Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Goodbye 9-to-5, Hello Serenity: Lisa Williams on Grief, God, and Letting Go (Episode 154)

Are you stuck on a life path that feels more like a rut than a road to joy? In this inspirational episode of the Serenity Series on Genuine Life Recovery, I reconnects with my childhood friend Lisa Williams to explore how the Serenity Prayer can help us face life’s twists and turns with courage and grace.

Lisa shares her incredible journey of walking away from a 23-year corporate career—a decision fueled by the heartbreak of losing her mother and best friend in less than a year. But what seemed like chaos at first turned into a divine invitation for transformation. Through grief, career upheaval, and soul-deep healing, Lisa discovered the beauty of trusting God with the unknown.

From redefining success beyond the 9-to-5 grind to finding comfort in programs like Celebrate Recovery, Lisa’s story is a testament to God’s ability to bring purpose from pain. If you’re navigating loss, burnout, or a major crossroads, this conversation will give you the hope and courage to embrace your God-led adventure!

A Will to Live: The Chad Gaines Story (Episode 153)

A Will to Live: The Chad Gaines Story  (Episode 153)

What would you do if your darkest secrets were suddenly exposed? In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the life of Chad Gaines—a man who lived through unimaginable trauma, addiction, and self-destruction but refused to let his story end in tragedy. From abuse and bullying to surviving multiple suicide attempts, Chad’s journey is raw, real, and unforgettable.

His story is so powerful, Angel Studios is making a movie about it called Pocket of Hope. —and after hearing this episode, you’ll understand why. Chad takes us behind the scenes of his unrelenting fight for survival, the moments that brought him to the brink, and how he found the courage to rise above it all.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, addressing topics like mental health, the aftermath of abuse, and the dangerous allure of addiction. It's not just a conversation; it’s a testament to human resilience and the will to fight for a better life.

⚠ Trigger Warning: This episode includes graphic discussions of suicide, abuse, and self-harm, which may be difficult for some listeners. Please listen with care.

Join us as we uncover the layers of Chad’s story and explore the deep scars—and incredible redemption—that define his journey. His raw honesty might just change the way you view survival, hope, and healing.

Don’t miss “A Will to Survive: The Chad Gaines Story.” Tune in now for one of the most powerful stories you’ll hear this year. Read Chad's book and find out about the movie here: https://www.gaineschad.com/

Learning to Let Go: Finding Peace When Life Doesn’t Match the Dream (Episode 152)

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, This isn’t how it was supposed to be? Maybe your plans unraveled, your dreams shifted, addiction has left your life in pieces, recovery isn’t unfolding the way you imagined, or life’s unexpected challenges left you feeling lost. On this episode of the Genuine Life Recovery Podcast, part of our Serenity Series, I’m joined by Lisa Tannert—a speaker, writer, and recovery advocate with over 20 years of sobriety. Together, we unpack the heart of the Serenity Prayer and explore how its powerful message of acceptance and trust can transform the way we handle life’s detours.

Lisa shares her personal journey of finding peace in the midst of disappointment and fear, offering practical ways to lean on God’s wisdom when life doesn’t go according to plan. Whether you’re managing a broken relationship, a missed opportunity, or a season of uncertainty, this conversation will encourage you to let go of control, embrace God’s plan, and discover serenity in the chaos.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find peace when life feels off course, this episode is for you. Tune in and take the first step toward acceptance, faith, and healing.

Living the Serenity Prayer: Meaning, Power, and Everyday Application (Episode 151)

Living the Serenity Prayer: Meaning, Power, and Everyday Application (Episode 151)

Join me, Jodie Stevens, and my husband, Aaron, as we kick off the Serenity Series on the Genuine Life Recovery Podcast. In this powerful first episode, we dive into the meaning behind the Serenity Prayer, read the entire prayer, and explore its practical application in everyday life. We share the intimate story of our own journey toward serenity, discussing how we’ve navigated life’s challenges, built trust, and found healing together. If you’re looking for hope, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the Serenity Prayer’s impact on recovery, this episode is for you.

Spilling the Tea with Marva Dupree: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wounded Faith (Episode 150)

Spilling the Tea with Marva Dupree: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wounded Faith  (Episode 150)

You guessed it, to celebrate 150 episodes, we Spill the Tea! I'm joined by Marva E'lane Dupree who is a mom, worship leader, coach, author, and speaker. Marva reveals her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and finding her way back to deeper faith and living from her true center. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Marva shares how early hurts, church expectations, and trauma left a lasting impact on her self-worth. She talks openly about the “false self” that many trauma survivors put on as a way to protect themselves and how reconnecting with God’s love helped her finally let go and embrace who she really is. Marva also offers insights on how faith communities can be safer, more welcoming places for those working through pain. This episode is a hopeful reminder that wherever you’re at in life, healing and transformation are possible. (And don't miss Marva sing a beautiful song at the end). Find out more about Marva and her work at MarvaElane.com and get a copy of her book Spilling the Tea here.

Reckless Grace with Pastor Bill Vanderbush (Episode 149)

Reckless Grace with Pastor Bill Vanderbush (Episode 149)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, I'm joined by Bill Vanderbush, pastor and author of Reckless Grace; the Gift. The Mystery. The Embrace., to discuss the radical impact of grace and forgiveness in the journey of mental health and recovery. True recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction or trauma, but finding our true identity in Christ. As Jesus restores God’s image in us, we begin to live authentically, free from shame, guilt, and the masks we once wore.

We also talk forgiveness and how it plays a central role in our restoration. Whether it’s forgiving others or forgiving ourselves, the power of grace transforms our recovery journey. Bill explains that we cannot forgive or heal in our own strength; it’s through surrender to God's 'reckless grace' that we find lasting healing.

Learn how grace allows us to release resentment—a root cause of relapse—and experience the freedom that comes from letting go of the need for earthly justice. This episode is a powerful reminder that grace, identity, and forgiveness are essential to living a life of recovery, mental health, and peace.

Mind Over Matter: Navigating Neurodiversity in Faith and Life (Episode 148)

Mind Over Matter: Navigating Neurodiversity in Faith and Life (Episode 148)

In this 'thought-provoking' episode, I’m joined by Barbara Grant who brings over 65 years of cumulative life experience with the neurodiverse mind through her relationships—both in marriages and with family members. Her insights are invaluable as we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity, unpacking what it means to be neurodivergent and the rich tapestry of minds that fall under this umbrella. From the creative thinker who sees the world through a unique lens to those facing everyday challenges, we’ll explore various types of neurodivergent experiences, including dyslexia (I will share my personal journey) and ADHD. Together, we'll shine a light on how these diverse minds approach creative thinking, addiction, and recovery. As we navigate the challenges and strengths inherent in neurodivergent brains, we’ll also discuss how the church can play a vital role in embracing and supporting these individuals. Join us for a fun, heartfelt, and informative discussion filled with insights, stories, and practical tips on how to foster understanding and acceptance within our communities!

Barbara has more than 25 years of experience in faith-based coaching, mentoring, and counseling and is a trained Biblical counselor with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She was featured in the book Uniquely Us, which explores the complicated connection between Autism, Marriage, and Faith and provides a path forward for the neurodiverse couples.  

 

Beyond the Mirror: Understanding Body Dysmorphia and Finding Healing Through God's Grace (Episode 147)

Beyond the Mirror: Understanding Body Dysmorphia and Finding Healing Through God's Grace (Episode 147)

What happens when the image you see in the mirror doesn’t match who you are? In this raw and real episode, I sit down with author, spiritual coach, and recovery advocate Brit Eaton to unpack the heavy topic of body dysmorphia. We dive into how societal pressures, trauma, and even church messages can distort our view of ourselves. (Plus a few deep theological discussions). But it’s not all dark! Brit shares her powerful journey to healing through God’s grace and reveals how reclaiming her true identity changed everything. Whether you’ve struggled with body image or know someone who has, this episode will equip you with hope. Tune in to discover the power of grace in restoring how we see ourselves.