Pirate Monk Podcast

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...

On this episode: Nate and Aaron check-in before and update on recent concerts and a hockey-arena trip   Nate and Aaron talk with Drew Reitzel. Drew shares from his story of prayer, conviction, and repentance. He talks about undivided allegiance to Christ in an age of cultural compromise. The conversation explores how divided hearts form, how grace exposes self-deception, and why real change starts...

On this episode: Nate and Aaron continue their series on the “five naturals”, natural strongman. They explore why admitting weakness can feel counterintuitive, especially for men conditioned to lead, know, and control.   Nate and Aaron talk to Dr. Judson Brewer. Dr. Brewer explains how curiosity, awareness, and embodied experience can create real change without shame or self-attack. They discuss w...

Nate and Aaron talk with engineer Donggun Kim about building Swarn. Donggun helps answer how do you help someone change without flooding them with shame or unnecessary detail. He discusses a privacy-conscious content filter that alerts an accountability partner with just enough information to start a real conversation. Aaron and Nate reflect on why this approach matters in recovery, especially for...

On this episode:Nate and Aaron talk about Aaron representing Samson at the AACCC then widen into general discussion about counseling, community, and why some good things can become substitutes for deeper relationships.   They talk to Dr. David Pendergrass. David shares that many men are taught from childhood to suppress vulnerability, which often turns normal emotions into shame instead of healing...

  John Lynch joins Nate and Aaron on the Pirate Monk Podcast to talk about the gospel identity that has shaped his life, ministry, and recovery. The conversation moves from his recent bike trip in Spain to the deeper spiritual work of moving from shame and striving toward being loved by God as you are. They discuss John’s journey from performance-driven religion to grace, the effects of shame, and...

On this episode: Nate gives info on the Samson Summit. Aaron talks to Michael.   Aaron talks story work with Mike Snapp. Michael shares his history with his dad, step-dad, military, flying planes, porn, affairs, wives, girlfriends, recovery, and helping her heal. Mike shares how Samson Society was a big stepping stone to his recovery, growth, and healing. He talk about his d-day and how helping he...

On this episode: Just Aaron and Mariel.   Aaron interviews Dr. Mariel Buqué.  Dr. Buqué is a psychologist, trauma-care specialist, creator of the Generational Trauma Therapy Method, podcaster, and author of Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. She explains how family history, biology, nervous-system patterns, and present-day experiences can interact—and how people can begi...

In this episode, Aaron Porter and Josh Bales discuss the importance of authentic community, the role of music and ministry, and the personal growth that comes from shared experiences among men. They explore how vulnerability and presence can transform relationships and spiritual journeys. Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit   NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google S...

On this episode: Nate and Aaron reflect on their recent men’s gathering in Birmingham. Men arrived without expectation, and opened up and shared.   Nate and Aaron welcome Elizabeth Stanley for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, nervous system regulation, and emotional resilience. Drawing from her military service, academic research, and personal experience with PTSD and depression, Liz explai...

  Brannon and Tyler Patrick   On this episode: Nate goes straight to the interview because Aaron has the food poisoning.   Nate talks to Brannon and Tyler Patrick. Brannon and Tyler are brothers who are therapists, hosts of a call-in podcast called Therapy Brothers , and lead community retreats to help men become trustworthy. The brothers support both spouses, specializing in sexual addiction and...

On this episode: Nate updates on Allie. Aaron is glad to have a co-host. And they reflect on the importance of a listening ear over preaching.   This week A.I. makes the notes and sucks at punctuation and conversational language. (Also, the normal notes guy gets sassy, see below.) How do you like it? Send feedback to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com   Steve Cuss joins Nate Larkin and Aaron Porter for a...

On this episode: Nate does promotions. Aaron flies solo.    This week: Aaron has a wonderful conversation with Pesa Shayo. Pesa and his wife Whitney Shayo help couples find unity in the most tested areas of marriage. Pesa shares how both members in a couple can be right and also work together. He discusses how in-laws aren’t the problem, but they find weaknesses and wedge their way in. Pesa gives...

This week: Aaron talks to Dr Arielle Schwartz. Dr Arielle Schwartz is a psychologist’s teacher, author, blogger, and also leads courses and retreats. She shares her story of childhood complex PTSD. Complex PTSD is defined too. Discussing the different types of therapy practices that have helped her and what she uses to help others heal. There is guidance on how to move forward when the abuser is s...

The Foundation of Marriage with Casey Caston   This week: Nate and Aaron talk Ireland. Aaron is 50! And, if you’ve read it, share your thoughts on the Silas book here .   Nate and Aaron talk to Casey Caston. Casey talks about how he slept on the couch the night he got married. This began his studies into what makes a healthy marriage. He shares that you don’t need more marriage therapy but process...

In this episode Aaron sails the Pirate Monk ship alone. Aaron talks to Troy Dircks. Troy is an author who wrote: Elite Mindset: Breaking Free from Pornography Addiction: Rewrite your brain, Reclaim your Life . Troy shares his journey to grow and heal from sexual abuse at six and later pornography addiction. He shares practical steps, the importance of vulnerability, and how small habits can transf...

This week, Aaron hosts solo.   Aarons talks with Nina Pick. Nina is a somatic healing practitioner and integrative counselor, Neuro Affective Touch practitioner, group facilitator, and author. She shares her story of recovery since 2009. Nina explains how engaging the body accesses a deeper level of healing. She helps us to understand the connection between communication and addiction. Nina also e...

In this episode, Nate Larkin and Ken Romero explore the themes of vulnerability, grace, and the transformative power of connection through personal stories and biblical insights. Whether you're facing your own struggles or seeking encouragement to connect more deeply with others, this conversation offers hope and practical wisdom. In addition this episode includes Nate speaking at the Sanctuary Ch...

This week, Aaron has been thinking about building others up.   Nate and Aaron talk to Matthew LaPine. Matthew is from Nebraska where he is the director of equipping, a father, husband, podcaster, and author. He teaches how growth happens through the eyes of the gardener versus the programer. Matthew ties together a theological understanding of psychology with biblical and church counseling, and sc...

Aaron joins us from England. He talks to a couple of Samson guys on a journey.   Nate and Aarons talk to Jay Kim. Jay is not a politician. He is a preacher, podcaster, author, board member, and good at answering questions on the spot. Jay’s story includes overcoming digital addiction. He brainstorms what it would be like today if Jesus had the distractions we have today. Jay gives pointers on how...

In this episode Nate and Aaron talk to Giff Lasta. Giff is an author, coach, and founder of Reforged Marriage . He shares the story of his recovery from porn addiction, his 90-day sexual fast, and finding his “frame.” Giff shares the importance of having other men speak into your life, especially in recovery, and not your wife. The guys discuss how to be an @$$hole appropriately and not be a “chri...

In this episode Aaron talks to Wayne Jacobsen. Wayne is an author and speaker. He has written many books, including co-author of The Shack. Today he talks about Love. Wayne compares the similarities of the weight-loss industry and churches. Can you be self-justice like you can be self-righteous? Wayne helps us to see God’s love and engage it in all circumstances. He also talks about grace, justice...

In this episode Nate and Aaron talk to professor Nancy Pearcey. Nancy is an author, professor, and scholar. She studies and writes about faith, science, and culture. Her newest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity . She tells her story of abuse and feminism on her journey to Christianity. She shares stats about how church going men have healthier marriages and better dads than those that claim a b...

 On the episode this week: Nate is in his bedroom. Aaron isn’t driving his Prius to England. Nate and Aaron also talk about The Brutal Truth retreat in Jupiter FL.   Nate talks to returning guest and friend Jim Cress. Jim is many kinds of therapists, leads intensives, author, and podcaster. Jim introduces the Samson only retreat he is leading in Oklahoma on August 13-17. He also talks about his ne...

On the episode this week: Nate talks about a guys stash. Aaron was discovered.   Nate and Aaron talk with guest Chris Sicks. Chris is a pastor at One Voice Fellowship in Virginia, where they translate the sermon into over 18 languages. He is also the founder and president of For the Nations DC, where they teach ESOL to students and their children. Chris shares his journey from believing in beer an...