Rika Lopez

Faith & Feels

Health EN ↓ 57 episodes

Faith & Feels is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of mental health specifically sexual brokenness and trauma, with a special focus on the Asian American faith-based community. Hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), these episodes will cover interviews of ordinary people as well as professionals who share stories and lessons on struggles with love/sex/porn addiction and emotional/betrayal trauma. Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a space to feel seen and heard, Faith...

Author

Rika Lopez

Category

Health

Podcast website

rss.com

Latest episode

Jun 26, 2026

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Episodes

Ep.56 Holding Grief, Holding Hope 26.06.2026

In this deeply personal episode, my husband Henry shares the story of losing his father and the days that followed. Together, we reflect on the reality of grief, the gift of being present with loved ones, and how faith can sustain us through life's hardest goodbyes. This isn't a conversation filled with easy answers—it's an honest look at sorrow, hope, and the ways God meets us in our pain. Whethe...

Ep.55 Connection Over Shame: Talking to Kids about Sex and Porn with Kristen Whitmore 28.05.2026

In this episode of Faith & Feels, I sit down with Kristen Whitmore for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, sexuality, pornography, and the importance of creating safe and honest conversations with our children. Together, we explore why parents play such an important role in initiating these discussions, navigating the awkwardness that can come with them, and helping children develop heal...

Ep.54 Connecting to Teens Through Curiosity : A Conversation with Joshua De La Cruz 23.04.2026

In this episode, I sit down with Joshua De La Cruz, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, to talk about what teens are really facing in today’s digital world. We explore everything from video game overuse to the deeper emotional needs underneath behavior, and how parents can show up with more curiosity, authenticity, and compassion. Josh shares practical insight on building stronger relation...

Ep. 53 Hope for the Man in Recovery with Dr. Kervins Clement 26.03.2026

In this episode of Faith & Feels, I sit down with Dr. Kervins Clement, CSAT, founder of Clement Counseling and Consulting who is trained in sex addiction, Gottman Method, EFT, and EMDR. We dive into a profound conversation about the intersections of trauma, sexuality, and healing. We talk about the concept of eroticized rage, the complexities of shame in sexual experiences, and the importance...

Ep. 52 Sex and Love Addiction in the Church - The Full Conversation ( With Pastor Wilson & Kristen) 27.02.2026

(*Fully Updated Version from Episode 44) In this eye opening and honest conversation, I’m joined by Kristen Whitmore and Pastor Wilson Wang from Renew Church on the SOLA Leaders Podcast to talk about a topic the Church often avoids — sex and love addiction. Together, we explore the reality that many believers silently struggle with pornography, shame, and relational brokenness, and why creating sa...

Ep. 51 Chit Chat with Me & the Hubs 23.01.2026

Happy New Year 2026 Everyone! This episode is just a casual conversation with me and my husband, Henry. We’re sharing a little about what life has been like lately, a goal we have for the new year, and some encouraging moments from our journey with therapy and God. Sit back, relax, and just hang out with us. I’ll be posting once a month now (with maybe an occasional surprise bonus episode). I’m ho...

Ep. 50 A Pause and A Thank You 29.12.2025

In this milestone 50th episode of Faith & Feels , I pause to reflect with gratitude on this journey and the community that has grown alongside it. As 2025 comes to a close, I share briefly how this year shaped me—through public speaking opportunities that stretched my confidence, a car accident that became a spiritual wake-up call, and deeper lessons about living intentionally rather than reac...

Ep.49 When Faith Meets Betrayal Trauma with Gina Kaye 15.12.2025

In this episode of Faith & Feels , I sit down with Gina Kaye for an honest and courageous conversation about betrayal trauma and the role faith can play in the healing journey. Gina shares her story of discovering her ex-husband’s hidden struggles with addiction, walking through the pain of divorce, and slowly rebuilding her life after everything she thought was secure fell apart. Together, we...

Ep.48 The Gift of Spiritual Direction with Josh Mun 01.12.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with spiritual director Joshua Mun to explore how spiritual direction can deepen our emotional and spiritual well-being. Together, we unpack the ancient roots of spiritual direction, how it differs from therapy, and how it helps us discern God’s presence—especially in seasons of anxiety, overwhelm, or transition. We also discuss using positive imagin...

Ep.47 From Cultural Expectations to Kingdom Identity: JJ Raymond's Journey 17.11.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with JJ Raymond for a heartfelt conversation about identity, culture, and calling within sports ministry. JJ shares his journey as a transracial adoptee and his work with Athletes in Action—Cru’s ministry that has been helping athletes find hope and purpose in Jesus for decades. As the Regional Director for the Pacific Southwest, he provides care and...

Ep. 46 Self Care isn't Selfish - it's Stewardship 03.11.2025

Lately, I’ve been reminded how easy it is to feel guilty for slowing down or taking care of ourselves. After coming back from my trip and feeling jet-lagged, God gently reminded me that rest is actually an act of trust. In this episode, I talk about what self-care looks like through the lens of faith — how it’s not selfish, but stewardship. Even Jesus withdrew to rest and pray, and if He needed th...

Ep.45 Real Talk on Faith, Feels, and Sexuality with Rachel Pun & Becca Sun 20.10.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Rachel Pun and Becca Sun to talk about something that’s often overlooked in the church—biblical sexuality, vulnerability, and the power of open conversations. We reflect on a recent workshop I led that addressed sexual brokenness, addiction, and God’s design for connection, especially within the Asian American faith community. Together, we share...

Ep.44 An Honest Conversation on Sex, Porn, Love Addiction in the Church with Pastor Wilson Wang & Kristen Whitmore 06.10.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I have the privilege to share in a special first-take conversation originally recorded for the SOLA Network leaders podcast with Pastor Wilson Wang and Renew Church staff member, Kristen Whitmore. Together, they unpack the often-hidden struggles of sexual addiction and love addiction—issues that leave many feeling isolated and weighed down by shame. The discuss...

Ep.43 Only Fans : Empowerment or Exploitation? 22.09.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Aly Dearborn and Anastasia Sprout for an honest conversation about OnlyFans. We talk about how the platform is often glamorized as empowerment, but in reality involves deep issues of exploitation, coercion, and sexual objectification. Together, we unpack the psychological toll it takes, why the idea of sexual liberation can be misleading, and th...

Ep.42 Reaching Gen Z thru Literature and the Power of Presence with Cindy Lee, M.Div Student & English Teacher 08.09.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , Rika Lopez sits down with Cindy Lee, a high school English teacher, former missionary, and current M.Div. student, to talk about the transformative power of education and faith. Cindy shares how her experience as a missionary shapes the way she teaches, emphasizing authentic relationships, supportive classroom culture, and engaging students in critical thinking...

Ep.41 My Random Rambling Reflections 25.08.2025

In this episode, I’m taking a step away from structured topics and sharing one of My Random Rambling Reflections . These are moments where I let my heart speak a little more freely— sometimes simply about life, faith, or what God has been showing me in unexpected ways. This reflection is less about polished answers and more about honest processing, vulnerability, and connection. My hope is that as...

Ep.40 Befriending Your Body: A Polyvagal Approach to Healing with Aly Dearborn, LMFT/CSAT 11.08.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with psychotherapist Aly Dearborn to explore the fascinating world of Polyvagal Theory and how it can guide us in healing from trauma. We talk about how understanding our nervous system can transform the way we experience safety, stress, and connection. Aly unpacks practical ways to navigate the different states of our nervous system, and why self-re...

Ep.39 Peacemaking & Healthy Boundaries with Susette Magana, LMFT 28.07.2025

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow LMFT(Licensed Marriage Family Therapist) Susette Magana to explore the intersection of mental health and faith—specifically through the lens of peacemaking in relationships. We dive into how family systems, differentiation, and attachment theory all play a role in how we relate to others, and how God’s peace can be a grounding force in bot...

Ep.38 Introducing Relay App : A Practical Tool for Porn and Sex Addiction Recovery 14.07.2025

In today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce you to the Relay App , www.joinrelay.app a powerful recovery tool designed to support individuals struggling with compulsive behaviors—especially around pornography and sexual addiction. Founded by Chandler Rogers and Jace Kendrick , Relay offers a unique, team-based approach to healing. It combines daily emotional check-ins, structured accountability,...

Ep.37 From Broken to Whole : Finding Freedom in Our Relationships (*Seminar at VAY) 30.06.2025

In this special episode of Faith and Feels , I’m sharing a recent seminar I gave at VAY (Vietnamese American Youth Leaders Christian Conference) on June 22nd, 2025. I spoke on the journey from brokenness to wholeness in relationships—covering topics like love addiction, trauma bonding, and the deep need for healing through Jesus. Together, we explore how our past wounds impact our present connecti...

Ep.36 Hope for Our Kids : Integrating Faith & Mental Health with Dr. Esther Park 23.06.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Dr. Esther Park, a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of outpatient clinical experience. Dr. Park shares her powerful journey from medical school to discovering her true calling in psychiatry, and how that shift led to the birth of something much bigger than herself. Together, we talk about her work as c...

Ep.35 "We're Working On It" - A Marriage Breakthrough in Year 17 with Pastor Curtis & Carol Lowe 16.06.2025

In this poignant episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Pastor Curtis and Carol Lowe to hear their powerful story of calling, ministry, marriage, and faith. Married for over 40 years, Pastor Curtis and Carol reflect on the journey God has taken them on—through seasons of parenting, ministry, cultural bridge-building, and deep spiritual growth. Pastor Curtis shares his journey from seminary t...

Ep.34 Sex is Not Just Intercourse with Mandarin Speaking LMFT, Jean Yan 09.06.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Jean Yan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is pursuing her Ph. D in Clinical Sexology. She is also trained in the Gottman Method and Hypnotherapy. We talk about why it’s so important to have honest conversations around sexual health and intimacy—especially within the Asian American faith-based community. Jean shares her journey into...

Ep.33 Adopted, Loved, and Redeemed: Bree Brasher's Story as a College Student 02.06.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Bree Brasher, a college student in her fourth year at Whittier College studying social work and psychology, with dreams of pursuing law. Bree shares her powerful story of being adopted at three years old, growing up in a Christian home, and navigating the challenges of identity, toxic relationships, sexual brokenness and shame during her college...

Ep.32 My Random Rambling Reflections 27.05.2025

In this episode, I started off sharing about my brief experience at the IITAP Symposium 2025 but later realized that there were some tech errors that did not record the whole mid section so I will re-record that for another time. I just take it as an external force beyond me that wanted today's latter recording to be the highlight of this episode so here it goes! Some personal ramblings of mine th...

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