Welcome to episode #273! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Healing For Couples After Betrayal With Clinton and Charity Munoz

What happens when pornography, betrayal, and broken trust threaten to destroy a marriage? This week, Braden and Kristen sit down with Clinton and Charity Munoz, founders of Restored 2 More, to share their powerful story of healing, restoration, and how God transformed their deepest pain into a ministry helping couples reconnect with Him and each other.

Through honest conversation, practical wisdom, and plenty of laughs, Clinton and Charity unpack the critical difference between individual recovery and relational healing—and why many couples get stuck even after addiction recovery begins.

If you've ever wondered whether your marriage can recover after betrayal, this episode is a reminder that restoration is possible, hope is real, and Jesus still works miracles.

Key Takeaways

•  Individual recovery does not automatically lead to relational healing. 
•  Betrayal trauma impacts spouses deeply and requires its own healing journey. 
•  Safety and trust are foundational to rebuilding intimacy. 
•  Healthy communication starts with understanding what your spouse is actually experiencing. 
•  Triggers are opportunities for connection when handled with empathy and grace. 
•  Couples need clear expectations, boundaries, and recovery plans. 
•  God can redeem even the most painful chapters of a marriage story. 

Scriptural Highlight

No wound is too deep for God's healing touch. Whether you're the betrayed spouse or the one seeking restoration, Christ meets us in our pain and leads us toward healing.

Action Items

✅ Have an honest conversation with your spouse about expectations in recovery and healing.

✅ Identify one practical way you can help your spouse feel safe this week.

✅ When triggered, pause and ask: "What am I feeling, and what am I believing right now?"

✅ Create or review your recovery plan, including how slips or relapses will be handled.

✅ Listen to stories of restoration and healing to strengthen your hope and faith.

✅ Spend time with Jesus this week, inviting Him into the areas of pain, fear, and brokenness that still need healing.

Connect with Restored to More

Clinton and Charity's ministry helps couples move from crisis to connection through Christ-centered recovery and relational healing. Find their podcast, resources, and programs by searching Restored 2 More on your favorite podcast platform or social media channel.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

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Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #272! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Identity and Temptation

Identity shapes everything. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Matt Cline and Braden unpack how the enemy’s strategy has always been to attack our identity first — because when we forget who we are in Christ, we begin to live powerless, defeated, and vulnerable to temptation.

From Adam and Eve to Joseph, David, and Jesus Himself, this episode explores how intimacy with God leads to authority, freedom, and transformation. Sexual temptation isn’t just something to “survive” — it can become a training ground for learning how to walk as a beloved child of God.

If you’ve struggled with shame, pornography, temptation, or feeling stuck in a victim mindset, this episode offers a fresh perspective rooted in Scripture, identity, and grace.

Key Takeaways

•  The enemy attacks identity before behavior. 
•  Temptation is not sin — it’s an opportunity to grow in intimacy and authority with God. 
•  Your identity does not change because of your failures. 
•  Joseph didn’t respond to temptation with fear — he responded from identity and stewardship. 
•  What you believe about yourself shapes the direction of your life. 
•  True freedom comes through intimacy with God and knowing His voice. 
•  God’s Word isn’t just information — it’s truth meant to take root deeply in us. 

Scriptural Highlight

This episode reminds us that freedom isn’t found in striving harder, but in deeply knowing the truth of who God says we are.

Action Items

•  Spend time reading Scriptures about your identity in Christ this week. 
•  When temptation comes, pause and ask: “What would it look like to respond as someone deeply loved by God?”
•  Replace victim-thinking with truth-based thinking rooted in God’s Word. 
•  Practice recognizing God’s voice through daily time in Scripture and prayer. 
•  Reframe temptation as an opportunity for transformation instead of defeat. 

Memorable Quote

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

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Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #271! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Jesus-Centered Sexuality
In this special reunion episode of the Pure Victory Podcast, Braden welcomes back former co-host Matt Cline for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about sexuality, freedom, and what it truly means to put Jesus at the center of our lives. Together, they reflect on ministry transitions, personal growth, and the fresh direction God has led them into.

Matt shares how God began revealing a deeper understanding of “Jesus-centered sexuality” — not merely focusing on avoiding sin, but learning to live from covenant, intimacy, submission, and identity in Christ. This episode challenges common approaches to healing, temptation, and sexual struggles while offering a hopeful and transformative vision for freedom.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by trying harder, trapped in shame, or confused about your desires, this conversation will encourage you to see sexuality through a completely different lens: one rooted in relationship with Jesus rather than fear, performance, or self-effort.

Key Takeaways

•  Freedom isn’t found merely through behavior management — it’s found through submission and intimacy with Jesus. 
•  Sexual desires are not inherently bad; they were designed by God with purpose and meaning. 
•  Healing matters, but Scripture calls us first into surrender and covenant with Christ. 
•  True transformation happens when we stop asking, “How close can I get to sin?” and start asking, “What honors the covenant I have with God?” 
•  Sexuality in Scripture ultimately points beyond itself to spiritual union and intimacy with Christ. 
•  Living from fullness in Christ changes how we approach temptation, marriage, relationships, and identity. 

Scriptural Highlight

This episode unpacks the powerful reality that our old sinful nature has already been crucified with Christ — and that freedom flows from living submitted to that truth.

Action Items

•  Spend time reading Colossians 3 and 1 Corinthians 6 slowly this week. Ask God to reveal what covenant living truly means. 
•  Reflect honestly: Are your choices motivated by fear of sin, or love for Jesus? 
•  Identify one area of media, entertainment, or online behavior that may not align with the freedom and covenant God has called you into. 
•  When sexual desires arise, pause and ask: “What deeper need or connection am I actually longing for?” 
•  Practice bringing your desires first to God in prayer rather than immediately trying to suppress or gratify them.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #270! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: The First Hour: How Small Decisions Shape Big Freedom

What if one of the biggest battles behind porn addiction, anxiety, and spiritual disconnection isn’t just temptation… but avoidance?

In this episode of the Pure Victory Podcast, we unpack how avoidance quietly shapes our lives, shrinks our world, and keeps us stuck in unhealthy cycles. We explore how addictions like porn can become escape mechanisms when life feels overwhelming, and why the small decisions we make—especially in the first hour of our day—matter more than we realize.

You’ll discover how intentionality creates momentum, why “stacking good decisions” changes your brain and your habits, and how reclaiming your mornings can help move you toward freedom, peace, purpose, and deeper connection with God and others.

Freedom often starts smaller than we think.

Key Takeaways

•  Avoidance often sits underneath struggles like porn addiction, anxiety, hurriedness, and emotional exhaustion. 
•  The more we avoid discomfort, the more our brains become trained to seek escape instead of engagement. 
•  Porn and other coping mechanisms can become “endpoints” of avoidance patterns. 
•  Avoidance shrinks our world: 
  •  less connection 
  •  less purpose 
  •  less peace 
  •  less emotional capacity 
  •  more isolation and hurry 
•  Small intentional decisions stack over time and create momentum toward healing and freedom. 
•  The first hour of your day often sets the trajectory for the rest of it. 
•  Freedom is rarely built in one giant breakthrough moment—it’s built through repeated intentional choices. 

Scriptural Highlight

Small repeated disengagements can slowly pull us away from the life God has for us. But small intentional steps toward Him can change our direction over time.

Action Steps

•  Audit your first hour: What patterns of avoidance show up first thing in the morning? 
•  Replace one avoidance habit with one intentional action: 
  •  prayer 
  •  Scripture 
  •  exercise 
  •  journaling 
  •  tackling one difficult task 
•  Delay social media and distractions for the first part of your morning. 
•  Ask yourself: “What am I trying not to face?” 
•  Focus on progress, not perfection—small movements matter. 

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #269! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Tough Topic Series: Scrolling Ourselves Numb: Social Media, Addiction, and Guarding Our Hearts
Social media is everywhere—and for many of us, it’s essential. But what role is it really playing in your life?

In this Tough Topic episode, we take an honest look beneath the surface. From addiction and comparison to its connection with pornography and mental health, this conversation challenges us to stop drifting and start being intentional.

This isn’t about extremes or deleting everything—it’s about asking better questions, setting wise boundaries, and learning how to guard your heart in a world designed to capture your attention.

🔑 Key Takeaways

•  Social media is a tool—but it’s not neutral in its impact
•  Digital connection can still leave us feeling isolated and anxious
•  Platforms are designed to keep you scrolling, not thriving 
•  Exposure often leads to desensitization and escalation, especially sexually 
•  What you consume consistently will shape your thoughts, desires, and habits
•  You’re not just using social media—it’s forming you

📖 Scriptural Highlight

⚔️ Action Steps

• Ask the hard question: What role is social media actually playing in my life? 
• Audit your time: Track how much you’re really using it each day 
• Set boundaries: Limit usage or remove triggers that lead to lust, comparison, or negativity 
• Be intentional with content: Unfollow what pulls you down—fill your feed with truth 
• Replace, don’t just remove: Invest in Scripture, real relationships, and presence 
• Lead others well: If you’re a parent or mentor, start the conversation early 

💬 Final Thought

You’re only one unguarded scroll away from feeding something you don’t want to grow.
 But you’re also one intentional decision away from walking in freedom.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #268! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: The Dark Side of AI Girlfriends – When Virtual Love Destroys Real Lives

We’re living in a time where loneliness is rising—and AI is stepping in to offer a solution that feels surprisingly real. But what if the very thing promising connection is quietly pulling us further away from it?

In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the growing trend of AI relationships and why it’s more than just a harmless curiosity. From real-life stories to cultural warning signs, we explore how synthetic connection can reshape our expectations of love, intimacy, and even our relationship with God.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. Because the stakes are higher than we think.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• AI relationships are no longer fringe—they’re mainstream. Many are turning to them to fill real emotional gaps. 
• Connection without cost isn’t real connection. AI affirms but never challenges, creating an echo chamber instead of growth. 
• Loneliness is the deeper issue. AI isn’t the root problem—it’s a substitute for unmet relational needs. 
• Real relationships refine us. Growth comes through friction, sacrifice, and mutual investment. 
• What we practice shapes us. The more we engage artificial connection, the harder real intimacy can feel. 

📖 Scriptural Highlight

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

God designed relationships to shape us—not just comfort us. The tension, challenge, and growth found in real connection are essential to who we’re becoming.

🛠️ Action Items

• Choose real over easy: Intentionally invest in face-to-face or meaningful human connection this week. 
• Re-engage community: Reach out to a friend, join a group, or lean into your church community. 
• Check your patterns: Are you escaping into screens—or pressing into real relationships? 
• Bring your loneliness to God: Don’t numb it—invite Him into it. Let Him meet and transform you there. 
• Set healthy boundaries with tech: Be mindful of how and why you engage with AI or digital platforms. 

💭 Final Thought

AI promises connection without cost—but real love was never meant to be easy.
 Don’t trade depth for control, or growth for comfort. The relationships that shape you most are often the ones that stretch you.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #267! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Are You Overcomplicating It? The Simple Link Between Physical & Spiritual Health

What if the breakthrough you’ve been chasing isn’t complicated… but simple? In this episode, we explore how easily we over-spiritualize struggles with porn, addiction, and burnout—while overlooking the physical habits that may be fueling them. From sleep and nutrition to movement and screen time, your body plays a major role in your spiritual resilience. This episode is a call back to the basics: stewarding your body as an act of worship and unlocking freedom through simple, consistent habits.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Don’t skip the simple answer—sometimes the root issue isn’t deeper, just overlooked. 
• Occam’s Razor applies to life: the simplest explanation is often the right one. 
• Physical health impacts spiritual strength—low energy, poor habits, and fatigue increase vulnerability to temptation. 
• Bad patterns feed bad patterns—when your body is depleted, your decisions suffer. 
• Stewardship matters—caring for your body is a form of honoring God, not vanity. 

📖 Scriptural Highlight

1 Kings 19 (Elijah’s Story)
After a massive spiritual victory, Elijah crashes—exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. God’s response? Not a lecture, but rest and nourishment.

Key Insight:
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take care of your body.

⚡ Action Items

• Start with one simple shift: Go to bed earlier tonight or take a walk today. 
• Evaluate your habits: Are sleep, food, and movement helping or hurting you? 
• Reduce late-night screen time: Cut down on doom-scrolling before bed. 
• Fuel your body better: Be intentional instead of reactive with meals. 
• Move daily: You don’t need a gym—just start using your body consistently. 

💬 Memorable Quotes from This Episode

•  “What if the thing we’ve been overcomplicating… actually has a simple answer?” 
•  “Bad patterns feed bad patterns.” 
•  “Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take care of your body.” 
•  “The breakthrough you’re looking for might start with how you treat your body.”

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #266! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Breaking the Intentions Loop: From Saying the Right Things to Living Them

Ever said “never again”—only to find yourself right back in the same cycle?

In this episode, we unpack the gap between good intentions and real action. It’s easy to say the right things—to God, to others, and even to ourselves—but without consistent action, those words fall flat.

If you’re tired of the cycle of acting out, feeling shame, and making empty promises, this conversation will help you shift from behavior-focused striving to life-giving transformation—by learning to draw near to God and actually fill your life with something better.

Key Takeaways

• Good intentions don’t produce freedom—consistent action does
•  Many people get stuck in an “intentions loop”: failure → promises → no change → repeat 
• Willpower is limited—you can’t sustain freedom on discipline alone 
•  Real change comes through inner transformation, not behavior modification
•  Freedom isn’t just about removing porn—it’s about filling your life with God and what is good
•  God values the “yes” of your actions, not just the “yes” of your words 

Scriptural Highlight

Matthew 21:28–32
Jesus shares the parable of two sons—one who says the right thing but doesn’t act, and one who resists at first but ultimately obeys.

Truth:
God isn’t looking for perfect words—He’s looking for lived obedience.

Also:
James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Action Steps

1. Take one real step today
Don’t just say what you’ll do—do something tangible:

•  Reach out to an accountability partner 
•  Set a boundary or filter 
•  Change an environment or routine 

2. Shift your focus from “removing” to “filling”

•  Spend intentional, unhurried time with God 
•  Don’t come with an agenda—just be with Him 

3. Build life-giving rhythms

•  Community 
•  Accountability 
•  Healthy habits and outlets 
•  Self-awareness and reflection 

4. Stop relying on willpower alone
Recognize its limits and lean into daily dependence on God

5. Be honest, not just spiritual-sounding
Drop the mask. Real freedom starts with real honesty before God and others.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #265! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: The Stress Trap: Why Numbing Leads to Crumbling

Stress isn’t just a bad day—it’s often the doorway to destructive patterns. In this episode, we unpack how unmanaged stress can quietly erode your defenses and drive you toward numbing behaviours like pornography, scrolling, or isolation.

But there’s hope. Instead of running from stress, what if you learned to face it—with Jesus at the center? This episode offers a powerful shift: from avoidance to surrender, from coping to connection, and from feeling like a victim to walking in freedom.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Stress is a primary trigger for addiction—but ignoring it only makes it stronger. 
• Numbing doesn’t solve stress—it compounds it (and often adds shame on top). 
• Avoidance creates weakness—we never learn how to face life’s challenges with God. 
• You are not your stress—don’t let it become your identity. 
• Real peace isn’t found in escape, but in God’s presence.
• Surrender is the starting point—healthy strategies flow from there. 

📖 Scriptural Highlight

Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…”

Jesus doesn’t promise a stress-free life—but He offers something better: rest in the middle of it. You’re invited to stop carrying it alone.

🙌 Action Steps

• Pause & Identify: The next time you feel stressed, don’t ignore it—name it. 
• Surrender It: In prayer, picture handing that stress over to Jesus. 
• Replace the Escape: Instead of numbing out, try: 
  •  Going for a walk 
  •  Practicing deep breathing 
  •  Reaching out to a trusted friend 
• Get Curious: Ask God, “Why am I feeling this?” (fatigue, loneliness, pressure?) 
• Build New Patterns: Small, consistent choices will rewire how you respond to stress. 

💬 Final Encouragement

Stress is inevitable—but being controlled by it isn’t. When you stop running, invite Jesus in, and build your life around His presence, everything begins to shift.

You don’t have to numb out anymore.
 You don’t have to live as a victim.
 You can learn to manage stress—and walk in lasting freedom.

🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

Ask a question

Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to [email protected]

Share this with your friends

Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

Subscribe

Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! 

Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days free
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Book a FREE call (men)
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

Welcome to episode #264! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Tough Topic Series- Should I Tell Them? Navigating Porn Use in Dating

This week kicks off a brand-new Tough Topics series, diving into real, honest questions around porn recovery and relationships. Today’s conversation tackles a big one: Should you tell someone you’re dating about your porn use?

The answer isn’t just yes or no—it depends on where you’re at in your journey. This episode walks through how to assess your readiness for dating, why secrecy destroys intimacy, and how to approach disclosure with wisdom, honesty, and courage. If you’re navigating dating while pursuing freedom, this is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways

• Start with honesty about your own journey – Are you actively pursuing healing, or trying to manage things alone? 
• If you’re not getting help, dating may need to wait – Hidden struggles eventually surface and can deeply hurt others. 
• Healing requires exposure, not secrecy – Freedom grows in community, accountability, and honesty. 
• Don’t overshare too early—but don’t wait too long – The goal is timely, thoughtful disclosure. 
• Take responsibility, not just intention – Share from a place of action and growth, not vague promises. 
• You don’t decide readiness alone – Invite wisdom from mentors, counselors, or trusted community. 
• A relationship won’t fix your struggle – Healing starts with God, not a partner. 

Scriptural Highlight

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”

Living in the light—through honesty and openness—creates the foundation for real connection. Secrecy leads to distance, but truth invites intimacy and healing.

Action Steps

• Do a personal check-in:
  Ask yourself honestly—am I pursuing real healing, or hiding and managing? 
• Build your support system:
  If you’re not already, step into accountability through a group, mentor, or counselor. 
• Seek wise counsel:
  Talk to trusted people in your life about whether you’re ready to date. 
• Plan your disclosure:
  Think through how you can share your story simply, honestly, and responsibly. 
• Choose courage over comfort:
  If you’re currently hiding this in a relationship, take a step toward honesty this week. 
• Focus on healing first:
  Prioritize becoming whole in Christ before expecting a relationship to fill that space. 

Closing Thought

The healthiest relationships aren’t built on perfection—they’re built on truth.
When you choose honesty and pursue healing, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re honoring the person you hope to build a future with.

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Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

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Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
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Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com