EP 172: Jon's Story

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In this episode of the Unashamed Unafraid podcast, hosts engage in a heartfelt conversation with Jon, a brave guest who candidly shares his battle with addiction, the impact on his family, and his journey towards recovery. Jon details how his struggle with pornography and sex addiction began in his youth, how it escalated over time, and the toll it took on his self-worth and relationships. Through his story, he emphasizes the transformative power of connection with God and others, and the importance of shared experiences in finding hope. With raw honesty, Jon recounts his setbacks, the moments of grace from his family, and the vital support he found through various recovery programs. This episode is a powerful testament to the possibility of redemption and the enduring hope that comes from faith and community.

00:00 Introduction
01:54 Jon's Journey Begins
02:31 Struggles with Addiction
03:23 Seeking Help and Support
08:57 Mission and Marriage
11:56 Relapse and Consequences
14:32 Facing the Truth
19:40 A Night of Revelation
20:15 Seeking Help and Support
21:01 Struggles and Relapses
22:09 A Glimmer of Hope
23:46 Falling Back Again
26:17 The Breaking Point
31:49 Finding True Recovery
35:56 Rebuilding and Moving Forward
37:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

EP 171: Live Unashamed- Shame Adventures

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Join us as we discuss the concept of 'Shame Adventures' and how to combat shame during recovery. In this episode, we share hilarious and heartfelt stories, including childhood pranks and the journey to develop 'shame resilience.' Our conversation explores how to turn the difficult process of dealing with shame into a thrilling adventure, inspired by Indiana Jones, and how this mindset shift can lead to personal freedom and growth. Learn practical steps to identify and challenge shame, embrace vulnerability, and enhance your journey toward recovery. Tune in for insights, personal stories, and an invitation to embark on your own 'Shame Adventure.'

00:00 Introduction and Childhood Story
01:52 Introducing the Concept of Shame Adventures
02:43 Personal Experiences with Shame Adventures
04:17 Insights and Lessons Learned
14:09 Practical Steps to Combat Shame
19:27 Encouragement and Conclusion

EP 170: Living Proof with Danny Deaton

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In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, hosts Sam and James welcome Danny Deaton, the owner of 'Your Living Proof'. Danny shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and divine intervention. From battling pornography and substance abuse to experiencing a transformative moment of family support, Danny's journey emphasizes the critical role of community and family in overcoming addiction. He discusses the progressive nature of addictions, the stigma surrounding them, and the importance of having a robust support system. Danny also talks about the comprehensive family-focused recovery program he developed, 'Your Living Proof,' which empowers families to effectively intervene and support their loved ones through recovery. Tune in to hear Danny's inspiring journey and his mission to help others find their path to healing.

*To connect with Danny, visit His website, Program for Families, Free Masterclass, Social Media, Podcast on Youtube, Podcast on Apple

00:00 Introduction
01:08 Danny Deaton's Journey to Recovery
04:13 The Impact of Addiction on Life and Relationships
10:37 The Role of Family and Community in Recovery
16:36 Overcoming Stigma and Sharing Stories
23:43 Creating 'Your Living Proof' and Helping Families
28:11 Rising Voyeurism Charges and Family Impact
28:21 Support Groups for Families of Addicts
28:52 Understanding the Emotional Toll on Families
30:03 The Importance of Intervention and Boundaries
33:33 Reclaiming Agency Through Surrender
36:09 The Role of Community in Recovery
44:23 Challenges Families Face in Seeking Help
49:14 Resources and Support for Families
54:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

EP 169: Live Unashamed- The Hardest Part of Recovery

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In this heartfelt episode, Sam, James, and Chris discuss the challenges of navigating the internet, dealing with clickbait, and the difficulties they face in their recovery journey. They dive deep into the struggles of being honest with themselves and others, sharing personal stories and the impact of honesty on their relationships. They also touch on feelings of imposter syndrome and the pressure to appear perfect while battling addiction. Join the conversation as they encourage authenticity and share the importance of being human in recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Clickbait Frustrations
02:03 The Struggle with Honesty in Recovery
04:00 Daily Check-ins and the Challenge of Transparency
06:54 Imposter Syndrome and Emotional Vulnerability
13:05 The Importance of Self-Love and Acceptance
16:20 Encouragement and Call to Action

EP 168: Jason's Story

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In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, Jason shares his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. Host Sam and co-host Chris delve into Jason's struggles with sexual and substance addictions, his turning point when he discovered he would become a father, and the profound spiritual and emotional transformations that followed. Jason also discusses founding Brick House Recovery and writing his bestselling book 'Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover.' This powerful episode is filled with raw honesty, inspiring insights, and a message of hope for anyone facing similar battles.

*To connect with Jason, visit his website and check out his book on Amazon!

00:00 Introduction
01:10 Meet Jason
02:18 Jason's Background and Struggles
05:32 The Turning Point
14:07 The Path to Recovery
35:44 Life After Addiction
41:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

EP 167: Live Unashamed- Finding Purpose in Addiction & Recovery

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In this episode, Chris, James, and Sam discuss their personal journeys in finding purpose and overcoming addiction. They dive into deeper conversations about sobriety, battling addiction, and the significance of having a purpose in life. Chris shares his transformative experience and how finding purpose through his faith and recovery community helped him stay sober. Sam reflects on his struggle with finding joy and purpose in his work and life. The episode emphasizes the importance of giving back, connecting with others, and finding meaningful pursuits to live a fulfilling and healthy life.

00:00 Introduction
02:54 Purpose in Addiction and Recovery
06:10 Finding Joy and Purpose in Life
08:57 Brotherhood and Recovery
12:24 Sharing Stories and Providing Hope
15:40 Conclusion and Call to Action

EP 166: Roland's Story

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In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, hosts Chris and Sam sit down with Roland as he shares his poignant journey of living a double life, challenging his faith, and struggling with process addiction. Roland talks about growing up in a strict religious environment, questioning beliefs at a young age, and the impact of living a double life. He dives into how his need for validation and admiration led to compulsive behaviors that eventually resulted in a traumatic arrest at 14. Roland unpacks the concept of process addiction, explaining the necessity of addressing the underlying desire for validation rather than treating it as a typical addiction. He also discusses his path to recovery and the creation of his treatment program for high-achieving men, 'Successful Addict.' Roland emphasizes the importance of legacy, spirituality, and redefining what true admiration and respect mean in overcoming addiction. This episode provides deep insights into the challenges of process addiction and offers hope and practical advice for those struggling with similar issues.

*To connect with Roland, visit his website, check out his book on Amazon, and listen to his podcast!

00:00 Introduction
00:51 Roland's Early Life and Faith Struggles
01:54 Living a Double Life
02:19 Questioning Religious Beliefs
05:08 Impact of Faith on Addiction
06:40 Understanding Compulsive Behaviors
08:04 Arrest and Its Aftermath
10:16 Hiding the Secret and Seeking Validation
14:06 Process Addictions and Seeking Attention
16:49 Path to Recovery and Redefining Admiration
20:40 The Shift from Addiction to Sobriety
21:23 Normalization and Society's Influence
23:55 The Role of Legacy in Sobriety
25:08 Spirituality and Recovery
28:30 Understanding Process Addiction
32:44 The Successful Addict Program
35:33 Final Thoughts and Resources
39:32 A Song of Hope and Connection

EP 165: Live Unashamed- Trauma in Addiction Recovery

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Join us as we dive deep into the intricate connections between trauma and addiction. In this episode, James, Sam, and Chris discuss their personal experiences with trauma work, its impact on recovery, and how identifying and addressing underlying trauma can help in overcoming compulsive behaviors. This insightful conversation sheds light on the importance of understanding emotional needs, the process of healing, and the journey to living a more balanced and fulfilling life. Don't miss out on these powerful stories and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

EP 164: Matthew & Joanna's Story

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Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are clinicians, speakers, and authors of the book Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection that Stands the Test of Time. They have over 20 years of combined experience in counseling, coaching, and guiding couples toward healing and transformation. Their mission is to help couples navigate the complexities of relational challenges, particularly in the aftermath of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, fostering deep restoration and growth.
Sam and Chris interview Matthew and Joanna about their 12-year journey from personal crisis to professional careers helping couples recover from addiction and betrayal. The couple recounts their early struggles, how addiction and infidelity impacted their marriage, and the pivotal moments that set them on a path to recovery. They discuss the development of their intimacy framework, 'The Intimacy Pyramid,' which guides couples from honesty to a deeply connected relationship. The dialogue underscores the role of faith, the importance of mutual honesty and trust, and the hard work necessary for relational healing.

*To connect with Matthew & Joanna, visit raabsmithteam.com

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:03 Meet Matthew and Joanna
01:20 The Journey of Recovery
02:14 Early Marriage Struggles
04:28 The Turning Point
06:12 Confession and Recovery
07:25 Faith and Ministry Challenges
16:04 Building Honesty and Safety
21:59 Building Trust in Relationships
22:47 The Role of Vulnerability
25:00 Achieving Intimacy
26:31 The Journey of Healing
29:20 Steps to Rebuild Trust
37:48 The Importance of Self-Regulation
39:57 Resources and Support for Couples

EP 163: Live Unashamed- Hitting Rock Bottom

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In this episode, James, Chris and Sam discuss the transformative power of hope in overcoming addiction. They share personal stories of hitting rock bottom due to pornography addiction and codependent relationships, and how these low points led to pivotal changes in their journey to recovery. Emphasis is placed on the importance of finding a hopeful vision for a better life, engaging in genuine self-reflection, and relying on supportive resources and faith. The episode encourages listeners to see their potential for change and recovery, emphasizing that transformative identity shifts are key to overcoming addiction and finding true healing.

EP 162: Ryan & Kelce's Story

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In this heartfelt episode of 'Unashamed Unafraid,' hosts Sam and James sit down with Ryan and Kelsey to discuss their deeply personal journey through pornography addiction and the trials it brought into their marriage. Ryan recounts his early exposure to pornography, the secrecy around his addiction, and the turning point that led to his decision to seek recovery. Kelsey shares her initial shock, her decision to stay, and their joint path toward healing. Together, they highlight the key tools and support systems, including church programs and therapy, that have helped them rebuild trust and create deeper intimacy. Their story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, communication, and the unyielding support they found in each other and their faith. Join us for a powerful conversation about overcoming addiction and fostering genuine connections. Don't forget to visit unashamedunafraid.com to donate, become an outsider, and follow us on social media for more inspiring stories.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:57 Meet Ryan and Kelsey
01:28 Ryan's Early Exposure to Pornography
02:04 Kelsey's Perspective and Early Marriage
02:34 Communication Challenges in Marriage
04:13 Ryan's Struggle with Addiction
13:41 The Turning Point: D-Day
17:46 The Unexpected Bombshell
18:22 Kelsey's Emotional Response
20:22 Finding Support and Guidance
21:45 The Role of Addiction Recovery Programs
24:27 Navigating Recovery Together
29:17 Tools and Skills for Managing Emotions
33:22 Final Reflections and Hope

EP 161: Live Unashamed- Negotiating with my Addiction

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Join Sam, Chris, and James as they candidly discuss the concept of 'negotiating with your addiction.' They dive into personal stories and practical strategies for maintaining strict boundaries to foster long-term recovery. Topics include recognizing subtle forms of addiction, setting and respecting personal boundaries, and the significance of building a track record of sobriety. Learn the secret to overcoming compulsive behaviors and play it through to manage addiction effectively.

EP 160: Healing from Betrayal with Dr. Heidi Hastings

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In this episode of Unashamed Unafraid, Dr. Heidi Hastings, a marriage and sex researcher with a PhD, discusses her research focused on religious women and the impact of their husband's pornography use on their sexuality and spirituality. Through her studies, which include Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women, Dr. Hastings identifies five stages of betrayal trauma: innocence, crisis, aftermath, healing, and transformation. She explains how these stages align with identity development theories and shares key insights on how betrayed women navigate these stages, the importance of female support, and how individuals can heal and transform through understanding and redefining their identity. The episode also touches on how religious leaders can better support betrayed women and provides advice for parents on empowering their daughters. Dr. Hastings emphasizes the eventual deepening of trust and relationship with Jesus Christ as a pivotal element in the healing journey.

*To connect with Heidi visit, drheidihastings.com

EP 159: Live Unashamed- Dating Unashamed

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In this episode of 'Live Unashamed,' hosts Chris, Sam, and Liam dive into the complexities of dating while struggling with addiction, especially pornography. They share personal anecdotes and strategies on when and how to disclose these struggles to potential partners. The conversation touches on why it's important to be transparent before exclusive dating, the complications of living a double life, and the necessity of seeking validation from God rather than a partner. The hosts emphasize the significance of honesty, recovery, and personal worth in navigating relationships.

EP 158: Johnny & Emily's Story

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Join us in this powerful episode where Johnny and Emily candidly share their journey through the devastating impacts of porn addiction on their marriage. From Johnny's early struggles with pornography to the heart-wrenching moments of disclosure, and finally to their inspiring recovery, they discuss how faith, honesty, and community support brought them closer to each other and to God. Tune in for an emotional and raw conversation filled with valuable insights and hope for anyone battling similar struggles.
Johnny and Emily have been married since 1987 and have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. After the first 31 years, Johnny’s infidelity fueled by pornography came to light and their marriage was shattered into dust. With God’s help, they both decided to stay married, and embarked on a journey of healing and restoration.

*Ways to connect with Johnny & Emily:
Podcast Beyond Broken Vows Podcast, Website beyondbrokenvows.com, Email support@beyondbrokenvows.com, Newsletter sign up - insider.beyondbrokenvows.com

EP 157: Live Unashamed- Avoiding Abusive Self Talk

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In this episode, Chris and Sam engage in a deep conversation about overcoming abusive self-talk and shame. They share personal experiences and strategies to combat feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, emphasizing the importance of changing one's identity and finding validation through a relationship with God. They discuss the impact of shame messages from childhood and how true behavior change stems from identity change. The episode also highlights how important it is to let go of negative self-perceptions and embrace the love and support offered by God and loved ones.

EP 156: Matt & Tracy's Story

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In this heartfelt episode, Matt and Tracy share their deeply personal journey of battling and overcoming pornography addiction. From early encounters with pornography and the challenges of maintaining secrecy, Matt opens up about his struggles and the impact on his faith and marriage. Tracy provides insight into her emotional turmoil and the steps she took towards her own healing. Together, they discuss the turning points in their healing process, the role of faith, and the tools that helped them rebuild their relationship and lives. Their story is a testament to the power of love, faith, and the courage to seek help.

EP 155: Introducing Sam

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In this special episode of 'Unashamed Unafraid,' James and Steve introduce Sam as the new official host, marking a significant transition for the podcast. They discuss the reasons behind this change, dispel myths about their recovery journeys, and reflect on their experiences with the show. Sam shares his thoughts on authenticity, his personal recovery journey, and the future direction of 'Unashamed Unafraid.' 

EP 154: Liam's Story

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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

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.