In this episode of The Roller Coaster Podcast, I sit down once again with my friend James Dykes, one of the few guests we’ve ever invited back. The first time James shared his story, it reached tens of millions of people across social media. But behind the viral numbers was a man who walked through unthinkable loss, the death of his wife, deep grief, and personal trauma, and still chose to show up with vulnerability and faith.

This time, we go even deeper. James opens up about the emotional aftermath of sharing his story with the world, the love, the hate, the healing, and the spiritual wrestle that followed. We talk about fatherhood, men’s mental health, navigating grief publicly, and how suffering has shaped his faith and purpose. He shares how his pain has now become a catalyst for writing, for building community, and for stepping into a life of coaching, consulting, and hope.

If you’re carrying something heavy, this episode is a reminder: you’re not alone.

James’s honesty will challenge you, comfort you, and move you to believe that beauty still rises from the ashes.

Key Moments:
0:00 The Viral Reel That Changed Everything
3:12 Why We Had to Do This Again
8:53 Surrendering the Outcome
12:33 The Pain Behind the Hate
17:26 Finding a Brotherhood in Grief
23:42 The Power of Not Being Alone
28:26 Holding Space for Both Joy and Sorrow
33:13 James’s Lifelong Journey Through Suffering
36:50 Returning to the Garden
42:53 A Vision for Leadership and Wholeness
46:04 Reading the Testimony
54:28 A Message to the Lonely

Guest Info:
IG: @‌jamesdykes1987 (https://www.instagram.com/jamesdykes1987/)

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