Man Within Podcast 1079 - Cody Jefferson: "I Was An Affirmation Addict, and This Consumed Me"
Jan 12, 2026
Cody Jefferson, a former church pastor turned leadership coach, shares his transformative journey of moving from ministry to the marketplace. He discusses becoming an 'affirmation addict' and the crisis that led him to leave ministry behind. Cody emphasizes the importance of authenticity, community, and intentional relationships in leadership. He provides valuable insights on coping mechanisms, setting measurable goals for personal growth, and the significance of brotherhood in recovery. His practical advice offers a roadmap for anyone facing similar struggles.
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Early Ministry And Identity Trap
- Cody Jefferson entered full-time ministry at 19 after a pastor gave him a platform he felt he didn't deserve.
- That early success tied his identity to performance and ministry, creating long-term fractures in his personal life.
Collapse Fueled A Radical Exit
- Cody calls himself an "affirmation addict" who married the church and sacrificed his marriage on that altar.
- A cascade of trauma, losses, and near-death illness forced him to step out and seek therapy.
Deconstruction Can Lead To Deeper Faith
- Cody publicly deconstructed his faith to make it his own after leaving ministry and that season was messy but brief.
- The prodigal season helped him build a weightier, more authentic faith grounded in personal experience.
