Jesus Loves Addicts

Hosts Kathryn and Paul sit down with guest Angela Yaeger to trace her life from childhood sexual abuse and abandonment through progressive substance use, meth‑induced psychosis, jail, and ultimately a Christ‑centered recovery at the Home of Grace. Angela shares candid memories of shame, running, and the turning point that led her into rehab and long‑term discipleship. Conversation topics include mental health and trauma, the mechanics of addiction and relapse, receiving love and learning to trust again, forgiveness (including toward her father), the role of mentors and community, and practical steps Angela took—surrender, accountability, and service—that helped her stay rooted. She also discusses training as a counselor and how her story now informs her work helping others. Listeners can expect an honest, hope-filled episode that acknowledges the messiness of recovery while highlighting how faith, community, and perseverance can lead to transformation and purpose.

In this episode David and Sarah share their raw, redemptive story — high school sweethearts torn apart by addiction who found restoration through Christ. Topics include David’s arrests and meth manufacturing, his turning point in jail (a spiritual rebirth on his birthday in 2013), Teen Challenge and Home of Grace treatment, and the long road to reconciliation with Sarah and their children. Key moments include public baptisms, restored family relationships, the ripple effect of recovery on relatives and community, and the launch of the Freedom ministry — a Christ-centered program offering groups and conferences for addicts, veterans, first responders, couples, and families. Listeners should expect transparent testimony, practical hope for recovery, and encouragement for anyone affected by addiction.

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts sit down with David and Sarah, high school sweethearts whose early romance spiraled into years of substance use, deception, and family strain. David recounts how baseball was his life until meth and other drugs took over, while Sarah shares how falling in love pulled her into the scene. They discuss parental influences, peer pressure, the slow erosion of trust, and how addiction reshaped their family roles. The conversation covers the couple's paths: dropping out and returning to finish school, the birth of their children, a spontaneous first marriage, and the painful breakup when David fled the family amid mounting addiction. Highlights include candid reflections on deception, the moment Sarah found peace to leave, the crushing effects of secrets on parenting and relationships, and the hard truth of recovery’s challenges. Produced by Home of Grace, the episode centers on the redemptive work of Christ and practical lessons for families confronting addiction.

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Brittany Meeks shares her raw and honest testimony — from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and years lost to addiction, to the life-changing encounter with Christ that led her to sobriety in 2008. Guest-hosted by the podcast team, Brittany recounts the struggle of growing up with a father addicted to crack, the secrets she carried, multiple rehab attempts, and how a pregnancy and the prayers of loved ones finally opened a door to recovery through Teen Challenge. Listeners will hear candid reflections on forgiveness, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, the ongoing challenges of recovery, and how faith doesn’t remove suffering but provides a path through it. Brittany also discusses the heartbreaking journey of parenting a child with severe behavioral and mental health issues, her family’s reliance on prayer, and lessons learned about bitterness, surrender, and God’s faithfulness in the details. Tune in for an uplifting, vulnerable conversation about grace, healing, and perseverance — and for practical encouragement for anyone walking through addiction, trauma, or the long road of recovery. Brittany’s story is a testament that while we are flawed, we are loved and can be set free by Christ.

Part two of Jesus Loves Addicts features Nicole, a 47-year-old from Gulfport, who shares a brutally honest account of addiction, relapse, grief, and the power of Christ in recovery. She recounts losing custody of her son, arrests and jail time, the chaos of the drug world, and the deep darkness she faced after the deaths of both parents and the loss of her husband. Topics include the mechanics of addiction (meth, speedballing, Kratom and other substances), the secrecy and stigma that hide the illness, interactions with probation and drug court, and the role of Celebrate Recovery and the Home of Grace in providing accountability and healing. Key moments include a powerful encounter with God in jail, a relapse on her four-year sober anniversary, and a turning point when a friend’s warning kept her from using one last time. Nicole explains how service, sponsorship, and faith now sustain her sobriety, why ‘‘telling on yourself’’ and exposing secrets are lifesaving steps, and how dependence must be rightly placed at the foot of the cross. Hosts and guests discuss practical recovery tools, the importance of community, and confronting the shame that keeps people hidden. Listeners should expect raw vulnerability, hope, and concrete takeaways about accountability, grief, and how Christ and recovery programs like the Home of Grace can help rebuild a life after repeated failures.

Guest Nicole Dutruch shares a candid God story of childhood trauma, early sexual abuse, dissociation, and decades-long addiction. She walks listeners through exposure to adult worlds as a child, gang encounters, a moment when a gun was held to her head, struggles with alcohol, cocaine, meth and prescription misuse, pregnancies and motherhood, multiple detox attempts, and the turning point toward faith and recovery. This episode is a frank, faith-centered conversation about the rewards and challenges of recovery, codependency, mental health, relapse, and stigma. Expect raw honesty about failures and healing, practical glimpses into detox and treatment, and reflections on how Christ and community offer restoration. Listen for a hopeful, unflinching testimony that names the pain, normalizes struggle, and points to redemption — part one of a continuing two-part interview.

Guest Sabrina Garth shares a raw, honest testimony of over 20 years in active addiction — from childhood trauma, early morphine exposure, sexual exploitation, and drug use to arrests, prison, an overdose, and the heartbreaking loss of her infant to SIDS. She describes the spiral of relapse, escorting, fentanyl use, and moments that forced her to confront life and faith. The episode covers her turning points: Baker-acting and jail, a first saving faith experience, multiple rehabs, the Home of Grace program, detox and sober living, and the Freedom Ministry that taught her how to forgive, live intentionally, and build a new recovery-focused lifestyle. Sabrina also discusses family dynamics, reconciliation attempts, parenting in recovery, and how God intervened with visions, support, and purpose. Key takeaways include practical recovery principles — choosing the “next right thing,” building new people/places/things to support sobriety, the power of community and church, daily surrender and obedience, and hope that restoration is possible. Listeners can expect candid details, spiritual reflections, and actionable encouragement for anyone facing addiction, grief, or the long road of recovery.

In this episode we hear David's raw testimony—grown in gangs, surviving violent prison attacks, falling into opioid addiction after a workplace injury, and losing a son—then finding a life-changing encounter with Jesus. David shares the miracle that led to his parole, the role of his aunt and the Home of Grace, and how faith and accountability helped him denounce gang life and rebuild his future. Topics include prison violence and gang dynamics, the slippery slope from prescription painkillers to Oxy and fraud, the impact of relapse on family and relationships, and practical lessons about how relapse often begins before the drug itself. David describes how putting down spiritual disciplines led to compromise, and what finally stuck this time. Key moments: the clerical parole miracle, a terrifying night on the bottom tier, the death of his infant son, multiple prison terms and fraud charges, and the decision to enter a Christ-centered recovery program. David reflects on sanctification versus salvation, the importance of daily spiritual practices, and his hope for restored family relationships. Listeners can expect an honest, gritty conversation about addiction, accountability, grace, and recovery—offering both warning signs and hope for anyone affected by substance use. Guest: David; produced by the Home of Grace.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts co-hosted by Paul and Kathryn (who celebrates her birthday on-air), guest David White shares a raw, honest testimony of growing up in a broken home, early exposure to alcohol, childhood abuse, juvenile detention, gang involvement, and more than 25 years trapped in addiction. He recounts the fatal crash on I‑110 that injured Ronald Brown, the manslaughter charge, and the years he spent in jail and prison. David describes a life-changing spiritual encounter—a prophetic dream of Jesus, discovering a hidden Bible in a holding cell, and a miraculous shift in his heart that led him toward faith-based recovery. He also reflects on the challenges and rewards of recovery, the pain of letting family down, the power of forgiveness, and how the Home of Grace and Christ-centered community helped him find purpose. Listen for a candid conversation about addiction, trauma, prison life, faith, stigma, and hope. Expect hard truths, vulnerable reflections, and practical encouragement for anyone wrestling with addiction or supporting a loved one, plus information about Christ-centered recovery resources like the Home of Grace.

In this episode Lauren McDonald joins the Jesus Loves Addicts podcast to tell a candid, hope-filled account of a decade-long fall into meth addiction, homelessness, and an abusive relationship — and the moment she cried out to God behind closed doors. Hosts and guests discuss scripture (including Psalm 55 and 2 Kings 6), the power of persistent prayer, and the role of tough love from family in recovery. You’ll hear Lauren’s arrest and jail-to-faith turning point, how God’s word met her in the dorms, the painful choices her mother faced, and the concrete restoration that followed: getting her son back, steady church life, marriage, and now ministry work helping other women and inmates find freedom in Christ. Expect honest conversation about rewards and challenges in recovery, stigma, spiritual warfare, and practical next steps for those seeking help — and a frank reminder that no one is beyond mercy.

In this episode, Lauren McDonald and her mother join the Jesus Loves Addicts podcast to tell a raw, two-perspective account of addiction, family, and faith. Lauren recounts a decade-long slide from social drinking and experimentation in high school to homelessness and meth addiction, the role of peer pressure and compromises, and the moment God met her in a jail cell. Topics include early warning signs, the slow fade into harder drugs, the strain on parent-child relationships, co-occurring behaviors like gambling, and the practical tensions of enabling versus protecting a child. Guests discuss conviction, the importance of intentional recovery, accountability, and how Christ and community (including resources like Home of Grace) played a part in restoration. Listeners can expect an honest conversation about failure and hope: how addiction affects families, what recovery can look like, and the message that—even in the darkest places—redemption is possible.

In this episode Pastor Bryan and Angela Jones share their raw, honest testimony about childhood trauma, family alcoholism, and long careers of self‑medicating through drugs and alcohol before encountering Christ. They describe painful early experiences—including molestation and neglect—how shame and secrecy fueled addiction, and the turning points that led them back to faith. The conversation covers recovery pathways like Teen Challenge, the challenges and rewards of sobriety, marital resilience, and the couple’s surprising call into ministry. Bryan and Angela explain how God transformed their pain into purpose, building a church that reaches addicts, bikers, and the overlooked. Hosts and guests reflect on stigma, submission, grace, and practical hope for listeners facing addiction or brokenness, while highlighting Christ‑centered recovery resources such as the Home of Grace and the power of community to restore lives.

Guest James Rutledge shares an unflinching account of 20+ years trapped in addiction to marijuana, alcohol, meth, crack, bath salts, prescription pills and pornography, and how those habits destroyed his marriage, trust, and peace despite outward success. The episode covers Jamie’s childhood struggles with shame and isolation, early exposure to porn, escalating substance use, relapse cycles, multiple rehabs, a suicide attempt, and the turning point that led him to a life-changing relationship with Jesus and long-term recovery at Home of Grace. Listeners will hear practical themes about accountability, community, faith-based recovery, relapse triggers, hope after loss, and how Jamie now serves others through ministry, Celebrate Recovery, and peer support. This episode is for anyone affected by addiction or seeking a faith-centered path to restoration.

Guest Tiffany Clayton shares a raw, hopeful memoir of addiction beginning in seventh grade and spanning two decades — from prescription pills and Xanax to IV meth, homelessness, jail, and losing custody of her children. The episode covers childhood trauma, family addiction, domestic abuse, the death of her mother, and the moment she hit rock bottom. Tiffany describes entering long-term treatment at the Home of Grace, wrestling with anger toward God, and how faith, community support, and honest recovery work led to nearly five years of sobriety. Key moments include regaining custody, forgiving her family, rebuilding life as a single mom, working at her church daycare, and taking mission trips to Belize with her daughters. Listeners can expect candid discussion of relapse, stigma, the challenges and rewards of recovery, the role of Christ in overcoming weakness, and practical hope for anyone affected by addiction or seeking a faith-centered path to restoration.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Shane and Lindy Cowart share their raw, unflinching story of long-term addiction, violence, and the difficult path to recovery through faith. The hosts walk through Shane’s 24 years of active addiction and Lindy’s 20 years of struggles, the trauma of broken families, early exposure to drugs and crime, and multiple stints in treatment. Listeners will hear about the moment of surrender that led them both into residential programs, the six years of sustained sobriety they’ve maintained, the legal and custody battles they faced, and how faith, therapy, and community helped restore their family. The conversation covers themes of generational trauma, codependency, sexual abuse and shame, spiritual warfare, relapse, and the practical steps that supported lasting change — including extended residential care, mentorship, and faith-based ministries. Shane and Lindy also describe their ministries: Sheena’s Hope (a 90-day program for women and children experiencing homelessness) and SNL Contractors (a company that employs men in recovery), along with the couple’s work restoring family relationships and helping others find recovery through Christ. Expect candid, emotional testimony, tough conversation about addiction’s realities, and hopeful encouragement for those fighting similar battles or supporting someone who is. The episode emphasizes that recovery is possible, the importance of lasting foundations (longer residential care, counseling, community), and the healing power of Jesus even in the darkest places.

On the 100th episode and two-year anniversary of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Kathryn and Ross sit down with Austin and Clay Barton for a candid roundtable on surrender. This episode explores what surrender really looks like—beyond drugs and alcohol—why everyone struggles with some form of addiction, and how Christ’s love meets us in our weakest moments. Guests share raw testimonies about rock bottom, daily dying to self, the tension between fear and trust, and the vital role of community, accountability, and programs like the Home of Grace in recovery. Practical steps—reading the Bible, church, trusted fellowship, and honest confession—are discussed alongside the challenges, victories, and hope that come with true submission to God. Expect heartfelt storytelling, tough questions, and encouragement for listeners who are weary or watching a loved one suffer: surrender is not defeat but the pathway to restoration, mercy, and lasting change through Christ.

Guest Amber shares a raw, honest account of growing up with parental addiction, 25 years of substance abuse, a painful abortion, violent relationships, jail, homelessness, and the suicide of her adoptive father. She describes a powerful encounter with Christ while incarcerated, the decision to enter long-term faith-based recovery, and the slow work of sanctification afterward. This episode covers trauma and identity, the realities and stigma of addiction, legal consequences, faith as a healing force, residential treatment at Home of Grace, transitional housing, employment in recovery, and the challenges Amber still faces two years sober. Listeners can expect a candid testimony about failure and restoration, practical hope for those struggling or supporting loved ones, and a reminder that recovery is hard but gets better through community and Christ-centered care.

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Amber Mitchell shares her raw, honest testimony of a childhood marked by addiction, abuse, and instability. Listeners will hear about her early memories of being removed from her biological parents, the trauma of foster placements, and the emotional scars that led to years of substance use, self-harm, and destructive relationships. Host Paul and Amber discuss how anger, rejection, and a hunger for attention shaped her behavior, the challenges of building trust within a loving adoptive family, and the ways addiction offered temporary relief. Amber also opens up about her spiritual awakening at age 38—an encounter with Christ that transformed her life—and explores theological insights about free will, suffering, and redemption. Tune in for an unflinching conversation about the realities of recovery, the stigma of addiction, and the hope found in faith. This episode is both sobering and uplifting, offering empathy for those who struggle and a testimony to the power of God’s grace.

On this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, guests Jimmy Bourn and Sabrina share raw, unfiltered testimonies of long-term addiction, trauma, and the moments that changed their lives. They describe kidnappings, sexual abuse, prison time, prescription dependence, and the suicides of loved ones that marked their darkest seasons. Jimmy recounts a violent 26‑day abduction, years on meth, criminal involvement, a catastrophic hand injury and a transition to prescription opioids; Sabrina speaks about childhood sexual abuse, doctor‑shopping and a 15‑year opioid struggle before finding sobriety. Both reflect on treatment experiences, the difference between legalism and grace, and the spiritual turning points that led them to recovery. The conversation closes with hope and purpose: both now mentor and serve others through ministries like Showered by the Holy Spirit, Next Step Restoration and Taylor House, and highlight forgiveness, restoration and practical steps for anyone facing addiction or trauma.

Guest Justin Scott Smith, an active duty Air Force major, shares his powerful testimony of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the eating disorder that began at age eight and peaked at 13—when he dropped to 63 pounds and was hospitalized. The episode explores the parallels between eating disorders and addiction, the role of control and attention-seeking in recovery behaviors, and the medical and emotional toll of starvation. Justin recounts inpatient treatment, a life-changing spiritual encounter in a psychiatric unit, and how faith in Jesus led to lasting freedom. He also discusses forgiveness, reconciliation with his parents, breaking generational cycles of abuse, and how he now serves youth in his church and the military community. This episode offers hope and practical encouragement for anyone struggling with eating disorders or addiction, especially men who are often overlooked, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual surrender, professional care, and community support.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Joey Rogers explores a powerful story of pride, public humiliation, and spiritual awakening. The conversation traces Joey’s life from a Catholic upbringing and collegiate athletics to a successful chiropractic career, marriage, and the pride that accompanied his professional identity. After marital breakdown, a decade of hidden drug use culminated in a highly publicized arrest during the COVID era that forced him into treatment at the Home of Grace. Listeners will hear candid details about addiction (alcohol, cocaine, prescription pills, fentanyl), the role of pride and religiosity in masking spiritual disconnect, near-tragic family moments, and the humbling process of recovery. The episode highlights Joey’s 90-day treatment experience, his spiritual rebirth, practical recovery steps (support groups, volunteer work, ongoing counseling), and his new calling toward counseling and community work. Key themes include the tension between religiosity and relationship with Christ, the stigma of addiction, the rewards and challenges of recovery, and how humility and gratitude can transform life.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Kathryn and Ross speak with guest Amanda Smith about her 15‑year struggle with addiction and the turning points that led her to recovery. Amanda shares childhood trauma, her father’s suicide, early exposure to prescription drugs, doctor‑shopping, multiple overdoses, prison time, and experiences in treatment including Whitfield and residential programs. The conversation covers the rise of fentanyl, the dangers of counterfeit pills, challenges of staying clean while pregnant, custody and family impacts, and the role of Christ and community in sustained recovery. Amanda also describes her work in overdose prevention, returning to school for psychology, rebuilding relationships with her son, and finding purpose through helping others. Key takeaways: honest discussion of relapse and recovery, the importance of compassionate support and faith, practical steps for overdose prevention and treatment pathways, and a message of hope — don’t give up.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts Amber and Blake Blackmon share their raw, "perfectly imperfect" journey from childhoods wrapped in drug culture to adult addiction, relapse, and eventual recovery. They recount early memories of family using, the breakdown of relationships, legal consequences, and the painful fallout that cost Blake his marriage and time with his children. The conversation covers how both spouses found faith-based help in 2022, their time with Home of Grace and other recovery programs, the role of community and accountability (Celebrate Recovery, pastors, and friends), and the hard lessons learned after relapsing and rebuilding trust. Guests include Blake and Amber, with references to family members (mother Star, sister Kristen) and counselors who influenced their path. Key points: honest reflection on relapse and responsibility, how Christ-centered recovery and steady community support made a difference, practical challenges of rebuilding family relationships, and the ongoing work of patience and accountability in sobriety.

In this episode hosts interview Jon and Hayley Klover about their painful childhoods in homes marked by addiction, violence and secrecy, the personal addictions they battled, and the turning points that led them to faith and recovery. They share vivid stories — from witnessing domestic violence and a firearm incident to early substance use, arrests, and the long work of inner healing. The Klovers discuss how Jesus and mentoring relationships reshaped their identities, the role of faith-based counseling and forgiveness, and how they now run Operation Lost Sheep, a jailhouse ministry that helps people take next steps toward treatment and restoration. Topics include generational addiction, relationship addiction, boundaries in recovery, and practical steps for finding help. Listeners can expect honest testimony, practical takeaways about setting boundaries and pursuing real freedom in Christ, and encouragement that recovery and restored relationships are possible through community, accountability, and spiritual care.

In this episode host Zach Buckalew sits with his wife Ashley to tell her raw, unflinching story: childhood trauma, decades of addiction, violent relationships, prostitution and multiple arrests, and the moment a SWAT bust and jail time turned into a doorway to recovery. They discuss the realities of recovery—relapses, shame, court-ordered programs, the Mission of Hope and Bridget & Friends transitional housing, and the hard work of rebuilding trust and relationships. Ashley shares how faith, tough love from mentors, and Christ’s grace changed her life and led her into service. Expect candid testimony about the challenges and rewards of salvation, practical honesty about failure and forgiveness, and a hopeful message for families and those still struggling: recovery is messy, God’s grace is real, and restoration is possible.

In this episode hosts talk with Zach Buckalew and his wife Ashley Buckalew about surviving childhood trauma, parental addiction, and sexual abuse, and how those experiences led to long battles with substances (OxyContin, meth, Subutex and more). Both share candid memories of growing up in chaotic homes, the consequences of addiction, and the moment faith and community began to change their lives. Listeners will hear about key turning points—meeting at a tent revival, treatment programs like Agape Life Gardens, the role of forgiveness, and the power of Christ-centered recovery. Honest, vulnerable, and faith-focused, the conversation challenges stigma, highlights practical struggles and victories in sobriety, and offers hope for anyone facing addiction or supporting a loved one.

In this episode Justin Edwards from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells his 20+ year story of addiction — starting with teenage drinking and weed, escalating through college cocaine and prescription opioids, shooting drugs, multiple treatment attempts, an overdose and ICU stay, and the devastating loss of his girlfriend to fentanyl. He candidly describes hitting rock bottom (including a terrifying moment on a bridge), repeated relapses, prison and drug court, and the turning point that led him back to treatment and faith. Hosts and guest explore the practical and spiritual realities of recovery: the ritual of addiction, family intervention, the influence of environment and work, and the role of the Home of Grace. Justin shares how a renewed relationship with Jesus, humility, community, and obedience reshaped his life — offering real hope and clear takeaways for anyone struggling or supporting a loved one through addiction.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, father-daughter guests Randall and Lawren Cobb share a raw, hopeful conversation about addiction, family, and faith. Lawren recounts her six-year struggle with meth—starting with middle-school insecurities, progressing to self-harm and homelessness, and culminating in violent relationships—while Randall describes the pain and difficult boundaries of parenting a child in active addiction. They discuss signs parents can look for, the harm of secrecy, the value of tough love and boundaries, and the pivotal role of Christ-centered recovery programs like Wings of Life and Home of Grace. Key topics include the influence of social media on self-image, how addiction can hide behind achievements, the importance of community and prayer, and how faith and honest conversations restore relationships. Guests reflect on relapse, treatment journeys, angelic interventions, and the ongoing process of rebuilding trust. Listeners will hear both practical guidance for families and a hopeful testimony of redemption: three years sober, restored relationships, and a new life working with animals and serving in recovery ministry.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Paul and Kathryn speaks with Crystal Ward from Alabama about her journey from childhood sexual abuse and a family shaped by addiction to more than 20 years of substance dependence. Crystal shares how unforgiveness—not just drugs—kept her bound, her multiple attempts at treatment, and the life-changing encounter with Christ that finally led to lasting surrender and healing. Topics include early trauma, family dynamics, foster care, huffing gas and polysubstance use, losing and regaining custody, seven treatment attempts, the role of faith in recovery, the power of forgiveness (including forgiving her father), and how Crystal now serves others through ministry—married to Elijah Warren and preparing to lead a women’s City of Refuge. Tune in for a raw, hope-filled conversation about failures and restoration, practical recovery wisdom, boundaries, and how God uses brokenness for renewed purpose.

Guest Matthew Rindge shares a raw, honest story of growing up surrounded by addiction, coping with his sister’s suicide, years of substance abuse, jail stints, and self-harm. Listeners hear how desperation and family intervention led him to the Home of Grace and the long, difficult steps toward sobriety. The episode covers Matthew’s struggle with depression, addiction to opioids and Xanax, legal consequences, and the spiritual journey from atheism to faith—culminating in a transformative moment in chapel and eventual baptism. Conversations explore relapse, recovery phases, counseling, and the role of community and church in sustained change. Key takeaways include the challenges and rewards of recovery, confronting past hurts and unhealthy patterns (including manipulation and relationship work), and practical hope: how faith, honest support, and programs like the Home of Grace can turn darkness into restored purpose.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts host Paul and Ross interviews John Nugier from Crowley, Louisiana, who shares a raw, honest testimony of 41 years of addiction and the winding path to lasting recovery. John recounts childhood loss, boarding school, early substance use, five marriages, multiple treatment attempts, and the near‑death car accident that became his turning point. Topics include the role of faith in recovery, the limitations of rehab without a spiritual foundation, the Home of Grace model (a three‑month Christ‑centered program), accepting responsibility, forgiveness, family reconciliation, and practical lessons for loved ones and those still struggling. John describes his moment of surrender, baptism, and how God transformed his anger into compassion and ministry work helping others find treatment. Listeners can expect candid stories, hard lessons about enabling and manipulation, encouragement for families, and clear takeaways about building a relationship with Christ, taking responsibility for one’s choices, and the slow, ongoing process of healing and redemption.

In this roundtable episode of Jesus Loves Addicts the hosts sit down with guest Austin alongside Kathryn and Ross to explore humility and gratitude in the recovery walk. They connect biblical examples to everyday struggles in addiction, repentance, and sanctification. Conversation topics include entitlement versus true gratitude, the danger of bargaining with God, consequences versus the penalty of sin, identity in Christ, and how purpose (not pleasure) fuels lasting recovery. Guests share personal stories, practical indicators of relapse (restless, irritable, discontent), and why grace—“the cross was enough”—is the foundation for life-changing thankfulness. Key takeaways: humility precedes deep gratitude, trust in God’s way transforms desires and brings real joy, and recovery is a daily dying to self that creates space for Christ’s work. Listeners can expect candid testimony, biblical teaching, and practical encouragement for those in or helping someone through recovery.

In this powerful episode, guests Brandon Sanders and his wife Cary Dawn Sanders share an unflinching, firsthand account of long-term addiction, relapse, and radical restoration through faith. Brandon—once a nurse who spiraled into pain‑killer abuse, prescription fraud, and years of heroin and meth use—and Cary—who battled similar darkness and suicidal thoughts—walk listeners through the events that led them to rock bottom and the faith‑based programs that helped them rebuild. Topics include the early prescription that sparked addiction, life as a double‑life addict, arrests and pretrial diversion, secular rehab vs. faith programs like Teen Challenge and Wings of Life, suicidal ideation and near‑death experiences, the role of community and toxic relationships in relapse, and the practical steps they took toward restoration: surrender, ministry, counseling, and family reconciliation. Key moments: Brandon’s surrender in a hotel room, Cary’s encounter with the Holy Spirit, their meeting while serving outreach, marital courtship under pastoral oversight, and later miracles including restored relationships and the reinstatement of Carrie’s nursing license. Listeners can expect candid stories about shame, loss, and recovery, reflections on how Christ overcomes addiction and brokenness, and actionable encouragement about staying connected, avoiding premature relationships in early sobriety, and trusting grace. This episode is for anyone facing addiction, supporting a loved one, or seeking hope in the midst of despair.

In this two-part episode Paul and Kathryn sit down with Brandon Sanders and his wife Cary Dawn Sanders to trace their journeys from deep addiction to life in recovery. Brandon shares a harrowing childhood—witnessing his mother’s murder, growing up in foster care, and battling decades of substance use—while Cary describes how nursing and pain medication led to her own long struggle with addiction. Topics include multigenerational addiction, early trauma, homelessness, relapse, violence and shame, the false comforts of substances, and the moments that planted seeds of faith. Both guests are candid about failures and the hard work of recovery, and they reflect on the challenges and rewards of healing from such broken pasts. The episode also highlights the role of faith and community in recovery — Brandon and Cary’s encounter with Christ, Brandon’s eventual forgiveness of his father, and their work as executive directors of Wings of Life. Expect honest storytelling, practical insight on stigma and recovery, and a message of hope and restoration for listeners seeking a path out of addiction.

In this raw, emotional episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Vinquia Jones shares her powerful testimony of childhood abuse, identity struggles, life in the streets, addiction, prostitution, prison, and multiple attempts at recovery. Hosts Kathryn and Paul sit with Vinquia to unpack the roots of addiction — rejection, identity wounds, and generational trauma — and hear how God’s love, counseling, and multiple recovery programs (Wings of Life, Home of Grace) slowly restored her life. Listeners will hear candid accounts of loss (the murders and overdoses of close friends and cousins), the cycle of offense and relapse, and the difficult work of forgiveness — especially toward a mother who had her own brokenness. Vinquia describes the moment of surrender, how Christ’s love healed her eight-year-old wounds, the ongoing battle with pride and relapse, and how purpose and community help sustain recovery. This episode is for anyone wrestling with addiction, identity, or the pain of the past. Expect honest scripture-grounded conversation about repentance, daily dependence on Christ, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the promise that no one is too far gone for God to redeem. Includes discussion of Christian recovery resources and invitations to the Home of Grace for support and treatment.

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, host(s) sit down with Elias Kihyet and his sister Kathryn to unpack Elias’s life-long battle with addiction, depression, and same-sex attraction. Raised in a loving, churchgoing family, Elias shares his early struggles with feeling different, substance use beginning in childhood, encounters with the gay nightlife, and multiple cycles of treatment and relapse. Listeners hear candid details about arrests, car accidents, and the turning points that eventually led Elias to Teen Challenge and the Home of Grace. The conversation dives into theological perspectives on sin and recovery, the role of family dynamics, the complexity of spiritual versus behavioral change, and practical recovery steps like accountability, scripture memorization, and radical honesty. Elias describes how Christ and structured, faith-based programs helped shift his identity from sexuality-focused to Christ-centered, and how he now pursues sanctification while acknowledging ongoing temptations. Expect an honest, sometimes confronting discussion of addiction, homosexuality, and Christian faith—complete with personal testimony, reflections on pastoral responses, and encouragement for anyone seeking freedom. Key points include the interplay of addiction and sexuality, the power of Christ-centered recovery, the importance of accountability and truth-telling, and a message of hope for those trapped in similar cycles.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Hal and Lisa Selby share the powerful story of Hal’s deliverance from 27 years of bondage to homosexuality and how the couple navigated confession, forgiveness, and restoration. They discuss Hal’s upbringing, early abuse, the spiritual and emotional factors that contributed to his struggle, and the moment he repented and was transformed. Lisa recounts the shock, the immediate call to forgive, and the long road of healing supported by prayer, counseling, accountability, and community. The Selbys explain practical steps for recovery, the role of the church in offering both truth and compassion, and their ministry Refuge 461 which supports people and families impacted by unwanted same-sex attraction. Expect candid testimony, biblical perspective on sin and sanctification, and encouragement for those struggling or supporting a loved one.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Katie shares her raw and powerful story of addiction, loss, and redemption. After 20 years of substance abuse, criminal consequences, and fractured relationships, Katie recounts the trauma of homelessness, jail, and the desperation that led her to treatment. Through a faith-based recovery program, reconciling conversations, and the pursuit of God, she finds sobriety, healing, and restoration with her husband and family. Topics covered include the escalation from stimulants to opioids, the dangers of prescription pain medication and fentanyl, the cycle of relapse, and the complexities of relationships in early recovery. Guests and contributors include Katie, program staff from the faith-based treatment center, and supportive family members whose interventions helped catalyze change. Key moments: rock bottom on the streets, the pivotal decision to enter treatment, a spiritual turning point in rehab, rebuilding trust with family, and returning to ministry and Bible college. Listeners can expect a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of recovery, the importance of community and faith, and practical hope for those feeling unseen or stuck. This episode emphasizes that while addiction can isolate and dehumanize, redemption is possible, and you are not alone.

In this emotional two-part episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, host Paul sits down with Katie Foster Gerhart to hear her harrowing life story — from a traumatic childhood with alcoholic parents and early responsibilities as the 'family protector' to two decades of substance abuse. Katie recounts pivotal moments including a near-fatal car crash, arrests, painful medical issues, multiple rehabs, and the escalation from recreational drinking to cocaine, opioids, crack, and injection drug use. They cover how trauma, family dynamics, and failed safe havens like rehab and fellow sufferers shaped her addiction, the manipulations and enabling from loved ones, and the devastating consequences she witnessed in friends who overdosed. Katie also shares her experience of surrendering to Christ in 2022, the challenges and rewards of recovery, and her mission to help those who feel unseen find freedom through faith. Expect candid conversations about stigma, failure, hope, and the complex path toward restoration.

In this episode John Carriere jr. joins the Jesus Loves Addicts podcast to tell his raw, honest story: growing up chasing sports and success, spiraling into drugs and drug-dealing in college, and the devastating turning point after his mother’s terminal diagnosis and death in 2007. He describes ordering pills online, seizures, arrests, and living in chaos before hitting rock bottom. John shares the life-changing encounter at the Home of Grace that led to his conversion, a powerful chapel moment of forgiveness, and a complete turnaround. Now roughly 18 years into recovery, he discusses the rewards and challenges of sobriety, how faith overcame addiction, and the ongoing fight against stigma. Topics covered include identity and the “American dream,” deception of success, the opioid and pill crisis, family and grief, recovery realities, and the role of Christ and community in transformation. Listeners will also hear about John’s ministry work—leading the Refinery Mission (formerly Lighthouse Mission)—and practical encouragement and resources for anyone affected by addiction.

In this episode Jeff York, founder and executive director of Joseph's Home, shares his raw and honest journey from a violent, drug‑addicted past to more than two decades of recovery and ministry. He recounts childhood struggles with dyslexia and bullying, early drug use and extreme violence, a federal indictment, and the moments of surrender that turned his life around. Jeff discusses the turning points — a surprising Bible study at 17, a near‑suicidal low, probation and years of white‑knuckled sobriety, Celebrate Recovery and the discipleship model that reshaped him. He explains how Joseph's Home began in his own living room and grew into a faith‑based transitional program partnering with Home of Grace to provide community, accountability, and practical support for men and women in early recovery. Expect candid reflections on the rewards and challenges of recovery, fighting stigma, the role of Christ and community in overcoming addiction, and Jeff’s vision for expanding transitional care (including support for couples and women). This episode offers hope for anyone who feels they’ve gone too far — a testimony that transformation is possible and sustained by faith, relationships, and steady discipleship.

In this intense, deeply personal episode Julie tells her story of addiction, loss, and faith. She recounts years of drug use with her partner, arrests, overdoses, and the devastating moment she found him after he took his own life while she was tending their baby. Julie describes relapses, multiple treatment stints, time in jail and psychiatric holds, and the trauma of being estranged from family and losing custody. She shares the turning point where church, Scripture and a Christ-centered program (Home of Grace) changed her life, leading to lasting sobriety and a new purpose helping others in recovery. Topics covered include opioid and meth addiction, domestic violence, pregnancy and parenting under addiction, suicide, the 12-step principles alongside Christian faith, and practical hope through treatment and community. Listeners can expect candid reflection, hard truths about relapse and recovery, and a testimony of surrender, redemption and service in recovery.

Part one of a two-part conversation with guest Julie Schouest and host Paul from Jesus Loves Addicts. Julie rawly recounts a childhood marked by divorce, conflicting parental expectations, shame and feeling unseen — and how those wounds steered her into early substance use, risky relationships, and escalating drug use through adolescence and young adulthood. The episode covers early experimentation (inhalants, alcohol, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, pills), boundary and authority issues, school expulsion, sex as a way to be remembered, the introduction to meth and other hard drugs, relationship dynamics, legal trouble, and job loss. Paul and Julie examine the roots of addiction: seeking approval, the pull of familiarity, and how loose or harsh boundaries shaped her path. Julie also opens up about recovery and faith — her turn toward Christ, the role of faith-based recovery (including the Home of Grace), and practical takeaways about stigma, grace, and hope. Expect an honest, unfiltered story of failure and redemption aimed at listeners looking for understanding, encouragement, and real talk about recovery.

In this episode Kristyn Simmons shares her raw, candid story: a happy childhood shadowed by family addiction, a decade-long battle with opiates, violent relationships, jail and loss, and a horrific 2021 car accident that shattered her face and changed everything. Kristyn talks about sinking into IV opiate use, losing custody of her children, hitting rock bottom, and the long recovery process with the Home of Grace, including surgeries, counseling, and rebuilding relationships with her mother and children. Hosts Paula and Kathryn discuss themes of family as a factor in addiction, the rewards and challenges of recovery, the role of faith and Christ in healing, and practical turning points like changing one’s environment, forgiveness, and community support. Listeners can expect an honest, hope-filled conversation about relapse, resilience, and reclaiming life.

Host interviews Kayla, who shares growing up in an addicted home with an absent, struggling father and a faithful mother, the instability of homelessness, and the cycle of rehab and jail. She recounts how God met her in childhood, her transformative years in a 24/7 prayer room, and the long process of grieving, healing, and learning to set healthy boundaries. Topics include addiction’s impact on family dynamics, shame and imposter syndrome, forgiveness toward an imperfect parent, vulnerability in friendships and marriage, parenting after trauma, and finding purpose in faith and intentional recovery. Listeners will hear practical takeaways about boundaries, grieving lost childhoods, and the power of God’s grace.

In this roundtable episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts and recovery leaders Kathryn, Ross, and Paul unpack relationships in early recovery—examining the rewards, the dangers, and the faith-centered wisdom needed to navigate them. Topics include why waiting (often a year or more) matters, how attraction and sex can function like a drug, codependency and “fixer/fixee” dynamics, the influence of Hollywood myths, and practical steps for accountability, boundaries, and spiritual growth. Listeners will hear honest experiences, biblical perspective on covenant and commitment, and key takeaways for building healthier platonic and romantic relationships while seeking Christ-centered recovery.

Join us for a compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," featuring the heartfelt and inspiring journey of Shane and Shelly Martin, a couple who overcame years of addiction through the power of faith. In this episode, Shane and Shelly candidly share their personal battles with addiction, from nicotine, pornography, and alcoholism to overcoming PTSD. Despite facing significant challenges, their faith in Christ led them to find redemption, reconnect with their true selves, and contribute positively to their community. Find out how their powerful story of recovery unfolded, how they started a successful recovery program at Connect Fellowship in Long Beach, Mississippi, and how they're now dedicating their lives to helping others on their journey to healing. Shane and Shelly's story is a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative power of love and grace. Tune in to hear how this incredible couple found strength in their faith and each other, and their mission to break addiction's stigma while spreading hope to those still struggling.

In this heartfelt episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, we dive deep into the transformative journey of David Herrington. Once lost to cocaine and crack addiction, David shares his experiences of living on the streets, serving time in prison, and the turning points that led him to find hope and renewal through Jesus Christ. Joining this conversation is Pastor Brandon Rogers, who plays a pivotal role in David's new life, showcasing the power of community and faith in healing one's soul. Listeners will explore David’s early life in Alabama, his struggles with substance abuse, and the spiral that led to a decade behind bars. But more importantly, we hear the profound story of redemption as David narrates how Christ turned his world upside down, guiding him towards a path of service in the ministry, where he now aids others trapped in addiction's grasp. Pastor Brandon sheds light on the workings of the community-based ministry at Anchor and the collective effort in supporting recovery journeys. This episode is a testament to love, resilience, and the unyielding grace found within the embrace of faith.

In this gripping episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, we continue with part two of Joseph Deason's powerful story of addiction, redemption, and faith. Joseph recounts his tumultuous journey through drug addiction, starting from experimenting with substances in his teenage years to battling with severe meth addiction. He shares candid insights into his life experiences, including a traumatic car accident, encounters with the law, and losing loved ones. The episode explores the dark places addiction can take a person, but also highlights the transformative power of faith and recovery. Key points include the impact of family dynamics, experiences with various rehabilitation attempts, and the ultimate decision to choose a path centered around God. Listeners are encouraged to hear the raw and sincere conversation about overcoming addiction, the challenge of societal stigmas, and finding salvation through Christ. It's a story of resilience and hope, emphasizing that despite the darkest times, recovery and redemption are possible through faith and a supportive community.

In this compelling episode, the hosts of Jesus Loves Addicts dive deep into the tumultuous early life of Joseph Deason. Growing up amidst chaos, from witnessing tumultuous family dynamics to exposure to addiction at a young age, Joseph shares candid memories and pivotal moments that shaped his path. This is the first part of a two-part series exploring Joseph's journey from a troubled childhood to a redemptive embrace of faith. Join the conversation as Joseph and the hosts discuss the hurdles of growing up in a dysfunctional family, the allure of chaos, and the first encounters with substances that would later lead to addiction. Joseph's story is not just one of struggle but of resilience and transformation, as he ultimately finds stability and purpose through faith and the support of a caring community.