What if your struggles aren’t just problems to manage—but invitations from God to heal?

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve and Colleen dive deep into the difference between sin management and true spiritual healing. Through honest stories—including a boat named Revelation that literally went down in flames—they reveal how wounds, lies, and false identities shape our lives.

Too often, we silence the “smoke alarm” of sin without dealing with the fire beneath it. Addiction, workaholism, or even seemingly harmless obsessions are symptoms of unhealed wounds. Real transformation comes not from filters, checklists, or self-help, but from surrender—allowing Jesus to meet us in our stories and replace the lies we believe with His truth.

This conversation will challenge you to go beyond surface fixes and embrace the deeper healing God longs to bring.

👉 Explore more resources, videos, and the Tree of Brokenness model at https://embracingbrokenness.org/

Here's a link to the Tree of Brokenness artwork. https://embracingbrokenness.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8.5x11-Brokenness-TEXT-scaled.jpg

Chapters

00:00 The Revelation of Brokenness

03:07 Understanding Healing and Trauma

05:51 The False Self and Addiction

09:01 Sin Management vs. True Healing

12:06 The Role of Accountability in Healing

15:01 Exploring Core Longings and Identity

18:01 The Tree of Brokenness

20:52 The Journey of Spiritual Formation

23:47 The Process of Reformation

27:00 Conclusion and Resources

So many of us spend our lives hiding our brokenness—pretending everything’s fine while we carry deep wounds that keep us from true freedom. In this honest conversation, Steve and Colleen share their personal journeys of pain, healing, and restoration. They tackle why most people resist admitting they’re broken, what happens if we ignore it, and how Jesus transforms our deepest wounds into places of life and freedom.

From coffee-spilled meltdowns to the image of a Lamborghini built to reflect glory, they unpack what it really means to embrace your brokenness—and why it’s the essential first step toward living the abundant life God intended.

If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, performance, or simply the ache of “not enough,” this episode will remind you: your brokenness isn’t the end of your story—it’s the place where God begins His healing work.

Link to Upcoming Book: Embracing the Way

https://www.embracingtheway.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Coffee Incident: A Lesson in Healing

02:52 Embracing Brokenness: The Journey Begins

05:44 Understanding Brokenness: A Purposeful Perspective

08:57 The Process of Healing: A Personal Journey

11:42 Marriage and Brokenness: Recognizing Triggers

14:49 The Impact of Past Relationships on Healing

17:47 The Role of Vulnerability in Healing

21:00 Authenticity vs. Performance: The Struggle

23:47 The Consequences of Ignoring Brokenness

26:42 The Importance of Connection: Staying Rooted

29:46 The Journey of Restoration: Embracing the Process

32:42 The Call to Action: Living Authentically

35:44 Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Brokenness

A dark battlefield. Countless dead. One man runs tirelessly, reviving the fallen. The rescued learn to revive others. Hope spreads. But then, someone builds a shelter. Others join. Before long, a castle stands where the battle once raged. From its balcony, people laugh, feast, and celebrate… blind to the dying just beyond the walls.

In this robust conversation, Colleen shares a vivid vision that the Lord impressed on her heart—an image for the Church to ponder today. Steve and Michael join her to unpack what it means for discipleship, spiritual formation, and our tendency to trade mission for comfort.

We’ll explore:

Why revival must lead to discipleship, not complacency

How “castles” in our lives pull us away from God’s call

Warning signs that we’ve drifted from the battlefield

The difference between cultural Christianity and kingdom living

How to return to our first love and re-engage in the mission of Jesus

Whether you’re new to faith or decades in, this episode will challenge you to examine your heart, your focus, and your calling.

📖 Revelation 3:17 – “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

🎧Ask yourself: Where have I left the battlefield?

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Castles on the Battlefield

03:30 - Personal Reflections and Summer Highlights

07:45 - Vision of the Battlefield

12:45 - The Call to Revive Others 17:30 - Building Castles of Comfort

22:15 - Spiritual Complacency and Comfort

27:00 - Importance of Discipleship

32:40 - Reflections on the American Church

37:55 - Returning to Our First Love

43:20 - Practical Steps for Spiritual Alignment

48:45 - The Role of Community and Accountability

54:10 - Overcoming Distractions in Faith

59:35 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

1:05:00 - Final Reflections and Farewell

What do you do when evil shows up—and no one’s talking about it?

In this honest and Spirit-led debrief, Steve and Colleen Adams reflect on their unforgettable interview with former FBI agent Scott Payne. From neo-Nazi cult rituals to the chilling refusal of a Bible to burn in a satanic bonfire, Scott’s story exposed real spiritual darkness. But it also revealed something else—how far the Church has drifted from affirming biblical masculinity and spiritual authority.

Colleen shares how the Holy Spirit prompted her to speak boldly, challenging a culture that vilifies strength and a Church that’s gone silent.

🎙️ What is true manhood in the face of real evil?

🛡️ What’s the role of the Church in this cultural moment?

🔥 And how do we reclaim truth, identity, and God’s heart for justice?

This debrief is more than a conversation. It’s a wake-up call.

📍Listen to the full interview with Scott Payne in Parts 1 & 2

🌐 More on identity, healing & wholeness: https://embracingbrokenness.org/

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

3:00 Guest Introduction: Scott Payne

8:00 Spiritual Warfare and Identity

15:00 Scott Payne's Undercover Experiences

25:00 Faith and Resilience

35:00 The Role of Prayer

45:00 Reflections on Masculinity and Society

52:00 Redemption and Transformation

56:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Former undercover FBI agent and bestselling author Scott Payne returns in Part 2 of this jaw-dropping conversation with Steve and Colleen. In this episode, Scott recounts the harrowing details of infiltrating neo-Nazi accelerationist groups—including disturbing pagan rituals, foiled murder plots, and spiritual warfare in the darkest places imaginable. But through it all, his faith remained the anchor.

Colleen joins the conversation with powerful reflections on biblical masculinity, the battle between good and evil, and the call to be both lion and lamb in today’s culture.

💥 This is a raw, redemptive look at what it means to stand in the gap as a Christ follower in a broken world.

📚 Codename: Pale Horse – Available now on Audible, Amazon, and everywhere books are sold. https://a.co/d/86MsDlg

Chapters

00:00 The Wild Hunt and Pagan Rituals

11:56 Infiltrating Extremist Groups

23:38 The Dark Side of Accelerationism

35:41 Spiritual Warfare and Redemption

47:22 Masculinity and the Church

What happens when an undercover FBI agent faces down hate groups, cartels, and spiritual darkness—and still holds fast to his faith?

In this gripping Part 1 interview, Scott Payne, former FBI agent and New York Times bestselling author of Codename: Pale Horse, joins Steve to share his incredible journey. From growing up in a Christian home to infiltrating America's most violent criminal networks, Scott opens up about the challenges of living for Jesus in the darkest places on earth.

🎙️ You’ll hear:

How Scott integrated faith into his high-stakes undercover work

His chilling encounter with demonic forces that changed his life forever

The wild story of how a school talent show led to his first covert mission

The emotional and spiritual cost of his work—and how God used it all for redemption

🙏 Whether you're in ministry, law enforcement, or just looking for hope in hard places, this episode will both shock and inspire you.

📚 Codename: Pale Horse – Available now on Audible, Amazon, and everywhere books are sold. https://a.co/d/86MsDlg

Chapters

00:00 Undercover Operations: A High-Stakes Job

02:43 The Journey of a Christ Follower in Law Enforcement

05:56 Challenges and Triumphs in the FBI

08:45 The Path to Becoming an Undercover Agent

11:55 Childhood Influences and Early Experiences

14:53 The Impact of Peer Pressure and Identity

18:00 Spiritual Awakening and Transformation

20:54 Navigating the World of Law Enforcement

23:37 The Role of Faith in a Dangerous Profession

26:42 First Experiences in Undercover Work

29:58 Career Decisions and Law Enforcement Aspirations

41:25 The Evolution of Undercover Work

49:32 Infiltrating the Outlaws: A Deep Dive

01:00:33 The High-Stakes Drug Deal

01:11:55 Faith and Resilience in the Face of Danger

01:23:17 Redemption Stories and Community Support

David Garlock’s journey is one of trauma, transformation, and triumph. After surviving years of horrific abuse, David and his brother took the life of their abuser—an act that led to a 25-year sentence. But in prison, David found something far greater than freedom: he found Jesus.

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve talks with David about:

* His early years of abuse and family dysfunction

* The decision that changed everything

*Meeting God in a jail cell

* His education journey—from GED to college degree

* Working with Bryan Stevenson and appearing in Just Mercy

* Why justice reform matters

* What the Church can do to support returning citizens

David's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of grace—and that God can use anyone for His glory.

🔗 Visit davidlgarlock.com to learn more.

🎙 Subscribe and share if this conversation speaks to you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embracing Brokenness

03:01 David's Early Life and Trauma

10:36 The Turning Point: Confession and Transformation

19:36 Life After Incarceration and Family Dynamics

24:52 Loss and Healing: The Impact of Grief

28:11 The Importance of Faith and Advocacy

29:23 The Power of Faith and Vulnerability

36:40 Transformative Education Behind Bars

54:48 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

58:40 Redefining Identity Beyond Past Mistakes

What happens when a 16-year-old is sentenced to life in prison? What if that same person becomes a powerful voice for redemption, hope, and purpose?

In this episode, Steve sits down with Lewis Lee, a man whose life journey will challenge everything you think you know about justice, transformation, and the power of God’s love.

From the streets of West Philadelphia to a life sentence without parole, Lewis’ story is one of unimaginable pain, devastating choices, and a divine encounter that changed everything. After nearly 45 years behind bars, Lewis walks us through how prison not only saved his life but gave him a mission: to rescue others.

Now the founder of Men of Purpose International, Lewis is helping formerly incarcerated men and women find community, purpose, and lasting change through the power of Jesus Christ.

Whether you've been impacted by incarceration or simply want to witness what true restoration looks like—this is a story you need to hear.

Topics include:

* Growing up in Philly’s gang culture

* A life-altering crime at age 15

* The spiritual awakening that changed everything

* Navigating 45 years behind bars with faith and purpose

* Founding Men of Purpose International during the pandemic

* His powerful message to today's youth and returning citizens

🔗 Learn more at https://embracingbrokenness.org/

📘 Featured Book: Get Free and Stay Free by David Lewis

https://a.co/d/eYx5VWf

🌍 Connect with Men of Purpose International

https://menofpurposeintl.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louis Lee's Journey

01:49 Early Life and Influences in Philadelphia

05:52 The Shift to a Life of Crime

08:45 First Encounters with the Law

15:10 The Robbery and Its Consequences

20:43 Finding Faith in Prison

23:30 A Renewed Commitment to Faith

27:05 Prison as a Catalyst for Change

30:14 Finding Peace in Uncertainty

33:39 The Impact of Supreme Court Rulings

36:11 Navigating Parole and Release

38:55 Adjusting to Life After Prison

41:02 Building Community Through Technology

43:38 Vision for Men of Purpose International

45:03 A Message to the Youth

48:56 The Importance of Decision Making

51:52 Returning to Serve and Inspire

What if experiencing Jesus wasn’t reserved for spiritual elites—or the past? What if intimacy with God was meant to be the normal human experience, even in a world drowning in distraction?

In this powerful debrief episode, Steve and Colleen reflect on Steve’s recent conversation with John Eldredge about his book Experience Jesus—Really. Together, they unpack what it means to reclaim our union with God in a culture that has conditioned us for hurry, noise, and digital addiction.

From being “disciples of the internet” to the misunderstood beauty of ordinary mysticism, this episode is an invitation to return to presence—to rediscover your soul’s longing for daily connection with Jesus. They explore spiritual practices, emotional healing through union with Christ, and what it means to live with childlike wonder in a broken world.

📱 Learn how the P.A.U.S.E. App and “Experiencing Jesus” meditations can rewire your spiritual life

📖 Hear stories of personal transformation, simple postures of prayer, and ancient paths made new

❤️ Reflect on how healing, presence, and love reshape your walk with God—and the Church’s witness today

👉 This isn’t about doing more. It’s about experiencing more. Come rest in His presence with us.

Chapters

00:00 Rediscovering Faith in a Distracted World

01:54 The Importance of Guided Prayer

06:12 Disciples of the Internet

17:24 Ordinary Mystics and Intimacy with God

23:49 Practices for Experiencing God's Presence

25:01 Daily Encounters with God

26:22 Healing Through Union with Christ

29:13 Mental Health and Spiritual Well-being

32:52 Cultivating the Presence of God

39:09 The Urgency of Spiritual Connection

46:12 Practical Steps for Abiding in Christ

What if your soul has been trained not to experience God?

In this profound and timely conversation, Steve Adams sits down with bestselling author John Eldredge to explore the themes of his new book, Experience Jesus—Really. Together, they confront one of the most overlooked realities of modern spiritual life: we’ve been discipled by distraction, noise, and digital overload—and it’s making it harder to connect with God.

From reclaiming ancient practices to becoming “ordinary mystics,” John and Steve guide listeners into a deeper, more intimate daily encounter with Jesus. You’ll discover the path back to healing, peace, and joy—through union with Christ.

🎧 Topics covered:

Why you can’t focus in prayer (and it’s not your fault)

What it really means to be a disciple of the internet

How to become an “ordinary mystic” and live like David, Paul, and Mary Magdalene

Simple practices to experience Jesus daily

Healing through presence—not performance

📲 Mentioned Resources:

Experience Jesus—Really (book + study guide) https://a.co/d/64HLow3

Wild at Heart Ministries — https://wildatheart.org/

The Pause App – new “Experiencing Jesus” module https://wildatheart.org/apps/one-minute-pause/

When Laid to Rest (Wild at Heart Pause App Music)

By Patrick Rundblad

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – You’ve Been Discipled by the Internet

01:17 – Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast

03:03 – Why We Pause: A Prayer for Presence

06:00 – How’s Your Heart? Life, Ministry & Sabbath Rhythms

10:01 – Discipled by the Internet (Expanded)

14:18 – What Is an Ordinary Mystic?

17:39 – Is God's Love Really Better Than Life?

20:27 – Trauma, Anxiety & the Healing Union

24:29 – Why the Goal Is Union, Not Performance

28:04 – Why Experiencing God Feels So Hard (And What to Do About It)

29:56 – Examples of Ordinary Mystics

36:17 – Dwelling Within: The Indwelling Christ

39:00 – Practicing Union: Sacred Daily Rhythms

43:03 – One Thing You Can Do Today

44:31 – What Writing This Book Changed for John

45:56 – Closing