Keywords faith, atheism, redemption, spirituality, community, doubt, cancer, Jesus, personal journey, belief Summary In this episode, Nikolas Grace shares his personal journey from atheism to faith, reflecting on his childhood experiences in the Catholic Church, struggles with belief, and the impact of cancer on his spirituality. He discusses the importance of community, the challenges of surrendering to faith, and the search for redemption, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of faith and the possibility of redemption. Takeaways Standing at the crossroads of faith and doubt is a common experience.Community is a vital aspect of spirituality that atheism often lacks.Childhood experiences shape our understanding of God and faith.Struggles with belief can coexist with a desire for faith.Cancer can serve as a catalyst for spiritual reflection and growth.Jesus is portrayed as a relatable figure who understands human struggles.Surrendering to faith requires vulnerability and courage.Redemption is a journey that every man deserves to seek.Doubt does not disqualify one from faith or redemption.Every man can be rebuilt and deserves a chance at redemption. Redeemed and Rebuilt Website - www.redeemedandrebuilt.comTitles From Atheism to Faith: A Personal JourneyStanding at the Crossroads of Belief Sound bites "I was the apple of her eye.""I realized I snap fast.""Every man deserves redemption." Chapters 00:00 Standing at the Crossroads of Faith02:12 Catholic Kid in a Small Town09:01 Stopped trusting His People, His Church ....then Him11:22 Clouded by "Clarity"12:57 A New Body, Old Anger15:34 The Quiet Whisper turned into a Roar17:48 The Brain follows what the heart Desires20:37 Exploring Faith Through Literature and History23:00 The Crossroad of Belief and Skepticism25:49 The Quest for Redemption28:39 The Journey Towards Faith30:41 A Prayer for Redemption

In this deeply personal episode, Nick Grace peels back the layers of his own journey confronting the physical, mental, and spiritual battles of extreme weight loss and surviving cancer—twice. Nick shares openly about the isolation, fear, and courage involved in breaking free from a “500 pound prison,” his experience with weight loss surgery abroad, the shock of cancer diagnosis, and the battle with body image long after the physical transformation.If you've ever felt at war with your body or struggled to see progress in the mirror, this one's for you.Key TopicsThe "500 Pound Prison":Nick Grace describes living in a body that felt like a self-made prison and the turning points that led him to seek radical change.Facing Judgment and Fear:Raw reflections on the shame and anxiety of being seen as the “fat guy at the gym” and how perceptions—his own and others’—shifted with time and effort.Weight Loss Surgery Abroad:Discover why Nick chose to have surgery in Mexico, navigating the Canadian healthcare system, and the courage it took to take that leap.When Vanity Saves a Life:Unexpectedly, losing weight led to the discovery of a cancerous lump—something that couldn’t have been caught at his heavier weight.Double Cancer Survivor:The brutal realities of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and the emotional toll of a cancer comeback—particularly as a husband and father.The Lingering Prison:How body dysmorphia, loose skin, and shifting goalposts affect self-image long after the “before and after” photos, plus the impact of social media on men’s body issues.Cultural Pressure & Medical Trends:Thoughts on the explosion of health fads, performance-enhancing drugs, and why “optimization” won’t fix what’s fundamentally broken inside.Redefining Stewardship:Moving from punishment and perfection toward caring for the body as a responsibility to family, faith, and self.Inspirational ChallengeNick’s call to action:Pick one hard thing this week that you’ve been avoiding (walking, a doctor’s appointment, cooking a meal) and do it—not for the mirror, but as an act of stewardship for this “temple” you’ve been given.Quotes From the Episode“I lived in a 500 pound prison for years. And I built that prison brick by brick.”“The surgery fixed my stomach. It didn’t fix the demons upstairs.”“If I hadn’t lost the weight, I probably never would have found that lump.”“Sometimes, I forget I survived cancer twice. I forget I used to not be able to tie my shoes.”“We want the peptide that fixes the character flaw. And it is a character flaw.”Connect and Go DeeperJoin the Brotherhood: Sign up for Nick’s weekly field notes, behind-the-scenes updates, and resources at redeemedandrebuilt.comShare the Episode: If you know a man struggling with his health, pass this episode on—don’t let him fight alone.Next Week: The conversation shifts from mind and body to the spirit. Don’t miss it.Remember:Every man deserves redemption. Every man can be rebuilt. Let’s get to work.

SummaryIn this episode, Nikolas delves into the complexities of mental health, particularly focusing on the inner battles men face. He shares his personal struggles with intrusive thoughts, guilt, and the pressure to meet societal expectations. Through candid reflections, he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these challenges and seeking support. The conversation highlights the need for community, vulnerability, and practical strategies to combat overthinking and foster emotional well-being.TakeawaysThe loudest fights are often within ourselves.Many men experience mental health struggles but remain silent.It's okay to admit when you're losing the battle.Overthinking can prevent us from taking action.Vulnerability is not a weakness; it's a strength.Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.We are not defined by our darkest thoughts.Community support can be crucial in mental health journeys.Action beats overthinking every single time.Renewal is a process, not a one-time fix.

Redeemed and Rebuilt – Episode 1: Day OneWelcome to the first episode of Redeemed and Rebuilt—a raw, honest journal from the messy middle of transformation. In this deeply personal debut, your host shares his journey through years of discomfort, shame, faith struggles, and physical and emotional battles, inviting listeners into a brotherhood of men rebuilding their lives.In This Episode:Why real change rarely happens in a single dramatic momentThe slow, quiet pain of living with discomfort and self-doubtStruggles with body image, faith, and feeling “late” in lifeThe reality of weight loss, surgery, and the limits of physical transformationWrestling with faith, atheism, and the search for meaning after loss and illnessThe impact of cancer, grief, and fatherhood on personal growthThe three pillars of rebuilding: Mind, Body, and SpiritWhat to expect from future episodes: honest conversations, practical tools, and a supportive communityKey Quotes:“It wasn’t a moment. It was a buildup. A thousand tiny choices that kept me stuck.”“Surgery fixed my stomach. It didn’t fix my mind. It did not fix my spirit.”“If you are in the middle, you’re not late. You’re just where your story changes direction.”“Every man deserves redemption and every man can be rebuilt.”Call to Action:Share your story, questions, or feedback—this podcast is a brotherhood, not just a show.Subscribe, leave a review, and join the journey of rebuilding together.Connect:Website and newsletter coming soon—stay tuned for ways to interact and share your journey

“Men don’t fail in public… we break in private.”Redeemed and Rebuilt is a men’s personal-growth podcast about real comeback stories — from battling depression and doubt to rebuilding faith, strength, and family. In this trailer, host Nik shares why he’s documenting his journey from obesity, shame, and spiritual confusion to a life of discipline under Christ, using the three pillars: Mind, Body, and Spirit. If you’re a man wrestling with mental health, identity, or your walk with God — this show is for you.Listen, follow, and share to join a community of men who believe every man deserves redemption — and every man can be rebuilt. Coming Soon!