

Chaplain Stories
Caleb McCary
Sacred stories from the frontlines of military ministry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
Chaplain (MAJ-P) Alison Ward
Chaplain (MAJ) Alison Ward, an experienced US Army chaplain and senior instructor at Fort Jackson, shares her remarkable journey in military ministry. She discusses the transition from company to field grade and the complexities of mentoring soldiers. Alison emphasizes the significance of maintaining spiritual wellness among grieving troops and the balance required between faith leadership and military duties. She also explores the importance of community engagement and the vital role chaplains play in supporting soldiers through moral dilemmas in modern warfare.

Dec 9, 2024 • 46min
Chaplain (COL) Lou DelTufo
In this engaging conversation, Lou DelTufo reflects on his transformative journey from National Guard to Commandant of the Army Institute for Religious Leadership. He shares insights into the complexities of military chaplaincy and the vital role of building connections in crisis situations. Lou discusses the significance of spiritual guidance, the influence of diversity in the Chaplain Corps, and the impactful books that have shaped his life. His personal anecdotes highlight the rewarding challenges of ministering to soldiers and their families.

Apr 16, 2024 • 52min
Chaplain (LTC) Eric Leetch
Chaplain (LTC) Eric Leetch discusses his transition from Special Forces to Chaplaincy, the challenges faced by chaplains in diverse environments, influential books shaping Christian philosophy, and the importance of readiness in the Chaplain Corps for future challenges and wars. The conversation also emphasizes gratitude, mentorship, and the valuable contributions of chaplains within the U.S. Army.

Dec 6, 2022 • 39min
Chaplain (COL) Bryan Walker
A conversation with Chaplain (COL) Bryan Walker recorded on December 6, 2022. Chaplain Walker shares from his wealth of hard earned experience serving as a Chaplain for over three decades. We talk about how the Army has changed since 1989 and what has remained the same and he shares some advice for new Chaplains and those discerning their call to the Chaplaincy.
You can support the continued creation of this podcast and help offset costs related to hosting, editing, and equipment by backing Chaplain Stories on Patreon: patreon.com/chaplainstories
-This is a personal podcast. The opinions of the host and the guest represent their own opinions and are not official statements of the Army or Department of Defense.-

Feb 28, 2022 • 48min
Chaplain (LTC) Primitivo Davis
A conversation with Chaplain (LTC) Primitivo Davis recorded on February 28, 2022, the last day of Black History Month. Among a few of the topics discussed: Chaplain Davis shares about his experience coming onto Active Duty and deploying to Iraq 30 days later. He also talks about the importance of having good mentors and being good mentors. He discusses the importance of maintaining flexibility and adaptability personally and professionally.
-This is a personal podcast. The opinions of the host and the guest represent their own opinions and are not official statements of the Army or Department of Defense.-

Nov 24, 2021 • 43min
Chaplain (MAJ) Patricia Nichols
A conversation with Chaplain (MAJ) Patricia Nichols. We discuss her experiences being a Small Group Leader in the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course, her calling into the Chaplaincy, hard days on a deployment, and much more! I hope you enjoy this episode! Please share it with your family and friends and leave us a review so more people can hear about the amazing of our Chaplains.

Sep 2, 2021 • 48min
Chaplain (COL) Jimmy Nichols
A conversation with Chaplain (COL) Jimmy Nichols at Fort Jackson, SC. We discuss his nearly three decades of active service and hit topics like the changes he experienced after 9-11, his personal struggles during a difficult deployment to Iraq, and the importance of Chaplains seeking counseling themselves. I hope you enjoy this episode! Please share it with your family and friends and leave us a review so more people can hear about the amazing of our Chaplains.

May 11, 2018 • 1h 10min
Chaplain (COL) Timothy Mallard
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guest. They do not reflect the opinions or positions of the United States Army.
A conversation with CH (COL) Timothy Mallard. CH Mallard's service as a Chaplain stretches from the Persian Gulf War to the present. He has written about spiritual injury and you can find some of his articles here: https://providencemag.com/author/tim-mallard/
You can support the continued creation of the podcast by backing Chaplain Stories on Patreon. Check out this link for more information on how you can help! www.patreon.com/user?u=160166

Mar 16, 2018 • 1h 3min
Chaplain (MAJ) Eugene Kim
A conversation with CH (MAJ) Eugene Kim. Chaplain Kim came to the United States in his early 30s and overcame many challenges before becoming a Chaplain in the Army. Plus, he shares his personal story of his encounters with CH Dale Goetz, the first Chaplain KIA since the Vietnam War. You won't want to miss this episode!
You can support the continued creation of the podcast by backing Chaplain Stories on Patreon. Check out this link for more information on how you can help! www.patreon.com/user?u=160166

Sep 13, 2017 • 42min
Chaplain (MG) Matt Zimmerman (Retired)
A conversation with CH (MG) Matt Zimmerman. He was the first African American Chief of Chaplains for the United States Army and his military service started in the Vietnam War. You won't want to miss this episode!
You can support the continued creation of the podcast by backing Chaplain Stories on Patreon. Check out this link for more information on how you can help! www.patreon.com/user?u=160166