
Pirate Monk Podcast
A (mostly) weekly podcast produced by members of the Samson Society
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 59min
451 | Dr Jim Wilder | Neuro-Theology
On this fresh and Crunchy episode, Aaron likes soggy cereal. Nate gives instruction on the right way to approach cereal.This week, Nate and Aaron interview Dr Jim Wilder. Dr Wilder prefers to be called Jim. Jim is a neuro-theologian. Jim has studied the science of character change and given us the findings in his book, Renovated. He helps understand why thinking differently won’t change us, but connection will. Some of the other topics include: sugar is a distraction from the relational circuit, malfunction may be modern language for sin, joy is relational, and teens showing Alzheimer like symptoms from screen time.Links:
Life Model WorksBooks:
Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church that Transforms, by: Jim WilderMay 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 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.
Samson House Store
Samson Canadian Retreat — Samson House Store
J oin us at the Wesley Acres Retreat Centre & Campground from June 6-8, 2025 , for a weekend of growth, reflection, and community. This retreat is designed for men looking to strengthen their faith and recovery journey and connect with like-minded individuals in a beautiful natural surrounding.
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.

Jan 30, 2025 • 57min
450 | Art Blanchford | Transformation
Title: Transformation w/ Art Blanchford
Aaron talks about the awkwardness of candy crushing your penis. Nate is Live. The guys discuss goals, resolutions, perfectionism, gamifying recovery, and increased success with community, support and feedback.This week, Nate interviews Art Blanchford. Art is a recovering workaholic, Tennessee local, and host of the Life in Transition Podcast. He is also a business consultant, coach, and leads midlife transformational retreats. They discuss the depth, growth, and development of Christian relationship in recovery. Also talking about the topic that service or ministry doesn’t have to be free, and the value of an investment. Art shares his experiences getting away and disconnecting from phones and tv and the refreshment that brings.Links:
MidLife Transition
Art Blanchford
Art’s Email
Art on LinkedinBooks:
Purposeful Living: Wisdom for Coming of Age in Complex Times, by Art BlanchfordAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad ones, by: James Clear
Super Better: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver, and More Resilient - Powered by the Science of Games, by Jane McGonigal
Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, by James WilderMay 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 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.
Art Blanchford | artblanchford.com
Home - Art Blanchford | artblanchford.com
Hello I’m ART BLANCHFORD #MY story ART BLANCHFORD During the height of the Covid pandemic, I found myself lying in bed, filled with fear and lacking the strength to even move. The worry consumed me – what would happen if my employer discovered I was sick? The thought of losing my job, running out of […]
linkedin.com
Art Blanchford - Life in Transition Podcast | LinkedIn
SENIOR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
High-performance business, operations, and sales… · Experience: Life in Transition Podcast · Education: University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business · Location: Brentwood · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Art Blanchford’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

Jan 24, 2025 • 48min
449 | Juliane Taylor Shore | The Brain Wears History Colored Glasses
The Brain Wears History Colored Glasses w/ Juliane Taylor Shore
Aaron recaps the 2024 Samson Summit. He shares his takeaways on vulnerability, storytelling and five senses activities. Then he has bad internet. Nate discusses the first ever Canadian retreat June 6-8, eh.
This week, Nate interviews Juliane Taylor Shore. Juliane is an author, speaker, teacher, therapist, and leads online and in-person intensives and workshops. She nerds out (in a good way) on neuroscience as she shares ways with us on understanding and creating new internal practices for health and safety. Juliane shares a quote that the “brain is your body’s captive audience” in learning to hear and understand ourselves. The thinking brain is good at some stuff, the feeling brain is good at other stuff, and faster. She walks us through an exercise on setting psychological boundaries and explains the process of creating new neural networks engaging the heart and belly.
Links:
Juliane Taylor Shore
Books:
Setting Boundaries That Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected, and Empowered
Descarte’s Error: Emotional, Reason, and the Human Brain, by: Antonio Damasio
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Jan 9, 2025 • 55min
447 | Alexandra Repke | Father Forgive Them…
On this episode: Nate and Aaron are live and in color. Aaron says interesting things and swallows spit. Nate escapes the bitter cold of Tennessee, because he is old.
Exciting News: Pure Desire, 7-Pillars is moving from Portland to the Nashville area, and there will be an Austria Samson retreat in 2025!
Our Guest: Dr. Alexandra Repke has a background in criminology, correction, forensics, and personality disorders as they relate to addiction and recovery. She discusses her understanding of why psychology has yet to catch up with biblical truths. Alexandra also shares the four deep keys and considerations to forgiveness from real world experiences. She drops the bomb that the lack of forgiveness fuels addiction. Perk up for a great show this week, folks.
Links:
Repke Psychological Services
2025 Samson Summit
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
446 | Mark and Michelle Hollingsworth | From Knowledge to Experience
On this episode: Aaron interviews Mark and Michelle Hollingsworth.
Our Guests: Mark and Michelle are trauma trained at the Allender Center and Art of Living Counseling Center in narrative focused healing as marriage counselors. They come from experience, navigating and recovering from an affair. They discuss offloading the burdens of trauma and secrets. Mark and Michelle talk about shame in the ministry, lack of Christian and church support, and navigating people that don’t know what to do with the pain. We learn how to bless the process of healing, and that everyone’s process is different. They also talk about when and how to share with children.
Links:
Soul Reserve
2025 Samson Summit
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Dec 26, 2024 • 55min
445 | Tom Bellamy | Limerence
On this episode: Nate and Aaron end 2024 with hope. Aaron feels it in his chest. Nate revisits old recovery. Nate predicts the best national retreat ever, and Aaron may hula.
Our Guest: Dr. Tom Bellamy is from the UK and an expert on the topic of limerence. He explains that limerence has properties similar to drugs and expires fairly quickly. He discusses the history and how to recognize the limerence type of love. Dr. Tom also gives help on how to end it, and even how to prevent it in the future.
Links:
Book: Smitten: Romantic Obsession the Neuroscience of Limerence, and how to Make Love Last
Book: Living with Limerence: A Guide for the Smitten
Living With Limerence
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Dec 19, 2024 • 45min
444 | Kimberly Panganiban | The Sex “Need”
On this episode: This week, it's Friday to Aaron.
Our Guest: Kimberly Panganiban is a Gottman-trained LMFT with a Filipino last name. She tells her story of being curious about people and her parent's divorce that led her to the therapy field. Kimberly shares that many sexual problems in marriage are simply misalignments and are repairable with the help of an outsider. She discusses the importance of sexual communication, so that a couple is connecting, not merely having a mechanical event. How pressure, rejection, and one-sided pursuit all kill libido and cause resentment. Kimberly tells us that it is important to discuss uncommunicated expectations explicitly. She also encourages everyone to shop around for therapists or counselors -- you are not obligated to the first one.
Links:
Kimberly Panganiban
Therapy Coach at Gottman Institute
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Dec 12, 2024 • 59min
443 | Christine Baker | Learning to Fight a Bear, Run Away from a Bear, or Drop Dead
On this episode: Aaron is excited.
Our Guest: Christine Baker is a PHD, CSAT, LPC, SEP, and a sex addiction therapist. She shares her journey from working at the Baptist Children’s home and attending a lecture that led her to pursue sex addiction therapy for women. Christine later transitioned into sex addiction therapy for men and women, stating the value and importance of helping men heal and relate to women in a healthy and appropriate way. She talks about why it's easier for males to get into sexual recovery than females. They discuss the trend of women having a higher growth rate as sex addicts than men. She explains “stuck” responses and give tips on how to get “unstuck” to be able to move forward to grow and heal. Christine gives some practical tips on how to begin a habit of thinking rationally in our routines.
Links:
Wayfare Counseling
Christine Baker on Instagram
Sensation Slide
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Dec 5, 2024 • 59min
442 | Sam Jolman | Bless the Arousal
On this episode: Nate and Aaron talk about different seasons of life. They share how important it is to balance parts of life, including: work, friends, play, and scheduling.
Our Guest: Sam Jolman shares how he asked his brother to clarify sexual questions for him. They discuss how many people are sexually awakened and then immediately shamed. Sam shows us how to welcome one's sexuality, learning to respond with awe instead of lust. He talks about the different experiences of coming to sexual intimacy regulated and unregulated. And Aaron discusses how he raises his Ebenezer.
Links:
Sam Jolman
Book: The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

Nov 28, 2024 • 56min
441 | Shane Ramer | Sober Recreation
On this episode: Nate and Aaron talk about healthy play. Nate shares what it's like to attend 3 intensives in 2 months. He shares the joy and relief in attending intensives instead of leading them.
Our Guest: Shane Ramer is an old school skater, recovery coach, and podcaster. They discuss recreation and fun in sobriety and fighting the boredom. Shane shares why community is important, even when we may have found it in the wrong places at times. How giving back and volunteering helps to heal and grow along the healing path. Also, when to surrender and ask for help.
Links:
That Sober Guy Podcast
That Sober Guy
Sponsor:
Life Works Counseling
If you have thoughts or questions that 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 and www.fiftysounds.com.
For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.
Support for the women 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 help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.