Ep13: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Mark Doyle, founder of Rags of Honor

November 2026: Welcome to Ep10 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show!

Father Bob talks with Mark about: The important work being accomplished by Rags of Honor

About Rags of Honor:“No one who wore the uniform of the U.S. military should ever worry about whether they will have a place to live or whether they can find treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress,” insists Rags of Honor founder Mark Dolye, who knew he needed to create the organization after witnessing the sacrifices of servicemen and women in Afghanistan. “Rags of Honor believes in giving unhoused veterans a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity through good-paying jobs.”

Mark Doyle, founder, Rags of Honor • Watch the video here!

Based in Chicago, Rags of Honor is the largest employer of homeless veterans in the country, having hired more than 125 people.

“We pay a living wage, provide transportation and housing services to make the transition from homeless veteran to their civilian life as seamless as possible, and give them all the opportunity to live the life they deserve after serving their country,” Mark shares.

From apparel to Veteran Roasters coffee and CardShark Phone Cases — each ROH brand contributes to providing a stable foundation for those who served. Get your Rags today: ragsofhonor.us • Watch the video

About our host: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others.

With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist in the Bible study category.

Learn more: robertdflanagan.com

Meet Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan

“When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move,” shares Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan in the first of his two books in the Courage to Thrive series. “When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles.”

He knows all about that. “I have spent two decades combating mental illness head-on,” he says.

In his first-person spiritual journal, Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles, published in June 2020, Father Bob takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers–whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life–are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they, too, can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them. Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies.

In his second book, Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self, published in January 2025, Father Bob asks, “Do you long to know yourself, the world, and God better and thrive in all of life’s many transitions? We are here on earth not just to live but to thrive. We can know who we are and how to live in this “crazy, beautiful world as a follower of Jesus and a child of God.”

He knows that we do that by relating well to ourselves and others, the world and its various creatures and places—and God. “We thrive when we relate to who and what is around us in a healthy manner. We can discover ourselves—who we are—in beautiful, elegant, hope-filled, positive ways,” says Father Bob, who newest book gives us a unique, six-week Bible study has thirty-six lessons to help you know your true self and learn a new way of being as a child of God as you examine the family connections and relationships with others and the world. Self-discovery tools such as directed Bible readings with commentaries, daily prayers, and links to poems, art, and music will facilitate personal growth and provide fresh insights.

Today, we welcome to his the Courage to Thrive podcast! We invite you to join Father Bob on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

About our host: The Rev. Robert D. Flanagan has served as a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York since 2003. He also holds a doctor of ministry in Christian Spirituality and is Chaplain at General Theological Seminary in New York City. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and regional board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Bob’s latest book, The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic, is a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist. Bob and his wife, Lanie, live in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

Learn more: robertdflanagan.com

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Previous Episodes

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

Ep11: Courage to Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Kirby Peters of Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT

September 2026: Welcome to Ep11 of Father Bob’s Courage2Thrive show! Salt of the Earth — Father Bob talks with Kirby Peters, who runs Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT, about the art of running a farm About our guest: Since 1730, Maple Bank Farm has provided quality fresh products while providing a destination that exemplifies what a farm stand can mean to a small town. Cared for by Kirby Peters, who runs the farm and the stand’s day-to-day operations, theClick here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, August 10th, 2026

Ep10: Courage to Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews longtime friend Andrew Cregan about parenting, working, and enjoying life with courage

August 2026: Welcome to Ep10 of Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan’s Courage2Thrive show! Father Bob talks with our guest, Andrew Cregan, about: The power of being a lifelong friend About Andrew: A financial advisor with 30 years of experience, Andrew and his wife, Kathy, have raised 5 kids. “Our home in Williamsburg is big enough to have them visit at any time,” shares Andrew, who is an avid golfer, who loves to kayak and travel. In today’s discussion: The two oldClick here to listen to the podcast!

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Ep12: Courage to Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews the Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney, an author, a mystic Christian and visionary, a faith-based entrepreneur

October 2026: Welcome to Ep10 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Father Bob talks with Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinneyabout her work and her new book, Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls: A Catalyst for Your Spiritual Growth About our guest: Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney is an author, a mystic Christian and visionary, a faith-based entrepreneur, a nationwide speaker, coach, and consultant for a wide diversity of churches, faith communities, and non-profits. She is the founder of Root Thrive Soar, theClick here to listen to the podcast!

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026

Ep9: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Daniel Grace about his debut novel, “In the Wake of Golgotha”

July 2026: Welcome to Ep9 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Bringing the Old Testament to Life Today: Father Bob talks with Daniel about his debut novel, “In the Wake of Golgotha,” a bold, ambitious work of literary fiction that grapples with perhaps the oldest and most painful story in Western civilization: the betrayal on Calvary Hill. About our guest: Daniel Grace is a London-born, California-bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who produces critically acclaimedClick here to listen to the podcast!

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Ep8: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews storyteller and humanitarian Kip Azzoni Doyle

June 2026: Welcome to Ep8 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Opening up to life’s greatest kindnesses and unlimited possibilities Bob asks Kip: We’ve known each other since our high school years. Let’s start with a background question. You’re a mom with two adult children. When so many people our age are thinking of retirement and slowing down. What made you decide to do even more? How did you get so deeply and personally involved with helpingClick here to listen to the podcast!

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Ep7: Courage2Thrive — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On today’s episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

May 2026: Welcome to Ep7 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Taking a deep dive into Suicide Prevention Father Bob asks Christine about her background, path to running this foundation, and her advice for families and those struggling with thoughts of suicide About our guest: Dr. Christine Yu Moutier (pronounced You Moo-tee-ay) knows the impact of suicide firsthand. While in medical training and in her early career at the University of California, San Diego, she experienced aClick here to listen to the podcast!

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Ep6: Courage2Thrive — On this month’s episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Lauren Breeden, Director of Formation and Families

This month’s topic: Tackling Sexual Trafficking About our guest: Lauren Breeden serves as Director of Formation and Families and is part of The Falls Church Episcopal’s senior leadership team. She is known for innovative formation, curriculum writing, and developing holistic programs that equip people of all ages to engage deeply in the exploration of faith. Before entering church leadership, Lauren spent twelve years combating domestic minor sex trafficking as an investigator, including undercover work, and as an educator and advocateClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Ep5: Courage2Thrive — On this month’s episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Hebrew Bible Studies expert and prolific author Dr. Stephen L. Cook

March 2026: Welcome to Ep5 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Hebrew Bible Studies Father Bob talks with Dr. Stephen L. Cook about his many books, his work as a Professor of Hebrew Bible at Virginia Theological Seminary — and the state of the world Bob asks Stephen: Describe your spiritual journey. How did you go from a Connecticut kid to a biblical scholar at a prominent US seminary? You lecture in front of new students everyClick here to listen to the podcast!

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

Ep4: Courage2Thrive — Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews David Monteith, the Dean of Canterbury

February 2026: Welcome to Ep4 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! This month’s topic: A Day in the Life of the Canterbury Cathedral Father Bob and David will discuss: Would you describe your spiritual journey? (From Northern Ireland to Canterbury Cathedral) What part of your journey required you to act with courage? What is your work like as Dean of Canterbury Cathedral? Describe a day in the life of the Dean of Canterbury. The installation of Archbishop Sarah MullalyClick here to listen to the podcast!

Thursday, January 1st, 2026

Ep3: Courage2Thrive — Exorcism is the topic of this month’s Courage to Thrive show when Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, Dr. Charles Mayer

January 2026: Welcome to Ep3 of Father Bob Flanagan’s Courage to Thrive show! This month’s topic: Defense Against the Dark Arts Live from the Seminary: On the final day of his fall 2025 semester class at the Virginia Theological Seminary, Father Bob interviews Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, Dr. Charles Mayer, on the topic students have been studying all semester — exorcism. Father Bob and Charles will discuss: What is the difference between mental health and demonic influences? When is thisClick here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, December 1st, 2025

Ep2: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Karen Swallow Prior, Ph. D., a reader, writer, and professor, who gives us insight into the beloved hymn, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem

December 2025: Welcome to Ep2 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: A conversation about Father Bob’s newest book, “While Mortals Sleep: Reading Phillips Brooks through Twenty-First-Century Eyes” Father Bob talks with Karen about: “The hymn ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,” which the focus of Karen’s chapter in the book. About our guest: Karen Swallow Prior, Ph. D. is a reader, writer, and professor, Karen is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors CreatedClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Ep1: Courage2Thrive — Meet Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan and learn about his journey to find joy and hope, and help others do the same

November 2025: Welcome to the Courage to Thrive show, hosted by Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan, best known as Father Bob. About our host: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others. With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 SelahClick here to listen to the podcast!

Friday, June 20th, 2025

Ep11: Today at Elaine’s Literary Salon, meet Rev. Robert Flanagan and find joy and hope in the midst of mental health struggles in his newest book, “Courage to Thrive”

This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon we meet the author of Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles, Rev. Dr. Robert D. Flanagan, also known as Father Bob. About the author: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others. With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through hisClick here to listen to the podcast!