EP90: CHAMPION with Neil Kennedy, Author, Speaker, and Founder of FivestarMan

Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks

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About the Guest

Neil Kennedy: Neil Kennedy is an accomplished author, speaker, and founder of the FivestarMan movement. Over the years, he has authored 14 influential books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and circulated globally. Intriguingly, despite grappling with a speech impediment and failing grammar classes in his early years, Neil has achieved remarkable success. The FivestarMan movement, which aims to resurrect authentic manhood through the five passions of authentic manhood, has profoundly impacted hundreds of thousands of men worldwide. His inspirational journey from an isolated job in the coal mines to an empowering leader for men demonstrates the power of faith and resilience.

Episode Summary

Welcome to another enriching episode of Becoming UnDone. This week, Toby Brooks sits down with Neil Kennedy, a powerhouse in men's ministry and founder of the successful Five Star Man movement. Neil candidly shares his journey—from a tumultuous childhood in Oklahoma marred by addiction, alcoholism, and serial adultery—to finding God and reshaping his destiny. Amidst the isolation of working long nights alone at a coal mine, Neil experienced a transformative encounter with faith that guided him to change his life and eventually touch the lives of thousands of men globally through his ministry.

In this episode, Neil discusses the critical role mentorship played in his life, how he overcame several personal and professional hurdles, and the genesis of the FivestarMan movement. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose. With the same zeal, Neil explains the unique framework of FivestarMan, which focuses on igniting men's internal motivations rather than imposing external standards. Through his story, we learn practical steps to achieve authentic manhood and the significance of directional intent in transforming both personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways

• Power of Mentorship: Zig Ziglar's book See You at the Top was instrumental in inspiring young Neil and directing his life towards meaningful pursuits.
• Transformational Faith: Neil's faith journey began in isolation while working at a coal mine, eventually leading him to ministry and a newfound purpose.
• Resilience and Character: Emphasizing victory over victimhood, Neil discusses how personal adversity helped build resilience and determination.
• Five Star Man Framework: Introduction to the five core passions of authentic manhood: adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, gallant relationships, faithful character, and philanthropic cause.
• Holistic Development: The importance of physical transformation and maintaining comprehensive well-being for fulfilling one's purpose.

Notable Quotes

• "After the devastation of losing what I thought was a dream and finally crying out to God...it was the first time I actually heard the voice of God in my spirit."
• "I'm just trying to expose who God made men to be... It's drawing out from their heart what they really are without all of the perversions of toxicity in culture."
• "You either embrace t

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Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.