EP 95: Hunter's Story

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. 

EP 94: Amanda's Story

“When I watched porn again or relapsed, I felt God was done with me now … but Jesus fully sees me and fully knows my whole story, and still loves me. That is so powerful.” 

Amanda stumbled on pornography at an early age. Thinking she was alone in her addiction she finally decided to share it with a friend - willing to accept rejection - only to discover that her friend Katie struggles too. Along their journey they found other women similarly struggling and so they decided to start an Instagram ministry. They were surprised how viral their posts went and now have a sisterhood of survivors fighting to overcome the addictive behaviors needed to be heard and accepted, letting go of shame. 
Amanda can be contacted through Instagram @the_victory_collective and www.TheVictoryCollective.net/contact. 

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. 

EP 93: Mathew and Brooklyn’s Story

Matthew and Brooklyn brought both honesty and baggage into their relationship. Brooklyn’s achievement-based upbringing coupled with past mistakes left her wrestling with her sense of self-worth. Matthew's addiction to pornography led to a struggle with comparisons that cast a shadow of pain and darkness over the early years of their marriage.

Despite it all, their story is a heartwarming journey from light to darkness and on to redemption and deepening love. It’s full of God, good advice and good news.

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. 

EP 92: 2023 Year in Review with the UU Crew

The UU crew get together to wrap up the year and answer the following questions:

1. What has been your favorite episode this past year and why?

2. What has been an area of growth for you this past year ?

3. If people can pray for you what do you need most?

4. What has been a meaningful worship song for you this past year?

As our gift to you, here is the song list from the UU team of their top 2023 “go to” tune:

Hurt People Hurt People – Tim McGraw

Holy Spirit, Come – Patrick Maybury

Rattle – Elevation Worship 

He Is With You – Adam Agee

Hold Me Together – Jervis Campbell

Your Way – KB

Yet – Ashley Hess & Maverick City Music

Remind Me Who I Am – Jason Grey

Specific – Krista Wells

I Am They – Scars

Hope – NF

Eagle – Elevation Worship

Pacific – Christa Wells 

Do you have a story you are willing to share?  Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. 

Ep 91: With Kurt Francom

“A relationship with a healer cannot exist without a wound to heal. Telling Jesus to go and heal another because ‘I’m good’ doesn’t allow Christ room to heal your heart and deepen a relationship with Him.”

Kurt shares his story of struggling in constantly seeking validation. He got an early massive dose of feeling good enough when he was called to be a bishop/pastor in church in his twenties and then continued to ascend up in leadership responsibilities. For him, his “lightbulb moment came with the realization that while he did not struggle with an addiction to drugs or lust, he was high on validation and used it as a numbing agent that separated him from Christ and other men.

Uniquely, this episode ends with a Bootcamp style prayer asking God or heal our need for validation. To fill the hole in our hearts we’ve tried to fill with things that are not God. 

You can contact Kurt through his Leading Saints podcast and website. 

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. 

Ep 90: Pete's Story

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.

EP 89: Anita's Story

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.

EP 87: Kylie and Chris' Story

“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. 

EP 87: with Tony Overbay

Family and personal therapist Tony Overbay dives in deep with James and Steve on many topics and shared this quote: “The strongest force in the human personality is to act in alignment with how you see yourself” which lead to a discussion of how identifying ourselves primarily as addicts is very limiting and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy which limits our ability to become “recover-e-d” as Steve puts it. Tony talks about the importance of understanding our human condition with iterative growth and pushing aside shame to instead focus on what we are doing right and how to do more of that. 

To learn more about Tony and to connect with him, visit https://www.tonyoverbay.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. 

EP 86: with Marni Bown

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.

EP 85: Tamara's Story

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. 

EP 84: John's Story

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.

EP 83: Evan and Missy's Story

In this episode, Evan and Missy share their inspiring story of how they found redemption and healing through Evan’s struggle with multiple addictions. Through Evan’s struggle with addiction, and the work he and Missy have done to recover, they were able to develop personal relationships with Jesus Christ, and their relationship has been able to heal. 

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. 

Ep 82: Eric's Story

Eric speaks straight from the heart as he shares his journey of overcoming abuse, steep shame, lack of motivation, and low self-esteem to find recovery.  This was not a short journey. Eric was first introduced to several recovery resources many years ago and he was even encouraged by his parents and girlfriend but nothing stuck until he found his own motivation.  As a newlywed, Eric has been open with his wife about his struggles and has found his favorite recovery resources.  Enjoy listening as he candidly shares.   

If Eric’s story 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 Producer Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com.

Ep 81: Madi's Story

Madi was 13 when she first encountered pornography. As a young Christian woman, she struggled to find resources online to help young women overcome addiction as most resources were for women who discovered their husband’s addiction and for men struggling with addiction. Feeling isolated and alone living a dual life, she finally got up the nerve to disclose what was going on to her father and local church leader. Madi reminds us that we are seen. That God loves us. That the battle is real, and we are enough when we are connected to God and others. 

Click here for the text from Madi's dad: There is Only War 

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. 

Madi’s Podcast

Google: Sisters On The Front Lines Podcast (google.com)

Apple: Sisters On The Front Lines Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Ep 80: Brady and Aubrey's Story

Brady and Aubrey share their story of redemption and healing from Brady’s struggle with pornography addiction. For years Brady felt he had to “out work” his addiction. Once Brady realized that God loved him individually, his recovery began. Brady and Aubrey share how his struggle with pornography addiction helped them both develop personal relationships with Jesus Christ, which has healed their relationship. 

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.

Ep 79: Devin and Joslyn's story

Some stories include God delivering His grace in powerful moments. This beautiful story, however, is about a possibly more common scenario: God's enduring love and grace through consistent battle for recovery and healing.

Chris first met Devin on a trip to conquer a 14,150 foot high peak in Colorado called Mount Sneffels. Devin shared his story with Chris and agreed to share it on Unashamed Unafraid, but wondered if his story was 'big enough'. Steve has a strong reaction to that, "Are you a child of God? Then it's a big story!" He encourages anyone who thinks their story is small to "flood" our email about your willingness to share your story.  

Devin and Joslyn shine with a light, but it wasn't always that way. When they began considering marriage, Devin disclosed that he ‘had had’ a problem with pornography. Joslyn was concerned, but saw Devin 'on his game' and attending recovery meetings. They married and things went well - for a while.

Their first baby, a new job, and a move all came within two weeks of each other and sent Devin back into the fringes of porn use to medicate the stress and pain in his heart. What followed was a familiar years-long cycle of willpower, relapse and isolation. God, of course, stayed active in their lives and eventually Devin followed a powerful prompting to disclose everything to Joslyn - in a written note.

From there, Joslyn's story includes an abundance of grace and understanding; and eventually, after the shock wore off, pain, anger and fear for the future. Things got rocky after that, but with time, she was able to begin pursuing her own work of healing. She kicked down the façades that they had put up and reached out for the help she needed. She shares how she learned on a personal level how Christ has carried all our burdens and struggles, how it’s worth the struggle to find peace and solace and that Christ really is acquainted with our grief. 

Devin battled with shame and the fear of relapse, but moved further and further into the peace of acceptance and surrender to God. He shares that in recovery, consistency is more important than intensity, that sobriety isn't just about not acting out - it's about not giving up and that recovery is about what you want to create in your life.

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

Ep 78: With Chandler and Jade

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.

Ep:77 with with Sathiya Sam

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.

Ep: 76 Brotherhood

Oftentimes men feel the need to fight their battles alone out of fear of appearing weak and incapable. A brotherhood can remind them that they’re not alone. In a brotherhood men truly care for each other and within the brotherhood there is safety to talk about any aspect of your life. 

CT, Doug, and Seth join Steve and Jason to discuss what their brotherhood means to them and how it was formed through vulnerability with each other. They talk openly about how they’ve battled for each other’s hearts. This episode illustrates that you don’t need to live within a certain proximity of others to form a brotherhood of your own. 

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. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid.