Welcome to episode #254! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Karissa's Story: Breaking the Silence
Porn, masturbation, and erotica are often labeled as “men’s issues”—but what happens when a woman bravely breaks the silence?

In this powerful and honest conversation, Braden and Kristen welcome Karissa, who shares her deeply personal journey of struggling with masturbation and erotica from a very young age, all while growing up in a Christian environment. What unfolds is a story of secrecy, shame, isolation—and ultimately, hope.

This episode explores how addiction thrives in silence, how shame distorts God’s voice, and why courage and confession are often the first steps toward true freedom. Whether you’re male or female, single or married, Karissa’s story offers insight, compassion, and a reminder that you are not alone.

⚠️ This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Don’t miss next week as Karissa shares the practical steps and resources that helped her walk into healing and lasting freedom.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Porn, masturbation, and erotica are not gender-specific struggles—women often suffer in silence.
• Shame keeps people stuck by convincing them something is “wrong” with who they are, not just what they do.
• Freedom often begins before behavior changes, when secrecy is broken and the struggle is brought into the light.
• Triggers are rarely just visual—they are often connected to loneliness, stress, unmet desires, or emotional pain.
• Choosing the right safe person to share with can dismantle years of shame in a single moment of courage.

📖 Scriptural Highlight

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus… purifies us from all sin.”
— 1 John 1:7

Bringing hidden struggles into the light doesn’t bring condemnation—it creates space for healing, community, and grace.

🛠️ Action Items

• Reflect: Ask yourself, “Where am I staying silent out of fear or shame?”
• Identify a Safe Person: Choose one trusted, grace-filled individual you could talk to if you were ready.
• Name the Cycle: Pay attention to emotional triggers (loneliness, boredom, stress) that often come before temptation.
• Stay Curious, Not Condemning: Replace self-judgment with curiosity—“What am I really needing right now?”
• Commit to Part 2: Make a plan now to listen to next week’s episode for practical tools and next steps toward freedom.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast so you don’t miss Part 2 of Karissa’s story.
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

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Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com