Pirate Monk Podcast

On this episode: Nate flies solo and goes to conferences. Aaron visits guys.This week, Nate interviews Troy Haas. Troy is CEO of a less expensive and longer term onsite recovery program from sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Troy talks about hiding his sexual acting out for seven years while on the mission field in Africa. He shares how he was removed from the mission field and sent for recovery and healing in California, where he learned grace and love. He and others started a residential treatment center in Woodstock, GA called Hope Quest.Links: Hope QuestSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and 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.For more information on this ministry, please visi

On this episode: Nate talks about things he sees. Aaron pops over to the waterpark.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Chris Chandler. Chris is a Christian therapist in San Diego who brings surfer Jesus to his clients. He shares his story of getting expelled from school, DUI’s, and one-night-stands that led to his deconstruction of faith and eventual healing. Chris hosts male and female therapy groups online and is licensed in 22 states. Chris uses an approach of behavioral and emotional work to help his clients grow and overcome. He talks about how trauma is like the growth rings on a tree, things happen that leave scars, but the tree continues to grow and get stronger and healthy, much like us.Links: Breath to Bones Chris’s emailSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future gu

On this episode: Nate Luau’s at Presbyterian Church. Aaron withholds his “arr,” he wants it so bean something. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Gail Stucker. Gail is an Allender Center trained story work coach working with individuals, couples, and groups. She shares her story of finding Jesus in para-church ministries. Gail shares her experiences of “purity culture” not being fireworks, relationship bliss, and all the promises from Ephesians. Discussing that if men don’t feel desired, they would rather be mowing the lawn. Gail talks about how her heart changed towards herself and others after seeing others and being seen in story work. And finally, she walks us through how to discuss his and her feelings and needs.Links: Gail StuckerBooks Mentioned: God Loves Sex: An Honest Conversation About Sexual Desire and Holiness The Deep-Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and DelightSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey,

On this episode: A new Samson website updates and an opportunity for IT volunteers. Nate takes his ear muffs off. Aaron shares what makes Jesus like you more. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Molly LaCroix. Molly is a therapist and author from Bend, Oregon. She helps Nate, and Aaron apply the principles of I.F.S (internal family systems) to the lives of Samson and David (from the Bible). Discussion includes the potential that both Samson and David were sex addicts with details that aren’t frequently considered. Molly explores that emotions are as physically rooted as a broken leg. She explains why sin doesn’t feel like running a cheese grater over our chest but has pleasure, adrenaline, and sometimes power. She also discuses a cohort for minister workers that is happening in 2026, and how you can be involved.Links: Molly LaCroixBooks: Journey To Shalom: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Freedom in Sacred StoriesSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild

On this episode: Nate gets cheap airline tickets. Aaron navigates and revisits what it’s like to be under pressure. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Ian Cron. Ian has a new book out called: The Fix, looking at the light hearted transformation that the 12-steps have. Ian shares how he unconsciously audited the 12-steps in 1987. He shares how his spiritual misadventures were an invitation from God for deeper intimacy. The suggestion that a setback is a better name than relapse. Ian also shares his thoughts on why the church is not like the rooms of recovery. If that’s not enough, there’s also a “stupid list” in enneagram discussion.Links: Ian Cron Books: The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the-Down-and-out, and Everyone in Between The Fix Workbook: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the-Down-and-out, and Everyone in Between Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A Memoir…of Sorts Chasing Francis: A Pilgr

On this episode: Nate reads and Aaron asks questions. This week, Nate and Aaron interview returning guest Dr Eddie Capparucci. Eddie has authored a new book to help betrayed partners who feel stuck and like they aren’t finding freedom. He reminds us that we can’t go deep without help from others. Eddie gives hope that we don’t have to have future relationships that are repeats from our past wounded relationships. He shares ten roles of inner children and how addressing them heals past wounds. He also discusses that trauma didn’t start at betrayal, and how we may be seeking others to fill voids that aren’t theirs.Links: Eddie on Youtube Eddie’s Email Books: Going Deeper for Betrayed Partners: Discovering Healing Through Your Inner ChildSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for futur

Title: Ongoing Recovery w/ Alec Gibson On this episode: Aaron is thinking and collects quote books. Nate discusses the roles of dads and friends.This week, Nate and Aaron interview fellow Pirate Monk, Alec Gibson. Alec shares his story of how he was cured in 4-6 months, just like everyone else. He talks about the importance of ongoing recovery, continuing to attend summits and intensives multiple times. Also, how healing happens when giving back to others in service. Alec shares his story of abandonment, caring for a special needs sibling, guilt, shame, sexting, affairs, lying, drinking, attempted suicide, and being disowned by his family, and how all these things were steps on his life’s journey to healing. Alec has since become a coach to offer others hope and healing to others on their journeys of recovery and growth.Links: Alec Gibson RecoveryJune 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Women

On this episode: Nate met God in bigger, better, closer ways in 12-step. Aaron chose the correct 1 of 33,000 options.This week, Nate and Aaron interview returning guest Michael John Cusick. Michael is back with a new book, Sacred Attachment. In his new book he discusses attachment styles, spiritual exhaustion, and how to understand and continue on the journey of transforming, growth, and changing. He also talks through the role of care givers when we were growing up, and how they help us develop the 4s’s. John even helps us understand why people without traumatic childhoods end up in addiction and escape type behaviors. Updates on John’s retreats and mentorships as well.Links: Michael John Cusick Book: Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine LoveJune 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or question

On this episode: Aaron moves to the dam lake. Nate recommends bbq. Also this week, Nate and Aaron talk to Lorne Williams. Lorne is a middle child who lives in the bigger city of Appleton, WS. He hosts the Friday Morning Studs Samson Society meeting. He shares how his epileptic mom died when he was a kid, his dad was an alcoholic, and his sibling who had developmental disabilities, led to where he is today. His escape to comic books were a gateway to when he found his dad’s soft-core porn stash which later led to deeper acting out. Lorne also shares how community, a safe space to share his story, and disclosure to his wife were all stepping stones to his healing journey.Books: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the healing of Trauma Facing the Shadows: Starting Sexual and Relationship RecoveryJune 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingI

On this episode: Aaron talks about his socks. Erin explains that rubber wears. Nate hasn’t returned from the bathroom.This week, Nate, Aaron, and Erin talk to Meredith Phipps. Meredith is a trauma informed certified yoga instructor. She shares her journey of how she numbed the pain with infidelity as she discovered self-care and healing in exercise and yoga. Investigating that the pose you don’t want to do, maybe the pose you need to do. Similarly, the anger, pain, fear you want to avoid, is likely the place you need to go for healing. Discussing how experiencing God is similar to a car. Meredith also asks ‘why,’ and gets in trouble as she guides us in healing and growth.Links: Meredith PhippsMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upc

On this episode: Aaron and Nate return from Florida separately. Aaron asks if girls or guys are better.Also, Updates on the walking retreat for 2025 as well as many other retreats. Sign-up now!This week, Nate and Aaron have a discussion with our very own pirate monk: Storm Myers. Storm isn’t an author or pedaling his wares. He’s a guy with a story inviting others to join with him to share their stories too. Storm discusses his journey of affairs, drugs, over working, seeking relationships to avoid his feelings, and many other topics. Listen along!May 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and 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 member

On this episode: Aaron is in Texas or Mississippi, maybe, networking. Nate is solo and talks about “the great unplugging”. This week, Nate interviews Mike Novotny. Mike is an author, pastor, husband, and father. Mike serves from Appleton, WI, one of the top ten drunkest towns in the United States, where he is known for having sermon series’s that discuss the difficult things. Topics include, but are not limited to porn and its damages, transgender, confession, and masturbation. Mike talks about how Prodigals and Pharisees see the 10 commands differently. He also shares that the best way to move honesty from the basement to the sanctuary is through leaders confessing first, to show its a safe space.Links: Time of Grace Show The Core ChurchBooks: Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking about but Don’t Lonely Less: 6 Steps to a Less Lonely LifeMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2

On this episode: Nate provides tough support to extended family. Aaron asks how Jesus would show up. They also discuss an adventure Samson weekend and want your feedback.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to adrenaline junkie Ryan George. Ryan is the oldest of six siblings, a preacher's kid, a home school kid, traveler, wing walker, author, speaker, husband, and father, and is experienced in "cloisteration". He shares how his search for Jesus has taken him to over 30 countries. The guys discuss Ryan’s experiences of emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse in the church, and how it lead him on a healing journey which includes writing his newest book. He also talks about the challenges of “doing it for the likes” on social media.Links: Books by Ryan Ryan on Facebook Ryan on Instagram Ryan on LinkedinBook: Hurt and healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction after Spiritual AbuseMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-

On this episode: Aaron sees two sets of footprints in the sand and has weird thoughts about transitions. Nate thinks about going back in time.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Charlie Peacock. Charlie was married at eighteen, has been a performing musician since 14, is an author, song writer, producer, and has played most types of music. Charlie talks about his northern California music influences that led him from blues, raw country, funk, soul, rhythm and blues, and many other genres. He shares his story of generational trauma filled with anger. He also shares how he has wrestled with faith and finding answers. He lets us know that no answer is an answer, and that’s ok.. He talks about measuring himself by likes and followers. He encourages us with the thought that your best work may still be ahead of you, regardless of your age.Links: Charlie PeacockBook: Roots and Rhythm: A Life in MusicMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov

On this episode: Aaron is missing someone to feed him grapes. Nate is home in Mount pleasant.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Joel Burns. Joel is a blogger and musician who is not a minister or college educated. He writes about and questions the journey of Christian manhood. Joel is a self professed skeptic and critic who helps ask why and leads others to question “church culture” and compare it to what the Bible actually says. Joel talks about lots of “myths” in the church that are dispensed as biblical or from God and are simply best wishes or preferences of someone. He encourages us ask questions and lead with “I think” instead of “this is what you have to do”. The guys also discuss and embracing humility in talking to others, especially when there are differing opinions. And Aaron finishes higher than he started.LInk: Warrior PriestMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 T

On this episode: Aaron is late and compromised, and Nate forgot. They discuss crisis management and cold fish.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Carl Lehenbauer. Carl is an author and pastor in Wisconsin. He shares that churches are often prudish and avoid the book of the Song of Songs, so he studied and wrote about it. Carl guides us on the model we should use in pursuing one another in a relationship. The book teaches that we should eat, drink, and be drunk with the wife of your youth. He talks about having sex with God in the room. Using the book for council and how to maintain realistic sexual expectations. It is also a tool used continually throughout marriage, not just courting as youth, helping us in conflict and tension. Also sharing the evidence that both parties in a relationship need their own community support.Book: Fire and Song: God’s Love Song. Your Love Story, by Carl LehenbauerMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat

On this episode: Nate is disjointed for southern migration. Aaron loves appetizers and dips. Both discuss limiting outrage porn and news. This week, Nate and Aaron interview David Kerwin. David is a registered nurse who became a certified health addiction counselor and uses internal family systems in his practice. He shares his background of multigenerational addiction, depression, and suicidality. His personal experiences include alcoholism from childhood and being caretaker for his dad, and father to his little brother. He shares a phenomena of being sober from alcohol for 10 years before remembering sexual abuse. David defines and helps understand the “acceptable” topic of process addiction, and how it’s just another escape and way to medicate. He also talks about the 9 C’s of self energy and how they help us in our healing journey. Links: David Kerwin Path 2 Recovery Books Mentioned: No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the IFS Model Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authen

Nate enjoys a closed road. Aaron likes snow days and rocks his underwear. This week, Nate and Aaron interview returning guest Ron Williams and first timer Rob Schettler. Ron refreshes us on his story of over 20 years as a minister, prison time, and becoming an addiction recovery coach. He shared in more detail on episode 372. Rob shares about his journey as a Chaplain in pastoral care. They discuss how they assist others in healing from early childhood abuse through shepherding and story work. Ron reveals the science behind increased addiction and higher divorce rates for those who have experienced abuse, and offers hope. Ron and Rob talk about the journey starting Fe ministry to help forge men through Christ’s Compassion and Grace. Links: Fe MinistryMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens Retreat Sponsor: Life Works Counseling If you have t

On this fresh and Crunchy episode, Aaron likes soggy cereal. Nate gives instruction on the right way to approach cereal.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Dr Jim Wilder. Dr Wilder prefers to be called Jim. Jim is a neuro-theologian. Jim has studied the science of character change and given us the findings in his book, Renovated. He helps understand why thinking differently won’t change us, but connection will. Some of the other topics include: sugar is a distraction from the relational circuit, malfunction may be modern language for sin, joy is relational, and teens showing Alzheimer like symptoms from screen time.Links: Life Model WorksBooks: Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church that Transforms, by: Jim WilderMay 4-7, 2025 Sarah Society Annual Retreat June 6-8, 2025 Samson Canadian Retreat Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d li

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