Genuine Life with Jodie Stevens

Love, Recovery, and Resilience: A Wife's Story of Confronting and Overcoming Pornography in Marriage (Episode 116) Join us as we delve into the intimate and often muted struggles within marriages, centering on the powerful narrative of Rosie Makinney as she navigates her husband's porn addiction. Join us as we peel back the layers of challenges, resilience, and healing in this captivating story. T...

Navigating Dry January with Coping Strategies and Biblical Insights (Episode 115)  Embark on a transformative journey through Dry January with Genuine Life Recovery, where we explore the intersection of coping strategies, biblical principles, and personal growth. In this episode, we delve into the significance of abstaining from alcohol (and other substances), the importance of finding alternative...

Faith, Recovery, and Purpose-Driven Healing with Shariz Saddique (Episode 114) Delve into the profound significance of uncovering one's God-given purpose. In this enlightening podcast, I am joined by Shariz Saddique—an accomplished author, speaker, and the visionary founder of Christian Business Harvest, dedicated to helping individuals tap into their God-given capacities. Together, we navigate th...

Between Hope and Reality: The Complex Road to Curing Addiction (Episode 113) In this captivating podcast, I'm joined by my husband Aaron as we explore addiction and recovery through our combined 39 years of sobriety. With a focus on the elusive concept of a cure for addiction, the episode navigates through scientific, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Can addiction truly be cured? We share...

Navigating Trauma and Recovery: A Personal Journey of Healing with Dr. Mark McNear (Episode 112) In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, we welcome you to a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing with Dr. Mark McNear . As a licensed clinical social worker and author of "Finding My Words: A Ruthless Commitment to Healing Gently after Trauma," Dr. McNear shares his personal journey o...

Shattered Masks: Finding True Self in the Midst of Addiction and Codependency (Episode 111) Embark on a transformative journey with me as I delve into the intricate layers of identity in this episode. Navigating through the challenges of addiction and codependency, we explore the profound concept of self-discovery. Drawing wisdom from "The Gift of Being Yourself" by David Banner, we uncover the tr...

Pathways to Healing: Unveiling Celebrate Recovery (Episode 110) I'm joined by my lifelong friend Lisa Weiss Williams as we discuss Celebrate Recovery and its impact on Lisa's life. Join us as we pull back the curtains on our own experiences, sharing raw moments of transformation. From the wild landscapes of Alaska to the heart of our own recoveries, we're diving into the power of programs like Cel...

My Husband's Journey Through Addiction, Recovery, and Personal Growth: A Story of Surrender and Self-Discovery (Episode 109) My husband's life journey encompassed a battle with alcohol addiction, prompting severe health complications and a quest for sustained sobriety. Facing immense health issues at 325 pounds in his early thirties, he encountered numerous hurdles and began his journey to sobriet...

Victim to Victorious-Escaping Violence, Learning Self-Defense (Episode 108) Robin Padilla with Damsel in Defense shares her story of surviving domestic violence as a child and escaping an abusive marriage. Learn the impact of childhood trauma in adulthood; character traits of someone capable of domestic violence; the cycle of abuse; mental vs physical self-defense, and what perpetrators look for i...

What is Acceptance in Recovery and How do we Do it? (Episode 107) In this episode we are talking about acceptance. What does it mean to practice acceptance? What are we actually supposed to accept and why? And... why is acceptance so important in the recovery process? Learn four huge components of acceptance: 1. Asking for help 2. Forgiveness 3. Living with things we can’t change 4. Surrendering t...

Rahab, Rediscovering the God who Saves Me (Episode 106) Rahab was a prostitute who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. No matter how far you have fallen, God can redeem, restore, and transform your life. In this episode I'm joined by Shadia Hrichi  who is a bible teacher, speaker, and author of the new study Rahab, Rediscovering the God who Saves Me. In this episode we compare our own stories...

Why Meaning and Purpose is the Root of Life & Recovery (Episode 105) We are in a massive mental health crisis in America, and facing an even worse addiction and opioid epidemic. In addition to being addicted, so many others are drifting through life sad, depressed, hopeless and lacking meaning and purpose in their lives. In this episode we dive into why, and how discovering our higher calling...

Shame, Addiction, and Deceit to Radiant Redemption with Tanya Jurecki (Episode 104) Tanya was not only lost in her addiction, she was living a life of lies and deceit to hide her shame and feelings of inadequacy. In this episode Tanya gets REAL about her past! She shares what it took to get sober and HONEST about her life and recovery. Tanya also reveals the family dynamics that led to her addicti...

Forgiveness vs Reconciliation in the Recovery Process (Episode 103) It is said in the rooms of recovery that resentment is the number one killer. Forgiveness is imperative in the recovery process and it is also instrumental in good mental health. However, many people struggle to forgive because they think it means they have to open the door to that person and risk being hurt all over again. In thi...

DEA Veteran Talks Fentanyl, Education, and Prevention (Episode 102) In the last several years fentanyl has killed more individuals than guns and auto accident alone. Last year the DEA seized enough fentanyl to kill every American. In this powerful episode Rocky Herron shares insight gained from 31 years of experience as a DEA Special Agent investigating drug trafficking at the local, national, and...

Addiction, Pain, and Performance with former NFL Star Randy Grimes (Episode 101) Former NFL star Randy Grimes shares his story of drug addiction that started during his NFL career due to injuries and the pressure to perform through pain. He shares about the downward spiral of addiction and playing nationally televised games in a blackout. Randy shares what finally led him into recovery literally c...

Intersection Between God, Science, and Addiction with Michael Cossette (Episode 100) Is there a moral cause for addiction? Is addiction a disease? Can it be both? In this episode I'm joined by Michael Cossette who is a retired pharmaceutical chemist, author, scientist, and recovery advocate. We discuss God, science, and addiction and how they all fit together, or not. Michael shares his story of r...

Victim to Victorious with Teresa Nickel (Episode 99) Turning to drugs and alcohol for comfort is a common and understandable response to childhood trauma. One of the reasons this is so common is that trauma victims are ‘taught’ through abuse and neglect that they are powerless over their circumstances and the trajectory of their lives. In this episode, author and speaker Teresa Nickell shares the...

How to Overcome Porn & Sex Addiction with Timothy Reigle (Episode 98) Porn and sex addiction nearly cost Timothy everything including his family. Thanks to God's amazing grace and hard work, Timothy was able to overcome his addiction, turn his life around, and now he is helping men all over the world do the same. In this episode Timothy shares what his life was like during the darkest point of his...

Sobriety is more than just getting rid of the substance or life controlling habit. Thriving is our ultimate goal! In this moving episode, Jason Lennox shares his 'recovery to thriving' journey. Jason is an addiction survivor who found his own recovery after a drug overdose in 2010. He is now a behavioral healthcare executive; founder and owner of two small businesses supporting organizations and i...

How to Stop Feeling Powerless Over Addiction, Sin, and Life Controlling Habits (Episode 96) Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to give up your addiction or life controlling habit? I have been there too. In this episode I will share how God freed me from my addiction to drugs and alcohol; and how I was able to work through the underlying issues of anger, anxiety...

Out of Darkness-Overcoming Porn Addiction with Caleb Harris (Episode 95) The secrecy of porn addiction keeps many people trapped in shame, secrecy, darkness, and pain. In this episode author, speaker, coach, and porn addiction overcomer Caleb Harris shares his story of deliverance. "You can't move on from what you don't address" says Caleb. Join us as we explore the similarities in all addictions;...

What Happens in Addiction Recovery Treatment (Episode 94) What happens in an addiction treatment center? If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, you may have asked yourself this question. Having a basic knowledge of what happens in a recovery center and what clinicians should be looking for, can help you determine the best course of treatment for you or your loved one. In this episo...

Can God Forgive me after Having an Abortion with Shadia Hrichi (Episode 93) I am joined by author, speaker and bible teacher Shadia Hrichi who shares her story of teen pregnancy and abortion. She takes us on a journey into the trauma, shame and secrecy that often comes after an abortion and how her life spiraled out of control into drugs, alcohol, and an abusive marriage. She shares how God grabbe...

Overcoming Sexual Abuse and Trauma with Cindy Benezra (Episode 92) What happens when your past comes careening back and you realize your abuser and your protector are one in the same? In this episode Cindy Benezra talks about being sexually abused by her father, how she suppressed it, and how it all came flooding back. Cindy shares about the process of writing through trauma, how she eventually co...