Unashamed Unafraid (Unashamed Unafraid)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Unashamed Unafraid
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jun 2020 | Ep 34: Tim and Callie's Story | 01:05:30 | |
Steve and Jason sit down with Tim and Callie as they share their story. This is a story of true redemption, and not just for Tim. Tim and Callie talk about their stories individually and how they met. They then talk about how they both found redemption through the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ. Please have a listen and if this story touches your life or you know it will touch someone's, please consider sharing this with them. | |||
| 09 Jul 2021 | Ep 54: Ashlee's Story | 00:52:38 | |
At Unashamed Unafraid we share real stories with you that prove sexual addiction has no bounds of age, background, or gender, and that recovery is possible for anyone. Yes, women struggle too and here is more proof as Ashlee, our 2nd female to share on the podcast, opens up about her struggle with sexual addiction. We invite you to listen as Steve and Chris challenge Ashlee to abandon her notes and go off-script, sharing her story Unashamed-style, from the heart. Ashlee discusses how her addiction to pornography began after her parents gave her a smart phone when she was 12. She describes the shame she felt as she struggled to live up to the “perfect child” image her parents had of her as she was growing up. In the middle of her teen years her family moved from their farm and homeschool lifestyle to a neighborhood where Ashlee found herself adjusting to a traditional high school. As she sought for ways to numb out she plunged deeper in her addiction to pornography and masturbation. She kept this a secret from everyone until one day her cousin opened up about a struggle she was having and this opened the door for Ashlee to finally share about her addiction. She talked with her bishop and began making lifestyle changes that helped her stop viewing pornography. However, about 6 months later, a surgery brought on new challenges for Ashlee in which she developed an eating disorder. Her desire to numb from her eating addiction drove her back to her pornography addiction. Overwhelmed and feeling alone Ashlee searched for anyone she could relate to but couldn’t find any women who were open about having similar struggles. In her search she found Collin Kartchner’s podcast where Ashlee first shared her story publicly. From there she was able to share her story through multiple venues but she felt like a hypocrite as she still secretly struggled with masturbation. As Ashlee has come to understand God’s love for her, and as she has found other women who share similar struggles, she has started to find healing. Ashlee invites you to reach out to her through direct message on Instagram @ashleeayre. Resources: Daughters of Light, https://lifechangingservices.online/daughtersoflight Has Ashlee’s story hit home for you? If you or someone you know is struggling with a sex addiction, Unashamed Unafraid is the podcast and website for you! Please visit our website at unashamedunafraid.com or look us up on social media @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 15 Dec 2020 | Ep 45: Chris and Sarah Ashworth | 01:09:15 | |
Are you religious but struggle to find God? Or, do you wonder if God is even there? Do you or does someone you love manage to gain stints of sobriety, but without true healing? If you relate to any of these questions, Chris and Sarah Ashworth’s story is just the one you need to hear. In this episode, Chris takes us on his journey from agnosticism to building a deep connection with God, and Sarah recounts her experiences of her own personal healing. Chris grew up in what he says was a “happy home”, as a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While family life was good, he fought a silent internal battle with pornography and masturbation from age 12 to 26. Sarah describes her childhood home a bit differently: one where both parents worked long hours, where divorce and abuse inflicted deep emotional wounds, and where family members mostly avoided one another. Regardless of this stark contrast in upbringing, Chris and Sarah would discover later on that they both had wounds that needed healing. Sarah, who was also raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, always followed the rules but felt that God was very distant. She projected her relationship with her father on God - seeing Him as an aloof being to be feared. Chris didn’t think so much about God as much as he did “church” and “worthiness”, and was numb and distracted by addiction. By age 36, Chris had managed to gain meaningful sobriety, but was still in search of true healing. He had lived as an agnostic for years, so he had a decision to make as his son’s baptism day approached. Sarah urged Chris to find God, but he refused to do so. The day before the baptism, Chris decided that he would baptize his son, regardless of where his heart was at. Sarah refused and expressed what he already knew in his heart: he had “procrastinated the day of [his] repentance.” Chris had arrived at spiritual “rock bottom”. He began writing prayers to a God he still questioned, sometimes even expressing anger and bitterness, until one day He answered. Shortly after, God came for Chris’s heart at a “Wild at Heart” retreat, where he claims he went from agnostic to Christian over a weekend. As Sarah watched God heal her husband’s heart, she felt hers being healed as well. She learned to have more humility with God. She started seeking Him out for validation and learned to trust that He’d take care of Chris. Chris went from being completely indifferent to the idea of a god to seeing God as his partner, friend, and father. He deliberately wakes up early to spend an hour or two with God every morning. His message to addicts is to find God as he did, by separating Him from church and religion, then to follow Him. Find more at https://www.aliveinchrist.me
| |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | EP 135: Kaleb's Story | 00:48:00 | |
In this episode, Kaleb joins Steve and James for a raw, courageous discussion about his journey through addiction, shame, and recovery after a series of legal consequences and time in jail. Kaleb opens up about facing the labels of "addict" and "sex offender" and the impact they had on his self-image and spiritual life. They emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective, the power of forgiveness, and the impact of having a positive, future-oriented mindset. This episode provides a heartfelt look at the road from rock-bottom experiences to healing and growth, offering listeners insight into how one man has found purpose and peace amidst profound struggle. You can connect with Kaleb on instagram @kalebmbarclay and @findingfreedom.pod
| |||
| 26 Oct 2022 | Ep 71: Expectations and Expectancy with Marc Pimlser | 01:10:46 | |
Choosing to Live in Expectancy Join us as Steve and James sit down with Magic Marc once again, along with Marc’s special guest Kayla (Steve’s wife), to explore the topics of living with expectations versus living in expectancy. Marc explains that living with expectations means we have a tight attachment to end results. Those expectations are actually just premeditated resentments. Often we place the highest expectations on ourselves. This can cause us to feel shame when we aren’t able to meet those expectations. So, when you are trying to avoid carrying around unresolved resentments, how do you live without expectations? Marc’s solution is to live in expectancy. What does living in expectancy mean? Living in expectancy helps us to have a looser grip on life. It allows room for God, creativity, and breathing. Expectancy allows the space and grace for imperfections and curiosity. It also allows for the spontaneity of the moment to arise. Steve, Kayla, and James share their personal experiences of where they have set expectations. Marc helps them explore what living in expectancy can mean for them and as you listen you are invited to find where you can live in expectancy too. To learn more about Marc Pimbsler visit his website at https://marcpimsler.com or tune into his podcast The Magic Well. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 10 Jul 2020 | Ep 36: Seth and Nicole's Story | 01:13:34 | |
Steve and James sit down with Seth and Nicole as they share their story. This is a story of true redemption, and not just for Seth. Seth and Nicole talk about their stories individually and how they met. They then talk about how they both found redemption through the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ. Please have a listen and if this story touches your life or you know it will touch someone else's, please consider sharing this with them. | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | EP 134: Live Unashamed- Grace and its Place With Addiction Recovery | 00:18:54 | |
This episode dives deep into the role of grace in addiction recovery. Sam joins hosts Steve and James in a candid conversation about how grace not only fosters personal healing but also helps bridge the gaps in relationships harmed by addiction. The episode unpacks the depth of grace, its transformative power, and its ability to inspire positive change. They emphasize that grace is not a "hall pass" to excuse harmful behaviors but a force that leads to true reconciliation. The discussion also touches on the misconception of using grace to justify actions, the importance of reconciling relationships with God, and the personal journey each individual takes in recovery.
| |||
| 14 May 2024 | EP 109: Live Unashamed- Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, nature beats addiction | 00:22:05 | |
Changing our state is a good practice when dealing with life’s stressful events – but getting outside and connecting to nature resets our minds. Chris, Steve, and James share what works best for them from hiking, sitting by a fire, or getting on a boat to help reset their state of mind. The episode ends with a challenge to get outdoors and dive into nature. When you are done, go back to your car and get your phone and email a picture to chris@unashamedunafraid.com.
| |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | EP 100: Live Unashamed- What Resources Have Worked Best for You in Recovery? | 00:22:53 | |
"That was a moment for me that changed the trajectory of my life, my recovery; changed the connection with my wife, changed how I saw my kids; changed so much of me and who I was…" -Chris In this short ‘Live Unashamed’ episode, Steve, James and Chris discuss resources that make a difference and how to find them. Good resources can initiate breakthroughs and sustain recovery, but they must have qualities that work for you like giving hope, helping with emotions and encouraging accountability and connection with others and with God. Steve encourages us to apply the “Fail Cheap and Fail Fast” principle to our search for resources and ends with an invitation to leave a comment about resources that have worked for you. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 09 Jul 2024 | EP 117: Live Unashamed- Reaching Out, What Does it Mean? | 00:22:15 | |
Alcoholics Anonymous' Dr. Bob's response to Bill Wilson after he complained that no one showed up for a meeting he spent the day organizing— "But you didn't drink today" — speaks volumes. In this episode, Steve, James, and Chris recognize the challenges of forming real connections and a supportive community while providing uplifting advice. Tune in for insightful truths like these: Everyone fears rejection, and introverts face extra hurdles, but there are ways to overcome them. Each connection made is a victory against isolation, and reaching out pulls us out of our negotiations with our addiction.
| |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | Ep 52: Cassy's Story | 01:06:05 | |
Is pornography addiction a man’s problem? Religious groups place emphasis and belief on this. In a sense, there is some truth with this mindset. Porn media starting in the 50’s was primarily developed for men. The ensuing decades followed suit, developing for, and catering to men. Pornography became part of the man’s world. Over the past few decades, the man’s world mindset has been slowly eroding. With this erosion, the porn industry has realized an untapped market share - women. Women are being pressured to view, escape into, and find comfort and self confidence with sexual content. The carefully crafted message is getting women hooked. Is pornography addiction still then solely a man’s problem? Absolutely not. Women are becoming addicted and having the same if not more difficult struggles with pornography addiction. The expectation that this addiction is a man’s problem, or something that a future husband might struggle with, sets an unspoken expectation that women don’t and shouldn’t struggle with sexual addiction. This can be quite shaming to a woman who silently and painfully struggles. Cassy sits down with the Unashamed Unafraid team to share the story of her addiction struggle and gives incredible insight from a different perspective. Her journey out of isolation has been transforming and she has come to truly find and connect with God. If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who might benefit from it, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 01 Jan 2023 | Ep 73: Unashamed in 2023 | 01:04:36 | |
We at Unashamed Unafraid are just like you. Over the past year, we've struggled and experienced failures and successes as God has tried us, changed us and loved us. In this episode, we invite you to get to know us better as we share our favorite episodes and worship songs of 2022 and speak to our own personal struggles and growth. In addition, we celebrate what 2022 has meant to the podcast. Learn how donations have been used, about our new volunteer team members and about our vision for the future. Most importantly, we follow our hearts to bring you hope and God's love in your own personal journeys to become unashamed of sexual addiction recovery and unafraid of coming unto Christ for healing. God's hope is 100 percent real. We're evidence of it. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid "Music used with permission by: Hotham - Paradise Hope, Serge Quadrado - Sunrise Piano and Faith and Hope" | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | Ep 53: Honesty in Relationships with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife | 01:12:24 | |
Honesty in Relationships with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Steve and James sit down with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife JFF and talk about what it means to be truly human; fully alive. Where does it all start? That dreaded word Honesty. Honesty is the foundation of being fully human and truly alive. But why do we shy away from being fully human if that is what all of us want? Don’t we want to be seen for who we are? Do we want to be a part of the larger story? Do we want to become the person that is perfect? Being perfect is not being human. JFF said, “I don’t blame us for wanting a world free of suffering. The path is not perfectionism. This will stunt our ability to become ‘Fully Human’. This (perfectionism) is in complete opposition to the definition of being human.” Being human hurts. We see that from the example of the most human person ever to live, Jesus Christ. He was honest about everything in his life and yet people hated him for that. This is why most people decide to live in their own smaller story instead of God’s larger story. They don’t really want to be seen because it hurts too much. JFF says otherwise: “There is nothing that makes a spouse safer than honesty. They may not trust you. But, the moment that you come clean and are completely honest, it is the most safe place in your marriage.” When we let go of who we want people to think we are…perfect, we let go of the counterfeit self. We let go of the shame and guilt of not being able to live up to our (and other’s) expectations. We become fully human; seen, heard and loved. So, back to the question of should you be here? Does your life make a difference? Do you want to be fully seen and heard? The answer is a resounding YES JFF talks about so much more in this episode with Steve and James. You’ll love this episode. If you want more from JFF, please visit [Finlayson-Fife.com]. There are lots of resources for men and women. It is a self-paced course. She also has office hours and Facebook pages. This is a place with great support to other men and women as well. We also have scholarships for JFF’s courses: The Art of Desire https://www.finlayson-fife.com/courses/course/the-art-of-desire and The Art of Loving https://www.finlayson-fife.com/courses/course/the-art-of-loving Go to unashamedunafraid.com/scholarships and apply for your scholarship TODAY! If this episode resonates with you or you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. We are also a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and have scholarships for those who can’t otherwise afford therapy, group therapy, A Warrior Heart Boot Camp, or the Heart of a Woman retreat. Please go to the website unashamedunafraid.com for more information on these scholarships and many other resources. | |||
| 24 Apr 2022 | Ep 66: Mike & Tami's Story | 00:58:58 | |
Mike and Tami Do you ever feel like your marriage is a business partnership? This is how Mike and Tami describe their marriage for many years, just business. Tami was focused on being a mom. She was content in the role of motherhood which was all she ever wanted. Mike was struggling with shame in his addiction. They were running the family business but not truly connecting with each other. This story is very special to co-host James as Mike is James' childhood friend. James has been along Mike’s side through his whole journey. There were times they were just hanging out as bros, both quietly struggling. Later they opened up about their struggles and have supported each other. Mike spent many years struggling with the cycle of trying to stop his pornography addiction. He describes seeking validation from Tami sexually. He held onto a lot of bitterness and felt justified in his addiction. For Mike, stepping away from the shame of his addiction helped him find sobriety. This however, did not fix the disconnection in his marriage. Mike and Tami share the difficult moments in their marriage when they question if they loved each other and if their marriage would really make it. Now they are continually learning to connect and find true emotional intimacy in their relationship. Mike learned that God never turned his back on him. He is waiting for all of us with open arms. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid | |||
| 05 Oct 2020 | Ep 41: Chris and Marilyn's Story | 01:14:30 | |
Steve and James sit down with Chris and Marilyn. Chris and Marilyn grew up together in Santa Monica, California as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As they phrase it, they were both “box checkers” - they went to church, served a mission, got married in the temple, had kids, and served in church callings. At age eleven Chris experienced two things that would dramatically change the trajectory of their lives for the next fifty years: He was sexually abused by his assistant scoutmaster and was introduced to pornography.
| |||
| 07 Nov 2019 | EP 18: Intro to 12 Step & ARP Meetings | 01:02:47 | |
Jason, Matt, Randy, and Steve sit down and talk about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ (LDS) ARP. This is a version of the AA 12 step program created by Bill W. The difference between the two versions is that the LDS Church focuses on the relationship that a person has with Jesus Christ. This episode focuses on what ARP is, what it is not, and how it can help the addict. ARP is a great start on the road to recovery. Listen in to learn about the healing and help Jason and Matt have received through the ARP program and how Randy talks about having the ability to choose the road to recovery. If this affects you and you know others who might be struggling, please consider sharing this with them because we are here unashamed and unafraid to share stories about addiction, recovery, and redemption through Jesus Christ. | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Ep 90: Pete's Story | 00:54:39 | |
Physically, emotionally, and sexually abused as a child, Pete tried to navigate through shame, anger, and confusion alone while self-medicating with many things, but especially with an addiction to lust. Constant cycles of confession and relapse didn’t help, but getting a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and multiple bands of brothers have helped him find the path to hope and healing. Through reaching up and reaching out, Pete’s story magnifies God’s glory. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | Ep 64: Rod's Story | 01:03:41 | |
At a young age Rod realized he loved looking at girls. His fascination started at his grandparent’s home with a swimsuit edition of a certain magazine. Like many who struggle, he kept his addiction quiet thinking it would go away with marriage. After he had been married for a few years, and realizing his struggle was ongoing, Rod had a desire to be honest with his wife. His path through disclosure and opening up to his children is not one he would recommend. Rod faced severe distrust in his marriage and initially struggled to find true recovery despite efforts to confess to his bishop and work through therapy and life coaching with his wife. Rod opens up with Chris and James about his rock bottom moment of knowing his marriage was over and the decision to change for himself and not anyone else. He shares how he was guided to the warrior heart boot camp, his recovery group and his morning revival. Rod demonstrates recovery is possible after a failed marriage. His girlfriend, Heather shares how she overcame one of her list of absolutes, that she would never date anyone who was an addict. In getting to know Rod, she changed her perspective and more importantly shares how his recovery has impacted her own relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some clips Rod shares that are part of his morning revival. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqp2cPlK8oI https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XBbV0jn_Cxo https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nZvf_-331t0 If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | EP 132: The Lisa Show pt. 1 | 00:36:25 | |
*This is a reposted episode from The Lisa Show Podcast* byuradio.org/the-lisa-show In this special episode, Steven joins Lisa for a conversation about recovery, outlining seven critical aspects of the healing process. They discuss the the most common pitfalls that keep people from healing and recovering, including the "try harder" fallacy, and outdated labels and language. Whether the issue at hand is pornography use, affairs and infidelity, or betrayal trauma, anyone can heal. Steven and Lisa discuss strategies for forming safe communities that foster honesty and recovery, especially in church environments.
| |||
| 15 Jan 2023 | Ep 74: Josh and Heather's Story | 00:50:43 | |
Unashamed and unafraid, Josh boldly shares his story of a poser life by day and a life of acting out with multiple partners while trying to keep it a secret from his first wife by night. But now Josh is willing to give up everything to God to make things right and get back into good standing with his church, his family, and start new with his second wife Heather and her kids. Heather’s story is one of struggling with her first husband who was also an addict. Thinking “never again” she was surprised to feel at peace when Josh revealed his struggles with his addiction and she found that the secrecy of her first husband hurt worse than the acting out. Within a week of her divorce being finalized, she said yes to Josh’s proposal two years ago despite him confessing to her when he’d been having a hard day and relapsed. Josh’s story is one of redemption from living in his car to living his best life with Heather. Thinking he’d have to spend as many years in recovery as he’d spent in addiction, Josh has found Christ’s healing powers are not confined to the constraints of a calendar or stopwatch. Heather’s story is one of continual work on their marriage and Heather has loved seeing how open Josh is to sharing his story to help others come out of shame and fear to embrace recovery and strengthen their relationship with Christ. Now their teenage boys are counting down the days until they are old enough to go to a warrior bootcamp weekend and are actively seeking out peers who are struggling. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | EP 107: Live Unashamed- Higher Power | 00:20:33 | |
In this episode, Steve, James, and guest Kurt Francom explore the role of a higher power in addiction recovery. Recognizing the diversity of perspectives surrounding this topic, the trio transcends conventional definitions, offering insights grounded in their collective experience. The conversation touches on crucial themes, including wounds, surrender, identity, healing, and happiness. If you've ever pondered the complexities of this subject, you'll enjoy this thought-provoking and spirited discussion.
| |||
| 21 Jan 2021 | Ep 46: Unashamed for the New Year 2021 | 00:57:59 | |
Unashamed Unafraid The New Year 2021 Edition Unashamed Unafraid has taken on a few new faces this year. The newcomers are Sway and Rachel, and AZ Cory. We were able to continue to spread this message of hope, love, healing, and faith in Christ, even with COVID. We became a non-profit organization to be able to help people fight through healing from sex addiction. We were able to give out a lot of money last year to help those with the donations from the UU Outsiders. Thank you so very much! Once COVID restrictions are lifted, we will be able to help even more people because of the generous donations. Our listeners’ lives are not the only lives that are affected. We also went through a lot of changes personally this year. So, we asked ourselves several questions about this year: What type of animal would you describe this year as? What was your favorite episode? Also, will we be doing more events like the live zoom Q&A? We will actually be doing more of them. We just have not figured out how many yet. We will also be introducing new bonus content. We will be reviewing four books this year and talking about them in our bonus content. We have not chosen the books yet, so stay tuned. How do I become an Outsider you ask? Subscribe to our podcast and go to https://unashamedunafraid.com/donate. This is how you can get even more great content this year. We really appreciate all our listeners, outsiders and free subscribers. This podcast is truly more for us than it is for our listeners. Yet, our listeners seem to like what they are hearing. We know that it gives a lot of us who are struggling with addiction or even betrayal trauma some perspective on sexual addiction and how to find healing and strength through Jesus Christ. We look forward to another adventurous year. Thanks for listening and donating. | |||
| 08 Jun 2022 | Ep 68: Troy's Story | 00:55:03 | |
The only relationship you need in order to find recovery is with God. In this episode, Jason jumps to the other side of the mic with Steve to talk to Troy about his journey through his addiction and subsequent divorce. Growing up Troy held on to two beliefs. The first, that he could never tell anyone about his addiction and second, that he would never be worthy. He grew up feeling that he was his father’s least favorite son and translated some of that belief to his perception of how God saw him; feeling that he always had to prove he was worth something. After serving a mission Troy quickly got married and he describes those early years of marriage as being very miserable because he felt unsafe to let his wife see any of his weaknesses. Troy checked out of his marriage and fell hard back into his struggle with addiction which soon escalated. He felt caught in the exhausting circle of trying to hide his addictive actions and still continue to seek addiction. Even with a second chance in his marriage, when he witnessed amazing changes in his wife, he struggled to overcome the shame of his previous actions and thought he didn’t deserve to be happy. Troy shares how wonderful and supportive his wife was through his struggle. He admits he was white knuckling and while being stationed overseas he soon dove back into his addiction. His wife’s discovery brought an end to their marriage. Troy tenderly shares the pain of his shame, and how encompassing it became. His divorce brought on depression and suicidal thoughts. Hope wasn’t immediate, but a sliver of hope came from hearing Chris and Autumn's story. Troy learned that God speaks to him through stories and he shares some of those stories with Steve and Jason. Through enduring the loss of his marriage he realized he needed to fight for his needs and for his relationship with his kids. Troy found that in letting go of his need to validate his worthiness from others, his relationship with God deepened. He now knows that God sees him as beloved, is crazy about him and about each one of us.
| |||
| 22 Feb 2022 | Ep 63: Jim and Leisha's Story- Healing is Real | 01:00:44 | |
Not all addicts begin their struggles in their childhood or youth. Jim’s addiction struggle started a little later in life. Married with a young family, his life began to change as he descended into addiction. Honesty is very difficult for addicts yet so crucial to the healing process. For Jim, being fully honest with himself and with those affected by his addiction came in waves. This struggle to be fully honest negatively affected his wife’s trust and intensified her betrayal trauma. Coming to terms and expelling the secrets was a process for Jim over a period of time. Jim speaks of the release and relief of no longer keeping secrets. Honesty truly starts the path to healing. Though sometimes a slow process, healing is real and attainable. Joy, peace, and release from pain can be found. Jim and Leisha share with the Unashamed Unafraid team a very personal journey of his struggle with addiction. They each give their perspective of how addiction affected their perception and personal relationship with God. They speak of hope, and healing. All are worthy of this beautiful gift. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 23 Aug 2019 | Ep 13: Sway and Rachel’s Recovery Story | 01:21:27 | |
In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Sway & Rachel. We discuss how his addiction started, how it eventually spiraled out of control and how it impacted their lives. God brought redemption into their lives through getting caught, an amazing therapist, and their children. Rachel explains how solid boundaries brought safety for her and their marriage. They give us the straight talk on how difficult the path of recovery can be but how it truly is worth it. We know you can find hope in their story of courage, grit, and redemption. We also announce the winner of the Heart of a Woman retreat giveaway! | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | EP 86: with Marni Bown | 00:55:30 | |
Marni opens her heart to share a painful marriage, turning her first husband over to Christ, managing through betrayal trauma, prayerful divorce, and how to move forward when her happily ever after was shattered. Moving out of her marriage was painful, but she kept her focus on her kids and deepened her relationship with God and began to find peace and eventually got remarried and has become a life coach to help others through their hope and healing. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | EP 119: Live Unashamed- Am I Codependent? (pt. 1) | 00:22:58 | |
The concept of codependency can be difficult to grasp and identifying it within ourselves or our relationships can prove challenging. In this episode, we break down the definition, assess its relevance, and offer strategies for recognizing and addressing it. If you’ve grappled with resentment in a relationship or felt compelled to manage someone else’s emotions or beliefs, this discussion may provide hope, guidance, and even relief.
| |||
| 21 Aug 2020 | Ep 39: Thomas 2.0 | 01:01:58 | |
Thomas’s story is a miraculous journey from egotistical denial, to desperate despair, and finally, to healthy healing. It is for the man that has been hiding for most of his life and for the woman who senses that addiction has robbed her of her husband’s love. It’s a story of how one couple went from total disconnection to daily emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical connection. It’s the story of “Dark to Light: My Recovery from Pornography and Lust” (for his full story, check out his book on Amazon), and the story of how “Thomas 2.0” came to be. | |||
| 26 Nov 2024 | EP 136: Live Unashamed-Spirituality in Addiction Recovery | 00:20:10 | |
In today’s episode, Steve, Sam, and James are joined by Ella as they take a deep dive into the role of spirituality in recovery. They discuss the balance between spirituality and religion, exploring what it means to seek a connection with something beyond oneself without necessarily aligning with organized religion. Each guest shares their unique struggles and perspectives, from dealing with judgment and perfectionism to the courage required to open up to others. They consider how shame and perfectionism show up in both religious settings and recovery groups, affecting the journey to self-acceptance. This episode ends with an invitation to reflect on the barriers we face in connecting with others and with a higher power.
| |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | EP 115: Live Unashamed- Navigating the Influence of Digital Media | 00:20:44 | |
Just as we establish clear boundaries in our relationships with other people, we must also set boundaries in our relationship with digital media, especially when we consider that media use is the "most undiagnosed addiction behavior by a mile." It consumes massive chunks of our time on its own, and can lure the recovering porn addict back into full-blown relapse. Hear the Unashamed Unafraid team speak to all of these points, as well as how parents play a crucial role in modeling healthy media habits for their children, how women especially are hurt by social media's brutal comparison game, and how being constantly plugged in blocks us from "finding God in silence."
| |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | EP 122: Jennifer's Story | 00:48:30 | |
Jennifer suffered every type of abuse as a child. She was assaulted by her father, then by all the men that her mother brought home over the years. She came to feel that she was worthless, only there to make other people happy, and was filled with guilt. Years later, a therapist recommended she go get a massage to learn that not all touch was sexual. That backfired tremendously when her masseuse ended up raping her. Jennifer was in a dark place, and as she watched her mother succumb to alzheimer's she was afflicted with suicidal thoughts. She finally asked God to give her a reason to live in any way that He could. The next morning, a sunrise miracle caused a deep and fundamental shift within her. That, combined with the reframing that she gained from an experiential, ultimately healed her soul and put her on the road to recovery. Jennifer’s story is a message of hope both to addicts and victims of abuse everywhere.
| |||
| 26 Jun 2020 | Ep 35: Attachment with Troy Love | 00:35:32 | |
Chris and Steve sit down with author and therapist Troy Love. Troy lives in Yuma Arizona. He is a licensed clinical social worker. Troy has written three books that have been on the Amazon best seller’s list. He is extremely passionate about assisting people with attachment wounds. He loves to help them find healing, joy, peace and love. Troy has a firm belief that attachment wounds shape a person’s reality (which most of the time is wrong) about the world and those around them. | |||
| 06 Jan 2022 | Ep 61: Unashamed for the New Year 2022 | 01:04:25 | |
The entire U/U Crew meet to talk about 2021. What was everyone’s song of healing for the year? How many outsiders are there and just how is that non-profit doing? They each share their hearts and get vulnerable and real. No surprises there. | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | EP 98: Live Unashamed- No Secrets: Why We Choose to Tell Our Story | 00:22:25 | |
“I know where shame lives - and that’s in isolation.” Breaking anonymity shares how God has changed us and the desire to help one person to change their life is real when we come alive in Christ’s healing. It is reaching out with the most important messages in a shame-filled world - “you are not alone, and you are worth everything.” It is easy for us to compare our suffering against others. To think our story is too small compared to others. Regardless of “little t traumas'' or “BIG T TRAUMAS” - we all have our pain. Our ways of dealing with that pain, and the shame and loneliness of trying to do it alone and getting those stories out in the open is how we share the message that “God loves you no matter what, because He loved me no matter what, and there is Hope and Healing through Christ.” “It isn’t just my story changing people’s lives - it is the story of God changing people’s lives.” Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 12 Sep 2019 | Ep 14: The Story of Us: Richard & Becky's Recovery Story | 01:14:48 | |
Richard and Becky's story is an amazing story of honesty, creating boundaries, finding God, and ultimately the path of healing and hope. Richard does a great job of talking about how he has found acceptance with God even though he’s not perfect. Becky shares how she has been able to support Richard while creating boundaries and safety for her own healing. | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | EP 150: Hunter & Sarah's Story | 00:50:23 | |
In this episode, hosts engage with Hunter and Sarah who share their journey of overcoming pornography addiction. Hunter describes getting hooked on pornography at a young age, his struggles throughout his mission, and how his addiction persisted into his marriage. The couple details the challenges they faced and the turning point when Hunter began to open up about his addiction, leading to significant relief and progress. Hunter discusses the importance of removing shame, healing past traumas, and viewing pornography neutrally to aid recovery. Sarah shares her feelings of inadequacy and how she learned to detach from Hunter's addiction, emphasizing self-love and acceptance. *You can connect with Hunter and Sarah here: instagram.com/_hunter.clark
| |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | EP 104: Live Unashamed- Addiction vs. Behavior | 00:21:33 | |
Recognizing that we have behaviors that are detrimental to both ourselves and others brings up some important questions. We wonder whether these actions classify as addictions, transient behaviors, or merely bad habits. More questions come up when we find that we can't easily stop the behavior. In this episode, we explore the reasons we even ask the questions. We contemplate the significance of the societal labels associated with such behaviors, the underlying factors contributing to our actions, and whether seeking help is necessary.
| |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | EP 146: Nick & Anja's Story | 00:41:24 | |
In this episode, Sam and James engage in a heartfelt discussion with Nick and Anja about their life stories, meeting each other, and the struggles they faced, including addiction, mental health, and personal trauma. They share insights on their relationship dynamics, particularly focusing on honesty, vulnerability, and coping mechanisms. They detail Nick's journey through addiction, feelings of unworthiness, and moments of suicidal ideation, while Anja discusses her own struggles with multiple sclerosis and feelings of being unlovable. Despite their challenges, they highlight the importance of mutual support, understanding God's unconditional love, and continuous efforts toward healing. The episode also touches on the role of the podcast and community support in aiding their recovery.
| |||
| 05 Sep 2023 | EP 85: Tamara's Story | 00:54:06 | |
In this episode, Tamara joins Steve and Cassy to share her inspiring story of recovering from an addiction to pornography. Tamara’s struggle with addiction inspired her to learn more about God and as a result she developed a more meaningful connection with him. She no longer views Him as a “genie” but rather her friend who she loves dearly. If you would like to connect with Tamara you can visit her website at www.Tamara-Kelly.com. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | EP 116: Christian and Kelle's Story | 00:53:23 | |
Christian was born the middle of eight children and felt that he had to act out to get noticed. In his early adolescence he experimented with opiates, alcohol, a cigarette, and sex. Kelle met Christian during their senior year of High School, the two started dating, and were quickly married after he returned home from his LDS mission. A few years and a motorcycle accident later, Christian went through a steady progression of painkillers, alcohol, gambling, and adultery. He became unable to hold down a job and disappeared for long stretches of time, Kelle and their four children unsure of when or if he would show up next. Christian and Kelle’s story is a testament to the fact that there is always a way back, that no soul is over and done, at least not so long as we are willing to open ourselves even a little to the light that is cracking its way into our hearts.
| |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | EP 89: Anita's Story | 00:49:47 | |
Anita Anita used to avoid looking at herself in the mirror to hide from deep feelings of shame and brokenness. Life started out rough for her and led to years of drug and sex addiction, abortion and an affair. Today though, she looks in the mirror and feels joy and is cherished by God. In this episode, she shares the story of her transformation: a journey from being broken, to being healed through Jesus and into a life of joyful service to other broken women. Steve sums up the episode with the word “Holy”. Cassy says it’s perspective-changing. You can contact Anita via email at anita@jasminegrace.org or on the website www.jasminegrace.org. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 09 Aug 2019 | Ep 12: Heal Betrayal Trauma: The Heart of a Woman Retreat | 01:04:10 | |
At Unashamed Unafraid we know the women go through a lot. The Heart of a Woman Retreat can be a powerful tool to help women heal. This year we decided to give back in our small way by sponsoring one woman to go on the retreat this year. Find out how below! Heart of a Woman is a retreat produced by women for women. It is a three-day event starting on a Thursday and ending on a Saturday. It is held in Wanship, Utah (near Park City, Utah). The retreat is unlike anything you have ever experienced.t is the women’s version of the Warrior Heart Retreat for men. | |||
| 28 May 2024 | EP 111: Live Unashamed- Strategies for Breaking Addictive Patterns | 00:21:34 | |
If porn is a paycheck and I’m getting $200 a week and you tell me to just stop - the math doesn’t add up because I’m broke. You have to give them hope - “what if I give you $500 a week in recovery.” And that $500 is hope. This episode uncovers the understanding of unconditional love from God in talking with others and seeking God. Brother and Sisterhood, good 12 Step programs, bootcamps, etc. is what provides the larger payoff of a life in peace from the insanity cycle of acting out.
| |||
| 11 Oct 2019 | Ep 16: Anonymous Questions Answered: Bipolar, Dailies, & Shame | 00:57:08 | |
For our 7th Anonymous Questions episode, we brought back a favorite guest Todd Olson, LCSW. Todd is one of the founders of LifeSTAR and practices here in Utah. He will address three questions we received. The first one is about dealing with sexual addiction while having bipolar disorder. The second one is about dailies and what they are. The third one is about shame. Shame is such a big topic that we will be covering that in a future podcast. As always we commend the courage of our anonymous question-askers for being willing to reach out and be vulnerable. | |||
| 03 Apr 2020 | Ep 28: Steve and Kayla | 01:22:15 | |
Chris and James sit down with rapper host Steven and his wife Kayla. In this episode, Steven is more detailed with his childhood and his married life. We also get to hear Kayla tell the story from her perspective. If these stories resonate with you, or you know someone who might benefit from them, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | Ep 79: Devin and Joslyn's story | 00:55:51 | |
Devin and Joslyn radiate with a powerful light, but their journey has been a challenge. Prior to their marriage, Devin opened up to Joslyn about his struggles with pornography. Joslyn worked for an addiction recovery program and knew the potential risks but saw Devin 'on his recovery game'. They married and things went well - for a while. Join us as we witness the transformative power of God in their lives. | |||
| 27 Dec 2019 | Ep 21: Q & A Answers: Boundaries with Addicts and is God Part of Recovery? | 01:08:03 | |
Merry Christmas! Here is a special episode where all of the players in Unashamed Unafraid (UU) come together and answer listeners’ anonymous questions. We really appreciate all of the people who have tuned in this year. We have something special coming in the year to come but this won’t be discussed in this episode. What will be discussed in this episode is the questions from anonymous listeners like you. | |||
| 07 May 2024 | EP 108: Jacob and Trichelle's Story | 00:48:15 | |
Jacob and Trichelle, married for 32 years, both serve on the staff of Desert Solace, a pornography and sexual addiction treatment facility in St. George, Utah. In this episode, they recount their transformative journey from what they once described as 'soul sucking' to something they now see as 'beautiful'. Jacob's addiction overshadowed the first 26 years of their marriage but was difficult to identify as it oscillated between sex and workaholism. Their marriage teetered on the edge. Feeling unredeemable, both, at different points, reached their ultimate breaking points. In time, they both emerged from the darkness and today, help others through similar struggles. This episode delves into the couples’ heart-wrenching but ultimately redemptive story. Discover how they achieved what seemed impossible and continue to persevere today. Hear why they call God their best friend. Learn about Desert Solace and the impactful work Jacob and Trichelle now do there. Gain access to tools, resources, inspiration, and possibly a reframing of your own journey.
| |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | EP 153: Live Unashamed- Recovery Dailies | 00:15:45 | |
Chris and Sam discuss the importance of daily habits, or 'dailies,' in maintaining a grounded relationship with God and supporting recovery. Both emphasize how consistent habits like daily affirmations, prayer, and meditation can lower stress and help process emotions. They discuss the challenges and benefits of making time for these daily practices, tools like a daily affirmation book, and the importance of choosing habits that one enjoys rather than dreads. Both also share personal anecdotes and strategies they employ, encouraging listeners to find what works for them and to give themselves grace when they fall short.
| |||
| 13 Feb 2021 | Ep 48: With the Dating Divas | 00:52:49 | |
To romance or to ROMANCE - Questions For The Dating Divas Have you ever wondered how to romance and date your wife? Have you forgotten how? We all know the joke, “What is the thing that makes a woman’s libido disappear?” Wedding Cake. Insert Laugh here. But romance also goes out the window when a man gets married too. Most guys struggle with romancing their wives. Well, you are in luck! Unashamed Unafraid interviewed two of the women, Heather (Site Director) and Becca (Vice President) from The Dating Divas. Heather and Becca help run the website www.thedatingdivas.com. This is a perfect website for all couples. It helps you figure out how to get creative and romantic with your dates. Guys, have you forgotten that we need to continue dating our wives after we get married? So many of us have forgotten how to date. We just think a dinner and a movie is good enough, if we even get that far. No shame if you are in that same boat. The Dating Divas have a way for there to be fun and excitement in your relationships again. Heather and Becca express the need for connection. Most women (not all) connect when a husband thinks about them. Heather and Becca suggest doing simple things at first to gain that connection with her. Some examples are texting your wife just saying you are thinking about her. Heather suggested buying her a single rose 12 days in a row instead of a bouquet of flowers. Simple, but can definitely mean a lot to them. I have pulled out the old romance swagger a time or two during my marriage; however, definitely not enough. I have written notes on post-its and stuck them all over the house for my wife to find. The Dating Divas talk about many of their ideas too. Doing these small gestures of thoughtfulness, leads to a stronger connection with your spouse. It tells your wife that you are in it for more than just sex. You are in it to make her happy and you are fighting for her heart. Plus, it is a lot of fun to see her reaction. The Dating Divas aren't just about romantic ways to surprise your wife, it is about fun and different date ideas. I for one have a hard time coming up with something other than dinner and a movie. When we as addicts are in our addiction, we cannot feel, let alone hope to be able to connect with our spouses. This is one way that may be able to help pull ourselves out of the addiction cycle. This will help us stop thinking about ourselves and make “real” connections with real people who love us. Heather and Becca give a lot of great ideas of how to be creative. The products and services they have on their website are not very expensive at all and they have a TON of Freebies. Plus, they are giving our listeners and Outsiders an opportunity for some free items. You just have to listen to the entire podcast for details. We hope you enjoyed this podcast. This was a different way of looking at ways to attack the addiction through real connection and selfless acts of service. If you or someone you know is struggling with a sex addiction, Unashamed Unafraid is the podcast and website for you. Please visit our website at unashamedunafraid.com or look us up on social media @UnashamedUnafraid. Resources: | |||
| 11 Nov 2020 | Ep 43: Christian and Karen's Story | 01:12:09 | |
In their book “Love and War” John and Stasi Eldredge say, “For it is also in the heart of a man and a woman to share some sort of quest, to fight some great battle together.” This is the compelling story of Christian and Karens’ battle. Christian was first exposed to pornography in the form of magazines laying around the houses of his childhood friends. At first, it seemed innocent, even normal. Fast forward a few years into Christian and Karen’s marriage - Christian’s life is “hell”. He’s indulging in his addiction every day: viewing pornography, frequenting chat rooms, and indulging in extramarital affairs. Meanwhile, Karen instinctively feels that things are off but is completely unprepared for the bomb that’s about to drop. The more Christian indulged in his addiction, the more he pushed God aside. Leading up to the height of his addiction, he had served a mission in Guatemala and prayed occasionally but ultimately felt that it was hard to find God. He would feel close to God at times but would eventually revert back to needing a fix. Karen had always had faith in God, but felt that the deep connection with Him was lacking. Eventually, the crushing weight of guilt became unbearable and Christian began to confess his past mistakes to Karen. At first, he spotlighted only one of his affairs, but as he turned his heart to God he found the courage to make a full disclosure. At his rock bottom, Christian felt so much pain that he wondered whether or not life was worth living. This discovery absolutely destroyed Karen. In her darkest moments, she experienced anger, bitterness, loneliness, and betrayal. As Christian attended recovery meetings and worked the twelve steps, hope began to grow in his heart. Where he once would’ve described his relationship with God as “casual”, he now says that “God is everything”. He knows that God loves him in spite of his past mistakes. Where Karen once blamed herself and felt it was her responsibility to “fix” Christian, she now feels God’s hand sustaining them both in the recovery process. Christian and Karen continue to fight this battle together and have been changed for the better in the process. Their story is a testament that no one is ever too far gone and that God is always there supporting us whether or not we can feel it. | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | Ep 69 with Sami Bingham | 00:44:15 | |
The Sami Bingham Story When I was eighteen years old. I did not have anything figured out. I knew that I had to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; then go to school and get married. But what did I want to do? I had no clue what I wanted to do. That is not the case for Sami Bingham. She is a financial coach for her company Financial Business Solutions.She is a certified coach of Dave Ramsey Financial Solutions. Sami grew up in an artistic household. Her dad was an actor, director, producer and English major. Her mother was a dancer. So, naturally, she wanted to be on Broadway. She studied at Salt Lake School of performing arts. She also received a scholarship to the University of Utah to study musical theater. So, why is Sami’s name not on the big lights on Broadway right now? It is because she realized the environment within the performing arts was not a very secure and stable one. The culture can be very cutthroat and discouraging. That is when she went to her parents and told them she wanted to work individually with people and help them with their finances. So, naturally, performing arts goes hand in hand with accounting right? Sami found a lot of happiness in helping those people who could not see for themselves what money was doing to them and their relationships. She has some personal experience with this from her first marriage. There were times in her first marriage when she did not know where the money was coming from to pay bills. Her ex-husband would sell off personal items to pawn shops to cover bills. Her ex sold off a very expensive guitar to a pawn shop. Sami felt betrayed about this because she had given that guitar to him on their first anniversary. Sami realized that something had to change. She realized that she needed to change her view and behavior with money. She realized this type of behavior is also found in pretty much every addictive behavior. She was not proud of the life she was living. She felt unworthy of Christ’s love and therefore did not go to church or have much of a relationship with Him before she married her first husband. After she was married, she realized she needed Jesus Christ in her life. Through the dark days of her marriage she knew she could only rely on Christ. She also has come clean about some struggles with porn addictions and has been sober since she started listening to the podcast. She wants those who are going through similar struggles with finances, betrayal or addictive behaviors to know they are stronger than they think they are. There is always a way out. We are all stronger for getting to know Sami. She is an amazing person that has lived through both sides of addiction. She has felt betrayal, and been the one struggling with addiction. If you would like to know more about Sami Bingham you can visit her website, https://ramseycoach.com/financial-behavior-solutions You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook @financialbehaviorsolutions. We here at UnashamedUnafraid are also giving away two scholarships to Sami’s coaching classes. Please go to www.unashamedunafraid.com/scholarships for more information. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | EP 88: Kylie and Chris' Story | 00:51:06 | |
“We are only standing where we are because of Jesus.” - Kylie Wife of a pastor and worship leader, Kylie felt alone in her sex addiction which began in her late teens around the same time of her parent’s divorce. Her husband Chris had his own struggles with substance abuse and other addictions. Together they struggled to juggle an exterior life of ministering while internally battling their secret lives. Now unashamed and unafraid they are working on their recovery and sharing their story to help others identify with Jesus to find hope and healing. You can contact Kylie (and Chris) by googling @kyliechrismond for her Instagram and Facebook pages. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 24 Jul 2020 | Ep 37: Anonymous Q and A with Kristy | 00:55:09 | |
Chris, James and Steve sit down with Kristy (James’ Beautiful Bride) and discuss anonymous questions submitted by our listeners. The episode talks about two people’s questions. The first is a deep one that asks about wanting to change but not knowing how. The second has several sub-questions from a supporter’s viewpoint. These are two very brave people who are asking questions that all addicts and supporters have asked. Sit back and buckle up. This episode is epic! | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | EP 130: Recovery Resources & Masculinity with The Therapy Brothers | 00:46:31 | |
In this episode, Steve and James are joined by the Therapy Brothers, Tyler and Brannon, who are both experienced therapists specializing in marriage, family therapy, and recovery from shame and trauma. They discuss their podcast 'Therapy Brothers' and the retreats they host aimed at helping men and women reclaim their identity and heal emotionally. The conversation explores topics such as healthy masculinity, the importance of experiential therapy, and tips for finding effective recovery resources. The Therapy Brothers emphasize the need for authenticity, courage, and community in the recovery process and share insight into how partners can support each other through trauma and healing journeys. Connect with the Therapy Brothers here.
| |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | Ep. 75 Devin and Tanna's story | 01:02:30 | |
After Devin and Tanna agreed to tell their story on Unashamed Unafraid, they faced unexpectedly difficult obstacles and even thought about turning the car around on their way to the recording. We're very glad they fought through so we could share this beautiful episode that shines a light of hope on the sometimes very messy and confusing processes of recovery and healing.
Devin and Tanna share helpful insights through their story. Tanna talks about discovering the reality of pornography and later shares a personal story of childhood rejection and confirms that it matters. They share about their marriage today and Devin describes discovering that he's not alone in his addiction. You may just shed a tear when right there in the recording room, God confirms that he loves him deeply. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 25 Oct 2021 | Ep 58: Derek's Story: Climbing Out From Multiple Addictions | 01:04:00 | |
“Where the hell are you, God?” This is a common question for those in pain and in the depths of struggle and darkness. Finding rock bottom can be a rough journey downward. The positive is that from rock bottom, one can only climb upward. The climb can be very difficult alone and is always easier with help from others. The reason addictions develop is because people are trying to cope with painful wounds - wounds of neglect, wounds of betrayal, wounds of isolation. What starts out as innocently dabbling for relief can quickly spiral out of control and leave one saying “How did I get to this point in my life?”
Derek sits down with the Unashamed Unafraid team to share his very personal journey with addictions. He shares insight about his childhood, his early youth, and how certain experiences helped him initially brush the outskirts of addiction before more fully diving in. He speaks of his struggles with various addictions, and how he battled to find sobriety and recovery from each one. This listen is a very authentic and honest review of his life, his experiences, and how he found hope, and a relationship with God that has allowed for a brighter path in his life. If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who might benefit from it, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | EP 114: Equine Therapy with Julie Forbes | 00:43:18 | |
Julie Forbes is a healer of souls. In this episode, we discuss her practice of helping people heal through spiritual connection with and in the presence of horses - Equine Assisted Learning. She has worked professionally in this field for over a decade in the St. George, Utah area. Julie shares the success she has witnessed in her work with troubled teens and addicts, asserting that no matter what we believe about ourselves, we can find a way to face our 'Soul Hurt,' release our false beliefs, and emerge renewed and healed. Join us as Julie describes how she became involved with Equine Assisted Learning, what the experience entails, and how God manifests through it. We believe you'll find her unique perspective on healing, the definition of addiction, and the promise of lasting recovery refreshing. You can contact Julie by email, julie@julieforbes.net, her website Dragonfly Soul, Facebook, and Instagram.
| |||
| 03 Sep 2024 | EP 125: Gavin's Story | 00:54:03 | |
In this episode, Steve and Chris embrace the power of vulnerability as they introduce Gavin, a guest who courageously shares his journey through addiction, shame, and recovery. The candid conversation goes into the deeper, poignant narrative of Gavin's experiences from teenage struggles with pornography and masturbation, through tumultuous high school years, and eventually, unexpected betrayal within his marriage. Through honest dialogue and unwavering support from the Unashamed & Unafraid community, Gavin discusses the trials of religious repentance processes, the emotional toll of addiction, and the crucial turning points leading to his ongoing recovery. This raw and inspiring episode underscores the significance of sharing one's story without stigma, connecting deeply with others, and finding hope in the most unexpected places.
| |||
| 25 Aug 2021 | Ep 56: Rob's Story | 00:55:54 | |
“Ultimate Poser”: That’s how Rob describes himself when he was at the height of his sexual addiction. Take a listen as Steve and James start not at the beginning, but at the bottom of Rob’s story as he shares how working through fears and loss. Rob describes how ultimately his path led to him to discovering, not the guy not on either side of his poser life, but the third guy who God wanted him to be. Rob was married with three children, working as an employee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He felt he had a testimony of the gospel and thought he was connecting with his wife yet at the same time continued to act out in his sexual addiction. He and his wife had begun the road to recovery but Rob was not changing. The moment he was caught by the police when soliciting a prostitute brought him to his therapist’s door in the middle of one of his sessions. After waiting hours to talk to his therapist, Rob was told in his therapy session, “you can either change your life or you will end it, it’s your choice.” Rob chose change. Deciding to be honest brought the realization of all of his fears. In the aftermath, while sitting in his parents basement, he recognized he was still alive despite all of his pain. He somehow found the strength to ask, “What do I really believe in?”, “Who do I think I am?”, “What does God think of me?” and began to search for the answers. Rob shares a tender experience how he witnessed the pain his choices and actions had inflicted on his wife. Rob has found sobriety. Yet his story shows us life in recovery is not black and white. Healing brought divorce, then dating, and ultimately a beautiful second marriage. On the other side of Rob’s poser life he speaks truth. With years of sobriety he has found a new purpose working as a therapist for Lifestar. Rob feels God has given him the gift to speak to the hearts of men about love and being worthy of God’s love. Does Rob’s story of his former poser life resonate with you? If you or someone you know is struggling with a sex addiction, Unashamed Unafraid is the podcast and website for you! Please visit our website at unashamedunafraid.com or look us up on social media @UnashamedUnafraid | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | EP 151: Live Unashamed- The Void Left by Addiction | 00:23:55 | |
In this episode, hosts Chris, Sam, James, and guest Josh, delve into their personal journeys of overcoming pornography addiction. They emphasize the importance of identifying underlying emotional issues and finding healthier coping mechanisms. The discussion highlights how addiction often masks deeper emotional needs, such as connection and intimacy. They each share their strategies for filling the void left by addiction through meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and community support. The conversation focuses on the role of accountability, vulnerability, and trusting in God to facilitate lasting recovery.
| |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | EP 124: The Heart of a Woman Retreat | 00:52:30 | |
In this episode of Unashamed and Afraid, Steve welcomes Melanie, Michelle, and Sally to discuss their experiences with Heart of a Woman, a transformative Christian retreat designed to help women reconnect with God and themselves. Melanie shares the origins of Heart of a Woman, revealing how a call to create a dedicated retreat for women led to a decade-long journey of spiritual growth and female fellowship. Michelle and Sally, past attendees of the retreat, recount their varied experiences, emphasizing how the retreat provides a unique space for women to unplug from their daily lives, heal from trauma, and deepen their relationships with God through presentations, solo reflection time, and adventurous activities. Overall, Heart of a Woman aims to offer women a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their faith, build lasting connections, and return home with a renewed sense of spiritual and personal clarity. *Go to TheHeartofaWoman.net and use code UNASHAMED24 to save $50 when you sign up! (Valid until September 10, 2024)
| |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | EP 97: Corbin and Caitlyn's Story | 00:44:25 | |
Caitlyn's life could have been shattered when she learned that her father, brother, and then the man she was thinking of marrying all struggled with addictions to pornography. However, steadfast in her faith in God and supported by therapy, she chose to view her loved ones independently of their addictions and to love them unconditionally. She dove into a life seasoned by recovery and hasn't looked back. Doing hard things is a defining aspect of Corbin's life. Summoning immense courage, he chose to disclose his addiction to Caitlyn while they were dating and then bravely faced her family. His unwavering commitment to recovery, marked by the promise to "never give up," stands as a testament to this defining trait. Their relationship faced its toughest test in the initial six months of marriage, marked by slip-ups, avoidance, and feelings of abandonment. Together, they share how God has seen them and their 'secret sauce' for fighting for each other's hearts. Their favorite song reflects their story: "I come just as I am to you, and I know when I need grace, you give it wholehearted." Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 10 Aug 2018 | Ep 5: Betrayal Trauma Resource: The Heart of a Woman Retreat | 00:52:17 | |
Last year I posted about my top-secret recovery resource: The Wild at Heart Retreat. This retreat is a game changer! I hope that you have taken the chance to listen to my post with Dorothy Maryon, CMHC about Betrayal Trauma and understanding our wife’s experience. Our wives get put through the ringer with our addiction and recovery and it’s not their fault. If only there was a top secret resource for their healing too…turns out there is! For this podcast I sat down with the founder and two members of the prayer team for the Heart of a Woman Retreat, the sister retreat to Wild at Heart for men. Here they describe the retreat. I strongly encourage you to listen to this one and feel the spirit of the experience this retreat can be for the women in our lives. To the women: you deserve this. To the men: show this to your woman and let her know you’re sorry for hurting her, you support her finding healing and recovery, and you are more than happy to take the kids for a weekend. Battle for her heart men! Here is a way you can! | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | EP 147: Live Unashamed- DIY Recovery | 00:18:03 | |
In this discussion, Chris, James, Sam, and Ella gather to talk about the reality of DIY recovery. Ella's experiences as a woman struggling with sexual addiction are highlighted, prompting an exploration into whether it is possible to recover from addiction without community support. The consensus among the participants is that achieving true recovery independently is extremely challenging, if not impossible. They all share personal anecdotes emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and support systems in their recovery journeys.
| |||
| 22 Sep 2020 | Announcement: Scholarships Are Open! | 00:03:58 | |
Our scholarship page is up and active. We have multiple scholarships available for those who need help getting therapy or getting to a retreat. To apply or to donate, visit https://unashamedunafraid.com/scholarships | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | EP 137: Legos, Shame and Recovery with Cameron Staley | 00:53:01 | |
In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, Steve is joined by Cameron Staley, a researcher, therapist, and author with deep expertise in the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. Cameron opens up about his journey from academia to clinical practice, revealing how his work on problematic pornography viewing and compulsive behaviors is rooted in a desire to help people reconcile these issues with their values. You can connect with Cameron here: Instagram: instagram.com/thelifeafterseries Facebook: facebook.com/Dr.CameronStaley
| |||
| 07 Aug 2020 | Ep 38: Disclosure: Do's and Dont's with Geoff Steurer | 00:48:57 | |
Geoff Steurer is a professional therapist from Lifestar Group in St. George, Utah. He co-wrote the book, “Love You, Hate the Porn.” He also has a podcast called Illuminate. He is an expert on disclosure. He walks through - with Chris and Steve - the right and wrong way to disclose the lies that addicts keep from their loved ones. So jump into the deep end of disclosure. | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | EP 133: The Lisa Show pt. 2 | 00:23:20 | |
Steve and Lisa dive into exactly how to respond to compulsive sexual behavior in your home, especially as a parent. There are now more resources than ever to help families have healthy conversations that appropriately frame sexuality without shame. Steve offers specific language for loved ones starting the conversation with their significant other or child, as well as strategies to protect emotional and physical safety in the meantime. Whether the conversation is with a spouse or a child, it's possible to dispel adrenaline and shame ahead of time, so that family dialogues about sexual boundaries foster trust and healing. *This is a reposted episode from The Lisa Show Podcast* byuradio.org/the-lisa-show
| |||
| 11 Jan 2022 | Ep 62: William's Story | 00:56:36 | |
If you do recovery work long enough you realize that many families have their own systems of shame. Messages of shame were very present in Will’s home growing up. In particular, his dad carried a lot of shame in his own life which manifested itself in the way he raised Will, including through his own absenteeism, lack of connection, and lack of vulnerability as a father. Pornography was present in Will’s home. Due to his father’s addiction to pornography, Will was first exposed at the young age of 3 years old. Around the age of 8 he began struggling with his own pornography use and unwanted sexual behavior. He first opened up about this struggle to a church leader at the age of 12 but continued to struggle. Will shares a traumatic experience where he was sexually assulted by his friend’s older brother but felt so much shame he didn’t tell anyone what had happened. What we don’t repair we repeat, and Will soon found himself actively seeking out opportunities to take advantage of girls. This pattern of behavior continued and so did his shame. Will felt that God’s love was based on his worthiness, and he never felt worthy. One day God showed Will that he did know and love him. That was the day Will’s youth leader was prompted to show up at his home just after Will had decided to take his own life. This saved his life. Will has found, through his attendance at the Warrior Heart Bootcamp, his connection with God specifically through prayer. He knows now that God still loves him even when he slips in his addiction. Will’s powerful story gives hope for those who are still struggling. God will be there for you anytime and everyday.
| |||
| 03 May 2019 | Ep 9: Anonymous Questions Answered No. 5 | 01:27:05 | |
We have had some great questions submitted. I again want to commend those who had the courage to reach out and be vulnerable. Truly a great example of being Unashamed and Unafraid! We had a great group to answer these questions. I was joined by Sherie Christensen, MFT along with James and Kristy who shared their recovery story with us last year and my wife Kayla (super excited! It was her first time on!). Questions in this episode deal with how to do disclosure, support a struggling spouse, and how to get long distance resources. | |||
| 27 Dec 2018 | Ep 6: Anonymous Questions Answered No. 4 | 00:39:57 | |
In this episode we have only one question, but it’s a good one and one that I can very much relate to. The question in this episode focuses on serving in church leadership while struggling ,and how to get help. My guest for this post is Josh Whitney, a pastor at the Rock Church in Draper, Utah. He has found his way through those struggles and has some great perspective for those who walk this line of personal struggle and leadership. | |||
| 10 May 2018 | Ep 3: Anonymous Questions Answered No. 3 | 00:22:27 | |
We are back with our third edition of answering anonymous questions. I want to give large props to those who submit these questions. Also, so sorry it took us so long to get this one out! I hope our answers are helpful. To answer this episodes question I was able to catch up with Brian Murdock, LCMHC of Brian Murdock Counseling. Brian has been in the mental health field since 1992. In private practice, he currently works with sexual addiction and traumas connected to those addictions. | |||
| 07 Aug 2021 | Ep 55: Changing Our Default: Sam Teilemans | 00:46:23 | |
You may have heard the saying, “Once an addict always an addict.” But is it true? In the opinion of the UU crew, this statement is incongruent with Christ’s healing atonement. We believe that Christ can change people forever. Sometimes that change comes with the assistance of professional therapists and others, but ultimate healing is the work of Jesus Christ. Sam Teilemans believes that the language we use is powerful. For example, he says that it may be more helpful to say, “I struggle with addiction or addictive behavior” rather than identify as an addict. Steve and Chris sit down with Sam Teilemans to discuss the power of language as well as how a person who is struggling with addictive cycles can be free of unwanted behaviors. Sam’s therapeutic strategy involves working to remove shame from a person’s actions by asking questions about how they may have been feeling or “triggered” in a certain situation. This allows them to explore what lies beneath certain behaviors and possibly tap into subconscious emotions or thoughts. Sam explains the importance of tapping into the subconscious because he believes, “The conscious mind is the goal-setter, and the subconscious mind is the goal-getter.” He believes that when we consciously focus on a goal, the subconscious mind can get on board with that and will help us achieve what we desire. But when we decide to stop focusing on the goal our subconscious mind goes back to the way things were before. Since the subconscious mind drifts to what is natural, Sam works with his clients to figure out what their triggers are. Then he works to break default natural tendencies and reframe them so the subconscious has a new way of reacting toward what you are doing or experiencing. In this way, the subconscious carries out the goal of the conscious mind rather than working against it. This may be a new and different avenue of therapy for people to try who have struggled with addictive behaviors. The subconscious work that Sam does with his clients also involves trusting in Jesus Christ. Trusting that Christ is there to save, not condemn, those in this struggle. Science and the mind whether it is conscious or subconscious can only get you so far. Christ can truly free us from the shame and the guilt that happens after we have fed the addiction beast. Please have a listen to this amazing episode. If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who might benefit from it, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | EP 143: Live Unashamed- Navigating "The Talk" with Friends | 00:18:40 | |
In this episode, Chris, Steve and Sam delve into the complexities of discussing pornography and sexual addiction among friends. They explore the shame and fear associated with sharing one's story, the impact of cultural stigma, and the intimate connection between sexuality and identity. The conversation includes practical advice on discerning who to share with and how to approach these sensitive topics, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and safe spaces. The hosts also highlight their own experiences and the positive outcomes of being open about their struggles, encouraging listeners to take steps towards open dialogue and recovery.
| |||
| 09 Jan 2020 | Ep 22: Unashamed for the New Year | 00:52:07 | |
What a year! 2019 saw a lot of changes for UnashamedUnafraid. The UnashamedUnafraid (UU) Crew is so excited for 2020. This episode is a special tribute to the hard work and dedication of the UU Crew. For more information on the crew, please visit the Our Team page at UnashamedUnafraid.com. So what is going to be discussed in this special episode? The UU Crew sit down and talk about the podcast becoming what it is today. They discuss how it all started and how everyone came to be a part of the Crew. In early 2019, Chris “The Hulk of Hope” and Steve “Rapper Host” made it a goal to record and publish 10 men’s stories. The Crew also talks about which episode was their favorite and what to expect for the blog and podcast in 2020. Please read the blog post or listen in on the podcast platform of your choice and review us on iTunes. From the Crew at UnashamedUnafraid, we wish you a very Happy New Year. May this year be the year for you to become and remain Unashamed and Unafraid through the hope and healing of Christ Jesus. If you have been blessed by this message and want to inspire others, please share this message on social media, subscribe to our podcast, and review us on iTunes. UnashamedUnafraid can be heard on any major podcast station. Thank you for your participation this year and for years to come. God Bless You, UU Crew | |||
| 19 Mar 2023 | Ep 78: Chandler and Jade | 00:52:26 | |
Another great episode with a couple in recovery. When Chandler and Jade met each other, Chandler walked Jade through his journey of how he has struggled and what he is doing to overcome addiction. Jade spent time writing and working with God and chose to join Chandler in their combined path to continue to get to know God and let Him shape her perspective. To reach out and help others, Chandler created the Relay app at Jade’s urging to create a recovery community. Join us to hear the rest of their story. | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | EP 149: Live Unashamed- How to Find the Right Therapist | 00:17:50 | |
James, Sam, Ella, and Chris discuss their experiences and challenges with finding effective therapy, particularly in relation to overcoming pornography addiction and shame. They emphasize the importance of finding a therapist who resonates with the client, addresses issues of shame, and creates a clear plan for healing. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, the importance of moving beyond long-term, ineffective therapy, and explores different therapeutic modalities.
| |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | EP 95: Hunter's Story | 00:47:55 | |
My name is Hunter and this is my story. From the outside, my life seemed to be on a perfect track for success and happiness. I grew up with two parents in a loving and loyal family. I was a talented young man who especially did well in school. All of the adults around me felt that I had a bright future ahead of me in basically any career that I could want. My peers all saw me as simply another kid who was goofy and got good grades. But on the inside, I had a pain that I couldn't even fully admit to myself. Eventually I could no longer avoid the pain, and I found myself in the world of addiction recovery. After years of brutal self-honesty and therapy, I discovered that my relationship with my father largely shaped my view of myself. I had learned to push myself to become better using shame and unreasonable expectations: the way that my father had done with me. This shame-rooted relationship with my father then formed a lens that caused me to see God as a God of expectation. A God I couldn’t approach without feeling shame. Listen to my story to hear how I began to shed this lens and also see myself in a light of grace and self-worth. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 21 Apr 2021 | Ep 51: Anonymous Q and A with Miss Courtney | 00:53:53 | |
Q&A with Courtney Leak, LCSW James and Steve sit down with therapist Courtney Leak to dive into questions submitted by our listeners. As always, the questions are real, raw, and unashamed about sexual addiction, as are the answers discussed by Courtney, Steve, and James. Courtney pulls from over ten years of experience in helping people. Not only is she an experienced therapist, she co-hosts the mental health and wellness podcast “The Magic Well.” Courtney’s purpose and approach is fueled by her core belief that “Everyone is naturally equipped with what they need to find and meet their purpose.” She believes it is often hidden under fear, hurt, and negative views of themselves. “However, if people are willing to own their story, minus the fear and shame, they can embrace their true selves. They will live abundantly in their purpose.” Courtney uses this approach to lead a deep discussion about varying questions regarding many addiction-related topics. As always, these questions have come from listeners of Unashamed Unafraid. Do pornography use and anger have any connection? They absolutely have a connection. Anger going unaddressed can lead to rage. This is unhealthy anger and should be talked about and worked through. Oftentimes, there will need to be a therapist involved in this. How can I support (in a healthy way) a potential spouse or partner if they begin to open up about their sexual addiction in the dating phase of our relationship? What pitfalls can I avoid there? This is a great question. It is not anyone but the addict’s job to help them find recovery. You can support him/her, but can’t control him/her. Courtney calls the two approaches Intimate and Parentified relationships. Be careful of falling in love with potential. People don’t owe us a version of them that we want them to be. We are not guaranteed to grow and expand in the same direction. Is it okay for me to be happy with progress even if I am still not 100% sober? Should I expect my spouse to recognize that progress? Obviously, we all want to be on our “A” game all the time. However, we are human. We need to avoid abusing each other and work on ourselves. We also need to practice extending grace to ourselves and others. This is necessary to do the hard work to heal the wound. The addict needs to give their spouse space for their anger and pain. I’m afraid of sharing about my relapses with the people closest to me. I’m afraid of what they will think. Will they treat me differently? How can I best handle accountability? How can I cope with the fear of abandonment? We all need to be vulnerable with those closest to us. How we do that is by getting clear about the facts. If things are still difficult to disclose with your loved ones/religious community, find a group of others who you can share with openly without fear and shame. Who is safe to share personal trials and struggles with? How do I know who to open up to about the most intimate things about us, and how can I do so in a way that is helpful and avoids damaging them or me? One of the best ways that Courtney has found to deal with this is to speak from our scars, not our wounds. Maybe there is something holding us back that we need to look at and listen to. We need to go to our Father in Heaven and ask Him who is safe to share our innermost thoughts and feelings. We need to be okay with those answers we receive from Him. Don’t mix up the proximity or relationship with a person’s capacity. If my spouse is refusing to be open with me and step into recovery, but I still want to stay married, what do I do? If he doesn’t want to recover, he won’t. Do your own work and decide what you want to do. Figure out why this is such an issue for you and why his decisions are wrecking your life. Take care of yourself because you can’t control him. Ask yourself this question, “What is your boundary based on the other person’s truth?” We hope you enjoyed this podcast. These are all real questions that most of us have struggled with. Courtney’s loving, yet completely straightforward, no-nonsense approach cuts straight to the heart of each of these questions. Her answers definitely help us dive deep into finding our answers. This podcast isn’t just about the answers, it is about how they are discussed. Courtney sets a strong example that we can all follow. She shows us how to talk about things that may be difficult or shameful for us. She steps into it willingly, embraces the hard, and leads us forward into vulnerability and healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with a sex addiction, Unashamed Unafraid is the podcast and website for you. Please visit our website at unashamedunafraid.com or look us up on social media @UnashamedUnafraid. Resources:
| |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | EP 102: Live Unashamed- Music in Recovery | 00:21:13 | |
“Music can give me empathy like nobody around me can.” Join us in a shorter 20-minute episode as Steven, James, and Chris share how music has helped them see God differently. Not just Christian music, but anything that uplifts, inspires, takes you to a sad place, or otherwise moves you into a place of reflection and learning. Music is an amplifier of emotion which provides clarity and the opportunity to evaluate where we are in a moment of time - or to take us back to a moment of time. Often music can also be a way to numb out, get angry, and act out. Join us in the journey of exploring how music plays a part (or maybe doesn’t play a part) in your life. Steven ends with an invitation - pick music that makes you really uncomfortable because it pricks a particular emotion and read the lyrics, sing it out loud, and see what happens. Leave a comment below with your experience or email Steven, James, or Chris directly.
| |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | EP 101: Kaylawnni's Story | 00:45:25 | |
At the age of 9, Kaylawnni began a challenging journey with sexual compulsion. Her struggle is marked by confusion and damaged self-confidence. A lyric from her favorite song boldly highlights the cause, "The devil lies, and twists the truth." She always assumed she'd take her secrets to the grave, but then, a close friend bravely disclosed his own battles, inspiring her to start her path to recovery.
In this bold and unashamed episode, Kaylawnni shares her insights and advice, highlighting the availability of help. Today, with God playing a significant role in her life, Kaylawnni reflects on her past with kindness and offers encouragement to those facing similar struggles. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @UnashamedUnafraid and subscribe to our Youtube channel @UnashamedUnafraidPod | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | Ep 77: Sathiya Sam | 00:51:39 | |
Sathiya Sam is an author, and recovery coach and pastor for recovery. Sathiya is very passionate about this because he struggled with getting free from addiction and was frustrated by the lack of resources available for those who struggle with addiction and want to get out. Have a listen to his story and a taste of his book. | |||
| 31 May 2020 | Ep 33: Chris and Autumn's Story | 01:22:44 | |
Steven and James sit down with our co-host and “Hulk of Hope” Chris and his wife Autumn Bennett. Chris talks about how he went from having multiple affairs to now over twelve years of sobriety. Autumn shares how she went from trying to take her life to trusting Chris again. They also talk about how they fight for each others’ hearts. If these stories resonate with you, or you know someone who might benefit from them, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. | |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | EP 84: John's Story | 00:52:30 | |
The authority you'll sense in John comes not from a best-selling book or successful podcast, but from a deep inner strength born of hard-fought victory over adversity. His journey began with a difficult childhood, where abuse and the loss of his father weighed heavily. As life unfolded, John fought battles with addiction, trauma and devastating losses, reaching a crushing low point that threatened to take everything. But a story of hope and resilience emerges as his recovery survives even the tragic death of a deeply-loved son. His secret sauce? A powerful alliance: fighting alongside God, his loyal wife, and a powerful brotherhood. This episode will leave you in awe of the human spirit and the triumph of faith. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. Do you have a story you are willing to share? Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. | |||
| 21 Feb 2020 | Ep 25: Anonymous Questions Answered with Dr. Skinner | 00:40:50 | |
Jason and Steve sit down and talk with Dr. Skinner about anonymous questions that UnashamedUnafraid (UU) have received. He talks to them about how there is recovery, and a saving grace through recovery, from any type of addiction. The addict must give up something to get their life back. It also involves true connection to others. At UU, we believe an addict can only do it through our Savior Jesus Christ and his infinite Atonement. | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | EP 118: Making Repair with Marc Pimsler | 00:56:30 | |
We’re thrilled to welcome Marc Pimsler back for another episode! Marc, a lover of God, is a therapist, seeker, and a teacher with the heart of a student. He's in long-term recovery and he's here to talk about making repair. Whether we refer to it as making repair, making amends, setting things right, or repairing relationships, there are ineffective or even harmful ways to approach it. Marc shows up with authenticity and passion to advocate for an effective approach. He begins by defining Addiction, Responsibility, and Accountability in a way that brings clarity to the discussion. We explore the reasons behind making repair, the work that must be done first, how to recognize unhealthy expectations, and strategies for navigating the process. You can reach Marc via email at mvp@mvp-consulting.net or find him on Instagram @mpimsler and Facebook. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God’s open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ.
| |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | EP 148: Matt & Katie's Story | 00:41:26 | |
This episode features Katie and Matt and the challenges they have faced due to Matt's struggle with pornography addiction. Katie describes her role in the recovery process, initially trying to control Matt's recovery before realizing she needed to focus on her own healing. Matt shares how he overcame his addiction by taking personal responsibility and how both of them involved God in their healing journey. The episode highlights honesty, vulnerability, and the importance of individual recovery within a marriage, while also discussing their efforts to help others through similar struggles. *You can connect with Matt and Katie here: instagram.com/thechristianbetrayalcoach, Website: thechristianbetrayalcoach.com, Email: katie@thechristianbetrayalcoach.com
| |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | EP 145: Live Unashamed- Finding Humor in Recovery | 00:14:24 | |
Join James, Sam, Ella, and Chris as they explore how to find humor in the recovery process. From hilarious anecdotes and personal stories to reflections on the nature of recovery, this episode emphasizes the importance of laughter and joy even amidst serious challenges. Hear funny experiences, the value of not taking oneself too seriously, and the role humor plays in healing and overcoming addiction. Also, learn why it's essential to laugh at our mistakes and view recovery with a lighter heart. Tune in to discover why sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
| |||
| 27 Feb 2020 | Ep 26: Hope And Healing Support with Michelle | 01:03:56 | |
Steve, James and Kayla sit down with the owner/administrator of the website hopeandhealingsupport.com. While running a website to bring people to Christ, she found that her website was being inundated with questions about addiction and recovery for the betrayed. So she started the website hopeandhealinglds.com. Her website has information for women affected by the sexual addiction of a loved one. We greatly appreciate Michelle sharing her heart with us. | |||
| 14 Dec 2019 | Ep 20: Matt’s Story - By Surrendering He Received Redemption | 01:14:57 | |
Steve and Jason sit down with an amazing man named Matt. Matt was on EP 18: Intro to 12 Step & ARP Meetings and explained a little bit of his story with the group. This time, he gets to talk all about his story. He opens up about his rocky childhood due to misguided views on what real connection should be. He also talks about how his parents were not safe. He talks about his relationships now and what has changed. He finishes by talking about what recovery means to him and his family. | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | EP 106: Live Unashamed- Is Long Term Sobriety Possible? | 00:21:49 | |
Chris discusses his 15 years of sobriety and how it is defined with the group. Rather than a focus on abstinence from lust and acting out, recovery is a new way of life we walk with Christ. They also discuss the analogy of a marathon runner who trips up on mile 24 and how he doesn’t have to restart the race, he gets up and keeps on running. What is your story in recovery? How have you defined reality and, more importantly, how do you define living a life with Christ in true hope and recovery? Share with Chris@unashamedunafraid.com, James@unashamedunafraid.com, and Steven@unashamedunafraid.com.
| |||
| 01 Apr 2025 | EP 154: Liam's Story | 00:49:22 | |
Join us as Liam shares his powerful journey from battling addiction to finding faith and redemption. In this heartfelt episode, Liam opens up about his early struggles with drugs, alcohol, and pornography, and how he found solace and recovery through his church. Liam discusses the pivotal moments that led him to reconnect with God, the importance of community and connection in overcoming addiction, and the invaluable guidance he received from a mentor in the recovery program. Through tears, humility, and unwavering faith, Liam's story is a testament to the power of connection, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. Don’t miss his inspiring story and learn how you, too, can find the strength to overcome life's toughest challenges. *To connect with Liam, send him an email Liamesm94@gmail.com
| |||
| 01 May 2020 | Ep 31: Joe and Amy's Story | 01:09:08 | |
Joe and Amy Pierson are amazing people. Chris and Steve had the privilege to talk with them about their story. They also talk very candidly about what it took to help them through Joe’s addiction. Joe talks about his experience of surrendering to Heavenly Father. Amy talks about her experience of surrendering her trauma and Joe to Him as well. Sit back and enjoy this amazing adventure of war and redemption. If this story resonates with you please feel free to share it with those who you think could benefit from it. | |||
| 28 Nov 2019 | Ep 19: Heart of A Woman Retreat: Personal Experiences | 00:52:51 | |
Kristi, Mindy, and Keshia sit down with James and Steve and talk about the Heart of a Woman Retreat. They discuss what their lives are like right now, what their apprehensions were before going to the retreat, talk about what they learned there, what they would tell someone about the retreat, and who might be on the fence about going. The women are extremely open and vulnerable about their experiences and is an episode that will make you laugh and cry in the same breath. If this affects you and you know others who might be struggling, please consider sharing this with them because we are here Unashamed and Unafraid to share stories about addiction, recovery, and redemption through Jesus Christ. | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | EP 128: Keeping it Real with Rhoda | 00:44:59 | |
In this episode we invite Rhoda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and seasoned podcaster to discuss critical aspects of couples therapy and relationships. Rhoda shares her extensive experience in the mental health field, emphasizing the importance of hard conversations, self-honesty, and long-term thinking for relationship recovery—especially in the context of addiction. She provides actionable advice for both partners struggling with difficult subjects like relapse disclosure and managing criticism. Rhoda also highlights the role of mutual empowerment and authentic communication in rebuilding trust and fostering a more substantial connection. Essential tips for recognizing and changing negative narratives in relationships are discussed, making this episode a valuable resource for couples navigating complex emotional landscapes. Listen to Rhoda's podcast: https://www.therapyideas.net/podcast/
| |||
| 24 Apr 2020 | Ep 30: Jason's Story | 00:58:30 | |
Our own Darth Vader of audio, Jason, sits down with Steve and James to talk about his pornography addiction and how he found recovery through honesty and vulnerability. Recognizing that he couldn’t win this fight on his own, Jason learned to truly surrender. His relationship with God has been deepened and strengthened. He now is filled with peace, love, and joy. If this story touches your life or you know it will touch someone's life, please consider sharing this with them. | |||
| 07 Feb 2020 | Ep 24: John and Amy Harrison | 01:17:31 | |
John and Amy sit down with Steve and CT to talk about their personal stories. They share how they met, how they have worked through recovery, and how Christ has used their struggles to bring them closer together. They are an amazing couple. We at Unashamed appreciate John and Amy for allowing us to share their story. If this affects you and you know others who might be struggling, please consider sharing this with them. We are here, Unashamed and Unafraid to share stories about addiction recovery, and redemption through Jesus Christ. | |||
| 04 Dec 2022 | Ep 72: Smith's Story | 00:46:22 | |
“Criticism isn’t something to avoid. It is something you should expect when you are making it big.” Sometimes our experiences can bring us more insight than years of study and practice. In this episode Smith Alley at age 18 shares perspectives and insights that rival therapists. Smith had a “normal” life growing up. He had a mom and a dad who showed him love and he thought he was going to conquer the world. However, at age 6 his confidence came crashing down on him. You see, he had a stutter that when he was nervous would derail the train from his head to his mouth. After he stumbled through introducing himself to his first grade class, he sat down, and immediately, he felt his identity attacked when a girl innocently asked, “Why don’t you talk right?” The adversary coaxed Smith into latching onto that identity and wearing it around his neck. This made Smith feel like a fraud so he isolated himself but on the outside always grinning and bearing the sadness. At age 9 Smith innocently stumbled onto pornography. He did not think much of it until almost 10 months later. He was feeling so sad that his mind went back to when he saw his first pornographic image. So he consumed more and more. Five years later, at the peak of his addiction, Smith describes himself as not feeling anything. He wasn’t sad, he wasn’t happy, he was just numb. He really liked this girl and she liked him. They both were consuming porn and decided to try some of the things they had seen. After the first encounter, Smith finally started to feel something. He remembers walking away from that experience and crying. He felt something! He decided that he wanted to get his life back and broke things off with this girl. She was hurt and decided to lie and told her parents that Smith had forced her to have sex with him. That is when the facade came crashing down and his parents knew the truth. The best thing that could have ever happened was his mom coming to him and saying, “Smith, I am going to fight for you but you must fight for yourself too!” Smith said he was willing to and attended the appointment she had scheduled with his church leader to talk to him about his addiction and the charges against him. Smith was extremely afraid of his church leader, however, his fears were calmed by a hug and the comfort he felt from Jesus Christ. Since this experience, Smith has organized a non-profit organization which fights against pornography. He is a big advocate of not holding kids back. At 18 years old, he is making a difference in the world, living his best life. The song he shares at the end of this episode speaks to how emotionally connected he is to His Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If you want to be able to think differently about generation Z, you need to listen to this episode. Smith Alley shares so many great inspirational ideas and thoughts that it will change your perspective about Generation Z! If you think someone can benefit from this episode, we suggest you share it with them. We here, like Smith Alley are unashamed about our struggles with addiction, and unafraid of the healing power of Jesus Christ. If you want to know more you can find us on social media, Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid. | |||
| 06 Mar 2019 | Ep 8: Dave's Recovery Story | 01:27:01 | |
I first heard Dave’s story in 2014 and it was amazing. I apologize that this episode is so long, but his story is amazing. I just couldn’t edit anything out. I hope you take the chance to listen to his whole story—there is so much open and wisdom to gain from Dave’s journey through drug and sexual addiction and his awesome recovery. | |||