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. 31 Learning about EMDR and Attachment with Yuki Shida 19.05.2025

In today's episode, I am excited to introduce Yuki Shida, an LMFT who is passionate about supporting Asian American children of immigrants, particularly those dealing with anxiety and childhood trauma. A second-generation Japanese American, Yuki was raised by a single mother as the eldest daughter and grew up speaking Japanese as her first language. She has lived in Tokyo, the Bay Area, Los Angele...

Ep.30 When Porn Genre Reveals Your Scars 12.05.2025

In this episode, I dive into the deeper layers of pornography—not just the behavior, but the emotional and spiritual stories behind it. I reflect on a personal journey of Jay Stringer, a pastor, therapist and author of the bestselling book Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing . I will also explore how the specific content people are drawn to often reveals deeper wounds, unmet...

Ep.29 When Curiosity Turns Dark : Exploring the Genre of Porn 05.05.2025

In this episode, my guests and I will be diving into the wide range of pornography genres—from the more “mainstream” to the deeply disturbing. This is not an easy conversation, but it’s one I believe is absolutely necessary for us as educators, parents, professionals, and people in recovery. I’m joined by three courageous women—Anastasia Sprout, Aly Dearborn, and Lacy Bentley—members of my FSLA (F...

Ep.28 My Random Rambling Reflections 28.04.2025

In this episode on "My Random Rambling Reflections," I have a special surprise guest who I will keep unnamed for now so you'll have to tune in if you want to find out who it is! We will be chatting briefly on the topic of forgiveness and afterwards I will be sharing my reflections on the One who models grace and mercy constantly in our lives. What a gift to know personally the love of Jesus and th...

Ep.27 (Part 2) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita 21.04.2025

In Part 2 of our poignant conversation with Bob Morita, we continue exploring the transformative depths of inner healing prayer. Bob shares how he guides others through Dr. Charles Kraft’s “Back to the Womb” exercise, a prayer practice that invites individuals to revisit their earliest experiences and encounter the love of Jesus even in the most hidden places of pain. He emphasizes the importance...

Ep.26 (Part 1) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita 14.04.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Bob Morita, a retired Boeing engineer who now serves in inner healing and deliverance ministry with Hearts Set Free alongside Dr. Charles Kraft and Judy Taber. Bob shares his incredible journey—from working in the technical world of engineering to stepping into the spiritual realm of healing emotional wounds. We talk about how inner healing is k...

Ep.25 Father's Love Letter (Slow Version) 09.04.2025

Use this "Slow Version" for the purpose of Meditation & Breathing exercises. You can be creative in the way you listen to this... -Get a yoga mat, lie down, breathe in thru your nose then out thru your mouth, do this with a slow and steady pace. You can even do some stretches as you do the breathing exercise. -Listen to this on your bed at night time as your last "self care" routine. You will...

Ep.24 Father's Love Letter 07.04.2025

Father's Love Letter was created by Fathers Heart Communications (founded by Barry & Anneliese Adams in 2000). Their vision was to spread God's love everywhere around the world. Since 1999, Father's Love Letter has been translated in over 125 languages. This letter has been instrumental in my spiritual walk personally and for friends, family, church community, clients and beyond. Please pass t...

Ep.23 Real Talk with Pastor Deborah Flanagan 31.03.2025

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Deborah Flanagan for a deeply honest and grace-filled conversation about love and sex addiction, compulsive masturbation, and the hope we can find in recovery. We explore the powerful role that childhood wounds, trauma, and shame play in shaping our sexuality—and how compassion, vulnerability, and spiritual tools can guide us toward healing. Deborah brings b...

Ep.22 Hope and Healing After Betrayal with Annie Finch 24.03.2025

In this episode, I sit down with Annie Finch, LMFT, CSAT, and CADC, a therapist at Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara,CA who specializes in working with individuals navigating betrayal trauma, especially in the context of addiction. Annie shares her background and breaks down what betrayal trauma is, how it impacts people, and why group therapy can be such a meaningful part of the healing journey. W...

Ep.21 A Brief Look into Betrayal Trauma 17.03.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I dive into the powerful insights shared at the Betrayal Healing Conference 2025 , featuring Dr. Peter Levine and Tammy Gustafson. Dr. Levine is a biophysicist and founder of Somatic Experiencing and Gustafson is a betrayal trauma coach, writer, and speaker. Drawing from their discussion and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, we explore the impact...

Ep.20 Understanding Female Sex and Love Addiction with Heather Cronemiller 10.03.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels, I sit down with therapist, speaker, and author Heather Cronemiller to explore the often-overlooked struggles of love and sex addiction among women. Heather opens up about her personal journey of recovery, the emotional triggers behind these patterns, and the importance of reparenting the inner child. We also discuss the role of fantasy in love addiction and the...

Ep.19 Parts Work, Brainspotting, and Trauma-Informed Therapy with Hiroko Hsieh 03.03.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I’m joined by Hiroko Hsieh, a trauma-informed therapist who helps people break free from the effects of trauma and life’s challenges. Hiroko shares how she uses approaches like parts work and brainspotting to access the subcortical brain—where past experiences and trauma are stored—to create deep and lasting healing. We dive into the power of curiosity in thera...

Ep.18 (Part 2) From Journalist to Therapist : Sam Louie on Cultural Shame, Identity & Addiction 24.02.2025

In this Part 2 episode, I continue my conversation with Sam Louie, a psychotherapist, motivational speaker, author, and spoken word poet, who shares deeper into his journey in recovery and the power of community such as a support group. He also shares how his faith in God helped him to challenge his thinking especially thru the lens of grace and acceptance towards himself. An episode you don't wan...

Ep.17 (Part 1) From Journalist to Therapist: Sam Louie on Cultural Shame, Identity & Addiction 17.02.2025

In this Part 1 episode, I sit down with Sam Louie, a psychotherapist, motivational speaker, author, and spoken word poet, who shares his journey as a first-generation Chinese American navigating cultural identity, internalized racism, and addiction. Sam opens up about his struggles with pornography addiction, navigating the challenges of divorce, the impact of family dynamics, and the transformati...

Ep.16 Embracing Loneliness and Anxiety: Securing Connection and Identity in Christ 10.02.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I’m sharing a seminar I led at the CRU/EPIC Conference on January 19, 2025. This college ministry conference brought together nearly 1,000 students at the Hyatt in Garden Grove, CA, where I had the privilege of leading a breakout session on Loneliness and Anxiety . With only 45 minutes to present, I covered key insights on navigating these struggles from both a...

Ep.15 My Random Rambling Reflections 03.02.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I change things up a bit by sharing a "lighter" content of my recent reflections on embracing vulnerability, the importance of emotions, and the journey of healing. I talk about how my podcasting journey has helped me relinquish control and find freedom in expressing my feelings. I emphasize the significance of listening to God's voice, being reflective, and co...

Ep.14 My Personal Reflections : Post Interview with Paul Ho 27.01.2025

In this episode, I reflect on my conversation with Paul Ho, diving into the complex realities of healing, trauma, and human trafficking. Together, we discuss the nonlinear journey of healing and the vital role of community support. I also explore God's justice and its profound reach, the importance of recognizing human dignity through the Imago Dei, and how confronting painful truths can lead to l...

Ep.13 The Correlation between Porn and Trafficking with Paul Ho 20.01.2025

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Paul Ho, the team care coordinator for El Pozo de Vida, an anti-human trafficking organization in Mexico. Paul shares his transformative journey from a life impacted by pornography and shame to one dedicated to helping survivors of trafficking. We dive into the importance of community, how triggers can lead to personal growth, and the concept of...

Ep.12 Journeying Thru Porn Addiction : Authenticity from the Pulpit with Pastor Wilson Wang 13.01.2025

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Wilson Wang to have an honest and vulnerable conversation about porn addiction and its impact within the church. Pastor Wilson shares his personal journey, including how childhood "unmet needs" shaped his struggles, and the transformative power of breaking the silence and seeking help. We dive into what it means to create a supportive church community where...

Ep.11 Reflecting on 2024: A Guided Meditation and Spiritual Practice 06.01.2025

Happy New Year! In this episode, I invite you to join me in a time of reflection and meditation on the past year of 2024. If you’ve already done a year-end reflection, feel free to share this episode with a friend. But if this is new for you or something you haven’t gotten to yet, you’re in for a meaningful experience. I’ll guide you through prompts inspired by my spiritual director, Grace Cooper,...

Ep.10 Breaking Free from an Abusive Ex-Spouse with NPD: Jenn Hsu's Testimony 30.12.2024

In this deeply moving episode, Jenn Hsu shares her courageous journey of breaking free from an abusive ex-spouse with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Jenn opens up about the challenges she faced during her first marriage, the difficult decisions she had to make as a single mom, and how she found healing, hope, and freedom through her faith and resilience. Now remarried and leading a divor...

Ep.9 Stillness in the Season : Reflecting on the Saviour's Servant Heart 23.12.2024

In this reflective episode, I invite you to join me in a time of stillness and contemplation during this Advent season. Together, we’ll explore the beauty of Jesus' role as a servant, drawing from insights in John Piper's Advent readings. I'll share how Jesus' coming to serve humanity brings comfort and reassurance, especially in our struggles. What a great reminder that God is Immanuel, always pr...

Ep.8 Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with Roy Kim (CSAT) and a Former Pastor 16.12.2024

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I sit down with Roy Kim, a former pastor turned certified sex addiction therapist, to discuss the crucial work of addressing sex and porn addiction within the church. Roy shares his expertise in leading individual therapy and group sessions for men, including pastors and church leaders, who are battling these hidden struggles. We explore the realities of addict...

Ep.7 Brief Overview of Sex Addiction (CSBD) and the Brain 09.12.2024

In this episode of Faith and Feels , I dive into the complexities of sex addiction, also known as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). I’ll walk you through the diagnostic criteria for CSBD and share how sex addiction impacts the brain—from the role of dopamine in forming addictive patterns to how neural pathways reinforce compulsive behaviors. I’ll also discuss the cycle of addiction, the...

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