Pirate Monk Podcast

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 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 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.   Arise With Amber Arise With Amber | Discussion about Life, Love, Joy and Grief Arise with Amber is a weekly Youtube series where I speak honestly and openly about life, love, joy and grief, through the lens of my relationship with Jesus Christ (108 kB) https://arisewithamber.com/     amazon.com The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart [Smith, Amber Emily] on Amazon.com. FREE shipping on qualifying offers. The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart (382 kB) https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bathroom-Floor-Together-Everything/dp/1400347890     App Store Samson Community App - App Store Download Samson Community by Samson House on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more games like Samson Community. (47 kB) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/samson-community/id6749582016     play.google.com Samson Society - Apps on Google Play Brotherhood & recovery hub (42 kB) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.samsonsociety&pcampaignid=web_share                          

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 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 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.   recoverwithrob.com Stop the chaos of addiction: The Addiction Intervention Book: 11 Breakthrough Strategies for Professionals and Families to Help Clients and Loved Ones Discover FREEDOM From Addiction Stop the cycle of addiction today! Let today be YOUR bottom. Get a FREE copy of the book The Addiction Intervention Book (86 kB) https://www.recoverwithrob.com/intervention-book-order-1     LFTR Christian Rehab Services Faith-Based Rehab Colorado - LFTR Christian Rehab Services Break free from addiction with faith-based recovery. We combine biblical truth and expert care to restore lives through Christ-centered healing. Written by hristo Time to read 2 minutes   App Store Samson Community App - App Store Download Samson Community by Samson House on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more games like Samson Community. (47 kB) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/samson-community/id6749582016     play.google.com Samson Society - Apps on Google Play Brotherhood & recovery hub (42 kB) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.samsonsociety&pcampaignid=web_share     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit Virtual Experience — Samson House Store Can’t make it to Glorieta? No problem — the Samson Summit Virtual Experience brings the heart of the weekend straight to you. Join Chris Bruno’s powerful main sessions live via Zoom as he invites men into deeper integrity, brotherhood, and healing. You will also be able to participate in small groups.

Ron Pearson, a talented comedian and street performer, shares his journey living with ADHD. He opens up about how ADHD uniquely fuels his creativity and performance skills, including a captivating juggling world record. Ron discusses the impact of youth trauma on addiction and intimacy issues, revealing how humor helped him navigate these challenges. He delves into the importance of emotional expression in relationships, ultimately highlighting how sharing feelings can foster deeper connections with others.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Shields, a therapist and creator of the Unashamed Unafraid recovery curriculum, shares insights on the limitations of mainstream therapy. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven therapy and offers advice on choosing the right therapist with clear goals. Steven also highlights the benefits of peer support groups, sharing strategies for effective facilitation while staying true to oneself. With a focus on hope over shame, he advocates for interactive, playful group experiences to foster healing and joy.

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 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 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.   by Noah Filipiak About Author, Pastor Noah Filipiak Noah Filipiak is an author, pastor, and podcaster with a heart to apply the reality of the gospel to the grit of life.  He is the author of "Beyond the Battle: A man’s guide to his identity in Christ in an over-sexualized world" (Zondervan) and leads online groups through the book. Noah and his wife Jennifer got married in 2004 and have 3 adorable daughters. He is on the Covenant Eyes blogging team and has several other articles published. He is a frequent guest speaker at colleges and churches.    https://www.noahfilipiak.com/     beyondthebattle.net Beyond Ministries Helping men find freedom from porn and sexual sin while finding their identity in the healing love of Jesus Christ. (375 kB) https://www.beyondthebattle.net/     by Noah Filipiak Needed Navigation - by Noah Filipiak Teens are being bombarded with porn and sex everywhere they turn. 93% of boys and 62% of girls first see porn before they turn 18. With smartphones everywhere, this is no surprise. What is a surprise is how little the church talks about porn and when they do, how unhelpful it often is. ~75 pages […] Est. reading time 2 minutes https://www.noahfilipiak.com/needed-navigation/     by Noah Filipiak Beyond the Battle - by Noah Filipiak Purchase on Amazon at a bulk discounted rate from Church Source Digging deeper than the surface-level tricks and tactics men are already familiar with, Beyond the Battle unpacks the heart of the gospel to show every man what he’s been looking for all along. Join Noah in an online video small group through Beyond […] Est. reading time 1 minute

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 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 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.   wendycrane.net Wendy Crane - Author Site Wendy Crane, Author of The Scandal of Virginia Grey (135 kB) https://wendycrane.net/     otherwomanministries.com Other Woman Ministries - Welcome to your safe place! Other Woman Ministries provides a safe space for "the other woman" to find support, hope, healing and freedom from the shame of infidelity. (653 kB) https://www.otherwomanministries.com/     Be Broken Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men | Be Broken Learn how to quit porn and overcome any unwanted sexual behaviors at our 3-Day Christian Intensive for Men. This is a grace-based, shame-free environment. (109 kB) https://www.bebroken.org/gateway-to-freedom     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico lodging available.

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 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.   chrisbruno.org Chris Bruno Chris Bruno is a storywork sage for the masculine soul. Author, business owner, counselor, trainer, and non-profit founder, Chris is a trustworthy voice in the realm of story. (67 kB) https://www.chrisbruno.org/     restorationproject.net Restoration Project A nationwide community of men focused on healing their wounds, knowing God, and bringing their restorative presence to their world. Fathers, Brothers, Sons.     restory.life ReStory Counseling Restory Counseling specializes in Trauma Informed Counseling in Fort Collins, Colorado and telehealth. Specializing in storywork, play therapy, addictions, marriage, counseling intensives and more.     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Lodging options available.     Samson House Store Wild & Sacred Journey — Samson House Store Join us during the Samson Summit on November 7-9, 2025, for The Wild and Sacred Journey , a transformative weekend retreat designed exclusively for women to reconnect with the wild, playful, and sacred aspects of themselves. This experience weaves together moments of creative expression and deep reflection.

Ron Ovitt, an ordained minister and recovery coach, joins the conversation to explore the intricacies of emotional relearning. He reveals that emotions can be learned and unlearned, offering valuable insights on reparenting practices. The discussion includes three pivotal steps for emotional regulation: recognition, regulation, and relearning. Ron shares how to navigate triggers and highlights the controversial role of dopamine in our emotional responses. He emphasizes integrating faith with psychological practices for a holistic approach to healing.

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 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 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.   Ryan Soave Home Page - Ryan Soave You’ve Mastered Success—Now, Let’s Master Peace Get Ryan’s Free Course Identify limiting beliefs, boost emotional resilience, and change how you handle challenges—in just six days. Book a 1:1 Consultation Get personalized guidance from Ryan Soave, a leader in emotional resilience and personal growth. Together, you’ll create a path to thriving in your relationships, career, and […]   https://ryansoave.com/     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico lodging options are available.     Samson House Store Wild & Sacred Journey — Samson House Store Join us during the Samson Summit on November 7-9, 2025, for The Wild and Sacred Journey , a transformative weekend retreat designed exclusively for women to reconnect with the wild, playful, and sacred aspects of themselves. This experience weaves together moments of creative expression and deep reflection.

In this engaging discussion, guest Alec Gibson, a member of the Samson Society and recovery advocate, joins host Nate Larkin, an author and former pastor. They dive into the complexities of relapse, exploring triggers and the emotional landscape that surrounds it. Nate shares his own experiences, revealing how he navigated the slippery slope of letting safeguards slip and the importance of community support. The conversation emphasizes vulnerability, honesty, and the profound impact of sharing struggles within a supportive network.