Ep. 568: Leading Thousand Year Families of Faith w/author Johann Kurtz
In this episode, Ned sits down with Johann Kurtz - a legacy adviser, former technology professional and author of Leaving a Legacy: Inheritance, Charity, and Thousand-Year Families. Kurtz's work focuses on the philosophy, theology, and practical structure of multi-generational family impact. Drawing from a deep engagement with Western intellectual and Christian traditions, he explores how families can steward wealth, culture, and responsibility across generations rather than defaulting to short-term or purely individual success models. His recent thought-provoking book challenges modern assumptions about inheritance, philanthropy, and family responsibility, arguing for a return to intentional, values-driven legacy building rooted in moral clarity and long-term vision.
This episode is a wake-up call for fathers who want their life to mean something beyond just a career and a paycheck. Together, they challenge one of the biggest cultural assumptions today: that success is about building wealth for yourself—and in some persuasions, giving it away—rather than building something that lasts through your family.
Johann makes a bold case—strong families, not institutions, have historically built the most meaningful, lasting impact. Multi-generational vision isn’t about hoarding wealth or entitlement; it’s about raising sons and daughters who are capable, virtuous stewards of what’s been built before them.
The conversation gets practical fast. Fathers are challenged to rethink how they’re raising their kids—not just pushing them toward school and jobs, but intentionally shaping character, exposing them to real responsibility, surrounding them with strong men, and integrating them into meaningful work and relationships early.
There’s also a hard truth: if your adult kids aren’t ready to carry something forward, that’s not a market problem—it’s a fatherhood problem. You had decades to prepare them.
Key Takeaway:
Stop thinking in terms of one lifetime. Start thinking in generations. Build something worth passing on—and raise the kind of men and women who can carry it.
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Check Out the Program Talked About: Genesis by Rise Up Kings
- This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up Kings
- Order The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book here
- Check out the TEDx
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- www.adventureoffatherhood.com
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