PSR Podcast

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In today’s episode, we welcome back Karla Downing for an insightful conversation about healing relationships. Together, we dive into practical ways couples can improve communication, rebuild intimacy, and navigate challenges like addiction and dysfunctional patterns. 

Karla shares wisdom on speaking the truth in love, managing emotions, and fostering empathy and curiosity. We discuss the importance of patience, seeking outside support, and grounding our efforts in grace and...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Dr. Steven Cervantes and I explore the lifelong mission of personal growth, blending both spiritual and emotional development. We discuss how a vibrant relationship with God brings peace, rest, and joy, and why emotional health is just as vital as spiritual growth. 

Together, we unpack the impact of childhood wounds, the roles we play to cope, and the importance of self-care. Our conversation is h...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed therapist and author, to talk about her book Body and Soul, Healed and Whole. Tabitha shares her personal journey as a survivor and her passion for helping others heal from trauma, abuse, and coercive control. 

We explore the impact of purity culture, misconceptions about abuse, and the importance of safety and healthy boundaries. Tabitha offers practical w...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes, to explore the journey of online accountability and recovery from pornography. Sam shares how Covenant Eyes has evolved over 25 years, shifting from simple filtering to a relational, ally-based approach. 

We then dive into CovenantEyes’ Victory app and its features, including emotional check-ins, family management, and supportive courses for men, women, and parents. Sam...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, we welcome back Lyschel Burket, Executive Director of Hope Redefined, a ministry for wives facing sexual betrayal trauma. Lyschel shares updates about her work, including a new 45-week healing curriculum, and then we dive deep into the complexities of betrayal trauma, misplaced hope, and the journey toward true healing. 

Lyschel offers wisdom from her own story, emphasizing the importance of finding safety, authentic community, a...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes joins me in our brand-new studio to discuss how couples get stuck in emotional cycles of conflict, drawing on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy. We explore how triggers, core fears, and attachment styles—like the classic pursuer and withdrawer dynamic—shape our reactions and create distance in marriage. 

Together, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, grace, and integrating emotional and spi...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I welcome my friend and colleague, Dr. Stephen Cervantes, to our cozy new “barn office” studio for a real and raw conversation about breaking old, harmful habits—especially those rooted in childhood. Together, we explore how these habits form as coping mechanisms, the emotional battles involved in letting them go, and the importance of kindness toward our younger selves. 

We discuss faith, the power of emot...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In today’s episode, I chat with Trevor Hanson, a coach and founder of The Art of Healing. He teaches relationship and attachment skills through the Secure Self Club. Trevor opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his own struggles inspired his work. 

We discuss the origins and fluidity of attachment styles, practical steps to move from anxious to secure attachment, and the importance of self-compassion in...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, we have back with us on the program Dr. Eddie Capparucci, counselor and co-author of Going Deeper for the Betrayed Partner.* Our topic of conversation is to explore the journey of healing from betrayal trauma, especially for women who have experienced infidelity. 

Dr. Eddie shares his unique inner child model, helping us understand how past wounds shape our emotional responses today. Together, we discuss p...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with one of our favorite guests, Cat Etherington from the Naked Truth Project to explore how early developmental trauma shapes addiction and relationships. Cat shares her personal recovery story and explains how childhood experiences—both big and small—can impact our sense of self and coping strategies. 

We discuss the importance of understanding both our emotional memories and objective truths, and why h...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Matt Cline from Restored Ministries to talk about what it means to have a Jesus-centered sexuality. We explore how inviting Jesus into our struggles with sexual brokenness—like addiction, infidelity, or shame—can lead to real healing and freedom. 

Matt shares practical steps, personal stories, and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, reminding us that Jesus offers hope, grace, and transformation. We al...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In today’s episode, which I think is appropriate to release on Independence Day, I sit down with Mike Mudry as he bravely shares his journey through pornography addiction and its impact on his marriage. We talk openly about the pain of living a double life, the relief that comes with honesty, and the life-changing power of community and accountability. 

Mike’s story is raw and real—he remi...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Stephen Cervantes and I explore the idea of men being “under sad”—when we struggle to recognize or express sadness. We talk about why grieving is essential for emotional health, not just in big losses but in everyday disappointments. 

Stephen shares some practical ways to support others in their sadness and encourages us to embrace vulnerability, compassion, and even prayer. Together, we explore that facing...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Carol Tanksley to explore the true meaning of intimacy—beyond just sexuality. Dr. Carol shares updates about her ministry’s amazing new space for healing and intensives, called Transformation Place. 

In our conversation, we discuss the universal need for connection with God and others. Dr. Carol offers practical steps for building deeper relationships, overcoming fear and shame, and embracing vulne...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Nick Stumbo, director of Pure Desire Ministries, for an honest conversation about sexual brokenness and the impact of pornography, especially within the Christian community. We dive into new research from Pure Desire and the Barna Group, titled Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, revealing surprising trends and the ongoing struggle many face in silence. 

Nick shares insights from the research on breaking s...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down again with Phil and Priscilla Fretwell to explore what true intimacy in marriage really means. Together, we unpack how family backgrounds, vulnerability, and faith shape our ability to be fully known and fully loved. 

Phil and Priscilla share their honest journey through their marriage struggles, healing, and the importance of spiritual and emotional connection—not just physical closeness. 

We also...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In today’s episode, I welcome back Garry Ingraham from Love and Truth Network to discuss the challenges of parenting in a hypersexualized culture. We dive into the importance of modeling healthy, godly behaviors and values, and how parents can create a nurturing environment for their children. 

Garry shares insights from his ministry, emphasizing the need for open communication and proactive measures in addressing identity and sexuality issue...

In this episode, I sit down with Sathiya Sam, founder of Deep Clean, to discuss his journey from porn addiction to freedom and personal growth. Sathiya shares how he struggled with ineffective solutions and the shame tied to his addiction. Over time, he realized true recovery meant focusing on personal and spiritual development rather than just quitting porn. 

We explore the connection between physical well-being and mental health, emphasizing how activities like exercise and journaling can aid recovery. Sathiya also highlights the importance of understanding one's identity and purpose, offering practical steps for overcoming shame and fostering a...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the crucial topic of expectations in marriage, focusing on the difference between assumed and discussed expectations. We share lots of personal stories and insights, highlighting how unspoken assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. 

Our conversation focuses on the importance of open communication and dialogue to foster a healthier relationship. I reflect on my own marriage, illustrating how dis...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, we invite back one of our favorite counselors, Jessica McDaniel, who runs a private practice in Austin, TX with her husband, Ryan. We dive into the crucial collaboration between therapists and pastors, especially when helping couples deal with infidelity and betrayal trauma. 

Jessica shares how both therapeutic and pastoral support are essential for comprehensive healing. We discuss the importance of creating safe environments, clear comm...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I discuss the emotional and spiritual awakening journey for men. We explore the challenges of emotional disconnect and the impact of societal expectations on men's emotional health. 

Stephen shares insights on moving from hiddenness and brokenness to a fuller life in Christ. We emphasize the importance of expressing needs and feelings, and the courage it takes to wake up emotionally. 

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I chat with Hadley Baker, who courageously shares his journey through sexual addiction and its impact on his life as a pastor. Hadley opens up about his childhood trauma as the result of an unwanted pregnancy, believing he was unlovable. Then came the early onset of his addiction to pornography and the eventual internal conflict of living a double life while in ministry. 

He rec...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, we have back on the program our friend and colleague Andrew Arthur, a mediator specializing in faith-based mediation, to talk about the delicate topic of separation in relationships and how to navigate them with hope. We delve specifically into therapeutic separation, which is a process aimed at healing and potentially reuniting couples facing serious challenges like infidelity and sexual brokenness. 

Andrew highlights the importance o...

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Stephen and I explore the profound concept of "oneness," touching on its dimensions of belonging, connection, unity, and intimacy. We discuss how oneness is essential in relationships with family, spouses, and God, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and mutual understanding. 

We highlight the very real challenges and rewards of pursuing true oneness; it isn’t like flipping a switch and you will automatically achieve oneness. Oneness is a jou...

In this episode, our guests are Johnny and Emily Spigelmire and they share their profound journey through Johnny's sex addiction and its impact on their marriage. Johnny opens up about his early exposure to pornography, his secret struggles, and the eventual escalation to extramarital affairs. 

Emily shares her perspective, detailing the confusion and pain she experienced, as well as her unwavering faith in their marriage’s potential for healing. Together, they discuss their path to recovery, the importance of honesty, and their mission to help others through their podcast, "Beyond Broken Vows." Their story is a powerful tes...

In this episode, I chat with Bret Marshall about his incredible journey of faith and personal transformation. Bret opens up about his struggles with emotional expression and sexual sin, and how these challenges impacted his relationships, especially with his wife, Tena. He shares the pivotal moments that led to his healing, including a transformative intensive experience through a past partnership between Be Broken and the Navigators ministry organization. Bret highlights the ABC’s of emotional health: Acceptance, Belonging, and Connection.

Bret also emphasizes the need for personal vulnerability, authentic connections, and creating safe spaces for men to sh...

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Steve Call, a clinical psychologist and co-author with Dr. Dan Allender of The Deep Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and Delight*. We dive into the book's themes, focusing on how past traumas influence present marital conflicts and how to grow in emotional understanding and intimacy. Dr. Call shares his personal marriage journey, emphasizing the importance of awareness and curiosity in relationships. 

We discuss practical steps for couples to cultivate awareness, the role of play in healing, and strategies for managing triggers. Dr. Call offers hope and resources for c...

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the emotional impact of failure. We both express how deeply we hate failing, describing how it triggers feelings of rejection, isolation, and shame. We explore the importance of reframing failure, emphasizing that God's love still remains constant despite our setbacks. His grace abounds! 

We suggest that solitude can be a sanctuary for self-reflection and growth, encouraging you to create a “holy space” for healing. We ultimately want to offer you a compassionate perspective on failure, encouraging gentleness toward yourself and confidence in the transformative power of God's unwav...

In this episode, we dive into the dynamics of "loners" and "connectors" in relationships. Everyone falls into one of these categories. As we explore this topic, my friend and co-host Stephen Cervantes discusses how loners tend to be independent and process internally, while connectors thrive on dialogue and emotional exchange. We examine how these differences impact communication and emotional connection, particularly in marriages. 

We share insights on personal growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating each other's communication styles; we aren’t out to change a loner into a connector or vice versa. We give lots of...

In this episode, we invite back our friends and counselors, Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, to talk about the crucial role of boundaries in restoring marriages after betrayal, particularly sexual infidelity. Matthew shares insights from the perspective of the betraying spouse, emphasizing self-reflection and accountability, while Joanna offers guidance for the betrayed spouse on navigating emotions and setting personal boundaries. 

We delve into defining boundaries as supportive frameworks rather than punishing limitations, avoiding misuse of boundaries for control, and harmonizing them to foster safety and mutual respect. The Raabsmiths highlight the importance of individual responsibility and how boundaries c...

In this episode, I chat with author and blogger Sarah Matzke, who bravely shares her journey through struggles with body image, an eating disorder, and marital challenges, including infidelity. 

Sarah opens up about her upbringing, the pressures she faced, and the lies she believed about her worth. She recounts the painful yet transformative process of rebuilding trust with her husband, JP, and how her faith in Christ played a crucial role in their healing. Sarah's story is a powerful testament to the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and the grace of God in overcoming life's toughest obstacles. 

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In this episode, I have back on the program Carl Thomas to dig into the recovery journey from pornography and sexual addiction. Carl shares his personal story and emphasizes the importance of community and addressing mental and emotional health. 

We discuss how recovery goes beyond just stopping harmful behaviors or behavioral sobriety and involves understanding and healing deeper emotional wounds. Carl highlights the stigma around mental health and the need for a holistic approach to recovery. He also provides resources for those seeking support. This episode aims to offer hope and guidance to anyone navigating similar challenges o...

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Macomber to explore the emotional and psychological impact of parental infidelity on adult children. Melissa shares her personal story of discovering her mother's affair at 13 and the ensuing family dynamics. Now, as a therapist, she highlights the lack of resources for adult children dealing with such betrayal and emphasizes the importance of addressing trust issues and healing – no matter how long it has been since the parental infidelity took place. 

We discuss the broader implications of infidelity on family relationships and the unique challenges faced by children at all sta...

Today we have back with us Dr. Jennifer Degler, a renowned specialist in sexual health, and we delve into the often-overlooked issue of painful sex. Dr. Degler brings her wealth of expertise to the table, shedding light on the prevalence and emotional impact of sexual pain, especially among women.

We explore various conditions that explain certain kinds pain during sex and how to address them. She also highlights the emotional toll painful sex can take, noting that "many women suffer in silence, feeling isolated and ashamed, which only exacerbates the problem."

Throughout our discussion, Dr...

In today’s episode, we have Wendy Crane with us to talk about her new book, "The Scandal of Virginia Grey." Wendy opens up about her personal journey through infidelity, her 20-year marriage to Reese that didn’t start out like a fairytale, and the healing process that followed. She shares the emotional experience of writing her book, which allowed her to confront past traumas and find redemption. 

We discuss the importance of forgiveness, especially Wendy's unique relationship with Reese's ex-wife. Wendy hopes her story offers hope and understanding to others in similar situations, emphasizing that healing and t...

In this episode, I chat with Norma Q-Brown, our Family Care director, about preparing parents for spring break, especially regarding their children's online behavior and conversations about sexuality. 

Norma provides practical strategies for parents to foster a safe environment for open dialogue, ensuring meaningful conversations about online safety and appropriate behavior – and not just over spring break. We discuss the importance of ongoing communication, setting clear expectations, and addressing idleness. We emphasize the value of empathy, vulnerability, and guiding children through their spiritual journeys, both in everyday life as well as times, like spring break, when schedules and...

In today’s episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I explore the importance of self-awareness in relationships, especially for husbands. We discuss how men can enhance their relationships by recognizing their interaction patterns and understanding their own emotional state and that of their wife’s. 

Stephen emphasizes the value of men engaging with their wives through simple acts like sharing daily thoughts and curiosity, which can foster meaningful dialogue. We also touch on the challenges of communication, the impact of self-absorption, and the importance of processing disappointment with God first. Ultimately, the episode offers practical tools for men to nu...

In today’s episode, our guest is author and speaker Melinda Patrick. She transparently shares about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter's revelation of same-sex attraction. Melinda opens up about her initial reaction, driven by a desire to "fix" her daughter, and how this response strained their relationship. 

She shares the struggles, shame, and guilt she faced, and the redemptive work God has done in their lives over time, even though they are very much in the “messy middle” of the journey. Melinda emphasizes the importance of love, listening, and understanding, offering valuable insights for parents...

In today’s episode, our guest is Noah Filipiak, a pastor, author, and podcaster who is passionate about applying the reality of the gospel to the real struggles and challenges of life, especially struggles with porn and sexual brokenness. Noah opens up about his personal struggles with pornography addiction, which began in his teenage years despite growing up in a Christian home. He shares how vulnerability, community, and a deeper relationship with Christ were key to his recovery. 

We discuss the importance of addressing these issues of sexual brokenness openly within the church and fostering supportive communities. A b...

In this episode, Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the ongoing struggles of emotional disconnection in marriage, sparked by one man’s agonizing question: How does a man live a good life while feeling alone and disconnect in his marriage? 

We explore the pain of feeling isolated from a spouse and the importance of personal growth, faith, and community support. 

Stephen shares wisdom on enduring suffering, finding joy beyond one’s spouse, and the necessity of a supportive network. We emphasize that personal transformation often happens through discomfort and that God's presence provides comfort and guidan...