Whether you’re looking to heal, grow, or simply feel a little less alone, I hope our conversation inspires you to embrace authenticity in every part of your life.

In today’s episode, “Authentic Manhood—Men and Vulnerability,” I sit down with my good friend Gene Frost for a truly honest and heartfelt conversation about manhood, faith, and what it means to live authentically.

Gene and I open up about our personal journeys—sharing the ways faith has guided us, the traumas we’ve faced, and how healing often begins in community. You’ll hear Gene talk about his calling, his work through his nonprofit, and his passion for helping others. I also share some of my own most transformational moments, including my experience with Save a Warrior, learning to be vulnerable in safe spaces, and the healing that came from confronting old wounds—especially those connected to my father.

In this episode, we don’t shy away from the real challenges men face, like shame, guilt, and the fear of being judged if we open up. We dig into why being vulnerable takes courage, how authentic connections can change your life, and why sometimes asking for professional help is a necessary part of the journey.

Ruben Minor is the President, RAM Consulting Group, a US Navy Veteran, and Passionate Speaker, Trainer & Coach

ramconsultinggroup1@gmail.com

RAM Consulting Group is a Speaking, Training and Coaching organization whose focus is leadership, team dynamics, relationship building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the discovering of your "why," which is essential for individuals and group success.

We take great pride in partnering with our clients to help them become the absolute best version of themselves through three core values we call the 3 "C's."

The first is "authentic connection," which is the act of discovering an individuals core values and how it aligns with the the work they do, or group they are a part of. ​

The second core value is "authentic commitment." This is the act of being psychologically available and emotionally vested in an individual or group to help them understand our sincere intention to walk with them through the journey.

The third core value is "authentic courage." This is where we exercise true strength in working with individuals and groups and creating a safe place to be transparent and vulnerable.

Music from #Uppbeat: - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love

License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

Copyright 2026 Ruben Minor

Mentioned in this episode:

Music credit

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges we face.

Let's commemorate Veterans Day by exploring the theme of resilience and the importance of fighting the good fight. I share personal stories from my time in the Navy, reflecting on the teachings of Paul and the legendary John Paul Jones, who famously declared, 'I have not yet begun to fight.'

I talk about the significance of persistence in the face of adversity and how our struggles shape our legacy.

Moments

(00:00) Foreign correspondents share their thoughts on Veterans Day

(00:35) St. Paul in 2 Timothy talks about fighting the good fight for the faith

(01:55) John Paul Jones is known as the father of the American Navy

(07:03) Why do you think fighting a good fight is important

(11:38) Gary says sometimes you have to stand up to bullies

(15:52) This podcast is about fighting a good fight. Fighting for what's right

(17:53) John Paul Jones is the father of the American Navy, who defeated the English

ramconsultinggroup1@gmail.com

Ruben Minor is the President, RAM Consulting Group, a US Navy Veteran, and Passionate Speaker, Trainer & Coach

RAM Consulting Group is a Speaking, Training and Coaching organization whose focus is leadership, team dynamics, relationship building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the discovering of your "why," which is essential for individuals and group success.

We take great pride in partnering with our clients to help them become the absolute best version of themselves through three core values we call the 3 "C's."

The first is "authentic connection," which is the act of discovering an individuals core values and how it aligns with the the work they do, or group they are a part of. ​

The second core value is "authentic commitment." This is the act of being psychologically available and emotionally vested in an individual or group to help them understand our sincere intention to walk with them through the journey.

The third core value is "authentic courage." This is where we exercise true strength in working with individuals and groups and creating a safe place to be transparent and vulnerable.

Copyright 2025 Ruben Minor

Mentioned in this episode:

Music credit

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

Welcome!

This is the Heart of Authenticity Podcast, where vulnerability meets strength.

I'm your host, Ruben Minor,

To explain where this podcast is going, I go into the essence of authenticity by exploring my personal journey. In this inaugural episode, I share how my childhood experiences, including surviving sexual abuse and abandonment, shaped my understanding of authenticity. I uncover the impact of trauma, the coping mechanisms I developed, and how I eventually found strength through vulnerability.

Join me as we unfold three core values essential for genuine connection and lay the groundwork for our series on living an authentic life.

Let's embark on this journey together, where being true to oneself is the ultimate goal.

Ruben Minor is the President, RAM Consulting Group, a US Navy Veteran, and Passionate Speaker, Trainer & Coach

ramconsultinggroup1@gmail.com

RAM Consulting Group is a Speaking, Training and Coaching organization whose focus is leadership, team dynamics, relationship building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the discovering of your "why," which is essential for individuals and group success.

We take great pride in partnering with our clients to help them become the absolute best version of themselves through three core values we call the 3 "C's."

The first is "authentic connection," which is the act of discovering an individuals core values and how it aligns with the the work they do, or group they are a part of. ​

The second core value is "authentic commitment." This is the act of being psychologically available and emotionally vested in an individual or group to help them understand our sincere intention to walk with them through the journey.

The third core value is "authentic courage." This is where we exercise true strength in working with individuals and groups and creating a safe place to be transparent and vulnerable.

Copyright 2025 Ruben Minor

Mentioned in this episode:

Music credit

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

Do you believe that creating an open environment for authenticity and vulnerability is important for personal and professional growth?

Joining me is Eric Pennington, a passionate advocate for the entrepreneurial spirit from The Spirit of EQ podcast.

We discuss the importance of addressing personal issues to add depth to common topics, the real challenges of entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of small, meaningful actions. Eric and I agree that authenticity isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital, ongoing journey that requires courage, vulnerability, and the willingness to face past traumas.

We also touch on my personal motivation for starting the podcast, my plans for integrating music into our content, and my vision for building a community centered on authenticity and self-connection. As we share stories and insights, our goal is to inspire you to embrace your true self and create deeper connections in your own life.

So, whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply someone seeking more genuine interactions, this episode is for you.

ramconsultinggroup1@gmail.com

Ruben Minor is the President, RAM Consulting Group, a US Navy Veteran, and Passionate Speaker, Trainer & Coach

RAM Consulting Group is a Speaking, Training and Coaching organization whose focus is leadership, team dynamics, relationship building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the discovering of your "why," which is essential for individuals and group success.

We take great pride in partnering with our clients to help them become the absolute best version of themselves through three core values we call the 3 "C's."

The first is "authentic connection," which is the act of discovering an individuals core values and how it aligns with the the work they do, or group they are a part of. ​

The second core value is "authentic commitment." This is the act of being psychologically available and emotionally vested in an individual or group to help them understand our sincere intention to walk with them through the journey.

The third core value is "authentic courage." This is where we exercise true strength in working with individuals and groups and creating a safe place to be transparent and vulnerable.

Music from #Uppbeat: - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love

License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

Copyright 2025 Ruben Minor

Mentioned in this episode:

Music credit

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

ramconsultinggroup1@gmail.com

RAM Consulting Group is a Speaking, Training and Coaching organization whose focus is leadership, team dynamics, relationship building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the discovering of your "why," which is essential for individuals and group success.

We take great pride in partnering with our clients to help them become the absolute best version of themselves through three core values we call the 3 "C's."

The first is "authentic connection," which is the act of discovering an individuals core values and how it aligns with the the work they do, or group they are a part of. ​

The second core value is "authentic commitment." This is the act of being psychologically available and emotionally vested in an individual or group to help them understand our sincere intention to walk with them through the journey.

The third core value is "authentic courage." This is where we exercise true strength in working with individuals and groups and creating a safe place to be transparent and vulnerable.

Ruben Minor is the President, RAM Consulting Group, a US Navy Veteran, and Passionate Speaker, Trainer & Coach

Music from #Uppbeat: - https://uppbeat.io/t/kem/lazy-love

License code: LK7E7JTTIYGWIEWM

Copyright 2025 Ruben Minor