In Episode 3 of the Deacon Life Podcast, Deacon Michael Halbrook sits down with his classmate and friend Deacon Adam Cox for a raw, honest conversation about conversion, spiritual warfare, and redemption.
Adam grew up in a home where his mother practiced black magic, kept the Satanic Bible, and actively hated the Catholic Church. There was no Christian faith, no structure—just survival through instability.
Through a guitar teacher's invitation to a Baptist church, Adam found Christ at 25. But it was a series of vivid dreams—including one where his deceased mother appeared to affirm his path—that led him to the Catholic Church and eventually to the diaconate.
Now ordained alongside Michael, Adam speaks openly about the reality of spiritual attack ("The devil didn't bother me when I was living in debauchery—but now he's on me like you wouldn't believe"), his journey to 604 days sober, and leading men's ministry through the Knights of Columbus CORE program.
This episode is a testament to the transforming power of grace—that no background is too dark for God to redeem.
Key topics: Conversion story, spiritual warfare, dreams and discernment, alcoholism recovery, men's ministry, CORE Knights of Columbus, nursing home ministry, St. John Paul II
What is Deacon Life?
Real conversations with permanent deacons about the joys, struggles, and Christ-centered journey of diaconal ministry. Each episode, host Deacon Michael sits down with a fellow deacon to explore the moments that shape this unique vocation — from the call to ordination, to navigating family life and parish ministry, to the quiet sacrifices no one sees. Whether you're a deacon feeling the weight of ministry alone, discerning the diaconate, or simply curious about what this calling looks like from the inside, you'll find honest stories and a reminder: you're not alone in this calling. New episodes every other week.