He Survived War… But Almost Lost Himself w/ Jason Castleberry

He Survived War… But Almost Lost Himself w/ Jason Castleberry

From The Pulpit and Porch by Higher Ministries

June 2, 2026 · 1h 24m

About this episode

Jason Castleberry shares his journey of survival from war and the struggles with PTSD, identity, and faith that followed.

In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch , Tony sits down with pastor and military veteran Jason Castleberry for a powerful conversation about war, trauma, PTSD, identity, faith, and redemption. Jason shares his journey from growing up in Texas to serving in the airborne infantry, completing 25 operational jumps, surviving a parachute malfunction that changed the trajectory of his life, and later serving as a UAV drone operator during the Iraq War after 9/11. But this episode isn’t just about military service. It’s about what happens after survival. Jason opens up honestly about PTSD, smoking, drinking, emotional numbness, near-death experiences, and the difficult transition back into civilian life. He shares how his daughter eventually helped lead him toward faith in Christ, and how that journey ultimately led him into vocational ministry at a small rural church in Montana. This conversation explores: PTSD and mental health military trauma and identity masculinity and emotional struggle faith, healing, and redemption purpose after pain what real strength actually looks like This is one of the most honest and moving conversations we’ve had on The Pulpit & Porch . Real…

People in this episode

Host: Tony

Guest: Jason Castleberry

Topics covered

  • PTSD
  • military trauma
  • identity
  • faith
  • redemption
  • mental health
  • transition to civilian life

Keywords

  • PTSD
  • military veteran
  • faith
  • redemption
  • mental health
  • Iraq War
  • civilian life
  • emotional struggle
  • masculinity

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Texas, Montana

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