The Living Truth Podcast - Freedom From Unwanted Sexual Behavior, Hope & Healing For the Betrayed

When betrayal trauma shatters your world, it can feel impossible to imagine anything good emerging from the rubble. In this deeply encouraging conversation, Kristin sits down with Gigi Hopkins, Director of Wives Care at Be Broken Ministries, to explore how the process of healing can lead to expanding your influence, your agency, and your God-given impact on the world around you.   Gigi shares: ✨ Why early healing feels so disorienting—and why that's normal ✨ The difference between control and influence, and how shifting that mindset changes everything ✨ Real ways women regain agency even when life feels out of control ✨ How boundaries, self-care, emotional work, and spiritual grounding open doors for transformation ✨ Honest stories from her own journey and how healing ripples outward into family and future generations   This episode will breathe hope into anyone in the early or ongoing stages of betrayal trauma healing—especially if you feel overwhelmed, powerless, or unsure where to begin. God's restoration is deeper, slower, and more beautiful than we expect…and your healing matters more than you know.   📖 Ready for healing? Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   To learn more about Be Broken Ministries: https://www.instagram.com/bebrokenministries/# https://www.facebook.com/bebrokenministries https://vimeo.com/channels/psrpodcast   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth #BetrayalTraumaHealing #WivesCare #BeBrokenMinistries #HealingAfterBetrayal #ChristianPodcast #TraumaRecovery #HopeInChrist #BoundariesAndHealing #EmotionalHealingJourney #KristinCary

Betrayal shatters your world. It leaves you wondering which way is up, how to survive the devastation, and whether you’ll ever feel whole again. Kristin interviews trauma-informed counselor, coach, and author Tammy Gustafson to talk about her new book, Broken to Brave: Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal (releasing January 27, 2026).   Tammy shares her four-phase framework for healing after intimate betrayal— Reveal, Reorient, Realign, and Rebuild   She offers hope for women at every stage of the journey. Drawing from her own story, her years as a counselor, and her research with over 1,700 betrayed partners, Tammy brings compassion, validation, and practical guidance for anyone walking this painful road.   You’ll hear: Why betrayal trauma impacts your body as much as your heart The importance of boundaries, grief, and anger in the healing process Common stuck points that slow recovery A vision for post-traumatic growth and a life of beauty and joy beyond betrayal   ✨ Don’t miss the FREE Betrayal Healing Conference hosted by Tammy at the end of January each year. Kristin will be one of the speakers, and this is your chance to learn from leading voices in the betrayal trauma field.   📖 Learn more about Tammy and her book: https://livefreecounseling.com/   📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth #BetrayalTrauma #HealingAfterBetrayal #TraumaRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #ChristianHealing #BrokenToBrave

In this quiet space between the holidays—or whenever your heart finally slows down enough to feel—Kristin offers a calming, Christ-centered invitation to breathe again.   If you’re navigating the devastation of sexual betrayal, the shame of unwanted sexual behavior, or the disorienting waves of grief that erupt long after the crisis, this episode will meet you with compassion and truth.   You’ll be guided through: - Simple breathwork to settle your overwhelmed nervous system - Gentle questions to help you reconnect with your body and your needs - Biblical reminders of God’s nearness to the brokenhearted - A powerful visualization to help you encounter Jesus in a place of peace - Hope for the year ahead—not in perfection, but in His faithful presence   This is not a “try harder” message. It’s a place to take off the mask, slow down, and remember that you are held by a God who sees, knows, and loves you.   If you’re a betrayed partner seeking clarity and support, you’re invited to join Kristin’s free 5-day experience, Operation Restoration. https://living-truth.kit.com/operation-restoration   If you’re a man struggling with unwanted sexual behavior, new resources are coming soon through Men in the Battle®. https://www.living-truth.org/joinmib   Wherever you find yourself today, you’re not alone—there is hope and healing for you.   🎧 Listen to the full podcast here: https://livingtruth61.podbean.com/e/hope-in-the-new-year/?token=0c3af86fc4f46ca3a1c4844894454bce   📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth #BetrayalTraumaHealing #ChristianHealingJourney #UnwantedSexualBehavior #HopeAfterBetrayal #GodIsNear #HealingInChrist #ChristianPodcast #HealingFromTrauma #GroundingPractice #NewYearHope #YouAreNotAlone #KristinCary #BreathworkForTrauma #SpiritualHealing #JesusMeetsYouHere #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth

What does true sobriety look like for those battling sex and pornography addiction—and how does recovery move beyond the addict to bring healing to their partners? In this episode, Michael sits down with Tim Stein, co-author of Finding the Way Through: A Workbook for Sex and Pornography Addiction to explore a new framework for recovery. Together, they unpack the workbook’s definition of sobriety, the critical shift from addict thinking to recovery thinking, and the importance of “partner betrayal sensitivity.” With practical tools, raw honesty, and hope for transformation, this conversation equips both addicts and their loved ones with a roadmap for lasting change.   Order Finding the Way Through: A Workbook for Sex and Pornography Addiction - Sobriety, Recovery, & Partner Betrayal Sensitivity: https://a.co/d/1uaAb0F   📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth

Let's explore the often-overlooked connection between spiritual warfare & mental health. In this episode, Kristin and Dr. Natalie Atwell—counselor, educator, and long-time advocate for trauma survivors— shine light on the unseen battles many believers face, especially those carrying deep childhood wounds, walking through betrayal trauma, or struggling with destructive sexual patterns.   Dr. Atwell shares the sobering rise she’s seen in her practice of clients entangled in darkness—through trauma, pornography, and even human trafficking—and how these openings can fuel emotional chaos, compulsive behavior, and distorted thinking. She also offers compelling insight into how lies planted in childhood can become spiritual footholds in adulthood… and how Jesus meets us right in those places with truth, power, and freedom.   You’ll hear: Why spiritual warfare can masquerade as mental-health symptoms How trauma makes us vulnerable to lies—and how those lies can be broken The subtle ways the enemy gains influence through culture, coping strategies, and popular practices How deliverance, counseling, and trauma-informed care work together What hope looks like for betrayed partners who feel crushed under the enemy’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy Why God’s heart is fiercely protective of the vulnerable—and how He restores what darkness tried to ruin   Whether you’re battling unwanted sexual behavior, healing from betrayal, or simply trying to understand the spiritual dynamics beneath today’s struggles, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and deep encouragement.   Jesus is stronger than every force that comes against you—and even in the ashes, He is already rebuilding.   Links to Dr. Natalie Atwell's Resources:   Mental Warrior Website > Dr. Atwell's Personal Instagram > Mental Warrior Instagram > Natalie Atwell Counseling Instagram > Mental Warrior Facebook > Link to Purchase Natalie's Book >   Get $50 off Dr. Natalie's Mental Warrior Course 📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth #SpiritualWarfare #FaithAndMentalHealth #BetrayalTrauma #TraumaAndSpirituality #UnwantedSexualBehavior #SexualAddictionRecovery #FreedomInChrist #ChristianCounseling #EmotionalHealing #HumanTraffickingAwareness #PornAddictionRecovery

The holidays can stir up overwhelming waves of grief and confusion. The music, the smells, the traditions — they bring back joyful memories and painful reminders of betrayal, leaving many women asking: “What was ever real?”   Learn how to recognize the power and purpose of your anger, the “bargaining” stage of grief, and create safe space to process painful memories. Know that your grief isn’t a setback — it’s a sign of deeper healing.   Grief Questions Kristin mentions in this episode:   Set a reasonable goal to regularly process your grief (for example, 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week). Journal out your responses to one question each day, Close your grief processing time with a gratitude list. Pay attention to ways that you see and experience gifts and beauty and enjoy them for a moment.    What do I miss? What am I angry about? What am I learning? What do I need now?   📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #BetrayalRecovery #HolidaysHurt

The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy and celebration — but after sexual betrayal, they can feel unbearable. In Part 1 of this special series, Michael interviews Kristin about her raw story of her first holiday season after discovery and the first steps betrayed partners need to survive:  prioritizing safety, stabilization, boundaries, and connection.   If you’re in the early days of betrayal trauma, this episode will remind you that survival is enough — and that you are not alone.   Need more support and hope? JOIN Kristin for her free 5 day experience:  Holiday Survival Strategies from November 17-21:  https://living-truth.kit.com/holiday-survival-strategies   Kristin's Private Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/970477406321487 📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #BetrayalRecovery #HolidaysHurt

In this episode of the Living Truth Podcast, Kristin sits down with Michael to unpack the Men in the Battle (MIB) Battle Plan — a practical framework for men pursuing lasting freedom from unwanted sexual behavior.   They explore why relationships are the backbone of recovery, how marriage and spiritual connection anchor lasting change, and the role of education, journaling, and mentoring in shaping a man’s heart. Michael also shares why self-care isn’t optional and how simple daily practices can make the difference between relapse and resilience.   Whether you’re on your own recovery journey, walking with someone who is, or simply want to understand how men can experience real transformation, this conversation will give you hope, direction, and practical steps to begin your own Battle Plan.   Get your PDF copy of the MIB Battle Plan here:  https://living-truth.kit.com/battleplan   📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal.   #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #BattlePlan

Your words shape your world. In this episode, Steve Backlund unpacks why renewing your mind and speaking truth over yourself is the key to breaking cycles of defeat. We talk about choosing joy in tough seasons, pushing past the awkwardness of declarations, and replacing lies with God’s truth. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hopeless, this conversation will help you move forward with faith, joy, and fresh hope.   You can find Steve's resources at: https://www.ignitinghope.com/ https://www.ignitinghopeacademy.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@IgnitingHopeMinistries    📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal. #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #TalkToYourself

What does it really mean to be a “healthy sinner?” In this eye-opening interview, counselor and author Leslie Vernick helps us unpack the difference between normal struggles and destructive patterns of abuse. Through powerful stories—including a surprising moment in a dressing room and her unforgettable “termites in the basement” analogy—Leslie gives us a fresh perspective on what health and unhealth look like in relationships. We explore how to recognize abuse, when it’s time to seek help or get out, and what it looks like to pursue emotional, spiritual, and relational wholeness as a follower of Christ. This episode is a lifeline for anyone who feels stuck in an unhealthy relationship and wants clarity, courage, and hope.   You can find more of Leslie's resources at https://leslievernick.com. 📖 Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal. #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth #HealthySinners