The Living Truth Podcast - Freedom From Unwanted Sexual Behavior, Hope & Healing For the Betrayed

Your words shape your world. In this episode, Steve Backlund unpacks why renewing your mind and speaking truth over yourself is the key to breaking cycles of defeat. We talk about choosing joy in tough seasons, pushing past the awkwardness of declarations, and replacing lies with God’s truth. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hopeless, this conversation will help you move forward with faith, joy, and f...

What does it really mean to be a “healthy sinner?” In this eye-opening interview, counselor and author Leslie Vernick helps us unpack the difference between normal struggles and destructive patterns of abuse. Through powerful stories—including a surprising moment in a dressing room and her unforgettable “termites in the basement” analogy—Leslie gives us a fresh perspective on what health and unhea...

If you’re facing divorce after betrayal—especially from a partner who refuses to change—this conversation is for you.   In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kim Hansen Petroni, an APSATS coach who specializes in high-conflict divorce. Kim brings not only professional expertise but also lived experience to this tender and complex topic. As the founder of Not a Casserole Widow®, she equips women...

Most men never received a healthy, honest conversation about sexuality. Instead, we were handed silence, shame, or surface-level advice. In this powerful conversation, therapist and author Sam Jolman unpacks the deeper story behind male sexuality—and why reclaiming it requires more than just behavior management.   Whether you're walking through recovery, mentoring other men, or asking hard questio...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly be free from problematic sexual behavior? Have you been trying to stop for years, only to go back to it again and again, feeling more shame and discouragement and wondering why you can’t stop? In this podcast, Michael shares the “5 Keys to Freedom” answering these questions and providing you with a proven method to achieve lasting freedom. Info mention...

When your world falls apart after discovering sexual betrayal, how do you even begin to put the pieces back together?   In this powerful episode, Kristin Cary is joined by trauma-informed coach and Women in the Battle® facilitator Isabel Williams, who shares her deeply personal journey from devastation to post-traumatic growth. Izzy opens up about her initial resistance to group support, the chaos...

In this powerful episode, Michael sits down with Alan Fadling, author of An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest. Alan reveals how a hurried life not only drains our energy but fuels the compulsions and false comforts that drive addiction. Together, Michael and Alan unpack how hurry acts as self-avoidance—and how slowing down to the pace of Jesus leads to healing, clarity, and...

Life as we know it is shattered when sexual betrayal is exposed in our primary relationship. The pain is profound—for both the betrayed and the one struggling with unwanted sexual behavior. Nothing remains the same, and the aftermath brings intense emotional and spiritual turmoil that calls for compassionate, trauma-informed care.   Kristin continues the conversation with Molly LaCroix on how our...

We are born with innate qualities that reflect the image of God. As an adaptive response to adversity, we develop protective parts that block true connection with God, ourselves, and others. These protective parts can show up through perfectionism, blame, judgment, and other constrained attitudes and actions. Though we may not like them, these parts of us need our loving awareness and attunement....

Recovering from sexual betrayal can indeed be a messy and complicated journey, filled with emotional ups and downs, but it's incredibly reassuring to know that there's a proven path forward. Understanding this process is crucial for everyone involved, whether you're a couple in recovery, someone helping others through this difficult time, or if you're single or divorced and dealing with the afterm...

There is hope for your marriage after betrayal! In this episode, Kristin continues her interview with Stacey Smith, the Chief Clinical Officer of Daring Ventures. After sexual secrets are revealed, there must be a period of repair and amends where the betrayed partner's need for safety is the relational priority. But with humility, hard work, and deepening attunement over time, we can learn to bui...

There is hope for your marriage after betrayal! In this episode Kristin interviews Stacey Smith, the Chief Clinical Officer of Daring Ventures. After sexual secrets are revealed, there must be a period of repair and amends where the betrayed partner's need for safety is the relational priority. But with humility, hard work, and deepening attunement over time, we can learn to build a new relationsh...

Resentment is a major factor in the root cause of relapse of any addictive behavior. It's almost always relationally driven and can be quite elusive. What are the ingredients and framework of resentment? Why do we tend to harbor it, and what can be done about it? Listen in as Michael discusses this incredibly important topic with author and coach Matthew Raabsmith. Matthew is a Professional Certif...

In this episode, Kristin interviews Dr Debi Silber, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute. Dr. Debi shares her 3 groundbreaking discoveries about the impact of betrayal and the 5 crucial stages of recovery post betrayal. If you continue to struggle despite your betrayal experiences occurring years ago, you may be stuck in stage 3, with mindsets that steal your joy and rob you of yo...

In this two part series, Michael interviews Dr. Eddie Capparucci on his revolutionary 6 Steps to Successfully Manage Emotional Triggers. Listen in to understand more about Eddie's Inner Child Model for treating sexual addiction, what exactly are emotional triggers and how they affect you today, how to tell when you are triggered, and what to do about it. The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations tha...

In this two part series, Michael interviews Dr. Eddie Capparucci on his revolutionary 6 Steps to Successfully Manage Emotional Triggers. Listen in to understand more about Eddie's Inner Child Model for treating sexual addiction, what exactly are emotional triggers and how they affect you today, how to tell when you are triggered, and what to do about it. The Living Truth Podcast; Conversations tha...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly be free from problematic sexual behavior? Have you been trying to stop for years, only to go back to it again and again, feeling more shame and discouragement and wondering why you can’t stop? In this podcast, Michael shares the “5 Keys to Freedom” answering these questions and providing you with a proven method to achieve lasting freedom. Info mention...

The long term complex stress associated with recovering from sexual betrayal or unwanted sexual behavior makes it very difficult to stay present. When the war is on between our God given threat and attachment instincts, our body, mind and spirit are often in chaotic upheaval. The part of our brain responsible for impulse control and logic goes offline. We lose our truest selves and it can sometime...

The long term complex stress associated with recovering from sexual betrayal or unwanted sexual behavior makes it very difficult to stay present. When the war is on between our God given threat and attachment instincts, our body, mind and spirit are often in chaotic upheaval. The part of our brain responsible for impulse control and logic goes offline. We lose our truest selves and it can sometime...

Unwanted sexual behavior and betrayal always deeply impact a couple's sexual relationship. Kristin interviews Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith, a married therapist/coach duo whose experience through their personal recovery journey only enhances their professional ability to walk couples through the process of healing with empathy & hard won wisdom. In this two part series we unpack the essential...

Unwanted sexual behavior and betrayal always deeply impact a couple's sexual relationship. Kristin interviews Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith, a married therapist/coach duo whose experience through their personal recovery journey only enhances their professional ability to walk couples through the process of healing with empathy & hard won wisdom. In this two part series we unpack the essential...

Michael & Kristin reveal the attitudes and behaviors of emotional regression that create cycles of disconnection in marriage. Taking personal responsibility to continue the process of growing in individual maturity & healing our trauma is key. Michael & Kristin share their recent marriage breakthroughs, offering hope for you to pursue joy, connection, and union with God together so tha...

Marriage can provide an opportunity for our greatest healing. In this episode, Michael & Kristin offer a peak into their marriage and hearts, offering hope that the hard work of marriage is worth it. The Living Truth Podcast: Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues beneath porn addiction, sex addiction, & the devastation of sexual betrayal.  EFT Therapist search (Emotionally Foc...

When a person misuses their spiritual authority or Scripture to manipulate or control us, the results are devastating. Rather than inspiring a loving and freedom-generating connection with God, these relationships can cause us tremendous confusion, shame, and fear. ICF certified coach Jill Monaco shares her personal and professional experience about learning to recognize spiritual abuse and how to...

After sexual secrets are exposed in a family, the “most wonderful time of the year” can feel like a nightmare.  But there is hope. In this episode, Kristin interviews Coach Andrea Rogers who shares from her early betrayal trauma and holiday experiences. Hearing how Andrea honored her limits and advocated for herself and her kids through the crisis in her family will inspire you.  Through financial...