restoration, and learning how to become sons before we can truly be fathers. Bill shares timeless wisdom about God’s nature—how He’s better than we think, closer than we realize, and how the Father’s heart is always toward us. We also talk about how faith isn’t something we manufacture—it’s a gift. Grace and faith both come from God, and all He asks is that we simply say yes.

If you’ve ever wrestled with father wounds, shame, or confusion about your identity, this episode will bring hope. You’ll hear stories of transformation, theology that sets your heart free, and practical wisdom for walking in your sonship. My prayer is that as you listen, you’ll encounter the love of the Father in a new way—and begin making your Next Third, your Best Third.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Lies Men Believe About Themselves
01:00 – How Our View of God Reflects Our Earthly Fathers
03:00 – Bill’s Story: A Great Father, But Limited Understanding
05:10 – Projecting Our Dad’s Traits Onto God
07:00 – How Good Fathers Can Still Miss the Mark
09:00 – Creating Space for Redemption in Fatherhood
12:00 – Learning to Be a Son Before Becoming a Father
15:00 – Redeeming Your Sonship Through Christ
18:00 – Faith as an Investigation into God’s Goodness
25:00 – Union With God: Moving From Servant to Son

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

I sit down with my friend @billvanderbush — author, pastor, and teacher — for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had. We dive deep into how the lies we believe about God shape every part of our lives, from how we see ourselves to how we love others. Bill unpacks what it means that Jesus is who God has always been, and how rediscovering the true nature of the Father changes everything about how we live, lead, and love.

Connect with Bill:
Website: https://billvanderbush.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billosopher59/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billvanderbush

For years, I wrestled with my own distorted view of God as distant or demanding — a reflection of my own experiences with my earthly father. But the revelation of God as a good Father changed everything. This conversation will challenge the way you think about your faith, your worth, and your identity. Whether you’re a believer, curious, or even skeptical, this episode offers a fresh look at what grace and fatherhood really mean.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel close to God, or wondered why you carry shame, guilt, or performance-based faith, this conversation is for you. Stay until the end — we share a personal story about leading our earthly fathers to Christ that will move you deeply. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that God is better than they think.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome with Bill Vanderbush
01:00 – The Lies We Believe About God
03:00 – God Was Father Before He Was Creator
06:00 – Healing the Father Wound
09:00 – Seeing God Through the Lens of Jesus
12:00 – Face-to-Face: The True Image of God
14:00 – Who Lied to You About God?
17:00 – Forgiveness and Freedom From False Identity
21:00 – Detoxing Religion and Discovering Grace
28:00 – How to Father Your Father
30:00 – Stories of Redemption and Closing Thoughts

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Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)

Send us a text

In this episode of Next Third Best Third, I sit down with my friend Richard Neusch, who’s been married for 44 years, to talk about one of the most foundational — and misunderstood — parts of life: marriage. As men, we often think strength means holding it all together, but Richard reminds us that true strength comes through surrender, grace, and learning how to love like Christ.

We dig into what it means when God said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” Even in perfection, Adam needed relationship — and that truth still shapes us today. Richard unpacks the three ways Christ loved the Church — initiating, continuous, and unconditional — and how applying that model can completely transform your marriage.

Whether you’re single, struggling, or decades into your marriage, this conversation will challenge your perspective, heal your heart, and give you practical tools to love better. You’ll learn why conflict is necessary for growth, how to find the keys to your spouse’s heart, and why your treasure always leads your heart.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Why Marriage Matters for Every Man
02:30 – “It’s Not Good for Man to Be Alone” — God’s Design for Relationship
06:30 – The Garden Story: How Adam Learned What He Needed
10:00 – Three Ways Christ Loved the Church (and How Husbands Can Too)
15:30 – Compatibility Is Built, Not Found
18:30 – Why Conflict Is Essential to a Healthy Marriage
20:00 – The Three Core Needs of Every Wife
28:00 – How Praise and Gratitude Strengthen Relationships
33:00 – Continuous, Unconditional Love: The Key to Lasting Marriage
40:00 – Communication That Builds Understanding, Not Winners
46:00 – Final Thoughts: Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Follow

Welcome to Next Third Best Third! Join us for the inaugural episode of the Next Third Best Third podcast! Host David Fenwick, founder, author, and life coach, introduces the mission to inspire men over 40 to thrive in the next stage of life. Discover how to conquer life's challenges across physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. In this episode, David shares insights on:

- Physical Health: Strategies for maintaining fitness and vitality as you age.
- Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay mentally sharp and manage stress.
- Relational Growth: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Finding purpose and deeper spiritual connections.
- Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions and fostering a positive outlook.

Don't miss out on this journey towards making the next third of your life the best third!

Website: (https://www.nextthirdbestthird.com/)