Episode 38
Fear, Faith, and a Shock to the System
After a long break, Dan Hansen welcomes back Father Ron Hutchinson for a candid update on where he’s been—and what the last several months have looked like behind the scenes.
Father Ron shares how what he first assumed were “the blues” and simple fatigue turned into a serious health situation: atrial fibrillation (AFib). He describes noticing shortness of breath, a “fluttering” heart sensation, an Apple Watch warning, and the moment an ER nurse told him to get to the hospital immediately. From blood thinners to tests and scans, Father Ron walks through the medical process—culminating in a cardioversion procedure to restore sinus rhythm, and what it actually felt like.
But the heart of the episode isn’t just medical—it’s spiritual and deeply human. Dan and Father Ron talk about fear, mortality, and what it’s like when faith and anxiety take turns at the steering wheel. They discuss surrender as something real (and messy), the difference between “get over it” advice and genuine accompaniment, and why people who love you can’t always fix what you’re carrying—but they can walk with you.
The conversation also explores the power of prayer when words run out: the gift of memorized prayers, the Psalms, and the Litany of Trust, especially in seasons when you’re exhausted, scattered, or simply don’t have the energy to form big spontaneous prayers. Father Ron reflects on learning to let others pray for him, and why sometimes the most honest prayer is simply: “God, your will be done.”
A warm, honest return episode about health, fear, trust, and the grace to give yourself a break while you keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Mentioned in this episode
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and cardioversion
- Blood thinners (Father Ron notes he’ll remain on them long-term)
- Prayer in crisis: Psalms, the Our Father, and the Litany of Trust
- The importance of letting others pray for you
- “Fixing” vs. accompanying someone who is suffering
- Jesus in Gethsemane: “Just stay awake with me”
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