Marriage After God

By Aaron Smith & Jennifer SmithSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Relationships

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Marriage After God episodes

March 27, 2025 Building a Safe Marriage, Finding Authentic Community, The Power of Mentorship - w/ Mike & Holly Worley
Three early-marriage mistakes, healing from trauma together, and why you have to pursue a mentor
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Mike and Holly Worley, founders of Spark Discipleship, to talk about the mistakes they made early in marriage and what they learned. Married 16 years, the Worleys name three: not committing to the local church, lacking authentic community, and having no older mentors. Holly shares how she told Mike about childhood abuse during a "things you should know" game, and how that trauma intensified after marriage and required years of counseling. Mike learned he couldn't be "Mr. Fix-it" and had to bring Holly to Jesus instead. They teach that mentorship must be pursued, with younger couples seeking older ones in life-on-life relationships rather than formal contracts, and that consumer Christianity misses the call to make disciples.
About Mike & Holly Worley
Mike and Holly Worley are the founders of Spark Discipleship, which helps couples build thriving marriages through church commitment, authentic community, and mentorship. High school sweethearts, they have been married 16 years and have three children. Through Spark Discipleship they offer free resources including Five Practices of a Thriving Marriage, the Weekly Huddle Guide, and Investing Spiritually in Your Spouse.
In This Episode
Three early-marriage mistakes — skipping church commitment, lacking authentic community, and having no mentors.
More than attending — why commitment to the local church means active participation.
Friends vs. authentic community — the difference and why it matters.
Being a safe spouse — creating space for healing from past trauma.
Not Mr. Fix-it — why Mike had to bring Holly to Jesus instead of trying to fix her.
Pursuing mentorship — younger couples seeking older ones, life-on-life, not formal contracts.
Disciple-making marriages — why consumer Christianity misses the call to make disciples.
Scripture Referenced
Matthew 28:19–20 — the Great Commission: go and make disciples.
Hebrews 10:25 — not giving up meeting together.
Ephesians 5:25 — a husband loving his wife as Christ loved the church.
1 Corinthians 15:33 — "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Corinthians 1:26 — not many were wise, not many of noble birth.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — two are better than one, because one can lift the other up.
Resources from This Episode
Spark Discipleship
Free resources: Five Practices of a Thriving Marriage, Weekly Huddle Guide, and Investing Spiritually in Your Spouse
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
58 min
March 20, 2025 Breaking Free from Pornography, The Power of Confession, Building a Marriage-Centered Ministry - w/ Sathiya & Shaloma Sam
Why confessing a temptation beats confessing a mistake, and how a spouse can make confession safe
About This Episode
Pornography thrives in secrecy, and shame keeps people stuck. In this conversation, Aaron sits down with Sathiya and Shaloma Sam, founders of Deep Clean Coaching, to talk honestly about freedom from pornography and what it looks like for a couple to walk that road together. Sathiya shares his story, from exposure at age 11 to a full addiction by university and a five-year journey to freedom, and why he came to see porn as an intimacy disorder. Shaloma offers wisdom for spouses on responding to confession with empathy instead of shame. They also share how they guard their marriage while running a ministry, including non-negotiable date nights, and why confessing temptation early is so powerful.
About Sathiya & Shaloma Sam
Sathiya and Shaloma Sam are the founders of Deep Clean Coaching, a ministry that helps men find freedom from pornography. Sathiya also hosts The Man Within podcast. Married five years at the time of this conversation and parents to a young son, they teach couples to bring struggles into the light, confess temptation early, and respond to confession with safety and compassion.
In This Episode
Confessing temptation, not just mistakes — why bringing a temptation into the light early breaks its power
Porn as an intimacy disorder — what Sathiya learned on his five-year journey to freedom
Shame and secrecy — how shame keeps people trapped in cycles of addiction
Making confession safe — how a spouse can respond with empathy and compassion
The danger of trickle truth — why complete honesty and full ownership matter
Focusing on the light — why fixating on the darkness doesn't lead to freedom
Ministry without sacrificing marriage — the importance of non-negotiable date nights
Healthy marriages and families — why they are the backbone of a thriving society
Scripture Referenced
James 5:16 — confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed
1 John 1:9 — if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
1 Corinthians 10:13 — God provides a way out when you are tempted
Ephesians 5:3 — not even a hint of sexual immorality among believers
Galatians 5:1 — stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery
Galatians 6:8 — sowing to the Spirit rather than to the flesh
James 2:17 — faith without works is dead
2 Corinthians 5:17 — if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation
Resources from This Episode
Deep Clean Coaching
The Man Within podcast
Sathiya on Instagram: @sathiyasam
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 12 min
March 13, 2025 Christians as Joyful Outsiders, Finding Unity in Diversity, Engaging Culture Without Fear - w/ Keith Simon
Why losing cultural power isn't a crisis, and six God-honoring ways believers can engage the world
About This Episode
Many Christians feel disoriented as the culture shifts around them. In this episode, Aaron talks with pastor Keith Simon, co-author of Joyful Outsiders, about why believers have always been outsiders and how to live that out with joy rather than fear. Keith explains the book's framework of six ways Christians engage culture: ambassador, trainer, builder, protester, advisor, and artist. Using the example of Daniel alongside a protester, he shows how different God-honoring roles can work together. They also discuss the difference between organizational and relational unity, cheering for God's kingdom across traditions, keeping loyalty to Jesus above partisan politics, and raising children who are confident in their faith.
About Keith Simon
Keith Simon is a pastor in Columbia, Missouri, and co-author, with Patrick Miller, of Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture. He also wrote Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant, co-hosts the Truth Over Tribe podcast, and is heard on Ten Minute Bible Talks. Keith has been married 35 years and has four children.
In This Episode
Christians as outsiders — why believers have been outsiders since Genesis 3
Joy instead of fear — responding to lost cultural power without withdrawal or combativeness
Six ways to engage culture — ambassadors, trainers, builders, protesters, advisors, and artists
Different roles, same team — why Daniel and a protester don't have to be enemies
Unity without uniformity — organizational unity versus relational unity in the church
In the world but not of it — navigating the tension Jesus calls us to
Christ as King — keeping loyalty to Jesus above partisan politics
Raising confident kids — helping children hold their faith amid cultural opposition
Scripture Referenced
Genesis 3
Hebrews 13 (going to Jesus outside the camp)
Hebrews 12:2 (for the joy set before Him)
Daniel (serving God as an advisor in Nebuchadnezzar's court)
1 Corinthians 12 (one body with many parts)
Mark 9:38–40 (whoever is not against us is for us)
Galatians 5:22–23 (the fruit of the Spirit)
John 15:18 (if the world hated Me, it will hate you)
Resources from This Episode
Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon — joyfuloutsiders.com
Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon
Podcasts: Truth Over Tribe and Ten Minute Bible Talks
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 4 min
March 06, 2025 Four Decisions for an Easier Marriage, The Power of Intentional Fun, Marriage Before Kids - w/ Arlene Pellicane
Play by the rules, give thanks, serve, and take fun seriously: small choices that keep dragons small
About This Episode
Marriage doesn't have to feel so hard. Aaron talks with Arlene Pellicane, author of Making Marriage Easier, about the four decisions she believes make a real difference: play by the rules, give thanks every day, serve one another, and take fun seriously. Arlene explains how to keep dragons small by naming problems early instead of letting them grow, and why a child enters the home but isn't meant to be its center. She shares how couples can build trust by talking honestly about sensitive topics, why gratitude changes the way you see your spouse, and simple habits she recommends: a daily hug when your spouse comes home, a monthly date night, and a yearly 24-hour getaway.
About Arlene Pellicane
Arlene Pellicane is the author of ten books, including Making Marriage Easier, Parents Rising, and Screen Kids (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman). She hosts The Happy Home podcast and serves as a spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene has been married 25 years and has three children.
In This Episode
Four decisions for an easier marriage — play by the rules, give thanks, serve one another, take fun seriously
Keeping dragons small — naming small problems before they grow
Marriage before kids — why a child enters the home but isn't its center
Honest communication — building trust by raising sensitive topics with each other
Gratitude in marriage — how an attitude of thanks changes your perspective
Taking fun seriously — a daily hug, a monthly date night, and a yearly 24-hour getaway
Humor and differences — understanding your spouse's perspective
Humility — the foundation for receiving feedback from your spouse
Scripture Referenced
Micah 6:8 — walking humbly with God
1 Corinthians 13 — putting your own name in the place of love
Matthew 22:37–40 — loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself
1 Corinthians 7:4 — husband and wife belonging to one another
Philippians 4:6–7 — thanksgiving and the peace that surpasses all understanding
Resources from This Episode
Free date night ideas: makingmarriageeasier.com
Books: Making Marriage Easier, Parents Rising, and Screen Kids (with Dr. Gary Chapman)
Podcast: The Happy Home
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr
February 27, 2025 Intentional Parenting, Discipling Our Children, Refining Through Challenges
One-on-one time, better questions, and preparing kids with the gospel for life's winter seasons
About This Episode
In this episode, Aaron and Jennifer return together to talk about parenting with intention and the ways God has been refining them. As parents of six, they share how they set aside one-on-one time with each child and why asking questions often reaches a child's heart better than simply pointing out character issues. They talk about preparing children with the gospel so they are equipped for life's winter seasons, and why Scripture familiarity gives kids something to return to as adults. They also open up about recent challenges in their marriage, the need for humility and self-reflection, and the power of praying together when emotions run high. Plus, they share about their new children's books and reflect on seven years of podcasting.
About Aaron & Jennifer Smith
Aaron and Jennifer Smith are the founders of Marriage After God and authors of Husband After God, Wife After God, and Marriage After God. Married since 2007 and raising six children in Bend, Oregon, they started Husband Revolution and Unveiled Wife to share what God was teaching them, not from a place of having it figured out, but as fellow travelers pointing couples back to Jesus.
In This Episode
One-on-one time — creating space for spiritual growth with each child
Asking better questions — reaching a child's heart instead of only correcting behavior
Preparing kids with the gospel — equipping children for life's winter seasons
Scripture familiarity — giving children a foundation to return to in adulthood
Humility and self-reflection — the posture that makes growth possible
Refining through challenges — how hard seasons shape a marriage
Praying together — staying connected during emotionally challenging seasons
Devotional practices — how God uses them to reveal areas to grow
Resources from This Episode
Children's books by Aaron & Jennifer Smith: This Is How You Love Your Mommy and This Is How You Love Your Daddy
Recommended: Experiencing God devotional by Henry Blackaby
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
40 min
February 20, 2025 Overcoming People-Pleasing, Embracing Identity, and Discovering Community - Interview w/ Jinger Duggar Vuolo
Disentangling truth from legalism without deconstructing her faith, and finding freedom from approval
About This Episode
What happens when your whole life has been shaped by other people's expectations? Aaron talks with Jinger Duggar Vuolo, author of People Pleaser, about growing up as the sixth of 19 kids on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting and under the teachings of Bill Gothard. Jinger explains how a rule-based system that promised guaranteed results turned out to be anti-gospel, and how she began disentangling truth from error without walking away from her faith. She shares how her husband Jeremy walked her through more than 60 hours of seminars, asking where each teaching was in Scripture, and how she moved from people-pleasing rooted in fear to serving others from fulfillment in Christ.
About Jinger Duggar Vuolo
Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the New York Times bestselling author of People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations, as well as Becoming Free Indeed, The Hope We Hold, and the children's book You Can Shine So Bright. The sixth of 19 children, she grew up on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. She and her husband Jeremy share their journey at jingerandjeremy.com.
In This Episode
Growing up in the public eye — how reality TV and rigid expectations shaped her identity
Bill Gothard's teachings — why a rules-based system that promised results was anti-gospel
Disentangling, not deconstructing — removing error while clinging to the truth of God's Word
Where is that in Scripture? — how Jeremy walked her through 60+ hours of seminars
From fear to fulfillment — moving from people-pleasing to serving others in Christ
Asking Who am I? — rooting self-worth and approval in God
Authentic community — its role in healing from people-pleasing
Family privacy — parenting in the spotlight in a digital age
Scripture Referenced
Galatians 1:10 — seeking the approval of God rather than man
Ephesians 5:26 — washing with the water of the Word
Galatians 5:25 — keeping in step with the Spirit
Luke 14:28 — counting the cost
Psalm 139:23-24 — search me and know me
Resources from This Episode
People Pleaser by Jinger Duggar Vuolo (book and audiobook), available wherever books are sold
Also by Jinger: Becoming Free Indeed, The Hope We Hold, and You Can Shine So Bright
jingerandjeremy.com
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
52 min
February 13, 2025 Finding Peace in Marriage, Surviving a Tornado's Wake-Up Call, The Power of Biblical Community - w/ Chris & Jessica Speas
How a 145 mph tornado woke a couple from a stagnant, isolated season and back to biblical community
About This Episode
Sometimes God uses a storm to wake us up. Aaron sits down with longtime friends Chris and Jessica Speas, who married after a five-month courtship and have been married 13 years. They share why a calm, steady love is worth more than emotional highs and lows, and why love is often something you choose to do before you feel it. After moving to Tennessee, they drifted into a stagnant season without community, until a 145 mph tornado hit their neighborhood in 2020, shattering their windows while the family sheltered in a closet. That night became a spiritual wake-up call. They talk honestly about Chris's panic attacks afterward, rebuilding spiritual intimacy, and how Jessica's ministry now points women to Scripture about the end times rather than fear.
About Chris & Jessica Speas
Chris and Jessica Speas are longtime friends of Aaron and Jennifer, who were the table leaders in their church marriage group when Chris and Jessica were engaged. Married 13 years after a five-month courtship, they moved to Tennessee, where a 2020 tornado struck their neighborhood and renewed their faith. Jessica teaches women about biblical prophecy and offers teaching and resources through her online store, and is on Instagram at @jessica_speas.
In This Episode
Calm over chaos — why a steady relationship beats emotional highs and lows
Love as action — choosing to do love when feelings fluctuate
Letting the Holy Spirit work — releasing control of your spouse
Seasons of stagnation — what happened when they lost community after a move
A tornado's wake-up call — how a 145 mph storm in 2020 renewed their faith
Walking through panic attacks — Chris's journey after the tornado
Biblical community — why it is essential for spiritual growth and marriage health
Scripture over fear — Jessica's ministry teaching women about biblical prophecy
Scripture Referenced
Exodus 24:7 — obeying before we fully understand
Psalm 139:23-24 — search my heart and know my thoughts
Proverbs 21:2 — every way of a man is right in his own eyes
John 15:4 — abide in Me
James 1:6 — not being tossed back and forth by doubt
1 Thessalonians 4:18 — encourage one another with these words
Revelation 1:3 — the blessing promised to those who read the prophecy
Resources from This Episode
Jessica's Bible prophecy teaching and resources: stan.store/JessicaSpeas
Jessica on Instagram: @jessica_speas
Maranatha Apparel
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr
February 06, 2025 Leaving Planned Parenthood, The Truth About Life's Value, Creating a Legacy of Faith - w/ Abby Johnson
A former Planned Parenthood director on grace after abortion and why parents must talk to kids about life
About This Episode
Abby Johnson once directed a Planned Parenthood clinic. In 2009, watching an ultrasound-guided abortion of a 13-week baby became her Damascus moment, and she walked away from the industry. In this conversation with Aaron, Abby shares how God's forgiveness freed her from shame over her own past, and why she now helps abortion workers leave and find new careers. As a mother of eight, she urges parents to talk openly with their children about life instead of outsourcing that to schools, pastors, or government, and to build a home where kids know a baby will always be welcomed with joy. She also warns against sacrificing family on the altar of ministry.
About Abby Johnson
Abby Johnson is a former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate and author, whose story was told in the book and 2019 film Unplanned. After leaving the abortion industry in 2009, she founded And Then There Were None, a ministry that has helped over 700 abortion workers leave the industry and embrace Christ. She is a mother of eight and the author of the children's book What's in Mommy's Tummy?
In This Episode
A Damascus moment — the ultrasound-guided abortion that changed everything
Forgiveness and freedom — how God's grace frees us from shame
Helping abortion workers leave — a ministry to those in the industry
Parents as spiritual authority — not outsourcing discipleship to schools, pastors, or government
Talking to kids about life — honest, biblical conversations at home
Every baby a blessing — creating a home where children feel safe sharing hard news
Men as spiritual leaders — in the home and in the church
Family before ministry — don't sacrifice family on the altar of ministry
Scripture Referenced
Deuteronomy 30:19 — life and death set before us; choose life
Psalm 127:3 — children are a blessing
Matthew 19:14 — let the children come to Me
Hebrews 3:13 — hearts hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 — a fragrance of life to some, of death to others
Galatians 3:13 — Christ became a curse for us
Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good
Resources from This Episode
Website: abbyj.com
New book: What's in Mommy's Tummy? by Abby Johnson
Unplanned by Abby Johnson
Ministry: abortionworker.com
And Then There Were None Ministry
ProLove Ministries
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 9 min
January 30, 2025 Protecting Your Marriage, Raising Godly Kids, Finding Your Calling - w/ Jerry Jenkins
The hedges that protected a 54-year marriage, and why kids spell love T-I-M-E
About This Episode
How do you protect a marriage for more than five decades? Aaron talks with Jerry Jenkins, bestselling author of the Left Behind series and the book Hedges, about the intentional boundaries he has kept throughout 54 years of marriage. Jerry explains why even strong marriages need protective hedges, how to identify your own weak spots, and why he openly declares his boundaries. He shares the decision he made after interviewing older men who regretted missing time with their kids: no work between coming home and bedtime. They also talk about guarding a daily quiet time, keeping flirtation and romance for your spouse alone, the pressures of social media, and passing down your love story.
About Jerry Jenkins
Jerry Jenkins is the bestselling author of more than 195 books, including the Left Behind series and Hedges, with over 71 million books sold. He is the father of Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen, and his resources for writers are available through the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. Jerry has been married 54 years.
In This Episode
Hedges — why even strong marriages need protective boundaries
Openly declared boundaries — if you take care of how things look, you take care of how they are
Finding your own hedges — identifying the weak spots you need to guard
Kids spell love T-I-M-E — why time with your children matters more than career success
No work until bedtime — the policy Jerry set after hearing older men's regrets
Guarding your quiet time — protecting daily time with God
Romance for your spouse alone — showing respect and love every day
Social media and technology — new challenges facing marriages today
Scripture Referenced
Psalm 101:3 — I will set no unclean thing before my eyes
Mark 1:35 — Jesus rising early to pray in a desolate place
1 Thessalonians 5:22 — avoiding every appearance of evil
Galatians 6:9 — not growing weary in doing good
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances
Resources from This Episode
Books: Hedges by Jerry B. Jenkins, the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, and over 195 other titles
The Chosen: I Have Called You by Name by Jerry B. Jenkins, the first of his novels based on The Chosen
Website: JerryJenkins.com
Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild
Watch: The Chosen TV series
The Marriage Gift: 365 Prayers for Our Marriage by Aaron & Jennifer Smith (also in our shop)
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
54 min
January 23, 2025 From Heroin Addiction to Freedom in Christ with Dustin Garrett
From heroin at 15 to freedom in Christ: renewing the mind, local church accountability, and surrender
About This Episode
Dustin Garrett's story is proof that the truth really does set people free. In this episode, Aaron talks with Dustin, now with Samaritan Ministries, about his years of heroin addiction from age 15 to 23, coming to Christ while in jail, and the two years he spent at a rescue mission memorizing Scripture. Dustin explains why freedom comes through the renewing of the mind and surrender rather than willpower, and why accountability under the elders of a good local church is so important for lasting change. They also discuss how families can support a loved one who is struggling, why love has boundaries, and how Christian healthcare sharing offers an alternative that honors life.
About Dustin Garrett
Dustin Garrett is a field specialist with Samaritan Ministries, a Christian healthcare sharing ministry. After years of heroin addiction, he came to Christ, spent two years at a rescue mission memorizing Scripture, and now shares his testimony of freedom through God's Word and the local church.
In This Episode
A testimony of freedom — from heroin addiction to new life in Christ
Renewing the mind — why Scripture, not willpower, brings lasting change
A way of escape — believing God's promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13
Church authority and accountability — the role of elders and church discipline in healing
Supporting loved ones — how to help someone struggling with addiction
Love has boundaries — tough love in relationships
When more help is needed — long-term residential programs that come alongside the local church
Christian healthcare sharing — how Samaritan Ministries works
Scripture Referenced
1 Corinthians 10:13
Romans 12:2
Psalm 37:4
Titus 2:11-12
Mark 9:24
John 15:5
1 Corinthians 15:58
Matthew 18:20
Hebrews 12:6
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Resources from This Episode
Samaritan Ministries: samaritanministries.org
BCM Residential, the long-term men's recovery program Dustin's brother and sister-in-law are starting in central Illinois
Marriage After God Shop
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 17 min