PSR Podcast

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Garrett Kell, pastor and author of Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God. Garrett opens up about his journey from struggling with sexual sin—even as a pastor—to finding freedom through confession, restoration, and God’s grace. We discuss the biblical meaning of purity, the importance of honesty and community, and practical ways to pursue God’s pleasures over fleeting temptations. Garrett’s story is honest and hope-filled, reminding us that real change is possible when we rely on Christ and walk in the light together.You can get a copy of Garrett’s book, in English, Spanish, or Thai, at Crossway.org or Amazon.com*.Topics Covered in this Episode:Personal journey of faith and struggles with sexual sin, including pornography.The process of confession, restoration, and ministry in pastoral leadership.Importance of honesty and transparency in overcoming sexual sin.Biblical foundation of purity and its definition as a heart orientation.Distinction between abstaining from sin and actively pursuing God.Practical examples for pursuing God's pleasures in daily life.The role of accountability and faith in God's promises.Understanding God's design for sex and its significance in marriage.Identifying and combating the enemies of purity: the flesh, the world, and the devil.The connection between identity in Christ and living a life of purity.More Resources:Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God* by Garrett KellHelp for MenHelp for WomenRelated Podcasts:Reframing How the Church Views Sexual PurityFrom Porn Pastor to Pure DesireThe Heart Cry of an Old Saint: I Want to Be Clean!*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Emmanuel and Samridh, two amazing ministry leaders from India, to talk about their personal journeys of overcoming pornography addiction and how they now help pastors and young church leaders find freedom. We discuss the unique cultural challenges of shame and secrecy around sexuality in India, and how their Celebrate Freedom seminar, which is based on our Gateway to Freedom intensive for men, is breaking new ground by creating safe, supportive spaces for honest conversation and healing. Emmanuel and Samridh share practical insights, stories of hope, and invite anyone struggling to reach out for support and community.To connect with Emmanuel and Samridh, visit their YouTube channel @unaddressed.podcast or Instagram @unaddressed.crew. Topics Covered in this Episode:Personal stories of struggle with pornography addiction among ministry leaders.The cultural challenges of discussing sexuality and pornography in India, including shame and honor dynamics.The lack of practical counseling and support for pastors dealing with sexual sin.The importance of creating safe spaces for open discussions about struggles with pornography.The adaptation of recovery programs to fit the Indian cultural context, including the use of personal stories and relevant examples.The role of community and accountability in the recovery process.The impact of societal expectations on pastors' willingness to admit struggles.The need for ongoing support and follow-up after initial recovery programs.The significance of addressing both male and female perspectives in discussions about pornography and sexual exploitation.The message of hope and encouragement for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing connection and transparency.More Resources:Gateway to Freedom 3-day intensive for men40 Days of Purity for Men online course40 Days of Purity for Women online courseRelated Podcasts:Restoring Broken Pastors for Kingdom UseNavigating the 3 Stages of Recovery from Porn AddictionCan the Church Be a Safe Place for Healing and Transformation?----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome back Vern Tompke to discuss the evolving challenges men face in recovering from pornography addiction. We dive into this concept of “edging”—using social media  or other kinds of media for arousal without fully acting out—and how today’s digital landscape complicates recovery. Vern shares his personal journey, practical strategies, and the importance of daily connection and removing triggers. Together, we explore the biological, emotional, and spiritual sides of addiction, emphasizing that true recovery isn’t just about avoidance, but about pursuing a richer, more connected life.To learn more about Vern and the resources he has, visit BandofBrothers.care.Topics Covered in this Episode:The concept of "edging" in relation to pornography addiction and recovery.Vern Tompke's personal journey with pornography addiction and his transition into helping others.The impact of social media platforms on recovery and the new challenges they present.The biological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of addiction and recovery.The importance of daily connection and accountability in the recovery process.The distinction between "red," "yellow," and "green" behaviors in the context of recovery.The role of dopamine and intermittent reinforcement in addiction and recovery.The necessity of replacing unhealthy behaviors with positive activities.The misconception that recovery is solely about avoiding pornography.The long-term journey of recovery and the importance of pursuing a fulfilling life beyond addiction.More Resources:Finding Traction CourseFinding Traction PodcastIntegrity Webinar for MenRelated Podcasts:Navigating the Three Stages of Recovery from Porn AddictionThe Stopwatch Acting Out CycleA 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional Growth----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome back Tammy Gustafson, a licensed counselor and betrayal trauma coach, to explore two really tough situations wives face after sexual betrayal: the “roommate scenario,” where the husband isn’t working on recovery, and “incomplete recovery,” where progress is inconsistent. Tammy shares heartfelt advice on setting boundaries, focusing on self-care, and shifting attention from the husband’s actions to the wife’s own healing. We discuss the importance of deep character change, not just behavior, and offer practical steps for finding support and reclaiming joy. If you can resonate with either (or both) of these scenarios, we want you to know that healing and thriving are possible, even in the midst of these challenging recovery circumstances.To learn more about Tammy and her resources, visit BetrayalHealing.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of the "roommate scenario" where a wife remains in a marriage despite her husband's lack of commitment to recovery.Emotional challenges faced by wives in limbo due to financial dependence, children, or personal beliefs against divorce.Importance of establishing healthy boundaries and focusing on self-care for emotional well-being.The concept of "incomplete recovery," where the husband shows some effort but remains inconsistent, causing confusion and pain for the wife.The emotional toll of navigating uncertainty and mixed signals in the recovery process.Distinction between sobriety and deeper character transformation necessary for true healing.Encouragement for wives to set high expectations for their husband's recovery, looking for genuine changes in behavior and character.The role of curiosity and new language from husbands as indicators of real progress in recovery.Practical advice for wives on maintaining clarity, protecting their hearts, and seeking support from safe individuals.Resources and support available for women dealing with betrayal and navigating their healing journey.More Resources:Betrayal Healing Coaching with TammyWives Care Groups for Betrayal Trauma HealingBasics Webinar for WivesRelated Podcasts:The Need for Safety in Betrayal Trauma HealingIdentifying and Meeting Needs in a Betrayed WifeThe Recovery Process for Couples----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In today’s episode, we welcome back Karla Downing for an insightful conversation about healing relationships. Together, we dive into practical ways couples can improve communication, rebuild intimacy, and navigate challenges like addiction and dysfunctional patterns. Karla shares wisdom on speaking the truth in love, managing emotions, and fostering empathy and curiosity. We discuss the importance of patience, seeking outside support, and grounding our efforts in grace and compassion. Whether you’re facing tough seasons or just want to grow closer, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and actionable steps for building a healthier, more connected relationship.To learn more about Karla and her resources, visit ChangeMyRelationship.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Practical advice for couples facing relational strugglesImportance of communication in building intimacyManaging emotions and maintaining patience during healingSpeaking the truth in love and expressing personal truthsChallenges such as defensiveness and reactivity in communicationRole of mutual curiosity and understanding between partnersEmotional maturity and its impact on relationship dynamicsStrategies for effective communication and conflict resolutionThe significance of seeking outside help and supportThe process of healing and restoration in relationships affected by addiction and dysfunctionMore Resources:Nine Keys to Successful Marital Conflict ResolutionWhen Love Hurts: 10 Principles to Transform Difficult RelationshipsSpeaking the Truth in LoveRelated Podcasts:Eight Practical Steps of ForgivenessIntimacy in Marriage: Why Being Fully Known and Loved MattersWorking Through Emotional Disconnection in Marriage----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, Dr. Steven Cervantes and I explore the lifelong mission of personal growth, blending both spiritual and emotional development. We discuss how a vibrant relationship with God brings peace, rest, and joy, and why emotional health is just as vital as spiritual growth. Together, we unpack the impact of childhood wounds, the roles we play to cope, and the importance of self-care. Our conversation is honest and encouraging, inviting you to embrace growth as a lifelong journey marked by grace, healing, and authentic connection with God and others.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: Exploration of the concept of "mission" in personal growth, integrating spiritual and emotional development.Importance of a relational connection with God over rigid religious structures.Challenges of maintaining spiritual and emotional health and their interconnectedness.The impact of loneliness in modern society and the role of faith communities in fostering connection.Definition of a spiritual mission rooted in faith, teachings of Jesus, and community participation.Recognition of emotional struggles that can undermine spiritual commitments.The idea of a "growth mission" as a continuous journey rather than a fixed goal.Discussion of emotional wounds from childhood and their impact on present life.Examination of coping mechanisms and roles that may hinder genuine emotional growth.Emphasis on the importance of self-love and care as foundational to loving others and spiritual growth.More Resources:49 Days of Growth: Growing in Emotional Skills* by Dr. Stephen CervantesGateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive WorkshopGrace-Based Recovery Online Study GroupsRelated Podcasts:What Can Stunt Your Emotional Growth Mission?Why Must I Learn Me?Men's Emotional Self-Awareness Test*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed therapist and author, to talk about her book Body and Soul, Healed and Whole. Tabitha shares her personal journey as a survivor and her passion for helping others heal from trauma, abuse, and coercive control. We explore the impact of purity culture, misconceptions about abuse, and the importance of safety and healthy boundaries. Tabitha offers practical wisdom for individuals and churches, encouraging honest conversations and compassionate support for survivors seeking healing and wholeness.To learn more about Tabitha, her counseling resources, and book, visit TabithaWestbrook.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Exploration of healthy sexuality after trauma and abusePersonal experiences of survivors and their healing journeysDiscussion of complex trauma, domestic abuse, and coercive controlImpact of purity culture on men and women within the churchNuances of female sexual brokenness and addictionDefinition and implications of coercive control in relationshipsMisconceptions about abuse and the ineffectiveness of common responsesImportance of prioritizing victim safety over preserving marriagesNeed for church education and accountability programs for abusersEmphasis on holistic healing that integrates body and soul in recovery processesMore Resources:Body & Soul, Healed & Whole* by Tabitha WestbrookWives Care Online GroupsStrong Like Water* by Aundi KolberRelated Podcasts:Help and Hope for Women to Heal from Sexual AbuseThe Need for Safety in Betrayal Trauma HealingThe Need for Boundaries After Betrayal*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes, to explore the journey of online accountability and recovery from pornography. Sam shares how Covenant Eyes has evolved over 25 years, shifting from simple filtering to a relational, ally-based approach. We then dive into CovenantEyes’ Victory app and its features, including emotional check-ins, family management, and supportive courses for men, women, and parents. Sam also announces a special book giveaway and encourages listeners to take the next step toward freedom with these practical, faith-based resources.To get access to all of CovenantEyes’ resources, visit CovenantEyes.com. (And use code bebroken to try out their services free for 30 days.)FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!Sam agree to give away 10 FREE copies of his book, The Healing Church. To get your free copy, send an email to psr@bebroken.org and put "FREE Healing Church Book" in the subject line. First 10 respondents will get a free copy.Topics Covered in this Episode: History and mission of Covenant Eyes, focusing on relational accountability.Evolution of terminology from "accountability" to "ally" to foster supportive relationships.Development and features of the Victory app as a companion tool for recovery.Importance of educational resources and community support in overcoming pornography addiction.Challenges faced in app development, including technological and platform guidelines.Overview of the app's functionality, including accountability reports and communication features.Accessibility of the Victory app for both men and women, addressing diverse needs.Introduction of new features like the check-in process for emotional monitoring and progress tracking.Emphasis on viewing relapses as learning opportunities rather than failures.Availability of additional resources, such as the Strive 21 program and the book The Healing Church.More Resources:Victory App by CovenantEyesSTRIVE: 21-Day Porn DetoxFind a Support GroupRelated Podcasts:Porn, Technology, and Self-ControlHow Group Work Will Transform Your Recovery JourneyBeyond the Porn Phenomenon: Barna Group Research on Porn Use----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, we welcome back Lyschel Burket, Executive Director of Hope Redefined, a ministry for wives facing sexual betrayal trauma. Lyschel shares updates about her work, including a new 45-week healing curriculum, and then we dive deep into the complexities of betrayal trauma, misplaced hope, and the journey toward true healing. Lyschel offers wisdom from her own story, emphasizing the importance of finding safety, authentic community, and hope in Christ—not just in a spouse’s recovery. It’s an insightful, practical conversation for anyone seeking restoration after deep relational wounds.To learn more about Lyschel and her ministry resources, visit HopeRedefined.org.Topics Covered in this Episode: Discussion of sexual betrayal trauma and its impact on wives and women.Introduction of the "Abiding in Hope" curriculum aimed at supporting healing in community.Definition and exploration of betrayal trauma, particularly in the context of marriage.Examination of the complexities of trust and the challenges faced in the healing process.Analysis of misplaced hope in husbands' recovery and the implications for personal healing.Identification of common coping mechanisms and responses to betrayal trauma.Emphasis on the importance of establishing safety and stabilization as foundational for healing.Insights on the role of community in the healing journey and the need for authenticity.Practical steps for women to rebuild their relationship with God and redefine hope.Encouragement for women to embrace their healing journey and recognize progress over time.More Resources:Finding Hope Support GroupAbiding in Hope Online GroupWives Care Online GroupsRelated Podcasts:Hope After BetrayalLiminal Space: Helping Wives Transition from Betrayal to HopeThe Need for Boundaries After Betrayal----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes joins me in our brand-new studio to discuss how couples get stuck in emotional cycles of conflict, drawing on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy. We explore how triggers, core fears, and attachment styles—like the classic pursuer and withdrawer dynamic—shape our reactions and create distance in marriage. Together, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, grace, and integrating emotional and spiritual growth to break these patterns and build deeper connections. We also highlight the 5 stages that happen in conflict, which are: TriggerBody symptomEmotional responseBelief responseActionThis is an insightful, practical conversation for anyone wanting healthier, more loving relationships.For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of relationship conflict and emotional loops based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).Exploration of emotional responses and core fears that contribute to conflict in marriages.Explanation of the cycle of triggering events, body responses, emotional reactions, beliefs, and final actions in relationships.The impact of attachment theory on adult relationships and the dynamics of pursuer and withdrawer roles.Importance of self-awareness and understanding personal emotional patterns to break cycles of conflict.The connection between emotional understanding and spiritual growth, emphasizing grace in relationships.Encouragement for couples to create new patterns of connection and support each other.Closing thoughts on the significance of building a strong, loving attachment in relationships.More Resources:Hold Me Tight* by Dr. Sue JohnsonFind a CounselorUnderstanding Emotionally Focused TherapyRelated Podcasts:Conflict Management for Marriages Healing from BetrayalThe Harms of Negative TalkingAssumptions vs. Communication: The Battle for Relational Harmony*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.