#10: Santa Saved Me! - Heartfelt Interview with Matthew Hamp, Dean Z's Very Own Santa

ForResting the Soul with Christy

What happens when the man behind the red suit is the one in need of saving? In this unforgettable episode, Christy sits down with the Santa Claus of Dean Z’s iconic Elvis show in Branson, Missouri—Matthew Hamp—for a conversation that is heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply healing.

But make no mistake: this isn't just about sleigh bells and candy canes.

Matthew opens up about:

• Surviving a massive heart attack and experiencing a near-death moment that forever changed his faith

• Moving through divorce, grief, and the loss of his entire family unit

• A full-blown mental health breakdown and the life-saving therapist who helped him begin again

• How donning the red suit became a spiritual path of connection, compassion, and presence

• Microdosing, imposter syndrome, AI, grief, dogs, and what happens when Santa drops the F-bomb (yes, it’s legendary)

This is an episode for anyone who’s ever lost themselves and found their way back through community, courage, and play. If you’ve ever wondered how to reinvent your life after hitting rock bottom, how to hold both joy and grief in the same breath, or what Santa Claus really stands for (spoiler: it’s not consumerism)… this one’s for you.

🎧 Plus, Christy reflects on navigating the holidays as a deeply feeling human—and why we all need a little magic, now more than ever.

RESOURCES:

Matthew's FB Page “Claus of the Ozarks”

Melissa Hern, BA, MC, LPC; counselor in the Branson and Kimberling City area AI Programming Support (son's business) Opichi YouTube Tickets to see Dean Z at the Clay Cooper Theatre

Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks - community to plug into!