Pure Sex Radio

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 backgroundStruggles with pornography and infidelity in marriageThe impact of a dysfunctional family environment on personal developmentThe journey of h

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.

My apologies for the poor audio quality of this episode. I hope it won’t distract too much from the content. In this episode, Stephen and I talk about the power of "co," meaning "together" or "jointly," in relationships and recovery. We dive into how collaboration and connection are essential for personal growth and healing, especially in marriage and overcoming addiction. Dr. Cervantes shares insights on co-parenting, co-planning, and co-nurturing, emphasizing that love and community are vital for a fulfilling life. We also discuss the church's role in fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Join us as we explore how embracing "co" can transform our lives and relationships.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:The significance of the prefix "co" in relationships and community.The role of collaboration and partnership in personal growth and healing.The impact of addiction on connection and the importance of overc

In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Fitzgerald, who shares her profound journey through betrayal trauma and her path to healing. Stacey opens up about the resurfacing of her trauma in 2021, describing intense physical symptoms like panic attacks and a racing heart. She emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous system. Stacey’s healing process involved spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches, including prayer, music, and understanding the mind-body connection. Now, she helps other women navigate similar experiences through her platform, "Becoming Safe." To learn more about Stacey and her resources, visit BecomingSafe.com.Topics Covered in this Episode: Healing and safety in the context of betrayal traumaPersonal experiences of betrayal trauma in relationshipsResurfacing of trauma and its physical symptomsThe role of spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches in healingImportance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous systemImpact of trauma on mental and physica

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Kate and Will Conwell about their journey through betrayal trauma and healing in their marriage. Kate shares her work with "Journey Beyond Betrayal," a ministry supporting women facing similar struggles. Will opens up about his past issues with sexual brokenness and infidelity, and how these impacted their relationship. We explore the importance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection and the crucial role of faith in recovery. This episode is all about offering hope and encouragement to couples dealing with betrayal trauma. If this is you, you aren’t alone!To learn more about Kate and her resources for wives, visit JourneyBeyondBetrayal.com.To learn more about 423 Men’s groups, visit 423Communities.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: The Conwells' journey through betrayal trauma in their marriage.Will's struggles with sexual brokenness and infidelity.The significance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection.The role of faith

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the theme of emotional growth and the importance of relationships among men. We start by sharing some personal stories about our dads and male role models, highlighting how men often prioritize being providers over nurturing emotional connections. A key highlight of this episode features a movie character from our Gateway to Freedom workshop, who realizes his potential after being told, "You could have been great." This statement is loaded with powerful insights for men when they realize their lives are running on the wrong tracks. We want men to experience their full potential as image bearers of God; to know him fully and love others deeply.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: The significance of emotional growth in men's lives.The role of relationships and male connections in personal development.The impact of societal expectations on men's focus on productivity and financial success

In this episode, I welcome back Cat Etherington, the director of recovery at the Naked Truth Project. We explore the profound impact of betrayal trauma on wives and the journey towards healing and forgiveness. Cat explains the stages of healing: Safety and stabilization, Remembering and mourning, Reconnection She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, not as a pressured obligation but as a personal outcome of healing. We also discuss how friends and family can provide tangible support during this difficult time. For more information on Cat and her resources, visit nakedtruthproject.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Impact of betrayal on a wife and the process of healing and forgivenessEmotional aspects of navigating betrayal traumaKey stages of healing from betrayal traumaImportance of forgiveness in the healing processReadiness to forgive and precursors in the healing journeyDifferentiating between trauma triggers and griefReconnecting with the world after betrayal traumaSupport from friends and family f

ONLY 1 WEEK LEFT TO 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 this episode, I welcome back Pastor Marty Machowski to discuss the pressing issue of identity, particularly sexual identity. Marty shares his experiences counseling families whose children are grappling with gender and sexual orientation issues. He highlights the rapid acceleration of these challenges and introduces his book, "God Made Boys and Girls," as a resource for parents. We delve into the impact of public education on children's understanding of identity, the importance of grounding identity in biblical truth, and the need for compassionate, open conversations between parents and children. Marty also shares insights from his support group, "Affirmed," offering hope and practical guidance for families.To

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 this episode, I welcome back Carol Juergensen Sheets, better known as Carol the Coach, a certified sex addiction therapist. We reminisce about her last appearance in March 2020, where we focused on empathy for husbands. Carol shares her journey since 2007, emphasizing the importance of empathy in all relationships. She introduces her Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (ERCEM), which involves working with both partners from the start to foster post-traumatic growth. Carol explains the role of empathy in healing from infidelity, highlighting the long-term process and the need for genuine understanding. She also provides resources for couples seeking support and offers a hopeful message for those on their healing journey.To learn more about Carol and h

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 this episode, I chat with Crystal Renaud Day about the SHE Virtual Recovery Summit, a transformative event for women battling unwanted sexual behaviors like pornography addiction. Crystal shares her personal journey and insights from years of ministry, emphasizing the importance of surrender, accountability, and community in recovery. We discuss the summit's role in providing a safe, supportive space for women and even teens to find healing and resources. Crystal's passion for helping women shines through, and we invite listeners to join the summit and take steps toward wholeness in Christ.To learn more about the SHE Summit and register, visit SheRecovery.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:SHE Virtual Recovery SummitSupport and resources for

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 this episode, Stephen and I dive into the journey of emotional self-awareness, especially for men – and offer a simple test to measure self-awareness. We explore the different levels of self-awareness, from complete unawareness to deep emotional understanding. Stephen shares his inspiration for creating this self-awareness test, aiming to help men gauge their emotional awareness so they can continue toward greater awareness and maturity. We discuss how family history shapes emotional patterns and the importance of recognizing triggers. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of aligning with the Holy Spirit and striving for emotional maturity. For more insight from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.Topics Covered in this Episode:Emotional self-aw

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