From Navy SEAL and CIA to Shepherd: Jimmy Graham on Protecting Body, Mind, & Soul

The Patriarchy Podcast - Equipping Christian Men to Build, Fight, Protect and Lead

In this episode of The Patriarchy Podcast, Pastor Joseph Spurgeon interviews Jimmy Graham—a former Navy SEAL, CIA protective officer, and now the founder of Able Shepherd. Jimmy’s mission is clear: to train men to be protectors in every sphere—body, mind, and soul.

We discuss Jimmy’s journey from elite warrior to Christ-centered leader, why the church is filled with weak men, and how to build a protector culture that rejects passivity and embraces responsibility.

Men are called to shepherd, not just survive. If you’re tired of the lies of feminism, the softness of modern churches, and the plague of effeminacy, this episode will rearm your thinking.

Topics Covered:

• Jimmy Graham’s story from the Navy SEALs to the CIA
• How a felony charge as a young man changed his life trajectory
• The mindset of endurance forged in Hell Week and beyond
• Why spiritual strength must drive mental and physical resilience
• The failures of the church in training men to protect
• The Protector Culture: What it means and why we need it
• Why men must reject the lie of Valhalla and embrace Christ’s call
• How to practically train to defend your family—spiritually, mentally, physically

Men, stop drifting. Stand up, build, fight, protect, and lead.

Subscribe for more direct, unapologetic conversations on biblical masculinity, leadership, and Christian duty.

Find Jimmy Graham’s work at: https://ableshepherd.com
Listen to The Protector Culture Podcast.

Comment below: What does it mean to be a protector in today’s world? How are you preparing to defend what God has given you?

Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: The Mission of The Patriarchy Podcast
01:50 - Scripture & Show Introduction
03:00 - Meet Jimmy Graham: Navy SEAL, CIA, Christian Father
06:30 - From Arrest to the SEAL Teams: Jimmy’s Early Struggles
08:25 - Preparing for Hell Week: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Endurance
10:30 - The Secret to Not Quitting: Stubbornness for the Kingdom
13:40 - The Hardest Parts of SEAL Training
15:45 - What the SEALs Taught About Leadership & Brotherhood
17:40 - The CIA Years: Protecting Diplomats in War Zones
19:55 - Becoming a Shepherd: Spiritual Growth & Discipleship
22:10 - How Christ Transformed Jimmy’s Purpose & Manhood
25:35 - The Call to Be a Protector: Spirit, Mind, Body
27:35 - Building a Strong Foundation Before the Battle
28:50 - Protector Culture: What It Is & Why Men Need It
31:30 - Real Life Example: Confronting a Man Assaulting a Woman
33:10 - Why Men Must Be Ready to Protect Without Always Fighting
40:00 - Final Thoughts on Shepherding & Christian Masculinity
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Sponsored By:

Patriarch Cigars – For men who reject passivity and take dominion
Order now: https://patriarchcigars.com/

Fit Father Project – Reclaim discipline and strength for life
Start here: https://secure.fitfatherproject.com/a/transformation/4539

Books by Joseph Spurgeon:
It’s Good to Be a Boy – https://a.co/d/7zpEh5D
It’s Good to Be a Girl – https://a.co/d/6VlBTzS