Pirate Monk Podcast

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 T

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 hav

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 samson

On this episode: Aaron is oppositional to better understand. Nate asks why. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Ron Ovitt. Ron is an ordained minister, author, podcaster, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and speaker. Ron specializes in emotional relearning. He wow’s us with this fact: emotions are learned, and they can be relearned! He explains and gives tips on reparenting. A controversial opinion of dopamine is discussed. And 3 steps for emotional regulation. It’s an eventful episode you won’t want to miss! Links: Ron’s Books Ron’s email Rov OvittNov 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

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 thoug

On this episode: Aaron, Nate, Justin, and Alec all hang out. This week, Nate, Aaron, Justin, and Alec interview Nate Larkin, wait, what?!?. Nate Larkin is the host of the Pirate Monk Podcast, yes this very one! He is also an author, speaker, Silas, former pastor, and writes engineering papers and some other stuff. Nate shares more of his story and thoughts on relapse, from experience. They discuss how and why relapse happens, even the speed. Clues to a possible relapse include, but are not limited to: letting safeguards down, justification, lack of rest, ignoring feelings, not asking for help. The discussion also includes: how long to support another in recovery, and steps to heal, grow, and continue down the path.Books: Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood, by Nate LarkinNov 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 fut

On this episode: Aaron is preparing people for unfamiliar conversations with curiosity. And it’s a hot Thursday in August for Nate. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Lisa Sharon Harper. Lisa is the founder and president of Freedom Road, a consultant group. She is also a theologian, activist, speaker, podcaster, author, college faculty, and trainer. Lisa helps us understand different perspectives, with illustrations from the show Roots, Plato, and Genesis One. She leads us to consider where we find our ID in our Christianity and politics, and which is first. Lisa also gives a fascinating history of flip flopping politics in the United States. And a final consideration that you don’t have to join a political party to be on “God’s side”. Other topics include the exclusion of James, 500 crucifixions per day during Jesus’s time, dehumanization, race division laws, and more.Links: Freedom Road Freedom Road PodcastBooks: The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right Fortune: How Race Broke My Family a

Onthis episode: Aaron is formal and calls people. Nate is cool and discusses a stuffed animal fashion show. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Phillip Wire. Phillip is 2016 teacher of the year, in his district, and an author. He discusses some of the good, and unfortunately, the bad of how schools got “trauma informed.” Three life disruptions, including less sleep, less exercise, and less face-to-face interaction are issues facing students as well as many other people and industries. Phillip discusses the fascinating role of “environmental therapy” and how we can heal and grow outside of paying a therapist. He guides parents to have honest conversations about technology with kids and to lead by example. Phillip has many suggestions of how to “make things better,” and also reminds us to experiment because there’s not “one-size-fits-all.” All this, and more! Links: Phillip Wire Facebook Author Page BrickBooks: The Kids Are Not Alright: The Real Roots of Today's Youth Mental Health Crisis Trauma-Informed Tragedy:

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