UNASHAMED: The FirstLight Ministries Podcast

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In the face of betrayal, triggers can be everywhere. A late arrival, a phone taken into another room, or even an ordinary moment can suddenly transport a wife back into the pain of betrayal; heart racing, thoughts spiraling, and trust shattered. In this episode of UN Ashamed, Jonathan Shilts and FirstLight Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg PLPC explo...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this episode of UN Ashamed, Men’s Director David Noble discusses triggers among men who use pornographic materials. The world is unpredictable and triggers are everywhere, so tune in and discover how men can recontextualize destabilizing experiences to resist temptation. Featuring: Rev. David Noble, and Rev. Jonathan Shilts Produced and hosted by Re...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this episode of UN Ashamed, Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg and Clinical Director Shari unpack the whirlwind of emotions behind betrayal trauma. Together they discuss how past wounds shape perception, why understanding trauma matters for lasting healing, and how to move forward with wisdom and grace. Featuring: Shari Montague, Karen Kallberg, an...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this episode of UN Ashamed, Men’s Director David Noble and Clinical Director Shari explore the complex role trauma can play in sexual sin, compulsive sexual behavior, and sex addiction. Together they discuss how past wounds shape coping patterns, why understanding trauma matters for lasting healing, and how the gospel and wise care can help men and...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! When secret sexual sin comes into the light, everything changes. In this episode of UN Ashamed, Men’s Director David Noble, Clinical Director Shari Montague, and Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg explore what happens when sin is discovered, how poorly handled disclosure can deepen wounds, and how thoughtful, guided disclosure can become the first ste...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! With the slow rise of porn and casual sex, many are asking, "What's the big deal anyway?" In this episode of UN Ashamed, Executive Director Sean Maney and Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg discuss how compulsive sexual sin harms individuals, spouses, and society. Featuring: Rev. Sean Maney, Karen Kallberg, and Rev. Jonathan Shilts Prod...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! The holidays are supposed to bring cheer - but for many people struggling with sexual sin or healing from betrayal, the holiday season can feel very different. In this special episode of UN Ashamed, Men's Director David Noble and Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg discuss how to navigate the emotional challenges of visiting families through the h...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! Men and women who have experienced sex addiction or betrayal trauma often need individualized care to find their path forward. In this episode of UN ASHAMED, Rev. Jonathan Shilts and Clinical Ministry Director LPC CSAT Sharí Montague discuss how FirstLight Ministries uses clinical practices to bring specialized, deep-rooted healing to our participants....

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! There are so many resources to support men battling sex addition - but what about their wives? Spouses of addicted partners often find themselves navigating the pain sexual betrayal alone, caught in a storm of secrecy, shame, and hurt. On this episode of UN ASHAMED, Rev. Jonathan Shilts and Spouse Care Director Karen Kallberg discuss how FirstLight Min...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! Porn and sexual addiction can drive men into isolation, shame and hopelessness. Despite promises, self-shaming, and internet filters, many men can't see a way out... But there is another path forward. In this episode of UN ASHAMED, Rev. Jonathan Shilts and Men's Ministry Director Rev. David Noble discuss how FirstLight Ministries brings heali...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! After over a thousand downloads across six continents, the FirstLight Podcast, now rebranded as UN ASHAMED, is officially back! Join us in Season 2 as FirstLight Ministries' team of directors, comprised of pastors and counselors, lead us in honest conversations about sex, betrayal, and redemption in Christ.  In this episode, Rev. Jonathan Shilts a...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In the season finale of Saints & Sexuality , Rev. Jonathan Shilts and FirstLight Executive Director Sean Maney dive into the pressing need for the church to address secret sexual struggles. They explore how shame, hidden sins, and a lack of discipleship contribute to the issue and share a bold vision for fostering a community where healing is possi...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! Sobriety is only the first step on the journey to healing from sexual addiction. In this episode of Saints & Sexuality , Rev David Noble and Bryce Wilkins explore the deeper work of transformation that leads to a life of freedom and fulfillment. Learn how how life’s challenges - like marriage or holiday seasons - can test even the most well-intenti...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this episode we interview Mike, a longtime participant and leader in FirstLight Ministries. Featuring: Rev. Jonathan Shilts and special participant guest Mike Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe. --- FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses f...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this episode we explore the beginning of a journey that many believe is impossible: the journey from feeling trapped addictive sexual behaviors to living in lifelong freedom. Starting the path to freedom from sexual addiction is difficult for many reasons - from the painful memories of past behaviors to the fear of failing in the future. In today’s...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! People who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors often find their emotions, thoughts, values, and actions to be disconnected from each part - or even at odds. This fragmentation of the self, called disintegration, often accompanies a deep sense of shame, numbness, self-loathing, and tension between the person they see in the mirror and the person t...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! "Do I have a problem?" It’s a question that many people who have struggled to quit porn or other sexual behaviors have asked themselves. In today’s episode, FirstLight counselors Shari Montague (LPC, CSAT) and Matthew Friesen (PLPC) discuss the science and theology of sex and pornography addiction. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, why...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In the premiere episode of Saints & Sexuality, we tackle the widespread issue of compulsive sexual sin within the modern church. Our hosts discuss how pornography and spousal sexual betrayal can infiltrate and harm Christian communities. We’ll explore the hidden struggles many face, the barriers to addressing these issues in the church, and what ho...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality, we sit down with Karen Kallberg, FirstLight Ministries' Spouse Care Director.  Join us in these bonus episodes as we sit down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of heali...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality , we sit down with Sharí Montague, FirstLight Ministries' Clinical Director.  Join us for these bonus episodes as we sit down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of healin...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality , we sit down with Matthew Friesen, a counselor with FirstLight Ministries. Join us as we talk down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of healing and transformation. Whether y...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality, we sit down with Rev. Sean Maney, FirstLight Ministries' Executive Director.  Join us in these bonus episodes as we sit down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of healin...

Have a question for the podcast? Let us know! In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality, we sit down with Rev. David Noble, FirstLight Ministries' Men's Director.  Join us in these bonus episodes as we sit down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of heal...