How I Found Healing By Talking About the Worst Day of My Life | Sadie Robertson Huff | Adam & Bethany Dirks

Summary

WHOA That's Good Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: How I Found Healing By Talking About the Worst Day of My Life
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guests: Adam & Bethany Dirks
Release Date: April 2, 2025

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of the WHOA That's Good Podcast, host Sadie Robertson Huff welcomes returning guest Bethany Hamilton and her husband, Adam Dirks. Together, they delve deep into personal stories of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of faith and conversation.

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Getting to Know Adam & Bethany Dirks

Backgrounds and Upbringings

Sadie begins by exploring the diverse backgrounds of the couple. Adam, originally from a small town in Kansas, contrasts sharply with Bethany, a native Hawaiian and renowned surfer.

• Adam Dirks shares his Kansas roots and his involvement in sports like football and track, which shaped his upbringing. "Growing up in a solid Christian family with three siblings, it's always been a journey," he says at [03:30].

• Bethany Hamilton reflects on her life in Hawaii, highlighting her early passion for surfing and her family's faith. "I grew up learning to surf before I could walk, and my parents raised me to know God deeply," she mentions at [06:16].

Marriage and Partnership

The couple, married for nearly twelve years, discuss the seamless blending of their lives despite their different backgrounds. Adam humorously notes the cultural differences they navigate, especially regarding surf culture and Adam's initial unfamiliarity with it.

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How Adam and Bethany Met

Sadie inquires about their unique meeting story. Adam recounts being invited to Kauai for a Young Life Ministry internship, where he met Bethany.

• Adam Dirks: "They set us up on a blind date... I had no predisposition of who this awesome lady was. We went to Shipwrecks beach and jumped a 30-foot cliff together. Bethany was the only one who joined me," says Adam at [11:34].

• Bethany Hamilton: "Jumping that cliff was the ultimate icebreaker. I saw Adam was not only strong but also warm and welcoming," she adds at [12:21].

Their adventurous date set the tone for their relationship, blending faith, community service, and a shared love for surfing.

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Facing Challenges Together

Life on the Amazing Race

The couple shares their experiences participating in The Amazing Race Season 25, revealing both the fun and the intense challenges they faced as newlyweds.

• Adam Dirks: "It was like the ultimate honeymoon... but also a test of our relationship from the get-go," he explains at [36:04].

• Bethany Hamilton: Describes specific challenges like herding sheep in the Shetland Islands and how they nearly got eliminated. "We couldn't figure it out. We almost got eliminated because we weren't sheepdogs enough," Bethany recounts at [40:27].

Despite the high-stress environment, their strong faith and teamwork propelled them to finish in third place, reinforcing their bond.

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Bethany's Journey of Healing

Overcoming Trauma

Bethany opens up about the traumatic shark attack that cost her an arm and how talking about that day has been pivotal in her healing process.

• Bethany Hamilton: "I believe God can take some of the most awful parts of our life and turn them into something beautiful and of purpose," she shares at [06:16].

Through her public story—documented in her book and movie Soul Surfer—Bethany emphasized the importance of facing trauma head-on. "The way I worked through that trauma really helped me. Surfing became my refuge and place of healing," she states at [28:08].

The Power of Talking

Referencing a mothering book, Bethany discusses how confronting her trauma by sharing her story publicly dissolved much of the emotional weight. "I talked a lot about it, and the traumatic side kind of dissolved," she explains at [26:06].

• Notable Quote:
  Bethany Hamilton at [20:31]:
  “If you're super shy, part of overcoming that shyness is facing your fears and challenging yourself to, like, say something to someone... eventually, what was a fear becomes normal.”

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Faith as a Foundation

Anchoring in Christ

Both Adam and Bethany emphasize how their faith has been the cornerstone of their resilience and healing.

• Adam Dirks: "Stay anchored in Christ's love... knowing that his word is for you in every situation," he advises at [46:13].

• Bethany Hamilton: "My grace is sufficient for you. God's continually molding us through our trials so that we can look to Him," she affirms at [47:35].

They discuss the balance between acknowledging present struggles and maintaining hope in God's overarching plan.

• Bethany Hamilton at [47:54]:
  “We might not even see purpose in every single trial, but maybe the purpose is simply to rely on God more.”

Application to Everyday Life

Sadie relates Bethany's insights to common fears and challenges, such as public speaking or unexpected life changes, reinforcing the message that passion and faith can help overcome personal fears.

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Parenting and Family Life

The couple shares glimpses into their busy family life with their four children, balancing parenting with their public personas and commitments.

• Bethany Hamilton: Reflects on the joys and surprises of parenting, including unexpected moments like discovering their fourth child was a girl by surprise. "That was the most incredible surprise in my whole life," she shares at [44:00].

Their approach to parenting is deeply influenced by their faith, striving to instill resilience and trust in God within their children.

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Conclusion

Sadie wraps up the episode by celebrating Adam and Bethany's journey of faith, love, and healing. She commends their transparency and the powerful example they set for listeners striving to overcome their own challenges.

• Sadie Robertson Huff: "Thank you for the example you set to the world and your family... This was a blessing," she expresses at [50:57].

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Key Takeaways

• Facing Trauma: Openly discussing traumatic experiences can be a crucial step in the healing process.

• Faith's Role: Maintaining a strong faith foundation provides resilience and guidance through life's unpredictabilities.

• Community and Support: Building relationships within a faith-based community can enhance personal growth and provide essential support during tough times.

• Balancing Personal and Public Life: Navigating public attention while managing personal healing and family life requires intentionality and faith.

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Notable Quotes:

• Bethany Hamilton at [26:06]:
  “...if you're super shy, part of overcoming that shyness is facing your fears and challenging yourself to, like, say something to someone... eventually, what was a fear becomes normal.”

• Adam Dirks at [46:13]:
  “Stay anchored in Christ's love... knowing that his word is for you in every situation.”

• Bethany Hamilton at [47:54]:
  “We might not even see purpose in every single trial, but maybe the purpose is simply to rely on God more.”

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This episode offers a profound exploration of how sharing personal hardships can lead to healing and inspire others. Adam and Bethany Dirks exemplify how faith, love, and resilience can transform the darkest moments into testimonies of hope and strength.

Transcript

[Sadie Robertson]

Friends, this season of life has been so crazy for Christian and I. Honey and Haven are always full of energy and trying to keep up with them while pregnant really can wear me out sometimes. I'm so thankful that when it's time for rest, I can crash right into my amazing Helix mattress. I can't imagine going through this pregnancy without it. Christian and I actually took the Helix Sleep quiz and were matched with a Helix Midnight, which has been so incredible for us. It's designed for side sleepers, which is perfect for me and my little baby bump right now. The past three years with our Helix has given us the most restful nights and it's one of the things that I miss the most when I'm on the road. So if you want the best rest, then Helix is the best mattress for you. Go to helix sleep.com Sadie for 20% off site wide. Again, that's helixsleep.com Sadie for 20% off site wide helixsleep.com Sadie what's up? Everybody happy? Boy, that's good. Wednesday. I hope you're having a great week, but per usual, it is about to get so much better because we have two incredible guests on the podcast. One is a two time guest, but it is the other one's first time. First time as a couple. We have Adam and Bethany Dirks on the podcast. I'm so excited to have you all on.

[Adam Dirks]

What's up? Thanks for having us stoked to be here. It's my first time.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yes. Adam's first time. My second.

[Adam Dirks]

Yes.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Glad to be here. Thanks.

[Sadie Robertson]

Yes. And I love what you just said. Right before I started the podcast, you were like, wait, can you make sure you introduce us as Adam and Bethany Dirks? Because people know you as Bethany Hamilton. But you got married. Y'all been married for how long now?

[Adam Dirks]

12 years now?

[Bethany Hamilton]

We're almost 12 years in August.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah. Bethany's like, I don't.

[Sadie Robertson]

So you've been, you've been at Dirks for a while now?

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah, yeah. So I took Adam's name on, but social media, I don't know, we just kept Hamilton, especially because I had the film Soul Surfer and book Soul Surfer. And it was just hard to unravel that.

[Sadie Robertson]

Well, people actually asked me, like before Christian and I get married, are you gonna. You need to take his last name or not? Because I'm so known as a Robertson and like our Robertson family is very known, but thankfully people already called me Sadie Rob. That was kind of a nickname. So now I kind of go by Sadie. Rob Huff. Funny, because I don't. You know, I don't mind, but I did want to take his last name. That was something I was always excited about in life, like, getting married, new last name. And, you know, when you meet your husband and you start doodling, like, Sadie Huff, you know, like, it was an exciting thing for me, and so I love that. I think it's really sweet. Well, we can't wait to get to know y'all as a couple. So, Adam, tell us a little bit about your upbringing. Where are you from, and all the different fun things about your life before you met Bethany.

[Adam Dirks]

Right on. I think this always gets a crack up when we're around. People are like, see this beautiful Hawaiian Bethany? And then they're like, oh, Adam, where are you from? Like, I'm from Kansas. It's like complete polar opposites of Kauai. Beautiful weather, and then Kansas, you know, you're like, okay, wow, that's in the middle of nowhere. So I grew up in a small town in Kansas. Didn't have waves. We had golden waves of wheat to play in.

[Sadie Robertson]

A little different.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, a little different. I was thankful. I grew up in a solid Christian family. My parents are Carol and Dwight. They're awesome. And I have three siblings. I'm in the smack dab middle of them all. And, yeah, it's just been a journey ever since. I mean, it's always a journey growing up as a child, but having my siblings to kind of push me along and also diving into, like, football and track and those things that kind of shape who you are.

[Sadie Robertson]

Totally.

[Adam Dirks]

Then coming out to Kauai was its own story.

[Sadie Robertson]

What. What led you to Kauai in the first place?

[Adam Dirks]

I was working at Canicut camps in Missouri as a Christian sports camp. And one of this, my. My counselor, My kid here in the camp was just barefoot. This funny, like, Hawaiian kid. And I had to carry him around because he's like, you're in Missouri. There's, like, spiders and thorns and poison ivy. So I'm like, come on, guy. You got to wear your shoes. Anyways. This.

[Bethany Hamilton]

We don't wear shoes growing up out here. So it's very, like. It's a hard thing for children from Hawaii to put on shoes. It's an issue. And so I know exactly what he's talking about. Like, I grew up barefoot. I'd never wore shoes unless I was playing soccer.

[Sadie Robertson]

That's so funny. I actually have read studies that that is good for you. So maybe y'all are stronger.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Super good, so. And I have really good foot Development if we want to nerd for a sock. Like, my feet are developed, and I have a good arch, like, which affects your knees, hips, and spine.

[Sadie Robertson]

Something to consider. And you are pro surfer, so we may all should take that as a note.

[Adam Dirks]

100%.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So, yeah.

[Adam Dirks]

Anyways, I got to know this family from Kauai, and as I was going through college senior year, this boy's dad from Kauai calls me up, say, hey, I want to start Young Life Ministry on Kauai, and I want you to, like, pray and consider coming out here to help me do a internship out here. And I was like, sign me up. Like, yeah, I'll pray about it. But, yeah, count me in, man. Um, so, yeah, that was, like, 2011, came out to Kauai and started Young Life Ministry on the island. And, man, that's a while ago already.

[Bethany Hamilton]

That's so crazy. That's. Long time in Hawaii.

[Sadie Robertson]

That is so Bethany, y'all didn't know each other, and a lot of people do know your story, but for those who don't or maybe don't know, before the accident, like, what was your life like?

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah, so I grew up, born and raised here in Hawaii. My parents were kind of like surf hippies who everybody knows Hawaii is known for incredible surf. So my parents migrated out here in the early 70s pursuing their love for surfing, and that's where they met each other. So they ended up raising, you know, getting married and having my two older brothers and I. And so I grew up, you know, learning to surf before I could walk. And I grew a passion for surfing very young. And then my parents also came to know Jesus in the early 70s as well. So they raised me to know God. And I believe I had a really beautiful childlike faith at a pretty young age. Like, I can remember praying and just trusting that God had more for my life. And. And then when I lost my arm, though, that was just not at all what I envisioned my life looking like. But it's so amazing to see how God can take some of the most awful parts of our life and turn them into something beautiful and of purpose and worth. And, yeah, eventually it went to writing my book, Soul Surfer, my movie, Soul Surfer. And I eventually became a motivational speaker. Speaker. And now we have a program for families, and so we have our own podcast, and we met each other along the way. And I also had a, like, surfing career with one arm from, like, 17 to 25, or, I mean, technically after children. Sorry, 17 till, like, basically now I'm kind of phasing out of my surf career.

[Adam Dirks]

Career.

[Bethany Hamilton]

But, wow. I still surf at a very high level. I could, you know, hold myself in a sheet.

[Sadie Robertson]

You're being humble. He's like, you're actually one of the best.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah. She's actually really good.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah. I've worked hard in between each baby to make sure I can still surf good, because my eldest is. Our. Our eldest is almost 10 years old. Like, we've been parents for 10 years. His birthday.

[Adam Dirks]

It's been a good journey.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I felt like crying the other day just thinking of that. Like, just the season of going into motherhood and our first and just that big leap of faith and. And the joy that came with it. Wow.

[Sadie Robertson]

I love it. No. That's so beautiful. So tell me, how did y'all stories collide? How did you guys meet?

[Adam Dirks]

I'd say coming out here to Kauai, I always was looking for, you know, community, and there just wasn't very many people, like our age coming out of college who are, like, solid in their faith and solid and just who they were. And so I was searching for that and our. Go ahead.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I just really want to share, too, how when you moved out here, he was, like, thrown into the thick of ministry with young children in a kind of more rougher area of Hawaii. And he was doing the ministry, he was teaching. He joined in to kind of help coach sports.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah.

[Bethany Hamilton]

To kind of get integrated into the community alongside of the Young life ministry. He was very integrated in, like, more of a Hawaiian culture. And some of the challenges in that area, too, is, like, there is a lot of family hardship, and so a lot of the children are kind of struggling. So, you know, just being a local from out here, you know, I'm not Hawaiian blooded local, but born and raised out here. But I was like, whoa. Like, the fact that he would go straight to the west side, like, everyone knows, like, I don't know.

[Sadie Robertson]

You're like, that's all in.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah. He really, like, was quick to understand Hawaiian culture and, like, the good sides, but also the challenges. And so I always knew, like, I thought I would marry someone from not Hawaii, but I also was like, gosh, it's such a different culture out here. Like, I need someone that understands it because. And is willing to live out here because I'm just such a surf mermaid that I didn't want to live anywhere else, and my whole family's out here.

[Adam Dirks]

I was a little slower to catching on the surf culture because that's a whole nother ball game.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yes.

[Adam Dirks]

And so we got. So we Got set up on a blind date. Pretty much like, they gave me your number. Being from Kansas, I didn't really know anything about soul surfer, and that was already out and thankfully, like, so it was cool. I had no predisposition of who this awesome lady was. And we went and met up at a beach, and we just, like, clicked and hit it off. Well, for a good reason, because there was a 30 foot cliff jump at this beach called Shipwrecks, and it goes into the ocean, and all of our friends had done it. I being kind of new, I'd never done it before. I was like, guys, let's go jump the cliff. This was so sick. And only Bethany was like, I'll go with you.

[Bethany Hamilton]

It's like.

[Adam Dirks]

She's like, I'd never done it before. And I was like, whoa, cool.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Was I 22 when we met, or 21? 20.

[Adam Dirks]

22.

[Bethany Hamilton]

22, I think.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah. 22, yeah.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And it's kind of weird that I hadn't done that cliff jump because it's something you kind of do growing up out here. Like, if you grow up, it's like one of the big adventures, but it's actually pretty gnarly if you fall. Like, our good friend actually broke his tailbone jumping.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, my God.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Because it's super high, and if you just kind of, like, fall wrong, it's not good.

[Adam Dirks]

So Bethany goes and jumps it with me, and right away I'm like, all right, this chick is awesome. Like, she. She loves to charge and, you know, and that was just kind of like the ultimate icebreaker.

[Bethany Hamilton]

It was the ultimate icebreaker. And let me explain. When Adam was first walking up, I, like, see him, and I was like, oh, my gosh. He's like a gladiator because he's really strong and, like, big. And I was just like, oh. But the thing about you is, like, you're also really warm and welcoming and nice and, like, all that kind of hit me pretty quick.

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, we started going on like, not your typical, like dinner and movie type of dates. You know, we were doing adventure dates where you're like bonding and having deeper conversations about the Lord and like, where we are in our faith and we just really hit it off. I think we were like nine months and like I asked her to marry me, it was like, it was pretty fast and. But back to the soul surf culture thing when we were dating. Oh, I didn't understand like, how important the waves are to like a professional surfer.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yes. And like, she's very important. Like, I don't like having a schedule because I need schedule around the waves. Like, the waves are only good so many days of the week or the year. And so having a schedule is like, gives me anxiety.

[Sadie Robertson]

That's a good true that. You are a true surfer, mermaid. You're like, my schedule, my heart rate.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Is probably going up right now thinking about having a schedule.

[Adam Dirks]

You can only schedule like two weeks in advance because it's like, it's a surf forecast, is kind of like weather forecast.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So, yeah, I've Only known podcast recordings because I'm like, I'm out. I got to go.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh my gosh, that is so funny. You're true surfer. I love it.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So when we're first dating, I also is traveling. I was competing and doing surf trips. And so as a surfer, I'm traveling the world. I had already been like all over the world for surfing. And so we're kind of like dating long distance zooming or skyping or Facetiming. And I go on this trip. First I go to Japan because it was a year after Soul Surfer had released the movie and I went to Japan for a little Japan release. So I'm with my best friend and we go to Japan, and then Japan's super close to Indonesia, so I hop over to Indonesia after to go on a surf trip because Indonesia's incredible waves and the service and wi fi is really bad there. So I didn't really get to talk to Adam too.

[Adam Dirks]

It's been a while. It had been a while he had.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Felt like I was like, over him or something.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, I was like, where? She just like went missedo on me. Anyway, she comes back, you know, we're. I know that, like we're going somewhere and things are clicking really well. And I was like, so we live three hours apart on the island too. I'm on the west side, she's over on the north shore, and she's like, oh, this swell is hitting on the west side of the island. It's like the spot that only fires like once a year. And it's world class. And I'm like, oh, cool, she's going to come west side thing out, you know, and she just goes, like, drives right by my house to go to this wave and she goes straight to the surf and is like in the water all day long.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And I'm like seven hours that day. And I seen him forever, like, go to see him. And actually what's crazy is that swell, it was super memorable to me. Like, it was 11, 12 years later. I'm like, whoa, that was one of my best days ever. Out at that wave in particular. And. But Adam was so bummed, and I didn't even realize that he was bummed.

[Sadie Robertson]

Because I'm like, this is the best serve of my life.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, it can sound like cold. Like, how could she just like, go do that after not seeing Adam forever? But once you understand surf culture and like, how crucial, like, to score a wave like that that only comes once a year, it's. It's pretty monumental.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And I was like, we can hang out later.

[Adam Dirks]

We'll hang out at sunset. Like, it was. It was fine.

[Sadie Robertson]

If you're, like, known as the soul surfer and then you meet you, that's what you want to hear. Like, you want to hear that you're all in. Like, it is not just something that is a book or a movie. Like, you're in Japan, you're in Indonesia, you're coming back. You're like, sorry, Adam, love you. But have you seen. It's so cool.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I wanted to share another story about when we were dating too, because I made some sacrifices as well. There's this one wave on the west side of the island once again. And this wave is known for its, like, dirty brown water. And you just know there's sharks under there all the time.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, my God.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And Adam's like, hey, let's go night surf at this wave. And he's from Kansas, so he doesn't know anything about sharks.

[Adam Dirks]

And I didn't think of how bad. Like, it was my favorite spot to learn to surf.

[Bethany Hamilton]

He was learning to surf.

[Adam Dirks]

July, after the fireworks, I'm like, this would be cool. Let's go night surf.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And so I. He made me. Well, I willingly went, of course, but it felt like, you know, inside, I was probably, like, really scared inside. And we went night surfing at this. Like, you know, who knows if there's sharks? Like, we all built in our head.

[Adam Dirks]

But looking back, I was like, oh, my goodness. We really night surfed that spot.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah. I was like, okay, I'm good, hun. Like, or I can't hunt at that point.

[Sadie Robertson]

But that is, like, so crazy to me and so impressive because I've, you know, always grown up with, like, such a huge fear of sharks like most people do. And then you're someone who actually lived through a shark attack, and yet you surf for seven hours a day. You surf all over the world. Like, you go serving with your family. You went night surfing at a place that you thought sharks might be, but you still did it. Like, for me, I was like, like, what is that? How do you get to you? Like, how do you get fearless like that? How does that happen? Is that something natural to you, or did it happen after the attack?

[Bethany Hamilton]

When I lost my arm, I was so scared or just devastated that I had lost surfing. Like, the arm was almost like the less important thing in that point in my life. Like, I was planning on being world champ, like, best surfer in the world. And I had the talent and drive to do it. I had the family support, you know, I was winning almost 90% of the events I entered in. Like, I was definitely a force to be reckoned with in the surf realm. And so when I lost my arm, I thought I had lost all that, including this great passion that was way more than just competition. But then I got the hint of hope that maybe I can surf with one arm. And my friend had learned how to surf with one leg, and he was like, hey, I think you can surf with one arm. So then once I started surfing again and I figured out that I could do it, of course I had to overcome my fear of sharks. And I think that passion and love for surfing was so big that it pushed me to face this fear over and over and over again. And I think there's something to be said about the simplicity of truly just facing your fears. Like, if you're super shy, part of overcoming that shyness is facing your fears and challenging yourself to, like, say something to someone. And keep trying until you have a good conversation. And then over time, you do it over and over and over again. Eventually, you're going to be having a lot of amazing conversations with someone. And what's what once was a fear will then become something that feels normal and you don't have to feel that way about it. And so for me, I faced that fear over and over again. At first, I did it with a lot of friends. I surfed when it was really busy. I tried to stay really busy out in the ocean, too, like catching lots of waves. And yeah, over time, that fear dissolved. And, yeah, it's just I'm so grateful that I didn't let that fear hold me back because I've loved my life in the ocean.

[Sadie Robertson]

I love that. I think that's so good and so true. And I love how you make it applicable to every everyone. It's like, whatever you're afraid of, don't just be bound by that fear. Like, keep going at it, keep overcoming it. And over time, you gain confidence in it. And if you love something like that love for something will actually press past that fear of it. Like, I think about me speaking, like, public speaking is people's biggest fear. They're like, I could never do that. But if you love God or love what you're talking about, then it overcomes that fear of, oh, people are watching, or, oh, this is a really big room, you know, or whatever it is. And the more you do it, man, like, the passion just comes out and it's so beautiful. So I love hearing that. If you've been following me for a while, Then, you know, I try to be intentional about what comes to my health. It's not always easy, but it's worth it in the long run. Something that's important to our bodies is getting enough Omega 3s, but most of us aren't getting the amount we need from our diets alone. Lucky for us, AG1 Omega 3 provides over 2000 milligrams of the most beneficial Omega threes in every serving. Plus it's sustainably sourced from wild caught fish. The hint of lemon in the formulation makes it easy to get all the Omega 3s that you need without that fishy aftertaste that other brands have. AG1 Omega 3 is a soft gel supplement that's meant to complement AG1 with a high quality Omega 3 fish oil so you can get all of that fatty acid your body needs every single day. I've been a trusted partner with AG1 for a very long time because we love AG1. We've seen actual health benefits to our bodies soon after taking it and we've also seen the longevity of it. My father in law has been taking AG1 for over a year now and has seen such a huge benefit to his health. So we're such a believer and omega 3s are so important. I actually had a doctor tell me one time for my brain health to be taking Omega 3, so this is a great place to get it. If you haven't tried AG1 yet, they're actually bundling it with their Omega 3s for free. So it couldn't be a better time to start. It's something that we've actually been able to stay consistent with and that is why we've been partnering partnered with AG1 for so long. So subscribe today to get one month supply of AG Omega 3 with your first AG1 order. You'll also get their welcome kit and five AG1 travel packs. So make sure to check out drinkag1.com Whoa. To claim the special offer. That's drink ag1.com Whoa. My mom and I were talking about this because we have a friend who became very well known from a really unfortunate situation. It was a very hard thing. He even lost friends in the, in the accident that he was in. But yet that's how he, his platform formed and that's how he became known, you know, and so it's interesting because it's like hard for him to get asked all the time about like the worst day of his life. But at the same time he's like recognizing that, well, this is my platform, you know, and So I guess, like, how have you found the redemption in the fact that, like, yeah, that's what kickstarted you being known, but now, like, you're doing all these absolutely incredible things alongside your husband, alongside your kids, your family. Like you said, you have a podcast, you have the network. Like, all these different things you've done. Like, how did you press past? Like that one thing people knew. Knew about you, like, is that. Was that hard to overcome?

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah. It's interesting because I didn't really figure this out until more recently because I was reading a mothering book on parenting because I felt like I needed support. And I had heard it from a friend of mine. She's like, check out this book. And in the book it talked about children dealing with trauma and how if they face trauma, they need to talk about it. And it's really important to, like, relive that and face that and. But also in a safe environment. And I think because my story was so well known when it happened and my parents allowed me to, like, do interviews and go public about it, I talked a lot about it. And so the traumatic side, I think, kind of dissolved. Like, I really can think vividly about the day and I don't feel, you know, really upset or highly emotional about it. Like, I think the way I worked through that trauma really helped me. But what's interesting about my story is it's like it went super, super viral because I was kind of a well known surfer in Hawaii. I had placed second in the national championship the summer before I lost my arm. So I was like kind of getting on the map in surfing and sports. And then so when I lost my arm, it went super viral. And this is before social media. Virality was a big thing. And then I started surfing again less than a month later. And then I went like quadruple viral, girl, because people were in awe. And I didn't know anyone who surfed with one arm. And so most of the world didn't know anyone who served with one arm or, you know, pursued life in that fashion. And so, man, I think that's what really inspired people and that's what really led people because they were like, hey, if you can get back on your board, I can get back on mine. Whatever that may look like.

[Sadie Robertson]

It's great.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And people really drew from my tenacity and drew from what God had done through my story of overcoming and really charging hard in back into life with all the challenge that I had faced. And so I hated being famous, though. And I actually wrote my book Because I thought, oh, I won't have to tell my story anymore. My like 15 year old self thought.

[Sadie Robertson]

I literally did the same thing. At 15, I wrote a book thinking if I just write it, then I will never have to say it. Like, I don't have to get asked. That is so funny.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I went on a book tour and little did I know, book tours are so hard. Like, I had to do probably 50 interviews on my book tour and I was so mad and angry and all I wanted to do is just go back home and go surfing. So truly, like surfing became my refuge and my place of like healing and peace. I mean, alongside of my faith. Because I was doing it willingly because I did have a heart for other people. Like, what's crazy is in my documentary Unstoppable, there's a scene where like someone interviewed me in my hospital bed and there's this moment where I say, well, maybe God will be able to take my story and like, be a light to other people. Like my 13 year old self said that. Very raw, very real, very honest. And I did have a heart for other people at that point already. And I think that's part of my nature. But maybe also how my mom raised me. Like, I really like how my mom, on Christmas, we didn't have a whole lot of money, but she would buy a goat or a. Well for like on Samaritan's purse. Yeah, like Samaritan's purse or something like that. And provide like a community with clean water or, you know, a goat where they could milk it for fresh milk. So more sustainable food options. And I just was raised to like, look at the world around me and what, what need is there?

[Sadie Robertson]

Yeah.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And so when I lost my arm, I was like, I was receiving letters from people all over the world and they're like, even from like inmates and young girls going through tough stuff, people of all different walks of life. It was crazy. And meanwhile I just wanted to kind of like play with my friends and surf, but also I had that heart to like help people. And so we wrote the book. Yeah, yeah, we found balance for sure. And I think that's what surfing was for me. It was like that balance of still being a teenager and just like, you know, and pick up my best friend and we go surf. And part of it kind of just happened. And I think the way I live my life drew people in because they're like, I want to do that too. Like, we all go through really hard times, like no matter who you are or where you're from, or what your life entails. Like, we're gonna face hardship. I love John 16:33. For in me you will have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world. And Jesus promises that he has overcome the world on our behalf through his death on the cross for our sins. And then he overcomes all that. And it's this beautiful gift of grace that no one can take away. And that gift is what, you know, changes us from the inside out. And so it's beautiful.

[Sadie Robertson]

It's so cool. I can relate to so much of your story. Like, I think I was 15 as well whenever I wrote my book and you wrote Soul Server, thinking I won't have to, you know, tell my story. And then that becomes the movie. And my first book was called Live Original. And now that's my whole ministry. And like, we tried to hide behind this thing and God's like, no, this is just start, you know, and it. I think it's so cool though, because if God would have. You know how people say if God would have showed you the whole picture, you would, you would never even take a step. You'd be too scared. Like, it's just one step at a time. You know, it's. It's once your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light into my path. Like, I'm gonna light it one step at a time. And it's so cool to see where that path is taking you. And so much of like you said, I had this heart at 13. And you see that heart through both of y'all. Y'all are aligned on that vision now, continuing to serve others, bless others, use your influence for good, and showing people what an amazing faith based family looks like and parenting. And it's like, it's so beautiful to see what God took with that heart. You know, the word says when it's talking about looking for the next king, when he was looking for David, when he's like, man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. And I think like that picture of what came out of your heart at 13, God knew like the type of person that you'd be and then who you'd marry and the family you'd have and like the platform y'all would have. So it's just beautiful, I have to say. So whenever we announced on social media the other day, this is who we have on. We had Adam and Bethany Dirks coming on. Do y'all have any questions? We had so many questions, and not only questions, but People kept saying, like, I love them. This is the most excited I've been for a what that's good? Podcast. And I've been doing this podcast for seven years, so that is saying something. People are like, I can't wait for this episode. So I want to make sure to honor the listeners who are so excited to have you on and ask some of their top questions. But a lot of people asked what Yalls experience was like together on the Amazing Race, which I didn't even know y'all did that. So first of all, I gotta go watch that. But how fun or not fun? What was that even like?

[Bethany Hamilton]

Well, for anyone listening who hasn't seen it, if you want to check it out, we were on season 25.

[Sadie Robertson]

Okay.

[Adam Dirks]

I'm on that right after. Right after we got married, pretty much, like, we did the casting. And, I mean, you shared a little bit with us earlier about your casting experience on Dancing with the Stars. Like, the casting experience was gnarly.

[Bethany Hamilton]

They took us to LA for four days in a hotel room that we could not.

[Adam Dirks]

One hour of gym time and one hour of pool time, and the rest of the time, you're stuck in a. It was like. I think it's a technique they're using to try to get you to break down.

[Sadie Robertson]

Are they videoing you? Are they talk, asking questions?

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, they. Well, you had, like, an interview every day, and then they. They're just trying to break you down.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I think they even be sharing all this.

[Adam Dirks]

No, there's no India. We're okay. We're okay. But anyways, that's the beginning of the journey. Like, we about tapped out. We almost were like, this is crazy. We just gotta go home and go surf.

[Sadie Robertson]

Like.

[Adam Dirks]

Like, why are we stuck in this hotel room?

[Bethany Hamilton]

At one point, they, like, take you to the cafe, and you're not allowed to talk to anyone in the cafe. But there's a few of the other teams trying out. Teams that are trying out. And then you go to your interview later, and they're like, so do you think of the other teams and whatnot? And we were just. Yeah, we almost didn't make the cut because we weren't drum drama enough. Yeah, you guys are like, high drama. They're like, what was your latest fight? And it was something about, like, our dog.

[Adam Dirks]

I love Bethany let the dogs in the house. And there's hair everywhere. And they're like, really? That's it? Yeah.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, my God.

[Adam Dirks]

But it was. It was an awesome experience. I feel like it was a testament to kind of, you know, the, the personality, but also the faith that God had given us, like exuding out into how we, you know, reacted with one another during like super stressful times. Because you're going, you're getting these clues and you're going around the world and it's all very high stress.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah, high stress. Like half the time you're hungry so, you know, hanger is going on and you're just running hard. You haven't gotten good sleep. So there's a lot going against you that you don't really think about when you're watching the show. But like, we started off in New York City and our first destination was, was St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands. And so straight into the ocean. So that was nice. That's awesome. It was just, it was a super fun adventure.

[Adam Dirks]

It was like the ultimate honeymoon, honestly. Like, we got to see so much, but also kind of a test of your relationship, right, Right from the get go.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, totally.

[Adam Dirks]

And we did good.

[Bethany Hamilton]

We ended up getting third.

[Adam Dirks]

If you won, we should have won.

[Bethany Hamilton]

We were so close.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh my gosh. Me and Christian always say this because I've gotten asked to be an Amazing Race. Like, they've just sent like, hey, y'all should do it. And I'm like, no, we would be terrible on the show, Christian and I. It would test us so much. He is not a good traveler and he would admit that if he was on this too. He is so stressed. I don't get stress traveling. I'm kind of like, go with the flow. Like, if we get delayed, it doesn't really bother me. I'm like, okay, I'll do something else. It bothers him so much. I'm like, we would do horrible on that show and. But I'm also not the one that would like, kick into the gear of like, let's figure it out. So then I'm like, who would do that? Like, what would we do? So, yeah, I don't think you'll be seeing us on Amazing Grace. With the temps here in Louisiana starting to creep up and thermostat starting to inch down, it can be tough sometimes to find a comfortable balance for sleeping. Our quality of sleep makes a big difference in not only how we feel when we wake up, but also in our overall health. If you struggle with being too hot or too cold at night, you need to check out miracle made sheets. Miracle sheets are the only temperature regulating, silver infused self cleaning sheets out there. Plus they're inspired by NASA tech and it doesn't get any more legit than that the silver infused fabrics of Miracle sheets are designed to keep you at the perfect tempest hemp for your optimum sleep all night long, no matter what the weatherman says. Not only that, but the silver infused into Miracle sheets Prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth so that you can stay fresher for up to three times longer. I am game for anything that will help me do less laundry and stay cool at night. So say goodbye to all that bacteria, meaning fewer breakouts, clogged pores, and less acne and allergies. Miracle wants to help you sleep. Sleep cleaner. You'd think with all of those amazing benefits that Miracle sheets would be stiff, uncomfortable or expensive. But the good news is that they are seriously so comfy and come at a price that won't break the bank. We love Miracle sheets. You actually do feel so cool whenever you get into them. Like they have such a cooling effect and they also feel so fresh. So we just love them so much. So upgrade your sleep as the weather heats up. Go to trymiracle.com Whoa. To try miracle made shell sheets today. And whether you're buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, if you order today, you can save over 40% off. And if you use our promo code Whoa. At checkout, you'll also get a free three piece towel set and save an extra 20%. Miracle is so confident in their product, it's backed with a 30 day money back guarantee. So if you aren't 100 satisfied, you'll actually get a full refund. Upgrade your sleep with Miracle made. Go to trymiracle.com Whoa. And use the code Whoa. To claim your free three piece talisman. That and save over 40 off again. That's try miracle.com Woe to treat yourself today. Thank you, Miracle Maid, for sponsoring this episode.

[Bethany Hamilton]

With children. You couldn't because you're gone. We were gone for 23 days. I wanted to share because your listeners are going to want to hear some other, like, juicy detail. But we get to the Shetland Islands. So we go from England. Adam and I won that leg. And then we take a train to the Shetland Islands in Scotland and they lead us to this place where all of a sudden we have to herd sheep, of all things.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, my God.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So first we did this challenge with little Shetland ponies and Adam did most of the work. It was a very, like, physical task that was challenging. But then we get to the sheep and we're having to herd these, this big corral of sheep.

[Adam Dirks]

Sheep, yeah. Was it like the the sheepdogs, you know, they have to put them through the fences, and then you put them in a gate. Yeah, there's no sheepdogs. We were supposed to be the sheep.

[Sadie Robertson]

You are the sheepdog.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And it was so hard. Like, we got. Like, we almost got eliminated that way.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah. We couldn't figure it out.

[Bethany Hamilton]

We could not figure it out. So you have to crouch down low like a little sheep.

[Adam Dirks]

Just go slow.

[Bethany Hamilton]

And he was going slow, and we were, like, kind of running around. They didn't really edit that one. Very good for us, I would say. But that was, like, such a hard challenge.

[Adam Dirks]

And overall. Overall, yeah, the race is very accurate. Like, there's no. I know. People are like, oh, is that accurate? Like, how they did it and everything you did and, like, yeah, everything's in there.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Like, I feel like all the teams were portrayed really accurately. Like, if they're spicy, they are spicy, like in real life. And, yeah, we were newlywed, so we.

[Adam Dirks]

Were kissing a lot on that.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Oh, yeah.

[Adam Dirks]

Too much pda.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So embarrassed by our pda, because I'm, like, not into PDA personally.

[Adam Dirks]

We started trying to watch it with our boys, but they're. I don't know. They're just not ready for that show yet. They, like. Tobias liked it.

[Bethany Hamilton]

The older one are almost.

[Adam Dirks]

He was like, yeah. When I watch it, the other one's like, oh, this is boring.

[Sadie Robertson]

That is so funny. Oh, my gosh. Well, it is really cute. Like, the girls always want to Dancing with the Stars, and Because they like to see my dances. And then Honey is just hilarious. She just dances the whole way through. And it's funny because before, like, she just dances the whole time. The show's on in the back, and before we. I even found out I was pregnant, Honey kept telling me like, mommy, you have a baby in your tummy. You have a baby in your tummy. And I would be like, what? Like, this is so crazy, because we weren't really planning on having a baby, so it was, like, such a surprise. But she had been saying it for, like, a month. But it was so funny because she kept telling me, and the baby's name is Joey. But I think it was because we were watching Dance with the Stars, and Joey won this season, and so I think she thought he was cute, and he's like, oh, yeah, you have a baby and his name is Joey. So she was right that we had a baby, but we are not naming this baby Joey. So we thought that was.

[Bethany Hamilton]

So do you all know if you're having a boy?

[Sadie Robertson]

We do know, but we haven't told the world yet. So we're keeping it a secret. We're keeping being a secret. We actually. So we're filming a new show right now. It's like Duck Dynasty, the revival, which is super exciting, but we filmed the gender reveal on the show and so we're hoping to wait until the episode comes out. Except for the fact that I'm like, I talk way too much. There is no chance that I make it this whole pregnancy without accidentally saying it on some podcast or interview or microphone.

[Adam Dirks]

So are you doing good?

[Sadie Robertson]

Well, yeah, this, I'm doing good so far.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah. We actually waited till our children came out. Well, the first one we had to find out because I was like, too nervous. I was like, we have to know what's going on.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I've always really wanted to wait. So we waited with our second three or the the rest. So we have four children now, and our first three were boys, and I.

[Adam Dirks]

Caught every single one.

[Bethany Hamilton]

It was like we were like home birth hipp. So out here in Hawaii. That's awesome. And yeah, our fourth came out and Adam's like, it's a boy.

[Adam Dirks]

And it was a low lit room.

[Bethany Hamilton]

I had this moment of kind of sadness. Like, I was like, okay, let's go boy mom all the way. Like, four boys. Like, this is what God's given me. It's going to be so much fun. And I, I, I do love being a boy. Mom, Mom.

[Adam Dirks]

But then the midwife is like writing down, okay, eight pounds. And did you say boy? And I was like, I replayed the image in my mind because, like, I quickly put baby on mama's chest so she could start nursing and, you know, blanket on top. And I was like, I replayed the birth of my mind and I was like, wait a second. At no. And I like, peeked under the blanket. I was like, it's a girl. Five minutes later.

[Bethany Hamilton]

That was literally the most incredible surprise in my whole life. That meant when I thought I had four boys, and then all of a sudden I was like, I made a mistake that she's a girl.

[Sadie Robertson]

She's like, so good. Oh, my gosh. That would be the best surprise ever. This is sweet. Someone actually asked this question and I thought it was really good. They asked, how do you know God? How did you. God was in control of your life when it looked different than you had planned? Well, obviously they might be speaking to that one aspect of your life, but that goes for, like, everybody in life. Like, even with boy to girl or you thought you were Going to have a baby by now, or you thought you might be married by now, or, like, you know, you thought your life was going to look a certain way, and then something happens and it doesn't. Or time goes on and it didn't happen yet. And so can y'all both speak a little bit? I know we're starting to get to the end, wrapping on time, but I thought that was such a great question. And since you just mentioned that brief moment of kind of, like, disappointment, but you're like, I know it's going to be okay. And then, you know, you in that moment got the. Got the girl surprised. Speak to that a little bit.

[Adam Dirks]

We all know that, like, life can throw so much at us. There's be from having accidents to having tragedy in the family, or there's so much that can happen in our lives where you're like, I wasn't planning on that. And it can derail you sometimes. Or what you have to take hope in what you stay on track. You need to stay anchored in. In Christ's love and, you know, knowing that the truth of his word is for you and your life right here and in every situation, that, yeah, we just got to stay anchored. And that's. That's what really keeps you stable in these times of adversity or times of like. Like you. You have a certain plan or the way things should go in your mind, and you just got to hang on to the truth of the word and know that his. His word for you is for today and tomorrow. The enemy also wants you to focus on the past and things that you've done wrong or things that you.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Lies.

[Adam Dirks]

Yeah, lies and make you feel a guilt and shame about that. But the Lord says, my grace is for you right now. Now, no matter what's going on in your life, like, I'm here for you right now, and I'm gonna be with you and hold your hand through everything. And, yeah, even being about. Anxious about the future.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah.

[Adam Dirks]

We can also have anxiety. And I feel like the enemy wants to try to cause us to stumble thinking about that. And so just encouraging and reminding ourselves that we need to stay rooted and grounded in God's word and know that he's here for you right now.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Yeah. I think we always want to latch on to having a purpose in our pain and struggle. And I feel like Adam and I have faced enough of hardship in life to know, like, feel kind of confidence in that. Like, even at times, I didn't feel stable, I didn't feel secure. I didn't feel like. Like my faith was super solid, but I had this overlying hope that God was in control. And even though things were uncomfortable and not perfect and really hard, I knew that that's ultimately what faith is, trusting that God has us where we're supposed to be and he'll work in and through everything that we're going through to look to him to be the author and finisher of our faith. And we've had a really crazy season that we're kind of slowly coming out of a lot of different trials and hardships and struggles and pains. And I haven't always acted how I want to. I haven't always done things how maybe I have ought to have done. And like Adam said, but my grace is sufficient for you. And God's continually, like, molding us and shaping us and through our trials and tribulations, like, he's working in and through that so that we can look to Him. Because at the end of the day, it's not about what I do, but it's about what he is doing. And I think that's why the world can get it so wrong, in that they don't understand that God is working even in the dark stuff, and he is in control at the end of the day. And while some of us have harder lives than others, he still wants to rescue us and be a part of our journey. And, you know, I. I even brought up, like, we might not even see purpose in every single trial that we go through. But maybe the purpose is simply to just rely on God more, to trust in him more, and to let him do the work in our lives. And there may not be a very apparent outcome, because in my life, you know, losing my arm, there is an apparent good that has come from it. But not every single trial that I've been through has had an apparent good come from it. But maybe the good has been simply that, like, I need you, God. And there's no other thing, person, like anything in this world that can support me more than God. And so. So just trusting that he is here for us. And we keep coming back to the theme of, like, when you know God's word, you know, John 16:33, in me you will have peace. In the world you will have trouble. So the thought that you're not going to have hardship is a lie. But to know that God has overcome it and it's through him that we can keep going.

[Sadie Robertson]

Gosh, that's so good. Everything you said is so good. I love how you said, like, everything doesn't have to have, like, an apparent purpose. Because I think sometimes, like, as believers, in order to make maybe things sound better or it's like you. You want things to look better than they are. It's like you feel like you need to make it sound better, attach something to it that. But sometimes it just doesn't feel that way. Sometimes, like, yes, we know, like, in all things, God is working together for the good of those who love him. Yes. But at the same time, this doesn't look good. This doesn't feel good. This is not good right now, you know? And so it's like, yes, that is true. Because we trust God. We know he's sovereign. We know he's good. We know in the long run, in eternity, like, this world is not our home. So we know we're going to go through hard things. And so, yes, in the long run, it'll be good. It'll be okay. We'll be in heaven. But, like, right now, it is hard. And it's okay to sit in that, and it's okay to be honest about that and real about that. And day by day, yeah, things might get better. You might lift some of that low, lift some of that heartache, lift some of that pain. That's where kind of that faith comes in. The strength and the peace that surpasses understanding, joy. That becomes a real strength even when you don't feel happy. Like, those things activate in your faith walk, but doesn't mean life's not hard. And I think it's so good. Everything I just said is so beautiful. So many people had so many questions about Yalls faith, and I think it's so beautiful. You just answered that so beautifully. And I love that people have questions about your faith, because your faith is the most evident thing about Yalls life. Like, y'all have done so many things. You've accomplished so much, but your faith is at the forefront of people's mind when they think of the two of you. And I think that's a beautiful testament Yalls relationship. And so thank y'all so much for coming on the podcast as a couple. Thank you for the example you set to the world and your family and sharing your family with the world. It's a gift, and I'm so grateful to get to know people like y'all. This was a blessing.

[Bethany Hamilton]

Thank you, Sadie. Glad to be here.

[Adam Dirks]

Tell Christian hi.

[Sadie Robertson]

Oh, I will. I know we got to get him in next time. Well, thank you all so much.