Pirate Monk Podcast

Dani Sumner, a coach, spiritual director, and recovery podcaster, shares her candid path from despair to healing. She explores church shame, faith, addiction, and why honest AA community mattered more than polished religious spaces. Conversations about relapse, confession, accountability, grace, and turning painful experiences into service make this a raw, hopeful look at recovery without perfectionism.

On this episode: Nate promotes Aaron back to commodore. They reflect on the 2026 summit. The 2027 summit announcement.   Nate  and Aaron talk with J.D. Denham, founder of Warrior Makers and host of the J.D. Denham Podcast. He grew up in a strong Christian home but questioned the faith from a young age. He describes his rebellious streak, years of heroin addiction, and the night he cried out to God. He also covers getting sober on January 18, 2011, standing up for his convictions during COVID, and what it takes to stay sober and live with integrity. J.D. discusses the "warrior gene" idea: the 10% who run at the bear, and why recovering addicts can put that energy to good use.     Nov 13-15, 2026 Men’s Clinical Intensive   NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store)   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 or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to [email protected].     The opening and closing music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society. Transitional music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com   For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women in our lives who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com. The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To enjoy future Pirate Monk podcasts, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Drew Reitzel, a Christian author, former pastor, and business professional, discusses undivided allegiance to Christ amid cultural compromise. He explores competing masters such as addiction, money, relationships, phones, and social media. The conversation covers prayer, repentance, grace, self-deception, spiritual community, and why transformation begins within before reaching culture.

Dr. Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who studies addiction, anxiety, mindfulness, and habit change, explores why willpower rarely breaks unhealthy patterns. They discuss cravings, anxiety loops, shame, identity, and the surprising power of curiosity. The conversation also covers surfing urges, embodied awareness, RAIN, recovery, and how honest community can support lasting change.

Donggun Kim, a Chicago-based engineer and technology entrepreneur, created Swarn, a privacy-first internet filter. He discusses category-level alerts instead of screenshots or browsing logs, accountability that protects dignity, and tools for creating space during triggers. The conversation explores recovery, consent, trustworthy support, and how technology can encourage honest conversations without shame or unnecessary exposure.

Dr. David Pendergrass, a pastoral counselor, teacher, and author with nearly 30 years in ministry, explores why facts alone rarely transform us. He examines emotional repression, Victorian stoicism, grief, trauma, sexuality, and the difference between shame and spiritual maturity. The conversation also compares Jewish and Christian views of inner desire, freedom, grace, and healing through community, therapy, and faith.

John Lynch, a Christian speaker, author, and ministry leader, shares his journey from performance-driven religion to grace. He recounts a harrowing bike adventure in Spain, discusses childhood abuse and the difference between guilt and shame, and explores what it means to be fully known, safely supported, and loved by God. The conversation also previews his upcoming Samson Summit sessions.

Mike Snapp, a pilot, Christian recovery advocate, and Samson Society leader, shares a candid story of addiction, affairs, faith, and healing. He explores childhood pain, military life, story work, and Internal Family Systems. The conversation also covers disclosure, betrayal trauma, repairing marriage, and learning to support a wounded wife with honesty and compassion.

Dr. Mariel Buqué, psychologist, trauma specialist, and author of Break the Cycle, explores how family history, biology, and nervous-system patterns shape our lives. They discuss cultural identity, epigenetics, cellular memory, triggers, historical trauma, inherited resilience, and the challenge of becoming a cycle breaker. The conversation also examines which family patterns to release and which healing traditions to carry forward.

Josh Bales, an Episcopal priest, counselor, songwriter, and worship leader from Florida, explores authentic community and the difference between performing and truly connecting. He and Aaron Porter discuss music as a doorway to vulnerability, the importance of being fully present, and the courage it takes to enter honest brotherhood. They also look ahead to an unscripted gathering where men can show up as themselves.