Pirate Monk Podcast

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

On this episode: Aaron prepares new flip-flops and shares how he terrified people in the special olympics. Nate was neglected of comedy. They discuss Jesus being a comedian.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Ron Pearson. Ron is a comedian, actor, street performer, and ADHDer. Ron knows how to juggle, really well. He attributes his success to ADHD, connecting two things that don’t seem related. Ron shares statistics that challenge those with ADHD as well as many strengths from it. He talks about youth trauma and its links to ADHD, addiction, and intimacy disorder. And this question: How can you be known if you can’t express your feelings?Don’t forget to rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast players. Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens Retreat 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 contr

On this episode Aaron and Nate discuss recovery quotes and prescribe them for others. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Steven Shields. Steven returns and is moving fast. Steve wanted to talk to Aaron, who starts showering with questions. Therapy lacks culture and is useless. Steve teaches: recover, heal, done, so hopeful! Guidance on how to find a therapist, with a purpose. How to fire your therapist or cult, if it isn’t uplifting and forward moving. Also, guidance on how to lead a peer recovery group, STICK TO THE SCRIPT! Don’t forget to rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast players.Links: Accepted Life Unashamed Unafraid Podcast Steve Shields EmailNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens Retreat 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

On this episode: Aaron and Nate reveal that there is a mysterious donor who is matching your Samson Society donations up to $50,000.00!!!!! Also this episode, Aaron is an angry wanker, and gratitude is as real as $!itty stuff. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Noah Filipiak. Noah is an author, pastor, podcaster, and dad. Noah and the guys discuss conversations that need to happen. He guides us on how to talk to kids and teens about sex and why. There is a challenge for parents to parent. Navigating healing from the purity culture. The discussion and need for teen support groups. Other topics include hero!ne in the fruity pebbles, worshipful sex, Dishwalla, Inglorious Basterds, and more. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast players.Links: Noah Filipiak Beyond the BattleBooks: Needed Navigation, by: Noah Filipiak Beyond the Battle, by: Noah Filipiak Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids, by: Kristen A. JensonNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 T

On this episode: Aaron and Justin are at the American Association of Christian Counselors Convention. They are surprised at the volume of men and women asking for info. The topic of prevention and early conversations in dating are also thrown around.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Reese & Wendy Crane. Reese a former minister and now the director of the gateway to freedom weekend. Wendy is a writer. While in ministry, Reese began to question his faith. He shares his story of being bullied, confusion in friendships, distance from parents, failed ministry, and burnout, and how all of that led to addiction and later recovery. Reese and Wendy share their story of an affair and later marriage. Wendy shares how she has experienced healing through writing books to share her story. Links: Wendy Crane Other Woman Ministries Be Broken - Gateway To FreedomBook: The Scandal of Virginia Grey, by: Wendy GreyNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf you hav

On this episode: Nate and Aaron are back from a place that is difficult to pronounce. They give an update on the new website and its local benefits.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to returning guest Chris Bruno. Chris is the 2025 Samson Summit speaker. Discussions include masculine vision, purpose, intention, and design. How avoiding discussing sex and sexuality limits your understanding of God. They also discuss three layers of contempt that Adam and Even experienced. And all your New Mexico Samson Summit questions answered, there’s still time to sign up.Links: Chris Bruno Restoration Project Restore CounselingNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf 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 samson

On this episode: Aaron is oppositional to better understand. Nate asks why. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Ron Ovitt. Ron is an ordained minister, author, podcaster, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and speaker. Ron specializes in emotional relearning. He wow’s us with this fact: emotions are learned, and they can be relearned! He explains and gives tips on reparenting. A controversial opinion of dopamine is discussed. And 3 steps for emotional regulation. It’s an eventful episode you won’t want to miss! Links: Ron’s Books Ron’s email Rov OvittNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf 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 our lives who have been

On this episode: Nate sees in color. Aaron had a Bob Ross birthday party. AND a “shi**y painting prize” is offered! This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Ryan Soave. Ryan is a trauma and mindfulness expert, licensed mental health counselor, speaker, and consultant. He leads others to healing, self-discovery, and personal formation using neuroscience, somatic therapy, and ancient wisdom. Ryan shares his journey as a recovering alcoholic in 12-step. The topic of alone and lonely is discussed with depth, focused on feeling different, earning equality, and unknown expectations. And a friendly reminder that you can’t be too dumb but you can be too smart in recovery, meaning: you can’t think your way sober. Ryan discusses the practice of learning to experience pain and stress in the moment and how it leads to deeper joy. All this and more! Links: Ryan Soave YouTube Ryan Soave Instagram Ryan Soave WebsiteNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf you have thoug

On this episode: Aaron, Nate, Justin, and Alec all hang out. This week, Nate, Aaron, Justin, and Alec interview Nate Larkin, wait, what?!?. Nate Larkin is the host of the Pirate Monk Podcast, yes this very one! He is also an author, speaker, Silas, former pastor, and writes engineering papers and some other stuff. Nate shares more of his story and thoughts on relapse, from experience. They discuss how and why relapse happens, even the speed. Clues to a possible relapse include, but are not limited to: letting safeguards down, justification, lack of rest, ignoring feelings, not asking for help. The discussion also includes: how long to support another in recovery, and steps to heal, grow, and continue down the path.Books: Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood, by Nate LarkinNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for fut

On this episode: Aaron is preparing people for unfamiliar conversations with curiosity. And it’s a hot Thursday in August for Nate. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Lisa Sharon Harper. Lisa is the founder and president of Freedom Road, a consultant group. She is also a theologian, activist, speaker, podcaster, author, college faculty, and trainer. Lisa helps us understand different perspectives, with illustrations from the show Roots, Plato, and Genesis One. She leads us to consider where we find our ID in our Christianity and politics, and which is first. Lisa also gives a fascinating history of flip flopping politics in the United States. And a final consideration that you don’t have to join a political party to be on “God’s side”. Other topics include the exclusion of James, 500 crucifixions per day during Jesus’s time, dehumanization, race division laws, and more.Links: Freedom Road Freedom Road PodcastBooks: The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right Fortune: How Race Broke My Family a

Onthis episode: Aaron is formal and calls people. Nate is cool and discusses a stuffed animal fashion show. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Phillip Wire. Phillip is 2016 teacher of the year, in his district, and an author. He discusses some of the good, and unfortunately, the bad of how schools got “trauma informed.” Three life disruptions, including less sleep, less exercise, and less face-to-face interaction are issues facing students as well as many other people and industries. Phillip discusses the fascinating role of “environmental therapy” and how we can heal and grow outside of paying a therapist. He guides parents to have honest conversations about technology with kids and to lead by example. Phillip has many suggestions of how to “make things better,” and also reminds us to experiment because there’s not “one-size-fits-all.” All this, and more! Links: Phillip Wire Facebook Author Page BrickBooks: The Kids Are Not Alright: The Real Roots of Today's Youth Mental Health Crisis Trauma-Informed Tragedy:

On this episode: Aaron wears two pairs of pants and is rude to magicians. Nate rustles up someone. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Mark Greene. Mark is a Texas native living in Manhattan, NY, who has learned to make friends and is guiding us. He imparts some startling statistics that may motivate you to make friends. Mark shares how he meets guys in the park, modeled after another group he saw. Guys pair up and walk and talk! He lets us know that understanding ourselves happens in relationship, and that there is strength in numbers. And the big question: if you are only doing purposeful work, is real friendship happening? All this, and more!Links: Walking Talking Men Walking VideoBooks: Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendship and the Crisis of Connection, by: Niobe WaySept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens Retreat   If you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for futur