Podcast

In this episode, Jim outlines the addictive nature of the brain chemical Dopamine and its role in a variety of addictions including porn. He gives us the science behind the reward pathways and what to do to break free.

Takeaways:

1. Addiction is now understood as a brain disease

2. Because of the powerful feelings associated with dopamine, addiction can happen quickly.

3. We live in a world of abundance rather than scarcity, and our brains weren’t evolved for the “fire hose of dopamine”

One of the common struggles we face as humans is how to be transparent in our relationships. That is especially true if the relationship is damaged by pornography use. In this episode, Jim is joined by Timmerie Geagea, host of Relevant Radios ” Trending with Timmerie” to discuss the importance of transparency and how to build it in your relationships.

Takeaways:

1. An old adage states, ” the quality of women determines the quality of men”

2. Society is becoming increasingly emotive wanting to share everything we are feeling and not always with the right audience

3. Trust before transparency or transparency before trust?

There are many common myths surrounding the topic of pornography addiction. In this episode, Jim breaks down 8 common myths he hears regularly and why the 3 pillars of Integrity Restored are important.

Takeaways:

1. It’s a David vs. Goliath problem in society today

2. We need to stop talking about it like a moral failing and recognize it for the addiction it is

3. It affects everyone young and old, believer or not

Jim is joined by David Fortin to discuss the ways in which pornography usage correlates to an increased risk of suicidal tendencies especially in youth and young adults.

Takeaways:

1. Isolation and depression are common symptoms of a porn addiction and strong indicators of suicidal ideation.

2. One in six students think about suicide.

3. According to Dr. Patrick Carnes, 17% of porn addicts attempt suicide, 72% have considered it.

In this episode, Jim discusses the Five Faulty Beliefs of an Addict and the guilt and shame that fuel them. He discusses the value of guilt and the problem with shame and how to resolve both in your healing journey.

A betrayal of trust that deeply impacts the relationship and has lasting effects is one of the problems of continued pornography use. Jim speaks with Sr. Tina Alfieri, LCSW,C-SAT, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Addiction Treatment provider who is a also a diocesan hermit in the Diocese of St. Augustine. Sr. Tina unpacks the reality of Betrayal Trauma in terms of pornography and other betrayals, as well as what healing looks like for those suffering.

Maria Brackett, Divine Mercy University’s Program Director for the Spiritual Direction Certificate joins Jim to discuss what is Spiritual Direction, Why do you need it and how do you find one. Check out divinemercy.edu

Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Direction is an important pillar in recovery according to the experts

2. Spiritual Direction along with the grace of the sacraments can be a helpful part of your overall recovery plan.

3. Whether you struggle with an addiction or the betrayal trauma from a loved one’s addiction, spiritual direction helps you find God and healing where ever you are right now.

Our program at DMU to train spiritual directors: https://divinemercy.edu/academics/spiritual-direction-certificate/

Catholic site to find spiritual directors:
https://seekdirection.app/#/home

In this episode, Jim is joined by Realizeyourcalling.com founder Dan Lorenz to discuss the importance of finding your gifts and calling as part of the recovery process.

Takeaways:

1. Self-awareness helps drives success in recovery and life

2. Learning to be authentic helps us help others

3. Every mission/ministry needs help to flourish and you could be exactly what they need

Recovering together as a couple is hard work and takes many forms. In this episode, Jim is joined by Mike and Margaret who share what their recovery journey looks like and how they are utilizing Integrity Restored’s products and programs in their recovery plan.

Takeaways:

1. Recovery is possible, but both parties have to start their own healing work

2. The Integrity Circle Coaching Program helped them understand and communicate through the process

3. Healthy boundaries are vital and not punitive

In this episode, Jim is joined by Fr. Jeff Bayhi ( Diocese of Baton Rouge) and Fr. Chuck Swanson ( Diocese of Omaha – Retired) to discuss what they’ve learned since founding Metanoia Manor a home for trafficked youth in Louisiana and how porn plays a role in the grooming and control of human trafficking victims in the sex trade. Check out www.metanoia-inc.org for more information on this incredible mission and to enter a raffle for a trip for two to Italy with the Fathers!

Takeaways:

1. Currently the estimates say 48 million people are being trafficked worldwide

2. 89.5% of trafficked individuals end up in the sex trade and a high percentage in porn

3. Most traficking cases are ” local” and don’t involve what we see in the movies, but rather coercion, drugs, money and blackmail right in our own neighborhoods