Shows
Sacred by DesignEssential Steps To Marriage Recovery Part 2A hidden struggle doesn’t just hurt you; it quietly rewrites your marriage. James Craig sits down with spiritual coaches Ann Donahue and Aaron Tagert to talk about one of the most loaded questions in sexual addiction recovery and marriage healing: what if my spouse doesn’t want to hear confession, or I’m convinced they’ll reject me if they really know me?We walk through practical recovery steps for husbands in recovery (and anyone navigating sexual brokenness): why secrecy keeps you stuck, why “what isn’t known can’t be healed,” and how shame turns mistakes into id...
2026-04-2842 min
Becoming WholeShe caught me looking: When a Walk in the Park Is No Walk in the ParkSend us Fan MailA head turn in the park. A glance across the sanctuary. For many couples healing after infidelity, pornography, or sexual addiction, those tiny moments can feel bigger than the whole week of progress. We sit down with coaches Aaron Tagert and Anne Donahue to slow the moment down and name what’s really happening: betrayal trauma in her body, shame and helplessness in him, and the split-second choice between defensiveness and connection. We talk about why “I wasn’t looking” usually backfires, even when it’s true, and how a betrayed spouse can...
2026-04-2851 minBecoming WholeRelational Skills for Overcoming Sexual Addiction with Chris Coursey of Thrive TodaySend us Fan MailAddiction and unwanted sexual behaviors often feel like a mystery: “I don’t want this, but I keep doing it.” We sit down with Chris Coursey, co-founder and president of Thrive Today, to explore a different diagnosis for overcoming sexual addiction. Addiction, a maturity gap that forms when our brains never receive key relational skills. When these skills are missing, we don’t stop needing comfort, connection, or relief. We just reach for substitutes that work fast and fade faster.We dig into the Life Model framework and the neuroscience of relation...
2026-04-2139 minBecoming WholeNavigating Romance & FantasySend us Fan MailWhat if your imagination isn’t a liability but a lifeline? We open a candid conversation about fantasy, romance, and the deep longings that quietly direct our relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Rather than treating desire like a problem to fix, we treat it like a compass—one that often points to unmet needs for being seen, soothed, safe, and secure.Join us, get curious, and take the next brave step. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review.Also, we want to h...
2026-03-0357 minBecoming WholeIsolationSend us Fan MailShame, Isolation, and Why Community Is the Opposite of Addiction Join us in today’s episode as I (James Craig) sit down with Regen coach Aaron Tagert to talk about what keeps people stuck in addictive cycles—especially around porn and unwanted sexual behaviors. Aaron shares three major drivers he’ll cover in an upcoming men’s webinar: shame, isolation, and the uncomfortable truth that there can be something about porn that part of us “likes.” We focus mainly on isolation, pulling from Marcus Warner’s "Slaying the Monster" and the idea tha...
2026-02-2445 minBecoming WholeI know why I’m triggered & what my fantasy is about, now what?Send us Fan MailTemptation rarely arrives out of nowhere—it rides in on pain, pressure, and old stories that never got the care they needed. In this episode, Josh checks in with coaches Aaron Tagert and James Craig to explore a kinder, braver way to face unwanted sexual behavior: trade shame for curiosity, isolation for relationship, and quick fixes for deep repair.We start by reframing triggers as signals of emotional or physical discomfort, then show why “why” is the wrong starting question. Instead, we lean into who, what, when, where, and how—questions that gro...
2026-02-0353 minBecoming WholeShould I Confess to My Spouse if they don’t want to hear it? Part 2Send us Fan MailSecrets starve intimacy, and silence keeps marriages stuck at the surface. We pull back the curtain on what it really takes to move from hidden struggle to honest healing: starting real recovery, disclosing wisely, and building daily safety through empathy, boundaries, and rhythm. With coaches Ann Donahue, Aaron Tagert, and James Craig, we break down betrayal trauma in plain language so both partners can understand why the body panics, why the mind spins, and what actually restores a sense of safety after trust has been broken.We walk through a practical...
2026-01-2043 minBecoming WholeOutgrowing PornSend us Fan MailWhat if freedom from porn isn’t about fighting harder, but about growing deeper? We sit down with author and coach Drew Boa to reframe the struggle with clarity and compassion, exploring how porn often acts as a regulator for unprocessed emotions and unmet attachment needs. Instead of battling urges with shame, we talk about befriending the parts of us that first learned to cope this way and inviting them into real safety and connection.Ready to trade counterfeit comfort for a real connection? Listen now, then share your biggest takeaway. If...
2025-11-2552 minBecoming WholeEstablishing Healthy Check-InsSend us Fan MailSafety isn’t a feeling you can force, and “good” isn’t a real update. We sit down with coach and Hope Redefined founder Lyschel Burkett to map out a better way for couples to reconnect after betrayal: structured, mutual check-ins that trade control for connection and shame for safety. If you’ve tried to talk and ended up in a spiral, this conversation gives you words, rails, and hope.If this episode helped, follow the show, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a rating and review so...
2025-11-181h 07Becoming WholeGlorifying God in our bodies with Christopher WestSend us Fan MailDo your desires feel like enemies to be conquered, or could they actually be signposts pointing toward your truest fulfillment? In this conversation with Christopher West, we discuss how our hungers—even our unwanted sexual behaviors—reveal something beautiful about our design.Christopher shares his journey from the "starvation diet gospel" of his Catholic upbringing through the "fast food gospel" of cultural gratification to discovering what our souls truly crave. His insights on John Paul II's Theology of the Body offer a radical reframing: we're not just called away from sexual sin...
2025-10-0742 minBecoming WholeAdvanced Training in Emotions for RecoverySend us Fan MailA simple sentence could transform your recovery journey: "I feel ___ about ___ because ___." In this conversation with Sue Moore of Forgiven Much Ministries, we dive deep into an advanced technique for processing emotions that can break cycles of unwanted behavior.Whether you're struggling with unwanted sexual behavior, processing betrayal trauma, or simply wanting deeper emotional awareness, this conversation offers practical tools for becoming whole. For parents and caregivers, these techniques represent an opportunity to equip the next generation with emotional resilience skills that could prevent future addiction struggles.Ready to...
2025-09-3048 minBecoming WholeLearn to Listen to your Emotions so they don’t Control YouSend us Fan MailOn this episode of the Becoming Whole Podcast, we welcome Sue Moore, the founder and CEO of Forgiving Much Ministries. Sue walks us through a basic emotions reflection exercise to help us process negative emotions and overcome unwanted sexual behaviors. Learn about her personal journey and how emotional health is crucial for dealing with betrayal, parenting challenges, and personal addictions. Discover practical steps to cultivate emotional resilience by pausing to reflect on your feelings, understanding their origins, and seeking healthier ways to meet your emotional needs. Don't miss this episode filled with hope...
2025-09-2332 minBecoming WholeSexual Wholeness for the FamilySend us Fan MailWhat kind of legacy are you leaving in your home? For many men, this question cuts deep. They're physically present but emotionally absent—buried in work, numbed by addiction, or simply disconnected from their own hearts. Meanwhile, their families feel the void: wives longing for connection and children navigating life without the emotional safety they desperately need.In this powerful conversation, Aaron Tagert sits down with Joel Warneking, Executive Director of 423 Communities, who shares his journey from sexual addiction to wholeness. Joel's story follows a familiar pattern—childhood exposure to pornography that...
2025-09-161h 08Becoming WholeThe Man WithinSend us Fan MailWhat 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 journey from struggle to freedom led him to develop an approach combining biblical wisdom with scientific research that targets what...
2025-07-2252 minBecoming WholeSame Sex Attraction Part 3 with Elizabeth WoningSend us Fan MailWhat 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. "Does God know me specifically?" she wondered. "And if He does, I have no idea who He i...
2025-07-0149 minBecoming WholeWhat Your Sexual Temptations Are Actually Telling You with Marco CassanovaSend us Fan MailWhat 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 uncertain about celibacy, Marco shares how discovering Living Waters transformed his understanding of his sexuality a...
2025-06-241h 01Becoming WholeReclaiming God's Design for Sexuality in a Pornified WorldSend us Fan MailThe 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 approaching this reality with fear, he offers a compassionate framework balancing protection with preparation. Parents today face what he calls a "triple challenge" – the inherent di...
2025-05-0645 minBecoming WholeMarriage Recovery Part 2 with The RaabsmithsSend us Fan MailIn 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, vulnerability, and ultimately, intimacy. Matthew and Joanna provide insights on navigating recovery, sexual reintegration, and building a...
2025-04-2244 minBecoming WholeSingleness Part 2: with Connally GilliamSend us Fan MailSingleness 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?Connally Gillum, author of "Revelations of a Single Woman: Loving the Life I Didn't Expect," brings refreshing honesty to this conversation as she shares her journey through decades of singleness. After a relationship ended in her early 40s, Connally faced...
2025-04-0832 minBecoming WholePursuing Goodness : Godly Self-careSend us Fan MailWelcome 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“Learning to care for our inner worlds (our thoughts, emotions, and inward experiences) in a...
2025-01-2840 minBecoming WholePursuing Goodness : Reclaiming the sensesSend us Fan MailWelcome 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 within you. If your marriage has been impacted by a husband’s s...
2025-01-2138 minBecoming WholePursuing Goodness: Grief & Lament part 2Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 challenging emotions to start the new year with a journey toward wholeness.
2025-01-1423 minBecoming WholePursuing Goodness: Grief & Lament part 1Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 embrace these challenging emotions to start the new year with a journey toward wholeness.
2025-01-0721 minBecoming WholeHealing Anger: Insights into Spiritual and Emotional Well-BeingSend us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Becoming Whole, with special guest Aaron Tagert we delve into part three in our mini-series on anger. We highlight the importance of emotional awareness and maturity in recovery, drawing from the works of Brene Brown and Dr. Jim Wilder. Additionally, we discuss practical methods for inner healing through story work, inner healing prayer, and strategies like the 'porch' metaphor. This episode emphasizes the importance of engaging past wounds with curiosity and kindness for deeper healing.Resources mentioned in today's episode.Adam Young how to write a...
2024-12-0340 minBecoming WholeUnpacking the Unique Approach of CuriositySend us Fan MailIn this episode, James Craig, Spiritual Coach at REGEN, welcomes Aaron Tagert, Spiritual Coach and leader of the upcoming Awaken retreat, to discuss overcoming unwanted sexual behavior. They delve into the importance of facing deep-rooted traumas rather than seeking quick fixes. Through examples and insights, they explore repentance and how men often resist revisiting their painful pasts. The discussion emphasizes cultivating curiosity, labeling sexual fantasies as messengers, and inviting Jesus into the healing process. Aaron also previews the transformative experiences planned for the Awaken retreat. Tune in to learn how facing your struggles...
2024-08-0636 min