Unashamed Unafraid
125 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 219 ratingsUnashamed Unafraid is a show dedicated to being unashamed about sexual addiction recovery and unafraid of coming unto Christ for healing. Pornography and sexual addiction are not something you are stuck with to manage your whole life. We share real men's and couple's stories of recovery, the best resources, and information from experts, and answer anonymous questions with those who know. All to help you on the path of being 100% healed from pornography and sexual addiction.
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Episodes
EP 105: Brian and Alicia's Story
April 16, 2024 15:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB“When you are at rock bottom, you are super hard on yourself and you are just going to keep going further down - but when you finally have hope - you see the light and desire to keep going.” Brian and Alicia met in middle school, served missions for their church and got married. On returning home from South Africa, Brian got a smartphone and quickly found out how slippery a slope pornography is. He used it to medicate the negative emotions in life and got to the point where he coul...
EP 104: Live Unashamed- Addiction vs. Behavior
April 09, 2024 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBRecognizing 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 ...
EP 103: Bryce's Story
April 02, 2024 15:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBToday, Bryce is known among his friends as genuinely happy, and capable of putting an entire room at ease upon entering it. But it was only a few years ago that he reached out for help from the edge of despair. He had hit rock bottom in a lifestyle of porn and sex that was wreaking havoc in his life. Breaking free from shame and his destructive habits proved to be a challenging journey, but supportive individuals entered his life and guided him into therapy and helped him develop a ...
EP 102: Live Unashamed- Music in Recovery
March 26, 2024 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB“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 o...
EP 101: Kaylawnni's Story
March 19, 2024 15:00 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBAt 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, ...
EP 100: Live Unashamed- What Resources Have Worked Best for You in Recovery?
March 12, 2024 15:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB"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 accou...
EP 99: Is God Disappointed in Me? ft. Kurt Francom
March 05, 2024 15:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBKurt Francom, the Executive Director and Host of 'Leading Saints', returns to discuss the concepts behind his recently released book, "Is God Disappointed in me? Removing Shame from the Gospel of Grace." This episode explores the inspiration behind the book, drawing on Francom's experiences within the Unashamed Unafraid and Warrior Heart Boot Camp communities. The book's title resonates with those of us navigating journeys marked by brokenness. Satan whispers that God is ashamed an...
EP 98: Live Unashamed- No Secrets: Why We Choose to Tell Our Story
February 27, 2024 15:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB“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 “...
EP 97: Corbin and Caitlyn's Story
February 20, 2024 15:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBCaitlyn'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 co...
EP 96: Live Unashamed- Stereotypes about Sexual Addiction
February 13, 2024 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBJoin us as we dive into stereotypes about addiction that are regularly aired in the shame game of trying to run and hide and act out in secret. A few mentioned early in this episode: Everybody who is an addict is non-functional - cannot hold down a job or a family. Don’t let ANYBODY know because it is the worst thing you can be doing - my kids can’t play with other people’s kids anymore. Once an addict, always an addict … The husband is a villain, the wife is a victim. List...
EP 95: Hunter's Story
February 06, 2024 15:00 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBMy 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 eve...
EP 94: Amanda's Story
January 16, 2024 15:00 - 54 minutes - 124 MB“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 ...
EP 93: Mathew and Brooklyn’s Story
January 02, 2024 15:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MBMatthew 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 ...
EP 92: 2023 Year in Review with the UU Crew
December 19, 2023 15:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBThe UU crew get together to wrap up the year and answer the following questions: What has been your favorite episode this past year and why? What has been an area of growth for you this past year ? If people can pray for you what do you need most? 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 Rat...
Ep 91: With Kurt Francom
December 05, 2023 15:00 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MB“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 mom...
Ep 90: Pete's Story
November 21, 2023 16:30 - 54 minutes - 125 MBPhysically, 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 stor...
EP 89: Anita's Story
November 07, 2023 17:56 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBAnita 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 epis...
EP 88: Kylie and Chris' Story
October 17, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 70.2 MB“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 the...
EP 87: with Tony Overbay
October 03, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBFamily 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 wit...
EP 86: with Tony Overbay
October 03, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBFamily 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 wit...
EP 86: with Marni Bown
September 26, 2023 15:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBMarni 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...
EP 85: Tamara's Story
September 05, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIn 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 kn...
EP 84: John's Story
August 01, 2023 20:40 - 52 minutes - 84.1 MBThe 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 survive...
EP 83: Evan and Missy's Story
July 13, 2023 15:30 - 1 hour - 109 MBIn 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 ep...
Ep 82: Eric's Story
June 20, 2023 14:00 - 57 minutes - 92.5 MBEric 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...
Ep 81: Madi's Story
May 09, 2023 14:00 - 47 minutes - 76.9 MBMadi 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...
Ep 80: Brady and Aubrey's Story
April 17, 2023 14:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBBrady 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 re...
Ep 79: Devin and Joslyn's story
April 04, 2023 14:35 - 55 minutes - 89.5 MBDevin 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.
Ep 78: Chandler and Jade
March 19, 2023 22:36 - 52 minutes - 84.1 MBAnother 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 th...
Ep 77: Sathiya Sam
March 06, 2023 00:50 - 51 minutes - 82.8 MBSathiya 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
February 24, 2023 00:42 - 49 minutes - 80 MBOftentimes 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 eac...
Ep. 75 Devin and Tanna's story
February 13, 2023 00:52 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBAfter 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 por...
Ep 74: Josh and Heather's Story
January 15, 2023 22:10 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBUnashamed 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”...
Ep 73: Unashamed in 2023
January 01, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBWe 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 visio...
Ep 72: Smith's Story
December 04, 2022 23:26 - 46 minutes - 84.9 MB“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...
Ep 71: Expectations and Expectancy with Marc Pimlser
October 26, 2022 05:06 - 1 hour - 130 MBChoosing 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 are...
Ep 70: Humility and Confidence with D.J. Bishop
September 01, 2022 22:48 - 41 minutes - 76.6 MBD.J. Bishop is a client centered, experiential therapist, dedicated to helping people transform their life stories. His work focuses on supporting his clients in identifying and challenging harmful narratives and cultivating more connected relationships with themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. D.J. is a unique therapist in that he “walks the walk.” Everything he asks his clients to do he’s done for himself in his own personal therapy work which gives D.J. a uni...
Ep 69 with Sami Bingham
July 29, 2022 22:26 - 44 minutes - 81.1 MBThe 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 househol...
Ep 68: Troy's Story
June 08, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 101 MBThe 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 ...
Ep 67: Codependency with "Magic" Marc Pimsler
May 20, 2022 14:07 - 1 hour - 111 MBCodependency: Don’t Worry About Me. I often ask myself if I am okay. Most of the time I don’t wait for the answer because this world is so crazy busy that I don’t take time to stop and listen to my body, mind, or soul. If you’re like me, this episode is a great episode to stop, drop, and scroll. Stop what you are doing, drop into a chair, and scroll into the app of your choice that you use to listen to Unashamed Unafraid. You’re not going to want to miss this one. James and Steven ...
Ep 66: Mike & Tami's Story
April 24, 2022 21:06 - 58 minutes - 108 MBMike 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 ...
Ep 65: Jarret's Story
March 28, 2022 07:01 - 46 minutes - 86.1 MBJoin us as James and Chris sit down with Jarrett as he openly shares about his early exposure to and struggle with pornography. Jarrett first realized the extent of God’s love for him, when he first opened up about his struggle while serving a mission for his church. In this episode Jarrett reminds us that unless we deal with our trauma we will pass it onto the next generation. Jarrett’s dad was willing to share with him about his own struggles and what he learned while attendi...
Ep 65: Jarrett's Story
March 28, 2022 07:01 - 46 minutes - 86.1 MBJoin us as James and Chris sit down with Jarrett as he openly shares about his early exposure to and struggle with pornography. Jarrett first realized the extent of God’s love for him, when he first opened up about his struggle while serving a mission for his church. In this episode Jarrett reminds us that unless we deal with our trauma we will pass it onto the next generation. Jarrett’s dad was willing to share with him about his own struggles and what he learned while attendi...
Ep 64: Rod's Story
March 14, 2022 16:02 - 1 hour - 117 MBAt 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 d...
Ep 63: Jim and Leisha's Story- Healing is Real
February 22, 2022 15:36 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBNot 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 tra...
Ep 62: William's Story
January 11, 2022 15:37 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBIf 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...
Ep 61: Unashamed for the New Year 2022
January 06, 2022 02:10 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBThe 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. The crew reveals their plans for 2022 as a group and individually. Thank you for everything you all do and for listening to this podcast. Happy New Year from the U/U Crew. We love you! - Steven, James, Chris, CT, Jason, Sway, Rachel, Cory and Ca...
Ep 60: Relationships: Communication, Conflict, and Connection with Daniel Burgess
December 18, 2021 03:00 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBRelationships: Communication, Conflict, and Connection Daniel is welcomed back to Unashamed Unafraid for a deep dive with Steve and Chris into something every relationship can improve on, communication. Many of us have never had great examples of what healthy communication within relationships looks like. In this episode, therapist Daniel Burgess shares his four do’s and don’ts for healthy communication in our relationships. Daniel gained his unique perspective while working wi...
Ep 59: How to Make Repair with Daniel Burgess
December 14, 2021 15:23 - 59 minutes - 81.8 MBIn our world today there is a lot of violence: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You see it almost everywhere. Too often our first reaction to harm or hurt is to put our dukes up and punch back or go running the other direction, fight or flight. Although both are generally good options for survival they aren’t always the best for recovery. One thing that many of us struggle with in recovery is being accountable and making repair. Saying a sincere “I’m sorry” is an important ...
Ep 58: Derek's Story: Climbing Out From Multiple Addictions
October 25, 2021 19:41 - 1 hour - 87.9 MB“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 ...