Alone Season 5 Winner Sam Larson: Faith, Fatherhood, and Walking Through Suffering

Listen to this episode from Dad Tired on Spotify. Watch on YouTubeWhat if the hardest thing you’ve ever faced wasn’t 60 days in the wilderness, but the weight of leading your family through suffering?In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Alone Season 5 winner, Sam Larson, whose victory on national TV was followed by a far heavier reality at home: all three of his children being diagnosed with CLN3 Batten Disease, a rare terminal illness.With raw honesty and gospel hope, Sam shares how grief stripped away every illusion of control, what it means to father children with a limited timeline, and how Jesus became more real than ever in the middle of heartbreak.With insight from 2 Corinthians 12, Matthew 5, and Romans 8, you’ll discover:Why suffering can feel like an uninvited gift that drives us closer to ChristThe difference between choosing hardship (like Alone) and enduring pain you never asked forHow to anchor your family in gospel hope when life feels unbearableWhy men need brothers in Christ to speak truth when they’re drowning in liesWhat it looks like to find joy, purpose, and community even in seasons of deep sufferingWhether you’re walking through grief, feeling the crushing weight of fatherhood, or just longing for purpose in your everyday life, this episode will remind you that Jesus has conquered even the darkest parts of our story—and He is with you.Scriptures Mentioned2 Corinthians 12:9–10Matthew 5:4Romans 8:18–25John 16:332 Corinthians 4:16–18Psalm 34:181 Peter 1:6–7James 1:2–4Philippians 1:6Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsors: World Watch NewsVisit Sam’s church: Redemption Hill Bible Church – Hickman, NebraskaInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner