Jesus Loves Addicts

In this compelling episode, the hosts of Jesus Loves Addicts dive deep into the tumultuous early life of Joseph Deason. Growing up amidst chaos, from witnessing tumultuous family dynamics to exposure to addiction at a young age, Joseph shares candid memories and pivotal moments that shaped his path. This is the first part of a two-part series exploring Joseph's journey from a troubled childhood to a redemptive embrace of faith.

Join the conversation as Joseph and the hosts discuss the hurdles of growing up in a dysfunctional family, the allure of chaos, and the first encounters with substances that would later lead to addiction. Joseph's story is not just one of struggle but of resilience and transformation, as he ultimately finds stability and purpose through faith and the support of a caring community.

In this powerful episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," join host Kathryn and co-host Ross as they welcome special guest Jaclyn Herman. Jaclyn, wife of Pastor Victor Herman and mother to six, opens up about her tumultuous journey from a seemingly idyllic childhood to battling addiction and finding salvation in Christ. Born in South Florida, Jaclyn's life took a drastic turn after her parents' unexpected and traumatic divorce, leading her down a path of substance abuse and legal troubles.

As she candidly recalls her experiences, Jaclyn shares intimate details of her struggle with addiction, the devastating impact it had on her family, and her eventual arrest on federal charges. Yet, amidst the darkness, Jaclyn experienced a profound spiritual awakening while incarcerated, discovering the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness.

Listen as Jaclyn recounts her journey of redemption, from joining Bible study classes in prison to being introduced to the Christian recovery program at the Home of Grace. Through faith, prayer, and the support of a loving community, Jaclyn rebuilt her life, ultimately accepting her calling to ministry alongside her husband.

This episode offers hope and encouragement to anyone facing their own battles with addiction or seeking a deeper relationship with God. Jaclyn's story is a testament to the possibility of new beginnings and the unwavering love that Christ offers to us all.

In this compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," we delve into the life of Victor Herman, a pastor with a past that mirrors many tales of struggle and redemption. Growing up in an environment of addiction and violence, Victor embraced a life of hedonism and found himself facing the harsh realities of Alabama State Prison.

Victor takes us through his journey from being a "God-hating libertine" to experiencing a transformative encounter with Jesus during his time in prison. He opens up about his tumultuous childhood, surrounded by substance abuse and broken relationships, and how it shaped his early years.

This episode explores the powerful themes of redemption, the challenge of overcoming stigmas, and the profound impact of divine intervention. Victor shares how his life took a pivotal turn through a series of life-altering experiences, including his conversion to Christianity and how it eventually led him to meet his wife and find his purpose as a pastor.

Join us as we celebrate this story of hope, transformation, and the unconditional love of Christ that continues to guide Victor's path and inspire those around him. Whether you're struggling with addiction, seeking redemption, or curious about the journey to faith, this episode offers powerful insights and inspiration.

In this moving episode of 'Jesus Loves Addicts,' we dive into Heather Engels' powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding redemption through faith. Heather, now 42, shares her journey from a chaotic childhood filled with strict religious expectations and turbulent family dynamics to a life of addiction that spanned over 15 years.

Heather recounts her experiences growing up with an abusive father and a struggling mother, navigating the instability between different households, and the early seeds of faith planted by her grandmother. She reflects on relationships marred by substance abuse and the search for love in the wrong places, all while striving for perfection and grappling with shame.

The episode delves into Heather's turning point and journey to sobriety, highlighting her time at the Home of Grace, a faith-based recovery program. Heather shares how the power of community and faith brought her healing and led her to a loving family and a supportive church community in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Join us as Heather courageously shares her story of transformation, the challenges of recovery, and how Christ overcame her weaknesses, offering hope and encouragement to those battling addiction.

In this compelling episode, hosts Paul and Tasha Ridley delve into a deeply personal narrative of overcoming addiction through faith in Christ. Following up on the first part of Bo and Tasha Ridley's story, this episode continues to unravel the challenges of addiction and the power of redemption.

Bo and Tasha courageously share their individual struggles with addiction, stemming from trauma and leading to substance abuse and multiple arrests. Their candid discussion covers their darkest moments, including living in the woods, experiencing family loss, and battling depression. They reveal how faith and love became pivotal in their recovery journey.

The Ridleys' story is not just about the battle with drugs but also about finding identity and purpose through an intimate relationship with God. As they navigate through life's valleys, they discuss the transformative power of God's love, the importance of transparency, and the continuous fight for healing and recovery.

Whether you're struggling with addiction, know someone who is, or simply want to be inspired by a story of hope and perseverance, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by those overcoming addiction.

In this episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," hosts Paul welcomes extraordinary guests Bo and Tasha Ridley, a devoted husband and wife duo with a powerful testimony of faith and recovery. Join us as they share their personal journeys through the battles against addiction and trauma, underpinned by their relentless faith and love in Christ.

Bo, a devoted man in recovery, contemplates his upbringing and shares the trials he faced, including the struggle of dealing with his father's alcoholism while trying to step out of his own cycle of addiction. He reflects on the spiritual awakening that led him to seek a Christ-centric life, overcoming numerous setbacks.

Tasha offers an unfiltered look into her past, marked by the struggles to heal from traumatic experiences and how she found solace in faith, using her journey to empower others as a beacon of hope in her role at a faith-based transition home in Alabama.

Together, the Ridleys open up about the challenges and rewards of a Christ-centered recovery, aiming to dispel stigmas surrounding addiction, highlighting the transformative power of redemptive grace. Listen in to discover how their love for each other and their faith has been fundamental in overcoming their past and paving a new path forward as they inspire hope, community, and recovery.

In this emotionally charged episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, host dives into the heart of codependency, family struggles, and recovery with special guest Amanda Graham. Through her candid storytelling, Amanda opens up about her life intertwined with addiction, not as an addict herself, but as someone who loves an addict.

Amanda recounts her early years balancing life between two contrasting households and how this shaped her perception of "normal." She bravely discusses the toxic relationships she encountered, leading up to a tumultuous partnership filled with deceit and heartbreak. Her narrative sheds light on the overlooked struggles of those impacted by an addict's choices.

The conversation explores the stigmas surrounding addiction, the resilience needed to break free from codependent cycles, and the power of forgiveness. Amanda’s journey is a testament to finding strength and voice amidst chaos, providing a platform for those who share similar experiences to feel seen and heard.

Tune in to hear how Amanda, supported by her faith, navigated the rocky terrain of cohabiting with addiction and the ultimate path to healing and self-discovery. This episode is a poignant reminder of the unseen battles faced by families and loved ones, advocating for open dialogue and societal understanding of addiction and recovery.

In this compelling episode of the Jesus Loves Addicts podcast, meet Dustin Long—a former addict who has turned his life around through faith. Raised in Southern Mississippi, Dustin fell into a 20-year whirlwind of substance abuse, which began in his early teens with marijuana and huffing gas, eventually leading to harder drugs like methamphetamine and heroin.

Faced with family traumas and the burden of being an absent father, Dustin reveals his darkest moments and how a heartfelt plea from a friend's mother set him on a path to recovery. His spiritual awakening happened when he cried out to God on the railway tracks, marking a turning point that led him to seek help. Today, Dustin is a worship leader and associate pastor, committed to spreading a message of hope and redemption.

Listen as Dustin shares insights into the stigma of addiction and the power of Christ's love to transform flawed lives. This episode is a powerful testament that no matter the depth of one's struggles, recovery and renewal are within reach.

In this compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," we welcome Stephen Walker, a man whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and recovery. Stephen's journey is marked by early success in the financial world at Merrill Lynch, but addiction soon led him down a path of self-destruction. He candidly shares his struggles with alcohol and how it impacted his relationships, career, and family life.

Stephen opens up about his family background, marked by a history of alcohol issues, and his personal battles with addiction. Despite numerous attempts at recovery and some moments of sobriety, Stephen's life seemed to be in a cycle of relapse until he found true redemption through a Christ-centered program. His story is a profound exploration of the challenges and stigmas associated with addiction and the unwavering love that led him towards a path of recovery.

Listeners will hear Stephen's heart-wrenching experiences with loss, his journey through several recovery programs, and the eventual embrace of his faith that transformed his life. His message challenges the stigmas of addiction and highlights how Christ's love can overcome any weakness. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, redemption, and the power of unconditional love.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Maggie Pitalo as she courageously shares her journey from addiction to redemption. Maggie opens up about her early life struggles, which led her to substance abuse at the tender age of 12, and her experiences working as a stripper to escape poverty. With powerful recollections, she reveals the pain of losing custody of her children due to her addiction, and the harrowing cycles she endured.

Maggie candidly discusses how her family dynamics, including the influence of her workaholic parents and the chaotic home environment, impacted her path. Throughout her narrative, she highlights how addictions savvy their maternal instincts and how dangerous the quest for the glittery facade of success can be.

Most importantly, Maggie shares her turning point, where she found faith and redemption through a touching encounter with an outreach team in a strip club, reminding her of the steadfast love of Christ. She walks us through her recovery journey, focusing on the critical support from strangers and the miraculous transformation in her life.

Listeners will be inspired by Maggie’s relentless courage to overcome her demons and the strength she found in faith and community. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and the healing power of love.