Pirate Monk Podcast

Title: Transformation w/ Art Blanchford   Aaron talks about the awkwardness of candy crushing your penis. Nate is Live. The guys discuss goals, resolutions, perfectionism, gamifying recovery, and increased success with community, support and feedback.This week, Nate interviews Art Blanchford. Art is a recovering workaholic, Tennessee local, and host of the Life in Transition Podcast. He is also a business consultant, coach, and leads midlife transformational retreats. They discuss the depth, growth, and development of Christian relationship in recovery. Also talking about the topic that service or ministry doesn’t have to be free, and the value of an investment. Art shares his experiences getting away and disconnecting from phones and tv and the refreshment that brings.Links: MidLife Transition Art Blanchford Art’s Email Art on LinkedinBooks: Purposeful Living: Wisdom for Coming of Age in Complex Times, by Art BlanchfordAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad ones, by: Jam

 The Brain Wears History Colored Glasses w/ Juliane Taylor Shore Aaron recaps the 2024 Samson Summit. He shares his takeaways on vulnerability, storytelling and five senses activities. Then he has bad internet. Nate discusses the first ever Canadian retreat June 6-8, eh. This week, Nate interviews Juliane Taylor Shore. Juliane is an author, speaker, teacher, therapist, and leads online and in-person intensives and workshops. She nerds out (in a good way) on neuroscience as she shares ways with us on understanding and creating new internal practices for health and safety. Juliane shares a quote that the “brain is your body’s captive audience” in learning to hear and understand ourselves. The thinking brain is good at some stuff, the feeling brain is good at other stuff, and faster. She walks us through an exercise on setting psychological boundaries and explains the process of creating new neural networks engaging the heart and belly. Links: Juliane Taylor Shore Books: Setting Boundaries That Stick: How Neurob

On this episode: Nate and Aaron are live and in color. Aaron says interesting things and swallows spit. Nate escapes the bitter cold of Tennessee, because he is old. Exciting News: Pure Desire, 7-Pillars is moving from Portland to the Nashville area, and there will be an Austria Samson retreat in 2025! Our Guest: Dr. Alexandra Repke has a background in criminology, correction, forensics, and personality disorders as they relate to addiction and recovery. She discusses her understanding of why psychology has yet to catch up with biblical truths. Alexandra also shares the four deep keys and considerations to forgiveness from real world experiences. She drops the bomb that the lack of forgiveness fuels addiction. Perk up for a great show this week, folks. Links:   Repke Psychological Services 2025 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.

On this episode: Aaron interviews Mark and Michelle Hollingsworth. Our Guests: Mark and Michelle are trauma trained at the Allender Center and Art of Living Counseling Center in narrative focused healing as marriage counselors. They come from experience, navigating and recovering from an affair. They discuss offloading the burdens of trauma and secrets. Mark and Michelle talk about shame in the ministry, lack of Christian and church support, and navigating people that don’t know what to do with the pain. We learn how to bless the process of healing, and that everyone’s process is different. They also talk about when and how to share with children. Links:   Soul Reserve 2025 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more informat

On this episode: Nate and Aaron end 2024 with hope. Aaron feels it in his chest. Nate revisits old recovery. Nate predicts the best national retreat ever, and Aaron may hula. Our Guest: Dr. Tom Bellamy is from the UK and an expert on the topic of limerence. He explains that limerence has properties similar to drugs and expires fairly quickly. He discusses the history and how to recognize the limerence type of love. Dr. Tom also gives help on how to end it, and even how to prevent it in the future.  Links:   Book: Smitten: Romantic Obsession the Neuroscience of Limerence, and how to Make Love Last Book: Living with Limerence: A Guide for the Smitten Living With Limerence Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this minist

On this episode: This week, it's Friday to Aaron. Our Guest: Kimberly Panganiban is a Gottman-trained LMFT with a Filipino last name. She tells her story of being curious about people and her parent's divorce that led her to the therapy field. Kimberly shares that many sexual problems in marriage are simply misalignments and are repairable with the help of an outsider. She discusses the importance of sexual communication, so that a couple is connecting, not merely having a mechanical event. How pressure, rejection, and one-sided pursuit all kill libido and cause resentment. Kimberly tells us that it is important to discuss uncommunicated expectations explicitly. She also encourages everyone to shop around for therapists or counselors -- you are not obligated to the first one. Links:   Kimberly Panganiban Therapy Coach at Gottman Institute Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a n

On this episode: Aaron is excited. Our Guest: Christine Baker is a PHD, CSAT, LPC, SEP, and a sex addiction therapist. She shares her journey from working at the Baptist Children’s home and attending a lecture that led her to pursue sex addiction therapy for women. Christine later transitioned into sex addiction therapy for men and women, stating the value and importance of helping men heal and relate to women in a healthy and appropriate way. She talks about why it's easier for males to get into sexual recovery than females. They discuss the trend of women having a higher growth rate as sex addicts than men. She explains “stuck” responses and give tips on how to get “unstuck” to be able to move forward to grow and heal. Christine gives some practical tips on how to begin a habit of thinking rationally in our routines. Links:   Wayfare Counseling Christine Baker on Instagram Sensation Slide Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episo

On this episode: Nate and Aaron talk about different seasons of life. They share how important it is to balance parts of life, including: work, friends, play, and scheduling. Our Guest: Sam Jolman shares how he asked his brother to clarify sexual questions for him. They discuss how many people are sexually awakened and then immediately shamed. Sam shows us how to welcome one's sexuality, learning to respond with awe instead of lust. He talks about the different experiences of coming to sexual intimacy regulated and unregulated. And Aaron discusses how he raises his Ebenezer. Links:   Sam Jolman Book: The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this minis

On this episode: Nate and Aaron talk about healthy play. Nate shares what it's like to attend 3 intensives in 2 months. He shares the joy and relief in attending intensives instead of leading them. Our Guest: Shane Ramer is an old school skater, recovery coach, and podcaster. They discuss recreation and fun in sobriety and fighting the boredom. Shane shares why community is important, even when we may have found it in the wrong places at times. How giving back and volunteering helps to heal and grow along the healing path. Also, when to surrender and ask for help. Links:   That Sober Guy Podcast That Sober Guy Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women wh

On this episode: Nate and Aaron are back for another episode of the podcast a few people will enjoy. This podcast took a year off of Aarons Life. Planning for the Italy and Germany retreats are discussed, as well as Octoberfest. Our Guest: Dr. Carrie Cole is director of research, training, and runs the “Love Lab” at the Gottman Institute. She performs analysis of relationships. Carrie shares through research that men are more emotional than women and stay that way longer. Discussion includes reasons for jumping into a new relationship too soon (rebound), even if by accident, having sex or being physical too soon, and the desire to be cared for. Aaron discusses his @$$hole theory of dating. Other topics include helping all couples grow and understand the perpetual problems in a relationship. Carrie also offers a tool to help couples repair after an argument. Links:   Gottman Institute Carrie’s Contact Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upco

On this episode: Nate and Aaron bring the podcast back. Aaron wears pants and a hat on Thursday. Nate is still swimming and reads Lonely All the Time. And Aaron goes to jail. Our Guest: Vickey Easa is a therapist and podcaster in Boston Mass via SoCal. She discusses the cultural challenges of how sarcasm is avoiding vulnerability and also blocks intimacy. Understanding how males use insults to show love, especially in the show Friends. Vickey helps couples work through why we keep reacting and not connecting. Seeing each other’s pasts and stories, and how it has shaped their present messages. Vickey shares the downsides of how the brain reacts in self-preservation when there is a desire to connect. She offers simple steps for couples in the form of time-outs to help rebuild after arguments. Links:   Unmess Your Mind Book: Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-Dependents Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts

On this episode: Aaron interviews returning guest Andrea Ashley. Andrea is the host of the Adult Child podcast. She’s the only child from an alcoholic household who became sober at 19 years old. She shares her story of learning and implementing boundaries with her parents and others. Andrea shares how she has learned to see her inner child and stopped trying to correct it. She talks about how her friendships have grown over time as she has gotten healthier. They discuss the isolation of going deeper when others aren’t there. They consider importance of endings and that they aren’t all your fault. Andrea also discusses how suffering and pain cause positive healthy growth. Links:   Adult Child Podcast Instagram: Adult Child Podcast Youtube: Adult Child Podcast TikTok: Adult Child Podcast Events: 2024 Samson Summit If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podc

On this episode: Rob eats turtles and recommends the MickeyD’s app. Pablito eats fair foods and illustrates safety in vulnerable discussions. Our Guest: Nate talks to Nathaan Demers. Nathaan is a psychologist and has a passion for getting quality mental health to the underserved. He has come up with a unique way to help men that engages through humor. Nathaan talks about the many free resources as well as the ability to connect to a real person for help in under 60 seconds. Links:   Man Therapy Operation Veterans Strong Grit Digital Health Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women who have been impacted by our choices is availa

Our Guest: Aaron dives right into the interview with Tim Timmons, musical guest for the 2024 Summit, pastor's kid, musician, worship leader, Tennessean by way of California, sporting a magnificent beard. He talks about growing up with the "husky" label, a home life that blew up as a young teenager, and his mother's intentionally taking the arrows to protect his relationship with his dad. Tim had a crisis of faith as a young adult, navigated with the help of incredible men who gave him permission to doubt well. It is the journey of doubt that forms us, not the answer to the question. Tim then was given a cancer diagnosis with five years to live.  That was 23 years ago. Hanging out with prostitutes and a rethinking of church.   Links:   Tim Timmons Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is

On this episode: Aaron gets out of bed to podcast and shares his “chesticles up” perspective. Jason shares what he looks forward to at the retreat and favorites from past retreats. Mark has some kind of ailment that Aaron can't pronounce and shares his experiences with Andrew Bauman. Our Guest: Nate talks with Sam Louie. Sam shares about the religion of work and his journey to becoming a counselor. Sam is a first-generation Chinese immigrant to the United States from Hong Kong. He shares his inadequacy about ethnicity, career, body, and masculinity. Sam says the shame he feels can be felt by eight generations. He shares the fantasies and escapes he developed trying to cope with his insecurities. He encourages us to embrace the shame and look for the positive intention behind the addiction. Links:   Passport to Shame: From Asian Immigrant to American Addict Prodigals International Sam Louie Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to

On this episode: Join Aaron as he talks to our guest Tim Fletcher. Tim’s journey includes pastorship, being on disability, and becoming a temporary counselor that has turned into a passion and career. Aaron and Tim discuss the history of trauma and therapy in Canada, the past, and even in the Bible. Tim shares that adapting to trauma (addiction), helps us survive childhood but messes up adult life. He also helps us understand and see less obvious addictions and escapes, such as: over-working, over-volunteering, and control. Links:   Tim Fletcher Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women who have been impacted by our choices is

On this episode: Aaron talks to returning guest Chris Bruno. Chris leads story work counseling at Re-story Counseling, and guides groups of men at the Restoration Project. Aaron and Chris discuss the history of “rites of passage,” women raising boys, and consequences of boys going to approximations of manhood. Chris has written a new book called: Man Maker Project. This book helps guide males (and females), even without kids, in fatherhood, brotherhood, and sonship. Join along as they offer hope and love on this part of the journey. Links:   ReStory Counseling Restoration Project Man Maker Project: A Father’s Guide to Initiating His Son Into Manhood Sage: A Man’s Guide Into His Second Passage Brotherhood Primer: A Man’s Guide To Turning Buddies into Brothers Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this

On this episode: Aaron, Mark, and Jason start the show at 9:05pm Tennessee time. Mark talks about sharing his story in a co-ed setting. Our Guest: Nate and Aaron talk with Ian and Tamara Dowling. Ian gets excited and talks fast. He shares about how his childhood abuse and introduction to pornography shaped his view of relationships. They discuss the importance of seeking healing for yourself and not to save a relationship. Ian and Tamara share how their marriage has healed and grown as they have experienced healing in therapy and intensives. They also discuss the financial hardships and how it led them to begin Lit Path Ministries to give scholarships and help others on their healing journeys. Links:   Lit Path Ministries Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of

Our Guest: This week, Aaron interviews Matt Wade. Matt’s life started as a small boy. He’s now a couples counselor specializing in EFT therapy. Matt discusses his journey of not being supported in becoming a pastor and how he had more of a passion for ministry than a passion for Jesus. He shares how his childhood abuse led to promiscuity to find acceptance and love. Matt encourages us with the healing that occurs in relationships once there is empathy for one another. Intimacy is established where there is no secrecy. Matt leads us to engage our spouse in curiosity, not judgement. Links:   Unstuck Therapy Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Su

Our Guest: Aaron has a talk with Trent Dollyhigh. Trent is from Mayberry. Yes, that Mayberry. He grew up with whistling, fishing, violence and pornography. Trent was also youth pastor to Andrew Bauman. He shares that Andrew was a student of his and now he is a student of Andrew. Trent discusses how unresolved trauma is usually repeated, and the value of understanding an abuser's history. In his ministry, Trent “helps men die a good death so they can live a good life.” Finally, he addresses why having intelligence is not enough to heal. Links:   Be Vulnerable Mentoring Christian Counseling Center Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for