Heroic Stories

Jeff Joaquin shares his raw and emotional journey from a life of addiction, idolatry, and despair to a profound encounter with God's mercy. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Jeff's struggles began early, leading him down a path of alcoholism, drug abuse, and poor choices. A cocaine-induced heart attack at age 24 became the turning point, compelling him to call out to Jesus Christ in desperation.

Through the sacrament of general confession, Jeff experienced the life-changing power of God's forgiveness, transforming his brokenness into a message of hope for others. Now a devoted husband, father, and faith-filled speaker, Jeff uses his past to inspire men to leave sin behind, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover their purpose in Christ.

From near-death experiences to saving lives by sharing his testimony, Jeff's story is a testament to the power of redemption and the infinite mercy of God.

ABOUT THIS SHOW

⁠⁠Heroic Stories⁠⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ.

ABOUT HEROIC MEN

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Heroic Merch⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Donate now⁠⁠

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Heroism isn’t born—it’s made. And sometimes, it’s forged in the darkest of moments. In this powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers shares his raw and deeply personal journey through loss, grief, and a crisis of faith. From childhood friendships to the shocking death of his best man, this story will challenge, inspire, and remind you that faith is not about having all the answers—it’s about holding on when everything else falls apart.ABOUT THIS SHOW⁠Heroic Stories⁠—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ. ABOUT HEROIC MENHeroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Heroic Map: Find an event near you⁠ | ⁠Join the Heroic Brotherhood⁠ | ⁠Heroic Merch⁠ | ⁠Donate now⁠

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠

Father John Riccardo doesn’t hold back. He opens up about the darkest moment of his life—a moment that brought shame and pain. But instead of hiding it, he leans in, making a bold call for men to confront their traumas head-on. Why? Because healing starts with honesty, and no one should fight their battles alone. Father John credits his hero: his dad. A man who lived humility, prayer, and a God-first life. It was through his father’s example and the challenge of other men that he finally stopped running and embraced the call to be a disciple of Jesus. The question is: are you ready to answer the call?Subscribe free to weekly Heroic Men emails | For the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach $25,000 men in 2025. LINKSRescue Project https://rescueproject.us/challenge/ @ACTSXXIX ABOUT THIS SHOWHeroic Stories—the series to strengthen Catholic men with raw stories of heroic grit & faith. Hosted by Dan Donaldson with Heroic Men. These are the stories that remind us… heroism isn’t born—it’s made, and it’s centered on Jesus Christ. ABOUT HEROIC MENHeroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind. Website | Heroic Map: Find an event near you | Join the Heroic Brotherhood | Heroic Merch | Donate nowFOLLOW ON SOCIALFacebook | Instagram | YouTube