Reclaimed & Unashamed podcast

38:26

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. At 66, Clay Brown's story is a testament to the power of faith and community in overcoming life's toughest battles. From a childhood marked by early exposure to alcohol, drugs, and pornography, to a tumultuous period in the Marine Corps, Clay's journey has been anything but easy. In our latest episode, Clay opens up about his struggles with addiction, particularly to alcohol and sexual sin, and how he found redemption and a renewed sense of purpose through the Reclaimed community. Discover how his life transformed through unwavering perseverance and grace. This episode is a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation at any stage of life. Clay's journey didn't stop at overcoming addiction; he pursued higher education at 58, defying societal norms and personal insecurities. With a double major in mathematics and physics, and a minor in biblical languages, Clay's story is a beacon of hope for anyone seeking change. His message is clear: Never give up, no matter how many times you stumble, and believe in the boundless grace of God. Let Clay's journey inspire you to seek help, embrace community, and believe in your potential for growth and redemption. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Why Men Struggle to Love: How Childhood Experiences Shape Struggles with Intimacy (With Dr. Eddie Capparucci) 46:56

42 weeks ago46:56

46:56

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In this episode with Dr. Eddie Capparucci, we discuss how men can unlock deeper emotional connections by reconnecting with their childhood experiences. Dr. Eddie Capparucci is the author of several books on healing from sex and pornography addiction, including Going Deeper and Why Men Struggle to Love. As you listen, you will gain insights into how emotional underdevelopment during childhood fosters a fear of emotions and creates a reliance on unwanted behaviors like pornography. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of how emotional disconnection operates in a cyclical pattern, often exacerbating addiction and deteriorating relationships. So often, pornography cultivates the harmful practice of viewing partners primarily through a lens of physical satisfaction, thereby missing out on genuine emotional bonding. But even small gains in emotional intelligence can dramatically transform one's life and relationships. Whether you're dealing with addiction or seeking to deepen your emotional connections, this episode offers the wisdom and tools to embark on a transformative path. Here is a link that will take you to Dr. Eddie's work where you can learn more about his book, Why Men Struggle to Love , and the other resources he has to offer: www.innerchild-sexaddiction.com If you're ready to dive even deeper into your healing journey with Reclaimed, consider joining our app for men who are 18+ where you can get connected to our transformational 10-week program. Through this experience, you will receive one-on-one coaching, thoughtful exercises, video courses, and increased visibility through new accountability relationships with like-minded men. Plus, you'll receive practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence and greater intimacy. Reach out to us at freedom@reclaimedrecovery.com or join the app today. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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AI and the Future of Intimacy: The Struggle for Authentic Connection in a Digital World (With Dustin Freeman) 38:44

46 weeks ago38:44

38:44

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Imagine a future where artificial intelligence is aimed at our deepest connections and desires. This is the potentially unsettling reality that Dustin Freeman and I wrestle with in this episode centered around AI and its impact on intimacy and sexuality. As technology seeps further into our lives, we confront the jarring reality that AI's role in intimacy could lead to a seismic shift in how we perceive human interaction—possibly sidelining the enriching complexities of real relationships for the convenience of simulated companionship. As I sit down with Dustin, the pastor of a growing church and a father of five boys, we peel back the layers of how artificial relationships actually pale in comparison to the messy but beautiful tapestry of genuine human bonds. The fear that we're inching towards a world where emotional growth with real people is just an option looms over us. It's a poignant reminder that while AI can attempt to mirror the nuances of human intimacy, it lacks the transformative power of shared experiences that shape our character and resilience. Last, our discussion takes us to the evolution of pornography aided by AI—an area of concern where synthetic experiences could eclipse the need for authentic intimacy and sexual interactions with a real person. This scenario isn't just speculation; it's a genuine possibility that demands a response. We advocate for a life where technology should be approached very cautiously when it comes to aiding in our relationships. While we believe AI could serve some useful purposes in the relationship realm, such as an occasional tool for receiving feedback about ourselves, we also believe it is dangerous to see AI as a source of intimacy in and of itself, let alone a tool that can be leveraged to help improve our relationships. Our heartfelt message is one of empowerment, encouraging men to cultivate relational fortitude in the face of seductive digital advances, championing a future where meaningful human touch remains irreplaceable. Music credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/some-kind-of-feelin License code: QVDADXXPNNVQMPKV Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Fear Unmasked: Decoding the Relationship Between Rejection and Unwanted Behaviors (With Allan Stanford) 34:40

1 year ago34:40

34:40

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Are you hungry for a deeper exploration of your story when it comes to overcoming shame and pornography addiction? With our returning guest, Allan Standford, we examine how pornography use is actually a misguided strategy for working out our struggles and life stories. The episode drives even deeper into the dark corridors of fear- the fear of rejection, and its intertwined relationship with unwanted sexual behaviors. We dissect this fear, tracing its origin to the unsettling lack of control in vulnerable, loving relationships. As we tread these murky waters, we also expose the exploitative and coercive face of the pornography industry. We urge you to delve into your personal biases and understand the root of your motivations, a critical step towards initiating positive changes. Further, we explore how pornography sometimes serves as a 'window looking out from your inner turmoil and a desperate longing for love." Join us, as we wrestle with these challenging topics in our quest to understand and overcome. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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The Unseen Influence: How Culture Shapes Our Views on Sexuality (With Jonathan Storment) 23:42

1 year ago23:42

23:42

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. What if I told you that the way you understand sex and sexuality is influenced more by culture than you realize? In this episode, we venture through the history of Christian sexual ethics with our guest, Jonathan Storment, who talks about how the perception and treatment of women, sex, and children have evolved over the years. Jonathan illuminates why this understanding is pivotal to our modern culture, and highlights the struggle men face with pornography, despite its known detriments. Commercial sexualization is also an important topic that has an impact on our lives. Later in the episode, we dissect how this phenomenon has obstructed our ability to celebrate Jesus with our bodies and has eroded the sanctity of human connection. We also reflect on the allure of secular perspectives on sex and how the divine encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman offers a fresh, sacred outlook on sex and sexuality. Tune in to this episode for a riveting exploration of Christian sexual ethics in the contemporary world. Here's a link to a highly recommended book by Louis Perry called "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution" which gives an accurate depiction of what pornography and hook-up culture has been doing to our society: https://a.co/d/4JQAyce (Warning: the book does contain dark and explicit content which the author uses to make key points, so it is not advisable for children). Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Andrew's Redemption: How Andrew Rekindled the Flame of His Marriage After Years of Unwanted Porn Use 21:35

2 years ago21:35

21:35

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Have you ever grappled with the claws of addiction and found yourself at the point of giving up? In this moving conversation with Andrew, we unravel his journey of battling with porn, his search for acceptance, and eventually reclaiming his identity. Andrew bares his soul about his struggle with pornography and how it began from a place of low self-esteem and marital dissatisfaction. He walks us through his recovery with the Reclaimed 10-week journey for men, and he shares how the personalized coaching he received helped him understand his triggers and coax out his inner child. In this episode, Andrew also speaks of the strain of parenthood and the slow drift apart from his wife he experienced years into their marriage. From the ashes of this troubled relationship emerges a tale of patience, grace, prayer, and ultimately, a rekindling. Andrew's story is a testament to the power of love, the strength of God's healing, and the beauty of forgiveness. Finally, we delve into Andrew's journey of finding purpose and support in his recovery. Andrew speaks of his career in sales and how his new perspective has informed his professional life. We discuss the power of community and the role it played in helping him reclaim his identity, free of pornography. The episode concludes with an introduction to the Reclaimed 10-Week Journey, a program offering personalized coaching, group calls, and weekly videos to guide you toward a porn-free life. Visit https://reclaimedrecovery.com to find out more, and join us for this compelling tale of transformation, self-love, and acceptance. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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From Attachment Wounds to Freedom: Overcoming Pornography Addiction (With Allan Stanford) 30:05

2 years ago30:05

30:05

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Imagine a world where you're confident in yourself, free from the shackles of shame and guilt associated with unwanted pornography use. A world where understanding your attachments can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Join me, Kolton Thomas, as I sit down with one of my mentors, Allan Stanford, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. As we journey together, we explore Allan's unique insights on the shame surrounding pornography use, the power of understanding attachment styles, and the transformational strategies to rewire the brain. Let's face it, we all have some form of attachment wounding that pushes us towards fantasies of being accepted without expectations. As we brave this conversation, my mentor Allan unveils the hidden complexities of unhealthy attachments and their profound impact on our relationships. We talk about the dance of qualifying for attachment, the prevalence of humiliation in certain pornography genres, and the stark reality of how these wounds can lead to compulsive behaviors. The beauty of this discussion is not just in its raw honesty, but in its ability to spark self-awareness and drive change. As we venture further into the labyrinth of our attachment wounds, we discuss the allure of darker fantasies, why pornography can be a tempting crutch during the healing journey, and the possibility of using fantasies as exposure therapy. But, don't fret! This journey isn't all gloom and doom. We conclude by shedding light on hope, healing, and overcoming pornography addiction. With courage, accountability, prayer, and spiritual guidance, fear can be replaced with healing. Join us for this enlightening conversation and let's rewrite your narrative together. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Theology of the Body: Rediscovering Dignity in the Face of Sexual Depravity (With Jonathan Storment) 29:36

2 years ago29:36

29:36

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey as we welcome an accomplished speaker, church leader, and scholar, Jonathan Stormant, to shed light on the profound teachings of Pope John Paul II's work titled Theology of the Body . Transformed himself by these writings, Jonathan dissects the complex intersection of faith, culture, and sexuality, emphasizing the divine origins of our deepest romantic impulses and the inherent goodness of our bodies. As we journey through the narrative of Adam and Eve, we discover how embracing our God-given dignity can lead us to the path of fulfillment and resilience against the sexual depravity prevalent in our culture. Our exploration doesn't stop there. Steering the conversation towards the damaging aftermath of so-called 'sexual liberation,' we scrutinize the empty promises of pornography. Recall the allure that Christian sexual ethics held during the first century, and question why it is now often overlooked. Jonathan guides us through the idea of 'chasing the sunbeam back to the sun', a metaphor for our relentless pursuit of God in all things, including our sexuality. This episode is not just about challenging norms, but about redefining our understanding of sexuality, faith, and culture. This isn't your typical theological discussion; it's a call to reevaluate and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling vision of sex, love, and marriage. If you're interested in showing some support to Jonathan, consider listening to his podcast Bonafide about important faith conversations and share it with some friends. Also, be sure to leave his podcast a review. The podcast is out on all platforms, here are a couple of links: Listen to Bonafide with Jonathan Storment on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F759TMGHjiadroK8CxNGN?si=5a7d3f0369364d5c Listen to Bonafide with Jonathan Stormen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonafide/id1626765064 Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Unveiling the Isolation: Men's Hidden Battle with Pornography (With Dustin Freeman) 54:45

2 years ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In episode 15 of the Reclaimed Recovery Podcast, we interview special guest Dustin Freeman of the St Anglican Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. This episode is designed to help men think deeply about the silent, cultural struggle men face with addictions like pornography, and how we can find strength and healing through community (in spite of our culture). The episode calls us to be more aware of how culture and history have shaped us, and finally we view the issue of pornography through a Christian lens in terms of how we can mature beyond it toward what our hearts are truly desiring. If you'd like to learn more from Dustin on the Church in a Changing Culture, check out the podcast series he did here on this custom playlist in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0j0YGYF4PwUei2ZsiDa5I9?si=15766b4c9c1244f1 If you'd like to get connected with the community at Reclaimed, visit our website at https://reclaimedrecovery.com to learn more about the resources, including our 1-on-1 coaching program and our community app for men. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Mastering Your Addictive Brain With Inner Child Techniques (With Eddie Capparucci) 54:45

2 years ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. Are you struggling to understand why you keep returning to certain behaviors like porn? Are you subconsciously avoiding the moment when you have to face your genuine fears and emotions? Do you keep distracting yourself so you don't have to face the little boy or girl that you still carry inside you all these years later? In this episode, we hear from a special guest, Dr. Eddie Capparucci, who helps us understand how to conquer the addictive brain by developing an awareness of our inner child. Here is a link that will take you to Dr. Eddie's work where you can learn more about his book, Going Deeper: Understanding How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction , and the inner child program he offers: www.innerchild-sexaddiction.com Please know that if you're struggling with pornography, there is no reason why you should have to do it alone or without the proper tools and resources to help you! For men only, you can get connected quickly and easily to our community app and find resources and encouragement for healing and getting yourself unstuck from the vicious cycle of porn. Visit https://community.reclaimedrecovery.com and fill out a quick application to join and participate in the community. If you want to commit further and invest in yourself and in a program that gets results when it comes to quitting pornography, then join our app and watch our free masterclass on overcoming porn once inside. There you will find an invitation to consider our transformative 10-Week Journey, filled with challenging exercises, one-on-one coaching, and effective accountability that set you on a journey toward transformation and freedom in this area of your life. Just join the app and watch the free Masterclass inside to find out more. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Ben's Story - Healing, Hope, and Growth On the Journey to Overcome Porn 37:47

2 years ago37:47

37:47

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In this episode, special guest Ben joins us to share his story on overcoming pornography. Ben went through the Reclaimed 10-Week Journey and, all praise be to God, found lots of healing, hope, and growth. Listen in on his story and be encouraged — you CAN do something about the habit of pornography in your life. If you're looking to make a real change in this area of your life, go to community.reclaimedrecovery.com and request to join our private app. From there, you will find more resources to help you on your journey, as well as ways you can contact Kolton about going through the same coaching experience Ben went through as he describes it in this episode. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Understand the Root Causes of Your Porn Habit, Part 2 - Loneliness, Shame, Trauma/Abuse, Misguided Devotion, and Dulled Desires 27:44

2 years ago27:44

27:44

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In part 2 of understanding root causes, we explore 5 more deep underlying causes that tend to work together synergistically to draw men into the struggle with porn: Loneliness and isolation Shame Suffering from trauma and abuse Living with misguided devotion Allowing our good desires to be dulled and dampened Understanding these underlying causes is a big first step to finding more freedom and self-control. Knowledge is power, and the revealing comes before the healing. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Understand the Root Causes of Your Porn Habit, Part 1 - Brain Science, Curiosity, Lack of Purpose, Cultural Influence, and Emotional Avoidance 25:09

2 years ago25:09

25:09

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In this episode, we explore some of the most common root causes of a porn habit. In part 1, we will uncover 5 root causes that tend to work synergistically to draw men into the struggle with porn: The nature of habit and the effects of porn on the Brain Curiosity and imagination Lack of vision, motivation, and purpose. Feelings of futility. Hypersexualized Society (sex as a rite of passage, status, social significance) Negative Emotions - Fear, Anxiety, depression (and our desire to avoid them) Understanding these underlying causes is a big first step to finding more freedom and self-control. Knowledge is power, and the revealing comes before the healing. Stay tuned for the sequel to this episode, root causes part 2, where we will cover 5 more common root causes of unwanted behaviors related to pornography. Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Testosterone Part 3 - Does Abstaining from Porn Increase Testosterone and Bring Health Benefits? 22:34

2 years ago22:34

22:34

Send us a text with feedback about the show or questions you'd like to see addressed. In the third and final part of our testosterone series, we address some frequently asked questions and most debated topics regarding pornography, testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and more. We also wrap up this mini-series on science and pornography by tying together a few of the biggest takeaways from the last few episodes as we looked at dopamine, conditioning of the brain, and testosterone. The bottom line: There is good research to suggest that porn is unhealthy and unnatural to the brain. There are many opposing voices, but in our opinion, the evidence is hard to ignore along with the testimonies of hundreds of thousands of men online who have said that quitting porn was healthy and even life-changing for them. We also learned that when it comes to important hormones and molecules in our brains and bodies, it's important to integrate simple habits that will help us balance and optimize healthy baseline levels. This can make a huge difference in how we're feeling from day to day and should work synergistically with our efforts to quit a stubborn porn habit. Last, we talked about how conditioning the brain overtime to certain stimulus actually 'rewires' the brain, and how this is probably the biggest reason why men struggle to walk away from it. It becomes a 'chemical support' for our brains that brings comfort and stability in various situations. For now, we are going to take a break from more science-heavy topics and move on to some other key points surrounding pornography - but we will return to the science very soon! Support the show If you're enjoying this podcast, Reclaimed and Unashamed , please consider leaving a review and making a donation to help us deliver more life-changing content! Donate here with Paypal - help me release consistent, well-researched, and zero-cost-to-consumer content by making a monthly recurring donation. Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Instagram Join Our Private Facebook Group for Men…

Reclaimed & Unashamed

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Testosterone Part 2 - How Does Porn Affect My Testosterone Level? 24:12

2 years ago24:12