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!

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Cervantes from DoctorMarriage.org to explore how we see ourselves, others, and how Jesus sees us all. We dive into the impact of shame, addiction, and early life experiences on our identity, and discuss the healing power of viewing ourselves through Jesus’s compassionate eyes. 

Together, we reflect on practical ways to break free from self-judgment and embrace a more loving, connected life—reminding ourselves that we’re all on a journey toward growth, healing, and deeper relationships, with God, ourselves, and others.

For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Exploration of self-perception and its impact on personal growth.
• Examination of how individuals perceive others and the implications of these views.
• Discussion of Jesus's perspective on individuals and others.
• The role of early life experiences in shaping self and other perceptions.
• The influence of shame and guilt in addiction and identity struggles.
• The transformative potential of understanding Jesus's compassionate view.
• The connection between self-acceptance and recovery from addiction.
• The impact of pain on self-view and behavior patterns.
• The relationship between self-identity and social connections.
• The importance of compassion and community in healing and personal development.

More Resources:

• Identity* by John Fort
• Daily Thoughts from Doctor Marriage
• Gentle and Lowly* by Dane Ortlund

Related Podcasts:

• Overcoming Shame and Embracing Your True Identity
• Breaking Free from Shame: Knowing Your Identity in Christ
• How to Be at Peace in Aloneness

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

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Originally aired on January 29, 2025

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In today’s episode, our guest is Noah Filipiak, a pastor, author, and podcaster who is passionate about applying the reality of the gospel to the real struggles and challenges of life, especially struggles with porn and sexual brokenness. Noah opens up about his personal struggles with pornography addiction, which began in his teenage years despite growing up in a Christian home. He shares how vulnerability, community, and a deeper relationship with Christ were key to his recovery. 

We discuss the importance of addressing these issues of sexual brokenness openly within the church and fostering supportive communities. A big part of the conversation is helping men understand what the true bullseye is for recovery from unwanted sexual behaviors. Noah emphasizes that true healing comes from understanding one's identity in Christ, not just behavior modification. The good news is that there is hope for truly overcoming any unwanted sexual behaviors through the power of God’s grace and vulnerable community.

To learn more about Noah and his resources, visit BeyondtheBattle.net.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Men's sexual integrity journeys
• Personal experiences with pornography addiction
• Challenges faced growing up in a Christian environment
• The role of vulnerability and community in recovery
• The impact of marriage on sexual desires and relationships
• Understanding identity in Christ as a foundation for healing
• The importance of addressing sexual integrity within the church
• Overcoming shame and fear of vulnerability in discussions
• The significance of community support in the recovery process
• Practical steps for engaging in deeper transformation and discipleship

More Resources:

• Beyond the Battle Online Groups
• Needed Navigation Teen Guide
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men

Related Podcasts:

• Porn Addiction Recovery for Men Podcast Bundle
• Recovery Discovery 002: Identity
• How Can Recovery Lead to a New Growth Mission?

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Originally aired on March 26, 2025

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In this episode, we dive into the dynamics of "loners" and "connectors" in relationships. Everyone falls into one of these categories. As we explore this topic, my friend and co-host Stephen Cervantes discusses how loners tend to be independent and process internally, while connectors thrive on dialogue and emotional exchange. We examine how these differences impact communication and emotional connection, particularly in marriages. 

We share insights on personal growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating each other's communication styles; we aren’t out to change a loner into a connector or vice versa. We give lots of personal anecdotes and practical advice, aiming to help you navigate these differences to foster deeper connections and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

To read the Thought on Loners and Connectors, go to DoctorMarriage.org/loners-and-connectors.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Distinction between "loners" and "connectors" in personal relationships.
• Characteristics of loners: independence, introspection, and internal processing.
• Characteristics of connectors: relational, expressive, and dialogue-oriented.
• Impact of communication styles on relationships, particularly in marriage.
• Importance of emotional connection and its role in relationship dynamics.
• Challenges faced by loners in engaging with emotional exchanges.
• The necessity of active listening in fostering trust and connection.
• Strategies for navigating differences between loners and connectors.
• The role of personal growth in improving relationship dynamics.
• Encouragement for couples to discuss and understand their connection styles for deeper intimacy.

More Resources:

• 40 Days to Oneness by Stephen Cervantes
• The 40 Day Relationship Builder* by Stephen Cervantes
• Building True Intimacy* by Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith

Related Podcasts:

• Dealing with Conflict Podcast Bundle
• Working Through Emotional Disconnection in Marriage
• About Your Emotional Connecting Skills

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

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Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with the incredible volunteer team behind the Wives Care groups, which is our eight-week online support group for wives healing from betrayal trauma. Together, we walk through the heart and structure of the program, sharing personal motivations and a week-by-week overview of what participants can expect. 

From emotional care and boundaries to rediscovering identity in Christ, we highlight the power of community, faith, and practical tools for healing. If you’re seeking hope and connection after betrayal, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and a warm invitation to join a caring community.

To learn more about the Wives Care Groups – and all our resources for wives, visit Bebroken.org/wives.

• Overview of the Wives Care program and its purpose in supporting wives healing from betrayal trauma.
• Structure and evolution of the program, including its transition from a six-week to an eight-week format.
• Personal motivations and experiences of the volunteer team involved in the program.
• Week-by-week breakdown of the program's curriculum, highlighting key themes and activities.
• Importance of creating a safe and confidential space for participants to share their stories.
• Focus on emotional care, self-regulation, and the grieving process in the early weeks.
• Discussion on healthy detachment, boundary-setting, and communication tools for navigating relationships post-betrayal.
• Emphasis on rediscovering identity in Christ and addressing the impact of betrayal on self-worth.
• Community building and ongoing support opportunities beyond the initial program duration.
• Encouragement for women to seek help and connect with others for healing and restoration.

• Wives Care Basics Webinar (FREE!)
• 40 Days of Healing for Wives (eCourse)
• 6 Stages of Recovery for Partners of Sex Addicts

• Wives Care Podcast Bundle - Betrayal Trauma Healing
• Helping Wives Restore Hope After Betrayal Trauma in Marriage
• Helping Wives Navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster of Incomplete Recovery After Betrayal Trauma

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and colleague Dr. Stephen Cervantes—Doctor Marriage—to explore the vital roles of empathy, attunement, and responsiveness in relationships. We share personal stories and practical tips for husbands who want to connect more deeply with their wives. 

Dr. Cervantes explains how empathy means “practicing sadness with someone,” and we discuss how attunement and responsiveness help build emotional closeness. Whether you’re new to these skills or looking to grow, this conversation offers encouragement and real-life tools for nurturing a more compassionate, Christ-centered marriage.

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

• Importance of empathy, attunement, and responsiveness in marriage counseling.
• Definition of empathy as "practicing sadness with someone" and its role in emotional connection.
• The significance of being present with a partner during their emotional struggles.
• Clarification of empathy in a Christian context, equating it with compassion.
• The necessity of having the right emotional tools for genuine connection in relationships.
• The concept of attunement as matching a partner's mood and emotional state.
• The role of nonverbal communication in attunement and emotional connection.
• The importance of responsiveness after attuning to a partner's emotional state.
• The impact of emotional presence on healing and deeper connection in relationships.
• The ongoing nature of learning and practicing these skills for emotional growth in marriage.

• Daily Thoughts from Doctor Marriage
• Building True Intimacy* by Drake and Raabsmith
• Help Her Heal* by Carol J. Sheets

• Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model
• Emotional Insights for Men
• The Three Phases of Couples Recovery

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

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, our guest is Amber Albee Swenson—mom, Bible teacher, and author—to talk about her book, The Key to Confidence. Amber shares her personal journey from shame and brokenness to finding true confidence in Christ. 

We discuss the importance of understanding our identity as God’s children, the power of honest confession, and the vital role of prayer and community in healing. Amber’s transparency and wisdom offer hope for anyone struggling with feeling “not enough.” Join us for a raw, real, and uplifting conversation about grace, faith, and walking confidently in God’s love.

To learn more about Amber and her book, visit AmberAlbeeSwenson.org.

• Amber Albee Swenson's personal journey and struggles with shame and sexual brokenness.
• The role of faith and identity in overcoming feelings of inadequacy.
• The distinction between self-confidence and confidence in God.
• The importance of understanding one's identity as a child of God.
• The significance of prayer in building confidence and healing.
• The concept of confession and its role in breaking the power of shame.
• The idea that past mistakes do not define one's identity in Christ.
• The transformative power of communal prayer and support within the Christian community.
• The focus of Amber's book as a spiritual resource rather than a self-help guide.
• Encouragement to trust in God's faithfulness and power, regardless of personal limitations.

• The Key to Confidence* by Amber Albee Swenson
• Getting Past the Past* by Amber Albee Swenson
• The Bondage Breaker* by Neil T. Anderson

• PSR Podcast Bundle: Overcoming Shame
• Your True Identity: The Journey from Head Knowledge to Heart Belief in Christ
• How to Embrace Jesus-Centered Sexuality in a Broken World

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

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Sean Maney, director of First Light in St. Louis, to discuss sexual recovery ministry. Sean shares how First Light supports men and women struggling with compulsive sexual behavior through community, therapy, and discipleship. 

We then explore the importance of holistic healing and transformation, the cultural normalization of pornography, and how the church’s response has changed over the years. Sean offers hope and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck or ashamed, reminding us that real transformation is possible through grace, community, and a multi-dimensional approach to recovery.

To learn more about Sean and his ministry, visit FirstLightStLouis.org.

• Overview of First Light, a sexual discipleship ministry in St. Louis.
• Comprehensive recovery programs for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behavior.
• Importance of community support and accountability in recovery.
• Role of therapy and counseling in addressing deeper emotional wounds.
• Discussion on the normalization of pornography in society and its impact on individuals and the church.
• Cultural shifts in attitudes towards pornography over the past 15 years.
• The progression of sexual behaviors from pornography to more severe actions.
• The need for a multi-dimensional recovery approach combining groups, counseling, and intensive care.
• Challenges faced by the church in addressing sexual brokenness and providing adequate support.
• Encouragement for individuals struggling with sexual issues to seek help and embrace community.

• Help for Men
• Help for Wives
• Help for Church Leaders

• Can the Church Be a Safe Place for Healing and Transformation?
• Going Deeper: How Your Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction
• The Power of Vulnerability: How Group Support Transformed Mike's Recovery Journey

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, I sit down with Drew Boa to discuss his new book, Outgrow Porn: Find Lasting Freedom Without Fighting an Exhausting Battle. Drew shares his personal journey and explains why traditional purity culture and military-style approaches often fall short. 

We then explore his compassionate, holistic method that focuses on healing childhood wounds, understanding emotional triggers, and embracing inner child work. Drew encourages viewing relapses as feedback, not failure, and highlights the importance of grace and self-compassion in recovery. If you’re a man seeking hope and lasting change, this conversation offers fresh insight and encouragement.

To get the book, visit OutgrowPorn.com. To learn more about Drew and his ministry, visit HusbandMaterial.com.

• Discussion of pornography addiction, particularly among men.
• Critique of traditional purity culture and its limitations.
• Introduction of the "outgrow porn" approach to recovery.
• Emphasis on healing childhood wounds and inner child work.
• Exploration of core emotional triggers such as fear, shame, and loss.
• Importance of viewing relapses as feedback rather than failure.
• Promotion of a growth mindset in the recovery process.
• Connection between triggers and childhood experiences.
• The role of grace and self-compassion in recovery.
• Resources and support available through Husband Material Ministries.

• Outgrow Porn* by Drew Boa
• Husband Material Resources
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men

• Outgrowing the Porn Pacifier
• Navigating the 3 Stages of Recovery from Porn Addiction
• The Key to Real and Lasting Freedom from Porn

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

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries.

Now through December 31, 2025 your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $71,500! Please help us reach this match in order to keep all our programs and services running strong into the New Year.

Partner with us at BeBroken.org/donate.

Thank you for your support!

----------

In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Ashley Jameson, a sex educator and author of the new book "Girl Talk." We dive into why it’s so important for moms to have honest, ongoing conversations with their daughters about sex, even when it feels awkward or scary. 

Ashley shares personal stories, up-to-date research, and practical tips for starting these talks early, addressing common fears, and becoming a safe, trusted source for your kids—especially as they face pressures from peers, social media, and early exposure to pornography. If you’re a mom of a daughter, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

For more info on Ashley and the book, go to PureDesire.org.

• Importance of open communication between mothers and daughters about sexuality.
• Challenges and fears mothers face when discussing sex with their daughters.
• The risks of not addressing sexual topics early in a child's life.
• Insights from personal experiences and research on youth exposure to pornography.
• The role of parents as primary sources of information regarding sexual topics.
• The significance of starting conversations about sex at a young age.
• The impact of societal pressures and media on children's understanding of sexuality.
• Strategies for creating a safe environment for discussions about sex.
• The need for resources like the book "Girl Talk" to guide these conversations.
• The universal nature of curiosity and struggles related to sexuality among youth.

• Girl Talk* by Ashley Jameson
• Critical Conversations FREE online course
• 7 Tips for Parents (free download in English and Spanish)

• Helping Your Kids Apply the Gospel to Sex and Sexuality
• Parenting in a Hypersexualized and Identity Confused Culture
• Helping the Next Generation Navigate Healthy Relationships

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

----------

Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

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 Stephen Cervantes to explore why so many of us feel stuck in our personal growth, especially men facing addiction and relational struggles. We share honest stories about excuses, limiting beliefs, and the deep fears that hold us back—like failure, rejection, and not feeling good enough. 

Together, we unpack how faith, hope, and community can help us move forward, break old cycles, and embrace the growth God has for us. We were created for “abundant life” and this means we all need a growth mission throughout life.

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

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Theme of personal growth and overcoming feelings of being "stuck"
• Emotional, spiritual, and relational growth, particularly for men in recovery
• Common barriers to growth, including self-doubt, comparison, overwhelm, and confusion
• The role of personality and perspective in personal development
• Connection between past experiences and current struggles
• The significance of community and accountability in the growth process
• Exploration of limiting beliefs and excuses that hinder progress
• Discussion of core fears that contribute to feeling stuck, such as fear of failure, rejection, and abandonment
• Encouragement to embrace growth through curiosity, faith, and taking action despite discomfort

More Resources:

• 49 Days of Growth* by Stephen Cervantes
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality* by Peter Scazzero
• Personal Ministry Consultation

Related Podcasts:

• PSR Bundle for Men: Emotional Growth
• How to Turn Emotional Triggers Into Opportunities for Growth
• For Men Who Want to Finish Strong

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

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Please rate and review our podcast: Apple Podcasts

Follow us on our Vimeo Channel.