From Combat to Fatherhood | Matt Childers on Learning to Feel Again

In this deeply emotional episode, former Army Major Matt Childers sits down with Joe Adams to open up about the battles most veterans never talk about — losing identity after service, the pain of divorce, fatherhood challenges, rebuilding emotional skills, and rediscovering faith.From deployments in Iraq & Afghanistan to struggling as a single father, Matt shares the raw truth behind military life after the uniform comes off — the communication struggles, family tension, loneliness, healing journey, and learning how to feel and lead emotionally after decades of being trainednot to.This episode is a reminder that some of the hardest wars are fought at home — and that growth, vulnerability, and love require strength far beyond the battlefield.If you’re a veteran, spouse, father, or someone trying to repair family relationships while becoming the person you wish you were — this conversation is for you.📌 Topics Covered• Army life & deployments (Iraq & Afghanistan)• Transitioning out of the military• Fatherhood struggles & repairing relationships• Divorce, identity crisis, & emotional isolation• Learning to communicate & feel again• Faith, humility, and healing🙏 If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.Healing takes courage. Asking for help is strength.00:00 Introduction and Emotional Struggles01:01 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Matt Childers02:51 Life Changes and New Beginnings05:37 The Importance of Brotherhood and Friendship08:52 Matt's Military Background and West Point Experience09:31 Childhood and Family Influences10:22 Sports and Leadership Development18:31 West Point Challenges and Football Journey29:05 Finding Home with Jan Adams30:16 Reflecting on Childhood and Communication32:59 Military Beginnings: West Point to Alaska35:27 Deployment Experiences and Leadership36:49 Returning to West Point and Admissions Role49:07 Advising Afghan Battalion Commanders01:03:04 Deployment Challenges and Family Strain01:04:37 Career Setbacks and Promotions01:07:29 Returning Home and Family Dynamics01:14:37 Divorce and Single Fatherhood01:17:11 Struggles with Communication and Parenting01:19:56 Rebuilding Relationships and Seeking Help01:32:57 The Importance of Communication and Support01:37:48 Navigating Emotional Expression01:40:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life01:42:11 Building a Team and Leadership01:43:51 The Importance of Safe Spaces in Relationships02:03:23 Reconnecting with Faith02:09:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections  #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #PTSDRecovery #FatherhoodJourney #HealingTrauma #ArmyMajor #VeteranMentalHealth #DivorcedDad #FaithAndHealing #RealConversations #MensMentalHealth #EmotionalGrowth #RedemptionStory #PodcastClips #PersonalGrowthJourney #MilitaryFamily #WarriorMindset #BecomingBetterMen

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses childhoodabuse, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.) or seek help in your country.In this powerful and emotional part 2 episode.Tiffany Childers opens up about her journey through unimaginable pain—betrayal, family collapse, generational trauma, and the path toward healing.Together we explore what it means to confront truth, set boundaries, and rebuild faith when everything feels broken.Tiffany’s honesty is raw and unfiltered, but her story is filled with strength, compassion, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from surviving the fire. We talk about:• Healing from generationaldysfunction• Setting boundaries with family• Breaking cycles of silence and abuse• Faith, forgiveness, and the power ofprayer• Finding peace through service andpurpose• Veteran support, community, andresilience 🔥 About the PodcastThe Relentless Pursuit Podcast isn’t just a show — it’s a movement. We bring light to hard conversations and stories that matter. It’s raw. It’s human. It’s real. 🎧 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@RelentlessPursuitPodcast🎙️ Follow on Instagram: joeadams_rp andtiktok: rp_sweetpea 💡 Connect with Tiffany• Email: [email protected]• Learn more / Volunteer: wearebuildinglives.org 🕯️ If this episode moved you —share it, comment below, and let someone know they’re not alone. 00:00 Introduction: The Depth of Love and Effort00:40 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:13 Tiffany Childers Story: Part Two01:25 Rituals and Nature's Connection02:47 Brotherhood and Community09:18 The Power of Physical Challenges15:19 Mental Resilience and Overcoming Hardships27:41 Sharing Stories and Finding Purpose33:50 The Relentless Pursuit of Authenticity34:34 Spiritual Significance of the Brand Name35:11 Personal Growth and Authenticity36:51 Embracing the Unknown38:39 The Veil Effect and Clarity40:34 Family Dynamics and Boundaries49:29 Generational Dysfunction and Healing56:39 The Role of Community and Support01:04:50 Protecting Our Children01:05:26 Facing Hard Truths01:06:39 Coping with Trauma01:09:36 Finding Strength in Community01:15:35 The Power of Prayer and Partnership01:36:06 Relentless Pursuit of Healing01:38:56 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action #RelentlessPursuit #HealingJourney#FaithOverFear #TraumaToTriumph #Boundaries #Resilience #Podcast #MentalHealth#Veterans #Forgiveness #RawConversations #RelentlessAuthenticity 

In this unforgettable episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams sits down with Tiffany Childers — a woman whose story will move you to your core.Tiffany opens up about her journey through childhood abuse, unhealed trauma, and the moment she almost ended her life… before finding her way back through faith, purpose, and fierce love for her children.What begins as a story of pain transforms into one of power — breaking generational chains, rediscovering God, and becoming the woman she needed when she was little.This conversation is a raw, unfiltered look into what it means to confront your demons, reclaim your worth, and rise through fire.Watch until the end for a powerful reflection on healing, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit.🎧 Part 2 premieres Sunday, October 19th at 4 PM CST.📍 00:00 A Desperate Moment in the Field01:14 Finding Faith Amidst Struggles02:41 Introduction to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast03:15 Meet Tiffany Childers: A Journey of Resilience07:55 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics09:12 Unveiling Hidden Traumas12:50 The Impact of Abuse and Seeking Healing17:13 The Power of Therapy and Authentic Connections21:09 The Role of Safe Relationships in Healing26:31 Struggles with Organized Religion33:31 Realizing the Truth About People34:33 The Healing Season35:17 Youth Group Memories36:02 Struggles with Family and Faith36:34 High School and Early Adulthood Challenges37:05 Facing Childhood Trauma38:10 Breaking the Silence39:45 The Impact of Abuse01:05:03 Generational Dysfunction and Healing01:09:15 The Role of Respect and Vulnerability in Relationships01:15:29 Conclusion and Call to Action#TiffanyChilders #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #RelentlessPursuit #JoeAdams #HealingJourney #FaithThroughTheFire #SurvivingTheShadows #BreakingGenerationalChains #TraumaHealing #OvercomingTrauma #RedemptionStory #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndResilience #SpiritualGrowth #HealingFromAbuse #SurvivorStory #MentalHealthAwareness #AuthenticConversations #RealStories #PodcastCommunity

In Part 2, Ricky Daniels dives deeper into life back in theU.S., rediscovering purpose, and finding faith after years of searching. From navigating lockdowns in Australia to stepping into the MMA cage and ultimately walking into a new season of spiritual growth, Ricky shares lessons onresilience, balance, and the relentless pursuit of truth. His story is a reminder that the hard path often leads to the brightest light.Timestamps:00:00 Foreigners in China: A Night Out00:18 The East China Sea Dispute01:18 Unity Amongst Foreigners03:38 Introduction to the Podcast04:24 Ricky Daniels' Journey: From China to Australia05:16 Life in Australia: Challenges and Triumphs17:09 The Impact of COVID-1918:00 Reflections on Government and Society24:46 Transitioning Careers: Fitness to Firefighting26:39 Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth30:43 Psychedelics and Perception33:55 Exploring the Concept of Light and Hell34:27 Are We Already in Hell?35:21 The Light Within Us36:12 Fighting for the Light37:09 Choosing a Sober Life39:14 Seeking Struggle and Growth41:52 The Art of Combat and Personal Growth44:47 Spiritual Warfare in Everyday Life46:59 The Power of Ideas and Beliefs56:56 The Many Paths to God01:03:57 Final Reflections and Relentless Pursuit#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #MMAandFaith #LifeTransformation#ChoosingTheHardPath

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Joe Adams sitsdown with Ricky Daniels to explore a journey that spans continents, battles, and transformations. From childhood struggles and feeling boxed in, to life abroad in China and Australia, Ricky shares the raw experiences that shapedhim. Along the way, he reflects on MMA, cultural clashes, and the lessons of freedom and faith discovered in unexpected places. This is a story of resilience, discovery, and choosing the hard path when it matters most.Sponsors:- Fresh Coat Services- Lake & Land Detailing- True Friends Moving Company- Protein Snack Shop- Speakeasy AestheticsTimestamps:00:00 Childhood Visions and Struggles01:06 Introduction to the Podcast01:38 Meet Ricky Daniels02:39 Ricky's Current Life Goals05:11 Ricky's Upbringing and Family Background12:09 Spiritual Encounters and Paranormal Experiences23:32 Understanding Shadow People and Spiritual Dimensions39:16 Striving for Positivity40:04 Inmates and Paranormal Experiences41:25 Adolescent Struggles and Spiritual Awakening42:10 Challenges with Church and Youth Group45:12 Teenage Rebellion and Identity Crisis55:37 Navigating Racial Stereotypes01:06:48 Embracing Individuality and Rebellion01:14:15 Overseas Experiences and Personal Growth01:14:23 Regretting a Film Degree01:15:37 Navigating the 2008 Economic Crash01:16:04 Challenges in Hollywood01:17:33 The Rise of Reality TV01:18:50 Struggles of Young Filmmakers01:24:20 Teaching English Overseas01:26:48 Living in Rural China01:28:48 Learning Mandarin01:43:34 Moving to Australia01:50:59 Sponsorship Message#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #FaithAndFreedom #MMAJourney#ChoosingTheHardPath

In this heartfelt conversation, host Joe Adams sits down with long-time friend Troy Hagan to dive into unforgettable travel adventures, lessons from both toxic and healthy relationships, and the pursuit of balance in life and work. From Troy’s dynamic career in real estate and as a PGA Tour cameraman, to Joe’s relentless mission of building a legacy of impact, this episode is full of raw, unfiltered wisdom and inspiration.🌟 Episode Highlights- Travel stories from Thailand & Southeast Asia- Overcoming toxic relationships & finding healthy ones- The challenge of balancing family, work, and growth- Troy’s journey: real estate, sports, and career pivots- Embracing discomfort, risk, and the unknown future💡 Shout-Out to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors who support the mission of Relentless Pursuit:- True Friends Moving Company- Fresh Coat Painting Services- Speakeasy Aesthetics- Lake & Land Detailing- Protein Snack Shop🎧 Subscribe & ConnectDon’t miss future episodes — hit Subscribe and turn on notifications for more powerful conversations!• 00:00 Friendship Born in Thailand – How Joe & Troy Met• 01:47 The Relentless Pursuit Podcast Intro• 02:20 Reconnecting Years Later• 02:36 Southeast Asia Adventures & Travel Stories• 10:15 Life Updates: Real Estate & PGA Tour Cameraman• 19:41 Work-Life Balance Challenges• 25:22 Finding Passion Projects & Purpose• 28:06 Troy’s Story: From Family Roots to Career• 28:40 Growing Up in a Big Family• 29:14 Childhood Adventures & Mischief• 29:57 A Rockstar Mom’s Influence• 30:27 Family Life & Baby Fever• 31:59 Balancing Sports, Work, and Family• 33:09 Why Being a Jack of All Trades Matters• 34:49 Embracing Discomfort & Taking Risks• 41:40 College Struggles, Triumphs & Lessons Learned• 49:39 The Travel Bug After College• 54:53 Parenting & Being an Example for Kids• 57:42 Pivoting in Life & Business• 58:18 Downsizing & Financial Wisdom• 01:00:04 Toxic Relationships: Breaking the Cycle• 01:03:46 Finding Personal Space & Growth• 01:08:02 Communication as the Key to Healthy Love• 01:13:00 Balancing Ambition, Work, and Family Life• 01:20:56 Facing the Unknown with Courage• 01:24:12 Final Reflections & Relentless Pursuit#TheRelentlessPursuitPodcast #JoeAdams #TroyHagan #LifeLessons #FriendshipStories #OvercomingStruggles #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #PodcastInterview #InspirationDaily

In this powerful episode of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast,host Joe Adams sits down with Joey Lankford of Cul2vate to share a story of faith, sacrifice, and service. From building a successful business in Tennessee to leaving it all behind for Africa, Joey’s journey led him to discover his life’s true calling—cultivating food, hope, and second chances for thosebattling addiction, incarceration, and poverty.Hear how adoption, surrender, and stepping into the unknown shaped a mission that now produces hundreds of thousands of pounds of food while transforming lives. This conversation dives deep into purpose, reconciliation, and the relentless pursuit of something bigger than ourselves.👉 Learn more about Cul2vate: https://cul2vate.org🔥 This episode is brought to you by:- Lake & Land Detailing – Keep your vehicle sharp & mission-ready.- True Friends Moving Company – Moving with trust and care in Nashville.If you value authenticity, real stories, and impact—this episode is for you.·      00:00 – Intro & The Power of Nature02:00 – Joey’s Present Mission with Cul2vate 07:30 – Addiction, Healing, and Reconciliation     13:10 – Adoption That Changed Everything     20:30 – Stepping Into the Unknown: Africa     31:00 – Building Farms & Businesses in Cape Town47:00 – Returning to Tennessee & Founding Cul2vate    57:00 – Food, Faith & Purpose in the Face of C*VID  1:12:00 – Stories of Transformation on the Farm1:20:00 – Hope as the Currency of Humanity   1:32:00 – Joey’s Relentless Pursuit#RelentlessPursuit #Cul2vate #Hope #AddictionRecovery#SecondChances #FaithInAction #Purpose #RelentlessAuthenticity #Agriculture#Transformation

Patrick’s journey continues — from bike rides in the rain just to get to work, to nearly dropping out of art school, to mushrooms opening the door to his creative breakthrough. In this episode, he shares how resilience, doubt, and relentless work ethic forged his path into tattooing, building his own shop, and ultimately, creating a life of meaning. We dive into:•           The grind of surviving art school as a true underdog.•           How self-doubt transformed into confidence and respect.•           The leap into tattooing, haunted houses, and finding love.•           Building a tattoo studio against all odds — even through sabotage and setbacks.•           Deep conversations on spirituality, Paganism, Christianity, Nietzsche, and finding your own myth.•           The power of discipline, sobriety, and creating alignment in life.This is more than a story of tattoos — it’s about resilience, redemption, and choosing the storm to forge your own path. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more authentic storieslike this. 00:00Overcoming Adversity: My Walmart Days01:04Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:44Introducing Patrick Duggan: A Story of Resilience03:34Struggles and Triumphs in Art School07:28The Journey to Becoming a Tattoo Artist10:50Finding Love and Building a Career18:55Starting My Own Tattoo Studio29:11The Importance of Redemption and Change31:38Starting at a New Tattoo Shop32:19Building a Secret Tattoo Shop34:11The Impact of COVID-1934:28The Meaning Behind 'Vamachara'35:33Creating a Unique Tattoo Experience37:50Exploring Spiritual Beliefs50:52The Path of Suffering and Growth58:31Diving into Western Occultism01:06:58Odin's Poetic Justice01:07:59Thor's Last Stand01:08:29Loki and Christ: Parallels of Chaos01:11:01Sobriety and Discipline01:19:31The Journey to Owning a Tattoo Shop01:26:55Creating Your Own Myth01:33:47Outro and Final Thoughts #RelentlessPursuitPodcast#PatrickDuggan #ChaosToCreation #TattooArtist #SobrietyJourney #Resilience#TraumaToTriumph #Authenticity #OvercomingAdversity #RelentlessPursuit#ChaosToCreation #TattooJourney #Resilience #Redemption #Paganism #Nietzsche#LegacyBuilding #LifeLessons #UnderdogStory

From chaos to creation. In this episode of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams sits down with Patrick Duggan — a New York tattoo artist whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.Patrick opens up about a childhood marked by chaos, family turmoil, and homelessness — and how he transformed that pain into purpose through art, resilience, and relentless pursuit. From living out of his car to building a successful tattoo career and mentoring others, Patrick’s story is proof that even in the darkest places, creation is possible.Whether you’re chasing your own dream, fighting through adversity, or looking for inspiration to keep going — this conversation will hit home.🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations that remind us what’s real.00:00 Childhood Trauma and Resilience00:22 The Importance of Self-Awareness00:36 Overcoming Homelessness00:49 Fresh Coat Surfaces Ad01:50 Podcast Introduction02:38 Guest Introduction: Patrick Dugan04:32 Patrick's Current Life and Upcoming Wedding06:42 Bachelor Party Plans08:22 Tattoo Apprenticeship and Ultra Marathon10:00 Ironman Aspirations12:33 Leadership and Business Journey15:12 The Power of Names17:19 Instagram Ban and Social Media Challenges24:45 Positive Messaging and Connection26:49 The Influence of 'Start with Why'27:08 Patrick's Early Life and Family Background27:57 Growing Up in Long Island29:07 Musical Influences and Family Dynamics33:33 Childhood Challenges and Resilience38:32 The Impact of Family Trauma46:36 Finding Purpose Through Music and Sobriety57:05 A Teenage Romance and Early Struggles59:24 A Dark Night and a Desperate Act01:00:14 Early Encounters with Substance Abuse01:03:30 A New Path: Discovering Tattoo Artistry01:06:51 Homelessness and Pursuing Art School01:17:03 Life in New York City01:20:06 A Toxic Family Environment01:25:47 A Slumlord's Downfall01:29:06 Conclusion and Reflections#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #PatrickDuggan #ChaosToCreation #TattooArtist#SobrietyJourney #Resilience #TraumaToTriumph #Authenticity#OvercomingAdversity #RelentlessPursuit

In this powerful episode of The Relentless PursuitPodcast , host Joe Adams sits down with Brooke Moore to explore her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood and severe addiction to becoming a strong, independent mother and successful UPS driver. Brooke shares intimate details about her past, including a devastating vehicle accident, the profound impact of her father's overdose, and her struggle with prescription opiates. She talks about her fight to get her life back on track, entering a rehab program, and her relentless pursuit of happiness and self-love.This raw and inspirational conversation will resonate with anyone who's ever faced adversity, especially those battling addiction. Don't miss Brooke's heartfelt story of transformation and resilience.👉 Subscribe for more authentic conversations about resilience, growth, and purpose.00:00 A Life-Changing Accident00:20 The Prescription Era00:34 A Father's Overdose00:52 Fresh Coat Surfaces Ad01:55 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast02:36 Introducing Brooke Moore04:11 Brooke's Daily Life05:36 Brooke's Childhood Memories10:20 Living with Grandmother12:45 Reuniting with Mom35:06 Struggles with Addiction40:09 A Father's Love and Loss46:38 Bartending and Addiction47:58 Losing Custody50:52 Struggles and Resilience51:40 Battling Addiction53:03 Reconnecting with Family57:09 Turning Points and Recovery01:05:45 Life After Addiction01:15:03 Healing and Moving Forward01:24:42 Final Thoughts and Advice#AddictionRecovery #OvercomingAddiction #RelentlessPursuit#BrookeMoore #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #Sobriety#PodcastInterview #TraumaRecovery #Resilience