Pirate Monk Podcast

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

On this episode: Nate shares an article about how smart phones keep us addicted to novelty, validation, and stimulation. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Michael Long. Michael is an author, lecturer, physicist, play/screen/speech writer, and former comedian. He discusses the meaning of and the good and bad of dopamine. He shares how porn, serial dating, and the over usage of technology are all dopamine grabs. Comparing dopamine to gasoline, both can be good and bad. Michael shares that there is hope and that living beyond one’s self is key. He shares several exercises to help us tame dopamine and use it effectively for a full life. Also, Michael will show up at your book club meeting, listen to find out how!Contact: Taming The MoleculeBooks: Taming the Molecule of More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Make Dopamine Work for You, by: Michael E. Long THe Molecule Of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity - And Will Determine The Fate of the Human Race, by: Daniel Z Lieberman MD, Mic

On this episode: Nate is still in his car. Aaron sleeps in a Prius and shares that weird is not an emotion.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Steve Shields . Steve is a hope dealer who also is a counselor, speaker, recovery coach, founder, board member, probably some more cool stuff too. Steve thinks, as a counselor, most of therapy is a waste of time. He shares his story of being “thanked for not having problems” growing up, and his intro to porn. Sharing how when performance doesn’t work how important it is to double down and perform harder. Steven explains how ibuprofen and porn do the same thing. The guys discuss how its common to hit rock bottom multiple times or being the prodigal son multiple times, and how power and accountability are connected.Links: Accepted Life Unashamed Unafraid Podcast Steve Shields EmailSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 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

Kevin Addams  6:30 AM On this episode: Nate sits in a car and attempts to get in touch with his grief. Aaron is home and asks Nate questions.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Doug Lynam. Doug is a former Marine and Monk, an Enneagram expert, speaker, and coach. Doug shares his story of rebellion that led to becoming a marine for approval from his dad. Then a monk to piss his dad off. And how all this lead to Doug becoming an expert in finances and the Enneagram. Doug has made the Enneagram easier to understand, practical, and applicable. Listen along as 4 pillars of finance are shared that can make your life better.Book: Taming Your Money Monster: Nine Paths to Money Mastery with the Enneagram From Monk to Money Manager: A Former Monk’s Financial Guide to Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy—-and Why That’s OkaySept. 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 addr

On this episode: Nate flies solo while Aaron finishes his epic road trip. Nate performs a wedding and shares his wife, Ali’s health update. This week, Nate and Robert Wolgemuth talk about the end. Robert has written a lot of books, he is also a publisher and business man. He shares that we need to have four pallbearers planned, perhaps not who you think. Robert guides us through things to consider in loving consideration of those we care about in our lives.Book: The Finish Line: Dispelling Fear, Finding Peace, and Preparing for the End of Your Life, by: Robert WolgemuthSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 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

On this episode: Aaron learns where to stick the dynamite on his Prius road trip. Nate takes off the facade.This week, Nate and Aaron talk to our guest, Jason Mellard. Jason is a Texas transplant via South Carolina and Japan. He talks about growing up with sexual and physical abuse from a pastor father. Jason talks about how his father delivered a message that let him know he was not important. He shares his thoughts and understanding of USSA and defines what it means to him. Jason talks about his own struggles with shame, confusion, how he felt his body was not his own, and how he wasn’t one of the guys. Jason is also a podcaster and coach. He created the https://ownyouridentitynow.com/ssaquiz/to help guys struggling with identity, fear, shame, and judgement.Links: Own your Identity Podcast and Coaching SSA QuizSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 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 addr

On this episode: Aaron talks about the “sugar cup”.  Nate knows a Florida hockey team. This week, our 19 guests are the Canadian Samson Summit attendees, live on the podcast. The importance of “i, me, and my” statements. Questions about supporting women’s addiction, because it’s not just a male problem.  Discussing hockey talk, soccer, er, um, football. Supporting individuals “doing it all right” even when marriages fail. How the failed products of purity culture can support healthy talk in younger generations. Gods limitless power to redeem anything. Dave’s back,  asking about Silas safety. The importance of turning cameras on in online meetings. All these topics and more this week. Links: Covenant eyes Bark AlertBooks: Samson & The Pirate Monks, by: Nate Larkin Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters, by:  Dr. Judy SlatterySept. 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 Counseling. If

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-