Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

From Binge to Balance: Food Addiction Recovery for High Achievers (Ep 177)

From Binge to Balance: Food Addiction Recovery for High Achievers (Ep 177)

“Are you hustling your way to success… with a side of secret snacks?”

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, we dive into the surprising truth about food addiction—especially in the world of busy entrepreneurs. Is it really just about overeating, or is something deeper at play?

Licensed therapist Jennifer Schrappe joins me to unpack:

• The difference between a sweet tooth and a true addiction 

• How stress, dopamine, and those late-night hustle sessions fuel compulsive eating

• Why high-achievers are so prone to emotional eating during launches, deadlines, and financial stress

• Practical ways to break the shame cycle and build a healthier relationship with food—without sacrificing your goals

We also explore the connection between food, mental health, and faith—because your body isn’t a stress dumpster; it’s part of your calling.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m just too busy to eat right,” this episode is for you.

Not a Caretaker? You Might Still Be Codependent (Ep. 176).

Not a Caretaker? You Might Still Be Codependent (Ep. 176)

Are you codependent — but not in the way everyone talks about?

Most people think codependency is only about caretaking, rescuing, and sacrificing yourself to meet everyone else’s needs. And yes, that’s one form — but it’s not the only one. For me, codependency showed up in my career, performance, and need for approval. My identity rose and fell with ratings, audience feedback, and what people thought of me. If the show was a hit, I felt worthy. If the phones were silent or the criticism loud, I felt like a failure.

In this video, we explore hidden forms of codependency — not just the fixer or caretaker, but the performer, the people-pleaser, the overachiever. You’ll discover:

• How codependency can show up in parenting, ministry, volunteering, and the workplace
• Why our self-worth often gets tied to others’ expectations or achievements
• The connection between codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing
• The psychological roots of codependency — from low self-esteem to attachment wounds
• How faith and biblical truth can break the cycle of performance-based identity

Whether your codependency comes from childhood trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, or a lifetime of chasing approval, this episode will help you see that God’s love isn’t performance-based. Galatians 6 reminds us to carry our own load, not live someone else’s life — and to stop finding our worth in what we produce or how much we please others.    

If you’ve been over-performing, over-pleasing, or over-sacrificing just to feel “enough,” it’s time to let that go. You are already loved. Already worthy. Already enough — in Him

If You Keep Relapsing, It Might Be an Identity Issue (Part 5 Ep. 175)

If You Keep Relapsing, It Might Be an Identity Issue (Part 5 Ep. 175)

In this episode, we explore how identity is at the heart of recovery. It’s not just about resisting the next drink or behavior—it’s about confronting the deep, often hidden beliefs you hold about who you are. And many of us, especially in early sobriety, don’t realize we’ve been living from a false self shaped by trauma, shame, and survival. We unpack the core idea from Gabor Maté—that our two basic human needs are authenticity and attachment, and how many of us traded our authenticity to be loved. That trade-off, often made in childhood, can leave us fractured and unaware of who we really are.

Recovery is where that false identity begins to crack—and where God begins to reveal the true self He created. You’ll hear teachings and insights woven from my own personal story plus: Henri Nouwen on belovedness and the lies we believe David Benner on discovering your identity in Christ—not in what you do or how others see you Dallas Willard on spiritual formation and surrender Peter Scazzero on the “Wall” and the dark night of the soul Eugene Peterson on obedience and calling in hidden seasons All rooted in the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

This episode will help you recognize the old patterns and labels trying to keep you stuck, and invite you to begin walking in your true name, your God-given identity, and your purpose in sobriety. 

Restore Relationships, Make Amends, & Set Healthy Boundaries in Recovery (Part 4 Ep. 174)

Restore Relationships, Make Amends, & Set Healthy Boundaries in Recovery (Part 4 Ep. 174)

Have you ever wondered how to rebuild broken relationships after addiction? In this video, we dive deep into the emotional and spiritual steps of making amends, restoring trust, and setting healthy boundaries — all through the lens of biblical wisdom. We'll cover: ✅ The damage addiction causes in relationships — and why amends matter (Steps 8 & 9) ✅ How biblical forgiveness and reconciliation work (Colossians 3:13) ✅ The crucial difference between forgiveness and reconciliation ✅ How resentment and negative emotions can fuel relapse ✅ Setting healthy, biblical boundaries (Proverbs 4:23) ✅ Practical steps for making amends with wisdom and godly counsel If you're in recovery, starting over, or just longing for healing in your relationships, this video is packed with real talk, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you move forward — stronger and more rooted in Christ. 🔔 Subscribe for more biblical recovery and mental health content! 📢 Like, share, and watch the extended live version next for deeper insight.

How to Manage My Emotions Without Numbing Out | Biblical + Clinical Tools For Early Sobriety | Part 3 Ep. 173

How to Manage My Emotions Without Numbing Out | Biblical + Clinical Tools For Early Sobriety

Welcome to Part 3 of our 5-part series, Challenges in Early Sobriety. In this episode, we delve into the emotional complexities that often surface during the early stages of recovery. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by emotions like guilt, shame, anger, or fear—and found yourself reaching for numbing behaviors—this conversation is for you. We explore how unprocessed trauma and grief can manifest physically, leading to issues like chronic stress, digestive problems, or even autoimmune conditions.

Drawing from both biblical wisdom and clinical strategies, we discuss practical tools to help you face these emotions head-on. From understanding the psychosomatic connections between mind and body to integrating faith-based practices, we aim to provide a holistic approach to emotional healing. Whether you're navigating early sobriety yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insights to help you move from emotional overwhelm to resilience and peace.

Key Topics Covered: Emotional challenges in early recovery The impact of unprocessed trauma on physical health Biblical perspectives on emotional healing Clinical tools for managing intense emotions The mind-body connection in sobriety Resources Mentioned: Romans 12:2 – Renewing the mind through scripture Support groups and therapy options for emotional management Don't miss the upcoming episodes in our series, where we'll explore relationships in recovery, finding purpose post-addiction, and building a fulfilling sober life. Subscribe now to continue your journey toward healing.

Overcoming Temptation & Triggers | Leaning into Faith in Early Sobriety | Part 2 | Ep. 172

Overcoming Temptation & Triggers | Leaning into Faith in Early Sobriety | Part 2 | Ep. 172

(Previously Aired Live) Christian Sobriety Series | Recovery Tools for Triggers, Cravings & Temptation

Early sobriety is one of the hardest roads you’ll ever walk—and if you’re in it right now, you know exactly how it feels. The temptation to drink or use again can sneak up like a storm cloud: one emotional trigger, one bad day, one old memory—and suddenly, you’re white-knuckling your way through cravings, shame, and overwhelm. But what if you didn’t have to fight this battle alone? What if you had practical tools—and spiritual power? This episode is Week 2 of our 5-week live series: “Faith-Based & Therapeutic Tools to Resist the Urge to Drink or Use in Early Sobriety.” We’re going beyond surface-level advice and digging into the real reasons why you feel triggered, tempted, and emotionally raw in early recovery—and how God, His Word, and real-world recovery strategies can give you strength to keep going. 

▶️ In this episode

• Why temptation and emotional triggers hit so hard in early sobriety

• How to resist the urge to drink without relying on willpower alone

• What cravings and withdrawals are really trying to tell you

• Biblical truth and clinical insights that bring comfort, clarity, and courage

• How to build a God-centered support system that truly helps

• Practical tools for when you feel overwhelmed and close to relapse

You’ll also learn how past trauma, emotional invalidation, PTSD, and childhood experiences fuel addiction—and how Jesus wants to step into those very places and bring healing, not just sobriety.

📖 Featured Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…”

• Psalm 107:13–14 – “He brought them out of darkness… and broke away their chains.”

• Isaiah 61 – “To comfort those who mourn… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…”

• Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

This isn’t just about staying clean—it’s about becoming whole. 👥 Whether you're watching live or catching the replay, join the community by subscribing and sharing l so you never miss a session in this series.

Let’s talk about putting God in the driver’s seat—and finally stop letting temptation take the wheel.

How Do I Make the Decision to Change | Early Sobriety Part 1 (Ep. 171)

How Do I Make the Decision to Change | Early Sobriety Part 1 (Ep. 171) 

Breaking free from addiction begins with one crucial choice: surrender. But let's be honest—letting go of control is one of the toughest challenges in early sobriety. Don't miss this 5 part series addressing some of the biggest challenges in early sobriety and how to overcome them. In this conversation, we’ll dive into the struggles of surrendering to God, the key to lasting addiction recovery, and how to push through fear and doubt when everything in you wants to hold on.

Together, we’ll explore how trusting God, letting go, and embracing faith can guide us toward healing. Recovery is possible, and you're not alone in this journey.  

#RecoveryJourney #FaithOverFear #HopeAndHealing #JesusHeals #RecoveryCommunity #TrustTheProcess #LiveYourBestLife #PowerOfSurrender #BreakingChains #SoberLiving

Wrong Rehab = Relapse? How to Make Sure You’re in the Right Program (Ep. 170)

Not all addiction treatment programs are created equal—and sometimes, ending up in the wrong one can set your recovery back. In this episode, we break down how counselors and treatment professionals use the ASAM Criteria to assess your needs and recommend the right level of care. From detox to outpatient to trauma-informed residential programs, we’ll explore what goes into determining the best fit. You’ll learn what to ask, how to advocate for yourself or a loved one, and why understanding the six dimensions of the ASAM assessment can be a game-changer. If you’ve ever wondered why treatment didn’t work—or how to make sure it does next time—this video is for you.