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Carey Nieuwhof

Toxic masculinity and the power of forgiveness


Hi Reader,

What happens when a former NFL player loses 15 pounds—not from training, but from the crushing weight of having to let go of some staff?

Derwin Gray thought he had leadership figured out. NFL tough. Church strong. But when the hardest decisions of his ministry nearly broke him physically, he discovered something that changed everything: the difference between leading with bravado and leading with grace.

In this raw conversation, Derwin takes us inside his childhood trauma, his struggle with toxic masculinity in both sports and church culture, and the painful process of learning to forgive. He reveals how Jesus offers a radically different model of manhood—one that embraces vulnerability as strength and humility as power.

This isn't just another leadership podcast. It's the story of a man who had to lose everything he thought made him strong to discover what true strength actually looks like.

If you’re in leadership, or even just trying to follow Jesus more authentically in today’s world, you won’t want to miss it.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership. Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by...

State of the Church

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Upward Sports

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Belay

Download BELAY’s free guide today: 5 Blind Spots That Sink Your Leadership. With this resource, you’ll learn how to navigate these leadership landmines with strength and confidence.

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Show Notes

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Carey Nieuwhof Communications, PO Box 160, Oro Medonte, Ontario L0L 2X0

Carey Nieuwhof

Don’t settle for an impact smaller than you’re called to make. It's time to unlock your potential and lead confidently into a future filled with growth — for yourself, your church, and your mission. Get access to some of my best leadership content, only published in my newsletters.

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