Redeeming Love Podcast

In this episode, I share a very personal letter that I wrote to Jesus Christ just before getting baptized to rededicate my life to Him.For years, I believed the lie that pleasure, money, status, and image would bring true fulfillment. At 22 years old, I was making $500,000, leading a team of 60 sales reps, and living a wild lifestyle—yet I was spiritually dead, empty, and hating my life. Worldly pleasure didn't bring me joy; it led me straight to the gates of hell.Ten months ago, I was at rock bottom, addicted to lust and pornography, having tried every recovery group and white-knuckling technique without success. But when I put the promise of Galatians 5:16 to the test and chose to walk in the Spirit daily through scripture, fasting, and fervent prayer, God completely purged the demon of lust from my mind and replaced my heart of stone with a heart of flesh.In this video, I read the exact letter I wrote to my Savior for my baptism, declaring the burial of my old wicked self and my new identity as a warrior for His kingdom. I also break down the promise from the Gospel of Mark: why any sacrifice you make to follow Jesus Christ will be paid back to you 100-fold in true peace, purpose, and spiritual abundance.What you’ll hear:The true ordinance of baptism: Burying the old self and being reborn in Christ.Reading my personal baptism letter written directly to Jesus.How putting God's word to the test purged a deep-seated addiction in 4 to 6 months.Trading strip clubs and hookups for late-night prayers with God.Why making $500k at 22 years old still left me empty and dead inside.The 100-fold promise: Why surrendering everything to Christ is worth every sacrifice.If this message spoke to your heart, consider this channel a safe haven for your journey. We are here to bring you the hope, restoration, and real-life tools found only in Jesus Christ.

In this deeply personal and transparent episode, I open up and share in full depth my raw story about the miraculous redemption of Jesus Christ.From a very young age, I was met with immense inner turmoil and intrusive thoughts. At 13 years old, I was exposed to pornography for the first time, sparking a deep and destructive 14-year addiction. At that exact same time, I realized I was struggling with same-sex attraction—a heavy thorn in my side that I had no idea how to navigate while being told by the world that it was who I was.I open up about the darkest periods of my life, including using toxic coping mechanisms, getting married and divorced, falling back into the abyss of depression, and eventually fantasizing about ending my life. I even share the terrifying night I felt so abandoned by God that I literally prayed to and worshiped the devil.But a total rock bottom became the exact foundation I needed to finally rebuild my identity strictly on the Word of God. I want to talk about the radical difference between who I was and who I am now as an entirely new creature walking in His abundant life.What you’ll hear:Living a double life: Leadership on the outside vs. hidden darkness on the inside. The 14-year battle with pornography addiction and same-sex attraction starting at age 13.The reality of deep inner turmoil and crying myself to sleep as a teenager.The dangerous timeline of escalation: How pornography leads straight to the gates of hell.Spiritual warfare: Facing literal demonic attacks while trying to find the light again.The blueprint to freedom: The exact morning routine and fasting structure that purged the lust from my heart.If you found yourself in my story today, please know you don't have to walk through the darkness alone. This podcast is dedicated to providing you with the community you need to find true freedom. 

In this episode, Wes shares his deeply moving, raw journey of surviving severe internal pain, isolation, and a near-fatal choice.From the outside, Wes’s life had milestone achievements—including walking on to play Division 1 college football at BYU. But internally, he was dealing with deep-seeded anger, resentment, and the trauma of growing up in a broken home. He opens up completely about the perfect storm of relationship betrayal, intense family conflict, and academic stress that drove him to a Provo Temple parking lot, where he shot himself in the chest.Wes talks about the exact millisecond reality set in, the absolute miracle of a bullet narrowly curving around his heart by just three millimeters, and the immediate internal shift that wiped away any suicidal thoughts forever.This conversation highlights a heavy reality that many of us face but rarely discuss openly: the dangerous trap of carrying a massive backpack of shame instead of leaning into the truth. Wes explains what began to change for him, how he learned to view his deepest afflictions through an eternal perspective, and why choosing to surrender your pain to Jesus Christ is the ultimate step toward true redemption and a whole new light.What you’ll hear:Navigating the underlying trauma and lack of security that comes from a broken home.The hidden danger of sacrificing your own healing trying to "rescue" someone else.An unfiltered account of Wes’s suicide attempt and the exact millisecond his perspective flipped.The medical miracle of a bullet missing his heart by three millimeters.The critical difference between life-destroying shame and constructive guilt.Why true greatness as a man is found in absolute submissiveness to Christ.If anything in this episode resonates with you, The Matt Richardson Podcast is a place to find support, tools, and guidance.

Welcome back to the Matt Richardson podcast. In this episode, Matt sits down with his parents to dive into a journey marked by darkness, misery, and ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.Growing up in a world filled with endless temptations, Matt fell deep into a wild lifestyle of substance abuse and wrestled quietly with same-sex attraction. When he finally built up the courage to tell his parents at 13 years old, he wasn't met with anger or rejection—he was met with patience, kindness, and a safe haven.In this moving conversation, Matt and his parents pull back the curtain on how they navigated those heavy years. They discuss the immense value of keeping a consistent family altar, why parents must never confuse love with eliminating God's justice, and how a parent's personal relationship with Christ can bring peace to an anxious mind. Whether your child is currently far away from the Lord or you are looking to build an unbreakable foundation for your youth, this deeply moving, Christ-centered conversation is filled with essential wisdom for modern Christian families. What you’ll hear:The temptations facing modern youth and Matt’s path into a wild, worldly lifestyle.A father’s perspective on holding space for his son’s confession without losing control.The absolute necessity of refusing to let mistakes or temptations define a person's eternal identity.The legacy of "Family Home Evening" and building a spiritual foundation week after week.A miraculous account of temptation instantly vanishing due to a mother's agonizing prayer in the temple.Learning to fully surrender your children's timing and free agency to the Lord.

Kiaya's story is one of the most powerful we've shared on the podcast.After years of heroin addiction, abusive relationships, repeated arrests, and more than 10 incarcerations, Kiaya believed the lies that she would never change. She thought she would always be an addict.Everything changed during one moment in a jail cell.In this conversation, Kiaya shares the painful reality of addiction, surviving abuse, losing friends to overdose, and the turning point that led her to lasting recovery through Jesus Christ.If you or someone you love feels trapped by addiction, shame, or past mistakes, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond hope.In This Episode • Growing up feeling rejected • Childhood trauma and addiction • A decade-long heroin addiction • Domestic violence and manipulation • Life in and out of jail • How identity shapes recovery • Why Jesus Christ became the center of her healing • Hope for anyone struggling with addictionIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

Haley lived both lives… and one nearly destroyed her.For years, Haley Burns walked a double life, faith on the outside, chaos on the inside.Same-sex attraction. Pornography. Alcohol. Shame. Suicidal thoughts.She tried everything the world said would make her feel free…
but instead, she felt like her spirit was suffocating.Then one moment changed everything.This is a raw, honest conversation about identity, addiction, grief, and what it actually looks like to come back to Jesus Christ when you feel completely lost.If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you want to be… this episode is for you.Timestamps:0:00 – The emptiness of chasing the world1:45 – Growing up LDS but feeling different6:00 – Same-sex attraction, secrecy, and early addiction12:30 – Living a double life and leaving the Church18:00 – Hitting rock bottom: loss, grief, and numbness25:00 – The moment she surrendered to Jesus35:00 – Life now: freedom, identity, and healingThis episode is just the beginning. Over the next few months, we’ll be diving deeper into topics like sexuality, pornography, identity, and how to actually walk with Christ in a real way.Sponsored by the Stay Mentally Strong FoundationIf you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone.Learn more or get help here: https://staymentallystrong.org

In this episode, I share what it really felt like to hit rock bottom. Losing my marriage, business, identity, being excommunicated from my church, and sense of purpose while battling addiction.At my lowest, everything was driven by lust, validation, and escape. What started early turned into years of addiction that kept pulling me deeper, leaving me empty and searching for more.After reaching a breaking point, everything began to change. Through accountability, surrender, and a decision to fully walk with Christ, I started rebuilding my life from the inside out.A new identity.A new purpose.A new life with God.Today, I’m helping others overcome addiction, rewire their thinking, and step into who they’re meant to become.00:00 - Losing everything and hitting rock bottom08:00 - Addiction, identity, and the downward spiral24:45 - Lust vs purpose and what actually fulfills you41:15 - The turning point: walking in the Spirit01:05:00 - Rewiring identity and finding real purposeThanks for letting me come on your Dustin! I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this message.This episode is brought to you by Gina Oliverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available:https://staymentallystrong.org

From early exposure to alcohol… to years of addiction… to hitting rock bottom and losing everything, Landon shares what it really felt like to live in that darkness.At his lowest, he was isolated, battling addiction daily, and ready to give up.But that’s not where his story ends.After a cancer diagnosis, losing control of his life, and reaching a breaking point, everything began to change. Through surrender, faith, and a decision to accept help, Landon found a new life.A life of purpose.A life of peace.A life with God.Today, he’s sober, rebuilding, and stepping into fatherhood, something he once thought was impossible.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, lost, or too far gone.You’re not.00:00 - Introduction & Satisfaction01:18 - Identifying the Modern Problem03:17 - Loss of Natural Pauses06:31 - Missing Cultural and Weekly Rests09:31 - The Importance of Satisfaction11:33 - Invitation to Pause20:36 - Tip #1: Highlight Reel32:20 - Final Thoughts & InvitationThis episode is brought to you by Gina Oliverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available: https://staymentallystrong.org

Life unraveled early for Tiarra. As a teenager, she found herself navigating family upheaval, heartbreak, and choices that left her feeling lost… until honest questions about faith led her back to God.In this episode, Tiarra shares a story of searching, healing, and rediscovering purpose. After her parents’ divorce changed the stability of her childhood, she spent her teenage years trying to find belonging and love in places that ultimately left her feeling more alone.At 16, a difficult situation connected to a high school relationship led to a short stay in juvenile detention, adding to the emotional weight she was already carrying. At 17, hoping for stability and a fresh start, she married young, but the marriage ended before she graduated high school. In the years that followed, she coped through unhealthy relationships and drinking, while quietly feeling like her life was drifting further from who she wanted to become.A pivotal moment came after a night of heavy drinking that forced her to confront the reality that the path she was on wasn’t bringing the healing she was searching for.From there, Tiarra began asking deeper questions about faith, identity, and the kind of life she truly wanted. Step by step, she chose a different direction, rebuilding her relationship with God and embracing a covenant life she once thought was out of reach.If you’ve ever wondered whether your past mistakes or painful seasons have changed your future, Tiarra’s story is a reminder that healing and redemption are always possible.This episode is brought to you by Gina Oliverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available:https://staymentallystrong.org

What happens when your dad is told he only has two months to live?In this episode, Olivia Burnett shares the story of her father’s stage four cancer diagnosis, the final months their family spent together, and the faith in God that carried them through grief, fear, and loss.From the moment they received the diagnosis to the powerful lessons her father left behind, Olivia opens up about how this experience changed her life and her relationship with God.This conversation explores faith during suffering, losing a parent, cancer, family, and trusting God in life’s hardest moments.In this episode:
• Losing a father to cancer
• Faith in God during grief
• Lessons from a dying parent
• Finding peace in the middle of lossThis episode is sponsored by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness. They provide free resources to help those who are struggling find support and hope.Learn more in the link below: https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

In this powerful episode of the Redeeming Love Podcast, Tanyail Wilson shares her raw testimony of walking away from faith and diving into “New Age” spirituality, manifesting, and self-empowerment culture.At first, it worked.Her business grew.Money flowed.Opportunities appeared.But success could not silence the anxiety.Manifesting could not heal the depression.And addiction slowly took control.For seven years, she battled weed addiction while living with one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom. She prayed for freedom. She tried to quit. Nothing changed overnight.Until the day she finally said, “I surrender. Take the driver’s seat.”This episode is about addiction, deception, surrender, and the freedom that only Christ can bring.“When I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10I hope you enjoy the episode!- MattThis episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness through free and accessible resources for those who are struggling.If you or someone you love is facing mental health challenges, you are not alone. Help is available.Learn more or get support here: https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

This is an honest conversation about something that rarely gets talked about in Christian spaces.Fitness isn’t the problem. Discipline isn’t the problem. Taking care of your body isn’t the problem.But for Renee, it slowly became her identity.What started as health turned into control.What looked like discipline was rooted in insecurity.Compliments didn’t fix the emptiness.Results didn’t bring peace.In this episode, she shares what it looked like to build a life around fitness, business, and performance and then watch it all unravel.After losing her business, gaining weight, and hitting a breaking point, she had to face a deeper issue:Her body wasn’t the idol. Her identity was.We talk about: • The subtle difference between obedience and striving • How to tell when something “good” is starting to own you • Why God sometimes allows things to fall apart • What it actually means to find your identity in Christ • How to live disciplined without being driven by insecurityThis isn’t about shaming fitness. It’s about examining your heart.If your mood rises and falls with the mirror…If your worth feels tied to performance…If you love God but still feel controlled by how you look…This episode might hit close to home."This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness.If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available:https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

She was making $30,000 a month on OnlyFans… then walked away from it all for JESUS.In this episode of the Redeeming Love Podcast, Karina Graham shares how she walked away from OnlyFans, addiction, and a life that looked successful on the outside but was collapsing within.After years of heartbreak, substance abuse, and searching for love in all the wrong places, Karina rebuilt her life and quickly rose to online success, earning $15,000 in her first week on OnlyFans.But the money didn’t heal the emptiness.A relapse into cocaine led to a desperate prayer:“God, I don’t like this anymore. Please make it stop.”What followed was the turning point.Karina surrendered her life to Jesus and began the difficult process of obedience.She broke her lease, left her income behind, and stepped into the unknown with nothing but faith.This episode is about more than leaving OnlyFans.It’s about deliverance, obedience, and the difference between sobriety and true freedom.If you’ve ever wondered whether real transformation is possible, this story is for you.This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness.If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available:https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

On this episode of Redeeming Love Podcast, Reuben Perez shares the second half of the twins’ story and how choosing God over peer pressure shaped his entire life.From growing up in France to moving to the United States…from competitive soccer and fitness influencing…to writing a faith-centered book at just 21 years old…Reuben talks about what it really looks like to listen to God instead of the world.No wild rebellion story.No rock bottom moment.Just quiet obedience. Daily discipline. And a steady decision to follow Christ.We dive into:• Resisting party culture and peer pressure• Finding purpose through faith and personal development• How fitness strengthens both body and spirit• A powerful prayer before surgery that led him to the truth about baptism• Writing his book Where Will It Lead?• Why every dollar from the book goes toward helping others• And how small daily choices shape your eternal directionIf you’ve ever felt alone for choosing the “different” path…this episode will remind you you’re not weird.You’re called.This episode is brought to you by the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation.They’re a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness, providing completely free resources for anyone going through anxiety, depression, trauma, or heavy seasons.Learn more or get support here:https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

Samuel didn’t grow up religious.No church.No scripture study.No Christian friends.Just a normal childhood in France, a love for soccer, and the same pressure every teenager feels.Fit in.Party.Be cool.Follow the crowd.But something never felt right.While everyone else chased the world, Samuel felt empty.So instead of going to parties, he prayed.Instead of drinking, he trained.Instead of fitting in, he searched for meaning.Then life hit hard.Injuries.Loneliness.Two torn ACLs.Dreams falling apart.And in the quietest season of his life, he met God.Not through “hype”.But through peace.In this episode, Samuel shares how a kid from France with no religious background slowly found Jesus, chose faith over fitting in, and discovered that the life he thought he wanted wasn’t the life God had planned for him.If you’ve ever felt different… out of place… or unsure where you belong…This one’s for you. (hint it’s with Jesus)This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness through free and accessible resources for those who are struggling.If you or someone you love is facing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Help is available.Learn more or get support here:https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

What if the worst day of your life became the day your faith grew the most?In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Redeeming Love Podcast, Lisa Carter shares the story that changed her life forever.Her husband left for a humanitarian trip to Guatemala, excited to serve and help others. Hours later, Lisa received a knock at the door with the news no one is ever prepared for.There had been a plane crash.
He didn’t survive.Suddenly, Lisa was a young mother of three, facing unimaginable grief and a future she never planned for.But in the middle of heartbreak, something unexpected began to happen.Promptings.
Miracles.
Tender mercies she couldn’t explain.From a strong impression to get life insurance just weeks before the accident, to sacred moments that reminded her her husband was still near, Lisa shares how God showed up in the smallest and most personal ways.This conversation is about loss, but it’s even more about hope.This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness through free and accessible resources for those who are struggling.If you or someone you love is facing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Help is available.Learn more or get support here: https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

Hakim survived what no child should ever see.At 11 years old he watched his parents and baby sister be killed, was kidnapped by rebels, trained as a child soldier, and forced to do unthinkable things just to stay alive.Years later, as a refugee in Utah, he met Wyatt, walked into an LDS church he did not want to be in, and felt something he could not explain.That moment eventually led him to the missionaries, to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and to a prayer where he felt his mother’s love still watching over him.His story is not just about survival. It is about agency, forgiveness, repentance, and a God who does not erase suffering but walks with us through it.If you have ever wondered where God is in tragedy, or whether forgiveness is really possible, this conversation will change how you see both.This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness by providing free and accessible resources to those who are struggling.If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, we encourage you to explore their work and get support.Learn more herehttps://www.staymentallystrong.com/

I sat down with my dad to walk through his remarkable journey from addiction, aimlessness, and life without God to faith, redemption, and spiritual purpose.What begins as a story about partying, nicotine, and searching for direction becomes a powerful testimony of how Jesus Christ changes hearts, heals wounds, and gives people entirely new desires.This is not a story about becoming perfect overnight. It is a story about surrender, daily choices, and the quiet but profound work God does inside a willing heart.Together, we talk about temptation, prayer, repentance, marriage, fatherhood, and what it truly means to be changed from the inside out.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, distant from God, or unsure if real change is possible.This episode is brought to you by Gina Alverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide awareness by providing free and accessible resources to those who are struggling. If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, we encourage you to explore their work and get support.Here is the link to learn more https://www.staymentallystrong.com/

The story of the Provo Tabernacle is not just history. It is a metaphor for our lives.In this episode of the Redeeming Love Podcast, we tell the true story of the Provo Tabernacle fire in Provo, Utah, and how a building that was burned from the inside out was later rebuilt into the Provo City Center Temple. What looked like destruction became preparation. What looked like loss became transformation.This story becomes a mirror for what God does in us.Sometimes the only way God can give us a new identity is to first strip away the old one. Sometimes the only way He can rebuild our purpose is to let our plans fall apart. The refiner’s fire is not punishment. It is preparation.This episode connects the story of the Provo Tabernacle to:The refiner’s fire in the Bible and in our personal livesWhy God allows seasons of burning, loss, and rebuildingHow “our plans are not God’s plans” is often an act of loveWhy identity sometimes has to be destroyed before it can be rebuilt in ChristHow Jesus Christ walks with us through depression, addiction, shame, and heartbreakWhy the hardest seasons of life often become the most sacred- If you feel like your life has been burned down.- If your plans have fallen apart.- If your identity feels stripped away.- If you are in a season of loss, rebuilding, or waiting.This message is for you.Just like the Provo Tabernacle, you are not ruined. You are being prepared.The Savior does not abandon us in the fire. He meets us in it. He walks with us through it. And He uses it to rebuild us into something holier, stronger, and more aligned with who we were always meant to become.Sponsor: Thank you to Gina Oliverson and the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation, a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide awareness. If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the resources linked and reach out for help.Subscribe for more Christian testimonies, faith-based stories, and gospel-centered conversations about healing, repentance, restoration, and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.I'd love to have your along for the journey!

In this episode of Redeeming Love, a young girl shares two sacred experiences that surrounded the loss of her father and forever changed the way she understands grief, faith, and connection.One week before her father passed, she felt prompted to begin journaling. Each night, she wrote what she loved about herself and what she was grateful for. When the hardest day came, that simple act became a quiet preparation for the grief she had not yet known was coming.After her father’s passing, something unexpected happened. During a Primary song at church, she heard his voice again. Not with fear, but with peace. He came back to reassure her that he was okay, that she was still his, and that she did not need to worry.This episode of Redeeming Love is about how God prepares hearts before loss, how heaven can feel very close in moments of sorrow, and how love does not end when life does. It is a gentle reminder that even in grief, we are never left alone.

For the twelve days leading up to Christmas, I’m sharing something really special on the Redeeming Love Podcast. Each day I’ll be posting a miracle. A real moment where someone saw the Lord’s hand in their life and felt the love of Jesus Christ in a way that changed everything.My hope is that these stories lift your heart and draw you closer to Him during this season. Christmas is about joy, peace, and redemption. And I want these twelve days to remind you that Christ is still working miracles in our lives today.I can’t wait to share them with you.

In this episode I share an important changes to the podcast and the reason behind them. The Overcoming Trauma Podcast is becoming the Redeeming Love Podcast. Every story we tell, every post we share, and every conversation moving forward will center on Jesus Christ and His redeeming love. His power to heal, restore hope, and lift us out of darkness is the message I want at the core of this show.Thank you for listening, for supporting the guests who have come on, and for being part of this journey. I am excited for the episodes ahead and grateful for every person who has trusted this space.

In this episode, Adam Allred shares the kind of story most men never let themselves speak out loud.He opens up about a marriage that slowly broke apart behind closed doors. Years of trying to make it work. Years of grinding, praying, pushing, and hoping that effort alone would heal what was falling apart. Then one moment changed everything. A reversal. A shock. A decision he never expected to face again.What followed was an identity collapse that hit him spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and as a father. Sleepless nights. Living in his grandma’s attic. Sharing custody. Praying in gym showers. Begging God to give him peace. Every morning he woke up wishing he wouldn’t. Every night he went to bed wondering how much longer he could hold on.And in the middle of that darkness, something happened.God spoke to him.Not with a command. Not with judgment. But with a question that changed his entire life:“Son, what do YOU want to do?”That moment shifted everything.Adam stopped fighting the pain and started learning from it.He stopped asking God to take it away and started asking what it was meant to build in him.He learned that pain is part of the process. Growth is uncomfortable. And becoming the man God wants you to be requires walking straight into the fire, not running from it.This episode is a raw look at what real spiritual rebuilding looks like when a man loses everything he thought he was supposed to be.Topics covered:What happens when a man’s identity collapsesDivine communication in rock bottom momentsWhy pain is often the path to purposeThe difference between a good man and a bad manMasculinity as strength, responsibility, and directionWhy God cares more about your desires than your perfectionHow to rebuild your life when you feel broken beyond repairBecoming a man who can lead, provide, and protect with power and compassionShare this with a man who needs this reminder:Your pain is not punishment.God is not disappointed in you.You are being shaped into someone stronger, steadier, and more capable than you ever imagined.

In this profoundly raw and inspiring episode, Jen Saunders opens up about a lifetime of trauma and a descent into darkness that nearly cost her everything.Jen shares the story of a childhood fractured by sexual abuse that lasted for eight long years at the hands of a trusted figure who was active in the church. A broken home. A loss of innocence. A young girl's fervent prayers went unanswered, triggering a profound mental spiral and a conviction at age eight that "God didn't exist."What began as simple heartbreak and self-blame quickly turned into a means of escape. Convinced she was "dirty" and a "victim," she started down a dark path of self-harm and turning to substances to numb the pain. The darkness took over faster than anyone could truly recognize, shattering her footing in reality.Jen watched the girl she was supposed to be lose her way, hiding her pain and convinced she had to manage her suffering alone. This isolation led her to a violent, unforgettable rock bottom in her late teens, where she felt utterly broken and hopeless.And yet, in that moment of despair, a path to recovery opened. Jen was left standing in heartbreak while embracing a new mission: to make sure no person ever feels they have to give up on their life.Her story is a powerful look at the danger of believing you are permanently broken, and the truth that "doing the work" and finding a Higher Power is what ultimately saves lives.Topics Covered:- The devastating impact of childhood sexual abuse- How trauma can lead to a loss of faith and spiritual crisis- The link between self-blame, self-harm, and substance abuse- Hitting rock bottom and the critical moment of choosing to live- Finding God and forgiveness after being abused by a religious figure- The importance of putting in the work for true recovery- How to turn profound pain into a purpose by helping others healShare this with someone who needs this reminder:You are not defined by what happened to you. Asking for help and "doing the work" is your path to freedom. Hope and a very blessed life are still possible.

In this episode, Gina opens up about a tragedy no wife ever imagines could happen to her.She shares the story of a marriage that looked picture perfect from the outside. A driven husband. A beautiful family. A future planned out with purpose. Then one unexpected moment at work triggered panic, sleepless nights, a mental spiral, and a darkness that took over faster than anyone could recognize.What began as stress turned into obsession, fear, and rumination. The confidence he always carried shattered into anxiety. Gina watched the man she loved lose his footing mentally while hiding his pain from everyone. He decided to not tell friends. He decided to not get help. He slowly isolated, convinced he had to hold it all together alone.And in a moment of overwhelming despair, he ended his life.Gina was left widowed after 25 years of marriage, standing in heartbreak while holding a new mission: to make sure no man ever feels he has to suffer in silence again.Her story is a powerful look at the danger of secrecy, and the truth that vulnerability is what saves lives.Topics covered:- Mental spirals that start small- Fear of being perceived as weak- Why men avoid asking for help- Emotional load wives often carry alone- The importance of opening up before it breaks you- And how to turn pain into purpose by helping others healShare this with a man who needs this reminder:- Your strength is not measured by silence.- Asking for help is not weakness.- Hope and healing are still possible.

In this episode, Nick shares how a divorce and a slow build of casual drinking spiraled into full blown addiction.What began as a once a month social drink turned into needing alcohol just to function, to have fun, to escape, or feel anything at all. Before he knew it, twenty ounces of hard liquor a day was normal.He ignored the scares. He ignored the anxiety. He ignored the warnings. Until one day his body finally gave out. Nick went into multiple seizures, was rushed into an ambulance, and woke up in the hospital with no memory of how he even got there.His organs were shutting down. His life was hanging by a thread.But this episode is not just about brokenness. It is about what it takes to rebuild a soul.From the woman who believed there was still good in him, to the daily discipline of scripture study, to the moment he finally surrendered his vice to God and never looked back.Nick shares the redemption, the miracles, and the truth that addiction does not have to be a life sentence.This is not just a story of rock bottom. It is a story of rebirth, hope, and the power to walk away from darkness forever.Topics covered:- The slow slide into alcoholism- The moment his body began shutting down- The seizures that woke him up to reality- How shame and ego blind us to how bad things really are- The miracle of a changed heart through Christ- The role of love and consistency in recovery- Turning weakness into strength and purpose'Share this episode with someone who needs to hear:- You are not trapped.- You are not too far gone.- And with God, there is always a way back.

After 20 years of heartbreak, frustration, and unanswered prayers, Melissa told God she was done with dating.She hadn’t given up on marriage, just on trying to make it happen herself.When she told her mom, “If I’m supposed to get married, the Lord will take care of it,” her mom laughed and said, “What do you think He’s going to do, send someone to your doorstep?”That’s exactly what He did.In this episode, we share Melissa’s remarkable story of faith, patience, and divine timing. After two decades of waiting and countless prayers that seemed to go unanswered, God brought the right man, Nick, literally to her door. But what followed wasn’t a fairytale.Melissa calls it her “two-year mission.”It was a period filled with tears, prayer, and the kind of faith that only grows in the dark. Her husband was struggling with addiction, and God gave her one clear instruction: read the scriptures with him every day. She didn’t know it then, but that simple act would become the foundation of his healing and her own transformation.Through spiritual opposition, heartbreak, and small daily miracles, Melissa learned that God’s timing is never late and His promises are always sure.This episode isn’t just about waiting for love. It’s about learning to trust when God says “no,” staying faithful when life feels unfair, and finding miracles in the middle of your hardest season.In this conversation, we explore:- Why God sometimes says “no” even to good desires- What it means to trust divine timing when it feels impossible- The healing power of scripture and daily faith- How to love someone battling addiction without losing hope- What patience, prayer, and charity can teach us about ChristIf you’ve ever felt forgotten while waiting for your own miracle, Melissa’s story will remind you that God’s delays aren’t denials. They are preparation.And sometimes, when the time is right, the miracle really does show up on your doorstep.

In this episode, Matt shares his raw and honest story of being excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how it became one of the most defining spiritual experiences of his life.After returning home from his mission, Matt struggled with temptation, broke sacred covenants, and drifted from God. When his choices caught up with him, he sat down with his stake president and together decided that church discipline and excommunication were the right steps. But instead of anger or resentment, he felt peace. The Holy Ghost confirmed it was God’s plan to help him start over.Matt explains why he is not mad at the Church, how LDS church discipline is rooted in mercy and repentance, and what it is like to rebuild your faith after losing membership. He shares scriptures like Hebrews 12:6 and Romans 8:17 to show that God’s correction is proof of His love.If you have ever wondered what excommunication from the LDS Church feels like or how to find peace after being disciplined, this story will change the way you see repentance and God’s love.Topics Covered:Why I was excommunicated from the LDS ChurchHow church discipline and repentance really workLDS excommunication stories and lessons learnedAccountability, covenants, and the path back to ChristGod’s mercy and discipline in the process of repentanceHealing spiritually after losing Church membership

When Hunter Rasmussen went hunting with his cousin, he never imagined how that day would change his life forever.One gunshot. 132 pellets. A split-second moment that took his leg but gave him a mission.In today’s episode, we sit down with Hunter as he walks us through the accident that nearly killed him, the trauma that followed, and the miracles that carried him through months of pain, surgery, and healing.From almost bleeding out on a mountainside to being told he’d never walk again, Hunter opens up about what it really means to face loss, find faith, and rebuild your life from the ground up.This episode is about more than physical recovery. It’s about identity, surrender, and discovering that the foundation of your life can’t be taken when it’s built on Christ.We talk about the moment he realized God wasn’t punishing him—He was preparing him.How he found humor in the pain (“my favorite restaurant’s IHOP now”).And how choosing to share his story online became the healing that helped others heal too.If you’ve ever wondered how to find purpose in pain or how to keep your faith when your world collapses—this story will move you.Topics covered:The day Hunter was accidentally shot while huntingThe spiritual prompting that saved his lifeFacing amputation and identity lossHow humor, faith, and family carried him through recoveryTurning pain into purpose through social mediaRebuilding your foundation on ChristShare this episode with someone who needs the reminder:Even when life takes everything, God can rebuild anything.Faith can outlast fear.And your pain might just be the platform for your purpose.

I told my mom I was drinking, watching porn, sleeping around, and that I’d been excommunicated from my church...But she just loved me.And honestly, that shocked me.In today’s episode, we sit down with my mom as she walks through what it was like hearing about my mistakes everything from addiction to excommunication and how she chose love over judgment.We filmed this conversation to help parents, mentors, and anyone in a guiding role learn what it really means to respond with faith, not fear.In this episode, I open up about the lowest moments of my lifeand how my mom responded when I turned away from God.After losing my marriage, getting caught in addiction, and being excommunicated from the church, I thought I’d pushed everyone away. But instead of reacting with anger, control, or shame, my mom responded with something completely different unconditional love.We talk about what it really means to be a parent who creates safety instead of fear, and how she learned to trust God’s plan while letting me find my own way back to Him. Her example taught me more about Christ’s love than any sermon ever could.If you’ve ever wondered how to respond when someone you love walks away from God—or how to love someone through their worst decisions—this conversation will change you.Topics covered:How parents and mentors can respond when someone they love sins or turns from GodChoosing faith over fear in guiding othersLetting go of control and trusting God’s timingCreating a safe place for confession and healingThe power of unconditional love and quiet faithWhat my mom taught me about the way God parents usShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:Love changes more hearts than judgment ever will.Faith is stronger than fear.And no one is too far gone for God.

“They say leaving the Church feels free, but it is a trap.”In this solo episode, I share my own story of leaving the LDS Church lifestyle to chase what looked like freedom. Drinking, partying, doing whatever I wanted felt like freedom in the moment, but it left me more empty, lonely, and trapped than ever before.True freedom is not found in walking away from God. It comes through Christ, through feeding the Spirit, and through living the commandments that bring real joy.If you have ever wondered What really happens when you leave the LDS Church? This episode shares the truth.

In this episode, Julia shares the gripping story of a marriage that began with love and security but descended into abuse, addiction, and tragedy.What started as a relationship that felt safe and stable slowly revealed hidden pornography use, controlling behavior, and escalating violence. Through pregnancy complications, postpartum anxiety, and countless arguments, Julia fought to hold her family together while doubting her own reality. One terrifying night, she grabbed her two young daughters and fled as her husband brandished a gun, fearing for their lives.Months later, Julia discovered his drug addiction, financial ruin, and a web of lies. Despite her efforts to help him seek treatment, he ultimately took his own life, leaving Julia widowed at 26 and raising two children on her own. Her story is one of raw survival, the long road of therapy and faith, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild when everything is lost.This is not just a story of tragedy. It is a testament to courage, to choosing life and healing, and to a God who meets us in the darkest moments.Topics covered:Love that turned to manipulation and abusePregnancy complications and postpartum anxietyHidden pornography and secret addictionsA violent night with a loaded gun and desperate escapeGaslighting, self-doubt, and protective ordersDrug addiction, overdoses, and financial ruinCoping with suicide and rebuilding life with two childrenShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are not alone.You are stronger than the trauma you’ve faced.And with courage and support, healing is possible.

In this episode, the host of Overcoming Trauma opens up about a deeply personal struggle: how Satan’s quiet influence pulled him away from God during one of the hardest trials of his life.Drawing from the Book of Mormon, he shares three tactics the adversary uses to sway us from the truth—convincing us there is no God, stirring our hearts to anger against Him, or lulling us into carnal security. For him, it wasn’t disbelief or anger. It was the slow drift of complacency, choosing the appetites of the flesh over the harder but sweeter work of turning to God.Through scripture, prayer, and the grace of Jesus Christ, he learned that even when we stumble into Satan’s traps, the Savior is still there, ready to heal. Christ is the master healer, who not only atoned for our sins but also took upon Himself our traumas, afflictions, and heartbreaks. The message is simple but urgent: Satan whispers lies in our pain, but Christ offers healing, revelation, and peace if we humble ourselves and turn back to Him.This episode isn’t just about resisting temptation. It’s about recognizing the adversary’s tactics, remembering who Christ is, and finding hope in the promise that you are never too far gone for God’s grace.Topics covered:Satan’s three tactics: disbelief, anger, and carnal securityHow trials and trauma make us vulnerable to the adversary’s whispersA personal story of drifting into carnal security during divorceThe danger of seeking fulfillment in worldly desires instead of GodWhy Christ is the master healer of sins, afflictions, and traumaHow to humble yourself and find revelation in your darkest momentsThe assurance that God’s grace is greater than Satan’s liesShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are not forgotten.You are not alone.And with Christ, you can overcome.

In this episode, Ben Foskey shares his powerful journey of surviving abuse, addiction, and despair, and discovering the relentless love of God that carried him toward healing.What began with a childhood marked by divorce and instability spiraled into years of anger, loneliness, and searching for belonging. Drawn into an unhealthy relationship with a mentor who became his abuser, Ben carried silent trauma into his teenage years and early adulthood. To escape the pain, he turned to substances, distractions, and self-destructive habits, trying anything to fill the emptiness inside.Yet again and again, in moments of deepest darkness, God intervened. On the beaches with missionaries, in Marine Corps boot camp worship, and even at the brink of suicide, Ben felt God’s undeniable hand pulling him back to life. His story is not a neat, linear healing. It is full of setbacks, relapses, and wrestling, but it reveals the long, patient work of a Savior who never stops reaching.This story is not just about trauma. It is about choosing to stop running, to face the demons within, and to accept that healing comes only through God’s light. It is about brotherhood, vulnerability, the gift of safe people who listen, and the daily decision to keep walking toward hope. Above all, it is about a God who meets us in the darkest places, not with condemnation, but with love strong enough to change everything.If you have ever felt broken beyond repair, wondered if healing is even possible, or questioned whether God truly sees you, this one is for you.Topics covered:Childhood trauma and the pain of divorceAbuse disguised as mentorship and trustTurning to substances, distraction, and numbing as survivalSpiritual experiences that broke through despairThe long, non-linear road of healing and relapseFinding hope through friendship, poetry, and God’s voiceLearning to see light in the darkness and choosing gratitudeDiscovering that God’s love is deeper than any woundShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are seen.You are loved.And healing is possible.

In this episode, Matthew Richardson shares the raw and personal story of how God guided him step by step through the most painful chapter of his life—his marriage and eventual divorce.What began with undeniable revelation to marry became a marriage filled with instability, abuse on both sides, and years of pleading with God for direction. Time after time, he felt prompted to keep trying, to endure, and to stay. Until one day, in scripture and prayer, the Lord gave him a new commandment: it was time to leave.Through weeks of wrestling in prayer, confirmation after confirmation came powerful, undeniable answers that brought both heartbreak and peace. Even when others told him he had misunderstood God, he could not deny what the Spirit had spoken.This story isn’t just about divorce. It’s about learning that God’s will can change, that He is merciful enough to guide us not just into commitments, but out of bondage. It’s about the patience of revelation, the cost of obedience, and the assurance that God walks with us even when the path feels impossible.If you’ve ever wondered whether God sees your suffering, questioned if He would really speak into your situation, or feared that you were stuck forever—this one is for you.Topics covered:The revelation to marry despite red flagsEarly marriage struggles and years of seeking guidanceGod’s clear commandment to “stay” even in difficultyThe shocking scripture that revealed it was time to goWrestling with doubt, seeking confirmation, and receiving undeniable answersFacing outside voices versus trusting God’s personal revelationThe hope that God will guide us step by step, even into endingsShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are not forgotten.You are not alone.And your story isn’t over.

In this episode, Tom shares how one football hit in the Marine Corps left him instantly paralyzed and changed the course of his life forever.A gifted athlete with dreams of making his family proud, Tom suddenly found himself waking up from a coma, told he would never move again. What followed were years of pain, reckless choices, and nights spent yelling at God in frustration.Yet, even in the darkest places, small sparks of hope appeared—like the day he shocked himself by moving his arm for the first time. And over time, through scripture, surrender, and faith in Christ, Tom began to rebuild.Now married, serving in his church, and living with a renewed sense of purpose, Tom’s journey shows what it means to face despair honestly and still choose hope.If you’ve ever questioned God in the middle of suffering, felt stuck in your circumstances, or wondered if redemption is possible—this one is for you.Topics covered:Growing up as a gifted athlete with big dreamsThe Marine Corps, purpose, and the hit that left him paralyzedWaking up from a coma and being told he’d never move againYears of anger, drinking, and yelling at GodThe turning point: finding Christ in the New TestamentRedemption, marriage, and building a life of faithShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are not forgotten.You are not alone.And your story isn’t over.

In this raw and powerful solo episode, Matthew opens up about the relentless lies Satan tells us—that we're too far gone, too broken, too unworthy to be used by God. But through scripture and personal experience, he shares a message that cuts through the shame: God doesn’t call the perfect. He calls the willing.Matthew walks us through the stories of Moses, Paul, the woman at the well, and Peter—showing how each was deeply flawed and yet radically called. Then, with unfiltered honesty, he shares his own battle with addiction, including one night when temptation was so overwhelming he nearly gave in—until one prayer changed everything.This is more than a Bible study or a confession. It's a reminder that the same God who parted seas, blinded Pharisees, and forgave adulterers is still in the business of healing hearts and calling the unqualified.If you’ve ever felt too far gone for grace… this episode is for you.

In this raw and deeply moving episode, Shelby opens up about her journey from childhood trauma and addiction to healing and purpose.Shelby shares how her identity was rooted in being the best—at school, at sports, at being the “good girl.” But underneath that drive was pain she didn’t yet understand. From struggling with eating disorders in fifth grade to experiencing sexual assault in high school, Shelby turned to alcohol to numb the shame and confusion. What began as a way to escape turned into full-blown addiction—one that nearly killed her.After years of hospital visits, rehab stays, and hitting rock bottom, Shelby made a life-altering decision: to surrender. She changed everything—her environment, her circle, and eventually, her relationship with herself and God. Now four years sober, she’s helping others break free and step into healing.This conversation is not just about addiction—it’s about responsibility, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming your life. Shelby doesn’t pretend to be perfect, but her willingness to face the darkest parts of her story head-on will leave you inspired and full of hope.If you’ve ever battled self-worth, struggled to let go of shame, or wondered if real healing is possible—this one is for you.Topics covered:Body image and disordered eating starting in childhoodSexual assault and the long-term trauma that followedAddiction, hospitalizations, and suicidal patternsSpiritual awakening and surrendering to healingThe moment she realized no one was coming—she had to save herselfHow she found purpose through therapy, community, and faithTurning trauma into service and coaching others through recoveryShare this episode with someone who needs to be reminded:You are not alone.You are not broken.And your story isn't over.