In this special Thanksgiving episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grownups, Doyle welcomes Pat Welsh — a man whose life reads like a testament to gratitude, resilience, and faith. From being left at an orphanage in Dublin at three days old to leading one of America’s toughest police departments, Pat’s story embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving — finding grace through hardship, purpose through service, and love through loss.
Together with co-host Howie, Doyle explores Pat’s extraordinary journey — from his early adoption and Irish roots to decades spent serving as a police officer, district attorney, and mentor. Pat shares the lessons behind his book Warrior Servant Leader: Life Behind the Cross, revealing how real strength is found not in control or command, but in humility, compassion, and gratitude.
The conversation unfolds with rare honesty as Pat opens up about losing his son, the grief that nearly broke him, and the faith that carried him home again. Through stories of leadership, redemption, and everyday heroism, he reminds us that courage isn’t loud — it’s quiet, steady, and thankful.
Listeners are treated to a stunning original tribute story, The Man Who Stayed Standing, and a poem, The Warrior Who Knelt, both written in honor of Pat’s remarkable life. Pat also reads Life Behind the Cross, a reimagined reflection on what it means to serve with purpose, lead from the heart, and live each day as a gift.
Highlights include:
Pat’s journey from an Irish orphanage to police leadership in America.
The true meaning of a warrior-servant-leader mindset.
How faith and love helped him endure unimaginable loss.
Lessons from his podcast The Warrior Servant Leader and his upcoming project Patty’s Pub.
The simple creed that guides his life: Do the right thing, at the right time, the right way, for the right reasons.
This Thanksgiving, join us for an episode filled with reflection, gratitude, and grace — a heartfelt reminder that even in a divided world, love and faith still build bridges stronger than fear.
Find Pat Welsh:
Website & Podcast → thewarriorservantleaderpodcast.com
Book → Warrior Servant Leader: Life Behind the Cross
LinkedIn Newsletter → The Warrior Servant Leader
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