Vanessa and Laura are powerful women of God who have been through the fire and lived to tell the tale.

Vanessa is very vulnerable about her journey to recovery, and Laura is equally vulnerable about her experience as the mom of a daughter battling addiction.

In this LIVE, we discuss Vanessa’s journey through detox and rehab to her life now as a married woman and recovering opioid addict.

With Laura, we discuss her role as a mom having to step aside and trust God to pick up her daughter’s pieces as they fell, and how her own marriage was strengthened during this season.

This conversation took many different turns, but each one was a powerhouse moment that God will use for His glory and His purpose in your life.

After listening, please leave a comment, like, and share this post with someone you know who may be struggling with addiction or struggling in general, and who needs the reminder that God is always with them and will never forsake them.

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In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Chase to discuss her journey through addiction, recovery, and the unexpected ways both affected the people she loves most.

Growing up in an alcoholic and abusive home, Jennifer made a promise to herself that she would never become an alcoholic like her father. She kept that promise. But as she shares in our conversation, addiction doesn’t always arrive in the form we expect.

Together, we discuss the realities of opiate addiction, the role family dynamics can play in both addiction and recovery, the difficult lessons surrounding enabling behaviors, and what it looks like to establish healthier boundaries with loved ones who are struggling.

One of the things that stood out to me most during this conversation was realizing that recovery is not just about the person overcoming addiction. It often requires an entire family to learn a new rhythm after years of dysfunction, pain, and unhealthy patterns.

Whether you are battling addiction yourself, walking alongside someone who is, or living with the aftermath of a loved one’s addiction, my hope is that this conversation encourages you, challenges you, and reminds you that healing is possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in an abusive and alcoholic household
• Why Jennifer vowed never to become an alcoholic
• How opiate addiction entered her life instead
• The impact addiction had on her marriage and children
• Recognizing and addressing enabling behaviors
• Supporting a loved one without enabling them
• How recovery affects the entire family
• Learning a new family rhythm after addiction
• Finding hope and healing through recovery
• Jennifer’s work helping others through addiction treatment and recovery

Thank you for listening to Honest Christian Conversations. If you like what you hear and want more, consider subscribing.

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If you are like me, you may have cringed because you know what it means, and it disgusts you.

Porn stars, exotic dancers, prostitution, erotic fiction authors—all of this is meant to stimulate a part of us that should only be stimulated by our spouse inside a healthy marriage between a man and a woman.

God’s design has once again been hijacked by corruption. You have the right to be angry, as a believer.

However, not at those in the industry, but at the industry itself.

The people inside the industry are victims, just like those stuck in porn or sex addiction, the spouse who pays for something outside of their marriage, or the lonely housewife who may read erotic novels, longing for her husband to be like the man in the book.

Does this hit you hard?

Do you want to judge the ones responsible for creating the content that is ruining so many marriages?

Are you ready to slap the face of the stripper who has your husband’s attention instead of you?

Don’t forget: they are people too, made in the image of God.

Have you ever paused to consider that the woman writing erotic novels is doing so because she is longing for something she will never have herself? Maybe she writes it because she grew up with unhealthy ideas about sex shaped by her family or by things she watched or experienced.

What about porn stars, strippers, or prostitutes?

Have you ever considered that they aren’t doing these things because they want to?

Some absolutely are forced.

Some are trafficked.

Some entered because of addiction.

Some because of poverty.

Some because of trauma.

Some because they chose it.

Human trafficking is a real epidemic all around the world, including here in America.

Take a moment and think about your loved ones. What if something happened to them and they were forced into the same position as the person you hate right now? How would that change your idea of them?

This was a convicting thought for me as well, and because of it, I repented, realizing I was judging too much and not showing enough of Jesus’ love and compassion for these broken souls.

Let’s take this a step further; sometimes the victims aren’t on the screen or writing the books or doing the prostituting.

Even those behind the camera, the pimps, and the publishers need the saving grace of Jesus.

What? How can you say that? Look at what they are doing, look at the money they are making. I bet they don’t even care. They have no soul.

Okay, perhaps this is true of some inside the industry, as performers and behind the scenes, but many are there because of abuse, coercion, addiction, trauma, or exploitation.

Whomever you are thinking of as “the most disgusting” in this industry is someone who desperately needs your prayers. God is placing them on your heart for a reason, and you need to wrestle with that tension between judging and healing.

Many in this industry were sold a lie by Satan that they would be fulfilled completely if they sold themselves to him, but as I learned from a former stripper, this is a lie straight from the pit of hell.

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I sat down for a heart-to-heart with Tiffany Brearton, a former stripper who spent years in the industry and is now a believer spreading the word about the darkness behind the adult entertainment industry and its need for a Savior through her speaking engagements and books. Her heart’s desire is to see everyone inside set free and healed in Jesus’ name.

Our conversation was raw, honest, and eye-opening. If you have any bitterness and judgment toward those in the industry, I encourage you to listen as Tiffany sheds some much-needed light on the realities of the adult entertainment industry by sharing what she experienced and what this industry really is.

Her conclusion wrecked me and gave me a new heart for those inside this vulgar industry.

If you have ever struggled with porn or sex addiction, found yourself passing judgment on those working inside a strip club, or on those who consume or write sexually explicit novels, you aren’t alone, but you aren’t right either.

Only God can judge fairly, so we need to surrender our judgments at his feet and do what he is calling us to do.

Love the least of these.

Did this episode change the way you think about those in the adult entertainment Industry? I would love to hear from you.

Honest Christian Conversations exists to encourage, equip, and help you stand firm in your faith. If you are looking for a deeper connection in your community, consider becoming a subscriber.

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I didn’t expect how much this conversation would challenge my assumptions.

As someone who spent years trapped in pornography addiction, I thought I understood the darkness of the adult industry. But Tiffany helped me see aspects I had either overlooked or never fully considered. Through her firsthand experience as a former stripper, she shares how she entered the industry, what life was really like behind the scenes, how God rescued her, and why she now speaks out about the realities many people never see.

This is not an easy conversation, but it is an important one.

Whether you have personally struggled with pornography, know someone who works in the adult industry, or simply want to better understand the realities behind an industry that affects millions of lives, I pray this discussion challenges you, encourages you, and reminds you that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Thank you for listening. If you enjoy this content, consider subscribing for more.

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I’m Ana Murby, and today on this minisode, we will discuss what it really takes to get into the recovery process of your addiction sobriety journey.

Sexuality is part of life; God created sex and said it was good. Because of that truth, this topic shouldn’t be awkward for us to discuss with our children. So why is it? Sin has perverted it.

This generation is inundated with sexual content everywhere. We need to be ready to have these tough conversations with them because if we don’t, the world will.

In this episode, I’m joined by Porn Recovery Coach Chris Rogers to discuss the root of why we engage in the sexual behaviors we do. He shares helpful tips, practices, and anecdotes to help parents break down the embarrassment they feel about this topic.

His expertise helps teen boys understand the difference between lust and healthy sexual desire. He also offers a program that helps parents learn how to have healthy, open conversations about sex.

No matter your life circumstance, by the end, you’ll feel encouraged and better equipped to approach this topic with more confidence.

Thanks for listening to Honest Christian Conversations! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I walk through the cycle of repeated sin and addictive behavior, exploring how triggers, habits, guilt, and shame can quietly keep us in bondage for years.

Drawing from Romans 7:15–20 and my own testimony of overcoming a pornography addiction, I share practical reflections on:

• Understanding triggers and behavioral patterns
• Why repeated habits shape our desires and worldview
• The difference between conviction and condemnation
• How guilt and shame keep us trapped in unhealthy cycles
• Why identity in Christ matters in overcoming repeated sin
• Learning to take healing one day and one behavior at a time

This episode isn't about pretending life is perfectly together. It’s about honestly confronting the cycles we hate, understanding why they happen, and learning how to walk toward freedom in Christ.

In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I talk with Steve Rotermund about codependency and addiction—and how it can quietly destroy families. Steve shares his story of walking through his wife’s addiction, 13 years of codependency, and the impact on his marriage, children, and faith.

This conversation looks at addiction from a different angle, not just the person struggling, but those living in the middle of it.

We discuss what codependency really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why trying to “fix” someone else can lead to deeper brokenness.

If you’ve ever felt responsible for someone else’s emotions or choices, this episode can help.

Thanks for listening to Honest Christian Conversations! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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In this episode, I open up about my own struggle with control, how hidden patterns can form without us realizing it, and why addiction is often more subtle than we think.

You’ll also hear practical self-reflection questions to help you uncover what may be driving your habits, along with encouragement for how to begin walking in freedom without shame.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in people-pleasing, emotional dependence, perfectionism, or hidden habits you can’t quite explain, this episode is for you.

In this episode:
• Hidden addiction signs most people miss
• The connection between control, validation, and emotional dependency
• Why people-pleasing can become addictive
• Practical questions to help you identify unhealthy patterns
• How to begin breaking free through honesty, repentance, and truth

Want to know more about the warning signs of addictive behavior?
Check out my conversation with Steve Ward of STEPS Ministries, where we unpack subtle addictions and why uncovering your “why” matters.

👉 If you’re walking through struggles with habits, addiction, or spiritual strongholds, I also host a private podcast focused on recovery, healing, and freedom in Christ.

Retrain Your Brain

👉If something in this minisode encouraged, challenged, or helped you take a step forward in your faith. I would love to hear about it.

Leave a comment

If this article encouraged you and you’d like to help keep Honest Christian Conversations free, you’re welcome to support the ministry by clicking the image below. Thank you for your kindness!

In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I talk with Steve Ward, founder of Steps Ministries, about high-functioning addiction, compulsive habits, and the hidden “chains” that can quietly shape our lives.

From alcohol and porn addiction to everyday coping patterns, we explore how addiction forms in both the brain and the heart, how to recognize the true cost of unhealthy habits, and how to begin the journey of addiction recovery without shame.

You’ll walk away with practical insight, encouragement, and clear next steps toward healing, community, and freedom in Christ.

👉 Go deeper with the "Retrain Your Brain" Series
If you're walking through struggles with habits, addiction, or spiritual strongholds, I also host a private podcast focused on recovery, healing, and freedom in Christ.

What impacted you the most from this episode?

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If this article encouraged you and you’d like to help keep Honest Christian Conversations free, you’re welcome to support the ministry by clicking the image below. Thank you for your kindness!

Many Christians want to share the gospel but feel unsure where to start. In this minisode, I talk about what it looks like to live out your faith in everyday life—through simple acts of love, courage, and obedience to Christ.

Sharing the good news isn’t always about having the perfect words or a dramatic moment. Often, it begins with being willing to show compassion, speak truth with gentleness, and allow God to use ordinary moments to point people toward Jesus.

In this short reflection, I explore how believers can step forward in faith and represent Christ in their daily interactions with others.

If you’ve ever wondered how to share your faith in a natural and authentic way, this conversation is for you.

If you are looking for tips on how to share the gospel through street witnessing, this episode I did with James Moffitt from The ABCs of Parenting Adult Children is a fantastic way to learn from someone who has many years of experience.

Listen to How To Share the Gospel Without Fear: Practical Tips for Christians

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If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I would love to hear about it.

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You’re not alone, and you’re not failing God because of it.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow podcaster James Moffitt, who became a Christian at seventeen and spent over ten years doing street witnessing. Through real-life conversations, mistakes, and growth, James learned what actually helps Christians share the gospel in a way that’s loving, natural, and grounded in trust—not pressure or performance.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought:
“I don’t know enough.”
“I’m too shy.”
“What if they reject me?”

Together, we explore how to move past fear and step into faith with humility and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How to share the gospel without fear

• Why feeling unprepared doesn’t disqualify you from sharing your faith

• What street evangelism taught James about real human connection

• Practical tips for Christians who want to talk about Jesus naturally

• How to handle rejection with grace

• Why obedience doesn’t mean perfection

If you’ve ever wanted to talk about your faith but felt intimidated, unsure what to say, or afraid of how others might respond, this episode will encourage you and offer practical next steps to begin sharing the gospel with confidence and compassion.

Listen to his podcast, The ABCs of Parenting Adult Children: https://www.parentingadultchildren.org

Was this helpful in providing encouragement the next time you need to share your faith?

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I used to be so closed off to hearing differing opinions because I was convinced I knew the truth and the other person was wrong. The ironic thing was that I only listened to the opinions that mattered to me and aligned with my beliefs, so I didn’t really know anything; I was just blindly following.

Another reason I was closed off was that I may have believed I was right, but I didn’t know why, and therefore wasn’t secure in what I believed. I never wanted to engage with someone who might challenge my beliefs because I didn’t want them to find out I didn’t know enough to hold a good conversation.

Because of this mentality, I also found myself judging people by how they looked or by the little bit of information I knew about them, and sizing them up as either not worth my time or too much for me to engage with.

Have you ever been in that place before? Scared to engage with someone you know who thinks differently about things than you?

This is right where satan wants us, but where God wants to call us out of.

This minisode explores judging people by their past and beliefs, the role of our own biases, and how humility opens the door to growth.

If you are curious to see how my guest, zombie apocalypse fiction writer (Anne) A.M. Geever, and I engaged during our episode together, and find engagement for the next time you find yourself talking to someone different than you, listen now.

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In January and February of 2025, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and talk with people I have disagreements with or just to learn something new about someone. I had a few people agree to talk with me, and one of them was today’s guest. She is a published author of zombie-apocalypse fiction, has attended a Unitarian Universalist seminary, and holds a Master of Divinity degree, although she now considers herself a Christian-influenced agnostic.

You can imagine that when I saw all this, I immediately regretted my decision to do this and was unsure how I would handle the conversation, because I know nothing about her spiritual background, and I haven’t read zombie fiction other than World War Z, ages ago, I prefer to watch it, and even then, not too often.

Well, my guest, A.M. (Anne) Geever, apparently felt the same way about my offer to discuss our differences.

Anne said she was about to decline my offer because of all the differences in our beliefs, but at the last minute, as she wrote her message to me, she felt this was a great way to encourage others to have those differing conversations, so she found herself replying to my message with a ‘yes’.

What begins as a discussion about storytelling, imagination, and post-apocalyptic fiction slowly opens into deeper territory—faith journeys, doubt, theology, and what it really looks like to listen to someone you don’t fully agree with. We talk about how easy it is to label people, how assumptions can block connection, and why meaningful conversations require humility, curiosity, and a willingness to be uncomfortable.

This episode isn’t about winning an argument or changing someone’s mind. It’s about learning how to engage with people as people, without compromising your convictions, but also without shutting down dialogue.

Anne and I explore what it means to wrestle with faith questions, how personal experiences shape belief, and why honest conversations can lead to greater understanding, even when agreement isn’t the outcome. We had a very encouraging conversation, and I enjoyed hearing about her background in the zombie apocalypse genre.

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If you’ve ever struggled with judgment, felt uneasy talking with people who see faith differently, or wondered how to have respectful conversations across differences, this episode is for you. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to listen more deeply, ask better questions, and step outside your comfort zone with grace and courage.

If you find her style of fiction intriguing, check out Anne's literary works: https://www.amgeever.com

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This has been my style for as long as I can remember. I don’t like making waves or being in confrontational or tense situations, so I would avoid them or people who may cause them.

Well, in this minisode, I reflect on how stepping into uncomfortable conversations can grow your confidence, deepen your faith, and stretch you spiritually.

After a powerful and unexpected conversation with former CNN journalist John DeDakis, I share how God used discomfort to challenge my biases, expand my perspective, and remind me that we don’t have to “win” every conversation to walk in truth.

This episode is an encouragement for Christians who feel nervous about engaging with people who hold different views but sense God nudging them to step out of their comfort zone with grace and courage.

Struggling to share your faith with someone you know who has different political views from you?
Faith, Politics, and Truth: A Conversation with a Former CNN Journalist

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This conversation goes beyond political talking points and into something deeper: truth, discernment, and Christian responsibility in an increasingly polarized culture. We discuss the difference between journalism that informs versus media that persuades, the dangers of placing political loyalty above faith, and how Christians can seek facts without sacrificing biblical values.

John shares insights from his years in journalism, explaining how media bias develops, why trusted news sources matter, and how fear and power can distort both politics and faith. We also wrestle honestly with uncomfortable questions many believers face today:

• Can Christians disagree politically and still honor Christ?

• What happens when political leaders are treated like saviors?

• How do we stay grounded in Scripture while navigating modern media?

This episode is not about telling you how to vote — it’s about encouraging you to think critically, seek truth faithfully, and place your hope in Christ above all else.

Take a look at John's novels: https://johndedakis.com/

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If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me.

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Today, I share a real-life moment of asking God for patience and then walking straight into a day full of slow drivers, tech issues, parenting meltdowns, and emotional exhaustion.

The answer to my prayer came through pressure, not peace.

I had already been warned not to pray for patience unless I wanted testing, so what was I thinking, praying that dangerous prayer?

This minisode explores why spiritual growth often comes through frustration, how to process anger toward God in a healthy way, and why honest faith means bringing your real emotions to Him, even when you’re irritated, tired, or overwhelmed.

You’ll hear encouragement to release your anger without letting bitterness take root and a reminder that God can handle your honesty.

I also reflect on my powerful conversation with Weston Brandon, who walked through deep grief after losing his wife and wrestled with God through his pain. His story is a reminder that even in heartbreak and unanswered questions, growth is possible and faith can survive seasons of anger.

If you’ve ever prayed for change and then felt overwhelmed by the process, this minisode will encourage you to see frustration as part of growth, not proof that God has abandoned you.

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Is it okay to be angry with God after tragedy?

In this deeply moving episode, I step out of my comfort zone by speaking with Weston Brandon, a member of the LDS Church, about grief, faith, and healing after unimaginable loss.

Weston shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife just weeks after the birth of their son—and the anger, questions, and raw prayers that followed.

Together, we explore what honest prayer looks like in seasons of pain, whether faith can survive deep anger toward God, and how healing can begin even when answers never come. This conversation also touches on widower grief, finding love again without guilt, navigating faith differences, and trusting God through life-altering tragedy.

If you’ve ever felt angry with God, struggled with grief after loss, or wondered if faith can coexist with heartbreak, this episode offers hope, honesty, and encouragement.

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If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me.

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You’re not alone. I used to think submitting was a terrible way to live because it meant you don’t have a say in what happens to you, but I was wrong. Especially when it comes to being obedient to Christ.

During this minisode, I unpack why obedience to Christ isn’t about control—it’s about freedom. Inspired by my conversation with Scott Mocha, I challenge the fear of sharing the gospel and introduce a new kind of FOMO: fear of missing what God wants to do through you.

I want to encourage believers to step out of their comfort zones, model faith through action, and allow their children to encounter Jesus in real, personal ways.

If you’ve ever hesitated when God nudged you to love someone others avoid, I have been there too, and this minisode is for you.

This minisode only scratches the surface of being obedient to God. My full conversation with Scott Mocha was deeply encouraging and challenged how I think about loving people.

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Today, I sat down with Scott Mocha to explore how God often calls us to love the very people society overlooks.

Scott shares his remarkable journey from addiction to experiencing a radical transformation through unconditional love. Together, Scott and I unpack what it really looks like to respond when God calls you in the moment—without fear, judgment, or pressure to “get it right.”

This conversation challenges believers to move past comfort, religious performance, and excuses, and instead reflect the heart of Christ through genuine connection, compassion, and obedience.

If you’ve ever wondered how to share your faith naturally, love people who don’t believe like you, or respond when God places someone on your heart, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Listen to Scott's Memoir. It’s such an emotionally telling of his testimony. Listener’s discretion is advised as it deals with heavy themes and has some content issues.

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If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me.

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If this article encouraged you and you’d like to help keep Honest Christian Conversations free, you’re welcome to support the ministry by clicking the image below. Thank you for your kindness!