Podcast Team

Sam Richardson, Host

Sam Richardson serves as the Administrative Director and also volunteers as the host of the Unashamed Unafraid Podcast, where he shares his own story and helps others tell theirs with raw honesty and hope. After years of feeling stuck in addiction, Sam began making real progress in early 2023, not by “trying harder” as he had always done, but by doing the deeper work of creating emotional safety in his life. Through writing his story, attending Warrior Heart Boot Camp, and walking the long, difficult road of trauma therapy, he discovered the healing power of vulnerability and connection, especially with Jesus.

Sam wants people to know he’s just a guy in recovery. He believes recovery isn’t something you keep hidden until your sobriety date is far behind—it’s something you share openly with supportive people as a way to overcome shame. Today, Sam is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and plans to become a therapist, driven by his passion to help others find hope and healing.

James Willhite, Co-host

James Willhite has been helping others in and through their healing journey since 2012. As an experiential therapist, coach, and consultant, his unique balance of curiosity and deep wisdom creates a space for those dealing with trauma, abuse, betrayal, depression, anxiety, and addiction to feel a gentle safety in individual and group workshops. James leads two nonprofit organizations in which thousands of individuals have experienced life-changing healing of some of their deepest wounds.

James loves spending time with his wife, Kristy and with his 4 children. You can listen to James and Kristy’s recovery story here. He loves nature, indie music, trying new foods, and documentaries. James firmly believes that as we work to remove the obstacles and barriers of trauma, our true and divine identity will be uncovered at our core. It is then that we can become who we’ve longed to become and live out the lives we deserve.

Chris Bennett, Co-host

With over 17 years of sobriety from multiple sexual addictions, Chris has found that it isn’t just one thing that has helped him find so much sobriety, it is a summary of choices made every day to be sober, remain sober, live a life of recovery and adventure, and to fight for his heart. Chris has been passionate about helping men in addiction recovery for over 12 years. He has coached and mentored many men to find recovery, sobriety, and their hearts.

Chris speaks at large and small private events, corporate events, and with his wife, Autumn, at firesides for churches. In his free time, Chris enjoys hiking and connecting with God in nature. You can listen to Chris and Autumn’s story here.

Joshua Garner, Audio Engineer

Joshua is from the first generation to grow up with the Internet. He witnessed firsthand how this powerful tool could be used for good or for evil. For twenty years, he lived a double life, caught between a sincere desire to serve God and a cycle of addiction fueled by silence and shame. Despite serving a mission, marrying his wife, and trying various recovery programs, Josh found himself trapped. This internal battle eventually led him to a point of total hopelessness where he felt his family would be better off without him.

Today, Joshua's recovery is fueled by a fundamental shift in his relationship with God. His heart finally truly began to to change as he learned to love the Lord more than his struggle. Through the Unashamed Unafraid podcast and the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), Josh discovered the transformative power of God’s grace and the vital importance of brotherhood. Now serving as part of the Unashamed Unafraid team, Josh is dedicated to helping other men realize they are not alone. He is a living witness that no matter how many years have been lost to shame, God’s love is a powerful force capable of moving mountains and writing a new ending to any story.

Mason Seljaas, Video Engineer

Mason has struggled with compulsive behavior from a young age and has experienced both progress and setbacks in his journey toward freedom. He has sought healing through addiction recovery programs, guidance from religious leaders, and the support of loved ones, and he continues to actively work his recovery. Through this journey, Mason has developed a deep desire to help others who are in need of support, understanding, or compassion. He is the founder of a men’s support group called Renewed Men’s Group and plans to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

Mason enjoys basketball, working out, lacrosse, rock climbing, and cycling. He loves being outdoors—whether climbing, camping, boating, or simply going for a walk. Above all, he values quality time with friends and family. He is happily married to his wife, who shares his love for these activities and for living life fully and intentionally.