Closer Than a Brother Podcast

About Closer Than a Brother Podcast

Closer Than a Brother is a men’s podcast about faith, friendship and the battles men often carry in silence. Through honest, unfiltered conversations, we unpack loneliness, masculinity, brotherhood, purpose, relationships, weakness, strength and life with Christ. Our heart is to create a space where men are challenged, encouraged and reminded that they are not alone. Real talk, real struggles and real hope, pointing men back to God, community and true brotherhood in a world that often leaves men isolated, distracted and disconnected.

Publisher

Closer Than a Brother Podcast

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 May 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   YOU ARE LOVED, MAN | Fr Anthony Sharkawi | Closer Than a Brother Ep. 10

   You don’t have to earn God’s love. But do you truly believe you already have it? In Episode 10 of Closer Than a Brother, the Lion’s Den crew sits down with Fr Anthony Sharkawi, priest at St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Sydney, to explore a truth that can change the way a man sees himself: you are loved by God. For many men, worth becomes tied to what they achieve, provide or bring to the table. But what happens when success fades, relationships struggle, or past mistakes leave you feeling unworthy of love? Through Scripture, personal stories and plenty of laughs, Fr Anthony unpacks the difference between knowing about God’s love and personally receiving it. The conversation explores shame, unanswered prayers, loneliness, marriage, ageing, and the pressure to find validation in a world that always asks for more. From the father who welcomes the prodigal son home to Christ’s love on the cross, this episode is a reminder that your value runs deeper than your performance—and your failures don’t mean you’re beyond God’s love. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Fr Anthony Sharkawi 03:15 You are loved beyond what you achieve 19:13 Can God still love me after what I’ve done? 28:29 Learning to personally experience God’s love 49:32 Trusting God through hurt and unanswered prayers 54:42 Finding love in God, marriage and relationships 01:10:29 Feeling lonely, unseen or forgotten 01:16:36 Your worth beyond work, age and ability 01:24:38 Helping other men know they are loved #CloserThanABrother #LionsDen #FrAnthonySharkawi #YouAreLoved #ChristianPodcast #CopticOrthodox

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   NICE GUYS FINISH LAST? | Andrew Malak | Closer Than a Brother Ep. 9

   Is being a nice guy the same as being a good man—or can trying to please everyone leave you losing yourself?In this episode of Closer Than a Brother, Andrew Malak joins the boys for an honest conversation about people-pleasing, boundaries, friendship, relationships, and what it means to be a man of faith.Andrew reflects on learning to say no, growing up without a father figure, and discovering that being dependable doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. Together, they explore the pressure to fit in at work, the courage to have difficult conversations, and why a real friend tells you what you need to hear.From respect and communication in marriage to finding guidance when you don’t have someone to show you the way, this conversation challenges men to move beyond being liked and become grounded in love, truth, and integrity.Closer Than a Brother — A Lions Den Podcast.#CloserThanABrother #LionsDen #AndrewMelek #ChristianPodcast #ChristianMen #BoundariesChapters:00:00 Introduction: Meet Andrew Melek02:49 Do nice guys finish last?12:22 Boundaries and learning to say no19:53 Faith, ambition, and workplace pressure35:36 Real friendship and honest conversations44:13 Respect, relationships, and marriage52:14 Handling conflict with love and truth59:15 Growing up without a father figure and learning to trust God

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Resilience: How God Builds Unbreakable Men | Anthony Zaccariotto | Closer than a Brother ep 8

   What does it take to become truly resilient?In Episode 8 of Closer Than a Brother, we’re joined by Anthony Zaccariotto to explore why modern comfort can leave men unprepared for hardship—and how God uses struggle, failure and waiting to shape us into stronger men.We discuss resilience in our careers, relationships, mental health and spiritual lives.How do you know when to endure and when to move on? Is asking for help a sign of weakness? What does it mean to trust God while still taking action? And why does God sometimes allow every solution we rely upon to fail?From David facing Goliath to Joseph enduring prison, Scripture repeatedly shows us that the crown comes after the struggle.Christian resilience does not mean pretending that nothing hurts. It means refusing to remain down when you fall, allowing others to support you and trusting that every hardship surrendered to Christ can produce resurrection.You may be hard-pressed—but through Christ, you cannot be crushed.🎙️ Closer Than a Brother Podcast — Episode 8 Featuring Anthony Zaccariotto.Subscribe and join us for the full conversation.#ChristianResilience #ChristianMen #ChristianPodcast #FaithThroughTrials #CloserThanABrother

4. 

   28 Aug 2026

   Captured or Free? The Truth About Addiction | CTB LIVE PODCAST with Exodus & Dr Mark Sidhom | Ep 7

   Recorded live in front of the youth meeting at St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Sydney, Episode 7 brings David and Tad together with returning guest Dr Mark Sidhom and counsellors Jess and Tamar from Exodus—a Sydney-based not-for-profit supporting people through addiction, mental health challenges, family difficulties and other seasons of crisis.The panel confronts an important question: are we truly free, or are our desires quietly controlling us?Together, they unpack how dopamine and instant gratification shape addiction; why gambling, pornography, substances and technology can become so destructive; how to interrupt the addiction cycle; the importance of sexual purity; choosing friendships that lead us towards God; and supporting someone you love through addiction and relapse.This conversation is honest about how addiction begins, what it can cost and why shame should never prevent anyone from asking for help. No struggle has to be carried alone. In Christ, healing, freedom and resurrection are always possible.This episode contains frank discussions of addiction, gambling, pornography, substance use and mental health.

5. 

   10 Aug 2026

   When I Became a Man, I Put Away Childish Things | Fr Elijah Iskander | Closer than a Brother ep 6

   What does it really mean to become a mature Christian man?In Episode 6 of Closer Than a Brother, the boys welcome Fr Elijah Iskander from St Mark’s Church in Sydney for an honest conversation about growing up, taking responsibility and putting away childish things.Guided by St Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13—“When I became a man, I put away childish things”—the conversation explores why maturity is about far more than age, marriage, fatherhood, career success or reaching society’s usual milestones.What is the foundation of a mature man? How do we know whether we’re truly becoming more like Christ? Can humility coexist with strength? How should a man respond when his ego is bruised, he is disrespected or life doesn’t go according to plan?Fr Elijah shares practical wisdom on spiritual growth, confession, accepting God’s forgiveness and learning to see adversity as a teacher rather than simply a test. The boys also discuss leadership, gaming, anger, sacrifice, letting go of the past and finding our security in God instead of success, money, control or the praise of others.This episode is a reminder that spiritual maturity does not happen automatically. It is a lifelong journey of abiding in Christ, owning our failures, receiving His grace and choosing faithfulness in the everyday opportunities placed before us.Expect deep reflections, plenty of laughs, questionable jokes and, somehow, a lesson involving women’s shoes.Welcome to the Lions Den.If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to the channel, share the episode with a brother and tell us in the comments: What does spiritual maturity look like in your life?#CloserThanABrother #LionsDenPodcast #ChristianMen #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualMaturity #OrthodoxChristianity #Masculinity

6. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Does the World NEED Men?! Sydney CBD Street Interviews | Closer than a Brother Podcast

   Does the world still NEED men? 👀 We took the question to the streets of Sydney—and the answers sparked an honest conversation about masculinity, leadership, protection, faith and what it means to be a good man today. The full street interview is OUT NOW on YouTube! 🎥 Search: “Does the World NEED Men?! Sydney CBD Street Interviews” on the Closer Than a Brother Podcast YouTube channel. What’s your answer—does the world need men? Let us know below 👇 #CloserThanABrother #StreetInterviews #SydneyCBD #Masculinity #ChristianMen #Podcast #YouTube

7. 

   29 Jul 2026

   The Porn Conversation Every Father Should Have | Dr Mark Sidhom | Closer than a Brother ep 5

   Pornography is reaching boys earlier than ever—and silence allows the internet to become their teacher. In this episode, Dr Mark Sidhom explains why fathers must begin an open, honest conversation with their sons before pornography finds them. He shares the moving exchange he had with his own 12-year-old son: some dangers were not yet appropriate to explain in detail, so he simply asked him to “just trust your dad.” This conversation is for every father wondering what to say, every son who never received that guidance, and every man struggling to find freedom. Together, the panel explores the effects of pornography on developing minds, relationships and spiritual life; how parents can respond to natural curiosity; the importance of trust, accountability and prayer; and why a loving Christian marriage may be one of the most powerful examples a father can give his children. Freedom is possible. Healing is possible. And the conversation cannot wait.

8. 

   13 Jul 2026

   LIFE'S NOT FAIR, Here’s What Christians Get Wrong! | Closer Than A Brother Ep. 4

   Life isn’t fair—and pretending it should be can leave us frustrated, bitter and questioning God.In this episode of Closer Than A Brother, we discuss what Christians often misunderstand about suffering, justice and hardship. Does following God mean life should go smoothly? Why do good people suffer while others seem to get ahead? And how should Christians respond when life feels completely unfair?We unpack the difference between trusting God and expecting an easy life, why comparison can destroy your peace, and how difficult seasons can shape your faith, character and purpose.Closer Than A Brother — Episode 4#CloserThanABrother #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Christianity #Suffering #TrustGod #GodsPlan

9. 

   22 Jun 2026

   Dealing with Failure | Closer Than A Brother Episode 3

   Failure is an event — not an identity.In this episode, we talk about one of the heaviest burdens men carry: not just failing, but believing we are failures.Comparison, shame, marriage, fatherhood, finances, calling, silence, isolation, and the feeling that everyone else is further ahead — these are battles many men carry quietly. But failure does not have to become your identity. In Christ, failure can become formation.We speak honestly about what happens when men feel behind in life, when they fail at home, when shame makes them withdraw, and how brotherhood, confession, repentance, and humility bring men back into the fight.The Bible does not hide the failure of men — David, Moses, Samson, Jonah, Peter — it shows what God does with broken men.God does not discard broken men.He restores.He reforms.He calls them forward again.You are not your worst moment.You are not your income bracket.You are not your timeline.In Christ, failure is not final — its the formation.Watch, listen, and share this with a brother who needs hope.#CloserThanABrother #LionsDen #MensPodcast #ChristianPodcast #DealingWithFailure #Brotherhood #Faith #Repentance #CopticOrthodox #MensMentalHealth #FailureIsNotFinal

10. 

    8 Jun 2026

    MEN HAVE NEVER BEEN LONELIER | Closer Than a Brother Ep 2

    In episode 2 of the Closer Than a Brother podcast, we talk about the connection crisis facing men today.Why are so many men lonely? Why do so many men struggle to form deep friendships? And what does true brotherhood actually look like from a Christian perspective?This episode explores loneliness, friendship, brotherhood, isolation, social media, the role of the Church, and why men need real connection, not just acquaintances or online interaction. We also discuss what it means to carry one another’s burdens, how true friends help lead each other closer to God, and why the simple message of this episode is: let people love you.If you are feeling isolated, struggling with friendships, or trying to find stronger Christian brotherhood, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Loneliness among menThe difference between being alone and being lonelyWhy men need brotherhoodChristian friendship and communityThe danger of isolationHow to leave unhealthy friendshipsWhy the Church must be a place of connectionHow to become the friend you wish you hadCloser Than a Brother is a podcast about faith, brotherhood, masculinity, and honest conversations for men trying to follow Christ in the modern world.“Carry one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2#CloserThanABrother #MenHaveNeverBeenLonelier #MensMentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #Brotherhood #CopticOrthodox #Loneliness #ChristianMen #FaithAndFriendship

11. 

    25 May 2026

    Men Are In Crisis | Closer Than a Brother

    Welcome to the pilot episode of Closer Than a Brother. In this first episode, the boys introduce the heart behind the podcast, why it exists, and why conversations around men, brotherhood, loneliness, faith, identity, and community matter today. This podcast was created as a space for men to be seen, heard, encouraged, challenged, and reminded that they are not alone. Through honest conversation, humour, personal stories, and a Christian lens, we explore what it means to build real brotherhood in a world where many men are silently struggling. This episode is not a formal interview or a theological lecture. It is a group of lads sitting together, speaking openly, joking around, and starting a conversation that we hope becomes a home for men. In this episode, we talk about: • Why Closer Than a Brother exists • The need for brotherhood and community • Men’s mental health and loneliness • Faith, identity, and purpose • What true masculine friendship can look like • What to expect from future episodes If this episode encouraged you, share it with a brother, friend, cousin, or someone who needs to hear it. Follow Closer Than a Brother for more honest conversations about life, faith, men, and brotherhood.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Contact Closer Than a Brother Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.