Pure Sex Radio

In this episode, Stephen and I dive into the journey of emotional maturity and self-awareness. We explore how childhood experiences shape adult behavior and emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing emotional immaturity. Our conversation highlights the role of grief in self-discovery and the impact of critical parenting on self-criticism. Stephen and I stress the need for honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection in achieving emotional growth and maturity. We encourage listeners to embrace uncertainty and seek support, underscoring that emotional maturity is a continuous process of growth and understanding.For more insights from Dr. Cervantes, visit DoctorMarriage.org.Topics Covered in this Episode: Emotional maturity and self-awarenessImpact of childhood experiences on adult behaviorRecognizing and addressing emotional immaturityRole of grief in the process of emotional healingImpact of critical parenting on self-criticism and judgmental behaviorShaping oneness in relationshipsGrief and fear i

In this episode, I welcome back Dan Drake and introduce Janice Caudill, both experts in therapeutic disclosure for marriages affected by sexual betrayal. We dive into the importance of truth in healing relationships, discussing how disclosure helps rebuild trust. In our conversation, Dan and Jaunice walk us through the disclosure process, emphasizing the impact of betrayal, readiness for disclosure, tailored approaches, the “choreography” of disclosure, and the post-disclosure phase that highlights potential obstacles when rebuilding trust. To get access to Dan and Janice’s resources, visit KintsugiRecoveryPartners.com.Topics Covered in this Episode: Development of resources for disclosure in marriages affected by sexual betrayalAvailability of resources on Kintsugi Recovery Partners websiteImpact of sexual betrayal on relationshipsDefinition of disclosure and its importance in healingImportance of readiness for disclosureTailored approaches to disclosure based on each couple's unique situationProcess and

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!Thanks to a generous donor, we can offer a $75,000 match for gifts given between May 1 through July 31. Every dollar you give, collectively up to $75,000, will be DOUBLED!Give Today and double your impact. Thank you for your support!----------In today's episode, I have a heart-to-heart with Stephen Cervantes about the journey of recovery. We dive into how it's more than just getting back on your feet; it's about pausing, finding stability, and reaching out for a helping hand. But that's not the end of the road! Recovery is this beautiful bridge to an exciting phase of self-discovery and growth. Together, we unpack the deeper mission that lies ahead—embracing the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and getting to know ourselves better. So, if you're curious about turning a new leaf and finding purpose post-recovery, this chat is for you. Join us as we explore these transformative steps to a fuller, love-filled life!For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!Thanks to a generous donor, we can offer a $75,000 match for gifts given between May 1 through July 31. Every dollar you give, collectively up to $75,000, will be DOUBLED!Give Today and double your impact. Thank you for your support!----------In today’s episode, we have Vern Tompke back with us. Vern is our Canadian pastor and coach who helps other pastors and men break free from unwanted sexual behaviors. We talked about the three key stages of recovery, which are: Breaking the habitAddressing the deep-seated issues of the heart and mindRecalibrating sexuality to enjoy the abundant life Christ offersWhether you are just starting your recovery journey or years into it, Vern’s wisdom is a beacon of hope. And we mention lots of really good resources that will help you along the way, which we will include in the show notes. To learn more about Vern and his resources, visit BandofBrothers.care.Topics Covered in This Episode: Three stages of recovery from porn addictionBreaking the habitDealing wi

The Selfishness Addiction – Yes, you read that right. We're diving deep into how an addiction to selfishness can shape our behaviors and strain our relationships. We’re peeling back the layers of why we sometimes confuse self-preservation with self-centeredness.Understanding Freedom – We start by exploring the true meaning of freedom. It's not just about breaking free from unwanted behaviors like porn addiction; it's about finding peace, rest, and joy. We're talking about aligning with the soul's fundamental needs, as taught by Jesus himself.From Selfish to Selfless – We've all been there, right? Putting ourselves first, fast, and completely. But here's the kicker: the more we focus on ourselves, the less satisfied we feel. It's a paradox that we unpack with humor, honesty, and a touch of humility.A New Perspective – Imagine realizing that your whole life has been a race to put yourself first, only to end up feeling empty. That's the story of a Christian brother who woke up

Shawna Meek, founder of Living Stones Coaching, joins us to share her incredible journey through marriage, divorce, and unexpected reconciliation. Shawna opens up about the challenges she faced in her relationship, from communication breakdowns to confronting her husband's infidelity – and learning how his previously undiagnosed neurodiversity impacted his sexual brokenness and their marriage. Shawna then shares about setting boundaries, the importance of individual growth, and how she and her husband both worked on themselves to rebuild trust. Her story is a testament to the complexities of love and the resilience and faith needed to navigate them. As a result of this journey, Shawna turned her personal trials into a passion for coaching and helping others through their own relationship struggles. To learn more about Shawna and her resources, visit LivingStoneCoaching.com. Topics Covered in this Episode: Shauna Meek's personal story and experiencesNavigating neurodiversity challenges in relationships

I'm thrilled to have the amazing Danisa Suarez back on the program. Today, we're tackling a subject that's really important to a lot of people: women's understanding of their own bodies and sexuality. Danisa has put together an incredible e-course called "The Story of Her," (https://ccicourses.org/thestoryofher) and she's here to share why it's so essential for women to recognize and celebrate their unique design and to confidently step into their womanhood. We're not shying away from the difficult topics either—we discuss how to heal from past wounds and pursue a godly approach to sexual fulfillment. Plus, Danisa’s got some solid, actionable tips for anyone looking for support on this path. This episode is all about empowering women and deepening their relationship with God. Make sure you don't miss out on Danisa’s valuable insights—follow her on Instagram for more inspiring talks! @danisasuarezoficialTopics Covered in this Episode: Importance of understanding women

Why do we fall? This is a deep question and we can’t ever fully answer the “why” questions. But it’s worth the conversation.In this episode, Stephen and I dive deep into the emotional and spiritual tangles that we all face. We begin by talking about the roots of our emotional programming and then move on to the emotional-spiritual connection and the complexities of stumbling and falling; it’s not just about sin. Emotional maturity is just as vital.Finally, we aim to provide some practical wisdom for facing emotional pain and the power of community in our healing and recovery journey. Even though we fall, we can get back up!For daily thoughts to help on this emotional growth journey, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Interconnectedness of emotional and spiritual aspects of human behaviorDevelopment of emotional program in childhood and its influence on adult behaviorCommon disconnect between strong spiritual knowledge and emotional strugglesBiblical concept of sin and falling short of th

In this episode, we're hanging out with the dynamic duo, Linda Stewart and Linda Noble, who share their journey and collaborative work in the world of sexual education and theology of the body. They tell about their work with the Identity Project, aiming to help parents and families chat about sexuality and relationships in a faith-filled, positive way. The Lindas talk about their own lightbulb moments at the Theology of the Body Institute and how they're now passionate about giving parents the tools to paint a beautiful picture of God's design for their kids. They're all about tackling the big questions and easing those parent jitters with resources like their books and workbooks. It's all about building trust, having heart-to-hearts, and guiding the little ones through life's big topics. Learn more about the Lindas and their work at IdentityProject.tv and TheConversationWorkshop.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Collaboration of Linda Stewart and Linda Noble in sexual education and

Today’s podcast covers a LOT of territory, including the complexities of masturbation, its connection to our emotional health, and the differences between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset when it comes to living in victory over sexual sin. Our guest today is Matt Cline, founder of Restored Ministries. In our conversation, we explore the significant role emotional well-being plays in navigating sexual brokenness. We emphasize the importance of understanding our emotions to discover genuine happiness and connection. We also explore the intriguing concept of scarcity versus abundance in the context of our sexuality. Matt's perspective on how a scarcity mindset can lead to feelings of isolation is eye-opening, and he highlights how adopting an attitude of gratitude can help us perceive our lives more abundantly.To cap off the conversation, we point listeners to some valuable resources provided by Restored Ministries, including the Pure Freedom Community and the Pure Victory Podcast, which offer sup

In this episode, we have Andrew Arthur back with us to dive deep into the art of active listening. We chat about the common obstacles we face, like distractions and assumptions, that can disrupt our ability to truly hear others, especially in long-term relationships. Andrew shares a golden nugget for exceptional listening: asking "What do you need from me right now?" as a way to better support those in emotional need. We even touch on how this skill translates to our spiritual lives, suggesting we quiet our inner chatter to connect with God. Wrapping up, we leave you with some practical tips to enhance your listening skills.To learn more about Andrew and his mediation services, visit GenesisChristianMediation.com. Topics Covered in this Episode: Importance of active listeningRoadblocks to effective communicationRemoving oneself from the center stageAsking "What do you need from me right now?"Providing support and affirmation in times of crisisAssumptions in long-term relationshipsBarriers to g

On today’s episode, Brian Ellsworth shares his personal journey of trauma, addiction, and recovery. Brian is the new executive director of Living Without Lust, which is a fellowship of men desiring to live with sexual integrity.Brian discusses his challenging past, sobriety-seeking turning points, and healing through an intensive program. He shares how he went from a crippling addiction to now helping other men break free from unwanted sexual behaviors. The conversation stresses the significance of addressing underlying pain, seeking help, and the continuous process of recovery. To learn more about Brian and Living Without Lust, visit LivingWithoutLust.com. More Resources:Contact Brian at 904-479-5629 Boulder RecoveryGateway to FreedomRelated Podcasts:A 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional GrowthKeys to Long-Term Freedom from Unwanted Sexual BehaviorsHelping Men Overcome Porn and Get Emotionally Fit----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.Support this po

In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Jameson from Pure Desire Ministries. She helps us understand trauma, addiction, and women's struggles with sex and relationships, shining a light on the importance of transforming our worldly views on sexuality.Ashley candidly highlights the different ways women grapple with their sexuality. Ranging from matters of toxic relationships to fears of intimacy, her insights and personal journey resonate deeply.Ashley also explores the negative impact of violent sexual acts in fantasies and media content. She emphasizes the urgent need to redefine our perspective of sexuality as a beautiful and valuable gift from God.As a wrap-up, Ashley speaks on the far-reaching positive impacts of breaking free from sexual shame on all aspects of life, notably parenting and personal relationships. This powerful conversation will invite women dealing with love, sex, and relationship issues to boldly embark on their individual healing journeys.To learn more about Ashley and the resources

The world, especially in the West, is awash in all forms of sexual brokenness and confusion. And much of this brokenness and confusion is present in the Church. How can we help Christians understand God’s design for sex and live it out in our local churches and communities?Today we have Daniel Weiss back on the program with us to discuss these issues. Daniel is the president of Sexual Integrity Leaders, a ministry dedicated to equipping, supporting, and collaborating with Christian leaders to promote Gospel-centered sexuality in the Church.Much of our conversation revolves around the Identity Project, a platform containing many teaching videos from multiple leaders in various arenas of expertise regarding biblical sexuality. We talk about why these teachings are important for every Christian, especially topics like the “image of God,” singlehood and sexuality, and how our true identity is rooted in community.To learn more about Daniel and Sexual Integrity Leaders, visit SexualIntegrityLeaders.com. To learn mo

Addiction recovery is hard work. It is the process of learning to live in a whole new way apart from old, harmful, compulsive patterns. Such transformation doesn’t happen quickly or without help. Our guest today is Mark Denison. He has been on the program several times before and is the co-founder, with his wife Beth, of There’s Still Hope. He joins us to talk about his newest book, Recovery Rules: 100 Truisms that Will Change Everything. Men often need pithy, wise tips to help them on the long road of recovery. In our conversation, we highlight several of the truisms, such as: If you are 90% in, you are 100% out.Addiction isn’t a bad problem, it is a bad solution.If you can stay sober for 20 minutes, you can stay sober.Relapse is not an event, but a process.Don’t commit to a lifetime; commit to a day.Direction trumps destination.If you are looking for some super practical help for your recovery journey, this episode will be very impactful. To learn more about Mark and his ministry’s resources, visit TheresSt

Forgiveness is a topic that gets brought up over and over again in the space of healing from betrayal. But before you tune out let me encourage you to stick around for my super practical conversation with Karla Downing on this topic.Karla is the founder of Change My Relationship and has been on the podcast multiple times to help us think through important relational issues like boundaries and grief. Her many years of experience helping couples in very difficult situations comes out in this interview on forgiveness.In the episode, Karla gives a robust definition of forgiveness and then walks us through eight practical steps that are essential to the process of forgiveness.To learn more about Karla and her ministry, visit ChangeMyRelationship.com.More Resources:The 8-Step Forgiveness Process (PDF)30 Days of Blessing (PDF)Healing the Wounds of Your PastRelated Podcasts:Betrayal Healing PhasesThe 7 Steps of ForgivenessThe Journey of Healing from Betrayal Trauma----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple P

Why is confidence important to recovery from addictive patterns? And how is confidence different from arrogance or pride? To help us address this topic, we have Dr. Eddie Capparucci back on the program with us. Eddie is certified as a licensed professional counselor and certified in treating sexual and pornography addiction. He has been on the program multiple times to share his expertise and wisdom in the field of addiction recovery. In our conversation, we discuss what confidence is, the causes and effects of a lack of confidence, what healthy confidence is rooted in, and how to grow in confidence. If you are a man who wants to grow and mature in your recovery, take notes and apply what Eddie shares in this episode. To learn more about Eddie and his resources, visit InnerChild-SexAddiction.com.More Resources: Gateway to Freedom 3-day intensiveGoing Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction*Grace-Based Recovery GroupsRelated Podcasts:Helping Men Navigate Between Logic and EmotionWhat To Do in

There are many men and women in the Church who struggle with all forms of sexual brokenness, including same-sex sexual desires. How can Christians love and care for those who want freedom from such besetting sins?In today’s episode, our guest is Garry Ingraham. Garry is the co-founder of Love and Truth Network, a ministry that equips church leaders in restoring biblical sexuality, community, and identity through personalized leadership training, teaching resources, and experiential growth opportunities for personal transformation and supporting others. Garry shares his own story of same-sex brokenness and how God drew him out of the dark and into the light. He also shares how God called him into ministry, especially to pastors and helping them with their personal sexual struggles and how to address sexual sin and hope in the local church. Finally, Garry has a new book entitled Am I Gay which highlights his story and how to navigate sexual confusion with the truth of Christ and the community of fellow Christia

Why is pornography such a big deal? This is a common question in the culture, but not necessarily one of alarm, but rather questioning why ministries like ours and many others even exist. Is there any real harm to pornography?To help us answer these questions we have Nick Stumbo back on the program. Nick is the Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries and an author and speaker on sexual issues from a Christian worldview. In our conversation, Nick shares many of the negative effects of porn: biological, mental, emotional, and relational. We look at the many unhealthy patterns porn promotes, the natural trajectory of tolerance (both individually and culturally), the linkage between human trafficking and porn, and then how to live free from the negative effects of porn. Finally, Nick shares a new video series resource called Living Undefiled that takes an in-depth look at the topics surrounding pornography and human trafficking. To learn more about Nick and Pure Desire, visit PureDesire.org. To get access to

Register for Xposed Conference!When: THIS Saturday, February 24th (join in person or online)Xposed is an annual event to help pastors, ministry leaders, counselors, and individuals navigate sensitive sexual issues and equip them to care for their communities regarding God’s design for sex.Register Online (use coupon code XP24-BBM for discount)-----------Many men struggle deeply with their godly responsibilities of leadership, especially in the home, because they aren’t even managing themselves very well. In this episode, Stephen brings a letter from a leader that is meant to be representative of most men who struggle with this internal conflict of leadership calling and poor self-management. This letter addresses issues like: Dividedness and hypocrisyWearing masks to cover fear and shamePoor or non-existent emotional skillsWeariness and hopelessnessFor any man who can relate to what is shared in this letter, there is hope for transformation. You can become the man and leader God designed you to be. For helpfu