SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR · SPEAKER · TRAUMA CHAPLAIN
Honest
conversations
for hard moments
I wade into the mess with you — grief, relationships, faith, and the big questions. No agenda. No religion. Just real talk. All people, all faiths, welcome.
30+
Years journeying with families through death and loss
100+
Funerals performed annually as an ICU Chaplain
M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
Trauma/ICU Chaplain · Catalina Channel solo swimmer · Recovering addict, one day at a time
WHO I WORK WITH
You don’t have to be religious
to want real spiritual conversation.
I work with people of all faiths — and no faith. Athletes, couples, grievers, seekers. If you're carrying something heavy, let's talk.
Atheltes
Mental toughness, suffering, purpose. As a Catalina Channel swimmer, I know what it means to be alone in your head for hours.
Couples & Relationships
Infidelity, disconnection, spiritual conflict, kids, money — nothing shocks me. I'm here to help you grow, not just survive.
Grief & Loss
"You won't get over it, but you can learn to live with it." 30 years walking alongside families at the edge of death.
Spiritual Direction
Jewish. Cool with Jesus. Meditates like a Buddhist. No box, no agenda — just honest conversation for your whole self.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
When Joe speaks,
people lean in.
From intimate gatherings of 15 to keynotes for 1,000+. I speak on death, grief, resilience, and the audacity of being fully alive — and people remember it.
- Death, dying & how to face it with grace
- Faith without religion — spirituality for skeptics
- Failure, recovery & getting back in the water
- Mental toughness & endurance (athletes & teams)
15 → 1,000+
Audience sizes. Keynotes, retreats, conferences, and memorial services.
Catalina Channel
Solo swimmer — and was pulled from the water at 2:30am. I talk about both. Failure matters as much as finishing.
Trauma / ICU Chaplain
I hold sorrow and joy in the same hand. My stories are real because they are.
ABOUT JOE
Just Joe.
And that's more than enough.
I live in Southern California with my four sons in a tiny house a block from the beach. We have a dog named Sally, two refrigerators that work most of the time, and a saying: wood is just a place where we keep our stuff — but the ocean is our home.
I am an addict. I am in recovery and take that seriously. I am awake.
M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary. Graduated last in my class.
Trauma/ICU Chaplain. I perform over 100 funerals a year. I hold sorrow and joy in the same hand.
Completed a solo swim of the Catalina Channel — and was pulled out at 2:30am on a different attempt. I understand failure.
Completed Rim to Rim to Rim in a day. I understand suffering and perseverance.
Jewish. Cool with Jesus. Meditates like a Buddhist. Eats like a Hindu. Sings like a Baptist.
I am not part of any religious group. I am just Joe.
“Your life matters. You have incredible value and worth — not because of what you’ve done or haven’t done, but because of who you are. You are God’s precious kid. You are loved.”
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
People remember how Joe made them feel.
"Every time I meet with Joe I know he is not trying to fix me. He provides real and honest feedback. He is a breath of fresh air — a good listener and someone I trust."
— John
"Joe seemed to show up at just the right time. In the worst loss and in the face of death, Joe always had enough hope for all of us. He has taught me what it means to live freely."
— Christy
"His love for people is contagious. When Joe speaks and listens you know it's from a real place of understanding — and because of that, people respond."
— Debbie
WORKING TOGETHER
Simple, honest pricing.
I care more about you than building a list of clients. If money is the barrier, we'll figure it out.
$75
per hour — 1:1 sessions
Ongoing spiritual direction, grief support, relationship work, or athlete coaching. Virtual or in-person near Carlsbad, CA.
Speaking
Rate based invent size & travel
Keynote retreat facilitation. memorial service or wedding. Ler's talk about what your event needs and who you're trying to reach.
LET’S TALK
Ready to start?
You'll hear back from Joe within 24 hours.
Why reach out?
No commitment required. The first conversation is just to see if we're a fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.
All faiths welcome. Jewish, Catholic, Buddhist, atheist, "spiritual but not religious" — come exactly as you are.
Nothing shocks me. Addiction, infidelity, doubt, anger at God, rage at life — bring all of it.
If I can't help, I'll say so and point you toward someone who can. Your wellbeing always comes first.
You are worth it. Don't let money be the reason you stay away. We will work it out.