In this episode, we invite back Dr. Jennifer Degler, a clinical psychologist and marriage expert, to talk about making sex pleasurable and fun again, especially for couples dealing with betrayal or brokenness. 

Dr. Degler shares her insights on the importance of pleasure within God's design for sex and offers practical steps for re-engaging with intimacy after betrayal. We discuss the necessity of communication, mindfulness, and sensory exploration to rebuild trust and enjoyment in sexual relationships. Jennifer’s tips and insightful anecdotes provide a refreshing perspective on rekindling passion and connection in marriage.

To learn more about Dr. Degler and her resources, visit JenniferDegler.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Importance of pleasure in sexual relationships within a Christian context.
• Challenges couples face in reconnecting after betrayal or brokenness.
• Practical steps for re-engaging with intimacy and pleasure.
• Role of communication in rebuilding trust and intimacy.
• Mindfulness techniques to enhance sensory experiences during intimacy.
• Non-sexual physical affection as a foundation for intimacy.
• Engaging the five senses to deepen connection and pleasure.
• Strategies for managing intrusive thoughts during intimate moments.
• Incorporating spirituality and prayer into the healing process.
• Encouragement for couples to persevere in their journey toward intimacy and fulfillment.

More Resources:

• CWIVES
• Free resources for building healthy marriages
• Find a Counselor

Related Podcasts:

• What Men Need to Know About Female Sexuality
• Understanding Your Flipped Out Brain
• The Journey to Stay

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In this episode, I’m so excited to chat with Gigi Hopkins, our Wives Care Director, and Andrea Stunz, our Marketing Manager and Wives Care Aftercare Coordinator, about our new online resource, "40 Days of Healing for Wives." This course is crafted to support women dealing with the pain of betrayal in their marriages, especially sexual betrayal. 

We dive into the course's development, its structure, and the importance of pacing and journaling. Gigi and Andrea share heartfelt insights on fostering healing, the power of community support, and how faith plays a crucial role in the healing journey for wives.

To learn more and enroll in the course, visit PureLifeAcademy.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Development of the "40 Days of Healing for Wives" course
• Importance of healing for wives dealing with betrayal, especially sexual betrayal
• Structure and key elements of the course, including pacing and journaling
• Role of community support in the healing process
• Emotional regulation and handling triggers during healing
• Incorporation of faith in the healing journey
• Personal growth and transformation through pain
• Goals and aspirations for participants in the course
• Encouragement and hope for women navigating betrayal
• Resources and support available for participants beyond the course

More Resources:

• Free Basics Webinar for Wives
• Wives Care Groups
• Personal Consultation for Wives

Related Podcasts:

• Self-Care and Rest for Wives Healing from Betrayal Trauma
• The Need for Boundaries After Betrayal
• Liminal Space: Helping Wives Transition from Betrayal to Hope

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In this episode, we dive into the emotional struggles men face, especially those recovering from addiction. We explore the concept of "Mr. Unemotional," describing men who find it hard to express their feelings due to past experiences or societal pressures. 

Stephen Cervantes and I discuss the importance of emotional growth alongside behavioral recovery. We share insights on how men can better understand and articulate their emotions, emphasizing the need for openness and support from partners and friends. The episode highlights the journey toward emotional maturity, encouraging men to embrace change for deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Emotional health and its significance in addiction recovery for men.
• The concept of "Mr. Unemotional" and its implications for men's emotional development.
• The disconnect between behavioral recovery and emotional growth.
• The impact of childhood emotional training on adult emotional expression.
• The importance of recognizing and acknowledging one's emotional state.
• Tools and strategies for improving emotional awareness, such as the "feelings wheel."
• The role of openness and willingness to learn in emotional growth.
• Challenges in navigating emotional conversations and the tendency to shut down.
• The need for comfort and connection in relationships, particularly during emotional expressions.
• The journey toward emotional maturity and the potential for personal and relational transformation.

More Resources:

• Gateway to Freedom 3-day intensive
• 40 Days of Training for Your Soul
• Emotional Training for Men Webinar Series

Related Podcasts:

• Men's Emotional Self-Awareness Test
• Breaking Down Barriers: The Art of Active Listening
• A 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional Growth

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In this episode, I have back on the program our delightful friend and colleague Dr. Joy Skarka to talk about her new book, "Her Freedom Journey: A Guide Out of Porn and Shame to Authentic Intimacy," co-authored with Dr. Juli Slattery. Joy shares her personal journey and the mission of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry dedicated to helping individuals reclaim God's design for sexuality. 

We discuss the unique challenges women face with pornography, the importance of understanding God's unconditional love, and the journey toward sexual integrity – which emphasizes the power of truth, engaging community, and sharing one's story to overcome shame and find lifelong healing.

For more info about Joy, the book, and the ministry, visit AuthenticIntimacy.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Discussion of the book "Her Freedom Journey: A Guide Out of Porn and Shame to Authentic Intimacy."
• Exploration of the challenges women face regarding pornography.
• The role of the Authentic Intimacy ministry in addressing issues of sexuality and intimacy.
• Personal stories of healing from shame, addiction, and abuse.
• The importance of understanding God's love and sexual integrity.
• The concept of sexual integrity and its integration with spiritual identity.
• The journey of healing as a continuous process rather than a destination.
• The impact of shame and identity on women's struggles with pornography.
• Practical tools for combating lies and embracing truth through scripture.
• Encouragement to share personal stories as a means of healing and breaking free from shame.

More Resources:

• Her Freedom Journey* by Dr. Joy Skarka and Dr. Juli Slattery
• Her Freedom Journey online book study
• SheRecovery.com

Related Podcasts:

• Freedom and Healing from Shame, Addiction, and Abuse
• New Research on Why Women View Porn
• God's Grace for Women Struggling with Porn and Sexual Shame

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, I chat with three amazing leaders from Prodigals International: Steve Dulaney, president of Prodigals, Sam Louie, a licensed mental health counselor, and Fausto Estrada, one of their group leaders. Steve shares how Prodigals International began as a faith-based support group for men struggling with sexual addiction and intimacy disorders, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability. Sam opens up about his journey from addiction to recovery, influenced by his background as an Asian immigrant. He highlights how group therapy and supportive mentors transformed his life. Fausto shares his recovery story and how it has culminated in him now leading a Spanish language support group for Prodigals. 

Together, we explore the power of faith, personal stories, and cultural context in overcoming addiction and fostering recovery. I trust this conversation will inspire you in your own journey of pursuing greater integrity.

To learn more about Prodigals International, please visit ProdigalsInternational.org.

Topics Covered in Episode:

• Background and mission of Prodigals International
• Programs aimed at helping men with sexual addiction and intimacy disorders
• Personal stories of recovery from addiction
• Cultural influences on addiction and recovery experiences
• The role of community and accountability in overcoming addiction
• The importance of mentorship in the recovery process
• Challenges faced during the journey of recovery
• The impact of faith in the healing process
• Development of resources for Spanish-speaking individuals in recovery
• The significance of sharing personal stories to inspire hope in others

More Resources:

• Passport to Shame* by Sam Louie
• Prodigals in Espanol (Spanish language group for men)
• Online Homecoming Group

Related Podcasts:

• About Recovery and Asian Culture Shame
• Overcoming Shame and Embracing Your True Identity
• Helping Men Overcome Porn and Get Emotionally Fit

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, I chat with Mike Novotny, pastor, speaker, and author of "Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About But Don't." We dive into sensitive subjects like anxiety, depression, addiction, and especially sexuality within the Christian community. 

Mike shares his personal journey of overcoming pornography addiction and stresses the importance of open discussions in the church. We explore God's design for sex, emphasizing that understanding and obeying biblical truths can lead to healing and transformation. Mike encourages listeners to seek grace, find trustworthy confidants, and take steps toward wholeness in Christ.

To learn more about Mike, his book, and other gospel resources, visit TimeofGrace.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Discussion of taboo topics within the Christian community
• Personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and addiction
• The importance of open conversations about sexuality
• Overcoming struggles with pornography and the role of confession
• Understanding God's design for sex and its significance
• The necessity of obedience to biblical truths for transformation
• The impact of societal views on sexual intimacy within marriage
• The metaphor of sex as a fire, emphasizing boundaries and self-control
• The role of grace in addressing sexual sin and personal struggles
• Encouragement to seek support and build connections within the community

More Resources:

• Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About But Don't*
• Help for Men
• Help for Families

Related Podcasts:

• Exploring the Heart of Sexuality with Dr. Carol Tanksley
• Masturbation, Emotional Health, and Abundant Living
• God's Design for Emotional Growth and Sexuality

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, I welcome Sarah Siegand to the program, co-founder of Parents Who Fight and an expert in helping parents navigate technology's impact on children. We dive into the importance of modeling healthy tech habits, delaying access to devices, and educating parents about online safety. Sarah shares her personal journey, emphasizing the need for intentionality in family tech use. 

We discuss the five phases of tech training: 

1. Modeling
2. Delaying
3. Protecting
4. Monitoring
5. Releasing

Sarah provides practical tips and insights, aiming to empower parents to create a safe and balanced digital environment for their kids. It's a thoughtful conversation filled with valuable advice for modern parenting.

To learn more about Sarah and the resources she offers, visit ParentsWhoFight.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Challenges parents face regarding technology's impact on children
• Importance of modeling healthy technology habits
• Delaying access to devices and social media for children
• Educating parents about online safety and potential dangers
• The role of intentionality in family engagement with technology
• Framework for tech training for parents: modeling, delaying, protecting, monitoring, and releasing
• Strategies for creating a safe digital environment at home
• The significance of open communication and trust between parents and children
• Balancing protection with the need for children to learn responsibility
• Resources and support available for parents navigating technology issues

More Resources:

• PWF Tech Tools
• Free Webinar for Parents: Critical Conversations
• Creating a Tech-Healthy Family* by Andrea Davis

Related Podcasts:

• Better Screen Time for You and Your Family
• Brain Defense Digital Safety for Kids
• Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, Joel Warneking shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. Joel is the director of 423 Communities, a ministry that is radically committed to helping others overcome all forms of unhealthy sexuality, restoring healthy sexuality and intimacy with others through, confessional, recovery communities. 

Joel opens up about his own history of pornography addiction and the isolating shame that came with it. He highlights how group work was crucial in his healing process, emphasizing the importance of community, grace, and accountability. We explore the essentials of a supportive group environment, the balance between grace and structure, and the need for action in recovery. Joel’s story and insights remind us that recovery thrives in the context of supportive relationships.

To learn more about Joel and his ministry’s resources, visit 423Communities.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Importance of group work in recovery from addiction
• Personal experiences with addiction, particularly pornography
• Impact of isolation and shame on individuals in recovery
• Role of community and grace in the healing process
• Essentials of creating a supportive group environment
• Balancing grace and accountability in recovery
• Dynamics of group therapy and mutual support
• Understanding recovery as a journey beyond mere sobriety
• Concept of "paying it forward" in recovery
• Broader applicability of recovery principles for personal growth and transformation

More Resources:

• Join a 423 Communities group
• Gateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for Men
• Grace-Based Transformation*

Related Podcasts:

• How Can Recovery Lead to a New Growth Mission?
• A 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional Growth
• Men Helping Men Grow and Mature

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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In this episode, our guest Brad Warren shares his incredible journey of overcoming a troubled past, including struggles with pornography and infidelity. Brad opens up about the profound impact these issues had on his marriage and how he and his wife, Kristen, found healing. 

We dive into the transformative power of the Hope Rising Conference, a virtual conference for couples dealing with similar challenges. Brad shares how their recovery led them both to pursue careers in counseling, aiming to help others navigate their paths to healing. This episode is a testament to hope, honesty, and the power of God’s grace.

To learn about the Hope Rising Conference, visit AffairRecovery.com/hope-rising.

To learn more about Brad and Kristen’s counseling practice, visit RestfulMindTherapy.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Personal recovery and transformation from a troubled background
• Struggles with pornography and infidelity in marriage
• The impact of a dysfunctional family environment on personal development
• The journey of honesty and healing in relationships
• The emotional challenges faced by betrayed spouses
• The significance of community and support in the healing process
• The role of the Hope Rising Conference in providing resources for couples
• Understanding sexual addiction and its effects on relationships
• The importance of inclusivity for all forms of betrayal, including pornography addiction
• Vocational shifts towards counseling and helping others navigate similar challenges

More Resources:

• Register for Hope Rising Conference
• Help for Husbands
• Help for Wives

Related Podcasts:

• The Journey to Stay
• Rebuilding a Healthy Marriage After Betrayal
• Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model

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In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carol Tanksley, a ministry friend and author of the book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships.  

We dive into the complexities of sexuality, intimacy, and how personal and cultural experiences shape these aspects of our lives. Dr. Tanksley shares her personal journey of learning about sexuality and intimacy, emphasizing the importance of addressing heart issues and healing from past wounds. We discuss the difference between intimacy and sexuality, the necessity of community support, and the concept of sexual wholeness. Finally, Dr. Carol offers practical advice on creating an escape plan for temptations and highlights the transformative power of faith and vulnerability.

To learn more about Carol and her resources, visit YourSexpectations.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Exploration of sexuality and intimacy in the context of faith and relationships.
• Personal experiences and motivations behind writing "Sexpectations."
• The distinction between intimacy and sexuality, emphasizing their different roles.
• The importance of addressing emotional wounds and their impact on sexual behavior.
• The concept of sexual wholeness and its three key aspects: releasing the past, right-sizing sexuality, and cultivating intimacy.
• The role of community in fostering intimacy and support for individuals.
• Strategies for creating an escape plan to manage temptations related to sexuality.
• The significance of submitting one's sexuality to Christ for transformation.
• The journey from forgiveness to personal transformation and purpose.
• The potential for healing and redemption from past traumas and experiences.

More Resources:

• Sexpectations* by Dr. Carol Tanksley
• Dr. Carol's Blog
• Rethinking Sexuality* by Dr. Juli Slattery

Related Podcasts:

• God, Sex, and Your Marriage
• What are Your Sexpectations?
• Identity and the Goodness of Sexuality

*These are affiliate links. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

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