Jesus Loves Addicts

100. ROUNDTABLE: Surrender

On the 100th episode and two-year anniversary of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Kathryn and Ross sit down with Austin and Clay Barton for a candid roundtable on surrender. This episode explores what surrender really looks like—beyond drugs and alcohol—why everyone struggles with some form of addiction, and how Christ’s love meets us in our weakest moments.

Guests share raw testimonies about rock bottom, daily dying to self, the tension between fear and trust, and the vital role of community, accountability, and programs like the Home of Grace in recovery. Practical steps—reading the Bible, church, trusted fellowship, and honest confession—are discussed alongside the challenges, victories, and hope that come with true submission to God.

Expect heartfelt storytelling, tough questions, and encouragement for listeners who are weary or watching a loved one suffer: surrender is not defeat but the pathway to restoration, mercy, and lasting change through Christ.

99. The Baggage of Instability - Part 2 (w/ Amber Mitchell)

Guest Amber shares a raw, honest account of growing up with parental addiction, 25 years of substance abuse, a painful abortion, violent relationships, jail, homelessness, and the suicide of her adoptive father. She describes a powerful encounter with Christ while incarcerated, the decision to enter long-term faith-based recovery, and the slow work of sanctification afterward.

This episode covers trauma and identity, the realities and stigma of addiction, legal consequences, faith as a healing force, residential treatment at Home of Grace, transitional housing, employment in recovery, and the challenges Amber still faces two years sober.

Listeners can expect a candid testimony about failure and restoration, practical hope for those struggling or supporting loved ones, and a reminder that recovery is hard but gets better through community and Christ-centered care.

98. The Baggage of Instability - Part 1 (w/ Amber Mitchell)

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Amber Mitchell shares her raw, honest testimony of a childhood marked by addiction, abuse, and instability. Listeners will hear about her early memories of being removed from her biological parents, the trauma of foster placements, and the emotional scars that led to years of substance use, self-harm, and destructive relationships.

Host Paul and Amber discuss how anger, rejection, and a hunger for attention shaped her behavior, the challenges of building trust within a loving adoptive family, and the ways addiction offered temporary relief. Amber also opens up about her spiritual awakening at age 38—an encounter with Christ that transformed her life—and explores theological insights about free will, suffering, and redemption.

Tune in for an unflinching conversation about the realities of recovery, the stigma of addiction, and the hope found in faith. This episode is both sobering and uplifting, offering empathy for those who struggle and a testimony to the power of God’s grace.

97. Kidnapped For 26 Days (w/ Jimmy Bourn)

On this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, guests Jimmy Bourn and Sabrina share raw, unfiltered testimonies of long-term addiction, trauma, and the moments that changed their lives. They describe kidnappings, sexual abuse, prison time, prescription dependence, and the suicides of loved ones that marked their darkest seasons.

Jimmy recounts a violent 26‑day abduction, years on meth, criminal involvement, a catastrophic hand injury and a transition to prescription opioids; Sabrina speaks about childhood sexual abuse, doctor‑shopping and a 15‑year opioid struggle before finding sobriety. Both reflect on treatment experiences, the difference between legalism and grace, and the spiritual turning points that led them to recovery.

The conversation closes with hope and purpose: both now mentor and serve others through ministries like Showered by the Holy Spirit, Next Step Restoration and Taylor House, and highlight forgiveness, restoration and practical steps for anyone facing addiction or trauma.

96. Surrendering the Fight (w/ Justin Smith)

Guest Justin Scott Smith, an active duty Air Force major, shares his powerful testimony of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the eating disorder that began at age eight and peaked at 13—when he dropped to 63 pounds and was hospitalized. The episode explores the parallels between eating disorders and addiction, the role of control and attention-seeking in recovery behaviors, and the medical and emotional toll of starvation.

Justin recounts inpatient treatment, a life-changing spiritual encounter in a psychiatric unit, and how faith in Jesus led to lasting freedom. He also discusses forgiveness, reconciliation with his parents, breaking generational cycles of abuse, and how he now serves youth in his church and the military community.

This episode offers hope and practical encouragement for anyone struggling with eating disorders or addiction, especially men who are often overlooked, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual surrender, professional care, and community support.

95. Pride to Fall (w/ Joey Rogers)

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Joey Rogers explores a powerful story of pride, public humiliation, and spiritual awakening. The conversation traces Joey’s life from a Catholic upbringing and collegiate athletics to a successful chiropractic career, marriage, and the pride that accompanied his professional identity. After marital breakdown, a decade of hidden drug use culminated in a highly publicized arrest during the COVID era that forced him into treatment at the Home of Grace.

Listeners will hear candid details about addiction (alcohol, cocaine, prescription pills, fentanyl), the role of pride and religiosity in masking spiritual disconnect, near-tragic family moments, and the humbling process of recovery. The episode highlights Joey’s 90-day treatment experience, his spiritual rebirth, practical recovery steps (support groups, volunteer work, ongoing counseling), and his new calling toward counseling and community work. Key themes include the tension between religiosity and relationship with Christ, the stigma of addiction, the rewards and challenges of recovery, and how humility and gratitude can transform life.

94. Feeling God in Prison (w/ Amanda Smith)

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Kathryn and Ross speak with guest Amanda Smith about her 15‑year struggle with addiction and the turning points that led her to recovery. Amanda shares childhood trauma, her father’s suicide, early exposure to prescription drugs, doctor‑shopping, multiple overdoses, prison time, and experiences in treatment including Whitfield and residential programs.

The conversation covers the rise of fentanyl, the dangers of counterfeit pills, challenges of staying clean while pregnant, custody and family impacts, and the role of Christ and community in sustained recovery. Amanda also describes her work in overdose prevention, returning to school for psychology, rebuilding relationships with her son, and finding purpose through helping others.

Key takeaways: honest discussion of relapse and recovery, the importance of compassionate support and faith, practical steps for overdose prevention and treatment pathways, and a message of hope — don’t give up.

93. Perfectly Imperfect (w/ Amber and Blake Blackmon)

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts Amber and Blake Blackmon share their raw, "perfectly imperfect" journey from childhoods wrapped in drug culture to adult addiction, relapse, and eventual recovery. They recount early memories of family using, the breakdown of relationships, legal consequences, and the painful fallout that cost Blake his marriage and time with his children.

The conversation covers how both spouses found faith-based help in 2022, their time with Home of Grace and other recovery programs, the role of community and accountability (Celebrate Recovery, pastors, and friends), and the hard lessons learned after relapsing and rebuilding trust. Guests include Blake and Amber, with references to family members (mother Star, sister Kristen) and counselors who influenced their path.

Key points: honest reflection on relapse and responsibility, how Christ-centered recovery and steady community support made a difference, practical challenges of rebuilding family relationships, and the ongoing work of patience and accountability in sobriety.