Podcast Summary: Unashamed with the Robertson Family

Episode 1219 | Jase Looks Back on Phil’s Last Hunt & Al Announces His & Lisa’s Life Story Movie
Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Jase Robertson, Alan Robertson, Jason Robertson, Alex Robertson
Special Mention: Lisa Robertson (absent due to illness)

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode revolves around two major themes: the deeply personal transition in the Robertson family’s hunting tradition, as Phil steps away from the duck blind, and the announcement of a movie about Al and Lisa Robertson’s life story. The episode is filled with candid storytelling, family dynamics, reflections on legacy, and the power of vulnerability and redemption in faith. The family discusses their hopes for the impact of the upcoming movie, memories of past hunts with Phil, and the tradition of openness about their struggles to help others understand God’s grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Phil’s Last Duck Hunt and Family Traditions

• Jase and Al commemorate Phil’s absence from the traditional opening day duck hunt:
  • This is the first opening day Phil won’t attend in 60+ years, marking a somber transition for the family ([03:29]).
• Al’s commitment to honoring Phil:
  • Despite a busy work schedule, Al commits to being at the opening day in recognition of Phil’s legacy ([03:37]).
• Hunting as a family affair and comedy over participation:
  • Discussion about inviting all brothers—Willie and Jeff—but skepticism about their willingness to do the grunt work, like setting up decoys and blinds: “Somebody’s gotta actually shoot some ducks… and put out the brush” ([04:31]-[04:47]).
• Phil’s health and last hunt:
  • Phil participated little in last year's opening day, which turned out to be the best hunt of the season, described as “almost like the Almighty knew it was the parting way for dad” ([05:07]).

2. The Upcoming Movie on Al & Lisa’s Life Story

• Official announcement and details:
  • Al reveals plans are solidifying for a feature film about his and Lisa’s 25+ year journey, with Lisa as the main character but diving deeply into both their stories ([08:01]-[08:36]).
  • Alex (Al’s daughter) is involved as part of the scripting and production liaison, bringing an intimate perspective to the process ([08:46]-[09:10]).
  • The scripting process is ongoing, aiming for transparency and authenticity over sensationalism: "They don't make a movie about you unless you've done something really bad or really good—or both. In our case, it was both." – Alan ([09:40])
• The challenge of family vulnerability:
  • The emotional difficulty for Al and Lisa in rehashing painful, private chapters for the film, hoping their story of reconciliation will serve others:
    • “We're doing it… if this helps reach some people, because of telling the story in a new artistic place where people can watch it… the movie impacted people that other things hadn't” – Alan ([11:19]-[12:11]).
  • Lisa’s struggle revisiting her trauma; her clinical approach to storytelling as self-preservation: “It's not a place that anyone wants to spend a lot of time mentally, is things that she's gone through.” – Jason ([14:13])
  • The family’s tradition of honesty and openness, even when the truth stings: “People won't come into the light for fear their deeds will be exposed. But… those who live in the light show that what has happened in their life has happened… You can't follow Jesus and not be vulnerable about your life.” – Jase ([24:15]-[25:04])
• Notable new stories to be included:
  • Jase references stories and family memories that have never been revealed publicly, to be considered for the script ([10:58]-[11:06]).
  • Example: A powerful story about confronting an affair and subsequent family upheaval, told from Alex’s perspective of learning the full truth as a young adult ([16:07]-[17:48]).

3. Redemption and Family Healing

• Generational and internal family healing:
  • Alex shares her own journey from adversarial relationship with her mom Lisa during her “prodigal” years to viewing her as an advocate and mentor (“That was starting to be the turning point where I saw her less as an adversary and more as someone who could help me” – Jason, [26:23]).
• Hopes for the film’s impact:
  • The Robertsons are clear that monetary gain is not the motivation—their prayer is for the film to offer healing and hope to those facing similar struggles: “If this helps reach some people, because of telling the story in a new artistic place where people can watch it…” – Alan ([11:19])
  • They wish to include real family members and grandchildren in the final scene, echoing a powerful choice in their previous film, The Blind ([21:57]-[22:13]).

4. Biblical Reflections on Openness and Rebirth

• Link between vulnerability and faith:
  • Citing John 3:20-21 and the examples of Peter and Paul, the hosts discuss how public confession and transparency are central to Christian testimony ([24:15]-[25:47]).
• The power of redemption and spiritual renewal:
  • Jase lists a series of "re-" words—redemption, reconciliation, renewal, remembrance—emphasizing the repeated theme of "again" in the work of Jesus, culminating in the resurrection and new life ([41:26]-[42:09]).
• Connecting the Passion narrative to Old Testament prophecy and the motif of water and blood:
  • Alan and Jase discuss the significance of “water and blood” flowing from Jesus’ side (John 19, 1 John 5:6-12), linking it to Jesus’ miraculous acts, baptism, and ultimate sacrifice ([44:13]-[54:00]).
  • “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood.” – 1 John 5, discussed in-depth ([50:00]-[55:17]).

5. Personal Growth & Family Dynamics

• Jase and Alan’s complex relationship:
  • Humor and honesty surround stories of brotherly conflict, childhood grievances, and eventual reconciliation:
    • “Alan was the problem… he would just lie… and get his friends to physically abuse me. It infuriated me. But in a way, I was also trying to protect him.” – Jase ([21:05]-[21:46])
• Parenting, tradition, and gratitude:
  • Thanksgiving, gratitude, and passing on family legacies are woven throughout—examples include Missy’s sweet potato pies and the importance of teaching thankfulness to children ([31:48]-[32:34], [34:03]-[34:51]).
  • Alan contemplates the significance of Thanksgiving as a practice of national—and spiritual—gratitude ([34:51]-[35:29]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This will be the first opening day he hasn't been in a duck blind in 60-something years. I'm going to be there for my dad." – Alan ([03:29])
• "They don't make a movie about you unless you've done something really bad or really good—or both. Or in our case, it was both." – Alan ([09:40])
• "We're doing it for the same reason Mom and Dad did it… If this helps reach some people… that's what we hope for." – Alan ([11:19])
• "It's not a place that anyone wants to spend a lot of time mentally, is things that she's gone through." – Jason, on Lisa opening up old wounds ([14:13])
• "People won't come into the light for fear their deeds will be exposed… But those who live in the light show that what has happened in their life has happened… You can't follow Jesus and not be vulnerable about your life." – Jase ([24:15]-[25:04])
• "We're hoping... the final scene... might be us and our actual grandkids—ourselves being able to show that this is where God has brought us." – Alan ([21:57])
• "That was starting to be the turning point where I saw her less as an adversary and more as someone who could help me, a mentor or turn into an advocate." – Jason, on his relationship with Lisa ([26:23])
• "That connection is really right... early on the first day of the week... This is a new creation." – Jase, about the resurrection ([42:35])
• "This heavenly death that happened—a being who came from heaven who took on flesh—actually brought life through this suffering... If you want to participate in this heavenly death and in Jesus, then... you're coming back from the dead and you get to live here now as a new person. I mean, it's awesome." – Jase ([56:07])

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Phil’s Last Hunt and Family Duck Blind Traditions
  [02:34] – [05:07]
• Al Announces the Movie with Lisa
  [08:01] – [11:19]
• The Challenge of Vulnerability and Telling Family Secrets
  [14:13] – [17:48]
• Alex’s Perspective on the Family Story
  [16:56] – [18:20]
• Jase and Alan Discuss Brotherly Conflict and Redemption
  [21:05] – [21:46]
• Transparency, Faith, and the Purpose of Confession
  [24:15] – [25:47]
• Biblical Themes: Water, Blood, Renewal, Redemption
  [41:09] – [54:00]
• Closing Reflections on Resurrection and Living in the Light
  [56:07] – End

Conclusion

This episode of Unashamed is a moving meditation on generational change, family transparency, and the redemptive arc of suffering and faith. The announcement of the film about Al and Lisa is not only newsworthy for fans but serves as a springboard for honest discussions about the cost and reward of sharing one’s hardest stories. Through humor and humility, the Robertsons demonstrate their belief that vulnerability and gratitude—no matter how uncomfortable—are the bedrock of both family and faithful living. The interplay between personal storytelling and biblical reflection offers listeners encouragement and challenge: that God can transform even the darkest chapters into testimonies of hope.