Jesus Loves Addicts

56. Vengeance is Mine (w/ Blaine Landrum)

Special Guest: Mark and Melissa Robertson
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

In this compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," we dive deep into the transformational story of Blaine Landrum. Blaine opens up about his decades-long struggle with drug addiction, starting from a childhood in a middle-class family in Gulfport, Mississippi, surrounded by addiction.

Despite coming from a seemingly functional household, Blaine recounts losing everything to his addiction — family, possessions, and his physical and mental health. However, through a remarkable journey of faith and resilience, Blaine discovered a path to recovery at the Home of Grace.

Join us as Blaine shares candidly about the challenges and victories of overcoming addiction, and how he found hope and healing in a Christ-centered recovery program. His story is a powerful testimony of love, redemption, and the belief that no matter how deep the pit, there's always a way out through faith and support.

Listeners can expect an honest discussion about the trials of addiction and the triumphs of recovery, making it an episode filled with inspiration and hope.

55. Beauty from Ashes (w/ Mark and Melissa Robertson)

Special Guest: Mark and Melissa Robertson
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

In this heartfelt podcast episode, hosts Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Beatty welcome Mark and Melissa Robertson, who shares her powerful journey through addiction and recovery. Melissa recounts her early struggles, the impact on her family, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. With compassion and honesty, she describes the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the importance of community support. Mark and Melissa Robertson's story is one of resilience and hope, illustrating the transformative power of recovery and the strength found in vulnerability. Their testimony serves as an inspiring reminder that change is possible, and support is essential in the journey to healing.

 

54. Comfort in the Chaos (w/ Alana Sanders)

Special Guest: Alana Sanders
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

In this powerful episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Kathryn and Paul dive deep into the story of Alana Sanders, a woman whose life has been marked by both tremendous trauma and unwavering faith. Alana shares her journey of surviving a childhood filled with abuse and fear, which led to her struggles with addiction. Despite her academic successes, Alana's personal life was in turmoil as she lost herself in a cycle of substance abuse.

Alana speaks candidly about the impact of her sister Emily's overdose and how it almost led her back into the depths of addiction. She shares the pain of losing loved ones and how she felt completely alone, yet found comfort in her belief that Christ could overcome her weaknesses. Alana reflects on her relationship with her family, particularly the bond with her sister Emily, who was a significant part of her life and struggle.

The interview also touches on Alana's path to recovery, her reliance on faith, and how she eventually found peace. She discusses her efforts to rectify past mistakes and rebuild relationships with her children. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of healing through faith, and the importance of acknowledging one's flaws while finding strength in the unconditional love of God.

53. ROUNDTABLE - Forgiveness in Recovery

Panelists: Paul Del Giudice, Kathryn Beatty, and Ross Richard
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Keep the conversation going! Join our private Facebook group to leave questions for our hosts and guests or support others in recovery. Join here

Join Paul, Kathryn, and Ross as they delve into one of the most challenging aspects of recovery and Christian living: forgiveness. Throughout this discussion, we unpack the intertwined nature of unforgiveness and anger, explore the mandate for forgiveness in the Christian faith, and cover the process of forgiving others and oneself. We address the distinctions between forgiving, forgetting, and reconciliation, emphasizing that true forgiveness does not always lead to reconciliation but does lead to personal freedom.

From praying for those who have hurt us to understanding how God views our transgressors, this episode is rich with insights and practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of forgiveness. Tune in for a transformative discussion that challenges common stigmas and empowers listeners to step into freedom by embracing the power of forgiveness.

52. Performing My Way to Sobriety - Part 2 (w/ Steven Mathews)

Special Guest: Steven Mathews
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

If you missed Part 1 of Steven's episode, please go back one episode to catch up!

Join us for the gripping conclusion of Steven Mathews’ emotional and transformative journey in Part 2 of his story. As a former pastor and music industry professional, Stephen has faced the trials of addiction while struggling to retain his faith and identity. Through candid conversations, Stephen reveals the ups and downs of his recovery process, shedding light on the true challenges faced by those battling substance abuse.

In this episode, Steven dives into the pitfalls of relying on self-made structures and relationships, instead finding clarity in surrendering to a higher power. We explore the detrimental impact of falling into familiar patterns and the importance of community and support networks in fostering real change. Stephen’s story emphasizes the power of faith and honesty in overcoming addiction and reclaiming one’s life.

51. Performing My Way to Sobriety - Part One (w/ Steven Mathews)

Special Guest: Steven Mathews
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Steven opens up about his life experiences, including his challenges adapting to numerous relocations during childhood, searching for belonging, and grappling with the expectations placed upon him. These factors significantly contributed to his eventual reliance on substances as a means of finding perceived peace and acceptance.

You'll also hear about the impact of Steven's spiritual side, his early connection to God, and how his faith has been a constant through his turbulent journey. Now celebrating almost seven years of sobriety, Stephen discusses how he turned his life around by embracing his faith entirely, moving away from addiction to become a new person through Christ-centered recovery.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of Steven's story!

50. A Rebellious Heart (w/ Paula Driver)

Special Guest: Paula Driver
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Kathryn and Paul sit down with Paula Driver from Citronelle, Alabama, to share an inspiring story of transformation and redemption. Paula opens up about her past, revealing a 15-year battle with drug addiction, which began in her teenage years. Introduced to drugs by her older brother, Paula's life soon spiraled into a cycle of addiction, rebellion, and destructive relationships.

Despite growing up in a loving home, Paula's struggle with a rebellious spirit led her down a path of self-destruction, ultimately impacting her relationships with family and loved ones. She candidly discusses her journey through addiction, the dynamics with her enabling husband, and the heartbreak of becoming estranged from her children.

At her lowest point, Paula experienced a spiritual awakening, which led her to the Home of Grace in Alabama, where she found her faith and the strength to overcome her addiction. Embracing her newfound belief in Christ, Paula recounts how she learned to forgive herself, love herself, and rebuild her life on a foundation of grace and redemption.

49. An Early Exit from Alcoholism (w/ Jeremy Ruch)

Special Guest: Jeremy Ruch
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice, Kathryn Beatty, and Ross Richard
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Interested in being a podcast guest? Click here

Jeremy Ruch is a long-time friend of Paul who shares his transformative journey from the depths of addiction to a life marked by sobriety and renewed faith. Jeremy opens up about his past struggles with alcohol, triggered by personal insecurities and family dynamics. He candidly discusses the challenges of growing up in an environment where addiction loomed and how it led to his own descent into alcohol abuse. Jeremy reveals the pivotal moments that spurred his decision to seek help, including health concerns and the desire to set a positive example for his family.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the Jesus Loves Addicts on your favorite podcast platform!