Phil Aguilar: Childhood Trauma, Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 39)

Post-Traumatic Thriving

Phil Aguilar, aka Pastor Phil, was falling in love with Venice Beach, California, and was struggling to walk an honorable path. In moments of weakness, he considered returning to his gangster life. Gang wars in Venice were soul-crushing for Pastor Phil and he reached out to Pastor Tommy Barnett. Following Pastor Tommy’s guidance, he moved to Downtown, Los Angeles. Pastor Phil’s past would follow him with rumors of motorcycle gangs and cult activity. He spent 18 months in court fighting these claims. He later created the SetFree Soldier Elite Motorcycle Crew and purchased a club in Los Angeles, where he held church services. The Sons of Anarchy television producer visited Pastor Phil’s church for inspiration. Pastor Phil was getting high on Jesus until rumors of his motorcycle crew caused a bar fight in Newport Beach. He was thrown in jail with bail set at $1 million. He spent the next two years fighting this false charge.