Finding Hope

In this episode, we sit down with Finding Hope leader Candace B. to talk about her journey of discovering Finding Hope through the Bible App, attending a retreat, and eventually leading a Zoom support group for wives. Candace shares the importance of not allowing a loved one’s addiction to define your identity, learning to let go, and releasing what you cannot control to the Creator. She also enco...

What happens when your loved one is still in addiction, but you’re ready to move forward? Their struggle does not have to define your progress, and your healing does not have to wait for their choices to change. In this episode, we talk about recognizing the lies that keep us stuck, surrendering our loved one to God, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to detach with love. We’ll explore what...

If you’ve been to a Finding Hope meeting or listened to this podcast for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something: somehow, almost every topic leads us back to boundaries. But why are boundaries so important? Because healthy boundaries help protect our spiritual, mental, emotional, and financial well-being—and when we don’t have them, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed, exhaust...

What an incredible 2026 Run For Hope! In this episode, we’re celebrating the people, teams, and stories that made this year’s event so meaningful. With 1,501 participants across five markets, 68 teams, participants representing over 15 states, and 160 lives honored, this was about so much more than a race. Listen to hear why this race matters. Donate: GiveFH.com Learn more at: FindingHope.today |...

In this episode, we're unpacking some of the most meaningful phrases we hear at Finding Hope and how they can bring peace, perspective, and healing as you love someone struggling with substance use disorder. Learn more at: FindingHope.today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Finding Hope member Lesli Baker. After marrying her husband, he found sobriety, and Lesli believed he was “fixed.” But when she got COVID and lost her sense of smell, their world shifted, and her husband began drinking again. Searching everywhere for answers and support, Lesli eventually found connection and community through Hope is Alive and Finding Hope. Toda...

Whether you're struggling to forgive yourself, forgive someone who has hurt you, or you're carrying years of guilt, grief, or resentment because of a loved one's addiction, this episode is for you. In this episode, Amy and Darcie unpack what Scripture says about forgiveness, clear up common misconceptions, and remind us that forgiveness isn't excusing the hurt—it's releasing it to God and choosing...

Many of us have done it without realizing it—we've tried to help our loved one by protecting them from consequences, giving money, making excuses, or stepping in to fix problems. But when does helping become enabling? In this episode, we discuss the definition of enabling: doing for others what they can and need to do for themselves. We explore why families enable, how enabling can unintentionally...

In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Danielle, a Finding Hope leader in Colorado Springs, to talk about the devastating impact addiction has had on her life and family. Danielle vulnerably shares how she lost her dad to the disease of addiction, watched other family members struggle, and later faced the heartbreak of her own son battling addiction. Through the pain, Danielle also shares h...

This podcast explores the hidden trauma loved ones experience while caring for someone struggling with addiction. We discuss how PTSD and complex PTSD can develop through ongoing emotional and physical trauma, including overdoses, manipulation, fear, abandonment, and chronic stress. The episode highlights common triggers, long-term impacts on mental and physical health, and the silent battle famil...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Keven Kohs who is celebrating 3 years of sobriety—and this conversation is as real as it gets. With honesty, vulnerability, and incredible courage, he shares his journey through addiction, the breaking points, and the moments that led him towards recovery. This isn’t a polished story. It’s a real story of hope. FindingHope. Today HopeAfterLoss. Today FHRetreat....

Addiction. We’re not talking about the typical roles like mom, dad, or sibling. We’re talking about the roles we adapt in order to survive the chaos, pain, and uncertainty that addiction brings into a family. These roles may help us cope in the moment—but over time, they become unhealthy for both us and our loved one. The good news? Once we can identify these roles, we can begin to break free from...

What happens after your loved one gets sober? In this episode, Darcie joins Amy to talk about the reality families face once sobriety begins. While sobriety is a huge step, it is still normal to feel anxious and worried. We discuss how addiction affects the brain, why healing takes time, and what healthy communication and boundaries look like during recovery. FindingHope. Today HopeAfterLoss. Toda...

On today’s episode, Darcie joins Amy to talk about what self-care truly means—not the version culture promotes, but the kind that sustains your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. We discuss recognizing when your wellness tank is full, half-full, or empty, and practical ways to refill it through boundaries, self-awareness, and healthy habits. FindingHope. Today HopeAfterLoss. Today...

On today’s episode, Darcie is back, and we’re diving into one of our favorite lessons from Finding Hope—Parallel Feelings. After hearing testimony after testimony from people in recovery and from loved ones, we began to notice something surprising: both groups often experience many of the same emotions, but respond to them in very different ways. In this episode, we unpack the parallel feelings an...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Hope is Alive staff member Courtney Davis. Courtney shares her role at Hope is Alive and how addiction has personally impacted her life. Together, we dive into a question many families wrestle with: Is addiction a brain disease, or is it a choice? Courtney walks us through her research on addiction and the brain, helping bring clarity to a topic that is often mi...

As a new year begins, many of us think about fresh starts, goals, or resolutions—but does a new year really bring lasting change? In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Shane Pruitt "A new year doesn't make a new you, if you keep living the way you've always lived. A new you only happens when you let an eternal God take over, and He changes how you live." This is especially true for...

The holidays can be filled with stress, expectations, and triggers—especially when addiction has impacted your family. In this episode, I’m joined by Shane Edwards, one of our incredible Finding Hope leaders from Kansas City, to talk about how we can move from simply surviving the holidays to truly thriving. We’ll cover: Managing expectations to reduce stress and disappointment Setting and respect...

In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down sit down with officer Mark Woodward from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Mark shares his expertise on the latest drug trends and gives insight into the work he does to combat substance use in our communities. But this conversation goes beyond the statistics. Mark opens up about what personally brought him to Finding Hope and w...

In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down with Darcie Stephens to unpack the Serenity Prayer—discovering what’s in our control, what’s not, and how to surrender it all to God. We’ll explore its history, biblical roots, and three key truths: • Serenity to accept what we can’t change • Courage to change what we can • Wisdom to know the difference Whether you’re loving som...

In today’s episode, Amy is joined once again by Darcie Stephens as they share highlights from our Run For Hope event, then dive into the healing practice of journaling. Learn more about upcoming Finding Hope Retreats at FHRetreat.com and Hope After Loss Retreats at HALRetreat.com FindingHope. Today HopeAfterLoss. Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!

In this powerful episode, Amy LaRue is joined again by Darcie Stephens to explore a deeply personal and challenging topic: trust—how it’s broken, how it’s rebuilt, and how it ultimately must be surrendered to God. Together, they unpack what happens when trust is lost in relationships impacted by addiction and the freedom that comes when we let go and surrender. Learn more about upcoming Finding Ho...

In today’s episode, Amy is joined once again by Darcie Stephens for a powerful conversation around phrases often heard in Finding Hope support groups. These simple yet profound statements can challenge our thinking, shift our perspective, and ultimately help us love someone struggling with substance use disorder in a healthier, more hopeful way. Together, Amy and Darcie explore the meaning behind...

In this episode of Finding Hope, Amy LaRue and Darcie Stephens dive into the topic of masking—why we hide our struggles behind smiles, surface-level conversations, and busyness. From overeating to isolation to scrolling social media, masking can look different for everyone, but the root is often the same: fear, shame, and a desire to protect ourselves. Amy and Darcie share personal stories, practi...

Join Amy as she sits down with Eli Stephens to hear his powerful story of growing up with a parent who struggles with substance use. Eli opens up about the challenges he faced, the impact on his life, and the hope he’s found through his own recovery. Resources for Kids with Addictive Parents Sesame Street in Communities - Young Child Material https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/parental-addiction/ N...