Special Guest: Steven Mathews

If you missed Part 1 of Steven's episode, please go back one episode to catch up!

Join us for the gripping conclusion of Steven Mathews’ emotional and transformative journey in Part 2 of his story. As a former pastor and music industry professional, Stephen has faced the trials of addiction while struggling to retain his faith and identity. Through candid conversations, Stephen reveals the ups and downs of his recovery process, shedding light on the true challenges faced by those battling substance abuse.

In this episode, Steven dives into the pitfalls of relying on self-made structures and relationships, instead finding clarity in surrendering to a higher power. We explore the detrimental impact of falling into familiar patterns and the importance of community and support networks in fostering real change. Stephen’s story emphasizes the power of faith and honesty in overcoming addiction and reclaiming one’s life.

Special Guest: Steven Mathews

Steven opens up about his life experiences, including his challenges adapting to numerous relocations during childhood, searching for belonging, and grappling with the expectations placed upon him. These factors significantly contributed to his eventual reliance on substances as a means of finding perceived peace and acceptance.

You'll also hear about the impact of Steven's spiritual side, his early connection to God, and how his faith has been a constant through his turbulent journey. Now celebrating almost seven years of sobriety, Stephen discusses how he turned his life around by embracing his faith entirely, moving away from addiction to become a new person through Christ-centered recovery.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of Steven's story!

Special Guest: Paula Driver

Kathryn and Paul sit down with Paula Driver from Citronelle, Alabama, to share an inspiring story of transformation and redemption. Paula opens up about her past, revealing a 15-year battle with drug addiction, which began in her teenage years. Introduced to drugs by her older brother, Paula's life soon spiraled into a cycle of addiction, rebellion, and destructive relationships.

Despite growing up in a loving home, Paula's struggle with a rebellious spirit led her down a path of self-destruction, ultimately impacting her relationships with family and loved ones. She candidly discusses her journey through addiction, the dynamics with her enabling husband, and the heartbreak of becoming estranged from her children.

At her lowest point, Paula experienced a spiritual awakening, which led her to the Home of Grace in Alabama, where she found her faith and the strength to overcome her addiction. Embracing her newfound belief in Christ, Paula recounts how she learned to forgive herself, love herself, and rebuild her life on a foundation of grace and redemption.

Special Guest: Jeremy Ruch

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Jeremy Ruch is a long-time friend of Paul who shares his transformative journey from the depths of addiction to a life marked by sobriety and renewed faith. Jeremy opens up about his past struggles with alcohol, triggered by personal insecurities and family dynamics. He candidly discusses the challenges of growing up in an environment where addiction loomed and how it led to his own descent into alcohol abuse. Jeremy reveals the pivotal moments that spurred his decision to seek help, including health concerns and the desire to set a positive example for his family.

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Special Guest: John Boyle

In this second part of a two-part episode, we continue the compelling conversation with John Boyle, delving into the depths of his personal battle with addiction and the life-altering realization that led to his transformation. After the shocking diagnosis of liver failure due to excessive alcohol consumption, John describes the harsh realities of his addiction, the toll it took on his health, and the desperate attempts to self-medicate anxiety with alcohol. Amidst his struggle, listeners learn about his drive to prove himself through work, despite the erosion of his personal life and health.

The episode challenges societal stigmas surrounding addiction and emphasizes the importance of confronting personal failures with honesty, as well as finding strength in faith. John shares his journey through the crucible of addiction recovery, discussing the turning point where an unexpected invitation to church ignited a spiritual awakening. This awakening gave him the resolve to seek rehab and embrace a faith-based recovery path, ultimately leading him to break free from alcohol’s chains.

John's narrative is filled with deeply human moments—confronting the ghosts of his past, understanding the physical and emotional grip of addiction, and the transformative process of forgiveness. His journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of faith in achieving redemption.

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

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.