Pirate Monk Podcast

On the episode this week: Nate asks Aaron questions. Aaron reads recipes and annoys people in public.   Nate and Aaron talk to returning guest Cat Etherington. Cat is a podcaster, writer, wife, mom, and works for Naked Truth. Naked Truth is focused on opening eyes and freeing lives from the damaging impacts of porn. NT also facilitates discussion and resources in churches, with christian leaders, and in the UK education systems. Cat shares her story of addiction to drugs from the ages of 16 to 26, meeting her husband at an AA meeting, and later learning about porn and sex addiction. Other topics include why former addicts make the best therapists/couches/counselors, the power of empathy and understanding, being sh!t on, and why British people sound smarter than Americans.   Links: Naked Truth Project NT Church App - Apple NT Church App - Android     NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Sum

  On the episode this week: Aaron might be wearing a woman's sweater, and he’s ok with that.   Aaron talks to Jerrad Lopes. Jerrad is former clergy, a podcaster, dad, husband, author, and much more. He likes the weight of a blanket nearly to suffocation. Jerrad talks about his “first crisis” where he was fired from church before an implosion and nearly divorced, and how that set him on the path to healing a stumbling towards Jesus. He confesses that he ministered to avoid his own wounds and learned that God isn’t a business. His journey included a 14-day intensive and lots of counseling to heal and help him be part of a strong family. He now leads retreats, podcasts and walks with other men growing and healing themselves and their families.   Links: Dad Tired     NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit   Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38402   If

Chaos to Order with Brandon Syler   On the episode this week: Aaron hosts solo and sounds really really similar to last week.   Aaron talks to Brandon Syler. Brandon is from Charolette where he has a wife, 3 kids, and 12 inches of snow. He shares how he was a “human doing,” going to school, getting good grades, and being a good boy. Brandon talks about how the human doing produced chaos at work, chaos at home, and chaos inside of himself. His journey of healing and growth includes story work retreats, Coach Steve, Jim Cress, reenactment, Chick-Fil-A, and starting One Bridge Experience. See local Samson Society celeb Justin’s testimony about One Bridge here.   Links: Brandon’s Email One Bridge Experience MP parts.com   Books: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It, By: Michael E. Gerber Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy, By: Donald Miller     NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/In

On the episode this week: Aaron hosts solo and speaks of the tongue with his tongue. Aaron also updates on Nates wife’s cancer.   Nate and Aaron talk to Sheila Ray Gregoire. Sheila is a therapist, podcaster, author, researcher, and more. This week we discuss orgasms in church, sex drives, gender roles, and even spicier topics. Sheila also talks about faulty sex teaching in the church. We compare noticing, attraction, and lusting. And this controversial topic: who leads in marriage, and why? And finally, this bomb: sex is not connection! All this and way more.   Links: Bare Marriage Bare Marriage Podcast Spotify Bare Marriage Podcast Apple   Books: The Marriage You Want The Great Sex Rescue The Good Guys Guide to Great Sex The Good Girls Guide To Great Sex     NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit   Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38402   If you

Rebuke The Wise and They Will Be Wiser with Ben Bennett On the episode this week: Aaron doesn’t feel different. Nate leaves late and feels shades of covid. Nate and Aaron talk to returning guest Ben Bennett. Ben updates on Resolution ministries and how it continues to grow, helping others find the path to healing and freedom with the Bible and Science. He shares how to prevent burnout. Ben questions if you keep people in your life that Jesus would have walked away from. He discusses often misunderstood concepts in scripture. Other topics include forgiveness, boundaries vs. walls, God doesn’t have amnesia, milk toast, and Ned Flanders. Links: Ben Bennett Resolution Movement NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38402 If you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes

On the episode this week: Nate and Aaron offer assistance on planning your own retreats and considering firing up the 48 hours of frankness. Reach out to Aaron here for guidance. Nate and Aaron talk to Robb Kelly. Robb is a Texan, you can tell from his accent. Robb leads us in box breathing to get started. He shares how he lost everything to drugs and alcohol and died twice. There is discussion about how relapse happens weeks before the first drop of alcohol (or whatever is common to you), and there is neuroscience backing this up. Robb encourages us that we can be anything, even president, as we learn from fleas. Robb even explains epigenetic! There is also discussion on healing from the inside out. And you may be able to get a free book. Links: Robb Kelly NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 384

For the 500th episode, Nate and Aaron sit down and talk with two men who were at the first Samson Society meeting in Franklin, went to the first 48 Hours of frankness, and travelled to California for the first large Samson event at the church where Aaron was a pastor. This episode makes everyone feel...old.

On the episode this week: Nate and Aaron update on the video portion of the podcast. And Aaron gives up plaid for a shirt with a story. Nate and Aaron talk to Jay Stringer. Jay joins the 4 timers club, the current most frequent guest! Jay wrote a new book entitled: Desire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How we Love, Heal, and Grow. Jay’s new book is a road map to understand identity and create a life you don’t want to escape from! He shares the five desires we all need to be healthy, with lots of useful tips. Other topics discussed include female muscle worship, image management, interpretation, self-sabotage, and how “story” is not intimacy and connection. Links: Desire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How we Love, Heal, and Grow NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38402 If

On the episode this week: Nate had a no pants meeting and Aaron pimps the new app. Also, you can come to new comer meetings, again. Nate and Aaron talk to Mike Vaughn. Mike is a counselor and works for Bethesda Workshops. Bethesda is a non profit in Nashville, TN that has intensives for sex, porn, and betrayal trauma. They are also working on a workshops for teens, both online and in person. Mike is sharing his knowledge and experience to help us understand highly sensitive people (HSP). It is estimated that over 20% of the world population are high sensing. Mike uses the acrostic DOES(S) to define HSP and how to support yourself or others. HSP is a temperament, not something to be corrected or healed. Mike also reminds us that the way to recover is to do the thing which you are most afraid to do, which is being connected to others in community. Links: Highly Sensitive Person Test Bethesda  Workshops High Sensing NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 It

On the episode this week: Nate and Aaron give updates on the new video podcast on YouTube, Instagram, and the new Samson website. Nate and Aaron talk to Tim Stein. Tim is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in sex addiction, partner betrayal, and trauma treatment. Tim is a resident of Santa Rosa, California who is also a recovering sex addict himself. He is also a podcaster and author of the book: Finding the Way Through: A Workbook for Sex and Pornography Addiction. Tim’s book helps both the addict and their partner understand one another from day one through years of healing and sobriety. He helps couples have vulnerability and intimacy to support one another by being a safe person. Tim also suggests that the addict and the betrayed investigate their own stories as they pursue healing together, or separately.   Links: Book: Finding the Way Through: A Workbook for Sex and Pornography Addiction. Willow Tree AFAR - American Foundation for Addiction ResearchNEW Samson Community App (Apple stor

On the episode this week: Nate is reeling and Aaron is back from DFW and thinking about carrying a bat. Aaron also uses his sports expertise to make comparisons between t-ball and recovery discipline. Nate talks about upcoming video podcasts. Nate and Aaron talk to Nick Stumbo. Nick shares Pure Desire’s ongoing move from Oregon to Nashville, paving the way for In-N-Out Burger to move to Nashville too. JK, these moves aren’t really connected, but both are in process. Nick discusses the updated statistics from a partnered study with Barna Group called Beyond The Porn Phenomenon. Some stats are up, others down, many surprises. Nick also guides us on how to translate the info as well as helpful resources. Links: Beyond the Porn Phenomenon Study Pure DesireNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson SummitSend mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38472If you have thoughts or questions

This week, Nate and Aaron give tips and tricks for using the new app for local meetings and meetups. Aaron shares his distrust of AI blowing smoke up your @$$. Nate shares the slippery slope of AI affirmation and it compares to the Silas asking real tough questions. Nate and Aaron talk to returning guest Reese Crane. Reese shares updates on Be Broken 2.0, Gateway to Freedom 1.0 and the new 2.0. GTF 2.0 is designed to have a goal of helping men find peace, rest, and joy. Reese also shares about a new couples workshop designed to help each partner understand where the other came from, what their partner is feeling, and grow together intentionally. It also has a heavy focus on support for wives of left in the dust.  Reese will be speaking at the Samson Italian/International retreat on June 7th, 2026. The link to the venue is: here. The theme will be: “looking at the source of your emotional pain”. The cost for the weekend including all meals and lodging is €220. If you would like to participate, please fill out

On this episode: Aarons voice sounds a little deeper and more radio like. Wait just a minute, that’s Nate and Ken, not Aaron. Ken talks about the t-shirt that Jesus autographed. This week, Nate and Jordan Castill have a talk. Jordan is from College Station, TX. He is a husband, father and C-SAT counselor with a bunch of additional credentials. Jordan shares how he was first exposed to porn at age 10 and became addicted in college. His journey includes gay porn, gymnastics, male cheerleader, Texas football, and unfortunately multiple types of abuse. He helps men in sex addiction, couples counseling, disclosures, group counseling, working in-person and virtual sessions. Listen in as Jordan shares his story, experiences, and victory. Links: Castille Coaching Email JordanNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38472If you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming epi

On this episode: Nate and Aaron record the last episode (of 2025). Do you mourn and weep for yourself or others on Christmas? Is this Christmas different? Also, Christmas mafia and underground crimes rings.This week, Nate and Aaron interview returning guest Drew Boa. Drew has written a new book entitled: Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle—A Mans Guide To Healing. Drew is sharing the cure to porn, that also comes with maintenance. Discussion includes disagreement with 12-step thinking and purity culture. Drew suggests looking at maturity instead of purity, helping the inner child grow and heal. Other topics include studying our stories and selves, relationships with parents, and the “C” words.Links: Drew Boa Book: Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle—A Mans Guide To Healing, by Drew BoaNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast PO BOX 1656 Columbia,

On this episode: Nate and Aaron are like Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Nate looks forward to these. Aaron updates on the app.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Josh Bales. Josh is a Chattanooga, TN native living in Orlando, FL. He is a husband, father, musician, priest, therapist and an ADHDer. There is music and other arts. There is discussion probing “how do you play”? Should you do what you love for work? Other topics include: cleaning up behind elephants at the circus, duty, empathy, responsibility, and learning and honoring your art.Links: Josh Bales Incarnation OviedoNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit If 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 visit samsonsociety.com. Support for the women in o

On this episode: Aaron has a tall bed and drinks water at night. Nate appreciates easy night pees. And what is a “pirate pastry”? This week, Nate and Aaron interview Troy Snyder. Troy is an LPC with 25+ years experience, specializing in sex addiction, anger management, men's issues, and also the president of the C-CSAS where he equips the next generation. He shares his story of being “dumb as a box of rocks” as part of his restoration and growth. Troy integrates the Bible and Psychology, encouraging conversation instead of battles. What is a specific or general revelation? And how do you pray specifically in healing? Links: Troy at Restoration Counseling AtlantaNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit If 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 m

On this episode: Aaron talks about decimation, how the church kills its own, and the need to have a clear path to restoration. Nate gives examples of grace, healing, and forgiveness. Sharing how grace triumphs over judgement. The NEW Samson App is out (see links below)! This week, Nate and Aaron interview Erin Moniz. Erin is from Waco, TX, a deacon, associate chaplain at Baylor University and many other roles. She shares how vulnerability is the currency of intimacy. They discuss how transparency and vulnerability are not the same things, transparency keeps people at arms length. How close should your spouse be? Tips on making new friends at any stage of life, maybe join a cult? Also, how a Silas is like learning to be a freaking friend. All this and more! Book: Knowing and Being Known: Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships, by: Erin MonizNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit If you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in u

On this episode: Aaron makes a sports joke! Nate talks to his first sponsor. They also discuss funny t-shirts, stickers, and Kevin-Kevin! The NEW Samson App is out (see links below)!This week, Nate and Aaron interview Bill and Kristi Gaultiere. Bill is a psychologist and ordained pastor and Kristi is a psychotherapist and both are published authors. They co-found Soul Shepherding in Irvine, California. They discuss deeper ways to connect with God as they understand themselves at a deeper level. Bill and Kristi help us learn to be empathetic towards ourselves, so that we can give it to others. Is empathy nature or nurture? Do you have self shame that prevents you from receiving love, grace, and care? What is empathy fatigue? And also the topic of HSP - Highly sensitive person, which includes 20% of humans! All this, and more!Links: Soul Shepherding Retreats Soul Talks Podcast Book: Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You, by: Bill and Kristi GaultiereNEW Samson Community App (Apple s

On this episode: Aaron is not in the mood to be here. Nate feels guilt for his callousness. Both share their struggles with change, loss, and grief. The NEW Samson App is out (see links below)!This week, Nate and Aaron interview Amber Smith. Amber is an unexpected writer/author, speaker, wife, and mom from Texas. She shares on the theology of suffering through her personal experience with the loss of a child. They discuss how to grieve, suffer, and weep amidst responsibilities of taking care of kids, jobs, etc. Other topics include: How to have the courage to cry and grieve as a man, leaning in and sitting with others in suffering, what to say or not to say, its ok not to fix someone, and how to process together in relationship.Links: Amber Smith Amber on Instagram Book: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart, by: Amber SmithNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) 2026 Samson Summit   If you have thoughts or questions and you’d lik

 On this episode: Aaron has free time and is complimented for being calm in the storm. Nate discusses the importance of service in recovery. Also, the NEW Samson App is out (see links below)!This week, Nate and Aaron interview Rob Lohman. Rob is the founder and CEO of Christian Rehab Services, an author, podcaster, and has ADHD. Rob shares his dreams of becoming an addict, coming back to Jesus, and helping others. He talks about his time in alcohol and gambling addiction, and prison. He shares his thoughts on substance and process addiction and the importance of community in overcoming either. Rob helps to make it ok to talk about intrusive thoughts by sharing his experiences. He also shares his favorite inspirational movie and his personal phone number! Links: Rob’s Free Book Christian Rehab ServicesNEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) Nov 7-9, 2025 Samson Summit Virtual Experience If you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episo