Special Guest: John Boyle

In part one of this two-part episode, we dive deep into the life of John Boyle, an inspiring author and speaker, who shares his tumultuous journey from a violent childhood to finding hope and healing through faith. Growing up in the West Virginia mountains, John recounts his upbringing in a violent home, the internal battles he faced, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of the world.

John reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to recovery, including his time at a boarding school where mentorship and community changed the trajectory of his life. He details his struggles with PTSD, how it affected his relationships and daily life, and the revelation of his complex PTSD diagnosis in his mid-30s.

The episode further explores how John used alcohol as a coping mechanism for his trauma, the strain it placed on his marriage and career, and how rediscovering his faith became the key to overcoming the darkness. John's story is a powerful testament to resilience, the impact of community support, and the transformative power of hope and faith in Christ.

Check out John's book, Appalachian Kid: How Hope Changed Everything

Special Guest: Celine Aubert

Celine dives deep into her incredible journey, from being an avid skydiver to facing addiction head-on. After her 300th skydive ended in a parachute malfunction, Celine stepped away from the exhilarating sport, only to find herself crossing paths with meth addiction.

Celine shares how her life spiraled into turmoil, leading to homelessness and legal troubles, but also how those dark times became a catalyst for change. She opens up about her spiritual awakening while in a jail cell, the life-changing moment of surrendering to God, and how her newfound faith and community have been pivotal in her ongoing recovery.

As a mother and a beacon of hope, Celine discusses her involvement with organizations that support addiction recovery and prison ministries, showcasing the redemptive power of giving back. Tune in to hear about the challenges and victories on her path to sobriety and the profound impact of putting recovery first. Discover how Celine’s story is an inspiring testament to redemption and the unyielding love that overcomes addiction.

Special Guest: Norman Muntz

From growing up in a turbulent household characterized by abuse and addiction to spending 32 years in prison, Norman shares how he found light in the darkest places.

We explore his early life, marred by the impacts of familial brokenness, and his descent into addiction, starting as early as age 10. Norman's story is a stark reminder of how childhood experiences can shape a life trajectory, yet it also serves as a beacon of hope.

During his incarceration, Norman encountered a turning point that led him to Christ, marking the beginning of his journey into ministry. Today, he is an associate pastor at the Freedom Church in Moss Point and the founder of Convict Prison Ministry, dedicated to bringing hope to those still entangled in the cycle of incarceration and addiction.

This heartening story is a testament to the belief that no matter how deep one's struggles with addiction and crime, transformation is possible through faith and community support. Join us as we discuss the pivotal moments that defined his path and how he embraces the call to extend grace and love to others in need.

Special Guest: Bobby Morris

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Hurricane Katrina in 2005 marked the beginning of a dark spiral of addiction for Bobby Morris, leading to years of struggle with alcohol, strained relationships, and personal turmoil.

Bobby recounts his early life, marked by the loss of his father and the deep-rooted anger and isolation that followed. His addiction escalated post-Katrina, resulting in two DUIs and the separation from his wife in 2011. In the midst of despair, a song became a catalyst for profound change and the start of his journey to recovery.

Join us as Bobby candidly discusses the realities of addiction and recovery, the challenges and rewards, and his journey toward rebuilding his life. Discover how faith and acceptance led him from the depths of addiction to becoming a pastor at Caswell Springs, where he now helps others find hope and transformation.

Special Guest: Lloyd Brunty

Here is the extraordinary story of Lloyd Brunty, a man who emerged from a life steeped in organized crime and addiction to become a beacon of hope and faith for others. Lloyd's journey begins amidst a chaotic childhood marked by familial rejection and organized crime, leading him down a path of deep darkness involving gang membership and drug addiction.

After a tragic mistake claims the life of his young son, Lloyd's spiral deepens, and he finds himself on the brink of destruction. But it is here, in the depths of despair, that an unexpected encounter with the divine sets him on a path toward redemption. Lloyd recounts his powerful transformative experience in a courtroom that reshaped his life and his faith in ways he never anticipated.

Now the founder of "Truly Grace" ministry in South Mississippi, Lloyd dedicates his life to helping others break free from the chains of addiction and crime, using his past as a testimony to the unyielding power of Jesus Christ. This episode offers a raw and moving exploration of the highs and lows of faith, the challenge of confronting one’s past, and the profound impact of spiritual salvation. Tune in to witness a story of hope, restoration, and endless love.

Special Guest: Amber and Brilynn Foreman

Kathryn and Paul sit down with Amber Foreman. For over 15 years, Amber battled addiction, initially turning to self-medication using Suboxone for 12 years until her family's intervention guided her to a newfound freedom in Jesus.

Joining the conversation is Amber's daughter, Brilynn, who offers a unique perspective on the impact of addiction on families, sharing her own experiences and emotions growing up with a parent struggling with substance abuse. The episode delves into Amber's tumultuous childhood, marked by trauma and abusive relationships, which unknowingly shaped her path toward substance dependence.

Amber courageously recounts her struggles, the challenges of recovery, and the pivotal moments when divine intervention seemed evident, leading her to a faith-based recovery program at the Home of Grace. This episode is not just a testimony of Amber's strength but a clarion call to challenge addiction stigmas, highlighting the power of love, forgiveness, and faith to overcome adversity.

Through Amber's journey, listeners are reminded that grace and redemption are possible no matter how deep their struggles may be. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and hope in the face of addiction’s powerful grip.

Special Guest: Marc Calvert

Join us in part two of our compelling conversation with Marc Calvert on the "Jesus Loves Addicts" podcast. If you haven’t already, be sure to catch up on part one to fully embrace Marc's incredible journey.

Picking up where we left off in Part One of his story, Marc calls Jared a pivotal figure in his journey. Jared played a crucial role in guiding Marc through his struggles. With patience and unwavering support, Jared helped Marc see the possibilities of change and the fruits of faith.

Experience the heartfelt moments as Marc recounts his initial skepticism, the turning point at a Halloween church event, and his path toward salvation. From jailhouse ministry beginnings to his work with The Home of Grace, Marc's story is a powerful testament to resilience, redemption, and the unstoppable love of Christ.

This episode provides a beacon of hope, illustrating how faith and community support can lead to profound personal transformations. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that might just change your perspective on recovery and redemption.

Special Guest: Marc Calvert

In part one of a two-part episode, we sit down with Marc Calvert, a 46-year-old pastor of The Church of Turning Points in Wiggins, MS. Marc opens his heart about his struggles with drug addiction that began in his teenage years and led to multiple incarcerations. He candidly discusses his battle with methamphetamine and his spirals through addiction, incarceration, and toxic relationships.

Marc offers a raw and unfiltered account of hitting rock bottom and how a life-altering moment in a bush on his fortieth birthday became the turning point towards his recovery. He emphasizes the importance of finding resources and support to rebuild his life, one step at a time, which eventually led him to discover faith and begin his journey with Christ.

Tune in to hear how Marc overcame the challenges of broken family relationships, missed opportunities, and a hardened heart, ultimately finding redemption and a calling to serve others in recovery.

Tune in next week for part two!

Panelists: Paul Del Giudice, Kathryn Kihyet Beatty, and Ross Richard

Welcome to a transformative episode of Jesus Loves Addicts as we kick off a new year with heartfelt discussions on embracing a Christ-centered approach to recovery. Our co-hosts delve into what it truly means to prioritize God above all in the journey to overcoming addiction, sharing personal insights and experiences that challenge prevailing stigmas.

In this episode, we explore the profound differences between secular and spiritual recovery programs, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with wise counsel and community support. Our panelists candidly discuss the blessings and challenges of the Christian walk, the significance of aligning one's priorities, and the eternal perspective that guides believers toward true healing.

Listeners can expect engaging discussions around societal perceptions of addiction, the temptations of sin, and the spiritual warfare that often accompanies recovery. From personal testimonies of transformation to biblical insights that provide hope, this episode invites you to reflect on the eternal truths and promises of Christ's unwavering love. Join us as we uncover the deeper connections between faith and recovery, inspiring you to embrace a purpose-driven life guided by His grace.

Special Guest: Jocey Stork

Josie bravely shares her poignant journey from growing up in an alcoholic and abusive household to battling her own addictions and ultimately finding her path to recovery at the Home of Grace for Women in Eight Mile, AL. Raised amid chaos, Josie was never truly a child; she was thrust into the harsh realities of addiction and mental illness at a tender age. Her story is one of pain, survival, and redemption.

Discover how her once-chaotic life spiraled through alcohol and drug addiction, leading Josie to hit rock bottom. Experience her heartfelt retelling of multiple brushes with the law and numerous attempts at rehabilitation as she desperately sought change. Despite facing many setbacks and a life filled with rejection, Josie's unwavering faith in God's transformative power became her beacon of hope.

As she surrendered to the healing process through structure and a supportive community, hear how Josie's faith journey and commitment to structured living led her to a life free from addiction. Learn about the significant role her faith played in her recovery, as well as the importance of capturing her prayers in a prayer box, which resulted in the realization of hope through marriage, sobriety, and personal accomplishments.

This episode promises to challenge the stigmas surrounding addiction, celebrate the triumphs of recovery, and, most importantly, provide a testament to the healing power of love and faith. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and the rediscovery of God’s embrace.

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