What We Really Want: Conversations About Connection

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"What do you do when your spouse tells you she wants a divorce and is in love with another man?That was a question Harrison Scott Key never thought he'd have to answer. But it's exactly what happened. Over the course of several years he navigated an excruciating saga of fighting for his marriage and for his sanity. He tells the story in his New York Times bestselling book How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told.In our conversation with Harrison, we talked about what it was like living it, writing about it, and the unexpected impact of book tour promotion about such a personal experience. We talked about family healing, and how his friends and his church helped him find the capacity for forgiveness.It's a rare talent who can take such a heartbreaking story and also make it so funny; but that's exactly what Harrison does - in the book and in our conversation. Harrison is a professor at Savannah College of Art & Design, has written three books, and lives in Savannah with his wife Lauren and their kids. (He's also the drummer in a cover band called The Love Handles.)#harrisonscottkey #howtostaymarried #marriage #infidelity #reconciliation #spiritualhealing #counseling #therapy #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #recovery #connection #conversationHarrison's websiteHarrison's books on AmazonHarrison's TEDx Savannah talk on YouTubeAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow us on your favorite podcast platform, to make sure you don't miss out on a single episode, including... Stacey and I got to visit with HARRISON SCOTT KEY, a college professor, world-renowned speaker, and best-selling author of three books, including How To Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told." It's a humorous and heartbreaking memoir, recounting some of the most excruciating years in the life of Harrison and his wife. It's a beautiful story of a marriage facing adultery and the journey towards healing and redemption. It's a raw, honest, wide-open conversation where we talked about the pain of infidelity and the frightening process of forgiveness. Episode 40 | Harrison Scott Key: Do You Want to Be Married to Me? will be available Tuesday, June 24th!#harrisonscottkey #howtostaymarried #infidelity #forgiveness #redemption #marriageAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"During his years as a church worship pastor, Greg was heavily influenced by today's guest Todd Fields. As a worship leader associated with 7:22, a weekly worship gathering started in 1995 by Louie Giglio at Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta, and as someone who has written and led worship music and produced multiple recordings over the years, Todd is a skilled musician who knows what he's talking about with corporate worship.More importantly, though, Todd knows how critical it is for worship leaders to be spiritually and emotionally healthy; and how often this is not the case. Often seen and valued primarily for their skill and what they can produce, it's common for people in these positions to experience brokenness and burnout.In 2014, Todd and his wife Carrie felt God was calling them to pay closer attention to their own hearts and souls, and this calling birthed a new ministry called Worship Circle. This is a community offering small group and one-on-one connection between worship leaders/pastors and small group leaders; participants receive love, care, and investment in who they are as people, not just for what they can do as musicians. Todd's heart for Worship Circle is so consistent with our heart for Awaken, it was a joy for like-minded (and like-hearted) people to get to have a conversation about this passion. We hope it will encourage you to care for your heart and soul, and to remember that you're loved and not alone!#toddfields #worshipcircle #soulcare #emotionalhealing #spiritualhealing #counseling #therapy #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #recovery #connection #conversationWorship Circle websiteTodd's music (on Spotify) (on Apple Music)Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow us on your favorite podcast platform, to make sure you don't miss out on a single episode, including... One of the most enjoyable conversations we've had yet, with TODD FIELDS. As a former worship pastor, Greg loved connecting with Todd's heart for supporting people who minister in this area and for doing our own healing work. Todd has been a worship leader for decades, and was involved in the early days of 722 with Louie Giglio and Northpoint Community Church with Andy Stanley. In 2014 he founded The Worship Circle, a virtual community helping people in ministry pay attention to the development of their own hearts and souls amidst the stress of public ministry.Episode 39 | Todd Fields: You Are Loved and Not Alone will be available Tuesday, June 10th!#toddfields #worshipcircle #lovedandnotalone #worshipleadersAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"When situations in life activate our emotions, it can be easy to stay on the surface, focusing on what's going on and how we can "fix it." But often, the parts of us being activated aren't above the surface. We have to go deeper. In this episode, Dr. Eddie Capparucci talks about how his Inner Child Model of therapy can give great understanding about how we process difficult and traumatic situations. Eddie is the author of several books, including Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Affects Your Sexual Addiction. Many people in recovery from problematic unwanted or addictive sexual behavior have found that early life experiences affect how they show up in the present. Identifying what type(s) of wounded "inner children" are activated can inform a helpful and compassionate path to healing.Eddie and his wife Teri have a therapy practice in Texas, and have co-authored the book Going Deeper for Betrayed Partners.#eddiecapparucci #abundantlifecounseling #innerchildmodel #innerchildtherapy #goingdeeper #counseling #therapy #childhoodtrauma #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #recovery #connection #conversationEddie's books on AmazonEddie's websiteAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Raising kids in a way that nurtures them and sets them up for a healthy life is SO difficult. Most parents deeply desire to provide for their kids in the best ways they can. But often they feel like they're showing up with a deficit, not having received nurture, care, and attention from their parents to the extent they needed it.Our guest, David Thomas, has been helping parents, kids, and families navigate through these types of life struggles for decades. As co-founder and Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville TN, David is dedicated to providing support, encouragement & compassion to children, adolescents & families in need through counseling.David is also the author of several books, including Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life. He and his partner at Daystar Sissy Goff host the incredibly popular and helpful podcast Raising Boys and Girls, which has helped thousands of parents engage more lovingly and confidently with their kids. David and Sissy have just released a series of children's books, called The Daystar Dogs, which help parents navigate complicated emotions with their kids.#davidthomas #daystarcounselingministries #sissygoff #raisingboysandgirls #daystardogs #counseling #therapy #families #parenting #childhoodtrauma #adolescenttrauma #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #recovery #connection #conversationDaystar Counseling Ministries websiteDavid's books (Amazon)NEW Daystar Dogs children's books (Amazon)Raising Boys and Girls podcastAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow us on your favorite podcast platform, to make sure you don't miss out on a single episode, including... An encouraging and helpful conversation for parents, with DAVID THOMAS, author, therapist, executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries (Nashville TN), and co-host of the wildly popular podcast Raising Boys and Girls.Episode 37 | David Thomas: Recognize, Regulate, and Repair will be available Tuesday, May 13th!#davidthomas #raisingboysandgirls #daystardogs #daystarcounselingministriesAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"What do tacos have to do with making people feel valued, seen, and connected? Our guest Brooks Veazey has answers. As partner and CEO of Ladybird Taco, a Nashville-based restaurant (with locations in Birmingham AL and **soon** in Charlotte NC), Brooks is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that's about more than just good food. Providing true hospitality is in itself a means of offering connection. Brooks, and the rest of the leadership team at Ladybird (including founder Gabe Scott, our guest on Episode 3) have worked since the start to make and maintain a space where people can meet, laugh, cry, connect, and be seen & known.Listening to the passion and purpose that has gone into their commitment to hospitality, there's something we can all learn as we seek to create safe places for the people we know and love.#brooksveazey #gabescott #ladybirdtaco #ladybird #hospitality #henrinouwen #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #recovery #connection #conversationLadybird Taco web siteAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"We've just had a birthday, and we're celebrating by giving you a "Little Extra Helping" of the podcast. Bobby, Stacey and I sat down recently to reflect on this first year of What We Really Want... all the great conversations we've had, things we've heard from our listeners, things we hope for the future, etc. One thing we talked about was how simple the idea for this show really is.Let's just talk. About ways we connect. And by doing that, we're actually connecting and modeling for our listeners what that can look like.We're incredibly grateful for all of you who have been along for the ride this first year. We have more great conversations with wonderful guests in the weeks to come, so please keep listening in. Even better, please support the show by writing  a positive review and giving us 5 stars where you get your podcasts.#Greg Oliver #StaceyOliver #BobbyWest #podcastbirthday #podcastanniversary #celebration #reflection #lookingback #oneyear #recovery #healing #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #sexualaddiction #betrayaltrauma #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"What We Really Want for our first anniversary episode

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"It's our birthday! Help us celebrate ONE YEAR of What We Really Want!Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow us on your favorite podcast platform, to make sure you don't miss out on a single episode, including... Our very special conversation with JOHN ELDREDGE, therapist, creator of the One-Minute Pause app, and author of books like Wild At Heart, Resilient, and his newest, Experience. Jesus. Really.Episode 35 | John Eldredge: What Your Soul is Made For will be available Tuesday, April 15th!#johneldredge #wildatheart #experiencejesusreally #oneminutepauseAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"We've known our guests Chad & Melissa Barrett for over 30 years. From days in Bible college to early church ministry, the Barretts and their families have been special people to us. So it was wonderful to be able to catch up with them and ask them to tell their beautiful story.Chad and Melissa have four children. One of their kids, Kristina, bravely walked through a 4-year journey with cancer before passing away in 2014. During the time of her illness, Chad & Melissa experienced every emotion imaginable. Their story is heartbreaking but also filled with hope. Many times when we hear stories of families walking through the valley of the shadow of death, we think or say, "I could never make it through something like that." We hear Chad and Melissa share how - even in the midst of grief, anger, sadness, depression and anxiety - they experienced deep, close connection with God, their children, and each other.This is our longest conversation to date. Feel free to listen to it in pieces. But, like Chad said during our talk, when sharing through surges of emotion, "Don't edit this out..."#inspiredbykristina #thrivenotjustsurvive #chadbarrett #melissabarrett #kristinabarrett #cancer #community #counseling #recovery #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #gospel #connection #conversationThrive Not Just Survive (Chad's website where you can find his book and podcast)Inspired By Kristina Facebook Group Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow the podcast, to make sure you don't miss out on our conversation with Chad & Melissa Barrett, friends of Greg & Stacey for over 30 years. Chad & Melissa graciously share their heartbreaking but hopeful story of navigating their daughter's 4-year journey with cancer, and how it drew them closer in connection to God, to each other, and to their three other children.Episode 34 | Chad & Melissa Barrett: Don't Edit This Out will be available Tuesday, April 1st!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Our guests this week understand the tough path to be navigated by couples recovering from sexual betrayal. Joanna and Matthew Raabsmith walked through this themselves when, three years into marriage, Matthew confessed his sexual addiction while Joanna was in training to become a therapist.Out of their own healing experience they have created a counseling practice called The Raabsmith Team, located in Memphis TN. Joanna (as a therapist) and Matthew (as a certified coach) and their team work with couples and individuals with a strong emphasis on helping people heal from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma.We talked about how tricky it can be for a healing couple to walk through the minefield of sexual reconnection, and discovering - often for the first time - a healthy, connected sexual relationship. Considering how daunting a task this is, it's important for couples to set reasonable expectations and measurable goals, and to take the "small wins" whenever they come.Joanna and Matthew are the co-authors, along with Dan Drake, of the book Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection That Stands the Test of Time. #raabsmithteam #joannaraabsmith #matthewraabsmith #marriage #couplestherapy #counseling #recovery #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #betrayaltrauma #sexualaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationThe Raabsmith Team main siteThe Honest Connection (free resource)Renewing Us couples retreat infoBuilding True Intimacy on Amazon Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow the podcast, to make sure you don't miss out on our conversation with Joanna & Matthew Raabsmith, counselors, co-founders of counseling practice The Raabsmith Team, and co-authors of Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection That Stands the Test of Time.Episode 33 | Joanna & Matthew Raabsmith: Taking the Small Wins will be available Tuesday, March 18th!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"It can be terrifying to give another person full access to what we're thinking, feeling, believing, and struggling with. That's why almost no one does it. Even at our most vulnerable, most of us still withhold maybe 3% of what we really need to share.This is the foundation of a new company/community launching this week. The Three Percent Co. was founded by Jamie Haigh and today's guest, Blake Roberts. Jamie and Blake are therapists in Nashville who met in the rooms of recovery. They developed a friendship in which they grew to trust each other enough to admit when they were withholding and needed to share "the three percent."The Three Percent Co. is a space for "pursuing holistic masculinity, growing your emotional awareness, and cultivating deeper relationships and an authentic faith." In our conversation we talked about how men can experience the presence of God when we connect with our own bodies and through safe, trusted friendships. #BlakeRoberts #ThreePercentCo #JamieHaigh #friendship #therapy #counseling #recovery #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #sexualaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationThree Percent Co. main siteBlake Roberts therapist siteThe Man the Moment Demands on Amazon (Jason Wilson book Blake referenced) Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Walking through a life where so many things go wrong (often so early), it's no wonder many people struggle to understand what they need or even who they really are. That's why I was so excited to talk with Ian Morgan Cron.Ian is is an author, speaker, psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest. He's also known for popularizing the Enneagram, a personality typing system identifying nine types of people and how they relate to one another and the world. Ian's book The Road Back to You, is considered by many to be THE authoritative primer on understanding the Enneagram.In recovery since 1987, Ian also has a love for and belief in the efficacy of the Twelve Steps. In fact, he's written a book about it. The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between released January 28, 2025.#ianmorgancron #enneagram #theroadbacktoyou #thefix #typologypodcast #twelvesteps #purpose #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationIan Morgan Cron's websiteIan's books on AmazonTypology podcast“Self-Awareness” song by Andy GullahornAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow the podcast, to make sure you don't miss out on our conversation with Blake Roberts, therapist and co-founder of Three Percent Co., a new online community for men designed to help them uncover what gets in the way of being who they want to be and offers the authentic tools needed for tangible growth.Episode 32 | Blake Roberts: It's the Three Percent will be available Tuesday, March 4th!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"People say, "Pain has a purpose." While we all know that's true, statements like that are often pretty unhelpful for the person in pain. Physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual pain takes a toll and can push people to doubt or even walk away from what they once believed.Barnabas Piper is a pastor and author who has walked through a lot of his own pain. From the difficulties of growing up a pastor's kid (and a well-known pastor at that), to unexpected job loss, to an unwanted divorce, there were many experiences that led to cynicism in Barnabas' life. In our conversation, we talked about his story, his pain & trauma, and why it invited him closer to God rather than driving him away. About how good care from loving people was a gift from God to help him heal. And about how our presence in other people's lives - as they walk through pain - can offer them the same gift.Barnabas is an author, speaker, podcast host, and Assistant Pastor at Immanuel Church. He is married to Laura, is the father of three kids, and lives in Nashville TN.#barnabaspiper #immanuelchurchnashville #helpmyunblief #thepastorskid #belong #johnpiper #pain #healing #church #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationBarnabasPiper.comBarnabas' books on AmazonImmanuel Church, Nashville TN Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Go to whatwereallywant.show and follow the podcast, to make sure you don't miss out on our conversation with Barnabas Piper, author of books like The Pastor's Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Belong: Loving Your Church by Reflecting Christ to One Another and pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville.Episode 31 | Barnabas Piper: Why Is This Worth It? will be available Tuesday, February 18th!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Greg & Stacey got to meet and talk with a couple we've wanted to know for a long time... a couple offering hope for men and women harmed by toxic messages.Sheila Wray Gregoire has been a writer and blogger for many years. But in 2021, with the release of The Great Sex Rescue (which she co-authored with Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky), she became an "infamous" name in evangelical Christian circles. The book calls out by name Christian books and authors whose messages contribute to harm within marriages and to individuals.Along with her husband, Dr. Keith Gregoire, Sheila continues to promote the message that God intended men and women to experience incredible sexual intimacy in their marriages, and to provide resources to help people identify and heal from damaging messages they've always heard.Their latest book, The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotional Health, releases March 11, 2025.#sheilawraygregoire #keithgregoire #thegreatsexrescue #themarriageyouwant #baremarriage #sexualintimacy #greatsex #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationSheila's website: Bare MarriageSheila on InstagramSheila & Keith's (and co-authors') books on AmazonVideo Course: The Whole Story: "The Talk" for Parents and KidsAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Follow the show to make sure you don't miss out on our conversation with Sheila Wray Gregoire, host of the Bare Marriage podcast and author of several books including The Great Sex Rescue, and her husband Dr. Keith Gregoire, co-author of The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex, and their upcoming book The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotional Health which releases in March 2025.Episode 30 | Sheila Wray Gregoire & Keith Gregoire: First Do No Harm will be available Tuesday, February 4th!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Walking through a life where so many things go wrong (often so early), it's no wonder many people struggle to understand what they need or even who they really are. That's why I was so excited to talk with Ian Morgan Cron.Ian is is an author, speaker, psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest. He's also known for popularizing the Enneagram, a personality typing system identifying nine types of people and how they relate to one another and the world. Ian's book The Road Back to You, is considered by many to be THE authoritative primer on understanding the Enneagram.In recovery since 1987, Ian also has a love for and belief in the efficacy of the Twelve Steps. In fact, he's written a book about it. The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between releases January 28, 2025.#ianmorgancron #enneagram #theroadbacktoyou #thefix #typologypodcast #twelvesteps #purpose #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationIan Morgan Cron's websiteIan's books on AmazonTypology podcast"Self-Awareness" song by Andy GullahornAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Follow the show to make sure you don't miss out on my conversation with Ian Morgan Cron, host of the Typology podcast and author of The Road Back to You and The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between, releasing January 28th.Episode 29 | Ian Morgan Cron: Desperate for a Fix will be available Tuesday, January 21st!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"For our first episode of 2025, Greg & Stacey talk about the first week of January, in which they have TWO significant anniversaries. The first is their wedding anniversary, but just two days later is the anniversary of Greg's "Fan Day," when his 20+ year-long addiction was exposed.Each year, the first week of January is a chance for Greg & Stacey to reflect on where they are, what healing has looked like, and what they've learned in recovery. We hope as you listen to their 100% unscripted conversation, you'll be encouraged about what can happen when a person (or a couple) surrenders to God's process of healing and recovery.Check out our links below, and PLEASE give us 5-stars and write a positive review wherever you get your podcasts!#Greg Oliver #StaceyOliver #anniversary #anniversaries #fanday #therapy #counseling #recovery #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #sexualaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationRed Therapy Group (practice in Franklin TN, offering Emotionally Focused Therapy marriage intensives)Jenna Riemersma (expert in the Internal Family Systems model referred to in the episode) Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"We're closing out 2024 with a conversation with a long-time friend of mine. David Graves is - among many other interests - a photographer who uses his camera to capture images that connect us with faith. This year he released a book, Alabama Faith: Churches and Stained Glass. It's a collection of over 125 photos from almost 100 churches across the state of Alabama. David's desire for the book is that these pictures would remind people that there is always hope, and that no one is ever beyond redemption.Whether it's reminiscing about on-stage worship leading blunders, growing up in a family where not going to church on Christmas was NOT an option, or needing and receiving grace when life blows up, this was a great time for me to catch up with an old friend. As you prepare to walk into a new year, we hope it will encourage you to look for glimpses of hope wherever you are.#davidgraves #alabamafaith #stainedglass #coffeetablebook #hope #redemption #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationAlabama Faith: Churches and Stained Glass (on Amazon)David's photography websiteDavid on InstragramAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Known as the "Mr. Rogers of personal development," Mike Foster is a best-selling author, speaker, and executive coach empowering people to build strong lives by turning their setbacks into superpowers.Mike is the creator of the Primal Question Framework, host of the highly acclaimed Primal Question podcast (formerly Fun Therapy), and creator of Rescue Academy, a training model for caregivers.In our conversation we talk about curiosity and how it is an essential PRE-step to action. Curiosity helps us understand what we and others are going through, and also helps us determine what healthy actions we want and need to take. We also talk about his most recent passion, helping people identify their Primal Question, the one question that drives everything in life. Mike lives in San Diego. He and his wife Jennifer have two grown children and live with their fluffy dogs.#mikefoster #primalquestion #peopleofthesecondchance #rescueacademy #funtherapy #purpose #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #connection #conversationMike Foster's website (mikefoster.tv)The Seven Primal Questions book (on Amazon)Primal Question free assessment (5-7 minutes to complete)Primal Question podcast (formerly called "Fun Therapy")Rescue Academy (coaching tools for caregivers)People of the Second Chance Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"The best therapists are the ones who have done their own work. That's what I love about my guest Will Mooney. Will has his own story of unwanted sexual behavior, and also of serving in pastoral ministry. After finding his own help and recovery, his life went in a new direction, away from working in the church and into becoming a therapist. Not only A therapist, Will happens to be MY therapist.

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Over the past 25 years in Christian music, few other bands have been as influential or have a sound as instantly recognizable as Tenth Avenue North. They have released multiple records with hope-filled songs for people who live with crippling shame. Tenth Avenue North's "frontman," Mike Donehey, started the band while all the members were in college. For two decades their music was everywhere - on the radio, on people's iPods, and being sung & played in churches all over the world. Then in 2020, growing families and the toll of being on the road led the band to call it quits. As Mike says, they were committed "not to sacrifice family on the altar of our band."After a short time as a solo artist, Mike really missed playing with a band, and in a gift to all of us recently relaunched Tenth Avenue North. The sound is fresh but still familiar, some of the other members are new, but the purpose is the same... as Mike puts it: "I just want to lift peoples' shame, one song at a time."Our conversation chases down a lot of paths - a (literal) back-breaking high school injury that was the catalyst to Mike learning to play guitar, to the early days of the band, to the things he learned in transition, to what provides creative "irritation" for not only songwriting but also writing books. Throughout the conversation, though, what is constant is Mike's thoughtfulness and focus on things that really matter.#mikedonehey #tenthavenuenorth #noshame #thestruggle #thelightmeetsthedark #followers #cathedrals #findinggodslifeformywill #graceinthegray #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw  #connection #conversationTenth Avenue North band websiteMike Donehey artist websiteMike's booksAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"After what we hope was a great Thanksgiving, please enjoy this "Little Extra Helping" of the podcast. While recording the intro to Episode 23 with Carol Sheets, Stacey and I talked for quite a long time. Too long to include it all in the episode itself. But we felt like what we talked about could be helpful for other people, so we're sharing that entire part of our conversation with you now.Don't forget to listen to Carol's episode, "The Gift of Empathy," and get caught up on all our episodes you may have missed.#Greg Oliver #StaceyOliver #marriage #empathy #communication #therapy #counseling #recovery #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #sexualaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"People being introduced to today's wealth of resources for sexual addiction and sexual betrayal trauma recovery owe a lot to our guest. Carol Sheets, also known to her radio, podcast, and YouTube audiences as "Carol the Coach," was among the first therapists to become a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT). For years she has been offering encouragement, advice, and resources not only for recovering sex addicts, but also for their partners recovering from betrayal trauma. In 2019 Carol released Help Her Heal: An Empathy Workbook for Sex Addicts to Help Their Partners Heal. This was a simple, practical guide to help recovering addicts understand the pain their partners experience with sexual betrayal, and to give them tools to develop the needed skill of empathy. Carol also created a model for couple's recovery called ERCEM (Early Recovery Couple's Empathy Model), understanding that for couples who have experienced sexual addiction and betrayal to heal, BOTH partners eventually need to discover empathy for the other's past experiences with trauma. Her 2022 book Help Them Heal: Teaching You Both How to Heal Your Relationship After Sexual Betrayal, helps couples navigate this difficult work and understand that there is hope for couples after sexual betrayal.Some of the "initials" we talked about in the episode include:CSAT - Certified Sexual Addiction TherapistAPSATS - Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma SpecialistsERCEM - Early Recovery Couple's Empathy ModelAVR - Acknowledge, Validate, Reassure (empathetic communication skill)Greg & Stacey had a great conversation where Carol shared how she got started, how she remains committed to learning newer and better ways to help people, and she even took some time to talk through a recent trigger Stacey experienced. We're grateful for the lifetime of work Carol brings to people in recovery, and we believe you will be too.#carolsheets #carolthecoach #helpherheal #helpthemheal #empathy #ercem #apsats #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw  #connection #conversationCarol The Coach's websiteCarol's books (on Amazon)Sexual Addiction: Strength/Hope/Recovery (Carol's podcast) Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Have you ever gotten lost in a conversation, unaware of how much time has passed, or even exactly what you were talking about? That's kind of how I felt talking with my John Lynch. It's easy to get pulled into John's warmth and sincerity, but he's also intense when talking about God's love for his children.John co-wrote a book that changed my life several years ago. The Cure: What if God isn't Who You Think He Is and Neither Are You?  had a radical impact on my life and recovery, and on how I saw God's love and grace. As someone who had spent most of my life trying to earn God's pleasure and approval, the way John and his co-authors described grace was a complete game-changer.We talked not just about The Cure, but about another of John's books, On My Worst Day. It's a memoir of sorts, where John dives deep into his own life, and gives glimpses of what Jesus may have been thinking and saying to him throughout the story. There's something in there for all of us.Whether the thing that has you discouraged is addiction, failure, unrealized dreams, whatever... John's words are a refreshing cup of cold water. I hope this conversation will help you today!#johnlynch #johnlynchspeaks #thecure #truefaced #onmyworstday #gospel #grace #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw  #connection #conversationJohn's speaking website (JohnLynchSpeaks)The Cure (on Amazon)On My Worst Day (on Amazon)Andrew Farley's books (author John references in the conversation) Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"One of the best ways parents can prepare their kids to live healthy, connected lives is to be honest and open with them about important topics. Few topics are more important for parents to bravely engage than teaching their kids about sex. And yet still so many parents are terrified and embarrassed to "go there." Moms and Dads, the time has come to stop using cutesy, slang terms that dance around anatomy and sexuality, and to get real with our kids!Kristen Miele, founder of Sex-Ed Reclaimed, has been educating youth on the topic of sex for over a decade. She's taught in hundreds of diverse settings in multiple countries. She heard Greg & Stacey speak at an online summit and reached out to connect, and we're so glad she did! Her curriculum is simple, honest, straight-forward, and really well-done. Not very long ago, parents who wanted to sexually disciple their kids had a hard time finding good resources to help them. Thankfully, this is not the case anymore. Kristen has developed an incredible tool to help parents de-stigmatize conversations about sex, and to establish themselves as the go-to for good, true sexual information for their kids.#kristenmiele #sexedreclaimed #sexuality #sexed #parenting #gospel #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationSex-Ed Reclaimed websiteSex-Ed Reclaimed on InstagramSex-Ed Reclaimed on FacebookAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"There are times when you know you're hearing/reading/experiencing something very important. That's how I felt as I read through Sam Jolman's book The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality. Men's sexual desire has been attacked, abused, neglected, and misunderstood for as long as it's existed. Men have been stereotyped as uncontrollable lust monsters who cannot control themselves. Purity culture and other harmful messages have made men feel guilty for being sexual creatures and for even having desire. Men today are starved for sexual formation. They've been failed by parents, churches, and culture alike, leading to widespread shame, confusion, and brokenness in the area of sexuality. Sam's book helps men reconnect their God-given sexuality with innocence, awe, and joy, and shows readers how to celebrate - instead of struggle against - the gift of sexual desire.In our conversation with Sam, we talk about how men can reclaim the gift of their sexuality with awe; how men who have misused their sexuality can take healthy ownership of the pain they've caused their partners, and so much more. Your sexuality always lives in a story, and the story God is writing is one that invites us to recover our innocence. #samjolman #thesextalkyounevergot #storyformed #sexuality #masculinity #counseling #coaching #gospel #sexualaddiction #sexaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationSam's websiteSam on FacebookSam on Instagram Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"When I think of Shawn, I sometimes have to remind myself we've never actually met in person. Shawn is the kind of person who's easy to get to know quickly. He is kind & curious, and also open & vulnerable.Shawn has a compelling sexual recovery story. Growing up impacted by family of origin trauma (like so many), Shawn turned to pornography as a comfort and became addicted. Like so many other young men, he experienced an unexpected physical impact - porn-induced erectile dysfunction. (Have you noticed lately how many ED medication ads we're seeing lately marketed for young men?) *Note: If you listen to the podcast with kids around, be aware that we use clear physiological descriptions in the ED part of the conversation. We hope this will offer you an opportunity to engage with your internet-connected kids on the important topic of porn. Through embracing recovery and digging deeper into his own trauma story, Shawn began to experience spiritual, emotional, and physiological healing. Drawing from his own experience, he founded Secret Habit, offering porn recovery coaching from a Christian perspective. More recently, he joined Sathiya Sam's Deep Clean ministry as lead coach.Listening to Shawn's story, we hope you'll hear things that make you feel less alone, and that give you hope that life can be more than what we often settle for. Healthy connection is for everyone. #shawnbonneteau #secrethabit #deepclean #counseling #coaching #gospel #sexualaddiction #sexaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationSecret Habit Christian Recovery CoachingPorn Addiction recovery coaching with Deep CleanShawn on Instagram Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Ashley Chesnut moved to Birmingham with a certain future in mind. Graduate from seminary, then get a job as a professor and/or Old Testament commentary writer. But you know what they say about "the best laid plans..."During her time in seminary, Ashley led a small group at her church, for single women. During that time, some of these women began to share about secret struggles with unwanted sexual behavior: things they'd never been able to share with anyone before. Ashley began to discover both a gifting and a desire to walk alongside these women and support them toward healing and freedom. She has followed up that desire by getting additional degrees and certifications around trauma and counseling. In 2021 Ashley published a book, It's Not Just You: Freeing Women to Talk About Sexual Sin and Fight It Well. We talked about the way many people "send up test balloons" to see if we're going to be safe, and about the privilege and opportunity it is to be trusted with another person's story. We have a great conversation with Ashley about how her path to where she is today, the joy of helping hurting people learn to connect with authenticity, her love for her "second home," Birmingham AL, and a lot more.  Ashley is also the author of Down in the 'Ham (a children's book about Birmingham), and accompanying coloring books.Check out Ashley's author link below, and PLEASE give us 5-stars and write a positive review wherever you get your podcasts!Ashley's books on Amazon#ashleychesnut #itsnotjustyou #downintheham #counseling #therapy #gospel #sexualaddiction #sexaddiction #women #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"What is a sexual betrayal trauma workshop? And why - if you are a woman going through the pain of having been betrayed by your husband/partner - should you consider attending one? In this BONUS episode, Greg & Stacey are joined by Paige and Brittany, two friends who are part of our Awaken community in Birmingham AL, to talk about their experiences in recovery and having attended our workshop.Like we did when we addressed our Roots Retreat Men's Intensive in Episode 6 (with Adam, James, and Jason), we talked about the shared experiences of people who attend these weekend events, and why they can be so helpful in the process of recovery.In this episode, Greg, Stacey, Paige, and Brittany talk about the two primary focuses of the Roots Retreat Women's Workshop: Understanding trauma and  addiction. Trauma is an experience shared in some way by basically everyone, but many of us don't recognize the parts of our life that introduced us to trauma long before we were in relationship with our partner. Women who are sexually betrayed often experience that trauma "stepping on the exposed nerve" of unprocessed trauma they already carried. And coming to understand addiction can help women see that the inexcusable things their husbands/partners did often came from patterns that started long before they were together. All of this new or fuller understanding can help her as she heals and moves forward. If you are a woman struggling in the aftermath of what you've discovered about your partner and are trying to determine what you need to do, and you think the Roots Retreat Women's Workshop may be helpful for you, please reach out to us. We'd love to help you in any way we can!Check out our links below (including the workshop), and PLEASE give us 5-stars and write a positive review wherever you get your podcasts!#betrayaltrauma #trauma #healing #affairs #sexualbetrayal #therapy #counseling #gospel #recovery #sexaddiction #pornaddiction #sexualaddiction #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversationAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Tullian Tchividjian is a name that elicits strong reactions from people, some positive and some negative. As the grandson of Billy Graham, he grew up in a family that was very familiar with public ministry. For years he has been a provocative voice in evangelical Christianity, writing books, preaching sermons, and using social media to promote a consistent and loud message of grace.Then, in 2015, his life blew up. Revelations of an affair, the loss of his pastoral ministry, and a divorce added up to an extreme public humbling. And by Tullian's own admission, he did not handle it well. From a place of hurt, anger, and fear, he lashed out and received widespread criticism and condemnation within the Christian community.At the same time, a few friends who were not willing to throw stones came around Tullian, loved him, spoke grace and truth into his life, and were instrumental in his repentance and healing. In 2019 Tullian returned to pastoral ministry as part of the founding of The Sanctuary, a church in Jupiter FL, where he hosts an annual conference called Fallen & Free.We talked about his story, his fall, the "infamous" Washington Post statement from 2015, his healing & recovery, mixed motives, what recovery communities offer that the church is missing, and how the church could move toward becoming a safer and more gracious place for broken people. Tullian's latest book, a memoir called Carnage and Grace: Confessions of an Adulterous Heart, was released in March 2024.Check out Tullian's links below, and PLEASE give us 5-stars and write a positive review wherever you get your podcasts!Tullian's websiteTullian's books on AmazonFallen & Free conference infoThe Sanctuary (church) website#tullian #tulliantchividjian #carnageandgrace #counseling #therapy #gospel #awaken #awakenrecovery #awakenpodcast #whatwereallywant #wwrw #grace #connection #conversation Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Gordon Bals has a bit of a reputation around Birmingham Alabama. Many people have referred to him as "that counselor who cries with you." I can't think of too many higher compliments a person could receive.Gordon founded Daymark Pastoral Counseling in Birmingham AL, and is on faculty at Beeson Divinity School. In the Fall of 2024, under Gordon's direction, Beeson has launched a new program, a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling. This new program provides a context where Gordon can train men and women to show up with the same empathy and kindness he has modeled for decades with his own clients. We talked about how purposeful presence is more important than sharpening our skills, and about the joy Gordon now has training the next generation of helpful Christian counselors. And we talk about crying a good bit, too.

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Whether you're just discovering the podcast now, or have been listening since the very beginning, this episode is for you! We're giving you a bonus that recaps the first 13 episodes we've released so far. Covering experiences like recovery, honesty, friendship, self-awareness, trust, affirmation, forgiveness, ownership, and interdependence, these first episodes shine a bright light on many ways we can pursue healthy connection.  Here are ways you can connect with our guests...Episode 3 (Andy Gullahorn & Gabe Scott)CBS story on the High FiveAndy's websiteLadybird Taco (Gabe's restaurant)Episode 4 (Phil Herndon)Tin Man Ministries websiteEpisode 5 (Isaac Adams)Iron City Church (Birmingham AL) web siteUnited? We Pray web siteEpisode 7 (Jill Gullahorn)Jill Gullahorn website (counseling site)Jill Phillips website (artist site)Episode 8 (Steve Brown)Steve Brown's books on AmazonKey Life (radio shows, articles, etc.)Episode 10 (Drew Boa)Husband Material Community web siteDrew's personal web siteEpisode 11 (Michael John Cusick)Restoring the Soul websiteSurfing For God book (on Amazon)Episode 12 (Sharon Hersh)Sharon's websiteSharon's books on AmazonEpisode 13 (Nate Larkin)Samson Society websitePirate Monk podcast (with hosts Nate Larkin & Aaron Porter)Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"When people tell stories of early recovery, and talk about special individuals whose help and presence was indispensable, there may be no name that comes up more often than Nate Larkin. Literally thousands of men can say they've sat across from Nate in a coffee shop, hearing his story of sexual brokenness & healing, and taking the risk of sharing theirs for the very first time.Nate is the founder of The Samson Society, a fellowship of Christian men who are serious about authenticity, community, humility & recovery. Like many ministries, organizations, and fellowships (including Awaken), Samson Society came into existence because of the personal history of its founder. For over 20 years Nate has been walking in recovery from sexual addiction. He experienced the life-changing benefits of living in community with trustworthy traveling companions. Nate wrote a book, released in 2007, called Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood. In the years since, that book has provide helpful guiding principles for many people and organizations pursuing addiction recovery.Greg and Nate talk about how authentic community provides safe space for people to learn to live in interdependence, a key experience of healthy connection. Nate and his wife Allie live near Columbia TN.Samson Society websitePirate Monk podcast (with hosts Nate Larkin & Aaron Porter)Samson and the Pirate Monks book on Amazon Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"We're really excited to welcome a guest who has been really helpful and influential in our lives, even though we'd never met before the podcast interview. Sharon Hersh is a therapist and author, whose book The Last Addiction: Why Self-Help is Not Enough was one of the first ones Stacey read when our lives changed in 2009.In addition to being a therapist, author, and college professor, Sharon is also a recovering alcoholic. She has openly shared her story of addiction, recovery, and lessons learned about connection vs. isolation.The conversation we had is NOT just for people with addictions. It's also for those who love people with addictions. It's for people who desire escape from and control over life's painful realities. In other words, it's for all of us.Sharon is the author of several other books and a sought-after speaker. See the links below for her other resources and social media presence.Sharon's websiteSharon's books on AmazonSharon's Facebook pageSharon's Instagram page Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"For men and women seeking recovery from unwanted sexual behavior, few people have been as influential or helpful as Michael John Cusick. Greg, Stacey, and Bobby all share some of our experiences with how Michael's book and podcast have been invaluable in our own path forward. Greg first met Michael in 2014 when he spoke at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL. Michael is a therapist,  author, and Founder/CEO of Restoring the Soul, a counseling practice that provides opportunities for life-changing breakthrough with licensed and experienced therapists. Their holistic approach creates an atmosphere of safety and grace where people can explore their relationships, identity, emotions, and spirituality. In 2012 Michael released the book Surfing For God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggles. It, along with Jay Stringer's book Unwanted, has been extraordinarily powerful in helping people discover what needs they are actually trying to meet when pursuing broken behavior. The book contains a story (that Greg and Michael talk about) that's part of the reason for our podcast's name! Restoring the Soul offers individual and group intensive therapy experiences, as well as a blog, podcast, and other resources. Restoring the Soul website Restoring the Soul podcast Surfing For God book (on Amazon)Training Session at Beeson Divinity School (2014) Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.Anyone who has interacted with Drew Boa knows he's a very special man. Drew loves people, and he has a gift for helping people realize how valuable they are. Some people's encouragement involves empty platitudes. Others give back-door advice disguised as encouragement. People who get to know Drew know he's paying attention - his words are thoughtful and specific.Drew founded Husband Material, a community that helps men outgrow porn and become mature through podcasts, videos, community, courses, and coaching. For men seeking freedom from unhealthy & unwanted sexual behavior, Husband Material provides a safe place to tell your story, ask questions, request prayer, make new friends, learn how to heal, and celebrate progress.When I was talking with Drew about how this episode's focus on connection was going to be encouragement, he told me he prefers to use the terms "affirmation" and "blessing." Before you dismiss this distinction as just semantics, listen and you'll see why the distinction is important. Our words have the power to build or tear down, and carefully chosen words of affirmation and blessing call out the glory of God in each person who is made in his image.**If you're listening to this episode in the first few days after it comes out, Drew is offering a FREE version of his Husband Material Academy course as a one-day workshop on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Click the link below for your free ticket.Husband Material Academy one-day workshop (7/13/24)Husband Material Community web siteDrew's personal web siteAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.I'm really grateful to be able to share this conversation I had recently with my friend Darren. He is an alumnus of the Roots Retreat, and for the past several years has been actively growing in freedom and recovery from sexual addiction.Darren shares very openly and vulnerably about some of the struggles he had that contributed to his life of addiction, and how his initial experience with recovery was half-hearted, primarily seeking to avoid consequence. He talks about his time at the Roots Retreat, and how it was pivotal to him getting in touch with deep wounds that had previously kept him from really seeking help and close, supportive connection. Darren's story has helped many people in his own recovery community where he lives, and we hope it will encourage you to seek out the people who will support you no matter what you're walking through.Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.Greg & Bobby have a conversation with one of their spiritual heroes. Steve Brown has been a pastor, a seminary professor, an author, and a radio host, among other things. Other than his rich, deep, booming voice, probably the best known thing about Steve is his steadfast commitment to preaching about grace, freedom, and the fact that "God is not mad at you."When many pastors and teachers are hesitant to preach "too much grace," Steve offers a refreshing take on how freeing it can be to really understand that for Christians, the shackles of righteousness by works have really been taken off. Living in the kind of grace and freedom Steve describes - while it risks abuse - also offers the opportunity to see the heart of God and to be drawn to it.Steve is such an encouraging person, and he talks about how so many of us lack sufficient encouragement in our lives. Words of life from people who know us...ALL of us, can invite us to stronger connection with others, with ourselves, and with God.Steve Brown's books on AmazonKey Life (radio shows, articles, etc.)Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.Stacey and Greg sat down with Jill Gullahorn at her dining room table to talk about life, pain, support, walking with others, and doing our own work. Jill knows a lot about all of these. She's a wife, mother of three, and therapist who has discovered the value of committing to a process of becoming a healthier person living in true authenticity and connection.Many people will also know Jill by her performing (and maiden) name, Jill Phillips. She has been recording and releasing incredible music since 1999. Be sure to check out her music using the links below. After begin involved in her own counseling, Jill decided to go back to school and become a counselor herself. She has also received extensive training in the Enneagram, which is an ancient approach to helping people understand their own particular way of relating to themselves and the world around them.Jill's work with clients includes walking with many women who have experienced sexual betrayal trauma, and she provides a safe place for them to experience discovery and healing. Jill Gullahorn website (counseling site)Jill Phillips website (artist site) Jill Phillips music on SpotifyJill Phillips music on Apple MusicEnneagram Journey podcast with Suzanne StabileTypology podcast with Ian CronAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.What is a recovery intensive? How is it different from weekly therapy or extended inpatient treatment? How could it help my recovery process? All of these are extremely good and important questions, and in this BONUS episode of What We Really Want, Greg enlists the help of three great friends and therapists who consistently staff the Roots Retreat Men's Recovery Intensive from Awaken.Adam Calvert, James Horne, and Jason McNaughton are all counselors who are specifically and extensively trained to work with clients around areas of trauma and addiction. They all have been part of staffing and developing the Roots Retreat since its inception in 2016. In this episode, Adam, James, Jason and Greg talk about why recovery intensives are so valuable, how their impact is different that that of ongoing individual therapy (and also complimentary of it), and why people seeking recovery from unwanted behaviors might want to consider attending.If you are a man who struggles with unwanted or addictive sexual behavior, and you think the Roots Retreat - or an intensive like it - might be right for you, please reach out to us with any questions. We'd love to help you find the right resources to support your recovery!Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Send us a Text Message.This episode is a real treat for Greg & Stacey, because our guest is also our pastor. Isaac Adams is the Lead Pastor at Iron City Church in Birmingham AL; additionally he is an author and founder of a non-profit organization called "United? We Pray," which encourages and equips Christians to pursue racial reconciliation.Isaac talks about his upbringing in Washington D.C., his journey to faith, and the difficult decision - as a Black man - to move to Birmingham (and all its painful history) to pastor his first church. The conversation covers a multitude of topics, eventually settling into a great discussion on the creative lies of our enemy, how hard it is to confess struggles within the church, and why it's so important we learn to do so. Christ is the vine and we are the branches, and as Isaac says in our conversation, "Honesty is the oxygen that makes the branches of the vine grow."Iron City Church (Birmingham AL) web siteUnited? We Pray web siteIsaac Adams' books on AmazonAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Feelings would be great if they didn't make us feel so many things. Sometimes it seems like they are a nuisance, other times like they're just too much to bear. But what if we changed our relationship with our feelings and started to believe they were the megaphone telling us what our heart is experiencing and desires to experience?  In this episode, Phil Herndon (counselor and Clinical Director at Tin Man Ministries) talks about how beautiful and valuable our feelings are, and how getting to know them is critical to living a healthy, connected life. Opening ourselves up to the full range of our feelings allows us to walk through life knowing that at the end, as we "walk off the field with our uniform dirty," we'll be able to know we really lived.(Audio Note: You may notice an echo in the audio throughout; sorry about that. It happened on the original recording and we didn't notice it until after we finished. We did our best to eliminate as much of the echo as possible.) Tin Man Ministries websiteAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Talking with Andy Gullahorn & Gabe Scott can be many things, but it is never boring. With dry humor and refreshing honesty, these great friends share how they've committed to intentional connection in their 20+ year friendship.  Both Andy and Gabe are music industry veterans. Andy is well known in Nashville and beyond as one of the most thought-provoking and clever songwriters around. Both Andy and Gabe are part of Andrew Peterson's annual Behold the Lamb of God tour in the Christmas season. In recent years Gabe has added restauranteur to his resume, as founder of Ladybird Taco (with locations in Nashville and Birmingham AL). Since meeting in 2000, and alongside many life changes, their friendship has been a constant. Listening to how these friends have stayed connected, and how that connection helped keep Gabe tethered to hope during one of the hardest experiences of his life, is encouraging and inspiring.  One longtime intentional part of Andy and Gabe's friendship is a weekly walking journey they take from their homes to give each other a high-five. April 30, 2024 marks the TEN YEAR anniversary of the high five. We talk about that, and much more, in this great conversation. CBS story on the High Five Andy's website Ladybird Taco (Gabe's restaurant)Awaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)