The Beard Speaks "Podcast"

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 7 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with T.REX ARMS Co-Owner Isaac Botkin for a deep dive into faith, firearms, and freedom. Together, they explore the rights and responsibilities of men, unpack the true meaning of the Second Amendment, and discuss practical ways to get involved and communicate with your local government representatives.

About Isaac Botkin

• Isaac Botkin is a designer, entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for liberty and the Second Amendment. 
• Before venturing into the tactical industry, he built a successful career in TV commercial and film production working as a cinematographer, writer, and animator. 
• He currently resides in Middle Tennessee, where he is a dedicated husband and father of five. 

T.REX ARMS & Manufacturing

• Isaac serves as the Co-Owner and a hands-on product developer at T.REX ARMS, a family-owned tactical equipment company. 
• In this role, he designs practical tactical gear, holsters, and load-bearing equipment intended to equip serious citizens for the protection of innocent life. 
• His company is heavily involved in the political sphere, having successfully led the effort to repeal Tennessee's state ammunition tax. 
• He is a strong proponent of rebuilding local American manufacturing and utilizing automated CNC systems to scale independent businesses. 

Media and Publications

• Isaac hosts and produces the T.REX TALK podcast, featuring weekly conversations on tactical gear, history, politics, and company building. 
• He authored the book Outside Hollywood, a guide for young Christians navigating vocational filmmaking outside the traditional studio system. 
• He also edited the 2024 book The Path of Liberty, which traces foundational constitutional documents from the 1181 Assize of Arms through the 1791 Bill of Rights.

T.Rex Arms Website

X

Instagram

T.Rex Arms YouTube 

T.Rex Talk Podcast

Music in this episode by Catalano  The Pat Catalano Project 

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 6 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with Chicago-based R&B crooner Rapheal Miller, better known as RA unsKrypted. We dive into his musical journey, starting from his roots in Harvey, Illinois, where his third-grade English teacher first recognized his gift for creative writing. RA shares how he transitioned from writing poetry to singing, eventually being mentored by platinum recording artist Felony Davis of Public Announcement. We also discuss his genre-defying sound, which he calls "Renaissance Soul," and his ultimate goal of winning a Grammy. 

Key Takeaways

• Defining Renaissance Soul: RA unsKrypted describes his sound as a rebirth of heartfelt soul translated for the modern listener. 
• Genre Versatility: He refuses to stay in a box, exploring sounds that range from R&B and pop to gospel, hip-hop, and country. 
• Early Influences: His mother and his early English teacher played pivotal roles in keeping him focused on his writing and away from the streets. 
• Industry Mentorship: Mentorship from established artists like Felony Davis and collaborations with chart-topping producers like Lidell Townsell shaped his rigorous work ethic. 
• The Message in the Music: His recent single, "Hey Ma How You," explores the profound importance of loyalty and trust in relationships. 
• Relentless Drive: RA has performed all over the country with over 300 live shows and currently has 42 ASCAP-registered songs. 

Connect with RA unsKrypted

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/raunskrypted
• Latest Release: Check out his new single, "Hey Ma How You," available now. 

Music in this episode by Catalano  The Pat Catalano Project and RA unsKrypted

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Have Ya Way - RA unsKrypted

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 5 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, we are joined by "Metalhead" Fred Bonanno—lifelong heavy metal superfan, album critic for Metal Temple Magazine, and regular contributor for CreatiVity Talkin Podcast.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by streaming platforms or wondering where all the great new bands are hiding these days, this episode is for you. Fred and I dive deep into the evolving landscape of music discovery in 2026. We share our personal strategies for cutting through the noise, finding hidden gems in the underground, and supporting the next generation of artists.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The 2026 Landscape: How the methods of finding new music have shifted over the last few years.
• Beating the Algorithm: Strategies for stepping outside of your algorithmic echo chamber to find genuinely new artists.
• The Power of the Underground: The enduring importance of webzines, podcasts, and word-of-mouth in the rock and metal communities.
• A Critic's Perspective: How Fred approaches finding and reviewing fresh talent for Metal Temple Magazine.
• Pro-Tips for Listeners: Actionable advice on where to look right now to find your next favorite band.

Connect with Fred Bonanno:

• CreatiVity Talkin Podcast: 
• Metal Temple Magazine: 
• Social Media: 

Music in this episode by Catalano and The Pat Catalano Project

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Question of the Week:
Where do you discover new music? Let us know your favorite artists, websites, playlists, podcasts, or hidden gems in the comments!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 4 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with Author Lisa Goodpaster. 

Today, we are shifting gears to tackle a heavy, heartbreaking, but incredibly important subject that silently tears families apart: Parental Alienation.

Joining the show is author, motivational speaker, and founder of The Stephood Project, Lisa Goodpaster Lisa doesn't just study this topic from afar—she lived it. Bringing the rare and powerful perspective of the alienated child, Lisa opens up about the devastating psychological toll of being weaponized in a high-conflict family dynamic and the long road to healing.

With over 2,000 hours of her own trauma therapy behind her, Lisa is now one of the most sought-after experts on alienated child trauma. We dig deep into what parental alienation actually looks like from the inside out, why the system often fails these families, and how we can better protect kids from this form of psychological abuse.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The Child’s Perspective: What it actually feels like to be the alienated child caught in the crossfire of high-conflict separation.
• Defining the Abuse: Unpacking the definition of parental alienation and how the favored parent indoctrinates the child against the rejected parent.
• The Stephood Project: Lisa discusses the mission behind her social awareness campaign and the dangers of failing to co-parent effectively.
• The Path to Healing: Why traditional family therapy often misses the mark in alienation cases, and what trauma-informed recovery actually requires.
• Breaking the Cycle: Actionable advice for families, professionals, and anyone struggling to understand or support alienated children.

Guest Resources:

• Learn more about Lisa’s work: Lisa's Website / The Stephood Project
• Lisa's Book: Alienated: When Parents Won't Parent 
• Follow Lisa Goodpaster: Facebook Instagram
• Resources for Parental Alienation: Hope In Darkness

Music in this episode by Catalano and The Pat Catalano Project

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Note to listeners: This episode discusses heavy emotional topics. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a professional or a support group for alienated parents.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 3 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat talks: Coping with Alienation This Father's Day

Father's Day is widely celebrated as a time of joy and connection, but for fathers experiencing parental alienation, it can be one of the most isolating and painful days of the year.

In this episode, we dive deeply into the heartbreaking reality of parental alienation. We discuss the profound emotional and psychological toll it takes on fathers who are unjustly separated from their children, and why holidays like Father's Day magnify that grief. Whether you are living through this nightmare yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to understand the devastating effects of family court battles and manipulative co-parenting, this episode sheds light on a silent epidemic.

You are not alone. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend or family member to help raise awareness about the impact of parental alienation.

Note to listeners: This episode discusses heavy emotional topics. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a professional or a support group for alienated parents.

Hope In Darkness 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 2 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat talks: Leaving a narcissistic partner is supposed to be the end of the abuse.

But when children are involved… it often isn’t.

In this episode, we break down the reality most people don’t talk about—what happens after you leave, when the connection becomes legal, enforced, and nearly impossible to escape.

Through custody agreements, court orders, and mandated communication, many parents find themselves still entangled with someone who never operated in good faith.

And while the system tells you you’re free… it also expects you to:

• Stay calm
• Be cooperative
• Facilitate visitation
• Communicate respectfully
• Avoid conflict

All while continuing to interact with the person who caused the harm.

What We Cover:

🔹 Why narcissistic abuse doesn’t always end with distance
How it often evolves into legal and psychological warfare through the family court system.

🔹 The reality of post-separation abuse
From manipulation and false narratives to endless legal motions and control tactics.

🔹 Parental alienation explained
What it looks like when a narcissistic parent turns your child against you—and why it’s one of the most devastating forms of emotional abuse.

🔹 The mistakes that can cost you everything
Why reacting emotionally can be used against you—and how narcissists weaponize your responses.

🔹 5 strategies to protect yourself and your children:

• Stay calm and grounded
• Don’t badmouth the other parent
• Document everything
• Focus on connection over control
• Get the right support and strategy

The Hidden Grief No One Talks About

This episode also explores the deep, often invisible grief of parental alienation:

When your child is still alive… but emotionally unreachable.

When the bond you built is replaced by a narrative designed to erase you.

When you’re mourning a relationship that technically still exists.

The Hard Truth About Family Court

Family court claims to act in the “best interest of the child.”

But what happens when:

• Children have the smallest voice in the room
• Survival behaviors are mistaken for resilience
• Delays stretch harm over months—or years
• “Normal” becomes whatever a child is forced to endure

We ask the uncomfortable question:

Are children being protected… or are they being asked to adapt to a broken system?

If You’re Going Through This…

You are not crazy.
 You are not weak.
 And you are not alone.

This episode is for the parents fighting to stay grounded, protect their children, and hold onto a relationship that’s being systematically tested.

Because the goal isn’t just to fight back.

It’s to protect your peace, your position, and your child’s ability to one day see the truth.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 5  Episode 1 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat talks with Jason Clarke of Creativity Talkin,  Pat and Jason sit down and talk guitars. Frankenstein or Factory? 

Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch didn’t wait for a custom shop endorsement to change the world—they grabbed spare parts and built their own beasts.

But is the "partscaster" route right for you, or is that $4,000 price tag on a top brand actually worth it?

We’re breaking down the pros and cons of wielding the soldering iron versus dropping the cash 

Which side are you on? #TheBuild or #TheBuy? Let us know!

Check out the blog here on The Beard Speaks Blogs

Check out Jason on Creativity Talkin

Music in this episode by Catalano and The Pat Catalano Project

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 4  Episode 11 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat talks with Anthony "The Amp Man" Failla From AMM Amplified, Pat and Anthony sit down and talk guitar amps and tone. How Anthony got started building and modifying guitar amps in his Chicago shop. 

A locally rooted amp-mod and service center with a strong presence in the guitar community. AMM Amplified is a specialized music gear company and amplifier service shop based in Chicago, Illinois. They focus on building, servicing, modifying, and enhancing guitar and bass amplifiers and effects pedals, especially for genres like hard rock and heavy metal. Their work caters to musicians who want powerful, custom-tuned tone and performance out of their amps and pedals.

AMM Amplified 

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Telephone 773-529-1788
Address
 4007 N. Broadway St.
 Chicago, IL 60613 
(near the corner of Irving Park Rd & Broadway) View Map  
Email: [email protected] 

Music in this episode by Catalano and The Pat Catalano Project

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

Reborn - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 4  Episode 10 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat talks about the most common parental alienation tactic, Holiday Hijacking, Why it happens and how it happens to parents all over the world. 

Holiday hijacking in parental alienation is when one parent deliberately disrupts or sabotages the other parent's holiday time with the child by creating conflicts, scheduling competing events, or making last-minute cancellations, forcing the child to choose sides, feel guilty, and develop negative views of the targeted parent, thus undermining their relationship for the alienating parent's gain. 

How it works

• Conflicting Schedules: An alienating parent might schedule an important event (like a birthday party or holiday dinner) at the exact time the other parent has the child, creating a forced choice.
• Sabotaging Plans: This includes last-minute "emergencies" or sudden changes to prevent scheduled visits or communication.
• Emotional Manipulation: The child is put in the middle, made to feel guilty for wanting to see the other parent, or pressured to adopt the alienating parent's negative views.
• Creating Division: The goal is to make the child see the targeted parent as unreliable, unsafe, or unimportant, especially during significant family times like holidays, according to this article from Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp, which is a core aim of parental alienation, notes Amy J.L. Baker, PhD. 

Impact on the child

• Confusion & Stress: The child feels torn and caught between parents.
• Damaged Relationship: It erodes the bond with the targeted parent, a classic sign of parental alienation, according to research by Amy J.L. Baker, PhD.
• Skewed Perception: The child may begin to internalize the alienating parent's negative portrayal, rejecting the other parent without valid reasons. 

Music in this episode by Catalano and The Pat Catalano Project

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

The Glass Throne (Absent King) - The Pat Catalano Project  (Album) Paper Crowns

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Season 4  Episode 9 The Beard Speaks Podcast.

In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with podcast host, keynote speaker, bestselling author, Eric Rogell. 

Eric has been a chef, Creative Director for print publications, sales copywriter, tech founder, and a journalist where he has traveled around the world writing about gear, tech, style, food, cars, and adventure travel for publications including Discovery.com, Men’s Fitness and more.

Over his career, he has interviewed hundreds of people—from celebrities, to athletes, to entrepreneurs, to military vets—getting them to dive deep into their stories, and all the memories, lessons, challenges, and triumphs that made them the success they are today. Valuable insights that collectively paint a picture of what great leaders are made of. And how critical it is to have strong mentors to guide us along the path.

Eric has made it his mission to help people become bold, inspirational mentors igniting motivation, vision, and purpose in your teams and your relationships, both at work and at home.

Contact Eric on his website EricRogell.com

Get connected with Eric LinkedIn

Join the Challenge   The Lion Heart Challenge 

Get His Book here   Lions raised as Lambs

Insta and X: @ericrogell 

Music in this episode by Catalano 

Burn - Catalano (Album) Into the Darkness

One More Time - Catalano  (Album) Into the Darkness

Support the show