In this episode, I chat with Mike Novotny, pastor, speaker, and author of "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About But Don't." We dive into sensitive subjects like anxiety, depression, addiction, and especially sexuality within the Christian community.

Mike shares his personal journey of overcoming pornography addiction and stresses the importance of open discussions in the church. We explore God's design for sex, emphasizing that understanding and obeying biblical truths can lead to healing and transformation. Mike encourages listeners to seek grace, find trustworthy confidants, and take steps toward wholeness in Christ.

To learn more about Mike, his book, and other gospel resources, visit TimeofGrace.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Discussion of taboo topics within the Christian community
• Personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and addiction
• The importance of open conversations about sexuality
• Overcoming struggles with pornography and the role of confession
• Understanding God's design for sex and its significance
• The necessity of obedience to biblical truths for transformation
• The impact of societal views on sexual intimacy within marriage
• The metaphor of sex as a fire, emphasizing boundaries and self-control
• The role of grace in addressing sexual sin and personal struggles
• Encouragement to seek support and build connections within the community

More Resources:

• Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About But Don't*
• Help for Men
• Help for Families

Related Podcasts:

• Exploring the Heart of Sexuality with Dr. Carol Tanksley
• Masturbation, Emotional Health, and Abundant Living
• God's Design for Emotional Growth and Sexuality

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, I welcome Sarah Siegand to the program, co-founder of Parents Who Fight and an expert in helping parents navigate technology's impact on children. We dive into the importance of modeling healthy tech habits, delaying access to devices, and educating parents about online safety. Sarah shares her personal journey, emphasizing the need for intentionality in family tech use.

We discuss the five phases of tech training:

1. Modeling
2. Delaying
3. Protecting
4. Monitoring
5. Releasing

Sarah provides practical tips and insights, aiming to empower parents to create a safe and balanced digital environment for their kids. It's a thoughtful conversation filled with valuable advice for modern parenting.

To learn more about Sarah and the resources she offers, visit ParentsWhoFight.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Challenges parents face regarding technology's impact on children
• Importance of modeling healthy technology habits
• Delaying access to devices and social media for children
• Educating parents about online safety and potential dangers
• The role of intentionality in family engagement with technology
• Framework for tech training for parents: modeling, delaying, protecting, monitoring, and releasing
• Strategies for creating a safe digital environment at home
• The significance of open communication and trust between parents and children
• Balancing protection with the need for children to learn responsibility
• Resources and support available for parents navigating technology issues

More Resources:

• PWF Tech Tools
• Free Webinar for Parents: Critical Conversations
• Creating a Tech-Healthy Family* by Andrea Davis

Related Podcasts:

• Better Screen Time for You and Your Family
• Brain Defense Digital Safety for Kids
• Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, Joel Warneking shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. Joel is the director of 423 Communities, a ministry that is radically committed to helping others overcome all forms of unhealthy sexuality, restoring healthy sexuality and intimacy with others through, confessional, recovery communities.

Joel opens up about his own history of pornography addiction and the isolating shame that came with it. He highlights how group work was crucial in his healing process, emphasizing the importance of community, grace, and accountability. We explore the essentials of a supportive group environment, the balance between grace and structure, and the need for action in recovery. Joel’s story and insights remind us that recovery thrives in the context of supportive relationships.

To learn more about Joel and his ministry’s resources, visit 423Communities.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Importance of group work in recovery from addiction
• Personal experiences with addiction, particularly pornography
• Impact of isolation and shame on individuals in recovery
• Role of community and grace in the healing process
• Essentials of creating a supportive group environment
• Balancing grace and accountability in recovery
• Dynamics of group therapy and mutual support
• Understanding recovery as a journey beyond mere sobriety
• Concept of "paying it forward" in recovery
• Broader applicability of recovery principles for personal growth and transformation

More Resources:

• Join a 423 Communities group
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men
• Grace-Based Transformation*

Related Podcasts:

• How Can Recovery Lead to a New Growth Mission?
• A 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional Growth
• Men Helping Men Grow and Mature

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, our guest Brad Warren shares his incredible journey of overcoming a troubled past, including struggles with pornography and infidelity. Brad opens up about the profound impact these issues had on his marriage and how he and his wife, Kristen, found healing.

We dive into the transformative power of the Hope Rising Conference, a virtual conference for couples dealing with similar challenges. Brad shares how their recovery led them both to pursue careers in counseling, aiming to help others navigate their paths to healing. This episode is a testament to hope, honesty, and the power of God’s grace.

To learn about the Hope Rising Conference, visit AffairRecovery.com/hope-rising.

To learn more about Brad and Kristen’s counseling practice, visit RestfulMindTherapy.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Personal recovery and transformation from a troubled background
• Struggles with pornography and infidelity in marriage
• The impact of a dysfunctional family environment on personal development
• The journey of honesty and healing in relationships
• The emotional challenges faced by betrayed spouses
• The significance of community and support in the healing process
• The role of the Hope Rising Conference in providing resources for couples
• Understanding sexual addiction and its effects on relationships
• The importance of inclusivity for all forms of betrayal, including pornography addiction
• Vocational shifts towards counseling and helping others navigate similar challenges

More Resources:

• Register for Hope Rising Conference
• Help for Husbands
• Help for Wives

Related Podcasts:

• The Journey to Stay
• Rebuilding a Healthy Marriage After Betrayal
• Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model

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In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carol Tanksley, a ministry friend and author of the book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships.

We dive into the complexities of sexuality, intimacy, and how personal and cultural experiences shape these aspects of our lives. Dr. Tanksley shares her personal journey of learning about sexuality and intimacy, emphasizing the importance of addressing heart issues and healing from past wounds. We discuss the difference between intimacy and sexuality, the necessity of community support, and the concept of sexual wholeness. Finally, Dr. Carol offers practical advice on creating an escape plan for temptations and highlights the transformative power of faith and vulnerability.

To learn more about Carol and her resources, visit YourSexpectations.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Exploration of sexuality and intimacy in the context of faith and relationships.
• Personal experiences and motivations behind writing "Sexpectations."
• The distinction between intimacy and sexuality, emphasizing their different roles.
• The importance of addressing emotional wounds and their impact on sexual behavior.
• The concept of sexual wholeness and its three key aspects: releasing the past, right-sizing sexuality, and cultivating intimacy.
• The role of community in fostering intimacy and support for individuals.
• Strategies for creating an escape plan to manage temptations related to sexuality.
• The significance of submitting one's sexuality to Christ for transformation.
• The journey from forgiveness to personal transformation and purpose.
• The potential for healing and redemption from past traumas and experiences.

More Resources:

• Sexpectations* by Dr. Carol Tanksley
• Dr. Carol's Blog
• Rethinking Sexuality* by Dr. Juli Slattery

Related Podcasts:

• God, Sex, and Your Marriage
• What are Your Sexpectations?
• Identity and the Goodness of Sexuality

*These are affiliate links. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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My apologies for the poor audio quality of this episode. I hope it won’t distract too much from the content.

In this episode, Stephen and I talk about the power of "co," meaning "together" or "jointly," in relationships and recovery. We dive into how collaboration and connection are essential for personal growth and healing, especially in marriage and overcoming addiction.

Dr. Cervantes shares insights on co-parenting, co-planning, and co-nurturing, emphasizing that love and community are vital for a fulfilling life. We also discuss the church's role in fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Join us as we explore how embracing "co" can transform our lives and relationships.

For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• The significance of the prefix "co" in relationships and community.
• The role of collaboration and partnership in personal growth and healing.
• The impact of addiction on connection and the importance of overcoming isolation.
• Practical applications of "co" in everyday life, such as co-parenting and co-planning.
• The challenges individuals face in embracing a "co" mentality, especially after trauma or addiction.
• The journey of co-expression and the importance of sharing desires and fears.
• The concept of co-nurturing and its relevance in supporting relationships.
• The role of the church in fostering community and addressing emotional and cultural needs.
• The idea of community as "common unity" and the importance of shared goals.
• Encouragement for listeners to actively seek connection and collaboration in their lives.

More Resources:

• Resources for Men
• Resources for Wives
• Resources for Families

Related Podcasts:

• The Goal is Connecting
• The 7 (or More) Pillars of Emotional Growth
• The Power of Community

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In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Fitzgerald, who shares her profound journey through betrayal trauma and her path to healing. Stacey opens up about the resurfacing of her trauma in 2021, describing intense physical symptoms like panic attacks and a racing heart. She emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous system.

Stacey’s healing process involved spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches, including prayer, music, and understanding the mind-body connection. Now, she helps other women navigate similar experiences through her platform, "Becoming Safe."

To learn more about Stacey and her resources, visit BecomingSafe.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Healing and safety in the context of betrayal trauma
• Personal experiences of betrayal trauma in relationships
• Resurfacing of trauma and its physical symptoms
• The role of spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches in healing
• Importance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous system
• Impact of trauma on mental and physical health
• The concept of holistic healing encompassing spirit, soul, and body
• Tools and resources for women navigating similar experiences
• The significance of community support in the healing journey
• Addressing the interplay between personal healing and external circumstances

More Resources:

• Online Wives Care Groups
• Find a Counselor or Coach
• Free Wives Care Webinar

Related Podcasts:

• Self-Care and Rest for Wives Healing from Betrayal Trauma
• Emotional Transformation Therapy for Betrayed Wives
• Betrayal Healing Phases

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In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Kate and Will Conwell about their journey through betrayal trauma and healing in their marriage. Kate shares her work with "Journey Beyond Betrayal," a ministry supporting women facing similar struggles. Will opens up about his past issues with sexual brokenness and infidelity, and how these impacted their relationship. We explore the importance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection and the crucial role of faith in recovery. This episode is all about offering hope and encouragement to couples dealing with betrayal trauma. If this is you, you aren’t alone!

To learn more about Kate and her resources for wives, visit JourneyBeyondBetrayal.com.

To learn more about 423 Men’s groups, visit 423Communities.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• The Conwells' journey through betrayal trauma in their marriage.
• Will's struggles with sexual brokenness and infidelity.
• The significance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection.
• The role of faith in overcoming challenges in relationships.
• The impact of early exposure to pornography on men's relationships.
• The process of confronting and addressing infidelity and its aftermath.
• The importance of self-awareness and communication in marriage.
• Messages of hope for individuals facing relationship struggles.
• Resources and support systems available for healing and recovery.

More Resources:

• Wives Care Online Groups
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive
• Help to Tell Your Story

Related Podcasts:

• Living More than a Love Story
• The Journey to Stay
• Betrayal Healing Phases