For the month of December, we’re replaying our top 5 episodes of the year—this one comes in at number 3:

In this episode, we talk about the kind of grief that shatters a life—and what comes after. We’re joined by our very first guest, Gene Fought, who shares his story of unimaginable loss: the death of his daughter to suicide. Through his story, we explore what it means to grieve, whether there’s a wrong or right way to grieve, how faith and loss can coexist, and how to support others when they’re in the depths of pain. This is a raw, honest, and hopeful conversation about heartbreak and finding meaning after tragedy.

Gene Fought works as an Intelligence Analyst for the Federal government, is the owner of Renzo Gracie Martinsburg, founder of the ⁠Grapple;4Life Foundation⁠, and serves as a Board Member and Public Policy Chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

For the month of December, we’re replaying our top 5 episodes of the year—this one comes in at number 4:

In this episode, we discuss the unfiltered truth about marriage and why it’s not for the faint of heart. We challenge the fairy tale narratives, explore why real love often feels like a battle, and reveal what makes it all worth it. Whether you're in the trenches of commitment or preparing for the road ahead, this conversation will help you navigate the struggles and come out stronger.

For the month of December, we’re replaying our top five episodes of the year—this episode one comes in at number five.

Is masculinity under attack, evolving, or just misunderstood? What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century? In this episode, we break down masculinity, exploring how men have embodied manhood in the past, the role of rites of passage, and why masculinity vs. femininity is a false dichotomy. We also dive into the high-value man concept, toxic masculinity, and what’s really at stake for men today.

In this episode, we sit down with Chachi Avirett, a wilderness guide and men’s mentor with more than 4,000 days spent leading men through the backcountry—physically and spiritually. We talk about why the wilderness has a unique power to shape men, what today’s culture gets wrong about masculine formation, and why most men’s retreats barely scratch the surface. Chachi shares the heart behind Training Ground Tennessee, how adventure creates space for identity and calling to emerge, and what he would tell men who feel “too old” for a program like his but still long for growth, depth, and challenge.

Chachi Avirett has spent over 4,000 days guiding students and leaders through wilderness experiences that blend adventure, spiritual formation, and deep mentorship. With more than 22 years of ministry experience as both a youth and college minister, he’s devoted his life to helping young men discover their identity and calling in an environment where distractions fade, and character is forged. He and his wife, Grace, live just outside Cleveland, Tennessee, with their two children, Hope and Jonathan.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Casias, an anesthesiologist whose training spans pediatrics, anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and pediatric chronic pain. Now the Director of Anesthesia at Aiken Regional Medical Center, Dr. Casias shares how his clinical experience led him into one of the most complex ethical debates in modern medicine: the use of anesthesia in gender transition surgeries.

We talk through why he ultimately chose not to participate in these procedures—what he learned from years in pediatric and chronic pain medicine, the clinical concerns that informed his decision, and the ethical framework he applies to high-stakes situations. We also explore the striking differences between gender medicine in the U.S. and the rapidly changing standards in Europe, along with broader issues of medical culture, patient safety, and the pressures physicians face when cultural trends collide with clinical judgment.

Tim Casias is an anesthesiologist and the current Director of Anesthesia at Aiken Regional Medical Center in Aiken, SC. He completed his medical training at the University of Colorado in 2009. He is trained and board certified in Pediatrics (Mercy Children’s Hospital, KS), Anesthesia (University of Colorado, CO), Pediatric Anesthesia and Chronic Pain with a focus on Pediatric Chronic Pain (Seattle Children’s Hospital). He was previously the Director of Pediatric Chronic Pain at American Family Children’s Hospital associated with the University of Wisconsin). He is currently practicing in adult general, OB, and cardiac anesthesia.

In this follow-up , we continue unpacking the unique relationship between therapist and client—why it can feel so personal, even deeper than friendship, and what makes it distinct. We talk about the qualities that make therapy such a powerful connection, and why clear boundaries don’t necessarily mean emotional distance. We also shift the conversation toward values in therapy—how they shape the process, what happens when values differ, and the therapist’s role in helping clients find clarity and alignment.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common—and complicated—questions in therapy: Can you be friends with your therapist? We explore the importance of professional boundaries, what happens when therapy relationships get too personal, and why connection and boundaries both matter. We also talk about the unique challenges of living in a small town, where therapists and clients often cross paths at church, work, or in the community.

In this episode, Dale and I sit down with Dale’s former graduate school professor, Dr. Tron Wilder, to explore the intersections of faith, education, and psychology in the age of AI. Tron shares his journey into academia and the challenges professors face as artificial intelligence reshapes the learning landscape. We also talk about his faith journey and how he reconciles his Christian worldview with the realities of teaching psychology at a faith-based university. It’s a thoughtful conversation about belief, purpose, and what it means to educate minds in a changing world.

Dr. Tron Wilder is a professor and Director of the Undergraduate Psychology Program at Southern Adventist University near Chattanooga, TN. Currently on sabbatical, he’s completing clinical hours toward full licensure as a psychologist at the Chattanooga Autism Center. Before joining Southern in 2013, he worked for a decade as a school psychologist serving children with learning and developmental needs. Tron lives in downtown Chattanooga with his wife, Kristie—who teaches in Southern’s School of Social Work—and their two sons, Ace and Jude.

In this episode, we unpack a tricky question: Is it selfishness, or is it narcissism? We explore where narcissism comes from, how it differs from ordinary self-interest, and why the word gets thrown around so loosely today. We also talk about how to recognize the difference in ourselves and others—and what can be done about it.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris George—founder and CEO of Sproutly—to trace the arc of his story, from growing up as a homeschooled missionary kid in the jungles of the Philippines, to his transition back to life and studies in the U.S., to building a successful software company. Today, Chris is facing terminal brain cancer, and he reflects with honesty and depth on what this diagnosis has taught him about purpose, resilience, and living fully.

Chris George is the founder and CEO of Sproutly, a software company he launched in 2017 to reimagine how digital tools can empower businesses and individuals. With a background in engineering and an unconventional childhood spent as a missionary kid in the Philippines, Chris brings a global perspective to his work and life

In Part Two of our reflection on Charlie Kirk’s death, we shift to the bigger question of whether we can still agree to disagree—and what it would take to bring back civil conversation. From there, we explore forgiveness through the lens of Erika Kirk’s response—asking whether forgiveness can be genuine, performative, or something in between.

In this episode, we sit with the reactions—our own and others’—to Charlie Kirk’s death. Social media has made it possible for people to share thoughts and feelings publicly that once would have stayed private, and we talk about the impact of that, especially the harmful implications.

In this episode, David and Dale sit down with David’s childhood friend, Chris Mureithi, our first international guest, to explore the cultural contrasts between Kenya and the United States. Chris shares his perspective on parenting, leadership, and romantic relationships, offering both critique and appreciation for each culture’s unique strengths and blind spots. With humor, energy, and insight, Chris invites us to rethink how culture and leadership shapes the way we lead, love, and raise the next generation.

Chris Mureithi is an award-winning Leadership and Motivational Speaker, author of three books, and international trainer who has equipped over 800,000 leaders globally. Known for his humor, storytelling, and high-energy delivery, he inspires audiences to transform culture, embrace change, and achieve peak performance. His expertise spans Change Management, Customer Experience, Personal Branding, Emotional Intelligence, Team Building, Public Speaking, and Storytelling training. Trusted by governments, NGOs, multinationals, SMEs, academic institutions, and faith organizations, Chris is passionate about creating impactful experiences that drive real results.

In recent years, a surge of work—from best-selling books like The Body Keeps the Score to documentaries, podcasts, and professional trainings— have shaped how the public and mental health profession think about trauma and the body. But what if the science isn’t as settled as we think?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Scheeringa, a leading child and adolescent trauma psychiatrist, researcher, and author of The Body Does Not Keep The Score & The Trouble with Trauma. Dr. Scheeringa challenges popular narratives around “toxic stress,” trauma-induced brain damage, and trauma-informed ideology, bringing a data-driven perspective to one of the most emotionally charged topics in mental health.

We explore:

• The science (and limits) behind trauma and brain research

• Why the diathesis-stress model might explain PTSD better than the “toxic stress” story

• The role of predisposition vs. protective factors in trauma recovery

• Whether popular trauma frameworks are shaped more by politics than by evidence

Whether you’re a clinician or curious listener, this conversation will challenge you, like it did us, to think more critically about trauma science.

Guest Bio

Dr. Michael S. Scheeringa, M.D. is a retired child and adolescent psychiatrist, former Professor and Vice Chair at Tulane University School of Medicine, and a leading researcher in the field of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over his nearly three-decade career, he has served as principal investigator on more than 15 federally funded studies, authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles, and written several books, including The Trouble with Trauma and Treating PTSD in Preschoolers. Dr Scheeringa's research informed the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD in young children.

In this episode, we explore the curse of knowledge—how knowing something can sometimes hold us back instead of helping us move forward. From the illusion of mastery to the gap between what we know and what we actually live out, we talk about how knowledge can create blind spots in relationships, work, and personal growth—and what we can do to break free from it.

In this powerful episode, we sit with Sabrina Dorman‑Andrew, founder of New Creation VA, to explore how one broken building—a former adult store—became a beacon of hope. We dive into the extraordinary journey of transforming darkness into dignity, creating dignified work for survivors, and building a nonprofit that combines prevention education, survivor restoration, and global partnerships. Sabrina shares the pivotal moments that sparked her mission, the challenges of breathing life into a vision, and how we all can play a meaningful part in counteracting human trafficking.

Sabrina Dorman-Andrew is the co-founder and executive director of New Creation VA, a nonprofit born out of a powerful vision to creatively counteract human trafficking. Sabrina and her husband Steve have partnered with over 200 artisan groups across five continents, empowering survivors and vulnerable individuals through dignified employment and education. Rooted in faith and community, Sabrina champions prevention programs for youth and sustainable job creation.

In this episode, we unpack why “sorry” so often falls flat after a grievance. We talk how real repair requires more than trying to “pay for your sins” with acts of guilt or obsequiousness. We also explore forgiveness on the part of the hurt partner, making amends, and what it takes to rebuild trust after hurting your partner.

In this heartfelt conversation, we reconnect with Carrie Landis—an early-career friend of Dale’s and now the founder and director of Riverside Family Support. Carrie opens up about building her private therapeutic practice and the unique joys and challenges of parenting as a therapist. Together we discuss the journey of discovering ADHD in adulthood, parenting through the lens of attachment, and much more.

Note: Unfortunately, the first part of the episode wasn’t recorded, but we join the discussion already underway.

Carrie Landis, LCSW, MAT, is the founder and director of Riverside Family Support, a practice focused on helping families and individuals thrive. She holds dual master’s degrees in social work and teaching, and has over a decade of experience as an educator and clinician. Carrie specializes in attachment-focused therapy, ADHD and executive function support, EMDR, and forensic evaluations. She’s passionate about blending her professional expertise with the real-life challenges of parenting.

What happens when you’ve poured in all the effort you think you have… but it still doesn’t feel like enough? In this episode, we take inspiration from Kate Hall’s article Maybe You’re Not Actually Trying and dive deeper into the layered realities of effort. We talk about the different ways “trying” can show up, why we sometimes mistake exhaustion for progress, and how to identify the hidden opportunities we might be ignoring.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jon Van Ornam—an emergency medicine physician. We talk about his experience on the front lines of the ER, how he navigates mental health crises in patients, and why many doctors avoid getting help themselves. We also dive into personality traits in medicine, the link between narcissism and leadership in healthcare, and the supplement protocol he personally uses to stay mentally and physically sharp.

Dr. Jonathan D. Van Ornam, MD, MBA, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician based in Boston, Massachusetts.