In this powerful episode, Buddy sits down with Raphael Vargas a serial entrepreneur who went from nearly being murdered at 18 to building a multimillion-dollar business empire, only to lose it all. This isn’t just a story of financial rise and fall—this is a testimony of how God refines us through the fire, kills the flesh, and prepares us for real purpose.

🎙️ We talk about: Near-death experiences & radical salvation Celibacy, discipline, and overcoming lust Killing the flesh & hearing God's voice Masculine leadership, dating, and identity How to rebuild when everything falls apart 🙌 “He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.” – Psalm 107:14 🙌 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Proverbs 9:10 🙌 “We are in the world, but not of the world.” – John 17:14-16

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Atheist to Faithful

01:12 – What “Faith Through the Fire” Means

02:40 – Raphael’s Backstory: Real Estate, Coaching, and Obedience

04:00 – Near-Death Experience & Hearing God

07:45 – Family Trauma & God’s Divine Protection

10:30 – How the Enemy Attacks Identity

12:20 – From Rejection to Relentless Obedience

14:05 – Rock Bottom: Losing $10M and Facing Death Threats

17:55 – Rediscovering Purpose & Rebuilding Through the Word

21:03 – Why Discipline Matters: Fasting, Celibacy, and Structure

24:15 – Masculinity, Dating & Spiritual Leadership

29:45 – Avoiding Lust: True Masculinity Protects, Doesn’t Take

34:30 – Final Advice: Don’t Date Until You’re Aligned with God

38:15 – Outro & What’s Next

🔥 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE More episodes dropping soon!

📲 Follow me for more content:

📍Instagram: @buddybrandfitness

📍TikTok: @buddybrandfitness

Let me know what your biggest takeaway was from this episode.👇