PSR Podcast

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, Stephen Cervantes, also known as "Doctor Marriage," and I explore how we show up in conversations. We dive into four common response styles: 

1. The fixer
2. The negative interpreter
3. The positive reframer
4. The curious listener. 

Stephen and I agree that staying genuinely curious, rather than rushing to solve or judge, creates deeper connection and safety in dialogue. We also reflect on personal growth and what it means to "lay down your life" in faith. It's a personal, honest conversation full of practical insights for anyone wanting to communicate better!

For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

• Importance of communication in conversations
• Different conversational roles: fixer, negative interpreter, positive reframer, curious listener
• The significance of curiosity in dialogue
• The impact of emotional responses on conversation flow
• Personal growth and spiritual themes related to self-reflection
• The concept of "laying down your life" in a Christian context
• The role of safety in fostering open dialogue
• The distinction between skepticism and cynicism in conversations
• Encouragement to practice curiosity and deep listening
• The transformative power of understanding and connection in relationships

• Be More Curious (blog post)
• 40 Days to Oneness by Stephen Cervantes
• Find a Counselor

• Breaking Down Barriers: The Art of Active Listening
• 3 Skills to Transform Your Life
• 9 Questions to Encourage Deeper Conversation and Connection

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, we welcome back Andrew Arthur, founding partner of Genesis Christian Mediation, to explore the powerful topic of forgiveness. Andrew shares his "four spaces of forgiveness" framework, breaking down the key differences between forgiveness, trust, and reconciliation. 

Drawing from his personal journey through divorce and professional experience, he challenges the transactional forgiveness model many of us grew up with. We discuss how true forgiveness begins internally with God, independent of the other person's response, and how reconciliation requires consistent change from both parties. This is a rich, hope-filled conversation for anyone navigating broken relationships! 

To learn more about Andrew and his resources, visit GenesisChristianMediation.com.

• The concept of forgiveness in the context of broken or struggling relationships.
• The "four spaces of forgiveness" framework developed by Andrew Arthur.
• Distinctions between forgiveness, trust, and reconciliation.
• The limitations of a transactional model of forgiveness.
• The importance of inner work with God before seeking reconciliation with others.
• The process of understanding and addressing personal pain in forgiveness.
• The role of trust in rebuilding relationships after hurt or trauma.
• The significance of consistent actions in the rebuilding of trust.
• The challenges and requirements for true reconciliation between individuals.
• Resources for further learning about forgiveness and mediation in relationships.

• Mediation Services to resolve conflict
• Thinking About Separating? 6 Things to Consider
• A Lover Repents (A Husband Confesses His Sin)

• Conflict Management for Marriages Healing from Betrayal
• Best Practices for a Successful Therapeutic Separation
• The 7 Steps of Forgiveness

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Leahy, founder of Bravehearts ministry, to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of sexual addiction. Michael shares his powerful personal journey from a 30-year pornography addiction to recovery and ministry. 

Together, we trace technology's evolution from print magazines to the internet and now AI, examining how each stage has intensified accessibility and addiction. Michael explains how AI acts as a "designer drug," creating personalized content instantly while blurring reality and fantasy. 

Despite these alarming developments, Michael offers genuine hope, emphasizing that Christ-centered recovery, authentic human connection, and real relationships remain our greatest tools.

To learn more about Michael and the resources he offers, visit BraveHearts.org.

• Impact of AI technology on sexual brokenness and pornography addiction.
• Historical progression of technology's influence on sexual addiction.
• Personal story of recovery from sexual addiction.
• The role of the internet in escalating sexual addiction.
• Evolution of pornography access from print to AI-generated content.
• Dangers of AI in creating personalized and easily accessible sexual content.
• Ethical and legal implications of AI-generated material, including deepfakes.
• Challenges in distinguishing reality from fantasy due to AI advancements.
• Importance of human connection and "friction" in recovery.
• Strategies for addressing the challenges posed by AI in the context of sexual addiction recovery.

• AI Survival Kit from BraveHearts
• Find a Counselor
• 10 Lessons for Overcoming Addiction

• Helping Families Build Healthy Relationships with Technology
• Understanding Human Agency
• How the Victory App Can Transform Your Recovery from Porn

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, Stephen Cervantes and I dig into why we react so quickly with anger during conflict. We explore how fear often hides beneath our anger — fear of being seen as weak, invisible, or unworthy. Stephen shares practical tools for building self-awareness, like pausing to ask yourself, "What am I really afraid of?" or explore the reasons that certain emotions arise when particular triggers are present.

We also talk about finding peace in God's unconditional love, so we don't need others' approval to feel worthy. This is a truly eye-opening conversation about emotional growth and healthier relationships! 

To get more thoughts and insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

• Emotional growth in relationships
• Handling conflict and anger
• The role of fear in emotional responses
• Self-awareness and its importance in managing emotions
• Understanding personal triggers and emotional patterns
• The impact of past experiences on current reactions
• The significance of patience and dialogue in emotional transformation
• The relationship between anger and care for others
• The value of seeking support from counselors or spiritual guides
• Encouragement to explore feelings and foster curiosity about emotional responses

• Do You Fight (And Argue)? (blog post from DoctorMarriage.org)
• Untangling Emotions* by Groves and Smith
• Dealing with Conflict Podcast Bundle

• How to Turn Emotional Triggers Into Opportunities for Growth
• The Harms of Negative Talking
• Assumptions vs. Communication: The Battle for Relational Harmony

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I continue our three-part series "A Parent's Response Matters" with Family Care Director Norma, exploring three powerful letters from the RESPOND acronym. 

We dive into Sincerity over Silence, encouraging parents to stay honest and engaged even without all the answers. Then we explore Patience over Punitive, reminding us that calm correction builds stronger connections. Finally, Opportunity over Obstacle challenges parents to reframe difficult moments as God-given chances to teach and grow. 

Norma's practical wisdom makes these principles feel totally achievable, and her challenge to try just one shift this week is something every parent can do!

*Family Time episodes are short, practical conversations to help parents feel more confident and competent in raising kids according to God’s design, even in a sex-saturated culture.

• Navigating the sexualized culture from a Christian perspective
• The acronym RESPOND as a framework for parental engagement
• Sincerity over Silence in communication with children
• The importance of being honest and open about not having all the answers
• Patience over Punitive responses when addressing children's mistakes
• The role of calmness and empathy in correction
• Opportunity over Obstacle for teaching and relationship-building
• The significance of reframing interruptions as moments for growth
• Practical tools for parents to engage sincerely and patiently
• The broader application of these principles in all relationships, not just parenting

• Critical Conversations Online Course
• Processing Exposure with Teens Online Course
• Just Between Us Parent-Child Journal*

R - Respond over React

E - Engage over Evade

S - Sincerity over Silence

P - Patience over Punitive

O - Opportunity over Obstacle

N - Nearness over Neglect

D - Divine Perspective over Diluting Truth

This episode (Part 1) covers R-E, Part 2 covers S-P-O, and Part 3 covers N-D

Download a FREE 1-page PDF with the RESPOND infographic

For more parenting podcasts, go to Bebroken.org/tp-pods and scroll to Family Bundles.

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I sit down to have an honest conversation about something we all face: temptation. We tackle the myth that some people are beyond it and share practical, emotional, and spiritual tools to help resist it. From asking sobering reality-check questions to speaking powerful affirmations out loud, we explore how small daily choices shape our lives. 

We also dive into integrity, discipline, grace, and the pursuit of genuine peace over secret shame — walking alongside our listeners on this ongoing journey toward freedom and wholeness in Christ.

To get more daily insights from Stephen Cervantes, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

• Universal experience of temptation and its impact on individuals.
• Strategies for resisting temptation, including practical, emotional, and spiritual approaches.
• Importance of integrity and making choices aligned with personal values and faith.
• Reflective questions to consider during moments of temptation.
• Consequences of secret sins on relationships and personal integrity.
• The fleeting nature of pleasure from temptation versus long-term pain.
• The role of discipline in achieving freedom and a fulfilling life.
• The significance of envisioning future impacts of present choices.
• The concept of grace and ongoing personal growth in the face of temptation.
• The pursuit of peace, rest, and joy over a life marked by shame and secrecy.

• Everyone Gets Tempted (blog post on DoctorMarriage.org)
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men
• How to Resist Temptation: 7 Practical Ideas

• Dealing with Temptation Podcast Bundle
• Breaking Free with Russell Willingham
• Pure in Heart - So Much More than Just Saying No

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I have back on the program Melissa Macomber to explore the often-overlooked impact of parental infidelity on adult children. Melissa shares her personal journey of discovering her parents' affair as a teenager and how it shaped her into adulthood. 

Together, we discuss how secrecy, family roles, and betrayal affect trust, relationships, and self-expression later in life. Melissa also introduces her online program, Authenticity After Family Betrayal, offering hope and community to adult children still carrying this hidden pain. Her message is clear: healing is possible, and you are not alone.

To learn more about Melissa and her online program, visit MelissaMacomber.com.

• The impact of parental infidelity on adult children.
• Personal experiences of discovering parental infidelity and its long-term effects.
• The reasons parents may choose to withhold information about infidelity from their children.
• Emotional and relational challenges faced by adult children of parents who have cheated.
• The role of secrecy and denial in family dynamics and its effects on trust.
• Common coping mechanisms and family roles adopted by children in response to infidelity.
• Differences in sibling reactions to parental infidelity and its impact on their relationships.
• The connection between childhood experiences of infidelity and adult relationship patterns.
• Strategies for adult children to establish healthy boundaries with their parents.
• Support programs and resources available for adult children dealing with the aftermath of parental betrayal.

• Authenticity After Family Betrayal (online group starting September 8, 2026)
• How Keeping Secrets About Your Parent's Infidelity Stresses Your Brain
• Melissa's Research on Parent Infidelity and Its Effect on Adult Children

• Understanding the Impact of Parent's Infidelity on Adult Children
• Why Do We Cheat?

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Burton to explore intimacy avoidance (IA) in men and its impact on relationships. Dr. Burton breaks down what IA really means — a subconscious self-protective pattern creating emotional distance — and shares key behaviors like lack of empathy, stonewalling, and blame-shifting. 

We discuss root causes, including childhood trauma and attachment issues, and Dr. Burton outlines a holistic path to healing. He also shares hope for men feeling overwhelmed, emphasizing that real change is possible. 

To learn more about Matt and Laura and their resources for men, wives, and couples, visit BecomingWellInstitute.com.

• Definition and explanation of intimacy avoidance (IA) in men.
• Common patterns and behaviors associated with intimacy avoidant men.
• The impact of lack of empathy on relationships.
• Differences between sympathy and empathy.
• Underlying causes of intimacy avoidance, including family trauma and attachment issues.
• The emotional experience of intimacy avoidant men and their capacity for love.
• The role of maladaptive coping strategies in intimacy avoidance.
• Strategies for partners of intimacy avoidant men to maintain emotional health.
• The process of treatment and recovery for intimacy avoidance.
• Importance of relational recovery and the involvement of partners in the healing process.

• Men's Intimacy Avoidance Recovery
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive
• The 12 Steps to Becoming Well from Intimacy Avoidance for Christians*

• 4 Skills to Transform Your Marriage
• About Your Emotional Connecting Skills
• Keys to Emotional Intimacy

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I sit down with Brad and Heidi Mitchell, a couple with an incredible story of restoration after 43 years of marriage. They openly share how they overcame Brad's adultery and rebuilt their relationship through faith and prayer. 

We dive deep into why so few couples — even Christians — pray together regularly, exploring the fears and barriers that hold them back. Brad and Heidi also walk us through their book, Build Your Marriage With Prayer, a powerful 40-day journey designed to help couples develop a meaningful, lasting prayer life together. 

No matter the state of your marriage, this conversation can help you catch a vision for a pathway to a deeper, richer connection with your spouse. 

To learn more about Brad and Heidi and their resources, visit BuildYourMarriage.org.

• Importance of prayer in marriage, particularly praying together as a couple.
• Personal journey of the speakers, including challenges faced in their 43-year marriage.
• Impact of past adultery on their marriage and family.
• Role of faith and prayer in restoring their marriage.
• Common barriers and fears couples face when trying to pray together.
• Statistics on the correlation between couples who pray together and lower divorce rates.
• Development of a meaningful prayer life as a couple after experiencing a crisis.
• Insights from their book "Build Your Marriage With Prayer" and its 40-day journey.
• Transformation stories of other couples through prayer.
• Encouragement for couples to start praying together, including practical tips.

• Build Your Marriage with Prayer*
• Ruined to Recovery: Help When the Affair is Discovered*
• 40 Days to Oneness

• Let's Pray
• Lord Be Near: Finding Hope in Suffering Through Prayer
• The Immanuel Approach in Recovery

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode of Family Time*, I sit down with Norma Q-Brown, our Family Care Director, in the first of a 3-part series to explore how parents can RESPOND thoughtfully rather than react impulsively to their children. Norma shares practical tools like pausing, naming emotions, and shifting to shame-free language. 

We also dig into the difference between engaging and evading difficult conversations, reminding parents that connection always comes before correction. Whether you're navigating spilled juice or tough questions about sexuality, this episode offers real, grace-filled guidance to help you build stronger, more trusting relationships with your kids.

*Family Time episodes are short, practical conversations to help parents feel more confident and competent in raising kids according to God’s design, even in a sex-saturated culture.

• Importance of thoughtful responses to children's questions and behaviors
• Distinction between reacting impulsively and responding thoughtfully
• Building strong parent-child bonds through connection before correction
• Practical tools for parents: pausing, counting, and naming feelings
• The impact of language on children's emotional responses
• Engaging in difficult conversations rather than evading them
• The significance of showing interest in children's lives and activities
• Strategies for effective engagement and communication with children
• The role of humility in repairing relationships with children
• Encouragement for parents to view challenging moments as growth opportunities

• God's Design Curriculum
• Critical Conversations Online Course
• Just Between Us Parent-Child Journal*

R - Respond over React

E - Engage over Evade

S - Sincerity over Silence

P - Patience over Punitive

O - Opportunity over Obstacle

N - Nearness over Neglect

D - Divine Perspective over Diluting Truth

This episode (Part 1) covers R-E, Part 2 covers S-P-O, and Part 3 covers N-D

Download a FREE 1-page PDF with the RESPOND infographic

For more parenting podcasts, go to Bebroken.org/tp-pods and scroll to Family Bundles.

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and Spotify

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.