EP 153: Live Unashamed- Recovery Dailies

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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. 

EP 152: Steven's Story Update

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In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, James and Chris sit down with Steve, the founder of the podcast, to discuss a deeply personal update in his life: his divorce from his wife, Kayla. Steve opens up about the emotional and spiritual journey that led to their separation, emphasizing the importance of honesty, accountability, and real recovery. He shares how this life change has impacted his sobriety and mental health, and how both he and Kayla are navigating co-parenting and their new lives apart. This candid conversation sheds light on the complexities of relationships, addiction recovery, and the role of faith in overcoming life's challenges. Join us for an eye-opening episode that underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and seeking genuine happiness.

00:00 Introduction
01:08 Steve's Personal Story and Divorce Announcement
02:26 Reflections on Sobriety and Recovery
05:38 Codependency and Personal Growth
15:53 In-House Separation and Boundary Issues
22:21 Spiritual Experiences and Realizations
28:13 Reflecting on Past Behaviors
29:07 Spiritual Awakening and Healing
30:18 Understanding and Compassion
33:14 The Apple and Orange Metaphor
34:57 Courage and Honesty in Marriage
38:49 Peaceful Divorce and Co-Parenting
43:47 Hope for the Future
48:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections

EP 151: Live Unashamed- The Void Left by Addiction

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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.

EP 150: Hunter & Sarah's Story

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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 

EP 149: Live Unashamed- How to Find the Right Therapist

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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. 

EP 148: Matt & Katie's Story

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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 

EP 147: Live Unashamed- DIY Recovery

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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.

EP 146: Nick & Anja's Story

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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.

EP 145: Live Unashamed- Finding Humor in Recovery

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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.

EP 144: Ever Accountable with Tyler Patterson

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In this episode, hosts Sam and Steve, engage in an insightful conversation with Tyler, the founder of Ever Accountable, an app designed to help individuals overcome porn addiction through accountability. Tyler shares his personal journey of creating the app, which monitors and reports browsing activities to chosen accountability partners, helping users stay accountable. They discuss the effectiveness of accountability versus traditional internet filters, the challenges of developing such technology, and the importance of community and support in recovery. Tyler also addresses common questions about using the app, including its compatibility with different platforms and considerations for choosing accountability partners.

Connect with Tyler and the Ever Accountable team here:

To sign up for a 14 day free trial visit: everaccountable.com

Email support@everaccountable.com for questions

EP 143: Live Unashamed- Navigating "The Talk" with Friends

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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.

EP 142: Betrayal Trauma with Beckie Hennessy

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In this powerful episode, Steven and James are joined by Beckie Hennessy, a seasoned therapist with nearly two decades of experience, to delve deep into the intricacies of betrayal trauma. They discuss Beckie's personal journey through betrayal, her professional insights, and the challenging process of recovery and healing. From defining betrayal trauma to addressing the role of accountability and the impact of personal growth on relationships, this episode offers invaluable advice for anyone struggling to navigate the aftermath of betrayal. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion, practical insights, and the promise of unimaginable hope and healing.

*To connect with Beckie, visit AcceptedLife.com

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EP 141: Live Unashamed- The Struggle and Importance of Reaching Out

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In this episode, Steve, Sam, James and Ella discuss the challenges and necessity of reaching out for support. They explore personal experiences and societal messages that discourage people from seeking help, such as beliefs that reaching out is a sign of weakness. They also touch on the roles children often take in families and how these roles affect their willingness to seek assistance. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to challenge their barriers and reach out when they need help, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves support.

EP 140: Sam's Story

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The episode is a conversation among Sam, Steve, and Chris about Sam's personal journey through addiction, recovery, and healing. Sam shares his story of growing up in a seemingly picture perfect Christian family, facing emotional challenges, and struggling with addiction from a young age. He discusses key moments of realization, the effects of trauma, pivotal experiences in therapy, and the impact of finding hope and authenticity. The discussion also explores the dangers of the "try harder" mindset and touches on the importance of honesty, community support, and spiritual connection in the path to recovery. Sam emphasizes the shift from trying to achieve sobriety alone to embracing God's unconditional love and support in his ongoing journey.

To connect with Sam, send him an email at sam@unashamedunafraid.com

EP 139: The GLORY Retreat

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Join us in this special episode as we dive into the details of The GLORY Retreat [God's Love Opens the Real You], an interfaith Christian retreat designed exclusively for women. With guests Jayne, Beckie, and Tricia, we explore the retreat's mission to guide you in experiencing the real you, the real God and your real story. Set at the beautiful Lost Canyon Camp in Williams, Arizona, the retreat promises a blend of worship, adventure, and experiential activities, catering to women from all walks of life. The discussion highlights the importance of taking time for oneself amidst life's challenges and the potential for personal growth through real, immersive experiences. Listeners are provided with logistical details, including costs, accommodations, and registration information, encouraging them to join this unique event to foster genuine faith and community.

Visit TheGloryRetreat.com to sign up now and use code "GLORY95" to save $95! (code is valid through Jan 31st, 2025)

Have questions? Send an email to TheGloryRetreat@gmail.com

EP 138: Live Unashamed- Mindfulness & Meditation

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Join James, Ella, Steve, and Sam as they explore the challenges and benefits of mindfulness practices and how they can aid in emotional healing. They discuss the misconceptions around meditation, often misunderstood as a quick path to calm, and instead highlight its true purpose: being fully present with emotions—whether joyful, angry, or sad. Along the way, they share personal experiences with meditation, talk about the role of focus, and address common pitfalls, like using it to avoid emotions rather than face them.

This episode ends with a challenge to practice your own meditation and mindfulness. Give yourself 10 minutes to breathe, ground and be present in your emotions.

EP 137: Legos, Shame and Recovery with Cameron Staley

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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.
It’s a thoughtful discussion on how to shift from shame-based perspectives to a healthier, more accepting relationship with one’s emotions and desires. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a partner, or seeking to understand the role of shame in your life, this episode offers deep insights and relatable wisdom on the path to healing.

You can connect with Cameron here:

EP 136: Live Unashamed- Spirituality in Addiction Recovery

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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. 

EP 135: Kaleb's Story

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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

EP 134: Live Unashamed- Grace and its Place With Addiction Recovery

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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.