Episode 1: The Dream Begins...

Welcome to This is The Refuge, our 20th Anniversary Limited Series podcast. Before diving into our 6 core values, meet the people who started it all. Join Dr. Decibel in conversation with co-founders Kathy Escobar and Mike Herzog as they share the raw, honest story of how The Refuge was born—not from a polished plan, but from pain, deconstruction, and a dream for something radically different. From their evangelical roots to their messy break from traditional church, Kathy and Mike reveal how Recovery circles taught them what real healing looks like: tables instead of pews, conversations instead of sermons, and a community where doubters and believers sit side by side. Twenty years later, The Refuge has evolved from a small church experiment into a thriving community hub serving over 1,000 people through 14+ programs—from the Refuge Café to Trader Joe's food distribution reaching 80+ families weekly. to Refuge Reads to Single Moms Unite and so muchmore. This is where it all began—broken systems, bold dreams, and a commitment to people over programs. Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Kathy Escobar and Mike Herzog, Co-Founders Produced by: Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org