Episodes

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now The Strength Within You: Jay Setchell on Faith, Survival, and Refusing to Quit James Moffitt speaks with Jay Setchell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose life was reshaped by a near-fatal car accident and a long series of injuries, surgeries, and recoveries. Jay shares how farm life, military service, prayer, and relentless discipline helped him rebuild again and again.This conversation matters because it is not just a survival story. Jay offer...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now In this episode, Jay Jacobson shares insights from his 45-year career as a funeral director, exploring grief, leadership, and the importance of presence and compassion in times of crisis. Discover how personal experiences with loss shape leadership and the vital role of support systems for men and families facing grief. keywords grief, leadership, funeral director, loss, family, mental health, men, legacy, emotional resilience, support systems ...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Spiritual Leadership for Real Fathers James Moffitt addresses a struggle many fathers quietly carry: how to lead spiritually without feeling “qualified enough.” This episode matters because it reframes spiritual leadership away from perfection and toward presence, willingness, and steady faithfulness in everyday home life.In this episode, James shares that fathers do not need seminary training, a perfect prayer life, or a spotless past to lead...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now What does it mean to be saved, only to face a different kind of suffering? Tom Snow joins the show to share his powerful testimony. As a teenager, he was miraculously healed from a terminal cancer that had also taken his mother. But his journey forward led him through an abusive marriage and spiritual trauma within the church. In this conversation, Tom shares how he navigated these profound challenges, reconciled his faith with his suffering,...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now The Father's Identity Crisis: Who Am I When Life Falls Apart? James Moffitt explores what happens to a man’s identity when the roles he relies on, provider, protector, husband, father, worker, begin to shake. This episode is a biblical reflection on identity, showing how God forms men through trial, not just success, and why community, humility, and Christ-centered character matter more than performance. Key topics In this episode, James Moffi...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now The Things We Bury: Emotional Literacy for Men James Moffitt opens this solo episode of Father's Refuge Podcast by naming the hidden emotional pressure many men carry - the pressure to stay strong, steady, and unaffected. He walks through eight emotions men commonly bury and explains how naming them is the first step toward healing, leadership, and healthier relationships with God, spouse, children, and others.This episode is especially useful...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Educating Men Through Prostate Cancer, Recovery, and Faith James Moffitt talks with Michael Bovarnik, an 83-year-old Reno resident who has lived with prostate cancer for more than 23 years and also survived triple bypass surgery. Michael shares the full arc of his diagnosis, recurrence, treatment, and recovery, with a strong focus on the emotional impact on men and families.This episode matters because it goes beyond medical facts and shows ho...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now This heartfelt episode features AJ Coleman, a resilience mentor, who shares his deeply personal story of grieving the loss of his wife Corey to brain cancer while raising their young daughter, Zoe. AJ discusses how grief transformed his life, the importance of closure, faith, and the power of perseverance—offering practical wisdom and hope for anyone navigating life's toughest seasons. In this episode: AJ's life before and after his wife’s dia...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now In this heartfelt episode of Father’s Refuge, David Libby shares his profound journey through suffering, faith, and the transformative power of trusting God amid life's toughest challenges. This conversation is a reminder that our struggles aren’t the end, but part of a larger story of grace and renewal.Main Topics: The impact of childhood models of fatherhood and their influence on adult relationships Navigating chronic illness w...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Today on Father’s Refuge, we welcome someone whose story is woven into my own in ways only grief and faith can explain. Gayle Keech and her husband Anthony lost their son, Aaron, many years ago — a loss that reshaped their lives forever. Our families met through Camp Happy Days during our daughter Jessica’s battle with cancer, and through the heartbreak of losing her. Gayle and I walked different roads, but the same valley. In this conversatio...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Embracing Healing and Hope Through Loss with Amy Lou Jenkins Joins us in this heartfelt episode as Amy Lou Jenkins shares her personal journey through grief, resilience, and finding meaning amidst life's challenges. Whether you're mourning a loved one, facing personal setbacks, or seeking inspiration to carry on, Amy’s insights provide comfort and actionable hope. In this episode: Amy discusses her background in nursing, writing, and how her p...

I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Finding Hope and Faith After Child Loss: An Interview with Matthew EfirdIn this heartfelt conversation, Matthew Efird shares his journey through unimaginable grief after losing his son Noah to trisomy 13. Discover how faith, community, and personal resilience can guide parents through sorrow towards hope and healing.Main Topics: The emotional journey of diagnosing and mourning a child with trisomy 13The role of faith and Scripture in navigatin...

Send us Fan Mail Kenny Stoddart shares his deeply personal journey through the loss of his child, the impact on his marriage, and how he found hope and purpose through faith and helping others. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating grief, especially fathers, and emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and resilience. keywords grief, loss of a child, fatherhood, mental health, faith, healing, marriage, support systems, personal growth, resilience Losing a chi...

Send us Fan Mail summary In this heartfelt interview, grief and resilience coach Lee Atherton shares her journey into end-of-life care, the importance of compassion, and practical advice for supporting loved ones through loss. Discover insights on grief stages, honoring life, and caring for those who serve as first responders. keywords grief, end of life, resilience, compassion, support, first responders, grief stages, living well, dying well, mental health key t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David Nassif shares his transformative story of losing his job at age 63, facing financial uncertainty, and turning that adversity into a powerful mission to help men rebuild their lives and wealth. His insights reveal the importance of honest self-assessment, purpose, and practical steps to attain financial and emotional resilience. Main Topics: David's personal journey from job loss to financial independence at age 69 The emotional impact of losing one's ca...

Send us Fan Mail summary In this heartfelt interview, Mel Schlesinger shares his journey through grief after losing his wife of 48 years, and introduces his 'Lost to Living' framework to help others move from loss to a fulfilling life. Discover practical steps, mental models, and inspiring insights to navigate grief and find joy again. keywords grief, loss, healing, mental health, personal growth, grief coaching, Lost to Living framework, resilience, emotional well-being, lif...

Send a text keywords grief, healing, end of life doula, emotional intelligence, men's mental health, grief recovery, unresolved grief, emotional honesty, family dynamics, support for fathers summary In this episode of the Father's Refuge Podcast, host James Moffitt speaks with grief recovery specialist Victoria Volk about the complexities of grief, particularly as it relates to men and fathers. Victoria shares her personal journey with grief and how it led her to become an end o...

Send us a text Show Notes Keywords spirituality, healing, addiction, grief, emotional intelligence, comedy, self-discovery, sorcery, mental health, personal growth Summary In this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with Justin Shaw, a mystical comedian and author, about his journey through addiction, grief, and spiritual awakening. Justin shares his unique perspective on healing, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the role of spirituality in overcoming life's cha...

Send us a text Keywords fatherhood, grief, recovery, mental health, resilience, caregiving, success, emotional processing, personal growth, life lessons Summary In this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with Andrew Davey, a musician and mental health counselor, about his journey through a life-altering brain aneurysm, the challenges of caregiving for his mother with ALS, and the lessons learned about grief, resilience, and redefining success. Andrew shares his experience...

Send us a text In this conversation, James Moffitt shares his personal journey through grief and loss, emphasizing the temporary nature of pain and the importance of finding hope. He discusses the emotional struggles that accompany loss and the choices individuals face in how to respond to their grief. Moffitt encourages listeners to seek the light at the end of the tunnel, suggesting that faith can play a crucial role in healing. Takeaways The pain of grief is temporary and will pass. Sharin...

Send us a text Keywords renewal, faith, grief, defining moments, commitment, God, life lessons, spirituality Summary In this conversation, Brad Miller shares his personal journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of renewal moments in life, especially during times of loss and grief. He reflects on how these experiences have shaped his commitment to living a life dedicated to God, regardless of circumstances. Takeaways I had my moment where God became very real to me again. We need t...

Send us a text In this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt delves into the often unspoken connection between anxiety and grief, particularly for fathers. He discusses the sixth stage of grief, as identified by Claire Bidwell-Smith, which is anxiety. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Moffitt emphasizes the importance of acknowledging anxiety as a natural part of the grieving process. He encourages listeners to seek support and share their experiences, highlighting that vul...

Send us a text In this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with author and journalist John DeDakis about the profound impact of grief on fathers. They explore John's personal journey through the loss of his son, the therapeutic power of writing, and the importance of grief counseling. The conversation delves into societal expectations of masculinity, the emotional struggles men face, and the significance of empathy in healing. John shares insights on navigating grief, the ro...

Send us a text In this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with Steve Gamlin about his journey through grief after losing his wife, Tina. They discuss the complexities of grief, the importance of vulnerability, and the need for support during difficult times. Steve shares his personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating relationships after loss and the significance of celebrating memories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being real with emotions...