He Swam Through Sharks, Cold, and Addiction | Steve “Moby” Leitch
He Swam Through Sharks, Cold, and Addiction | Steve “Moby” Leitch
Ultra-marathon swimmer Steve “Moby” Leitch joins Pastor Joseph Spurgeon for a powerful conversation about endurance, discipline, addiction recovery, and the grace of Christ. Steve has crossed some of the most dangerous channels in the world, including the English Channel, the North Channel, Cook Strait, and the Strait of Gibraltar. But the greatest battle he ever fought was not against cold water, exhaustion, or sharks. It was the battle against addiction, purposelessness, and sin.
In this episode, Steve shares how Christ rescued him from destruction, rebuilt his life, restored his purpose, and led him into a ministry helping men escape addiction and rebuild their lives. This conversation dives deep into suffering, discipline, masculine endurance, morning habits, family leadership, and what it means to keep going when everything in you wants to quit.
If you are tired of soft Christianity and passive masculinity, this episode will challenge you to reject excuses, embrace discipline, and endure faithfully for the glory of Christ.
In This Episode
Steve’s journey from addiction and collapse to redemption in Christ
Swimming the world’s most dangerous open-water channels
What cold water, darkness, and isolation teach a man
How discipline is built through habits and suffering
The importance of morning routines for Christian men
Why boredom destroys men
Addiction recovery and rebuilding purpose
Biblical endurance and masculine perseverance
Fatherhood, consequences, and trusting God through pain
The mission behind Rising Tides Ministry
Chapter Breaks
00:00 – Cold Open: Swimming Through Darkness, Fear, and Sharks
01:34 – 1 Corinthians 9 and the Call to Endurance
03:47 – Steve “Moby” Leitch’s Story
05:26 – Addiction, Collapse, and Crying Out to God
09:13 – Returning to Swimming After Years Away
12:47 – What Is the Ocean Seven?
15:09 – Swimming in Freezing Water
17:16 – Sharks, Fear, and Open Water Danger
21:27 – The Closest Steve Came to Quitting
23:36 – Mental Discipline vs Physical Ability
25:26 – King’s Council Promo
27:36 – Morning Habits and Masculine Discipline
32:50 – Seeing God’s Glory in the Ocean
34:51 – The Final Ocean Seven Swim
35:30 – Rising Tides Ministry and Helping Men Recover
37:22 – Coaching Men Out of Addiction
38:38 – Pornography, Mission, and Fighting Sin
39:49 – Practical Steps for Breaking Addiction
43:34 – Pain, Consequences, and Steve’s Relationship With His Son
45:06 – What Comes After Catalina?
45:58 – Pastor Joseph Prays for Steve
48:09 – Steve’s Final Encouragement to Men
49:05 – Closing Charge: Reject Passivity and Endure
Resources & Links
Steve “Moby” Leitch: stevemobyleitch.net
Rising Tides Ministry: risengtidesministry.com
The King’s Council
Men need more than shallow answers and soft leadership. The King’s Council is a gathering for men who want biblical truth, real brotherhood, and strength under the lordship of Christ.
Join us June 20 from 5:00–8:00 PM at Sovereign King Church in Jeffersonville, IN. Pastor Michael Clary of Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY will speak on Piety Without Pietism. Food, discussion, and fellowship included.
Take your seat at the King’s Council: https://sovereignkingscouncil.com
About the Show
The Patriarchy Podcast features in-depth conversations on faith, culture, theology, and leadership. Each episode equips Christians to live boldly and biblically in an age of compromise—exploring the challenges and opportunities of standing firm for truth in the modern world.
Support the Mission
We’re still raising funds to expand Sovereign King Academy and keep tuition affordable for families. Want to invest in the future of Christ’s Kingdom?
Give here: https://sovereignkingacademy.com
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Sponsored By
Steadfast Cigars – For men who reject passivity and take dominion
Order: https://steadfastcigars.com/
Fit Father Project – Dr. Balduzzi built the Fit Father Project to help men stop drifting, reclaim discipline, and get strong for life. If you're ready to take ownership of your health, don’t wait. This is the first real step toward lasting strength—for your body, your family, and your legacy. Start: https://secure.fitfatherproject.com/a/transformation/4539
Books by Joseph Spurgeon:
It’s Good to Be a Boy – https://a.co/d/7zpEh5D
It’s Good to Be a Girl – https://a.co/d/6VlBTzS
Final Call to Action
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