Send us a text Recovery fatigue is a rarely discussed but a common experience for men trying to rebuild after betrayal. What happens when all the meetings, check-ins, and recovery work start to feel overwhelming or—worse yet—like they're not making a difference? Dan Drake, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex addiction therapist with over 20 years of experience, joins us to unpack this challenging reality. He shares insights on how recovery motivation makes all the differen...
Aug 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Send us a text Caught between exploding and imploding? You're not alone. This episode uncovers the hidden connection between acting out (through behaviors like porn, alcohol, or overworking) and acting in (through withdrawal, passive-aggression, and emotional shutdown). What looks like self-control on the surface might actually be self-contempt in disguise. Ready for transformation? Join us for the men's Awaken retreat (October 3-5) or the women's Sacred by Design retreat (November 7-8). Space i...
Aug 12, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Send us a text What if your recovery from unwanted sexual behaviors could be strengthened by simple physical practices you've overlooked? In this episode, we dive into often-forgotten physical disciplines that transform spiritual recovery. From breathing techniques that calm the nervous system during moments of temptation to the profound impact of proper hydration on decision-making, we explore how our bodies are designed to function optimally through specific practices. Whether you're just begi...
Aug 05, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Send us a text Have you ever considered that your body might be your greatest ally—not your enemy—in recovery from unwanted sexual behaviors? Many of us approach healing as primarily spiritual or psychological, overlooking the role our physical existence plays in transformation. Your body isn't just a vessel carrying your spirit through life; it's an integrated part of who God designed you to be. From the very beginning, Genesis shows humanity as formed from dust and brought to life by divine br...
Jul 29, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Send us a text What if the solution to overcoming pornography addiction isn't found in behavior modification but in healing your heart? In this episode, Sathiya Sam shares how addressing the root causes of unwanted sexual behavior leads to genuine freedom that behavior-focused approaches simply can't deliver. Sathiya, the architect behind Deep Clean—a program that has helped thousands of men overcome pornography addiction—reveals his personal 15-year battle with porn that began at age 11. His jo...
Jul 22, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Send us a text The world has a plan for your formation—are you consciously designing your counter-strategy? In this episode, we continue our conversation about developing a "rule of life" that helps us resist the powerful current of cultural formation pulling us away from Christ-likeness. We tackle one of the most common obstacles to spiritual disciplines—the subtle belief that these practices earn God's favor rather than create space for relationship. When morning prayer becomes an obligation r...
Jul 15, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Send us a text Freedom doesn't happen by accident. Whether we realize it or not, our daily routines, habits, and patterns are shaping who we're becoming—either drawing us deeper into wholeness or reinforcing cycles of brokenness. The practice of a "rule of life" offers hope and structure for those struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors. From scripture reading and prayer to solitude, fasting, and physical exercise, we discuss practical disciplines that support recovery from sexual struggles. R...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Send us a text What happens when a seminary-educated lesbian pastor encounters the Holy Spirit in an unexpected way? Elizabeth Woning never planned to question her gay identity or theology. As a gay-affirming Presbyterian minister, she believed the church needed to change, not her sexuality. Then came the moment that shattered everything. During an awkward visit to a Pentecostal youth service, a teenage boy approached her with a prophetic word that answered a private prayer she'd never shared. "...
Jul 01, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Send us a text What if your sexual struggles aren't merely obstacles to overcome but doorways to deeper healing? In this episode we welcome our guest Marco Casanova as he shares his story and journey of wholeness. As Associate Director of Desert Stream Ministries and coordinator of their Living Waters program, Marco brings a fresh perspective to one of our culture's most polarizing topics. Having left the Catholic seminary after eight years when he realized his same-sex attraction made him uncer...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Send us a text What does it mean to be truly yourself while following Jesus? Kyle Bowman's transformative journey from embracing a same-sex lifestyle for eleven years to discovering her authentic identity in Christ challenges our assumptions about sexuality, spirituality, and personal transformation. Kyle's story begins with a seemingly typical childhood where performance became her pathway to connection. As she discovered her attraction to women, she fully embraced that identity until emotional...
Jun 17, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Send us a text What if the very storms you're desperately trying to outrun are actually the pathway to your healing? Sexual brokenness, unwanted desires, betrayal, and shame can feel like overwhelming tempests in our lives. Many of us respond by running—numbing out through pornography, hiding in isolation, staying in denial, or blaming others. In today's podcast, we look at the unique actions of buffalo. Unlike cows that flee from storms (only to spend more time in them), buffalo turn and charge...
Jun 03, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Send us a text What has your body been trying to tell you all along? In this profound conclusion to our three-part series, we explore how our physical bodies, specifically as male and female—communicate God's most essential nature: love that gives itself away. Diving into Genesis, we see human beings as image-bearers of God. The first attribute mentioned about humans in scripture is that they are "male and female," suggesting our gendered bodies communicate something vital about our Creator. We ...
May 27, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Send us a text What if the way Jesus saw people wasn't exceptional, but exemplary? What if His vision—His ability to perceive beyond surface appearances—is actually how we're designed to see? This episode continues in the importance to see people as whole human beings rather than objects for pleasure or obstacles to happiness. Josh opens with a powerful story about a seemingly "grumpy" waitress whose true circumstances completely transformed how he perceived her. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus co...
May 20, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Send us a text Have you ever wondered if freedom from sexual struggles is actually possible? This episode challenges the common belief that lust is simply "a lifelong battle" that Christians must endure. Starting with the question—what happens when we forget what we truly are?—hosts Josh and James explore how our understanding of human sexuality has been distorted by both culture and limited gospel perspectives. They compare how differently we approach other struggles like anger or theft, where ...
May 13, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Send us a text The digital world has transformed parenting in profound ways, creating unprecedented challenges for families navigating sexuality and technology. In this eye-opening conversation, Jacob Volk, Co-Executive Director of Into the Light Ministries, brings clarity and hope to parents feeling overwhelmed by these complex issues. "The average child is exposed to explicit content at age eight," Volk reveals, underscoring why conversations about sexuality can't wait. But rather than approac...
May 06, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Send us a text In this episode of Becoming Whole, we sit down with Matthew and Joanna RaabSmith to discuss their personal journey of recovering from marital betrayal and the work they do with other couples to rebuild intimacy. They share their unique story of whirlwind romance, struggles with sexual addiction, and the steps they took towards healing and recovery. The conversation delves into their development of the 'intimacy pyramid,' a framework to guide couples through honesty, safety, trust,...
Apr 22, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Send us a text Imagine driving past a house that looks a bit off, maybe the porch is sagging, or the house seems to lean. That’s what happens when a foundation is compromised, and you know, relationships can face the same troubles, especially after betrayal. Today's podcast talks about how full therapeutic disclosure can be a game-changer for couples dealing with betrayal. It’s like laying down a solid truth foundation. It’s not just about spilling the beans; it’s about sharing everything in a s...
Apr 15, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Send us a text Singleness often exists in the shadows of our cultural conversation, especially in faith communities where marriage is frequently celebrated as the ultimate destination. But what if your life's unexpected path includes long-term singleness? How do you navigate sexuality, loneliness, and purpose when the "happily ever after" narrative hasn't materialized as planned? Connelly Gillum, author of "Revelations of a Single Woman: Loving the Life I Didn't Expect," brings refreshing honest...
Apr 08, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode, Josh and Kyle Bowman, the Director of Coaches at Regen, dive deep into the experiences and challenges faced by singles, especially within the Christian community. They discuss the unique loneliness singles may feel, particularly in church settings, and emphasize that singleness should not be seen as merely a transitional phase. Kyle shares invaluable insights from her personal journey as a mature single woman, highlighting the importance of community, self-accepta...
Apr 01, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Send us a text The episode dives into the necessity of community in personal growth and healing. We discuss how God created us for relationships and the importance of the church in supporting individual journeys. • Understanding the connection between personal faith and community • The role of the church in personal struggles • Addressing isolation in spiritual growth • The importance of honesty and vulnerability in faith communities • Real stories of triumphs and struggles within church experie...
Mar 18, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text Restoring the Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul Join James, director of projects and spiritual coach at Regeneration, in this episode of the Remember series. We discuss how Jesus knows and remembers who we were created to be and explore the transformation of our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. As we reflect on Dallas Willard's insights from Renovation of the Heart, we discuss actionable steps to heal from sexual struggles, betrayal, and more. This episode offers hope, healing, and a r...
Mar 11, 2025•31 min
Send us a text Healing by Remembering: Overcoming Trauma and Sin Join us today as we explore the importance of remembering our personal pain and triumphs, focusing on how past trauma and unwanted behaviors are connected. We will look at the Israelites and Peter to explore how God helps us remember and heal. A few key points for this episode include practical steps on dealing with trauma, the significance of community, and finding hope through suffering. Tune in for a journey toward deeper healin...
Mar 04, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text In this episode, James, a spiritual coach, and Kyle Bowman, Director of Ministry discuss the profound impact of remembering God on growing in sexual integrity. They explore the importance of remembering one's origins, the transformational power of recalling God's presence and love, and how integrating these memories can realign our heart postures. They also delve into the significance of marking milestones, using tangible icons, and scripture to anchor our faith, and share persona...
Feb 25, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Send us a text Join us as we dive into a conversation about the power of remembering in faith and recovery. In this episode, James Craig and Josh Glaser introduce the story of Alan Menninger, the founder of Regeneration Ministries. Alan's journey from sexual brokenness to miraculous transformation showcases the power of God’s intervention. We'll explore how remembering God's miracles in our own lives is vital to our recovery journeys and faith walks. Hear about the unexpected ways God moves, the...
Feb 18, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Becoming Whole. Today our host Josh Glaser opens up the issue of idolatry, which many of us mistakenly believe to be a relic of the past or a concern only in other cultures. But idolatry is alive and rampant in our modern world, communities, and even in our churches. Tune in for an honest discussion on how turning to God can lead us to true freedom and fulfillment. Awaken Men's Retreat 2025 - Register Today! Free Resources to help you on your journey ...
Feb 11, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Send us a text In this episode Josh explores the tension between living in a distracted world and maintaining a close relationship with God. We discuss how our engagement with worldly systems affects our struggles with sin, particularly unwanted sexual behaviors, and explore spiritual disciplines that can guide us back to a life of thriving in faith. • Exploring the dual meanings of 'world' in scripture • Understanding friendship with the world as spiritual conflict • The impact of worldly influ...
Feb 04, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Send us a text Welcome to the final week of the Pursuing Goodness mini-series on the Becoming Whole podcast! This episode we talk about how godly self care is essential for anyone seeking healing and wholeness from sexual and relational brokenness. Join Aaron Tagert and Kyle Bowman as they explore why many struggle with self-care, how shame and deprivation play a role, and practical ways to implement self-care in physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Resources discussed in this episode “ Lear...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text Welcome back to the Becoming Whole podcast! Join Aaron Tagert, men's spiritual coach, and Andrea Smithberger, host of the Sacred by Design podcast, as they dive into week two of our 'Pursuing Goodness' mini-series. In this episode, we explore the idea of 'Reclaiming Our Senses' and how the enemy attempts to steal, kill, and destroy the goodness in our lives. Tune in for an enriching conversation that encourages you to slow down and embrace the inherent goodness God has placed with...
Jan 21, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text Welcome back to part two of our four-part series on "Pursuing Goodness" in 2025! In today's episode, hosts Aaron Tagert and James Craig dive further into the topics of grief and lament. Contrary to popular belief, these emotions can be a catalysts for healing and growth. Aaron and James discuss personal experiences, the importance of acknowledging sorrow, and share insights on how grieving well can lead to genuine comfort and maturity. Join us as we explore how to embrace these ch...
Jan 14, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome to the first part of our four-part series on pursuing goodness in 2025! In today's episode, hosts Aaron Tagert and James Craig dive deep into the often-overlooked topics of grief and lament. Contrary to popular belief, these emotions can be a catalysts for healing and growth. Aaron and James discuss personal experiences, the importance of acknowledging sorrow, and share insights on how grieving well can lead to genuine comfort and maturity. Join us as we explore how to emb...
Jan 07, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 1