Dead Man Talking

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Latest Episodes:

Episode 13 - What Happens When You Suffer so Much that You Scream to God and Tell Him "You Can't!":: with Audra Smith the Pastor's Widow Sep 05, 2025

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In this episode of the Dead Man Talking Podcast, the crew is joined by Audra Keefer Smith who the guys have known for decades through college.

Audra has suffered a significant amount of loss and brokenness in her lifetime. In the episode, Bob points out that among the many trials she has faced, three significant ones are the loss of a child, the loss of her husband, and being diagnosed with cancer. In the midst of this, God has done a magnificent work in and through her.

If you want to encourage and support the work that Audra is doing by giving towards the ministry of The Pastor Widow, you can donate here. Your support will help continue to uphold the wonderful work that she is already doing. Your gifts are greatly appreciated.

Again, this the link that you can use to donate to support Audra Smith financially: https://thepastorswidow.com/give/

She is the writer and creator behind the widely read blog and Facebook page called "The Pastor's Widow."

You can find her website/blog here.

Her Facebook Page here.

Her Instagram here.

And you can find here on YouTube here.

If you would like to give to help support Audra and the work that she is doing through the Pastor's Widow, please consider generously giving toward her work here.

Will you consider giving to help support Bob Roberts and his ministry as he seeks to glorify God along his cancer journey. Any and all gifts are greatly appreciated. You can give here at the Go Fund Me page that was created for him.

Bonus Episode:Bonus Episode: Bob Shares Very Important News and Updates About His Health, the Podcast and More... Sep 03, 2025

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🎙️ Dead Man Talking: Episode Milestone & Gratitude 🎙️

Yesterday I had the joy of sitting down with my friend Jason Janz to record a short but meaningful 14-minute episode of Dead Man Talking. We began by celebrating a milestone I honestly wasn’t sure we’d ever see: twelve episodes. When we started, we didn’t know if this would last past three or four. To be here now is nothing short of grace.

Along the way, so many of you have spoken words of encouragement, shared constructive feedback, and cheered us forward. Every note, every prayer, every message of “keep going” has mattered more than you know. Thank you. 🙏

We also paused to acknowledge our donors—those who have carried not just the podcast, but me personally, through this valley. Your generosity has supported my medical needs, and it has allowed Dead Man Talking to exist at all. From the depths of my heart: thank you.

As Jason and I looked ahead, we talked about where the podcast is going. More and more, we want to highlight the stories of other sufferers—other people in the valley—so that together we can shine a light on hope in the midst of darkness. That’s the heartbeat moving forward.

And in that spirit, our biggest patrons have asked us to open the door for one last financial push toward my GoFundMe, even as the podcast begins shifting its fundraising focus to bless others we highlight in future episodes. Here’s a link to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-bob-roberts-cancer-journey

I can’t say it enough: I am grateful. Grateful for life, grateful for friends who sit in the valley with me, and grateful for you—for every prayer, every word, every gift, and every moment you’ve carried me further than I could have gone on my own.

This update was recorded September 1, 2025. The following update was posted on FB on September 2.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sGvMvMya/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Episode 12 - Loving God, Hating His Plan: Learning to Grieve When I Lost My Wife Aug 08, 2025

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It's hard to talk about sometimes. When a man suffers the pain of loss and despair, grief is real and present whether it's seen or expressed.
One of our co-hosts, Ellis Murphree, shares the story of the what it was like to go through the tragic loss of his first wife and what God did in him to set him on course to hope and healing.
Beyond that, Murph has embraced his new reality, and has given himself to help others like him in their time of suffering and pain.
Loss and suffering is no joke for anyone. Listen to this episode as our five guys reflect on Murph's experience and give comment and insight to his response and recourse.

Episode 11 - When Your Best Friend Dies: How Tara and Brian Are Finding Their Way Forward Jul 24, 2025

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The DMT crew is joined by Tara Martindale whose husband Kent passed away in November of 2024 due to a cancer in his brain that was incurable. Tara shares part of their story and the lessons that she learned throughout the process. A friend and pastor of the Tara and Kent, Brian Peterson, joins us on episode as well. He shares his perspective both as a friend of Kent's as well as a witness of their experience.
Together, Brian and Tara along with the DMT crew share in the amazing goodness and greatness of God.

From Bob Roberts about this episode:

This may be the most important episode of Dead Man Talking yet. I suspect it is.
A few weeks ago, four of us had the profound honor of sitting down with Tara Martindale and her pastor, Brian Peterson. Tara recently lost her beloved husband, Kent, after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer.
What unfolded in that interview left us speechless. As we listened to Tara recount her journey through the valley of grief, pain, and unimaginable love, it became crystal clear: we were sitting at the feet of a spiritual Jedi. We asked questions; she dropped gold. Honestly, we felt like Padawans in the presence of a master.
Her honesty. Her wisdom. Her fierce, humble faith.
This episode isn’t just for those who have walked through loss—it’s for anyone who has ever asked, “Where is God in this fire?” Because Tara’s story reminds us of a beautiful, blazing truth: we are never alone in the furnace. There’s always Another with us.
If you or someone you love is carrying sorrow, facing illness, or simply feeling the weight of life right now—please listen. And please share.
🎧 Streaming now wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for “Dead Man Talking.”
#DeadManTalking #Episode11 #GriefAndGrace #FaithInTheFire #YouAreNotAloner

Episode 10 - We Got Mail: Listening to Our Listeners Jul 10, 2025

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We’ve been talking a lot for nine good episodes, and you’ve been listening. All along the way you have been responding, and we’ve been listening too. Now that we have reached Episode 10, we want to pause and engage with your comments and messages and thank God for how he’s using this podcast in your lives.
Thank you for being a part of our conversation. It’s made a difference. We look forward to sharing more with you moving forward.

Episode 9 - Red Pill vs Blue Pill: How Suffering Connects You To What’s Really Real Jul 03, 2025

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When we live in a world that is full of comfort and convenience, whether it's one that we have been blessed with or that we have built for ourselves, we live outside reality. Suffering helps bring us back to reality. In this conversation, the guys discuss the down side of not going through suffering and how it can deceive us away from the truth.
For more conversations and great thoughts on suffering and Christianity, be sure to check out the rest of the podcast.

Episode 8 - The Sweet Aroma of a Crushed Flower: How Suffering Can Change For Good (Live from Phoenix) Jun 26, 2025

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This second live conversation continues regarding suffering and the value that it brings. Diving deeper into the individual situations of few of the scenarios from these guys lives, the question is raised, "is the suffering worth it?" Is the good that comes from suffering actually better that not suffering at all?
If this episode or any of the episodes from this podcast have been meaningful to you in any way, please feel free to drop us a line and share with us how it has helped you. And be sure to like and subscribe wherever it is that you listen.

Episode 7 - Through Many Dangers, Toils and Snares - Can I still love and trust God with all this hurt? (Live from Phoenix) Jun 11, 2025

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The guys gather together live in Phoenix for this in-person episode.

Anyone who has been seriously committed to the Christian faith and church have had to face the challenges of serious trials, heartbreak and disappointment. These guys are no exception. The difficulties that they have encountered has attacked their faith deep and to the heart.

In this episode, they give a little glimpse into the struggles of faith that they have had for years and even decades.

An evangelist that doubts the existence of God.

A popular camp speaker that utterly detests the concept of hell.

A faithful husband and father that wonders if God even loves him.

A Christian leader absolutely fried by other Christian leaders.

The perfect marriage obliterated beyond repair.

Can these actually love Jesus and still follow Him with all their hearts? Oh yes. Yes they can.

If you find this to be a blessing, please share. Thank you friends

Episode 6 - Hallmark Called! They Want Their Theology Back - How to show up and shut up with a friend May 20, 2025

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What do you say when a friend is going through a hard time -- a time full of the worse pain and suffering? Sometimes we don't know what to say, so we say what sounds good; but is it the best thing? Is it what offers the most comfort? Just because it's found in the Bible, it doesn't mean it needs to be said. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just be quiet and be present.

Bob and his friends share moments when they have messed up, when they have been unhelpfully (even hurtfully) "comforted" by well meaning people. And they share ways that they have been meaningfully ministered to as well as ways they have been learned to minister to people.

This episode is so helpful for anyone who really wants to think carefully how to help the best comfort to a friend when they are in their worst season of life.

Brief cameo by Miracle Max.

Episode 5 - Job’s Friends Versus Bob’s Friends: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly May 08, 2025

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Episode 4 - Good News and a Special Guest Apr 29, 2025

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In this episode of Dead Man Talking, Bob Roberts shares unexpected news about his latest cancer test results. Hear his friends react to the update. Plus, Bob’s 13-year-old daughter, Cadence, joins the conversation as a special guest while visiting him in Arizona.

What you’ll hear:

Bob’s Health Update: After months of difficult reports, Bob received hopeful news. His latest test shows a significant drop in a key liver cancer marker, suggesting the current treatment is working.
Bob’s Reaction: Bob talks about processing this news. He discusses feeling pulled between his recent focus on heaven and the new possibility of more time on earth. He shares his relief and the plan for the next five weeks of treatment, leading up to a critical evaluation scan.
Friends’ Reactions: Jason Janz, Will Galkin (joining from overseas), Ellis Murphree, and Josh Darnell share their honest thoughts. You’ll hear their surprise, gratitude, cautious optimism, and desire for Bob to stay.
Meet Cadence: Get to know Bob’s daughter, Cadence. She talks about flying alone for the first time to see her dad. She shares what it was like getting the news, what she enjoys (and doesn’t!) about her dad, and talks a little about school, church, and a memorable trip to Hong Kong.
Looking Ahead: The group discusses how this news affects their perspective but agrees to continue the podcast with the same approach: hoping for the best while planning for the worst.

Podcast Production by Podders: https://podders.io

Episode 3 - Bob's Bucket List: 10 Things To Check Off Before I Check Out Apr 14, 2025

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In this episode of Dead Man Talking, Bob Roberts, alongside his close friends, tackle the topic of Bob’s “Bucket List.” 10 things he aims to accomplish before his potential passing. This installment covers the first five items on his list, framed within their ongoing stance of hoping for the best while planning for the worst.
The conversation kicks off with Will Galkin sharing details from his recent trip to Phoenix to support Bob during a treatment day. They recount the experience, highlighting Bob’s warm connections with the clinic staff and the profound depth of their decades-long friendship, oscillating between humorous nostalgia (like Facebook stalking old friends) and reaching “level 20” transparency as they discussed life, regrets, and family dynamics with raw honesty and vulnerability.
Podcast Production by Podders https://podders.io

Episode 2 - I Need You Guys: 30+ Years of Cheers and Regrets Apr 04, 2025

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In this episode of Dead Man Talking, Bob Roberts and his longtime college friends—Jason Janz, Will Galkin, Ellis Murphree, and Josh Darnell—dive deep into the heart of their thirty-plus-year friendship. Reflecting on the raw authenticity of the first episode, the group explores the origins of their bond at Northland College, sharing humorous and poignant memories from their youth, including missional adventures and pivotal moments of showing up for each other during profound hardship.

They wrestle with the weight of Bob's stage four cancer diagnosis, discussing regrets about time not spent, the unique ways each friend brings out different facets in the others, and the pain of potentially losing one of their own. The conversation candidly navigates vulnerability, shared suffering, faith, anger, the nature of heaven, and the profound importance of investing in relationships, all while maintaining their signature blend of unfiltered honesty, laughter, and enduring hope. Bob also provides an update on his health and treatment journey.

Podcast Production by Podders: https://podders.io

Episode 1 - Could It Have Started Any Worse Than This? Mar 25, 2025

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In this first episode, Bob Roberts—who is battling stage four cancer—launches Dead Man Talking. With his longtime college friends by his side, Bob opens up about his journey from his initial colon cancer diagnosis and treatment to the recent discovery of troubling liver scans. Amid raw honesty and irreverent humor, the group reflects on life’s unpredictable nature, the pain of suffering, and the enduring power of hope and friendship. The conversation blends health updates, jokes, and deep reflections on faith, reminding listeners that even in the darkest moments, life can be celebrated.

Podcast Production by Podders: https://podders.io

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